1. Collect your tools: embossing or pigment ink, embossing powder (clear or color), rubber stamp, card stock, heat tool. Embossing ink is clear; pigment ink is colorful and shows through clear embossing powder. This example shows clear embossing ink with blue embossing powder. Although shown on cardstock here, the heat-embossing technique also works on vellum (as long as you heat carefully to avoid curling) and metal.



2.Stamp the image and quickly sprinkle the powder over the mark. Gently tap off excess powder. Use an artist’s brush to remove stray particles.







3. Heat the design with the heat tool until the crystals begin to melt and merge. If you don’t have a heat tool, hold the paper over a warm lightbulb. Don’t use a hairdryer; it will scatter the powder.







4. After you remove the heat tool, the design will harden in a minute or two to a shiny, enamel-like finish. To build up layers, repeat steps 2 and 3.