Tutorial For Heat Embossing

Heat Embossing 101

Step 1)

Choose your stamp, ink and embossing powder. I always use pigment ink, because it takes a little longer to dry. This gives you time to get your embossing powder onto your image before it dries. I also try to make sure that my ink is very similar to my embossing powder. This helps to ensure a better finished image.

Step 2)

If you are using an acrylic stamp, place it on your acrylic block. Centre it, that way it will line up appropriately.

If using a wooden stamp, obviously skip this step.

Step 3)

Ink your stamp. I like to place my stamp image side up and place the ink onto it from above. I can ensure a more even coverage and see that I am covering the entire stamp that way. ( I do not like to press my image into my ink because I tend to get excess ink on areas of the stamp I do not want transfer.

When your image is covered it should look similar to this.

Step 4)

Place your stamp onto your paper. Make sure not "rock" your image as it may smear. You want to place it straight down and apply even pressure to the entire stamp. Then remove by lifting straight up.

Step 5)

Cover your entire image with embossing powder. Make sure that you are generous with your powder. Cover the entire image.

Step 6)

Remove your excess embossing powder by pouring it onto a scrap sheet of paper. I also gently tap my image on end to remove any additional excess. You can also use a paint brush or Q-tip to remove any little stray pieces of embossing powder that may stick to your paper.

This is what your image will look like when covered with the embossing powder.

Step 7)

Return your excess embossing powder to its container. I do this by gently folding my scrap paper and then pouring it back into its container.

Step 8) Heat your image using a heat gun. Hold your gun approximately six inches from your image and keep it in constant motion. As your powder heats it will change to a raised image. Do not hold your gun still as the powder will burn and then melt and flatten.

Your finished image will look similar to this....

It is hard for me photograph the difference between before and after.

Now....for a little tip on something extra you can do with your embossing powder. If you have any plain brads you can change their colour.

Place it upside down onto your ink pad...still using pigment ink.

Make sure you cover the enitre surface of your brad.

Dip it into your embossing powder and cover thoroughly.

Hold it in front of your heat gun. Make sure to use tweezers to keep your fingers out of the way... you can get burned.

Your finished product will be a custom brad to match your page. Mine appears lumpy because of the fact that I used a distressing powder. Shiny powders will give you more of a smooth look and glitter powder will give you a glittery finish. Hope this gives you some new ideas to experiment.....