How to Make Dry Embossing Templates

You can create dry embossing templates by tracing punched-out images.

Dry embossing, used by all types of paper crafters, creates a raised image on paper by tracing a template with a stylus. The added dimension provides extra texture to the paper, and you can use the resulting image in the background or as the focal point of a card, scrapbook layout or other paper craft project. The crafter tapes the template to the paper in reverse and then impresses around the image with the stylus, leaving a raised design. Heavy card stocks hold the image well. You can make your own dry embossing templates with all types of images.

Things You'll Need

• Punch or stamp
• Card stock or heavy paper, such as a file folder
• Mouse pad, cutting board or cutting mat
• Light box or window

Instructions

1. Trim a long strip of card stock, about 12 to 15 inches long and 3 inches wide.

2. Fold over the strip of card stock from top to bottom.

3. Punch through bottom of the two layers of card stock. The fold should be at the top. The two images should be aligned on top of each other.

4. Insert the paper you want to emboss with in between the two punches, taking care to ensure that it is upside down. In other words, if you want the front of your card to show the raised image, your stylus will press through the back of the card.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also dry emboss a black, stamped image, as long as it is not too detailed. Stamp the black image onto white card stock. Place it on top of a light box or window so you can more easily see the image. Trace over the image with your stylus again, using the reverse of the image.

• This technique works especially well with white-core card stock. When you impress the image, the white core comes through the card stock with a distressed and worn look, making the image easier to see.

References

• YouTube: Dry Embossing Stencils
• Cloud 9 Tips and Techniques; Dry Embossing; Tyra Smith

Resources

• The Artful Crafter: Dry Embossing