How to Apply Heat to Embossing

Heat embossing can transform stamped images into glossy, raised designs. Once you've sprinkled an image with clear or colored powder, follow these steps to heat and melt it. In less than a minute, you'll have a beautiful piece to add to greeting cards, scrapbook layouts or gift tags.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Embossing heat tool
• Electrical outlet
• Tongs
• Embossing pen
• Embossing powder
• Heavy book

1. Plug in an embossing heat tool and allow it to warm. An ordinary blow dryer won't melt the embossing powder because it doesn't reach a high enough temperature (see Resources below).

2. Hold the tool steady 1 to 2 inches above the embossing powder. Once you see the powder start to melt (it will become shiny, raised and smooth), move the tool until all of the powder has melted. Keep the tool moving, or it will scorch the cardstock. Hold any smaller pieces with tongs so you won't burn your fingers.

3. Check the image for gaps. If you've missed a large spot, use an embossing pen to fill in the area. Sprinkle with embossing powder again and use the embossing tool to melt it into the original image (see Resources below).

4. Turn off the embossing tool and place it in its stand or nozzle side up to cool. Allow the image to cool completely before touching it.

5. Place the image between the pages of a heavy book overnight to flatten it if it's warped. You also can use strong double-stick tape to make it flat when you adhere it to a card, bookmark or scrapbook page.

Tips & Warnings

• Shorten the time it takes to melt the embossing powder by covering a piece of cardboard with aluminum foil. Place the stamped image over the reflective surface as you heat it.
• Don't let young children assist with the heat embossing since the gun and melted powder are extremely hot.

Resources

• Buy an embossing heat tool to melt the powder.
• Use an embossing pen to complete the design.