How to Emboss Stamps

Embossing adds a whole new dimension to your rubber stamping projects. Embossing powders melt, causing a shiny, slightly raised effect. You can use this technique to add texture to cards, scrapbooks, and other craft projects. Find out how to emboss stamps here.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Stamp
• Embossing ink
• Embossing powder
• Embossing heat tool

1. Choose your stamp and your stamping surface. You can use nearly any type of stamp and any type of paper or cardstock for embossing, so be creative.

2. Choose an embossing powder. There are many colors and textures of embossing powders available. Standard embossing powder will be fine for most stamp projects. However, for intricate stamps, you will achieve better results using a fine, detail powder.

3. Apply ink to your stamp. Although the embossing powder will work with most inks, you’ll get the best results with a slow-drying embossing ink. Use a clear ink or match the color of the ink to the embossing powder.

4. Firmly press the stamp to the paper. Be careful to apply the ink only to the area of the stamp that you want embossed. The embossing powder will stick to any moist area on the page.

5. Pour embossing powder over the stamped image. Cover the entire image, then tap the excess back into the powder container.

6. Direct your embossing heat tool slowly over the stamped image. The embossing powder should melt and take on a raised appearance. You now have an embossed image!

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a large sheet of card stock under the project you are embossing. This will make it easier for you to return all of the embossing powder to the jar—and it will save nearby projects from bits of embossing powder.
• Instead of pressing the stamp onto the ink pad, tap the ink pad onto the stamp to ensure even ink coverage.
• Don’t hold the heat tool in one place for too long--you could scorch or over emboss the project.
• Don’t be afraid to use a lot of powder—you’ll be able to pour the remaining powder back in the jar.
• Avoid touching the embossed project for a few seconds after you are done heating the embossing powder. It will still be very hot and you risk denting the image.