How to Emboss a Photograph
Embossing a photograph is the process of transitioning a regular photo into a raised image. Embossing can bring a sense of elegance to a photograph and create a lovely conversation piece for your home. An embossed photograph can also serve as a sentimental gift for occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, religious ceremonies and new births. The process can be completed in a few simple steps, and the supplies you need may be purchased online or at your local craft store.
Things You'll Need
- Photograph editing software
- Embossing paper (designed for a color printer)
- Embossing powder in color or clear
- Heat gun
Instructions
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Open the image that you have chosen on your computer, and use the editing software to crop, size or make any other desired changes to the photograph.
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Load the embossing paper into your printer, and print the image, making sure to use the photo paper option on your software. This will ensure that your printer is properly calibrated for photographic paper as opposed to regular printer paper.
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Sprinkle the embossing powder over the photograph until it is completely covered and gently brush away any excess powder. The ink must be wet for the embossing powder to adhere to the paper.
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Melt the powder with the heat gun to complete the embossing process. As the embossing powder is heated, it melts. When the powder melts into a semi-liquid, it creates a raised surface on the paper, giving the image an embossed effect.
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Tips & Warnings
Clear embossing powder can be used over a color photograph to create a multi-dimensional effect.
Holographic embossing powder can be used to create tiny flecks of color.
Print the image in black and white, and add colored, black or metallic embossing powder. Color can be added to the white areas with a sponge and rubber stamping ink.
Create a silhouette effect by printing a color background image and letting it dry for at least eight hours, then printing a black and white foreground image on the same sheet of paper. Emboss the foreground image using an embossing powder that contrasts with the background image.
Make a paper "picture frame" by printing out an image of a frame, sprinkling tacky embossing powder on the ink and pressing colored craft foil over the embossing powder. You can then add a photo within the border of your foil "frame."
Heat guns can be purchased online or at your local hardware store. They vary in price, with the less expensive models costing $30 to $40.
