Embossing

Top Tips For Embossing Beginners

Embossing is a unique craft that is often combined with other crafts such as scrapbooking and cardmaking. If you have good fine motor skills, then embossing might be something for you as well. Below, we have shared our most valuable tips for beginners, so be sure to read on if you are thinking about embossing as a hobby.

What Is Embossing?

Embossing is a craft that enables you to add a design to various surfaces, this includes paper, fabric, but also wood and metal. The process involves creating a design on your chosen surface, and then cutting it out to apply to a different surface.

Depending on the type of materials you use, you will need various tools for your craft. Below, we will elaborate on the various types of embossing and how to get the most from your hobby.

Why Should I Use Embossing In Crafting?

As we mentioned earlier, there are various crafts in which you can use embossing. In most cases, embossing is used to add a bit more texture and added dimension to various projects. For example, if you want to create a greeting card with some dimension, then embossing will be the perfect choice.

What Is An Embossing Machine?

A craft such as embossing can be done by hand, but you can also use an embossing machine to make the process a little easier. Evidently, an embossing machine needs to be used in combination with dedicated embossing folders, so be sure to take this into consideration when you purchase an embossing machine.

How Does An Embossing Machine Work?

To use a machine for embossing, add your preferred piece of paper in the dedicated folder. Note that the folder has an embossed and debossed side. If you are working with more intricate pieces of patterned paper, this becomes more important. However, if you are working with paper that looks the same on each side, it is less important.

Once your paper is in the embossing folder, you have to put the folder between your embossing plates. When this is prepared, then you can feed the entire thing through your embossing machine.

What Different Kinds Of Embossing Machines Are Available Today?

When you look for embossing machines, you should also look for the term die-cutting machine, as they are sold under the same name. Die-cutting machines fulfil more crafting functions than embossing alone, so it can prove useful in other crafts too.

An embossing machine can be manual, electronic, but also computerised. With these, it is important to remember that only the manual and electronic versions enable you to work with the folders we mentioned above.

What Is The Most Economical Way To Start Embossing?

When you want to start with embossing, you can choose the heat method to get started. If you do not have the funds for an embossing machine just yet, then this is the most economical method for you. To start with heat embossing, you will need a stamp, a dedicated ink pad, embossing powder, cardstock, scrap paper and a heat gun.

When you start with heat embossing, you will encounter different types of ink that can be used. Below, we have explained each type in a little more detail.

Watermark ink - This is one of the preferred types of ink for heat embossing. If you want the most versatile watermark ink, then look for a clear ink. However, you can also choose tinted or shiny watermark inks, which create a much bolder and more unique result.

Pigment ink - Compared to watermark ink, pigment ink is considerably thicker. Because of its thick consistency, pigment ink usually takes a little longer to dry. That being said, this type of ink is usually available in much bolder colours than other options mentioned here. So, if you are looking for something lustrous, be sure to take a look at pigment ink.

Distress ink - These are often confused with watermark ink, since distress ink has a water base as well. However, distress ink dries considerably slower than watermark ink. Using distress ink also creates a unique weathered look that cannot be achieved with any other type of ink. Because of its unique effect, these inks can cost a little more than the previously mentioned option.