What is Embossing?

You've heard the term and you think you know what embossing is, but you need someone to help set the record straight.

em·boss

To carve, mold, or stamp a design on a surface or object so that it stands out in relief.

Simply put, you're creating a pattern on paper, or another type of surface, either raised or indented (called debossing). Why do people do this? It's aesthetically pleasing by drawing attention to the material with textural contrast.

How do you emboss?

There are many different ways to emboss a variety of different materials. Let's start with how you emboss, then we'll move on to the different materials you can use.

1. Stamps

Also known as heat embossing, you use a stamp with an embossing pad ( it looks similar to an ink pad but it is for embossing). You can use stamps purchased from the store or have stamps custom made, such as return addresses, business logo, event info, etc. After you stamp the material with the embossing ink, you will sprinkle embossing powder over the solution. After removing any excess powder, a heat gun is used to transform the powder into a raised coating. It is actually a very simple process for a beautiful result.

2. Stencils

A form of dry embossing, you can use a stencil with a stylus or an embossing tool to trace your material. Simply place your material over the stencil and trace. You will be able to use this method to emboss or deboss, depending on which side is used. This is the most inexpensive option available.

3. Machines

There are two main ways to emboss with machines:

1. Use a cutting machine such as Cricut or Silhouette to emboss, deboss or use an embossing pen for heat embossing. The variety of designs, types and sizes are endless because you utilize the software with one of the tools available to accomplish an infinite number of embossed/debossed patterns.

ii. Use an embossing folder with an embossing machine such as a Sizzix, Gemini, Spellbinder, etc. This option is great for a low cost machine; however, you do need to purchase (and store) the embossing folders so the costs can add up quickly.

Of these two options, I prefer using my Sizzix with an embossing folder for embossing projects.

3D paper embossing

What materials can you emboss on?

You can use a variety of different materials to emboss on. Depending on which material you use, you will want to adjust the method used to emboss.

1. Paper

You can emboss on cards, envelopes, gift boxes, wrapping paper, shopping bags, folders, brochures, etc. You can emboss both personal and business materials.

2. Fabric

You can use a variety of fabrics such as cotton, leather/pleather, polyester, velvet, and fleece. You want to test your materials to make sure they won't burn, shrivel or shrink.

3. Wood

4. Glass/Ceramics.

This includes jars, mugs, holiday ornaments, etc. Note: wear proper safety gear and do not overheat the material to the point of cracking.

There are many tutorials and reviews online. Hopefully this article has helped clarify what embossing is and what it can do for you!