Dry Embossing

This technique refers to embossing on card without the use of wet ink.  The results are delicate and beautiful.

There is an ever increasing range of stencils available made from plastic and metal.  Some of today’s stencils are multi purpose tools with not only a pattern for stencilling, but also patterns for cutting and paper pricking.  For these types of stencils you will need a light box, an embossing tool (stylus with a ball at the end) and card stock (not too heavy or the light will not show through the card).

Step By Step

1. Place the stencil on the side of the card you wish the pattern to be embossed on.  Hold the stencil in place using low tack adhesive tape
2. Turn the whole card (with stencil attached) and place on to the light box – the stencil will be lying on the light box.
3. The light will shine through the card.  Using your stylus push the card down through the illuminated section of the stencil.  To make the stylus glide over the card without scratching try rubbing wax paper on to the card stock or pick oil from your skin (top of your head, side of your nose) looks a little strange but works!
4. Work the stylus around the stencil.  Larger areas can just be embossed around the edge, if you wish to emboss the whole area work in small circular motions.
5. Turn the card over so the stencil is now facing you.  While the stencil is still attached you can colour in the embossed image (the stencil will help keep the colour in the specific areas).  Try using chalks or stencil paint sticks applied with a stencilling brush
6. Remove the stencil to show the beautiful image

On the market, you can now purchase the Shapeboss range, which is an embossing system, which does not require the light box.  This system provides you with a base to work on and two identical stencils, one is placed on the base then a piece of card then the second stencil.  The stencils are held in place using pegs.  To emboss you simply follow the pattern on the top stencil with an embossing tool.  Very simple and gives wonderful results.