The raised, glossy surface of a heat embossed image creates a perfect resist and can be used to create many interesting and unusual effects. Using heat embossing as a resist is a very simple process yet can be used with many different rubber stamping projects. The shiny surface of the heat embossed image 'resists' inks and watercolor paints, therefore the color of the embossed image remains unchanged. By varying the combination of colors, cardstock or paper, embossing powders and inks a wide variety of different effects can be achieved.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Quick
Here's How:
- Gather materials together. Place the sheet of paper to be stamped onto a clean piece of scratch or scrap paper. This is to catch any unused embossing powders. Using slow drying or embossing ink, rubber stamp the images as required onto a sheet of paper.
- Carefully pour embossing powders over the stamped images and gently shake the paper to make sure all the stamped images are covered. Tap any unused powders onto the piece of paper underneath. Fold this paper into a funnel and return the unused embossing powders to the pot.
- Heat the stamped images with a heat gun until the powders have melted and formed a smooth shiny surface. Leave the paper to one side to cool.
- Apply watercolor paints or inks over the embossed images. The paints and inks can be applied using a paintbrush, sponges or other applicators as required.
- When the inks or paints are dry, dab over the embossed images with a clean piece of cotton wool or tissue paper to remove any surplus color.
- Enjoy!
Tips:
- The color of the embossed image remains unchanged, therefore clear embossing powder used with transparent embossing ink will show the original color of the paper or cardstock. Interesting effects can be achieved by varying color combinations. The article, Make Great Use of Color, discusses the use of color in more detail.
- Both rubber stamps with intricate outlines and solid image stamps work well with this technique.
- Rub an antistatic product over the paper before embossing if required. This will help to reduce any static that may cause embossing powder to stick to unwanted areas. A light dusting with talcum powder also helps to reduce static.
- This is a good way to decorate large sheets of paper or cardstock for use as gift wrap, to make boxes or gift bags, or simply to cut up and use to create lovely handmade cards.
- Use an embossing pen to add extra detail to an image before applying embossing powders and heating.
What You Need
- Rubber stamps
- Embossing or slow drying inks
- Embossing powders
- Paper or cardstock
- Sheet of clean scratch or scrap paper to work on
- Watercolors or inks
- Paint brush, sponges or other applicators
- Heat gun or heat tool
