So HOT it's COOL: Heat Embossing

11 August 2009 Author: Nicole Ratzlaff

If you are looking for a simple way to add a lot of dimension, texture and just plain WOW factor to your stamped creations look no further — heat embossing is where it is at. Whether you are a beginner or an expert crafter this technique is one you definitely want to remember.

Tools and Supplies:
To heat emboss you will need a few tools other than the paper or surface and image you plan to stamp or decorate with. You need a wet or pigment based ink, embossing powder and an embossing heat tool or heat gun. There are additional tools that are beneficial too like an embossing tray and an anti-static bag, but those are not “have to have” items.

Eliminate Static:
The first thing you do is rub an anti-static bag over your paper or the surface you plan to emboss upon. You can also rub your surface with a dryer sheet for the same effect. What this does is keep any embossing powder from attaching to the surface other than where you want it to, resulting in a cleaner and more professional image.



Stamp your Surface:
The next thing you do is add your stamped image or cover your surface with a wet ink. A “wet” ink would be a pigment based ink, a watermark ink or an ink specifically designed for embossing. You can also use pens that are pigment based as well, or designed for embossing. These come with a variety of tip thicknesses.



Sprinkle on Embossing Powder:
Once you have a wet inked image you will want to add your embossing powder to the surface while it is still wet. You will apply your powder and shake off the excess. Doing this in a tidy tray helps you keep your powder in one place and makes it easier to pour it back into your container for another use. If there is powder anywhere you do not want it use a small paintbrush to remove the excess.



Types of Embossing Powders:
Embossing powders are plastic based and there are a variety of different types that come in different colors, sheens and textures. There are regular powders, detail powders and thick or ultra thick powders. This refers to the grain size of the powder. The thicker the powder the heavier the coverage and the thinner the more detailed. Clear or pearl powders allow colored ink to show through and are more subtle, while colored powders sit on top of the image give a stronger impact. There are also embossing tinsels and foils; these may be glittery or have a satin sheen. Metallic powders add a lot of shine and antique or distress powders have a shabbier look.

Heat Setting your Embossing Powder:
Once your image is powdered and ready to heat set you will want to hold it in place with something like a paper piercer or pair of tweezers. You will turn on your heat gun and hold it several inches away from the image you are heating; if you hold it too close your powder can bubble or you can even burn your paper. You will want to keep your gun moving over the image in either sweeping or circular motions so that you do not direct heat in one area for too long.



Enjoy using and showcasing your heat embossing projects to your other crafty friends — or even the non-crafty ones, as everyone is impressed with how truly COOL this HOT technique is!