Embossing Powder

Embossing powder can be used to create many interesting arts and crafts projects. Embossing is simple to learn, but should be done with the right equipment and precisely to get the right effect. Once you have completed a small project using embossing powder of card making, then you can create larger or other interesting projects, using various embossing powder techniques.

Supplies for Embossing

Embossing Powder
You can find it at any arts and crafts store, it is available in small or large jars, which have a screw on lids. It is a fast melting powder which is used to create a raised design using other supplies. To melt the powder a heat gun or another heat source is used. You can buy 1 Oz jar of embossing powder for 3-5 dollars.

Card Stock
Card stock is a sturdy paper which is available in variety of weights, it is often used for scrapbooking, and can be purchased in various colors and shades.

Heat Gun
This is a tool which directs heat to a certain area without producing any air, unlike the blow dryer. This is very important, as a blow dryer can blow away the embossing powder. One can also hold the paper or fabric on a light bulb or toaster, to melt the powder, but need to make sure that it doesn't burn the paper or fabric.

Embossing Ink
Embossing ink is used for heat embossing, it is a thick slow drying ink, which can be clear one or have a slight tint.

Rubber Stamps
Rubber stamping is done using a sheet of rubber which has been carved or molded into a particular pattern or image. Then the embossing ink is applied to this, and it is pressed on the paper/fabric, to transfer the design.

How to Use Embossing Powder (Heat/Stamp Embossing)

All the above material you can easily find at an arts and crafts store, so collect all the supplies to try out a simple project of embossing.

• You can use this project to create a simple greeting card. So, pick a rubber stamp design which you would like on the card. Use card stock to prevent burning of the paper.
• Make sure the surface is smooth, then take the rubber stamp and apply ink to it. Then press the rubber stamp down on the surface of the paper firmly.
• Now, take off the rubber stamp, and use the embossing powder of a shade you like, and fill it up in the stamped down design on the paper.
• Then take off the excess powder and put it back in the jar.
• Test the heat gun, to see it is working. Then take it to the stamped down design and embossing powder on it. And slowly apply heat to melt the powder.
• Let it dry. There you have completed your first greeting card embossed design.

There are various types, like detail embossing powder, which you can used to create a design which has a lot of details and fine lines. Embossing enamel can be used for bold stamp images, and you can use tinsel embossing powder to add a touch of sparkle to your embossed images, these powder come with some glitter mixed with the powder. Once you are done with the simple greeting card project, you can try out these various types of embossing powder to create more interesting embossing projects. Good luck!