All About Heat Embossing

Hi All,

We, at Crafter's Corner are working very hard to showoff one of a kind technique which has wowed us all.. That's heat embossing! You have seen many tips and tutorial this whole month about heat embossing. We have received so many queries about this method. I hope this post will help some of our crafters to get well versed with it.

What is heat embossing?

Heat embossing is a method of raising the stamped image. It is achieved by sprinkling a special powder called embossing powder on wet image and heating the powder till it melts and bonded to the paper. It gives a shiny dimension to the paper and an inexpensive method to make elegant and classy handmade cards.

Embossing can be achieved on different types of surfaces, ribbons, vellum, metal, fabric, ceramic, acrylic. Embossed images are everlasting and do not fade away with heat, light, or time.

Must have supplies:

1. Heat gun: A special type of craft tool which is perfect for achieving this effect as it emits a balanced heat temperature. It doesn't have a fan otherwise the powder will blow off from the stamped surface
2. Embossing powder: There is a wide variety of embossing powders available such as fine, extra fine, glittered, metallic, etc. These come in various colors also from solid colors to colorless. Type and color is purely depends on your choice. Clear one is most commonly used. EP comes in a small bottle but with that tiny bottle you can make 100+ cards.
3. Embossing ink: Versamark-type or pigment ink: These inks take longer to dry and are sticky in nature. This will hold the embossing powder while you tap off the excess powder from the cardstock.
4. Stamps: Any make and type will work
5. Cardstock or paper: Non textured.

Good to have supplies:

1. Versamark Pen: Versamark ink in the form of pen. Write your own sentiments, doodle something and emboss it. You can ready everything about Versamark Pen Here.
2. Distress Inks: non-toxic, fade resistant, water-based dye inks and produce a magnificent effect with heat embossing
3. Anti-static bag/Pouch – Sometimes known as embossing buddy, will reduce the static on the cardstock. Hence, prevents stray embossing powder from sticking to the non-stamped area. An alternative to this is to remove the powder from unwanted area by using a paint brush
4. Embossing Tray – Embossing trays are made up of plastic which has a funnel at one end. This aids in moving the powder back to the bottle after use. This can also be achieved by tapping of the excess powder onto a printing paper. Fold it into a funnel to pour the powder back to the container after use.

Do’s and Don’ts:

1. Keep you gun about 4-6 inches away from the image while melting the embossing powder
2. Wash your hands first. Otherwise natural oils from your fingertips will transfer on the paper and embossing powder will stick to the nonstamped area
3. Don’t focus at one area for too long. It might burn your embossing powder rather than melting it
4. Use Detailed/Fine embossing powder to emboss intricate design and regular embossing powder for thicker designs
5. Turn on the heat tool few seconds before heating the powder to reach to a constant temperature

Different Techniques and uses:

1. Resist Embossing
2. Embossing with Stencils
3. Water Wash Technique
4. Chalk board technique
5. Cracked Glass
6. Make your own Embellishments - Mannequin, Flowers
7. Selective embossing

Crafter's Corner is packed with heat embossing supplies. Do check it once and you will get confused which one to buy. :D

Want to win some of these embossing goodies? Participate in our monthly challenge "Expressions of Love"!

Should you have any doubt the technique leave a comment below. We would be happy to help you.
For any product inquiry, please drop a mail to info@crafterscorner.in

Have a crafty day!
Priya...