Decorative Rubber Stamps

The embossing technique is widely used in card making and scrapbooking. But do you know that you can also apply it in fabrics? Embossing fabric follows pretty much the same steps in raising images on paper and card stock. Fabric with embossed images can be used in various crafts, and that includes scrapbooking as well. It is also applicable in designing shirts and clothing items.

Before you start embossing fabric, you need to pick the best types of fabric materials on which embossed images will look best. Some of the most popular are velvet, velour, terry cloth, and natural fabrics like cotton, calico, and thick linen. As long as the fabric will not shrink, warp, or burn under the heating gun, it can be used for embossing artwork.

Basic materials you will need include pigment ink, a heat gun, rubber and acrylic stamps, embossing powder, and pieces of paper. It is important to have everything on hand because the process of embossing needs to be done quickly as the ink needs to be wet when you apply the embossing powder.

Have the heat gun running and make sure it is in a safe surface. Open the embossing powder container and have a folded sheet of paper ready. Once everything is ready, select the stamp you are going to use and press on the ink pad. Start stamping on the embossing fabric and do not make more than three impressions at once. Sprinkle embossing powder on the images and then put the powder container in a safe place.

Get the folded piece of paper and carefully shake off excess powder directly onto it. Use the folded paper to return excess embossing powder back into the container. You may then take the heat gun and run over the powdered images. Apply heat in circular strokes one image at a time. Do not direct the gun too near as the fabric might burn from extreme heat. Once the powder has melted and dried, you will have achieved the embossed effect on fabric.

You may find the fabrics mentioned above from any fabric shop in your area. Common home items such as linens, scarves, pillowcases, beddings, and even shirts may be accentuated by embossed images. Keep in mind, however, that washing will cause damage to embossed artwork on fabric so the items need to be dry-cleaned.

An embossing seal is a simple device often used by corporations, notaries, photographers, and professional associations to mark important documents. Available in many types and sizes, embossing seals stamp inkless impressions of company logos, addresses, and monograms on letters, cards, and important documents. Embossing seals are customized by manufacturers according to a buyer’s specifications.

Basically, an embossing seal is made up of a press and a pair of jaws, which contain a die and a counter for making an impression. Impressions are often circular but can also be rectangular such as with address-embossing seals.

Uses for Embossing Seals

Corporate Seals – Corporate seals may come in hand-held and desk models. Most corporate seals may carry the name of the corporation, the company website, an inner border, and the date of establishment. Impressions are customizable according to your specifications.

Logo Seals – Companies, professional associations, schools, and government institutions often use an embossing seal that bears the logo. Logo seals may do without text, especially if the institution is well-known. When text is included, it is usually simple and minimalistic.

Monograms – Essentially, a monogram bears a person’s initials, usually the first and last name. Lawyers, businessmen, and professionals may design their own monograms and have an embossing seal customized for their needs. Monograms look good on letter heads, personal property like books, letter envelopes, and documents.

Notaries - Notaries use embossing seals to authenticate documents and legal paperwork being handled. Manufacturers willingly make lightweight portable seals for easy transportation. Notary seals are also available in desk models.

Types of Impressions

Text Only – Embossed impressions are often circular. The simplest designs usually consist of a circle bordered by a slightly larger circle. The text is usually placed in center or printed in such a way that words, phrases, or numbers, such as in a year, follows the semi-circle contours on the top or bottom part of the circle.

Graphic Designs – An embossing seal may be customized to stamp the simplest to the most intricate designs. Most of the time, graphics are required when logos are engraved to create a seal. Most companies that make embossing seals would ask buyers to send them the design or logo they wish to turn into an embossing seal. It is important to follow their instructions to avoid inconveniences.

Where to Buy an Embossing Seal

EmbossingSeals.net – Several models and sizes for all types of embossing seals are featured at the website. The company provides design suggestions and requires $20 for set up. Black and white images are required but EmbossingSeals.net can also convert colored images for a fee. The company also specializes in wax seals.

FredLake.com – FredLake.com promises affordable and functional embossing seals that can be delivered as quickly as possible. The company can work around just about any design and makes lightweight to heavy-duty embossers. Fred Lake has been in the business for 120 years.

APlusStamps.com – AplusStamps.com makes it easier for clients with nine standard designs that are easily customizable. Customers may have their own design engraved as they prefer. The website promises shipping within 24 hours.

Where to Buy an Embossing Stamp?

The use of an embossing stamp is a practical and easy way to incorporate company logos, addresses, and monograms on multiple sheets of paper. It comes in handy for letterheads, legal documents, letter envelopes, and corporate files. It is easy to obtain personalized stamps from online sellers today. All that needs to be done is to send your logo design or any artwork and the manufacturer will render it into an embossing stamp, to be shipped directly to you.

An embossing stamp may be lightweight and handheld. These models are portable and small enough to fit in small compartments such as pockets. Notaries are often seen using handheld embossing seals in handling legal documents. Handheld stamps are also commonplace in business offices. On the other hand, if you wish for a longer lasting embossing stamp, ask your seller for a desk model. They take less pressure to create clear impressions. Desk model stamps also come with elegant finishing according to your preference.

Embossing seals may be circular or rectangular. Logos and monograms are often engraved in circular die while addresses and text-only impressions are better rendered in rectangular shaped stamps. Stamp designs vary from the most basic to the most elaborate. Manufacturers of customized stamps often ask customers to send their designs before giving a quote.

Check out the following list of some of the top sellers of embossing stamps online:

StampCo.com – StampCo offers a long line of stamped products – from stamp pads to golf balls – on top of its line of stamp embossers. Quality and durability is what the company guns for with their handheld and desk models. Handheld initial embossers are great for stamping envelopes or stationery. Address embossers are designed for library books and company stationeries as well. StampCo also customizes long-reach embossers and stock embossers. Its cast desk embossers make ideal corporate gift items.

Stamp-Connection.com – Stamp Connection is among online sellers that promise same-day shipping. Product lines include return address stamps, signature stamps, notary stamps, post office stamps, and inspector stamps from brands like Xstamper, iStamp, ClassiX, Ideal, 2000 Plus, and Trodat. Creative and business rubber stamps are also available for purchase.

Embossing images is common practice in scrapbooking, card making, and crafting. It makes use of embossing powder, a special embossing paper, and thermal heat via a heating device to achieve a dimensional, raised image. The designs may be drawn manually, printed out on an inkjet embossing paper, or stamped. The embossing technique may also be applied on stenciled images. It is relatively easy. All you need are stencil templates, available in paper, plastic, or brass, and basic embossing materials.

How to Emboss Stenciled Artwork

Prepare the embossing powder, inkpads, paper or card stock, a heating gun, and the embossing stencils. Place the desired stencil on top of the paper or card stock. You may tape the edges of the stencil down to secure its position on the surface using low tack, repositionable tape. Use your finger or an applicator to dab ink from the inkpad directly onto the design. Do not wipe because the ink needs to be wet enough for the powder to stick.

Once you are done inking, remove the stencil and sprinkle embossing powder to cover the entire image. Hold the card stock or paper upright and shake gently to get rid of excess powder. Use a paintbrush to clear around the edges. Use the heat gun to melt the powder and achieve an embossed effect. Hold the heating gun around 10″ away. If the image is quite big, it would be more productive to dry one area at a time instead of waving the gun all over the place.

Embossing stencils is enjoyable. You may use a combination of colored inks or embossing powders to achieve any result. Regardless of whether you are making greeting cards or scrapbooks, there are stencil designs that are suitable for any occasion. Online, stencils may be purchased by bulk. Choose brass or plastic stencils, which you can use over and over.

PollysPals.com – Polly’s Pals often does retail shows across the US. Based in California, the company website features popular designs in brass stencils, 3-part overlay stencils, and Mylar stencils. See the wide selection of products on their website. Orders can be placed online.

Embossing with rubber stamps is one of the most useful techniques applied in card making, scrapbooking, and other handmade crafts. With the use of embossing powder, embossing ink, and a heating gun, the technique produces a raised and dimensional image. Embossing powder is an essential material used in embossing and it is available in numerous colors and powder grades that you can use it for any occasion and to emboss even the most detailed images.

Gold embossing powder is one of the top choices when it comes to colored and metallic powders. Using gold to raise images gives a greeting card or a scrapbook an elegant look. It is one of the colors that you can use without any other colored powder and still come up with beautiful, tastefully designed cards.

Used against black or any dark-colored background, embossed images in gold powder are sure to stand out with shimmer and metallic sheen. Used with light colors, gold embossing powder gives an elegant, understated look. Almost any type of greeting card can make use of gold powder for embossing. Most common applications include wedding cards and invitations, anniversary greeting cards, and Christmas cards. Gold may also be combined with other available colors to be used in birthday and romantic greeting cards.

Basic Embossing

The steps to basic embossing are easy to follow. Choose a stamp design and press it firmly on the ink pad. Stamp on card stock or the targeted surface. (Embossed images may be used to create independent pieces such as symbols or phrases that are to be mounted on greeting cards, craft boxes, scrapbook pages, and other surfaces.) Lay the stamped piece on a mat or s tray and cover with gold embossing powder. After a few seconds, shake off excess powder and use a dry paintbrush if necessary to clear the edges. You may return excess powder to its container for later use. Get your heat gun and hold it a few inches away from the image. Be patient and careful to get the best results.

Consult the manual for the manufacturer’s recommended distance you should be holding the heat gun away from the image. Holding it too close might damage your work. Treat one area at a time. Wait until the powder melts before moving on to other parts of the image. The quality of the paper is also important as there are some materials that cannot withstand thermal heat.

Other Applications

Gold embossing powder may also be used for embossing stenciled images, free-form ink applications for backgrounds, embossed edging and borders, glazing or a glossy finish, and so much more. It is recommended that you subscribe to scrapbooking and card making magazines to learn more about various techniques.

Gold embossing powder is available anywhere rubber stamping supplies are sold. Among the many suppliers you might want to check out include EmbossingCandyStore.com, RangerInk.com, 1StopSquare.com, 1001Stamps.com, and Stampin.com. At Amazon.com, gold embossing powder cost as low as $2.58 per bottle.

How to Get Custom Embossing Stamps

Embossing seals or stamps are commonly used in offices for marking documents, letterheads, and stationeries. These embossing stamps may bear the name of the company or association, the year it was established, or the logo. They may also be used for stamping addresses and other contact information such as with notaries and clerical offices.

Ordering a custom embossing stamp has been made quick and hassle-free because manufacturers readily offer their services online. The quickest way to get an embossing stamp is to choose a service provider, choose from their standard templates, and include your details. The company will come up with a customized design subject to your approval and render it into an embossing stamp. Products are shipped directly.

If you want something more unique and have a design of your own, you can easily order your personal custom embossing stamp. Some embossing stamp makers require additional payment if you are using your own design. If this is no problem for you, you can readily visit the websites of embossing stamp makers and get the best possible deal.

2 Types of Embossers

Handheld Embossers – A handheld custom embossing stamp is lightweight and easy to use. Notaries and some professionals gain the most benefit with handheld devices, which they can easily bring with them wherever they go. They usually come with rubber handles and frames so that pressing and squeezing does not take a lot of work.

Desk Models – Desk model embossing stamps are heavy-duty but they require less amount of pressure to produce a clear impression. These look more professional and may double up as elegant office furnishing. Desk model embossers may be finished in gold, matte black or polished chrome.

Custom Embossing Stamp Makes Online

AcornSales.com – Acorn Sales Company Incorporated is a trusted name in the industry of embossing stamps. Having been in business since 1964, the company has manufactured thousands of custom embossing stamps bearing logos and artwork. It recently introduced flat-rate pricing for its products. Acorn Sales provides a lifetime guarantee on its embossers.

eRubberStamp.com – eRubber Stamp features a wide range of stamping products, including its own line of embossers. To order a custom embossing stamp, simply send your artwork to the indicated email on the website. File formats accepted are jpg, pdf, tiff, ai, and cdr. Once sent, you will be given a quotation. Embossers come in handheld, desktop, long-reach, and extra long-reach models. Shipping is initiated two days after you order.

APlusStamps.com – A Plus Stamps provides standard corporate and library embossing stamps in personalized designs. Custom seals are also quoted individually and are made using two basic formats: raster and vector. Raster images use small dots such as with jpg, gif, and bmp digital files. Vector engraving on the other hand uses professional software such as Corel Draw and Adobe Illustrator to produce impressions of better quality.

Embossing rubber stamp designs can also be applied in digital images printed on inkjet embossing paper. The process is similar except that instead of having the designs stamped, you print it out using an inkjet printer. You apply embossing powder on the printed design and use thermal heat to melt the powder and achieve a raised and dimensional effect.

Designs embossed on paper can readily be used on scrapbooks, cards, and other craft items. The idea is that if it can be printed, it can be embossed! Anything from center pieces, text, borders, background patterns, and any artwork can be embossed for an elegant and stylistic look and feel. Embossing powders in various colors and metallic sheens make embossed designs more interesting. There is no limit to possibilities by just using a printer and inkjet embossing paper.

Some of the best ideas you can try for yourself include adding embossed elements or vellum overlays on your handmade greeting cards. You may use embossed designs on inkjet embossing paper to create stickers for sealing envelopes. Add embossed digital images on your theme scrapbooks. You may create backgrounds, embossed borders, and letterings.

Simply prepare the things you will need: an inkjet printer, which is ideal for embossing because it uses ink that takes a little longer to dry, and embossing powder to give color, dimension, and texture to the impressions are basic necessities. A heat gun is important for melting the embossing powder applied on top of the wet ink. Invest in this equipment as you can use it for many occasions.

A paintbrush can also come in handy for clearing away excess powder. And last but not least, the right type of paper. Vellum and greeting card stocks make good choices as well as inkjet embossing paper. You may also use a mat or tray that will serve as your work area. They are useful for catching excess powder that can still be used for more projects.

The first step is of course, to choose an appropriate design. You may want to do tests before trying the technique on more intricate designs just to get a feel of how it is done. Before you click the Print button, get your embossing powder ready because you are going to need to apply it before the ink dries. Remove the inkjet embossing paper from the printer right after printing and set it on the mat or tray.

Apply the powder in the color of your choice. You may use clear powder for colored images because the ink colors will naturally come out in the embossed result. Shake off and brush away excess powder. Once you’re done, use the heating gun on the image one part at a time. Once the entire design has been embossed, you may cut it out and mount on cards or scrapbooks.

HP.com and TheCraftyPC.com are two great sources of inkjet embossing paper. Inkjet-Printables.com features a gallery of printable designs for any occasion. You may also scour your local scrapbooking or crafts store for embossing suitable paper.

Using stencils is another interesting way to add titles, patterns, and designs to your scrapbook pages. Stencil templates are available from suppliers such as Lasting Impressions and you can use them to add color and texture to your scrapbook layouts. Stencils are available in cardboard, paper, plastic, and brass. They may even be used for embossing impressions.

Dry embossing is a simple method for imprinting elegant designs to enhance any scrapbook page. Impressions can complement pages without taking away attention from the main focus, which are the photographs. Card borders may also be dry embossed. The process requires only the basic materials and minimal effort. Lasting Impressions stencils are ideal for dry embossing. Here’s how:

You would need a good quality paper or thin card stock, brass or plastic stencils, an embossing tool (available for $2 each at Lasting Impressions) and a plastic lightbox that has a low-wattage bulb underneath. Put the stencil directly on top of the lightbox surface or tape the stencil on the targeted area of the paper or card you are putting a stencil on. Use a low-tack tape like Scotch Removable Magic Tape for securing the position of Lasting Impressions stencils on top of the lightbox. Apply tape on the back of the card as well.

Turn on the light inside the lightbox to be able to have an illuminated view of the stencil through the paper or card. Start tracing the stencil design using an embossing tool. You might need a fine-point tool for small areas. The tool will cause the areas you traced to stretch so that the design appears slightly raised and embossed.

For designs that cover a large central area, there is no longer a need to emboss in the center of the image. Repeat the process as with embossing smaller areas, which is by tracing around the edges with an embossing tool. Complete the stencil by removing the card and the stencil from the lightbox. One way to achieve sharp images is to let the card rest on the surface of the lightbox for a short while and allow it to warm up. Then, use a large-end embossing tool to trace around the design and repeat the step using a fine-end tool for deeper embossing.

Lasting Impressions stencils can be made more interesting by finishing the impressions with color. On your work desk, position the stencil on top of the image you embossed. Use a cotton bud, eye shadow, or sponge-tipped tool to tint the impression with colored chalks. Now that you have a colored, embossed image, you may trip around it and mount to a slightly larger piece of card stock, preferably in a contrasting color with the one you used. The design is ready to be mounted on a folded card. Add embellishments as you please.

You may also use ink to tint dry-embossed Lasting Impressions stencils. Dab a sponge-tipped applicator gently on an inkpad, preferably of a pastel shade, and pat gently over the embossed images. You may also use a foam-tip Stylus tool to create a halo of color.

Basic Embossing Supplies

Embossing images and letterings is one of the most exciting techniques in card making and scrapbooking. It is not difficult to learn. All you need are the basic supplies and a little practice. Embossed images seem raised from any surface, mostly on paper. The dimensional look and feel gives emphasis to the impression, which can be further enhanced with specially designed embossing inks. Any image can be embossed, whether it is hand-drawn, stamped, or stenciled. Embossed impressions may be used to decorate cards or as enhancements to scrapbook pages.

Basic Embossing Supplies

Get started on embossing right away by getting the needed materials. Basically, you will need rubber stamps, embossing ink, embossing powders, a heat source, and card stock. You may also emboss images on certain fabrics such as velvet and terry cloth.

Rubber Stamps

Any scrapbook enthusiast knows what rubber stamps are, how to use them, and where to get them. Rubber stamps make it easy to add images to paper without the need to repeatedly draw or stencil images. Rubber stamps come in hundreds of designs, styles, and sizes. Usually, designs include iconic images (party hats, Christmas trees, hearts, etc.), patterns, alphabet, borders, and text greetings. You are sure to find stamp sheets to go with any theme from various sellers.

Embossing Ink

Embossing inks are necessary embossing supplies. They have thick consistency and are slow-drying, which are important because the ink needs to be wet when embossing powder is applied over the inked image. Embossing ink comes in ink pads where rubber stamps are pressed before the impression is transferred on paper. Bottled refills may also be purchased wherever embossing inks are sold. Inks may be tinted or clear.

Embossing Powder

Embossing powder, which is available in different colors, grades, and sheen, is a fast-melting powder that is sprinkled over impressions while the ink is still wet. It is melted using a heat source and gives a raised effect on the images being embossed. When applying embossing powder, the entire image needs to be covered. After a while, excess powder is shaken off, collected, and returned to containers for future use.

Heat Gun

A heat gun is specially designed for image embossing. It is one of the basic embossing supplies you need to invest in if you are serious about scrapbooking and paper crafting. It emits just the right amount of heat to melt embossing powders one area at a time. Hair dryers may not be used as a substitute heat source.

Card Stock

Card stocks are thick paper used for multiple purposes in scrapbooking and paper crafting. Weight, colors, and textures vary but card stocks are ideal materials for embossing. Images may be embossed on card stock before being cut out and mounted on scrapbook pages or greeting cards. This type of paper is available in bookstores and scrapbooking supply stores.