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.
