All About Heat Embossing…

I think this video demonstrates Embossing extremely well and I love the image that is produced using a few pieces of card, a stamp, some versa mark, embossing powder and a heat gun, a punch and something to stick them with.   I can imagine creating many beautiful cards using these techniques and I hope that  you will be inspired…

Stamping and Embossing Techniques Video

Embossing isn’t difficult but care is needed when using a heat gun as heat guns are far hotter than  a hairdryer for example and concentrate their heat in one area.  The heat gun concentrates a blast of very hot air onto the embossing powders which then change (as if by magic) before your very eyes.

You then get a raised embossed effect and depending on what type of powder you use you can get different looks, such as a metallic or glitter effect or you can use a powder that goes clear over the top of your stamped image to give a glossy finish.

Why Do I Need A Heat Gun For Embossing?

It may be tempting to think that you can use embossing powders without buying specialist equipment like a heat gun but this would be a big mistake as using a hairdryer is not suitable at all.  Firstly a hairdryer tends to blow the powder away from the card and secondly the heat is not concentrated enough and will not change the embossing powder very easily if at all.

Are Embossing Heat Guns Expensive?

Heat Guns are not expensive and you can pick up a good one for about £10.00 to £20.00  or $25.00 to $35.00 which will last you for many years.

You do need to take a bit of care when using your heat gun and make sure that you do not hold the card with your fingers any where near the heat source, so that your fingers are not going to be blasted by the gun as you can really burn or blister your fingers quite badly.  Although in the above video she uses her fingers I personally prefer to use tweezers to hold the edge of the card when I am using my heat gun which is demonstrated well by the lady in the next video.

Inking Over the Top of Embossing

I like this video which shows a different way of embossing by inking over embossed image.  You may find you have to listen hard when the heat gun is being used but it is still a very informative video…

Embossing on Vellum Paper

For more information on how to use a heat  gun and embossing powders please read the article below:-

Embossing Powders And How To Use Them…

How To Use Embossing Powders

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Vicki_Churchill]Vicki Churchill

Using embossing powders for your card making ideas is just one of the versatile techniques commonly used by crafters. Embossing powders are a wonderful addition to and card makers or scrap bookers craft box.

Embossing powders come in a huge variety of colours and textures and can easily be used by beginners and professional for card making ideas

Using embossing powders for your projects can create many different effects but you will need to purchase a few basic materials.

The main item you will need to be able to use your embossing powders is a heat gun, these can be found at most craft stores or stamp companies. Some heat guns are better than others, when you are purchasing a heat gun it is worth asking for recommendations from other experts that have used them for their card making ideas.

You will need to have an ink pad, ink pads come in many different colors I find it best to use the same colour ink pad as the embossing powder you are going to use, this will eliminate the ink showing through. You can always use a clear ink pad however if you are a beginner I would start with a color so you can see where you have stamped.

Stamps – a stamp is essential when using embossing powders as this is the foundation of the design, rubber stamps can be found at craft shops and there are simply millions that can be bought over the internet.

Of course you will need embossing powder, again these come in a huge variety of colours, try to math the colour with the theme of the stamp where possible.