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Embossing Greeting Cards

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-609 -- More Projects »
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First choose a stamp pattern you like. This balloon motif would be appropriate for many occasions such as birthdays, graduations and invitations.
Field reporter Joe Lovitt meets with stamping expert Jan Forbes to learn how to create bold, colorful designs on greeting cards by embossing.

Embossing is basically 3-D stamping that creates raised patterns, and is a great way to add details to cards and other stationery.

Materials:

stamp
embossing ink
embossing powder
heat gun
paint-gel pens

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Figure A
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Figure B
* Note: For best results when inking the stamp, bring the inkpad to the stamp instead of the other way around (figure A). This will result in a more even distribution of ink on the stamp.

Steps:


  1. Stamp the card, then sprinkle powder over the wet ink (figure B). Gently brush away any excess.

  2. Heat the embossing powder, using a heat gun and watch for it to turn. Once the powder has melted, it is permanently set. (A heat gun must be used because a hair dryer will not provide the necessary focused heat.)
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Figure C
  • After the embossing powder has dried, color in the design with paint-gel pens (figure C).

  • If desired, just part of the stamp and apply embossing ink to the areas of the design you want to use.
    • Guests
    Jan Forbes
    Owner, Gallery 3 Stamp Inn
    7971 Southtown Center
    Bloomington, MN 55431
    Phone: 952-948-1710
    Toll-free: 800-803-2184
    Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-609
    •Southern-Style Breakfast
    •Easy Decorating Ideas
    •Embossing Greeting Cards
    •Tip of the Day
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