Learn. Dry Embossing Tutorial

Dry embossing is a technique that can really add a lot to a project. The result of dry embossing is a raised pattern on your paper.

Gather the following supplies:

Light box
stylus
brass stencil
paper
coordinating rubber stamp (optional)
stamp pad (optional)

This particular project I'm featuring is a stamped and embossed bookmark. I have some pre-cut bookmarks and stamped my flower image on the paper.

The next step will be to get your light box ready. A light box is relatively inexpensive. It is even better if you can use your craft store coupons to get it at a discount. This small one is available from Amazon.

At this point you'll want to turn your stamped image over. Whether you are embossing over a stamped image or not, you'll want to be sure that you have the wrong side up. The template should be placed between the paper and your light source. You can purchase brass templates at a craft store. I use the templates from Stampin' UP! because they offer a lot of different options and they match the stamp sets perfectly. The template in this tutorial is no longer available but Floral Frenzy is a good substitute.

You will need a stylus to trace around your image. These can be found at any craft store and are inexpensive. This one is available from Stampin' Up for $2.50. Press lightly on the paper and trace around the inner edge of the template. You'll be able to see and feel how the paper is being raised to the other side.

It is a little difficult to see embossing in a picture, but I've tried to capture here how the image is raised off the page. I also embossed the little dots in the center of the flower.

There are so many different ways to incorporate embossing into your paper crafts. My quick example is this simple bookmark, embellished with a little yarn at the top.

Tuck this into a book or include it with a gift card and you have a fabulous gift for someone special.

Try out this easy technique and then share your dry embossing projects with me in my Flickr group.