Embossed Embellishments

Emboss-- 1 : to raise the surface of into bosses; especially : to ornament with raised work 2 : to raise in relief from a surface

This is the definition of "emboss" according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. In the world of paper arts, we always seem to feel the need to embellish even more. Read on for several ideas to add raised relief to the surface of your next project.

Overall Interest

Take a look in the racks of your local scrapbook store and you'll discover papers that are already embossed, some with just a subtle raised design, and others quite lavish. Choosing one of these papers for all or part of your design can add interest without much bulk. It can serve as your background paper, or be cut into strips or small pieces and backed with coordinating cardstock to create borders or accents.

Don't stop there, however. A little time and effort can result in a big "wow" factor. Consider the following additions.

• Apply chalks to the raised areas of the paper to add color.

• Use your watercolors to add a dreamy splash of soft color.

• Use your scissors to carefully trim around the design to create additional pattern and contrast.

In the layout shown here, highly-embossed colored vellum from K and Company was carefully cut in a somewhat diagonal manner. Overlaid onto the patterned paper, it adds texture and contrast.

Like It Dry?

Dry embossing is one way to create interesting accents for your projects, requiring a little more effort and specialized supplies. You'll need a brass stencil in a design that enhances your layout, a light source, and an embossing stylus. To create a dry embossed accent, you basically place your stencil on the light source, which can be a light box or a bright window. Place your paper over that, and then press into the open areas of the stencil with your stylus. When finished, remove the stencil and flip the paper over, resulting in a raised pattern.

You can use some of the methods mentioned earlier to add color, or bring on a little glitz by using supplies like metallic rub-ons or glitter pens to highlight the raised areas.

In the layout shown here, a Making Memories mini-book was dry embossed with a Celtic knot design on the cover. The raised portions were smudged with Posh Impressions Inkabilities Metallic ink to create contrast and add a touch of gilt befitting the subject of the layout.

Another way you could use dry embossing to create accents for your designs is to dry emboss an image, fill in the design areas with color pencil or chalk, and back it with contrasting cardstock, giving you a custom-made design element.

Bring on the Heat!

If you're a stamper, you're already familiar with the magic of heat embossing. If not, learn the basics from Maureen Spell's heat embossing article. Once you've learned the basics, have fun enhancing your layouts and other projects with heat-embossed accents. Maureen's article suggests a number of ways to use heat-embossing techniques to add unique accents. Here are a few more ideas to try.

• Create a classy border accent for your design by repeating a stamped design or using a long stamp, such as the "Bollios" made by Judikins.

• Create a special deep-impression accent using your favorite stamp and UTEE.

• Using a deep-impression stamp, create faux metal accents by stamping with metallic UTEE, painting with acrylics such as ochre for rust or black for patina, then wiping off the high points.

In the decorated journal shown here, the central image was heat embossed with a stamped image coated with silver fine-detail embossing powder, then trimmed close and mounted onto a stamped background. The same approach can be used to create a custom accent for your layout designs.

The layout with the loon shows one of the faux metal accents. Platinum-colored UTEE was stamped with a high relief design. Black acrylic paint was applied, then wiped off the raised edges to give the appearance of aged pewter.

Raise the Bar

Try some of these techniques to provide "relief" to your designs. The only thing limiting you is your ingenuity, so get out some stencils, embossed papers or your heat gun and raise the bar on your next project.

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