Assemble supplies and tools

stamp

backing

adhesive ink - pad or applicator

glitter

card stock

heat gun

paints, paint brush, water

Preparing an Unmounted Rubber Stamp

If you have an unmounted rubber stamp it needs to be mounted for easy use. Remove it  from its package and cut a piece of double sided adhesive the same size as the stamp.

Double Sided Adhesive Back

Apply the double sided adhesive to the back of stamp and remove the paper backing. 

Mounting Rubber Stamp

Press the acrylic backing plate onto the adhesive backed stamp. The rubber stamp is now mounted onto the acrylic and ready to use. 

Apply Embossing Ink

Embossing ink is a special ink that dries slower than other inks. The wet ink is necessary to hold the embossing powder in place until it is heated. Embossing ink is available as an ink pad, markers, and in bottles with and without an applicator.

When using an ink pad, apply the ink by tapping the pad down onto the stamp. Do not push the stamp into the ink pad. It is easy to control as well as see where the ink has been applied.  

Using Embossing Ink Markers

Markers may be used to touch up or colour areas directly. This permits a variety of colours to be used.  While embossing ink is slower to dry you still need to work quickly with markers. Use as many colours as desired. Just before stamping - "huff" onto the stamp to slightly moisten the ink with the moisture from your breath.  

Apply Pattern to Card

Apply the inked rubber stamp down onto the card with a straight down motion being careful not to slide or rock the stamp which would smudge the impression. This techique will work on a variety of surface not just paper.  

Adding Embossing Powder

Embossing Powder is a very fine plastic that melts when heated to the right temperature. Generously spread embossing powder over the entire stamped surface.  Use lots. The embossing ink holds the powder in place unit it is heated and the excess will be returned to the container. 

Remove Excess Powder

Gently shake the powder over the inked surface to ensure it sticks everywhere ink has been applied. Pour the excess powder onto a piece of folded paper. Very little powder actually gets used.

Tap off Excess

Gently tap the back of the card to remove any loose embosing powder. If a few grains remain where they shouldn't brush them off or remove with a dry paint brush before heating.

Save Unused Powder

The paper with the excess powder should be slightly folded creating a a funnel to easiily return the used powder back into the container. Close the lid and remove from the work surface to prevent any accidental heating or spilling.

Heat Embossing

Let the heat gun warm up for a minute. Holding the heat gun 6" away from the surface,  to avoid burning the paper,  heat an area until the powder melts. Watch carefully and move to a new area once it is melted, repeating the process until the entire surface is complete. The melted powder creates a bonded 3D raised surface.

Further Enhancements

Let cool for several seconds and your card is ready to be enhanced further. It is easy to colour your design. The raised edges act as border and may be coloured with paint, markers, colouring pencils or chalk. Or you can wash over sections with paint, as in this example, for an artistic effect. 

Add Additional Colors

Let the paint dry.  Clean your brush then add other colors as desired. Be creative as you wish.

The Finished Card

 The finished card.  Add your personal greeting and you are ready to send it.

This is a very simple basic version of  Wet Embossing. Have fun developing this technique by embossing differnt surfaces such as glass, metal, different papers, fabric, tiles, or wood. Or experiment with differnt colours of ink or embossing powders. 

Keep a photo record or to send online

Don't forget to keep a visual record of your creations or easily share your creative  spirit on-line using WebFilm from Cachelan.

Share Online

Upload a digital picture of your card with a free online service like WebFilm, add a personal greeting and share the same card with several friends.

Ready to Send

Insert the card in an envelope and send your personal one of a kind card.