Wedding Blog
Prior to actually creating our save-the-dates, I had never done any embossing. But oh, what fun it was! Embossing the return address on our save-the-date envelopes was a quick and easy way to add a little extra touch to the finished product (and justify my heat-gun purchase, woo hoo!).
You will need:
Step 1: Ink the rubber stamp with your pigment ink pad
I ordered my stamp from Rubber Stamp Champ, and they were great – a quick turnaround, and the price was right. I recommend using a pigment ink pad instead of a regular ink pad because it takes a little longer to dry (important in a multi-step process such as embossing) and the colors look a little more vivid. I chose gold.
Step 2: Carefully and evenly stamp the paper
No need to press extra hard here – a firm and even hand works best.
Step 3: Sprinkle a ton (be generous!) of embossing powder onto the freshly stamped image
Make sure the image is completely covered. Don’t worry about wasting powder; as you see in the next step, I make sure the powder is re-used. I recommend clear powder and pigment ink because the color will come out more even, and this prevents random specks of colorful pigment getting stuck all over your finished product.
Step 4: Tap off the excess powder onto the file folder, and return to container
I use a file folder because the folded edge allows me to easily pour the excess powder back into the container. Only the amount needed for embossing will remain stuck on the stamped image. (I told you we wouldn’t waste! 
)
Step 5: Using the heat gun, heat the stamped and powdered image until it becomes glossy
This is the super fun part. Hold the heat gun about 2 inches away from the image at a 45-degree angle. Slowly and steadily move the gun over the image until you see the powder turn glossy. The image is now embossed.
Voila! The finished product! I told you it was easy!
Have you embossed before? How did it go? Any tips?
|
Share this post: Tutorial: Embossing – a Guide for the Beginner (Myself)
Wow… I need some of this action asap! Who knew it was so easy?! How much does that there heat gun go for? 
I love embossing. It was one of my favorite parts of wedding planning.
@Miss Rainbow: I bought mine for $16 but it was a little overpriced (limited selection in NYC). I just looked on Amazon and the same gun is going for $13!
@amariem25: I know! So fun and easy, and the results come out great!
I had a friend who embossed as part of a hobby she had in elementary school. For obvious reasons, her Mother was not keen on her having a heat gun. Instead, she used a hair dryer!
I’m sure you could get them at Michael’s and use one of those AWESOME 40% off coupons!
I love embossing but I have not had any problems with getting even color when using colored embossing powder. But if you are using colored embossing powder be sure to have a thin paint brush or something around to get the little specks off before you heat it up!
You make it look so easy! As someone who *never* DIY’s (b/c I am crafty klutzy), I’m tempted after seeing your tutorials!
I really like the style of your address stamp. Do you mind telling where you got it?
I have never tried embossing, as crafting is not my strong suit, but I seriously think I can do this. Thanks for the tutorial!
@rachel_leigh: I ordered my stamp online from Rubber Stamp Champ. I uploaded the image I wanted for the stamp, and they stamp-ified it!
I’d definitely encourage those who are interested in embossing to try it! I am an absolute DIY novice, so if I can do it, anyone can.
I’ve loved embossing since my grandma showed me how to do it many years ago. It’s so pretty, but when I sent out my embossed save the date postcards I found out that postal machines can mess up the embossing a bit. So be careful where you use it. I bet the back flap will be fine. Just near the edges tends to get gummed up.
in the absence of a heat gun or an iron, we turned on the toaster (pop-up kind) and held the card over top… 
i love embossing! i made embossed note cards for my bestie and my guy’s mom for christmas last year. i loved running my fingers over the raised stamp afterwards!
Hmm…never tried it, and until now, was a little intimidated. Thanks for the tutorial!
This seems like a craft I could actually get on board with and not ruin. Thanks for the tutorial!
when I embossed, I used an iron! Not as easy so I would recommend spending the $20 on the embossing tool!
Pretty! I forgot all about this. I remember playing with this for Christmas cards in middle school.
I love love the thought of embossing…I haven’t gotten that far yet…need to get myself a heat gun (could probably use a 40-50% michaels coupon)..I do have tons of stamps though!
um wow - i am so tempted to do this now!!! you made it look so easy. is there really no problem with accidentally pushing the stamp too hard so you end up with an edge of ink around the edges of the stamp border? (i am a klutz!)
@jalter: I practiced a few times on scrap paper to get the hang of how much pressure to apply when inking the stamp and when stamping the envelope. I found that for me, erring on the side of a lighter touch worked!
Make sure you get a good, pigment stamp pad! Don’t buy the cheapest one! Also, clear stamps aren’t great if you want a crisp image, but if you want, you can scratch it up with a little sandpaper or a pencil eraser to get it to “hold” the ink better.
This is totally a craft that I could actually do! Just need that heat gun. Where are you all getting the 40% Michael’s coupons? The best I’ve seen was 20% off in MSW…
Embossing is such a nice, elegant touch! I embossed on my save the dates. It took a lot of time, but was totally worth it!
when I was little a friend had something like this, we heated them over the toaster, with no bread in it and wait till it melts. think it was just simple embossing powder, but it was a long time ago!
That looks like so much fun! If I don’t use it for my invitations I will definitely find something else to try it out on!
*sigh* I love embossed images. : ) I’ve done it a couple times, and I agree that it’s REALLY simple. I’m surprised you caught the detail of your fonts there, though! How big is your text?
@Jenniphyr: I don’t really remember the exact size of the text, but the entire stamp was 1inch x 2 inch
We’re embossing a stamp on our invitations too. It took a few tries to get good with the heat gun (I may or may not have burned a few pieces of paper) but now I’ve got the hang of it.
I love the look of embossed invites…I just haven’t worked up the guts to try it myself. You made it look easy peasy, though!
I did some embossing on our invites and it WAS really easy and fun. Cheap, too. I got my gun for like $13 at the Michael’s in Queens, I think? Wish I had your tutorial before I had to do my own trial and error!
I embossed our favors- did a “thank you” stamp on glassine envelopes. And when I say I did this- I mean in the last couple of days!
They came out super cute- and I think embossing is one of the fastest craft projects I’ve ever undertaken!
Thanks thanks! I love the look of embossing and that’s a quick and easy way!
My mom used to sell stamps when I was younger and she has a HUUUUGE collection of stuff. One of the things I always loved playing with was her embosser and I can’t wait to use it for our invitations. I already ordered a return address stamp for the envelopes and the ink.
You made good use of yours!
[...] other save-the-date posts: Tutorial: Embossing - A Guide for the Beginner (Myself) Tutorial: Our Save-The-Dates Our [...]
| Visit our sister sites | Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Fertile Thoughts Infertility Support |
Miss Hamster, New York City
Age and Occupation: 28, Finance Gal
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance Guy
Engagement Date: March 9, 2009
Wedding Date: May 2010
Venue: The Pierre Hotel
About Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 |
Latest Gallery Pics