What is foil embossing?

Foil  embossingis the process of pressing out a design onto the reverse of your craft foil The design is placed on the wrong side (back) of your craft foil and held in place with masking tape.  Masking tape is used as it does not leave a sticky residue.It's really easy to create stunning results and foil embossing is a quick technique to incorporate into your  handmade cards.

Because the craft foil is so soft, pressing out the design on the reverse creates a raised impression on the right side (front).  This is the beginning of the embossing process.

The embossed design is then re-embossed until it can finally be turned to the front.  At this stage the front design is outlined, pressed out and mounted.

The softness of the material ensures that it requires little manipulation to achieve a good result.  Part of its charm is the simplicity of the embossing.

The entire step-by-step process is outlined below:

1. Select design. 2. Trace design.
3. Cut metal foil or pewter.
4. Chose right side (shiny side for pewter or colored side for two-tone foil).
5. Position design on wrong side of foil (back).
6. Secure the top with masking tape.
7. Place on top of backing board.
8. Emboss with pewter tool, stylus or red ball point pen.
9. Check results as you go.
10. Remove design and place, still wrong side up, on a single layer of duster.
11. Repeat embossing.
12. Turn to right side and re-outline the original design.
13. Mount.

You can buy embossing foil a most good craft stores, and it comes in varying thickness'.  Trial and error will help you to decide the one that’s best for you. Once worked you'll want to mount it on either card, a plaque, or some sort of background.  Craft shops are a great source of inspiration and a quick trawl through some of the best, with a wide range of options will give you some ideas of what's possible.

Further explanations, projects and techniques can be found is any of the many excellent books on the subject.

The Craft Teacher has a range of embossing activity kits which include an embossed card, key ring or brooch, and a coaster. With all the specialist materials and instructions in one handy pack, they make a great gift and an excellent way to get started on this simple but satisfying craft.

Metal foil embossing is a great hobby and you can quickly create great cards and objects that you’ll love to give to friends and family - or keep for yourself. 

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Written by Geraldine Jozefiak
Craft Expert and Demonstrator

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