Lesson 8: Using Stencils with Paper
Blind Embossing
I like to work at night, and often, on designs larger than my little light table will accommodate. So I have become very fond of blind embossing - embossing even though I cannot see the stencil beneath my paper.
The only difference between regular dry embossing and blind embossing is the stylus. For blind embossing, you use a tool called an Empressor, which has a very large head as opposed to the smaller tips of embossing styluses.
You simply rub this large tip over the paper until you have located and slightly embossed all of the stencil openings. Actually, it may take you less time and effort to first rub your fingertip over the paper to give you a very slight depression in each stencil opening, then create a deeper impression with the empressor. In fact, with some papers your fingertip may be enough to complete this first step.
Next, take your regular stylus tool and run it around the edges of the stencil openings in order to create a deeper impression at the outer limits of the design.
From here you can proceed exactly as if you had used a light table or window. Color your design if you like, or leave it elegantly tone on tone.
Another possibility is to trace your stencil onto the back of the paper so that you can see where the stencil edges will be when it is on the reverse side of the paper. Obviously, this requires careful measuring to make sure your tracing ends up exactly opposite the stencil. If the back side of your paper will be seen, as on a greeting card, use a vanishing ink pen.
HINT: Some embossing enthusiasts report that they have had good success substituting a marking pen - using its cap as a stylus instead of the Empressor. Obviously, you would want a large marker, not the fine tip kind. But if you prefer not to invest a lot of money before you are convinced you like this type of craft, try it with the marker first.
