Embossing--Who Knew?

Who knew how much fun embossing could be?

The thing with embossing, is that you have to work from stamps. Stamps are tricky... if you're a perfectionist like I am. The ink has to be just right; the pressure needs to be "even" for a clean mark; the placement can be off with wood blocks if you're not careful... But aside from all that--it really is fun!

Here is a simple horizontal flat card.

The stem and chick were in the same stamp set that I had purchased recently.

Embossing involves several steps and can be time-consuming; however, I think the result is worth the effort. 

Here's a close-up:

The process results in the pigment becoming glossy and rising from the paper.

Here are a few I did with a stamp that was more "substantial" when pressed.

The card is a vertical fold; kraft paper on heavy white cardstock with a kraft envelope.

Obviously, the stamp and embossing has been done in white.

Here's a close-up to show the texture of the printing when the process is finished.

I liked the white set so much I followed the same format to create a chocolate embossing on "natural" cardstock (vertical fold) with a chocolate envelope and pink embossing on white cardstock (horizontal fold) with a pink envelope.

Oh my... now that I have this new crafty way to spend my free time... I wonder just how high my laundry pile will get?