F.A.Q

Glossary of terms used in stamping

Glossary of terms used in stamping


Q. Embossing

There are two types of embossing: The first method and by far the most popular is 'Heat Embossing'. This technique is used by most stampers and is a process where an image is stamped onto the project using 'Pigment Ink' or a special 'Embossing Pad' and while the image is still wet, embossing powder is poured librally over the design.  Next, the powder is tapped off to be replaced into its container and heat is applied to the image using a Heat Tool, Toaster or ceramic element (caution is required for this process, not one for the little ones) As the powder heats up it raises and adheres to the project leaving an attractive 'embossed' image. The second is 'Dry Embossing'. This technique uses a brass or plastic stencil which is placed over a lightbox or window and then placing paper or card over the illuminated stencil, one uses a metal embossing tool to press the card into the indents of the stencil to create a raised surface when the card is removed and flipped over.

To download full embossing instructions go to our resources page



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Q. Heat Tool

A Heat Tool is a wonderful piece of equipment; it is a cross between a hair-dryer and a paint stripper. Generally it comes in two designs a longer cigar shaped tool or ones that look like a small hair-dryer. Some people with arthritis prefer the hair-dryer design for ease of handling; most tend toward the cigar shaped one. They are electronic and produce a very intense heat without the abrupt blowing found with hair-dryers. The heat produced 'melts' embossing powder to its host and can also be used with 'Shrink Plastic' and is also used when using 'Flocking Powder' and 'Foils' - Take caution with this tool as it does produce a lot of heat!



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Q. Shrink Plastic

Shrink plastic is a lot of fun. It is a thin sheet of plastic that you sand lightly with very fine sandpaper and then you can stamp onto it or draw an image or message on it with permanent markers, then colour it with felt or colouring pencils. You then cut out your design and put it in the oven or apply direct heat to it using a 'Heat Tool' and it will curl up and do all wonder of strange contortions, shrinking all the time till it approx 45% of it's original size and about 6 times as thick; and then with bravery and patience you will see it flatten out and finish it's 'shrinking' experience - fascinating. (ensure you read instructions before using)

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Q. Pigment Inks

These ink pads contain a 'slow drying' pigment based ink that is most commonly used with the 'Embossing' Process. They have a raised, felt type of pad that can be 'patted' over a larger stamp image. They come in a range of colours including Metallics. Pigment Inks will not dry on some special or coated papers so test for effectiveness before launching into a big project. Pigment Inks give you abut 30 - 40 seconds to apply embossing powder and will be touch dry on normal paper after about 2-3 minutes. These inks are generally not waterproof so take caution when applying a wet colouring source to them ie. felts, paint etc

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Q. Dye inks

These are the type of ink pads that most of us have been exposed to at school or in the work place. They are fast drying and therefore not normally suitable for embossing, although very fine powders such as Clear embossing powder can be used with practice. There are a number of variations of Dye Inks, some will dry water proof and not fade (Archival) while others will come in pastel colours and others still in a rainbow of different colours. These Inks are often used for 'Era' stamping, as there are some nice Sepia's and traditional colours available. Again a good pad should be slightly raised to assist inking large stamps.

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Q. Embossing Pad

The Embossing Pad is much like a 'Pigment Ink Pad', only this pad is generally colourless or lightly tinted and is very slow drying, making it ideal for Embossing.

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Q. Distress Inks

Distress Inks are designed to age paper and card for a more tradition or era impression. Great for scrapbooking pages. This ink is very water soluble and is designed to 'bleed' around the page. A very wet ink so can be embossed with Clear Embossing Powder with practice.

To download full embossing instructions go to our resources page



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Q. Metal Embossing Tool

This little instrument is used in conjunction with brass or plastic stencils. It is double ended with a small metal ball tip at one end and a larger one at the other tip. It is used for pressing the paper or card into the stencil indentations.

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