Heat Embossing 101

For links to all the supplies used and more info check out my blog post here: bit.ly/1mrIm2x
EDITED TO ADD: Updated (working!) links to products I recommend and love for heat embossing:
• Versamark Ink Pad -- goo.gl/U8Xxew
• Versamark WATERMARK INK PAD -- goo.gl/o8NDOr
• Simon Says Stamp Embossing Ink Pad CLEAR INK -- goo.gl/N4o6j4
• Tsukineko Delicata CELESTIAL COPPER Ink Pad -- goo.gl/40tZfe
• Delicata Gold Ink Pad -- goo.gl/vnzXlH
• Tsukineko GOLDEN GLITZ Delicata Pigment Ink Pad -- goo.gl/slhezm
• Darice - Heat Gun -- goo.gl/8ohQ3A
• Precision Heat Embossing Emboss Tool Gun Hero Arts -- goo.gl/YCFtn1
• Simon Says Stamp Embossing 50 Pack COFFEE FILTERS -- goo.gl/tigwV9
• ROCKLINE BASKET COFFEE FILTERS (8-12 Cup Basket) 700 Filters -- goo.gl/hVw3Yf
• EK Success - Craft Tweezers -- goo.gl/UvqCW9
• EK Success CRAFT TWEEZERS Precision Tip -- goo.gl/4t7lZk
• Powder Tool Applicator -- goo.gl/b41rrG
• EK Success - Powder Tool -- goo.gl/0Vg2HN
• WOW Embossing Powder GOLD RICH PALE Regular -- goo.gl/EdYb0M
• Simon Says Stamp EMBOSSING POWDER ANTIQUE GOLD Ultrafine -- goo.gl/YoGs9m
• Simon Says Stamp EMBOSSING POWDER GOLD Ultrafine Detail -- goo.gl/kFTV85
• Simon Says Stamp EMBOSSING POWDER ROSE GOLD -- goo.gl/V2iVnp
• Ranger Embossing Powder LIQUID PLATINUM -- goo.gl/qbgvfG
• Ranger Embossing Powder SUPER FINE WHITE -- goo.gl/1ZGx5M
• White Detail Embossing Powder -- goo.gl/JXFvVP
• Stampendous DETAIL WHITE Fine Opaque Embossing Powder -- goo.gl/30wtSx
• Clear Detail Embossing Powder -- goo.gl/bDtvuH
• Judikins CLEAR DETAIL EMBOSSING POWDER -- goo.gl/AC4oyU
• Zing! Opaque Embossing Powder 1 Ounce Aqua -- goo.gl/wyD4MK
• Zing! Opaque Embossing Powder 1 Ounce Apricot -- goo.gl/kKheGA
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[@dianeoneil9563]

Been stamping and embossing since the early 1980's. Just recently started using a static tool I made from cornstarch and an old knee high stocking. Works like a charm.

[@anitablack3539]

now that was very well done--no superfluous chatter for 10 minutes--just the necessary information well presented--thank you for your help!

[@deeharding8707]

I am a beginner and my friend told me to buy the Momento inks, so I went gun-ho and bought 48 colors which I thought I could use on almost everything. Since I am a beginner card maker. Thanks for mentioning the difference between quick drying and wetter inks for the embossing process. You did a great job. PS: love the baby talk in the background. Made me Smile.

[@booth2710]

I am just looking into starting out this type of craft and so far haven't been quite brave enough to do my first attempt. This tutorial is really helping. I think it' s brilliant that you go through all the ingredients and tools required for this activity and discuss all the pros and cons of each item - and give a load of useful tips and instruction at the same time.

[@lillbitt774]

All I can say is thank you so much for the clear explanation . I am very excited to start using this technique .

[@Kowthy06]

I am very very new to the card making section. I had all my equipment and supplies but got to thinking that I didn’t know what to do. Your video was the first one that I looked up and it was helpful. You made it look so very easy to do. Thank you so much for these instruction on how to make cards more beautiful.

[@MMGARC]

Just now experimenting with embossing - I feel like I've found just the right You Tube video to get me in the straight away!! Thanks so much - this filled in all the blanks for me and I'm feeling excited about really getting started! LOVED your video!

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

good I'm glad it helped! :)

[@michellea5432]

I agree!! Very thorough explanations! Thank you so much!

[@lorisanford1967]

I agree also

[@joe-annataylor9158]

Although I have been embossing for years, I learned some VERY valuable lessons watching this video. The baby in the background is adorable!

[@vapurl9330]

I haven't embossed in a long time, but now I will feel more confident when I try it again.

[@debrawhitchurch]

Thanks Amy,you are such a great teacher,and I could hear your lil girl just a talking away,she was helping momma!

[@firey3678]

Thank you for explaining heat embossing so well! I am new to this craft and you are the first person I have watched that has explained about the glitter and heat setting it! So thank you again! Hello to bubby!

[@sandraallen1057]

I just got into embossing which is fun. I tried the tray thing and hated it for the same reasons. Waste of money those things are. And i took your advice and went out to buy some slow drying ink and the powder tool. Wow, what a difference. Your video was very helpful. Thank you!!

[@vickicopp]

I've been accumulating all the stuff required to do stamping~embossing, and thanks to your video I feel confident about diving in and putting these supplies to work. Thank you (and thanks to your little helper, too!)

[@shabbytimeboutique7037]

Thank you. Your tutorial was exactly what I was searching for!~Lisa~

[@herbalistics9261]

Wanted to learn this so badly and could not find the right video. This was perfect for me. Thank you.! Cute baby sounds in behind is so much better than someone playing music that is usually too loud. Great video.!

[@suestewart9582]

Thank you used to emboss years ago and had forgotten how this was a great refresher.

[@spiriteagle777]

What would we do without you! Thank you so much for this video! I know it's old...but it's new to me! I'm awaiting my heat embossing tool and embossing powders and antistatic powder tool! They should arrive this week! Can't wait to try embossing!

[@debbybrigham7095]

I haven't tried embossing yet, seemed like a small investment and a bit overwhelming. Then I was gifted a lot of crafting supplies from a friend. In it I have just about everything I need. Your video helped me understand the process even if it was written so long ago. Can't wait to try. THANKS

[@ldodson52]

I just started using the coffee filters the other day It works great! Love hearing the sound effects in the background. Leslie

[@C2Beans]

This brought back memories of me as a kid in the 80s using a bare light bulb to melt embossing powder on thin cardstock. Now I'm all about the proper tools... and being able to see properly after embossing! LOL =)

[@stylesformiles79]

You're right about Milwaukee heat tools. They really last a long time. Mine is from 1982 and still is running strong! Thanks for sharing the basics. There are always things we need to be reminded if & I agree with the dryer sheets. I tried them & they just don't do what we want.

[@ceejay1320]

Thank you for a great tutorial!!! It helped a lot to learn the basics!!

[@jaytee2642]

I'm just venturing into heat embossing and trying to gather as much info as I can from those more experienced than I am. 🙂 Many of the crafters that I've seen, recommend letting the heat tool get hot before aiming it at the target so that the air coming out is already hot enough to begin melting the powder, rather than risk any being blown off before it has a chance to melt.👍🏻

[@geenaadams79]

I'm new to embossing and this was very helpful. Thanks!! 😊

[@wjtjcolman]

Thank you , I have only just started embossing and wondered why sometimes it worked better than other . now i know it was my ink choice

[@scrappingrammie1849]

Great tutorial ... thanks so much for sharing all that info. Love to hear that happy baby cooing & talking! Anita J

[@jeanieferretti4203]

Even though I know all this it was good to see a refresher. Thank you

[@gooddollie]

Great video! Your voice overs are always so soothing.

[@ginaoberste6367]

Thank you! Exactly what I was searching for!... Say "hellooo" to your little one!

[@lndtlr]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video even though nothing was new to me. I think it would have been wonderful to see a glimpse of that adorable sounding little one you had in the background. What a joy to have such an admiring partner with you!!! Awwww, such memories...

[@susanleblanc8614]

Great video. Really explained things well for the real beginner. Thanks so much!

[@sallysikora7206]

This was very educational and much needed. Thanks

[@ChristyLove1861]

Thanks for sharing!!!! Love the noises in the background!!!!

[@chariwater1]

Thanks for sharing. You make it easier than the class. 👍🏻

[@franjolavanhellemond4256]

This was very helpful, thank you so much!

[@hisblp]

Have no clue why I didn't know about the coffee filter trick, thank you so much!!!

[@terrilynn1771]

Thank you so much. You help me figure this out ... Love your video

[@leannaaweau3333]

Thanks for the tutorial. Very helpful!!!

[@reneelooby3047]

Hi I just found this old video of yours it’s been very helpful ty god bless hun

[@lorisanford1967]

best informative video out there. thank you

[@moonbabemarie]

Great video. Just getting into embossing and this helped a lot!

[@joycesieberer6722]

Thank you I’ve never embossed but doing my first tonight.

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

You got this!

[@annball9537]

This is a great video! You explained everything perfectly. I subscribed so I’m looking forward to more vids. Have a good one! Thanks!

[@rumpzafamily]

My Marvy just died yesterday.... it was 21 years old! Of course I don't do the quantity of stamping you do. Just ordered the Hero Arts Wagner one !!

[@jacquelynnbond8906]

i love how the baby is adding his commentary... so cute

[@danaberi51]

Thanks for the tutorial. I've got a lot of SU products too but am going to try some of the ones you mentioned. Respect your opinion and you tell it like you see it. Thanks again

[@francesstewart7407]

Brilliant. Thank you!

[@sueintveld3719]

Great information! Love embossing!

[@vickielee2433]

This was great Amy! Thanks so much.

[@bleigh8793]

Awesome!! Thank you so much! I learned so much more than I didn't think I didn't know!!! (ha! ha!.. make sense?) I'm going to keep in mind the products you mentioned too.. VERY helpful! ~tina

[@LauraACanas-zq3uc]

great tutorial- I just recently learned about this...

[@capet5593]

Thank you for making this video

[@kathymcwaters6309]

Thanks. Just bought a heat tool and embossing powder.

[@Thecrazycoffeequeen]

this really helped thanks for making this video for us. my heat tool is the one from micheals i've had 6 yrs and still works good, maybe u got a mess up one lol lol......hugs

[@TheInkinGardenSpot]

Thank you so much, Amy. I've been hoping someone "I know" would do one of these. I have always had trouble and I use most of the same products as you. Now I know it's probably my heat tool (Marvy). I'm going to get a new one and then try this technique again. I always love the effect when I see others do it, just never had mine turn out well. Can't wait to try out a new heat tool. Plus it's a chance to buy more goodies, right? Not that I need an excuse for that. :-) Thanks again, Amy. Awesome tutorial.

[@maseiber]

Thanks for the great video. I'm just now working with trying to emboss with the powders and this was very helpful to me. God Bless...

[@emsrebornpassion1684]

Thanks this video was a huge help for me!

[@sarahelizabeth1882]

Thanks for answering my question so quickly:)

[@deborahnarendorf7106]

This was so very helpful!

[@MariselaRose]

thanks for this awesome video, I feel like I'm reading to start embossing now :)

[@SheilaghRiordan]

super helpful. Thank you!

[@flowersflowers5070]

Thank you

[@cookbook800]

I love the comments made by your munchkin in the background!!!

[@patriciacoulter9736]

Thanks so much

[@Mrsangierice]

thank you for sharing! and the baby has something to say,😁hug the baby for me!!!

[@KellyKOScraps]

Hey love this Amy, the EK success embossing powder tool doesn't work well. Mine doesn't give out enough powder, so I'm unhappy with it. The embossing buddy works so much better!

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

well I have one on it's way to me so we'll see what I think about it! I've heard only good things so far so now I'm more interested in trying it out.

[@LeosMom4life]

Love you Amy !!!

[@PRINCESSKELEA777]

Shelli did a video and said you can use SU dye based inks so long as your pad is inked up well and she demo's that in the video. Just FYI. :-) Video with her and Dawn Griffiths I believe.

[@PRINCESSKELEA777]

Starts about 8:20 in video.

[@jeanneluddeni5159]

who's that hollering thank u for the tutorial it helped

[@mariebrown1525]

I am trying to heat embossing powder on glass ornaments I am using the same material as you but mine does not turn out well could you please tell me what I am doing wrong

[@ElishasCraftyHoplop]

Great tutorial! One question--what about the embossing stocky powder people use first? Not necessary?

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

I'm not sure what product you're talking about

[@ElishasCraftyHoplop]

@@PrairiePaperandInk Those amazing women stamps or dies you use. I adore them--so much.

[@sarahelizabeth1882]

Thanks! I just started heat embossing this weekend. I'm glad I picked up versamark :) Question: can I use distress inks to emboss? Thanks:)

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

I doubt it - they dry slower than regular dye inks but they're not sticky enough for embossing IMO

[@sarahgrangeaud3111]

I have the sparkle you pink one from michaels I had for years

[@skwerl81]

This is so great, thank you! I do have one question. If you are using multiple stamps, do you recommend embossing one at a time? Or, if they are all kind of next to each other, is it best to do them all in one shot rather than applying heat on to the stamps you already embossed? (let me know if that doesn't make sense!) Thanks again for the super helpful intro video!

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

I've shown in multiple videos both ways - just do whatever works best for you :)

[@pattiepan]

great tutorial. It's always good to have a refresher course. thanks Amy pat

[@insiyachoilawala5929]

If you emboss on mugs...can you put them in the dishwasher ? Or even handwash them at all?

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

nope and nope it will just peel off. It's meant for paper.

[@RosarioDRivera]

great video....question...can I do this process on tile?

[@flowersflowers5070]

May I direct my question to your little Assistant? Will regular glitters do the same as the embossing powers...if you use the correct stamp?

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

glitter doesn't melt nor does it have adhesive in it

[@sarakahlo4433]

can you use any regular stamp for embossing or does it have to be a certain type of stamp

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

don't know what you mean by certain type of stamp - anything can be embossed I don't see why not

[@1bjwlsn]

Helpful video.

[@weixiwu6530]

so beautiful

[@lindanielsen2774]

My question I is sometimes my embossing powder turns flat or does not turn shiny. Why is this happening?

[@stacyandkweku]

Hello, this is really a great educational video, and I appreciate it! I have one question, can you use two different embossing powders on one stamp?

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

yup - just pour the one color over one area, then use a clean coffee filter to pour over the second color over the remaining stamped area :)

[@stacyandkweku]

Thanks so much for your response, blessings to you and yours.💖

[@andrewdavidtaylor782]

hi, your tutorial was useful thankyou , i have heating embossing stuff to try out but i live in republic of ireland and i can not get hold of any of the anti static pads or any powder tool, do you know any company who will deliver any to ireland please as i have tried on amazon aswell and cant get any to deliver here. thanks,

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

I know there's several shops in the UK, plus Simon Says Stamp ships internationally!

[@liab60]

Amy, my heat gun is slowly falling apart and I am in the look for a new one. I was looking for recomentetions and I fell on this video. But I think it is a little old. Do you have any good recomentation for a heat gun?

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

the current one I use and link to in all my posts and videos is great :)

[@BlazinRedxDragon]

Can you use Heat tools from a hardware store like paint stripper heat tools or do those get too hot for this type of use ?

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

MYT CR8TiV if it's meant to strip paint it's going to start card stock on fire. I definitely do not recommend using anything other than a crafting heat tool that is designed for heating embossing powders.

[@BlazinRedxDragon]

Thanks for the heads up ! I've just seen heat tools at hardware stores on sale and wondered if they can be used for embossing. Guess I'll keep saving for a proper one.

[@pillivilli13]

+MYT CR8TiV hardware heattool works just amazing, no fire no nothing, just select the lower heat temperature :)

[@BlazinRedxDragon]

Thanks but just to be on the safe side I bought a proper Embossing gun. Actually a kit from Recollections @ Michaels. Came with Embossing gun, a funnel tray, some ink pads, and embossing powder. Ink pads, Embossing powers, and funnel tray were useless. The Embossing powder they gave you felt like craft sand than embossing powder and did not work at all even with VersaMark. I just bought a jar of recollection Embossing powder but the gun works great !!

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

good for you :) it's better to have the proper tools meant for the job, and that includes the ink and EPs as well b/c if they're faulty (which happens all to often sadly) then you won't get as good of results which just ends in frustration!

[@JavierHowTo]

PERFECT

[@maryannrusso5052]

How do you clean the stamps after using sticky ink.?

[@jeanettereynolds3151]

What happens if you dont have a heat gun? A lady on a tutorial done a stamp with merry xmas put the silver on then didnt put heat on it.shes obviously unaware or just left it to dry on its own??

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

without knowing the specifics - if you stamp and then put embossing powder on the stamped image and don't heat and melt it the powder will all fall off once the ink dries. Embossing powder needs to be heated and melted that's it's only purpose

[@FoundandRedesigned]

I have a lot of problems with heat embossing. I use the embossing buddy and embossing ink and I just can't get it to turn out especially for sentiments with clear stamps. Even rubber stamps I have to try over and over and over and...well you get my meaning. It is soooooooooo frustrating. Any suggestions? I do have a couple versa fine pigment inks that seem to get the best results. But with white you can't really use colored ink. Help me if you can.

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

whether the stamp is rubber or clear is totally irrelevant - it's the ink (which needs to be a slow drying sticky ink that's why I recommend Versamark, Versafine ink isn't meant for embossing) and the powder and heat that makes all the difference

[@hollisblackwood3276]

Can I emboss in this fashion on something that isn't just paper? Like wood or metal?

[@rebeccacornel8199]

nice tips Thank you for uploading and sharing.......:-)

[@betsyperez3910]

I need help. I have been trying to emboss with my clear ink pad by ranger . Then I use my white embossing powder . Use my heat gun look very nice but if I touch it even if I wait the embossing power just fall off. What I am doing wrong . Thanks .

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

All I can think of is that you haven't actually melted the powder - because if it was actually melted it would fuse to the paper in the process it can't just fall off.

[@lisettevial2629]

Thanks so much for this info! I just started embossing and would like to write something directly on a scrapbook sheet I'm working on. Which is the best glue pen to use in order to get good results?

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

Use a VersaMarker pen :)

[@Emmy6099]

I hate to ask a dumb question but I've never done this before and trying to purchase the right products. What is the glue pad for? I bought that and didn't realise there was a difference. They were in the embossing area of micheals and versamark was right beside. I picked up glue.

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

for adhering glitter (tho it's not the best for that IMO - glitter still falls off after the glue dries) and powders and whatnot. Honestly my glue pad dried up years ago b/c I never reached for it and I never repurchased it.

[@minilin0563]

I actually have two questions. My paper warps terribly. I have used the Zing powder, and paper from Joann and Hobby Lobby. I use VersaMark and an embossing buddy. They look awful. Also I notice you have nothing special protecting your work surface. I use one of those white hard vinyl tables as my work area and fear it would get too hot unprotected. What are your thoughts?

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

I use heavy weight card stock (MFT, SU, CCD Copic Quality 110lb etc) - makes a big difference. Thinner/cheaper papers will warp a lot easier when they get heated up. If you notice I hold my card stock in the air when embossing - leaving it on a surface (even protected) can risk the surface getting burned/melted - you are working with a tool that generates a high amount of heat in a concentrated area. HTH! :)

[@debo7101]

Thanks for the video and sharing all your experience! Is there any sort of paper you should avoid for embossing? I have an embossing pen (instead of the ink pad), but on some paper it doesnt work. The embossing powder does not stick to the ink. What do I have to pay attention to?

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

I'd assume it's the pen - I've never had any problems with any papers

[@gobeagirl]

Hi Amy, well I am finally getting comfortable with my heat embossing. I do have one quick question for you though. I have several black embossing powders, and no matter how well I use my embossing buddy before I stamp and emboss I still keep getting black powder (embossing) hanging around where I don't want any. My question is, what brand of black do you recommend? I have the Hero Arts fine and some Lindy's, along with some Ranger. What do you think I'm doing wrong? I really wanted to use the fine for sentiments, but it just isn't good enough yet to use on my cards. Thanks, Lisa G

[@ToriGold1]

Don't know if you found out anything but I did see that if you get a thin paint brush you can clean up some of the powder before embossing your stamp. Good luck....

[@theodoraramzy1896]

hi your video is really helpful but i just tried to move around my tool and my cardboard is turning dark brown and the powder isn't melting. what can i do?

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

you have to keep the tool moving so that you don't overheat the paper and the powder should just melt. Some embossing powders take longer to melt than others but if it's not melting at all I would try a different powder.

[@theodoraramzy1896]

Thank you!!!

[@TigermomP]

Great video tfs

[@komallalith5426]

Can we use this technique on leather

[@PrairiePaperandInk]

no