Dry embossing on dark cardstock

[pyinfrisco]

I have a lightbox that works well for dry embossing white cardstock using a brass template and a stylus. However, I am not sure how to dry emboss on dark cardstock when you can't see the template through the paper. Any ideas that have worked for you? Thanks.

[Bea-creative]

I know it is extremely hard to emboss on dark paper. Try paper that is coloured on one side and white on the opposite. I found those papers work very well. Hope this helps.

Beatrice

[aggiedc95]

I had to do this one time for moving cards. I think I chucked the light box and found a small lamp (the clip on kind) that I could mount under my glass top table. It gave off more light than the light box and I could make out the image a little. Pretty much, it just took a long time.

Donna

[lenoreo]

OK, this is going to sound funny, but a tip I learned recently is to buy two of the templates...and then sandwich the paper in between them! Not sure if that makes any sense, but I never would have thought of that. Course, then you have 2 of the same template, but it really does work...

[webseitler]

What I've always heard is "turn off all the lights"--basically, have the light box be the only source of light, and you should be able to see it. It's worked for me!

[MSBetsyZ]

If the opening is big enough, try using the back of a spoon to begin the embossing. It should get the process started enough to outline the edges a little so you can see where to use your tool.

[incpa]

I just tape my dark cardstock on top of my brass template as usual. Then I use an Empressor stylus. It has a rolling ball on each end. Use the larger one and rub over the entire template and you will get the outline of your shape. Then take a regular stylus and deepen the impression. Don't forget to rub wax paper over your paper first to make the stylus glide easier.

Teresa

[MSBetsyZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by incpa

I just tape my dark cardstock on top of my brass template as usual. Then I use an Empressor stylus. It has a rolling ball on each end. Use the larger one and rub over the entire template and you will get the outline of your shape. Then take a regular stylus and deepen the impression. Don't forget to rub wax paper over your paper first to make the stylus glide easier.

Teresa

Thanks so much, Teresa!! I didn't want to look like an idiot, lol, but I could NOT for the life of me remember the name of the Empressor! That's what I use these days.

[pyinfrisco]

Thank you all for your help. All the tips were good ones that I will try. I agree that the lightbox light is not very bright, so I will find a stronger light source and turn off the overhead room light and see if a greater concentration of light will show through the dark cardstock. I've already tried the wax paper tip and rubbing the whole template to get the first impression, however instead of a spoon I used a stylus and it seemed to leave "scratch" marks on the paper. The marks don't appear on the opposite side of the paper, but sometimes I like to use indented side in my projects and the scratch marks would be too unsightly. So I'll try a spoon to see if that gives me a better result. Thanks. I appreciate everyone's feedback. You're the best.!

[kathyj30]

I use the Empressor also and usually don't bother with the lightbox. Even on dark cardstock it works great. I like the idea mentioned that they start with the back of a spoon to get the basic outline.

[olivia'smom]

Wow I had just given up using dark colors - now I see there is hope....thanks for sharing and asking this question.