how to foil emboss paper at home?

August 9, 2009 11:00 AM

I want to create some foil embossed thing on paper. This is the sort of thing I mean. I have an embossing stamper that will create the raised effect on the paper, but how can I create the foil effect at home, without special equipment? I have seen foil sheets for sale, but have never purchased them because I am not sure what to do with them. Any ideas or advice would be appreciated, even if you know, deep down, that only a professional printer can make these things look professional. I really want to try to do this at home.
posted by foxinthesnow to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (4 answers total)

I improvised this technique once using a lawyer's embossing tool and a plastic lid--like those used for sour cream or soft cheese containers. You may have to experiment to get the right thickness and flexibility of lid. I cut out the design with an X-acto knife at an angle, like the bevel on a picture mat. I did this so the paper would be formed but not cut by the edges of the lid. I then glued the female cutout on one side of the embossing tool and the male cutout on the other side, so that they aligned perfectly when the tool was closed. Place good quality rag paper (perhaps moistened first) in between, and voila!
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 11:25 AM on August 9, 2009

I used to do this with rubber stamps and embossing powder. It was a long time ago. I remember using regular rubber stamps and some soft of clear ink. Then sprinkle the embossing powder. It will stick to the ink and you shake off the rest. Then use a hair dryer on a low setting and not too close to the paper.

Check with craft or scrapbooking stores.
posted by nimsey lou at 11:26 AM on August 9, 2009 [1 favorite]

For the foil effect you stamp or paint on an adhesive ink, sprinkle the foil powder over top, and place it under a heat lamp to melt and puff-up the metallic powder.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 11:39 AM on August 9, 2009

Embossing powder and the toaster! That's what it looks like to me. Any crafts place that has rubber stamps.
posted by that girl at 6:49 PM on August 9, 2009