Embossing 101: Geometric Party Bags DIY

I recently bought a heat gun and discovered I have really been missing out, because embossing is addictive and that’s the only thing I’ve been using this heat gun for. If you’re new to embossing, it is similar to regular stamping. Unlike stamping, however, this process actually raises the surface, adding a new dimension to the item you’re embossing. AND it gives the surface a more foiled or metallic look.

So, over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been embossing pretty much everything you can think of from gift tags to card stock, with the stamps I already owned. BUT I have been (patiently) waiting for these amazing stamps to arrive in the mail so I could really get crackin’ on some projects. The stamps are finally here (thanks Mom for the b-day present) and I’m ready to roll. Are you with me?

Let’s make some embossed, geometric party bags…

For embossing, you’ll need a few basic materials to get started:

• a heat gun
• embossing clear ink stamp pad
• stamps (any stamp will work – or make your own)
• embossing powder
• sheet of paper (to catch excess embossing powder)

*And in addition to those materials, you’ll also need small, white paper bags to make the embossed favor bags pictured.

How-To: 1. Press the stamp into your clear ink pad, then gently press the stamp (with even pressure) onto the surface you want to emboss. 2. Next, apply embossing powder generously over the entire surface, and then tap the excess powder back into the jar. 3. Turn on your heating tool and hover over the stamped surface until you see the powder start to turn. You’ll be able to see the change. 4. Continue moving the heating tool over the remainder of the stamped surface until the entire stamp has changed. It will look more like a foil at that point and will be slightly raised. Let it cool. Done.

Fill party favor bags with candy, popcorn, cherries, confetti, etc, and give ’em to guests as they are leaving to say thanks for coming.

Concept, photography, and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff for Paper & Stitch

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