Stampemboss

Stampemboss is a papercraft technique that blends rubber stamping with embossing to create raised designs on paper, cardstock, and similar surfaces. The term can describe either heat embossing of stamped images or dry embossing guided by stamped impressions, and practitioners often combine both methods.

In heat embossing, an image is stamped with a sticky ink such as embossing ink, dusted with embossing powder, excess tapped away, and heated with a heat tool until the powder melts and creates a glossy, raised image. In dry embossing, a stencil or die-cut template is used with a stylus or ball tool to push the paper upward, producing a tactile pattern; stamping may be used to mark the starting point or to accent the design.

Common tools and materials include rubber stamps, ink pads, embossing powders in various colors and finishes, a heat tool or toaster oven for larger projects, and a hard, heat-resistant work surface. For dry embossing, embossing folders, styluses, and a light pad or piercing tools are used. Selection of paper weight and finish affects the final look.

Stampemboss is widely used in greeting cards, scrapbooks, wedding stationery, and decorative paper goods. Designers consider color contrast, powder texture, and the interaction between ink, powder, and paper; layered or multi-color embossing can add complexity, while single-color embossing emphasizes form.

While stamping and embossing have long histories in crafts, modern stampemboss techniques benefit from a range of new powders, tools, and design options. The approach emphasizes texture as well as color and can be adapted to different skill levels, from beginner cards to professional invitations.