Foil Embossing-Tips And Tricks

Professional scrapbook artist, paper crafter, and author, I have taught people how to make family memories into legacies for 20 years.

Aluminum In Your Paper Crafts

Who would have thought to use foils in embossing folders to add extra dimension to greeting cards? There are so many delightful colors to add that touch of glamour to your cards.

Who would ever think of recycling aluminum for paper crafts? I would for sure. But there are a lot of us who like the glitzy touch that aluminum brings to our cards, scrapbook pages, and art journals.

Aluminum foil is the more reasonable alternative to more pricey foils. But either way, you are going to get stunning results without a lot of effort

The aluminum foil will mold to the embossing folder molds around the detail of the embossing folder. You can choose to use either the dull side or the shiny side. It's up to you!

Prep The Foil

Tear off a piece of clean aluminum foil that is a little wider and taller than the embossing folder that you are using. It does not have to be perfect. You can always trim it later.

You can fold a large sheet of heavy-duty foil (about an 18" strip ), in half three times to get 8 layers. Try between 6-8 layers to see what works best for you. A single layer of aluminum foil, even the heavy-duty kind, may get squished in the mail. So, consider using multiple layers on each card.

Aluminum Foil Layers

How To Emboss Aluminum Foil

Supplies

Embossing folder

Piece of card stock the size of your embossing folder

Piece of double sided adhesive sheet the same size as your card

Piece of aluminum kitchen foil sized to card stock

Directions

1. Remove one side of the backing of the double sided adhesive sheet
   
2. Attach that side of the adhesive sheet to the card stock
3. Remove the other side of the adhesive sheet
4. Place the aluminum foil on the adhesive sheet, dull side down
5. Run through your embossing machine, using the embossing sandwich specified by the manufacturer
6. Remove the paper and foil from the embossing folder.
7. Cut to fit your card

Aluminum Foil Embossing With An Index Card

You can use less aluminum foil by embossing it using an index card as a backer.

1. Cut a piece of aluminum foil a little larger than the index card.
2. Spray the index card with a light mist of spray adhesive
3. Wrap the foil around the back of the card.
4. Lay the foil-covered index card in the embossing folder.
5. Place it between the correct plates for your machine and run it through your Embossing and Die Cut Machine.

Stamping On Embossed Foil

Embossing Foil Tape

Supplies

Foil tape

Card stock

Embossing folder

1. Trim the card stock to the size of the embossing folder
2. Cut strips of the foil tape to fit the piece of the cardstock
3. Carefully apply each strip of foil tape to fit the card stock pulling off the backing as you go.
4. Flatten each tape carefully with a bone folder.
5. Make sure that there is no space between the lines of tape
6. Trim off excess edges of tape
7. Place the card stock with the foil tape into the embossing folder. Close the lid of the folder.
8. Run it through the embossing machine of your choice, following the directions for embossing folders

Embossed Tin Foil Without An Embossing Folder

This gives the foil a forged metal look. It is perfect for a more masculine look

Supplies

Aluminum foil

Light cardboard or card stock

Decoupage glue (like Mod Podge)

A small paint brush

Dark color acrylic paint or metallic paint

Directions

1. Cut a piece of card stock or light cardboard
2. Cut a piece of aluminum foil larger than the paper piece
3. Crumple the aluminum foil making a ball in your hand
4. Straighten out the foil
5. Cover the piece of paper or card stock with decoupage glue
6. Place the crumpled foil on top of the paper, pressing gently
7. Allow to dry
8. With a small paint brush, apply either the dark acrylic paint or the metallic paint over the foil
9. Wipe off with a paper towel
10. Allow to dry

Coloring On Foil

Did you know that you can actually color on your embossed foil back grounds?

Alcohol markers are your best bet. But remember, you need to have a very light hand when coloring these projects. Test the markers that you have on a scrap piece of aluminum foil before you give it a try.

• Stick to just a few colors to highlight. Adding too many colors will only add confusion to your piece.
• Start with the light color first so that you do not contaminate your darker color nibs.
• Try to use a brush tip if you can with a very light touch. Leaning too much into the design will just flatten it

Color Your Embossed Aluminum Foil

Foil Embossing With Stencils

Supplies

Aluminum foil

Paper stump

Stencil

Directions

1. Place the aluminum foil on top of the stencil
2. Secure with non stick tape
3. Rub with the paper stump until you see the design

More Foil Embossing Ideas

• DIY Antiqued Foil Monograms | Something to be Savored
  My parents still have this framed at their house. When I was 6, I did a DIY foil project, and I didn't even know it. I remember putting the thin copper foil over a stencil, and the teacher told us to rub every little nook until we could see the entir
• Moments of Tranquility... by Natasha Naranjo Aguirre: Embossed Foil Letters Tutorial
  Embossed foil letters make some interesting decor and titles for your scrapbook pages
• Embossed Metal Foil Tape By Becky Olsen - the CLASSroom
  I have been on a bit of an embossing kick, it is because I am enjoying those Tim Holtz Texture Fades so much. This project also uses a few more products that are unique that lend themselves to a luxurious,...
• How to Emboss with Aluminum Foil- Free Pattern!
  I love the look of 3 dimensional art and metal embossing is a fun way to come up with a unique project. This week, I took one of my older patterns, Holiday Partridge, and made her into a brilliant foil embossed piece of art. This easy DIY project is

Creating An Aluminum Foil Embossing With Yarn

There is a lot of detail with this project. No real tools are necessary. The first thing to consider is to find a picture or coloring page that has a lot of detail. There are many free images on the browser that you use. Just type in free adult coloring pages. When you find the image that you like, print in it black ink on medium-weight cardstock.

This is a nice project that you can do with a child. Just pick a simple picture as age appropriate.

Supplies

• 9" by12" medium to heavyweight cardstock
• 9" by 12" medium cardboard
• Heavy duty aluminum foil
• Printed image of your choice
• Glue Sticks
• White Glue
• Yarn
• Pencil eraser tip or embossing ball
• Permanent Markers

1. Print out the image of your choice
2. Center it on a piece of cardboard and use glue sticks to stick it down.
3. Chose one line on your image and trace the line with the white glue
4. Lay the yarn on the lines of glue
5. Cover the complete pattern of your image with the yarn
6. Allow to dry completly
7. Once the picture is dry, cut a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil slightly larger than the size of the picture.
8. Carefully cumble the aluminum foil in your habds several times.
9. Open the aluminum foil to its full size.
10. Cover the entire picture with a thin coat of white glue.
11. Cover the image with the alunimum foil
12. Press it down into the hills and valleys of the picture
13. Use a pencil eraser or a small ball embossing tool to press the foil into the glue.
14. Once the foil is placed the way you would like it, use the markers to color the valleys of the image
15. Allow the project to dry.

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© 2018 Linda F Correa