Here are some great ideas and general tips and tricks to help you get started in embossing. Use these steps to learn how to create cards, bookmarks, scrapbook pages, picture frames, gift tags, and more. Click on each image to see a larger version. Have fun!

Collect the tools you will need including: masking or scotch tape, a ruler or the Align-a-card mat, scissors, embossing tool, and your assorted Lasting Impressions printed patterned papers and templates. In addition you may also want to have glue, double-sided tape, markers, pencils, twine, ribbon, glitter, and other embellishments.

To start place the template you have selected on the lightbox and tape it firmly in place along the edges.

Depending on whether you want an embossed (ridges stand out) or a debossed (ridges are pressed in) card, place the paper on top of the template and align the design to the position you want it on the card. You can use a ruler or the Align-a-Card mat.

Plan your design in advance.You can emboss individual designs on different pieces of paper to cut out and tape or glue together to form your card, or you can add a single template design to each card.

Using the embossing tool press the paper into the ridges in the brass template design. Go over the design a couple of times until the design has been pressed into the paper.

Tip: you can rub waxed paper over the surface of the paper you would like to emboss for a smoother flow of the emboss tool.

1. Use our color coordinating printed patterned papers in the same color, but different patterns for a new look.

2. Vellum Paper is great for embossing the wings of a bumble bee or dragonfly. Add thin wire to create a whimsical antenna.

3. Try folding cards differently, or cutting the card the shape of the template.

4. When paper piecing, it is easiest to leave small pieces, such as leaves, connected when cutting them out. Then mount flowers onto connecting leaves. Use mounting tape when assembling to add more dimension.

5. Embossing on dark paper is easiest when using our printed patterned paper. This paper has been specifically designed with one side white which allows you to see through the paper when embossing. The white side also works great for printing or writing a note.

6. To avoid printed patterned paper from cracking while embossing (particularly important when using darker colors), emboss the item several times applying less pressure.
7. Place the paper right side down over the template (you are working on the back side of the paper)

8. To make embossing easier, rub waxed paper over the area to be embossed.

9. For a finishing touch on any project add a bow made of rafia, jute or ribbon. Glitter adds a nice touch. Wiggle eyes, buttons, moss, evergreen branches, twigs, etc., give cards personality.