Embossed Foil Printing
Your embossing folders and embossing machine are a great resource for making and printing patterns using different media and methods. This technique uses packaging and aluminum foil which are embossed and then used as plates for printing. You can use a variety of media such as watercolors, kid markers and traditional ink. You can also print on a variety of papers or even fabric. Depending upon your choice of medium the results can be spontaneous or predictable.
You’ll just need some aluminum foil, some packaging material, any type of glue, an embossing machine and a few embossing folders. Just glue your foil to your packaging and emboss. If you don’t have an embossing machine or folders you can create a design using twine and glue by gluing the twine onto your packaging and then pressing your foil to reveal the raised texture. You can try foam stickers, lace, burlap or any material that might give a texture as you press the foil on top. You can also get some cool effects just using crumbled foil and water.
Many mediums will work with aluminum foil plates:
- variety of inks or water based mediums
- gouache
- acrylic
- alcohol ink
- powder infusions (Paper Artsy)
- alcohol markers
- kid markers
- watercolor markers
Generally if you can stamp with it you can print with it so try a variety of mediums. You can also use these for gelli plate printing to get myriads of effects by layering.
A very easy technique to get some fun papers that you can use for collage and many projects. Try printing on different background colors. You can also print on different papers like tissue paper, napkins, sticker paper or even fabric. If one paper doesn’t give the result you desire, try another. A very fun creative technique for artists of all ages.
Happy paper crafting!
