Equipment -
Masking Tape
Scalpel
Lightbox or window
Paper 140-200gsm at least
Tin Foil
Stylus or the end of a paintbrush/anything small and cylindrical
Methodology -
Draw or print out the desired design, once drawn or printed being to carve out the sections of your design you wish to be raised from the surface.
Use masking tape to secure your stencil to your light box or window. If you are using the latter, be sure to do this during the day time. Stencils with deeper grooves tend to work more affectively, the thicker the paper the deeper the groove. If you want a more dramatic embossing, opt for a paper with a higher gsm. The side of the stencil you see facing up should be the reverse of what you want to see on your finished design.
Position your foil over your stencil and tape the corners. When working with the foil you need to be firm but delicate, enjoy the process. Do not rush as you may risk tearing the surface of the foil. Rubbing wax paper over your foiled surface may aid your stylus/ paintbrush end in gliding easier.
Trace around the edges of your stencil using your stylus. Press firmly, but be careful not to tear your foil.
Lift your foil off your stencil and admire your work.
As you can see through the images and video attached, I opted for a lower gsm grade of paper as to create a more delicate embossing aboard the foil. I wanted to do this as a means of comparison to another technique I will be venturing onto in the future. Though the embossing is quite minimal, I find the gentle display of patterning to be organic against the crumpled texture of the foil.
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