I saw the letterpress kit being demoed on Youtube videos and found that interesting. Though I did not purchase the kit, I decided to test if other methods could be used to create similar effects. The letterpress kits produce indentations on the front of the special papers used for that effect and leave the back of the paper flat. I was able to achieve something of that effect by using really thick and heavyweight watercolour paper. If possible, I would test using cotton paper that are meant specially for letterpresses.
The first photo shows dry embossing done using plastic embossing folders by Cuttlebug. The paper I used was 300gsm watercolour paper. It is really thick and sturdy and shows the embossing very well. Using paper that is too thin my tear the paper if the embossing is very deep.
There are several tutorials online showing how inking these embossing folders can produce different effects. I inked up using a multi-coloured dye ink pad ‘Kaleidacolor’ Autumn leaves set. I inked up the two surfaces separately and ended up with the following results:
The colours look grainy as I used textured paper. In order to ink up the folder surfaces evenly, I would recommend using a soft rubber brayer. That would ensure the inking of the folders is even with no streaks.
To achieve this effect, ink either side of the folders, depending on whether you would like the popped up images or have a coloured background. Using the Epic 6, the following sandwich is to be used: Starting from the bottom – embossing platform, paper in embossing folder, cutting pad.
Using thicker paper, letterpress can be achieved if the paper is not sandwiched between the folders. If the paper is directly placed on top of one side of the folder and leave the folder open, then place the cutting pad with several sheets of paper before going through the rollers.
The next tests were done using brass embossing templates. I used the ones from Spellbinders called Impressibilities. I believe other brands of brass stenciling templates can also be used. The letterpress effect is more pronounced using brass templates.
The photo below shows the brass template used on 300gsm watercolour paper with no inking.
The next photo shows the same template inked using an oil-based ink Versafine in Crimson Red. I think a thicker ink works better on both plastic and brass surfaces as it ensures that the ink coverage is even and complete.
Close-up look at the letterpress effects:
You can observe the indented look of the inked portions.
To achieve this effect, you will need an extra flexible cutting pad or a rubber mat as the brass stencils are much thinner than the plastic embossing folders. The sandwich for Epic 6 is as follows: From the bottom – embossing platform, brass stencil, paper, rubber mat, cutting pad.
The last test I did was to create my own template. I would like to test making my own template with die-cuts. I used the alphabet dies from the Santa’s Workshop die set by Quickutz to create the Craft Atelier title. I used a medium weight paper for the die cutting. It was basically scrap paper so there are multi colours on the letters. To create my own template, I adhered the letters onto a sheet of blank paper. This is the template I created:
Because I stuck the letters the right side up, the embossed effect would be having the letters popped up from the sheet of paper. This is somewhat like reversed letterpress. I used 3 types of paper to complete the test. The first type that produced the deepest impression is glossy art paper. The paper is flexible and allows a deep impression to be made.
The second piece was done on cartridge paper that is 200gsm in weight. The image is still fairly sharp.
The last piece shows the shallowest impression as the paper is really thick. I used 300gsm watercolour paper.
The sandwich I used for this is the same as the one I used for the brass stencils. I think the impressions may be deeper if a few sheets of paper is used to act as shim.
I did not have other materials on hand to test this technique. I believe transparency sheets will leave even deeper impressions in the thicker paper. If possible, I may even test using thin metal sheets like several sheets of aluminium foil together. Do look out for the next round of results of my tests =)
No comments yet.