Texture Plates: What Are They and How Do You Use Them?

Dry embossing is a scrapbooking technique utilizing a light table, a stencil and a stylus. When tracing the image on the stencil with a stylus you create a raised image on the paper that can then be accented with chalk, sandpaper, and ink.

Dry embossing can add definition and visual impact to any scrapbooking page. Embossing an image is not difficult and will take minimal time. However, if you are wanting a repeat image over a large space, you may want to invest in texture plates. They are double sided plates that have a repeat image that you can use for embossing large spaces.

How to use texture plates

-Choose the image you want to create. In the photos, I used a dogs paw print pattern.

-Place the piece of cardstock over the texture plate. Consider using a masking tape to keep the paper in place.

-Using the stylus tool, rub over the top of the page in circles making sure to be as thorough as possible. Apply sufficient pressure to create the raised image.

-When the desired effect has been completed, remove the tape and the page to view the final product.

Now, you have a very basic embossed image using a texture plate. You can use the piece as it stands now or you can use other techniques to make the image more dramatic or more subtle.

Use scrapbooking chalk to create a subtle definition on the raised image. Remember that less is always more. If you make a mistake use a chalk eraser to remove it and start again. Experiment with different types of chalk applicators. Even though the chalk came with a foam applicator, you may consider using cotton balls or q-tips for different effects.

If you want a more dramatic effect, make sure the paper you used to emboss is a white core paper. Then lightly sand over the raised image with a piece of sandpaper. This will remove some of the color and make for a more dramatic result.

If you don't have chalk or sandpaper, you could consider using ink. Lightly rub the ink pad over the raised image to apply color.

One technique you could use is to emboss your photographs. For photos with water in them, consider using the wavy side of the texture plate to emboss parts of the photo. Remember you should never emboss on the original photo. Always keep the original in a safe place.