Brayer-Embossed Foil Mirror

Figure B

Steps:

1. Cut desired words or shapes using QuicKutz or punches from scrap card stock.

2. Lay paper pieces on wood frame. Apply glue stick to wood and secure punched pieces.

Figure C

3. Create template for frame using card stock. Place edge of frame on card stock and trace with pen. Cut card stock to fit length of frame, and score along opposite width edge with bone folder. Fold edge.

Figure F

4. Place on frame and use ruler to trace diagonal edge on card stock and cut out template. Note: You might have to cut this template in half to fit the tape size.

5. Trace template on the paper backing of the flashing tape. Repeat for additional number of sides and pieces.

Figure H

6. Cut out tape pieces with non-stick scissors. Remove backing from tape and place along edge of frame. Using your hands, smooth tape to cover area.

Figure I

7. Using mini rubber brayer, roll over the top of the foil tape. Be sure to go in all directions to reveal the punched card stock images through the tape. There you go — embossing without a stylus.

8. Repeat for remaining pieces of tape until your mirror frame is covered. Be sure to brayer all sides very well.

Figure J

9. Apply hook side of hook-and-loop tape to wood handle of old stamp (remove any rubber from the stamp). Cut pieces of felt to fit hooked surface.

10. Place felt on hook (this will act as your stamp pad).Apply alcohol inks to felt and stamp repeatedly on foiled surface of frame.

Figure L

11. Be sure to continue to add more inks and colors to the felt as the alcohol-based inks dry quickly in the nonporous surface. You may decide to change the felt pieces for different colors to avoid getting the colors muddy.

12. Repeat until desired look is achieved. Note: You can add dots of color by stamping the inks on the foil and immediately heating them with the heat tool to dry — great look.

Figure M

13. Once the alcohol inks are applied and dry, remove the lid from the permanent Archival ink pad and rub directly on the raised surfaces you would like to remove the color from. The solvent in the Archival ink removes the alcohol colored inks.

14. Immediately wipe the inked areas with a cloth to reveal the silver foil color and to allow your images to pop!

Tips:

Try using different color palettes to create numerous colors combinations.

Also use punches, stencils, brass templates or hand-cut artwork on your card stock pieces to emboss.

Reveal only parts of your embossed images with the Archival ink; leave some of the images embossed and colored with the alcohol inks.