Mixology 101.5

Mixology 101

Mixology 101.5

This series of pop-up posts will focus on sharing ways in which I combine hand made art with commercial products. Since becoming a blogger for Spellbinders in 2013, I have had the opportunity to explore many supplies coming from the craft industry and to learn how to put my own twist on them as I add them into my artwork. The posts in this series may focus on completed art, process, product, and/or any other aspect of mixed media. So put the mix in the media and let's get creative...

DIY Letterpress Printing

Letterpress Printing, a process developed in the 15th century, is a form of relief printing where inked text or designs are deeply impressed into paper. The letterpress process traditionally uses a letterpress machine and wood or metal type - making it largely inaccessible as a DIY for most people. 

 But did you know that you can use embossing folders and a die cutting machine to create the look?

To demonstrate this technique, I am using the Spellbinders Basket Weave 3D M-Bossabilities Folder.

Using a piece of cardstock, I ran the folder through Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die Cutting & Embossing Machine and ended up with a deeply etched design, as you can see from the image of the embossed cardstock below. 

I wish you were able to run your fingers over the surface to really see how dimensional the paper has become.

In order to letterpress, you simply need to rub the surface of an inkpad across the raised side of the double-sided embossing folder before you insert your paper and run it through your machine. I have found that pigment ink works best, as it remains wet for quite some time on the slick surface of the folder. For this demo, I used the Teal Zeal Memento Luxe pigment ink from Imagine Crafts.

The ink sits in the grooves while the surface remains the original color of the paper.

Here is another example using Spellbinders Noble Rook 3D M-Bossabilities Folder.

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Spellbinders has generously provided my blog readers with a special code to use between now and 9/19 that will enable you to buy one embossing folder and to get another one free. Click here to and enter the code SETHEMBOSS.