I mentioned that my husband was promoted recently and in the aftermath of our celebration (it doesn’t happen too often in the military-it’s a big deal!) he realized he was out of thank you cards. Now I got started in blogging years ago when I used to scrapbook and stamp as a hobby so I’ve always made his notecards. Since I was going to be replenishing his stock I decided to share how I make them-it’s easy and I love the handmade, personalized look they have. Embossed notecards also make great DIY gifts as well!
Supplies (some affiliate links)
- Blank Notecards-look for a smooth surface and heavier weight paper
- Stamp of your choice-I have an alphabet set so I can make gifts for anyone
- Embossing stamp pad
- Embossing powder
- Heat tool
Use the embossing pad and stamp to place your design on the paper. My favorite embossing ink pad is Versamark which is clear, but I bought a tinted version to show you better in this tutorial.
Be careful if your stamp has edges that you don’t push down too far and get this:
Sprinkle the embossing powder over your stamped area.
Tap off the excess and return to the container-this stuff lasts forever if you’re careful to put the excess back in the bottle! I think I’ve had one vial for literally 6 years! You’ll see that powder has stuck to the embossing ink. Be sure there is no stray embossing powder on your paper before moving on-you can use a small paintbrush to brush extra off the paper if needed. (You can see I had stray powder in the picture below-I brushed it off after I took the pic!)
Next is my favorite part. Fire up the heat gun and aim it at the powder-it literally melts and takes on a gilded look right before your eyes! (You might need to click on it to view it larger to see better-I forgot to film it sideways!)
I hope you like this easy DIY!
captainalister says
Awesome idea! Can’t wait to try it out…
Annette says
What a super Idea.. But can I just point out that If you wipe your card down first with an Anti-static bag it prevents the embossing powder from sticking to where it shouldnt.. A dried out Drier sheet works the same as a anti-static bag… Plus keep moving your heat gun in circular motions to save it over heating the powder
By the way My husband is now a Ex-serviceman over here in England he prefers to call himself that than a Veteran.. .. Hope your moving close by to me Then we could share a cup of tea or coffee and Bounce creative ideas around between us he he…
Melissa says
great tip Annette! We’ll be over on your side of the pond in just a few weeks, I have a feeling I’ll have a lot to learn about tea once I get there, I usually drink mine iced!
Chrissy says
Melissa, love this idea, Hun.
PLEASE tell your Husband ‘Congratulations’ on his promotion and ‘THANK YOU’ to you, your Husband and Children for your Service ‘ULTIMATE RESPECT’ to each and every one of you. Hope you all enjoy your posting to England.!
Melissa says
Thanks so much Chrissy!!
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Lindsey says
I love this idea! I’ve been shelling out a fortune on individualized note cards and stationary in the past year. Funny enough I did this all the time as a kid because my mother really enjoyed stamping and had all the embossing equipment a girl could dream of! I’ll have to get her to ship me a few things and start up the practice myself.
Melissa says
Let me know how it goes Lindsey-I used to do stamping as a hobby too and kept the supplies for embossing even after I gave it up because I love the embossed cards so much!
Patty says
Melissa I didn’t read your bio and I didn’t realize you were married to someone in the Armed Services. Thank you for your service because I think it is just as hard on the family as it is on the soldier. Also please tell your husband I said thank you for his service. I appreciate all you both do.
Melissa says
Thanks so much Patty-it definitely is a full family affair, I’m realizing that a lot lately as much children are getting a little older and I see it effect them-but it’s also a calling, I really think some people are just meant to serve and my husband is definitely one of them! Take care! ~Melissa