How to Make Light Box Designs
- 1). Set up a light box from the local craft store. It should have well-distributed lighting, with either a slanted top for comfort or a cover that can be tilted for other users. Turn on the light box. The light from the box will shine up through the stencil.
- 2). Select a stencil. Stencils have cut-away sections that form what is essentially a negative image. The template creates an impression of the stenciled image, leaving a replica of the stencil. Stencils may be may be brass, cardboard or plastic.
- 3). Secure the stencil to the center of a light box. Use pieces of masking tape to hold it in place. The side of the stencil facing up should be the reverse of the finished design. This is especially noteworthy with lettering.
- 4). Secure a blank greeting card. Place the card's face over the stencil, positioning it as desired. Tape the corners with masking tape. Use low tack masking tape. Test the tape to make sure it removes easily. To reduce regular masking tape's tackiness, tap clothing a few times. Lint from the clothing will prevent damage to the paper.
- 5). Hold the stylus like a pencil. A stylus is a pencil-shaped design tool sometimes called a burnisher. Each end has a sphere of a different size. Use the end that best fits. To help a stylus glide smoothly and reduce tears, rub wax paper over the card's surface or rub the stylus on waxed paper.
- 6). Press the dry embossing tool gently on the card where the cutout section is. Carefully trace around the inside edge of the stencil. Run the stylus just along the edge. Press firmly but not firm enough to tear the paper. The traced design will automatically rise. Tracing causes the paper fibers to stretch achieving an elegant embossed effect.
- 7). Lift the card off the light source when complete. Turn the card over and examine the raised design. Leave the embossed design as it is or color and embellish. Paint with acrylics or dust with chalk. Dry emboss a border around cards, or emboss just one aspect of the card for a focal point that pops.
