Art Of Embossing

One day workshop with Julie Williams

www.julieannwilliams.com.au

Thursday 8th January, 2026

Embossing is the art of shaping images so that they are raised above the surface of paper casting subtle shadows. Traditionally, embossing has always given an appearance and feeling of quality. In this workshop, you will discover the striking and delicate art of embossing and learn how to cut your own embosses from easy to intricate three dimensional designs, using both alphabetic and decorative elements. Enhance your work with delicate colouring and decorative effects to create stunning designs which can be used again and again in your calligraphy and paper projects.

MATERIALS: Please bring the following materials with you:

Small (approx. 1.8mm – 2mm) and/or medium tipped (approx. 2.4mm - 3mm) embossing tool,a double tipped tool with both a small and medium tip are the most versatile.
The equivalent of, or 1 full sheet (approx. 50cm x 70cm ) of 180gsm – 250gsm paper suitable for hand embossing. White or cream coloured paper works best.
Generally most printmaking papers ( e.g. BFK Rives 250gsm, Fabriano Rosapina 220gsm, Stonehenge 250gsm, Arches ‘Velin’ 200gsm or 250gsm etc) and most handmade papers are soft enough to be embossed without tearing. Canson Mi-tientes may also be an alternative, but is slightly lighter in weight at 160gsm, and more care is need to prevent tearing. If you have at home some small leftover offcuts of watercolour paper e.g. Saunders or Arches etc. (190gsm – 300gsm), you might like to also bring along to use for wet embossing. If you have any handmade papers at home you’d like to try out, bring those along too.
Cereal boxes (coated cardboard is best, will last longer) or alternatively thin pieces of cardboard about the thickness of a cereal box.
Small SHARP cutting scalpel blades and suitable holder for the blade. “Swann Morten” No. 11 pointed blades are the best, bring a few to maintain sharpness. No’s 10 or 15 can also be used, these blades are curved and may be easier to use to cut out curves. You could use a small retractable and snap off type craft blade, but these are more tricky to cut curves with.
Approx. 2 x sheets of A3 tracing paper OR white non-stick baking paper or greaseproof paper from your kitchen.
Low tack painters masking tape
Cutting mat (A4 or A3)
Pencil, eraser, small quantity of layout/photocopy paper for pencilling/lettering your ideas. If you’d like to emboss your calligraphy, bring along a written-out word, or your nibs, ink etc to write your word/s in class. Keep word count to 1 or 2 for workshop.
Glue stick, (UHU brand is best).
Small lightbox or lightpad if you have one (otherwise we can use a window)
3 x Watercolour or coloured pencils if you have them. Please do not buy these especially for the workshop…Julie will have some you can borrow for the day.
Clean hand towel or a clean dry sponge or blotting paper