Miranda Dyson, Children’s Education Associate
Adding texture to paper can be accomplished through cutting, tearing, papier-mâché, and more! Today we’re going to experiment with a paper impression technique called embossing. Looking to the embossed work of artist Marvin Lipofsky, on display now through June 7th, we see an example of embossing with flowing, organic shapes. A previous FWMoA post discussing gauffrage walks through the specifics of embossing, and the process of pressing forms into paper to make a raised or imbedded impression on paper. This is done without layering any additional materials on top of the paper’s surface.
Using a hard surface, like wood or linoleum, artists carve the image they want to be impressed into paper. This image could be blocks of space or linework. Layering the paper on top of this carved image and applying even pressure, through a printing press or hand tools, creates the change in surface depth and reveals the image. Technically, if you can feel the ridges made by firmly pressing a pen into paper, you are feeling the lines that you have “embossed”.
This subtle yet impactful addition of texture and shadow creates depth and interest. In another FWMoA post titled, Emboss & Embellish, we can see the range of embossing from fine art to signatures and logos. A current gift for book lovers is a personal embosser with the owner’s name engraved used to press into the flyleaf page, or soft cover to identify the books in their library.
This process is often done with a printing press or die-cut machine to apply high amounts of pressure, creating the impression. Some smaller do-it-yourself kits allow you to do this process with materials small enough to be kept on a countertop. Today, we’ll experiment with imitating this process with materials and tools you may have laying around!
You will need:
- Cardboard
- Marker
- Construction paper
- X-acto knife/box cutter
- Spray bottle with water
- Rounded handles
Optional:
- Spoon
- Hole punch
Start by sketching a shape onto your cardboard. I picked a smiley face with rectangular eyes because small curves are more challenging to cut out.
CAREFULLY cut out the shape you drew. I started by removing the top layer of cardboard, then going back to remove the ribbing. You’ve created your image mold!
Pick your paper and spray evenly with the water. Lay your paper over the cut out and gently press into the edges of your mold with your fingers to find the initial shape. Since your paper is more fragile at this point, work very slowly.
Use one of your tools–I’m using a wooden handle–to press into the edges of your embossing cut out for a more precise shape.
Leave your work to dry, not touching it so that it holds its shape. Now you have your own embossed piece! Try this with different designs, colors of paper, and on different surfaces, like greeting cards.
To see examples of embossing up close, visit the FWMoA exhibit, Experiments in form: Glass and Paper Works of Marvin Lipofsky until June 7, 2026.