Using metal tooling foil involves creating designs by pressing into the soft metal, often for decorative crafting projects. One common method utilizes a cushion underneath the foil to facilitate the embossing process, followed by coloring and antiquing techniques.
Simple Embossing and Antiquing Technique
This technique allows you to create raised and recessed designs on the foil, adding color and depth. It's a straightforward process suitable for beginners.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following items:
- Metal tooling foil
- A piece of styrofoam (slightly larger than your foil piece)
- Ballpoint pen
- Permanent markers (like Sharpies)
- Black paint (acrylic or similar)
- Soft cloth or paper towel
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Metal Tooling Foil | The primary medium for your artwork |
| Styrofoam | Provides a soft cushion for embossing |
| Ballpoint Pen | Used to draw and indent the foil |
| Permanent Markers | Adds color to recessed areas |
| Black Paint | Creates an antique effect |
| Soft Cloth | Wiping off excess paint |
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to create your tooling foil art:
- Prepare Your Surface: Wrap a piece of metal tooling foil smoothly around a piece of styrofoam. The styrofoam acts as a crucial cushion, allowing the pen to press into the foil without tearing it and creating the desired embossed effect.
- Draw Your Design: With the foil placed over the styrofoam, use a ballpoint pen to draw your desired picture or pattern. Don't press excessively hard; moderate pressure is enough to create an indentation on the foil. The lines you draw will become the recessed areas on the front of your final piece.
- Flip and Color: Carefully take the foil off the styrofoam. Flip the foil over to see the raised design. Now, use permanent markers to color in the areas that are indented (the lines you drew on the other side). Leave the areas that are raised silver to make them stand out.
- Antique Your Piece: To give your tooling foil a finished, antique look, gently rub black paint over your entire drawing. The paint will settle into the recessed lines and textured areas.
- Wipe Off Excess: Using a soft cloth or paper towel, wipe off the excess black paint from the surface, particularly the raised areas. The paint will remain in the crevices, highlighting your design and adding contrast and depth.
This process results in a piece where the raised areas are the original silver foil, the indented areas are colored with marker, and the black paint settles into the lines and textures, creating an aged effect.
This method is just one way to explore the versatility of metal tooling foil in crafting and art projects.
