Embossed Enamel Leaf

Learn how to create a leaf embellishment.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Stamp and cut out leaf image, snipping off the stem. The image for this tutorial was stamped on the backside of the watercolor paper to eliminate thick outlines on the finished product.

   

2. Step 2

   Mist front of leaf until paper is quite wet. Curling is normal and desirable. Additional shaping of the leaf can be done at this stage.
   
   Hint:
   For a more rustic look, submerge leaf in water and crinkle / un-crinkle.

   

3. Step 3

   Apply re-inker, building color gradually -- a little color goes a long way.

   

4. Step 4

   After the paper has dried completely (a heat tool was used here to speed up drying time and help curl the paper into a more leaf-like shape), assorted background stamps can be used to add interest and depth. Leaf veins could also be penciled in.
   
   Hint:
   For a more polished look, skip using background stamps.
   
   Drying Tip: For more curl, dry from the painted side only. For less curl, dry from backside also.

   

5. Step 5

   Press painted side of leaf onto the surface of an embossing ink pad, taking care to achieve full coverage, and sprinkle with a generous amount of clear UTEE. Be sure to work over something that will collect excess UTEE so it can put back into the container.

   

6. Step 6

   On a heat-resistant surface, completely melt the enamel with a heat tool until it becomes liquefied and shiny. Be cautious as the enamel and paper can become scorched. (So can fingers!) Immediately apply another coat of UTEE and heat again.

   

7. Step 7

   Once leaf has cooled completely, draw around the edge with a gold leafing pen and wrap with gold beading wire. Be sure to leave about 1.5 inches of wire at the bottom for the stem. After wrapping the leaf three or four times, bring the two wire pieces together at the bottom and twist to fashion a stem.

   

8. Step 8

   Use the finished leaf on your project.

   

Video!

Variations

1. Use dies instead of stamping and hand cutting your image and try other shapes then leaves.

   

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Embossed Enamel Leaf. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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