There was a really good thread on this topic several months ago--searched--several times and can't find it.
Any way an SCS'r had a great tip to emboss the design onto vellum first. Then sandwich the cs between the vellum and template and emboss away.
I also discovered that some of the dark cs can be embossed in the dark. Turn on the light table, turn off the lights in the room. You can then see some light through it.
Annette
http://stamponthis.com