Embossing trials

I have been playing around with embossing techniques on aluminium drinks cans and some thin copper sheet. These are the results.

An Inca mask and name plates for my new sketch book

Aluminium drinks can 4 x 4 ins

Self Portrait 

Aluminium drinks can 4.5 x 7.5 ins

Y Ddraig Goch

(Welsh Dragon)

Copper Sheet 5.25 x 3.75 ins

The technique is really simple, just cut open a drinks can (the taller the better) using a pair of scissors. You should wear gloves at the stage as the metal can be quite sharp. I then use a paper cutter to give a nice straight square edge that wont cut you.

Find a nice design or photo and make a reverse copy (flip image horizontally if using a PC and then print) tape this to the back of the sheet and using an old ballpoint pen that doesn't work any more, simply trace the outlines on to the sheet. Where the ball point has been the metal will deform into a ridge, the harder you press the more defined the line....be careful though as you can tear through the thin metal. 

When all the outlines have been made remove the image and turn the metal over so that the front is uppermost. You will see lots of little lines sticking up from the sheet, trace round these from this side to further define the lines. 

For areas of high relief you can use a paper stump or piece of wood or even the pen top to push the metal bu rubbing on the back of the desired area, such as the legs on the Dragon.

You may need to go over some areas a few time till you get the desired effect, but take your time and keep going.