The art of scrapbooking has evolved over the years, and now thinking out-of-the-box has become the norm. That is where the foiling technique comes into play. This technique adds a whole new dimension to your scrapbook pages along with a bright new look.

For the foiling technique, you can either use aluminum foil sheets or aluminum foil tape. Aluminum foil tape is a basic, pressure sensitive tape, but it is specifically designed for metal, auto and aluminum repair.

The roll actually looks like a really thick roll of aluminum foil. The best part of aluminum foil tape is that it already has an adhesive side, so no glue is needed, just align the design template to where you want it and attach it, covered with the foil tape, to a piece of black cardstock.

The tape having metal characteristics lends itself perfectly to dry embossing. Unfortunately the thickness of the tape combined with the backing make it nearly impossible to use a light box.

However, embossing projects can still be completed. All you need to do is “feel” around the template with a stylus and apply more pressure once a groove is found. You can also “distress” your aluminum foil.

Use the same embossing technique as above, whether writing a word or using a template, and then fill in the grooves with a black pigment ink.

Use an old rag or paper towel to wipe away the excess ink. This should leave some black around the embossed image, making it stand out more. Next, sand the edges of the tape. Do not sand directly over the embossed image. Different effects can be achieved by sanding in different directions.

Apply another layer of ink, and wipe away. This part of the process can be repeated as few or as many times as it takes to get the desired look.

To create a photo frame using the foil tape, simply cut a piece of tape the length of the photo and then cut the tape in half length-wise. For instance, if the photo is 6″ long, cut a piece that length, and then cut it lengthwise so you have 1″ wide strips.

Place half the width of one strip along the edge of the photo and fold the other half around to the back. Repeat this on the other side of the photo. Repeat these steps with a piece of tape cut to the width of the photo and attach to the top and bottom of the picture.

The result should be a four-sided metal frame.