Have you ever tried to dry emboss dark colored card stock using a light table? It is almost impossible to see through it! Luckily there are a few options that you can use to successfully dry emboss on darker colors.
One technique is to stamp an image.
You want to select a detail image that will look good even if you don't get all the details just right.
Images such as swirls or flowers are a good choice.
Lay the card stock on a foam pad with the stamped image side up and cover with wax paper.
This will allow your stylus to glide smoothly and avoid tearing.
Trace over the image with a stylus.
Turn the stamped image over and sand the raised image gently with a sanding block to make the image stand out more.
Instead of sanding, you could also sponge a darker color of ink lightly over the raised image.
Another technique is to use an Empressor Stylus, which has 2 roller ball ends that glide easily over your card stock.
This type of stylus was designed to work without a light box.
To dry emboss, simply lay your card stock over a stencil and roll the Empressor Stylus over the back.
This technique will work well with both plastic and brass stencils giving you a nice even dry embossed look.
A third technique is to use an embossing folder with a die-cutting machine.
Embossing folders come in a variety of designs and textures.
Simply place your card stock in the folder and run through the die-cutting machine following the manufacturer's instructions.