The Process

The process begins with a drawing from Chong, which he transfers photographically to 1/4" brass magnesium or steel plate. Using self made metal carving chisels and engraving tools, he carves the design in reverse into the plate.

He then makes a casting from the plate in fiberglass producing a positive fiberglass plate. Next, he removes the background areas from the metal plate using a free hand milling machine; to a 1/8" depth.

This is necessary for the color application.  Judi attaches the positive and the negative plates opposite each other to their 1929 modified platen press. The metal plate is heated (200 - 400 F) and the paper is pressed between the positive and negative plates.

Color (transparent, opaque, metallic or holographic) has been mixed with wax & sprayed onto a Mylar sheet.  This is placed wax-side down on the paper. The heat from the plate melts the wax (only in areas which have not been milled) and transfers the color to the paper.

Since each color in the finished product required a set of plates, registration is very important.  Often the workpiece is embossed many times to achieve the desired result. Their craft is one that does not lend itself to automation...

Chong and Judi have experimented and developed their special techniques of embossing their cards and framed art. Their sensitivity to the world around them produces wonderful pieces from the ordinary.