What are metal stencils used for?

Uses for metal stencils include dry embossing of card stock, and engraving using a tool such as the Dremel engraver. The engraver marks glass, polyvinyl chloride, wood, ceramic and metal. Marks provide decoration or identification for the objects.

Dry embossing works with all colors of paper but is particularly effective on dark colors. Crafters place the brass stencil on a lightbox and then paper over it. They apply masking tape to hold everything in place. They press the paper with a stylus and create a raised pattern on the opposite side of the sheet. The technique works well with thicker paper, such as card stock or vellum, but lightweight paper is likely to tear.