Tools & Techniques for Decorative Embossing:
There are various “decorative” effects you can use in paper sculpture. Interesting effects are generated when pastel is then added on top of these embossed areas (post on adding opaque color).
After I had selected these two pieces to work through in these posts, I realized that they were fairly large consistent pieces that would not employ much decorative effects. I've included some othe recent pieces, therefore, to demonstrate other decorative effects.
Some are (not an exhaustive list!)
Decorative Scoring (as opposed to shaping scoring): deliberately, either to add a pattern, or randomly (as in fur) to add texture.
Decorative embossing – The possibilities here are endless.
Poking: Going from either behind or on top of the paper sculpture to add a pattern of raised/indented circles. The different sizes of small paper tools are very useful for this effect. Varying pressure can also add variable depth of embossing. A straight pin can also be used, if the paper is pierced through.
NOTE: be careful because it’s easy to inadvertently poke through, especially with the foam core behind.
Edge Indentation:
You can also add some decoration/definition on the edge of your piece by creating indentations with your thumbnail. This can emphasize important interior lines. You can see in the above Llama image the indentations on the edge.