Mercart USA began in Mexico in 1970 with a dream to develop the unique, fine and centuries’ old art of metal embossing. Once the company was well established with its metal embossing tools and expertise in Mexico and Latin America, Magdalena Muldoon formed Mercart, USA bringing the unique craft to the United States. Since that time Magdalena has become renown for her metal embossing artistry and knowledge.

Magdalena was recently featured in Page Sage's "Art Unscripted" DVD hosted by Carol Duvall. In it Magdalena shares her step-by-step techniques to achieve her phenomenal metal embossing art pieces. It is inspiring to watch and I was very excited to have the opportunity to talk to Magdalena further.

How did you get started with metal embossing?
“My mother opened Mercart, her Arts & Crafts business in Mexico City in 1970. Since I remember, I grew up seeing her doing some kind of art: leather, gilding or marquetry. She introduced the traditional Metal Embossing technique from Europe around 1992 and was the first to offer the tools, metals and classes in Mexico (expanding later to the rest of Latin America). I was intrigued by this art and I was very fortunate to learn it from the best teachers in Mercart.”

Can you describe your creative process?
“I’m always looking at things and forms that can be embossed in metal. It can be the design of the carpet in a hotel hallway, or the border of an antique piece of furniture or some ancient Persian or Celtic patterns. My kids make fun of me as I think most everything is “embossable.” I’m also looking all the time for surfaces that can be used with my metal work (small books, light switch plates, boxes, frames, scrapbook pages, mirrors, etc………the possibilities are endless).”

Do you have a favorite technique?
“I love the 3 main techniques (outlining, regular embossing and flat technique) and I usually mix them all in my work.”

You had a book published in 2006 entitled "Metal Embossing Workshop" that includes beautiful close up photos and instructions and has been given high praise. Is this a good place for someone who wants to learn about metal embossing to start?
“I have heard many comments that it is the “Bible” for metal embossing (I’m thankful and flattered by those great reviews). Many people have told me that they actually learned the technique just by following my book’s instructions.”

Do you have any other books in the works?
“I’m working on new projects using different media and I hope they will be in a new book.”

I hear you have a video that will be released soon. Can you share a bit about it and when it will be released?
“It will be released in the Fall. I had a great time filming it. Page Sage and I tried to make it the most complete and professional video ever on Metal Embossing. It has lots of ideas, projects and tips.”

How can scrapbookers incorporate metal embossing in their pages?
“They can use metal to make the cover of their album (a nice medallion with their initials or the title is one idea). They can make corners for some special pictures, labels and monograms, and of course, borders of all sorts using any of the 18 decorative wheels or backgrounds with the stamping tools.”

What tools do you recommend for someone new to metal embossing?
“For the “embossing” part you actually need just a few tools: Teflon tool D-01, Refiner, paper stump #4 or #5, Double ball, Cup and Ball #3 and #5. You will also need a piece of suede, which is the soft surface needed to “push” the metal from the back to give it the dimension you want, and of course: Metal! (My favorite is the Pewter as it is the softest and most malleable metal).” “You can add the Star Wheel to create some textures and small borders (it creates a row of fine dots). I suggest getting a few decorative wheels and the “4 Needles” tool to add more variety to your work.”

Mercart proudly manufactures a complete line of professional tools in Mexico using high-quality polished metal handles and the finest materials for the tips: brass and Teflon. The complete line of tools as well as a selection of laminated metals, varnishes, books and magazines and more is available for purchase on the Mercart website (http://www.mercartusa.com). There is also an idea gallery that is guaranteed to inspire. Additionally, intensive two day monthly workshops are also offered at their Irving, TX facilities or can be arranged elsewhere within the United States.

Magdalena, thank you for sharing your time and talent with us. It has been a pleasure learning from you.

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See Mercart USA work in our gallery.

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