(pronounced gah-FRAHJ)

This is a fancy term for embossing or emulating a type of relief design. But on what and how, you ask? Pretty much anything: textiles (like on downy mohair or heavy velvet), leather, paper, metal, and plastics. The process is quite ancient, but it’s used often today. The impression of the design is usually transferred via an engraved roller under high heat and low pressure. Then, depending on the desired effect, the material might be have applications of a variety of finishes applied to it. The result is a beautifully crafted material with three-dimensional texture.

See also: relief