to remove individual sheets from pad 10 die depths in the sub micron range produce aesthetically pleasing patterns especially when used in conjunction with a foil 32 as described in more detail below preferably the die 30 will be applied to side 16 a using controlled force such as a mechanical press pneumatic press hydraulic press electric press or other similar device in addition to selecting a die 30 having a proper depth it also is possible to select the length of the press stroke to control the depth of the debossed image produced by the die 30 according to the present invention die 30 is pressed against pad 10 under controlled conditions of temperature pressure depth and humidity a three dimensional design 18 according to the present invention is produced in a pad 10 having typical moisture content of 4 6 by forcing a heated die 30 against side 16 a preferably die 30 is heated to a temperature of at least 250 u00b0 f and preferable a temperature between 285 u00b0 and 400 u00b0 f typically the die 30 should be applied to side 16 a for a dwell time of 1 to 5 seconds but the dwell time can be varied inversely with the temperature of the die 30 for example similar results can be achieved with a dwell time of 3 seconds at 285 u00b0 when compared with a dwell time of 1 second at 400 u00b0 f higher die 30 temperatures increase the rate of debossing but also increase the risk that paper fibers at the edges of adjacent sheets will felt together and prevent easy removal of single sheets from the paper pad 10.