I still think it could be the emboss effect but the example you posted is not a very well defined object in the first place, or has been blurred after embossing. Here's the excerpt from the manual. Hopefully the image will post OK!
You can use the Emboss Live Filter to make an image, object, or text appear inset into or raised from the canvas.
An object, with Inset Emboss, and with Raised Emboss
To apply an Emboss filter:
1. Click the Add Live Filters button in the Property inspector, then select an emboss option from the pop-up menu:
* Bevel and Emboss > Inset Emboss.
* Bevel and Emboss > Raised Emboss.
2. Edit the filter settings in the pop-up window.
If you want the original object to appear in the embossed area, select Show Object.
3. When you finish, click outside the window or press Enter to close it.
In a proper graphics editor you can change the slope for better control eg, mesa, sharp, rounded. That's the best I can do to assist.
Starman*