Dry embossing - Right as Rain

Exploring Embossing Folders for Card Backgrounds

Hello! Today, I am taking a deep dive into the use of embossing folders for card backgrounds, specifically as a design element that complements the focal image and sentiment. Embossing folders come in a wide variety of designs, ranging from simple geometric patterns to floral motifs and everything in between. This post continues my discussion of card background options. You can read the first post, where I examined paper-based background choices, HERE.

Throughout this post, I’ll be using cards from my blog archive as examples. Click on the card image to be taken to the original post. It’s important to note that while the specific products used on these cards may no longer be available, the focus here is on providing a guide for evaluating embossing folders.

Geometric Embossing folders with geometric patterns, such as dots and stripes tend to be highly versatile. These patterns work well with various themes and styles.

Texture Some embossing folders add texture to the paper without a specific motif. These folders are exceptionally versatile because they don’t impose a theme or image on the project.

Woven An embossed background with a woven texture adds a charming touch to your cards that suits many occasions and styles.

Knit A cable knit embossing folder can add a touch of coziness and winter charm to a card.

Woodgrain A woodgrain embossed background can bring a natural and rustic touch to your design.

Botanical An embossing folder with a botanical motif works well for a nature-inspired card and brings a sense of serenity.

Scene-Building Embossing folders featuring bricks, waves, snow, or stars can provide foundational texture for scenes.

Considerations and Limitations Embossing folders present limitations in terms of size and orientation, which can impact their suitability for specific card designs. For example, a 4 1/4-inch wide by 5 1/2-inch tall folder with a pattern oriented from top to bottom (such as rainfall) would not work on a landscape-oriented scene. Furthermore, the choice of an embossing folder background is largely limited to the color of the cardstock, unless an inked or color blocked cardstock panel is used.

Insights As I revisited the cards I’ve created with embossing folders, I noticed that I was much more interested in those that function as workhorses. I am rarely inclined to use an embossing folder as the main attraction on my cards. Additionally, I was prompted to reorganize my embossing folder storage putting my favorite embossing folders in the front. This simple change will make me more inclined to reach for an embossing folder as a background choice.

Do you frequently use embossing folders for backgrounds? Which patterns are your favorite? Any folders are on your wish list?

Elizabeth Craft Designs | Scarecrow’s Harvest Delight

Hello! Today, I am sharing a fall-themed card created with Elizabeth Craft Designs supplies. Picture a picturesque pumpkin patch, a scarecrow standing guard, and a cart bursting with pumpkins. It’s a heartwarming scene that captures the essence of autumn, with a heartfelt greeting that simply says, “Hello Fall.”

To begin, color Soft Finish cardstock with Distress Oxide inks of choice.
Die-cut pieces for the Scarecrow and Hay Ride from the ink-colored cardstock. Assemble. To create the mouth on the scarecrow, I cut a piece of vellum with a 1/2-inch circle die. I used the negative portion to draw the mouth using a Permawriter II size 03 pen. (I am writing this specifically so I will remember for next time.)
Dry emboss a Sea Glass A2-size cardstock panel with a folder for subtle texture. (Note: I used the now-retired SU Subtle Dynamic Textured Impressions folder. The shim required is the base platform, the folder with the cardstock inside, and one cutting plate.)
Cut ground with die in Adventure Edges 2 from inked cardstock. Cut the fence from Woodgrain cardstock with die in the same set. Add to card base.
Attach cart and scarecrow to card with foam adhesive. Fill cart with leaves and pumpkins.
Stamp Autumn Words sentiment in Icing on the Cake ink on Taylored Expressions Sugar Cube cardstock and cut with the smallest die in the Small Stitched Rectangles set. Attach to card.

I have previously shared a card with the scarecrow HERE. I used the cart in HERE.

Spellbinders | Boo-licious Cupcake Greetings

Get ready to be charmed by a non-spooky Halloween card featuring the Spellbinders September Large Die of the Month set – “Boo-licious Fall Cupcake.” With a color palette of pinks and teals, this card brings a playful twist to the Halloween spirit. Read on to discover how to create the card.

Dry-emboss a 4 x 5 1/4 inches Waterfall cardstock panel with the It’s My Party Too folder and add to a card base covered with canvas-textured white cardstock.
With the Large Die of the Month set, cut the cupcake base and frosting from Pink Sand, Snowdrift, and Dune cardstock; assemble.
Add cupcake to the card base.
Cut the elements – ghost, witch’s hat, sign, bats, acorn, pumpkin, gourd, and leaves – from Snowdrift, Onyx, Dahlia, Pink Sand, and Teal Topaz cardstock. Assemble as required. Add items to card.
Embellish with Two-Tone Teal enamel dots.

Do you prefer spooky or cute when it comes to Halloween?

Blooming Pomegranate | Spellbinders August 2023 Large Die

Hello! Today, I am sharing a thank you card showcasing the Spellbinders August 2023 Large Die of the Month kit – “Blooming Pomegranate.” This die set includes 23 dies that allow you to create a captivating botanical illustration of a pomegranate. Yesterday I shared a project created with the Small Die of the Month kit HERE.

For the botanical illustration, I chose teal, dark orange, dark red, yellow-gold, and white cardstock after looking at pomegranate illustrations online.

To begin, dry-emboss Waterfall cardstock with Scattered Fall embossing folder and trim to A2-size; add to card base.
Next, cut Large Die of the Month pieces from a variety of cardstock colors and assemble.
Next, glimmer foil the sentiment from Mini Everyday Sentiments in copper on Snowdrift cardstock. Cut with a banner die in the sentiment set.
Finally, add the card elements to the dry-embossed base by adhering the fruits and greenery. Finish by embellishing with white flowers.

You can find more Large Die of the Month inspiration on the Spellbinders blog HERE.

Breezy Swing | Spellbinders August 2023 Small Die of the Month

Hello and happy August! I am delighted to share a card created with the Spellbinders August 2023 Small Die of the Month kit titled “Breezy Swing.” With this 15-piece die set, you can create a card suitable for a variety of occasions. Find more details and inspiration on the Spellbinders blog HERE.

I chose teal, dark orange, and yellow-gold cardstock colors to represent the change of seasons, from summer to fall in the Northern Hemisphere. The warm tones of orange and yellow evoke the anticipation of autumn’s golden hues.

To begin, dry-emboss Beeswax cardstock with Tiny Dots embossing folder and trim to A2-size; add to card base.
Next, cut Small Die of the Month pieces from a variety of cardstock colors and assemble.
Next, glimmer foil the sentiment from Sentiments for Everyday in teal on Snowdrift cardstock. Cut sentiment with On Cloud Nine die and cut additional clouds.
Finally, add the card elements to the dry-embossed base by adhering the woman on the swing assembly and clouds. Finish by embellishing with floral clusters.