dry embossing - Right as Rain

Sunny Studio Stamps | Pick of the Patch

Hello! I have crafted a picturesque fall scene with die-cut pumpkins using supplies from Sunny Studio Stamps. For more information on scene building, you can check out this post, when I discuss how to start a scene building collection with Sunny Studio Stamps products.

The background, measuring 4 1/4″ square, boasts subtle texture thanks to dry embossing with the Buffalo Plaid folder. The background was added to a 4 1/2″ square card base, covered with white canvas cardstock.

I colored Soft Finish cardstock with a variety of inks from which to cut the pumpkins, sun, and grass. The Pumpkin Patch set includes dies with which to cut layered pumpkins and jack o’lantern faces. The grass die is included in the Picket Fence Border set. The fence was cut from white cardstock, as were the clouds. I created the sentiment “Pick of the Patch” on my computer and cut it with the larger cloud die.

Spellbinders | You’re on My Mice List

Hello! Today, I am sharing a whimsical Christmas card featuring a charming mouse dressed in hot pink and white winter clothing, complete with a present in her hands. The background showcases an art deco-inspired dry-embossed pattern, adding a touch of timeless sophistication to the design. The Spellbinders Dancin’ & Giftin’ Mouse set is part of the Dancin’ Christmas Collection, which includes four die sets (mouse, penguin, gingerbread people, and figgy pudding), an embossing folder, and a sentiment stamp set. Read on to discover how to create the card.

With the Dancin’ & Giftin’ Mouse set, cut body and attire from cardstock. The scarf, boots, and sweater were cut from Crushed Velvet cardstock by Doodlebug Design. Assemble.
With the Dancin’ & Giftin’ Mouse set, cut gift and bow from Lagoon cardstock and hot pink crushed velvet. Assemble.
Partially dry-emboss Purple Mist cardstock with the Deco Holiday embossing folder (part of the Sealed for Christmas Collection). Trim panel as required. With black ink, stamp sentiment, in the Dancin’ Christmas Sentiments set, on to the dry-embossed panel. Add to A2-size card base.
Add assembled mouse with gift to card front. Embellish card with snowflakes cut from white glitter foam with a die in the Holiday Decorations set.

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 | Dancin’ Day of the Dead

Hello! I am delighted to share with you another card that encapsulates the spirit of music and tradition for Dia de los Muertos featuring the Spellbinders Dancin’ Day of the Dead Boy die set. For this card, I paired the skeleton mariachi guitar player with a die-cut frame, which adds additional depth and detail.