22 Creative Techniques On How To Use Embossing Folders

Embossing folders are transparent hard plastic folders with designs on the front and back. They can be quite pricey, that’s why knowing how to use embossing folders creatively is important to avoid mistakes.

To use embossing folders, just put your cardstock in between the folder of your choice. Then, sandwich it between the cutting boards of your embossing machine and roll it to embed the design.

You can use whatever embossing folders you have and play around with the design that works best for you.

1. TONE ON TONE ON DRY EMBOSS TECHNIQUE

This embossing folder method is the easiest to do. It is also the most commonly used technique that you can use for almost any occasion. You can use this card background for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and even for Christmas.

2. CLEAR EMBOSSING ON DRY EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

3. FAUX LETTERPRESS TECHNIQUE

Ink the side of the embossing folder where the parts end up depressed in the finished card. We recommend using a 15-color ink pad bundle so you can choose the color that fits your mood.

In this example, the embossed flowers remain white, while the background gets colored. This technique works best in embossing folders that have wide spaces to emphasize the colored background.

4. INK ON DRY EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

Let’s use a blind embossed cardstock to add character to your card. Then, we’ll add a hint of color using a blending tool. Be sure to use one with a flat surface, so the ink remains on the embossed pattern and not on the background.

The blending tool we used here comes in a pack of two blending tools and 24 one-inch replacement foams, so you have one for a different color.

5. TWO-TONE EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

Did you like the number 2 and 3 tutorials? Why not combine them into one lovely card background? Try out two contrasting colors on a piece of paper to see how they work together before starting on your card.

6. DISTRESS INK BLENDING TECHNIQUE

This card background uses distress ink over the embossed card. You can try different embossing folders, color combinations, and patterns on your card.

Instead of a flat blending tool, we used washable ink blending tools with ergonomic handles. The slightly curved brush makes sure you apply distress inks everywhere.

7. WHITE PIGMENT INK ON DRY EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

Are you wondering how to use embossing folders creatively without neglecting your colored cardstocks? Don’t worry. Here’s a simple hack to improve your embossing result.

You can try the two hacks for this technique. The hard part is to decide which one you’d prefer because they both look lovely.

8. GLITTER GEL TECHNIQUE

Give your white cardstock a new look and texture without spending too much. Glitter gel is an affordable way of giving depth and character to your cards. 

A jar of this goes a long way, so it offers real value for your money. Use a cardstock thicker than 110 gsm if you can.

9. EMBOSSED VELLUM TECHNIQUE

Aside from cardstock, you can also add a new dimension to your card by using translucent vellum. Stack it on top of colored cardstock to give your card an understated look. Add some bling for a pop of sparkle.

10. EMBOSSING ON ACETATE TECHNIQUE

Explore possibilities for your cards and try using acetate on your embossing folders. Add a lovely window effect on the card or use it entirely as a card cover, backing it with solid colored cardstock, similar to the vellum technique in the photo.

11. FLOCKED SHEET EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

Another paper you can use on your embossing folders is flocked paper. The velvety look adds dimension to your cards without having to go overboard on embellishments. You can also try this overlapping circles embossing folder if you want a more straightforward design.

12. RESIST EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

Why emboss once when you can do it twice? This method is also known as the resist embossing technique. The areas embossed with clear embossing powder remain white no matter how hard you add ink to it, resulting in a vintage look.

13. STENCIL EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

Did you know that you can emboss with stencils? You may need an additional shim, but you can use a stencil instead of an embossing folder for your card stock. 

The result is not as pronounced as using an embossing folder, but it still does the job. For this technique, you can use pigment inks to highlight your design. If you want to leave it plain, add clear embossing powder on one focal piece to beautify your card.

14. STENCIL EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

Bring your card to a new level by adding a metallic embossing powder to the dry embossed foil cardstock. This method will lend an elegant look. You can even make any card out of it, depending on the embossing folder you use.

You can cut the embossed card diagonally to give space for the sentiment stamp for this card. You can also use the whole embossed cardstock and add a die-cut cardstock for your sentiments—the possibilities are endless for this technique.

15. EMBOSSING FOLDER POP TECHNIQUE

This lovely cardstock got its distressed, scuffed look by rubbing a sanding tool over the raised parts. Both cards used a single embossing folder, using both sides to show how each can give a different effect. This method, however, works best on geometric 3D embossing folders.

16. WAX PAPER EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

For this technique, you’ll need a piece of wax paper that is a bit larger than your embossing folder. You won’t emboss the cardstock itself. Instead, you’ll transfer the embossed pattern from the wax paper to the cardstock.

The good thing about this method is that you can use other supplies and tools in your house aside from the embossing machine and folders.

17. TWO EMBOSSING FOLDERS IN ONE CARD TECHNIQUE

Try using two embossing folders on one card to add more texture to it. This method uses argyle and polka dots embossing folders, but you can choose other embossing folders that go well together. Or you can use the dots embossing folder and try a different pattern on one side.

18. EMBOSSED DISTRESSED PAPER TECHNIQUE

This method uses distress ink on the cardstock to give it a different look, so the lace design embossing folder gets a new dimension. You can try this technique using various combinations of distressed ink to achieve the effect that you want.

19. GILDED EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

Not all that glitters is gold; it can be a gilded cardstock! Crafters can go crazy with their embossing folders since there are no boundaries.

Go ahead and forget about powder glitters and try gilding flakes instead. It adds the shimmer without the sandy texture of glitters.

20. FAUX METALLIC EMBOSSING TECHNIQUE

Give your plain colored cardstock a makeover by giving it a faux metallic look. Gold and silver embossing powders are the most common supplies any crafter has, and you can maximize their use with this technique.

21. SMOOTH INK EMBOSSING FOLDER TECHNIQUE

This embossing folder technique uses a brayer to transfer the ink smoothly to the paper without any harsh lines. The look it achieves is an ombre finish that transitions smoothly from one color to another.

22. TORN EMBOSSED VELLUM TECHNIQUE

For this method, use heavyweight translucent vellum (65lbs) and a detailed embossing folder. You can tear off the patterns or use a pair of fussy cut scissors for more detail. This design is an excellent embellishment to the embossed cardstock.