Using Dies to Emboss
Good day fellow crafters. Embossing is a popular technique used in the world of paper crafting, and it involves creating a raised design on paper or other materials. While embossing can be achieved through a variety of methods, usually in my case through an embossing folder, one effective way to create a deep, textured embossed design is through the use of dies. While dies are often associated with cutting shapes out of paper, they can also be used to create intricate and detailed embossed designs. In this approach, the die is used to press an impression into the paper or other material, rather than cutting it out entirely. Whether you are a seasoned paper crafter or new to the art of embossing, experimenting with dies can add a new dimension to your projects and help you achieve stunning, professional-looking results.
To make this card, I used Vanilla cardstock, the Altenew Dodec Cover Die, and my die-cutting machine. Instead of using hard surfaces as you would for cutting, I placed the die face up, followed by the paper, an embossing mat, and the top plate before running it through the machine. It's important to refer to your machine's instructions for the recommended combination of plates, shims, or mats. This technique should result in a deeply embossed image, although some cutting may occur. To complete the card background, I used either Altenew Crisp Ink in Lavender Fields or Sea Breeze to ink it depending on which variation I was creating.
To create the focal point of the card, I used the Altenew Captivating Bloom stamp set and stamped it onto Vanilla cardstock with VersaMark clear embossing ink. I then covered it with Gold embossing powder, heat set it, and used my Altenew watercolor set to paint matching shades that complemented the background, I then set it aside to dry. The delicate watercolor effect against the gold embossing was particularly pleasing. While waiting, I used the Spellbinders Everyday sentiments and Gold Foil cardstock to cut out the "Happy Birthday" text.
Finally, I assembled the card by fussy cutting around the flowers and placing them with their corresponding backgrounds in their desired positions to avoid confusion. Next, I adhered each background to a pre-cut Vanilla A2 card base, added thin strips of the same Gold foil cardstock used for the sentiment to jazz up the edges, and finally, attached the flowers and sentiment.
