My Grandma's Teacups: 5 Ways You Never Thought To Use Your Embossing Folders

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Note: This post originally appeared in 2015. To ensure a clean experience for my current readers, I have disabled old external links and tutorial videos that may no longer be active. Enjoy these timeless techniques!

As a crafter, I try to make sure that I invest in products that offer real mileage. That is why I tend to shy away from buying oodles of premade embellishments or single-purpose tools. There is nothing worse than "buyer's remorse" after purchasing a cool supply only to see it languish on your workbench waiting for a purpose.

One of the most versatile tools in my arsenal is the embossing folder. While I love my Sizzix and Cuttlebug folders, I’ve found that more budget-friendly options perform just as well. The magic of these folders is their versatility—you can do so much more than just dry-embossing paper.

5 Creative Ways to Use Your Folders

1. The Letterpress Technique

This involves inking the inside of your folder directly before running it through your machine. The recessed areas catch the ink while the raised areas stay clean, giving you a high-end, professional stationery look. You can even ink the opposite side for a reversed, debossed effect.

2. Wax Paper Resist

By sandwiching a piece of ordinary wax paper inside an embossing folder and running it through your machine, you can transfer a wax pattern onto your cardstock. When you apply ink over the top, the wax "resists" the color, revealing a beautiful, ghostly pattern underneath.

3. Textured Glittering

Using a fine-tip glue pen on the raised ridges of an embossed design allows you to add a sophisticated "WOW" factor to your cards without the mess of covering the whole page. It makes a massive impact with very little effort.

4. Faux Metal Foil

Whip out the kitchen foil! Ordinary aluminum foil can be embossed to create stunning metallic elements. It looks especially incredible when you apply alcohol inks over the embossed foil to create a weathered, antique copper or pewter look.

5. Double Embossing

This takes your texture up a notch. By using a juicy Versamark pad on the raised portions of an already embossed design and then heat-setting it with clear or metallic powder, you create a "raised on raised" effect that feels truly luxurious.


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