ThePowerOfACard

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Embossing Folders - Tips & Tricks!

I adore using embossing folders in my card making projects! They are very versatile, inexpensive, and can be used in so many ways. I am going to show you a variety of tips and tricks when using these folders, including some you may not have tried! The two sets of folders I am using are called Swirls of Magic and Seasonal Cheer Mini and both of them are from the July release of Online Exclusive products. Many of my samples feature other newly release products - enjoy!

Gather your supplies:

Cardstock: Azure Afternoon 4-1/4" x 11", scrap; Basic White 4" x 5-1/4", 3-3/4" x 5", 3/4" x 1-1/4"; Azure Afternoon Two Tone 4" x 5-1/4"
Stamp Bundle: Balloon Festoon
Ink: Azure Afternoon
Embossing Folder: Swirls of Magic
Adhesive and Tools including a blending brushes and cardboard

The first technique is partial embossing and there are two variations of this method. I want to give a shout out to Demonstrator Michelle Pepper, who reminded me of this variation I did years ago, but forgot about. In order to do this technique, you will need some cardboard, like the pieces you get in a specialty pack of Designer Series Paper (DSP). My card features a large balloon which is partially embossed, so I cut out four layers of the third largest balloon from the cardboard, cutting off the bottom "knot". When these are glued together, they equal the thickness of plate #3 and will replace one of them when we emboss.

Take the 3-3/4" x 5" piece of white and place it in the embossing folder. Place this folder on plate #1, then place the cardboard balloon where you want it, on top of the folder. Add the final plate #3 and run this through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine (SCEM). You will notice that the embossing extends out a little bit from the edge of the cardboard balloon, but that the remaining part of the white panel remains un-embossed. Now take the inside panel of white and turn it sideways so that just a little bit fits in the end of the embossing folder - I like to use the black line as a guide. Run this through the SCEM with the normal sandwich (plate #1, plate #3, embossing folder with paper, plate #3). Only the side of the panel has the embossed pattern.

Now it's time to color the balloon with a blending brush. If you want a softer look, just use a small brush to add color over the embossed shape. If you want a more defined edge, you'll need to make a stencil. On a scrap piece of cardstock, cut out the same size balloon as the cardboard. Draw a pencil line around the outside edge, about 3/16" from the edge and cut along this line. Since I didn't want the bottom part of the balloon, I placed tape over that section before cutting so it prevented me from adding color where I didn't want it. Place the stencil over your balloon and add color until you get the shade you want.

Before assembling, cut out a balloon string on the scrap of Azure Afternoon and adhere this to the balloon with a bit of glue. Add this white layer to the lighter side of the two tone cardstock, then add this to the card front. (As a reminder, whenever I have a card base in this "hotdog" orientation, I score it at 5-1/2" as this will give a nice smooth fold. If you don't, the grains of the paper will give you a bumpy crease!) Trim the string to the bottom of the card base.

Stamp the sentiment on the small strip of white and flag the ends as I show in the video. Pop this up on the right side of the balloon so that the points of the strip touch the right side of the card. Stamp the inside sentiment on the remaining white panel, then add two balloons (both stamped off) and their strings. Add this to the inside of the card. Stamp two more balloons (one full strength and one stamped off) on the envelope to finish the card.

My next two cards are also partially embossed with the Swirls of Magic. For the first one done in Barely Blush, I placed a panel of 2026-2028 In Color Pearlized Specialty paper about half way into the embossing folder and partially embossed like we did for the inside of the first card. The sentiment is from Sending Salutations (stamped in Basic Gray) on a label from the Forever Florals dies. I used the stars from Balloon Festoon to decorate the label before popping it up on the card front. Lastly, I tied some Barely Blush Bordered Ribbon around the shimmery panel before popping this up on the my Barely Blush card base. I used the sentiments from Reason to Celebrate to complete this gorgeous wedding card. The second card was partially embossed top and bottom, leaving an open space in the upper middle for my sentiment, which is from You're the Best stamp set. I heat embossed this sentiment in white (Basics Embossing Powder set) and added two Natural Matte Dots. My interior sentiments are from the Reason to Celebrate (this is a very useful sentiment set to have!).

This lovely leaf card uses the first of the three folders from the Seasonal Cheer Mini embossing folders and shows what I would call the traditional usage of an embossing folder. Because I wanted the embossed portion on the left side of my card, I had to emboss a panel in the same color as my card base and adhere it to the card front. Adding a subtle tone on tone texture really elevates your card. I used the Simply Leaves bundle for my leaves, which were stamped in Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze and Pecan Pie. The label is punched with the Rounded Rectangle punch and the embellishments are Adhesive-Backed Metallic Gems. I love the envelope for this one - you'll have to watch the video to see the edge stamped with cute little leaves!

For the second card using the leaf embossing folder, I started with a panel of Basic white and added Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Poppy Parade and Real Red with blending brushes. Then I spritzed this panel with water and let it dry completely before cutting it up into the shapes I needed. I embossed the upper and lower segments, but flipped them around so that the pattern of the colors was interrupted. My sentiment was stamped in black using You're the Best stamp set. After gluing the panels to the white piece, I spritzed it with Wink of Stella (I forgot to mention that in the video - darn!). For my inside, I did partial embossing of the leaves on the bottom and used sponge daubers to ink the sentiment in multiple colors. My envelope flap was also embossed with the leaves to finish the coordination.

The next tip is to use the brayer to color the raised portion of an embossed piece. I selected the bats folder and embossed a panel of white. For this technique, I recommend using a much larger piece of paper than you need. Ink up the brayer with black ink and roll it over the bats. You will notice that on the edges, the brayer often leaves extra ink - this is because there is nothing to support the brayer past the edge and hence, having a larger piece allows you to punch out a circle (aka moon) from the center and avoid the unwanted inked area. I used the Web of Fun bundle (which is not one I would normally get but my grandson wanted me to get the spider and his web!) to add my die cut sentiments and spider on the inside. The web is stamped on both the inside and envelope.

How do you get a full card front panel from a mini embossing folder? This next sample shows you how I did that! Partially emboss the bottom half of the panel of black, then turn the panel around and emboss the remaining half. Because I used the bats folder, you could hardly tell where the two embossings met. However, this seam would be more noticeable with other folders. To cover the seam, add ribbon or a strip of paper. My spider web for this card is cut from the Shimmering Stripes Specialty DSP, which has tiny little lines of glitter - so pretty! More spiders/webs and words complete the card, way ahead of time for Halloween!

The last technique was done on a panel of Real Red Two Tone cardstock using the candy cane folder. Because this paper has a white core, when you emboss, then sand off the top layer of color, you can get the stripes of white to show! My sentiments are from the Festive Cheer stamp set and the label is from Nested Essentials. The best part (in my humble opinion) is the Real Red & White Adhesive-Backed Peppermints! They really pop on the Smoky Slate card base!

Were any of these tips and tricks new to you? Think of the possibilities of using other shapes for partial embossing - so much fun! If you want to see more of the newly released line-up, check out my website. I appreciate your business and would love to see you at a class.

Karen

ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

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Product List

Balloon Festoon Bundle (English)

[167606]

$50.25

Azure Afternoon 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[161719]

$14.00

Azure Afternoon 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Two Tone Cardstock

[166656]

$10.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Swirls Of Magic Embossing Folder

[168179]

$10.50

Azure Afternoon Classic Stampin' Pad

[161663]

$11.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$17.00

Detail Scissors

[170902]

$10.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Basic White Medium Envelopes

[159236]

$15.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Wax Paper "Textured" Backgrounds

This technique is another old one that I haven't done in a while! I saw a video from Gina K Designs and it reminded me about it. When you do this, you won't actually be adding texture to your paper like you would with an embossing folder. You get the textured look when you do ink blending after doing the technique. I show you how to do this in the video (it's simple!), but you will need a few non-card making supplies. I also show a card that uses a variation of the technique using an embossing folder.

Special note - if you read this blog before I release my video on June 24th, you won't get to see it yet - please come back and watch!

Let's start with just the process. In addition to the cardstock for your project, you will need wax paper, a dry iron, an ironing board (or other surface that can take the heat) and a couple sheets of copy paper. It is important to note that parchment paper will not work - you need the wax coating to make the textured appearance. I like to start with pieces that are larger than I need for my card. Let's go with two 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (quarter size sheets) of Basic White and the same size piece of wax paper.

Crumple the wax paper into a ball, then flatten it back out and sandwich it between the two pieces of white cardstock. Place this sandwich between layers of copy paper and press with the iron which is set on the highest setting. Do not use steam! In fact, I recommend emptying the iron before using it. After a few minutes, remove the copy paper and open the sandwich. It is important to remember which side of the cardstock touched the wax paper. I like to flip the sandwich open so the sides facing up are the ones that touched and need ink blending. Keep the wax paper - I show you how you can use it for another purpose!

Don't forget to check out my card samples - I think after seeing them, you will have plenty of ideas of how to use this technique in your craft room. I even have one where I embossed the wax paper instead of crumpling it up and the result is quite beautiful!

Gather your supplies:

Cardstock: Azure Afternoon 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; Basic White (2) 4/1/4" x 5-1/2", 4" x 5-1/4", 2-1/4" x 3-3/4", 1/2" x 1-1/2"
Stamp: Wild Bunch (June 2026 Product of the Month)
Die: Stylish Shapes
Inks: Balmy Blue, Azure Afternoon, Blueberry Bushel, Memento Black
Blends: Basic Black, Golden Glow
Adhesive and Tools including blending brushes, wax paper and an iron

For our card, we will need some scrap cardstock with circles in a variety of sizes cut out of them - I have 2", 1-3-4", 1-1/2" and 1" punches that I used to cut out the circles. Start with Balmy Blue and the largest circle and ink blend color onto the surface of the cardstock (remembering to use the side that touched the wax paper). Add several circles scattered around the piece. Switch to the next smallest circle and Azure Afternoon. Add more circles with light pressure - some of these will overlap the previous circles. Switch to the next smaller circle and apply the same color, but more intense. Finally, add Blueberry Bushel with the smallest circle to complete the bokeh look. If you need to go back and add more of any of the circle sizes or colors, that's fine. Trim this piece to be 4" x 5-1/4".

Since the blending brushes are out and inky, it's a good idea to add a few circles to the inside panel of white and the envelope at this time. These circles won't have the textured look, but they will carry over the bokeh theme.

On the small rectangle of white, stamp the bird in black ink on the right side. Color with blends and fussy cut him out. From the other side of this rectangle, cut out the third largest circle from the Stylish Shapes dies. Before adding the penguin to the circle, take one of the circle templates and cut a wavy edge. Use the blending brushes to add some color to the bottom third of the circle - sort of like an iceberg. Add the penguin with Dimensionals.

Stamp the sentiment on the strip of white with Azure Afternoon ink and flag the ends. Stamp the sentiment on the inside panel. Assemble the card by placing the trimmed bokeh piece on the card base, which was folded in half and creased with a bone folder. Add the sentiment and circle with Dimensionals and glue the inside panel. Isn't this simply adorable??

My next card features the Wooly Friends bundle. The textured background was inked with Gray Granite. Two of the sheep were stamped on white and then filled in with stamped off Gray Granite. The last sheep was stamped on Gray Granite cardstock (which was also used to make a paper ribbon behind the sentiment circle). Pairing this with Daffodil Delight makes this a perfect gender neutral baby card!

Fragrant Layers has been a favorite of mine since it was released. I paired Crisp Cantaloupe (a new In Color) with Lemon Lime Twist for a fresh look. I blended my panel with Lemon Lime Twist before cutting it into strips. These were then placed diagonally over a panel of white, trimmed and matted with Lemon Lime Twist cardstock. The flowers were stamped in black and filled in with the Crisp Cantaloupe, Lemon Lime Twist and Daffodil Delight. Unfortunately, you do have to fussy cut this cluster of flowers, but I think it's worth it! Pop this up with Dimensionals and add a few 2026-2028 In Color Butterflies.

Earlier this month, I asked my Facebook followers which they preferred - cats or dogs - after showing them two strips of critters from the Cutest Crew bundle. Dogs were the winners and I make a card featuring them. Here is the runner up with the cats and I don't think the cat people will feel slighted at all! I colored the cats in a variety of blends and popped them up on a panel colored with Golden Glow (another new In Color). Before I added it to my card base, I tied a bow with the Golden Glow Bordered Ribbon. Lastly, I added my sentiment and some 2026-2028 In Color Dots.

This next card features Piglet and Eeyore and a label that was masked to have a white border. I used the Sweet Words & Labels bundle and selected the label size I wanted. Then I cut the next smaller label out of scrap cardstock and used that as a mask to ink blend Hydrangea Hue (another new In Color) on the piece of textured background. Then I cut it out with the larger die, which made this beautiful layered look label. I stamped and colored the two friends (Sweet Old Friends bundle) with Blends and cut them out with dies before popping them up with Dimensionals. The background panel is embossed with the Hundred Acre Woods folder. After adding the label, the bow was tied from the Hydrangea Hue Bordered ribbon and the panel was added to the card base.

This card shows another way you can use the wax paper to get a different textured look. Instead of crumpling it, run it through an embossing folder. I used the Fern & Flora folder to get this beautiful panel. Depending on the design on your folder, one side may look better than the other. For example, I showed the second piece in the video and while it looked OK after inking, the pattern wasn't quite as distinct as this one, which I colored with Secret Sea and Peaceful Pine (yet another new In Color). I used the Fern & Flora bundle to make the cluster of greenery. The stamped leaves were colored with the Peaceful Pine Shimmer Brush and have that little sparkle that adds a special touch. The ribbon is the Secret Sea Bordered Open Weave ribbon and the embellishments are the Natural Matte Dots.

My last card utilizes the spent wax paper. After you iron the piece, the wax paper doesn't have to be thrown away and you can use it anywhere you would use vellum. I cut out the wax paper with the Sweet Words & Labels dies (the same one I used on the Piglet/Eeyore card) and used it behind my cluster of flowers and leaves. These were made by using sponge daubers and the Paradise Garden bundle. For the flowers, I chose Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie and for the leaves, I used Lemon Lime Twist and Granny Apple Green. The background paper is from the Brights Painted Patterns DSP and the label was heat embossed and embellished with Shimmering Dots.

This is such fun and easy technique and the results are just so interesting! Have fun with it and share what you make on my Facebook group.

Karen

ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

Shop my Store!

https://www.stampinup.com/?demoid=2219347

If you don’t have an on-line account with me as your demonstrator, please go to my store and get one.

https://ThePowerOfACard.blogspot.com

Images Copyright Stampin’ Up!®

Find me on Facebook - The Power of a Card or

Join my Facebook Group (The Power of a Cardmaker): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042676296088278/?ref=share

Product List

Wild Bunch Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[167987]

$5.00

Azure Afternoon 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[161719]

$14.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad

[147105]

$9.00

Azure Afternoon Classic Stampin' Pad

[161663]

$11.00

Blueberry Bushel Classic Stampin' Pad

[147138]

$9.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

$8.00

Stylish Shapes Dies

[159183]

$30.00

Basic Black Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154843]

$12.00

Golden Glow Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

[167682]

$12.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$17.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Basic White Medium Envelopes

[159236]

$15.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Double Flap Fun Fold

Recently, my husband and I celebrated 41 years of marriage and my best friend, Penny, gave us an adorable anniversary card. It was a fun fold I had not seen before and immediately, I knew I wanted to make it for a video. I don't know who designed it or what the real name is, but I'm calling it a Double Flap Fun Fold. After you open the first flap, there is a surprise second flap to open - it's like having a card in a card!

The measurements for the card are simple and the card isn't difficult to make at all. The hardest part will be selecting which gorgeous paper pack you want to use! I demonstrate the most basic version, but in my sample cards, I show how you can jazz it up by adding decoration to the inside flap too. I even show you how to change the orientation into a horizontal version. And then, my very last sample is a sneak peak at a new product coming in July (I know it's way early to tease you, but I couldn't resist).

Gather your supplies:

Cardstock: Granny Apple Green 4-1/4" x 5-1/2", 1/4" x 2-3/4"; Lemon Lime Twist 3" x 8-1/2", scored at 4-1/4"; Basic White 2-1/2" x 3-3/4", 1-1/2" x 1-1/2"; Artisan Sketched Garden DSP 4" x 5-1/4", 2-3/4" x 4", 4" x 5-1/2", scored at 1-3/8" from each side, 1/2" x 2-1/2", one of the flower vases/pots (fussy cut)
Stamp: Reason to Celebrate
Die: Stylish Shapes
Inks: Granny Apple Green, Memento Black
Blends: Granny Apple Green, Lemon Lime Twist, Smoky Slate
Adhesive and Tools

Note - this card doesn't have much space for writing, so if you need to write more than the space allows, you can always turn it over and write on the back.

Start by adhering the large piece of DSP to the quarter size sheet of Granny Apple Green cardstock. Fold the Lemon Lime Twist piece in half and press the crease with a bone folder. Before we add the DSP to the front of it, let's decorate it. To save time in the video, I had already colored (with Blends) the pot of leaves and fussy cut them out. I had also cut out the second smallest circle from the Stylish Shapes dies. Add the thin strip of Granny Apple Green near the bottom of the polka dot DSP and add the potted plant on top with Dimensionals. Stamp the sentiment onto the white circle in Granny Apple Green and adhere this to the DSP with glue. Now that this is decorated, you can add this to the Lemon Lime Twist flap, then adhere this to the card front with glue.

For the inside flap, score the 4" x 5-1/2" piece of DSP at 1-3/8" from each side. Fold them toward the middle and press the crease with a bone folder. One thing to consider when selecting a piece of paper for this flap - pay attention to one way designs. Some papers have one direction on one side, and another on the reverse. Add this to the inside of the Lemon Lime flap as shown in the video. Stamp the Happy Birthday sentiment (on the white rectangle) in Granny Apple Green and black, then add this to the inside of the DSP piece. Finish by placing the small strip of DSP at the bottom. While I didn't do this in the video, I added a strip of DSP (the same design I used for the background) along the side of the envelope.

My next sample features some fun DSP (Splash of Sparkles Specialty) which has gold foil accents on one side of the papers. I used Timid Tiger for both my base and main flap. The stamp set used is called Exciting Times and I made a label with the Nested Essentials dies. I also used Timid Tiger Faux Linen Ribbon and 2025-2027 In Color Flat Pearls. I used another piece of DSP to cover the envelope flap.

The Moonlit Flora DSP has been one of my favorites from the May - August catalog! I chose Soft Sea Foam for both the base and flap (and one of the moths!). Since the paper on the front flap is so full of lovely plants, I only added a small sentiment and the moth. I decided to decorate the inside flap this time. Before adhering the background panel of DSP, I cut a circle using the Stylish Shapes from the center. Since it's covered by the flap, it's an economical way to utilize your paper. I stamped my sentiment on a strip of white, then cut that with the same circle die and glued it to the DSP. I added another moth (colored with Soft Sea Foam Blends) and adhered the circle to the left flap only. For my inside white panel, I made it a little smaller so that I should show off more of the DSP. The envelope flap was embossed with the Fern & Flora Embossing Folder.

This next sample changes up the formula a little by replacing the background DSP with an embossed panel. I did a white panel embossed with the Floral Spray Embossing Folder and adhered it to a quarter sheet of Thick Basic White. My second flap was also done in white, and instead of DSP for this flap, I used Two Tone Bubble Bath Cardstock. I used the Lily of the Valley bundle to stamp and cut out the flowers, which were colored with Granny Apple Green, Lemon Lime Twist and Bubble Bath Stampin' Blends. The flowers were sprinkled with the Dewdrops gems. For my inside flap (also Two Tone cardstock), I decorated the flap with the cross hatch die cut shapes in white and then added a circle with the sentiment stamped in Basic Gray. My inside panel has my birthday greeting (stamped in black) and more flowers along the bottom. I stamped another large spray of Lily of the Valley on the envelope in Bubble Bath.

This next card changes the orientation to be horizontal! Like my last card, I embossed a panel of Mossy Meadow with the Hundred Acre Wood Embossing Folder and adhered it to the same color base. My flap is Hydrangea Hue and decorated with the Silly Old Bear DSP. I matted this panel twice before adding it to the flap, with Dimensionals between the Old Olive and Early Espresso layers. I added a small sentiment so that I wouldn't cover up much of the scene. On the inside flap, which measures 2-3/4" x 8" and scored at 2" on each end, I added a label cut from the Sweet Words & Labels bundle (this also has all the sentiments) and fussy cut Pooh and Piglet. On the inside, I also fussy cut one of the scenes from the DSP and stamped my sentiment in Old Olive on a piece of Very Vanilla. I added a small strip of DSP on the envelope.

If you don't want to have a spoiler, stop here. My next card has products that are part of the July Online Exclusives release. While I know it is still weeks away from being able to order, I just couldn't help making a card with it! The Violet Dreams Specialty paper pack has 10 sheets of double sided paper, plus two sheets of pre-cut designs - flowers, leaves, frames, and flower clusters. My base is Secret Sea and the flap is Highland Heather. I used those pre-cut flowers for both the top of the flap and the inside flap (which also uses a frame). The ribbon is called Fresh Freesia Satin and is part of the suite. I stamped violets on the inside white panel and envelope in Fresh Freesia and Highland Heather, while the Sending Love sentiment is in Secret Sea.

I absolutely adore this fun fold and am so grateful that Penny made me a card with it! It's easy to make, but really has a big WOW factor, especially if you decorate the inside flap too. I'd love to see what you make - you can post pictures in my Facebook group (Power of a Cardmaker).

Karen

ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

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