Tag: comparison

Crafty Thursday #13: Dry Embossing

*FEBRUARY 2024 HOST CODE: YH7YXNSK

Hello Crafty Crew!

There are a few ways to achieve texture on your cards. Adding elements such as ribbon, embellishments like rhinestones or pearls, layering papers or vellum. All of these are fun and add lots of pizzaz to a card.

Let’s discuss embossing. Embossing creates texture on the paper using either a pressure method (embossing and die cutting machine) or special ink and powders added to an image to enhance it (raise it up from the paper). You can also use decorative masks and embossing paste. So many fun choices!

I like dry embossing using different patterned folders to create patterns on your papers. You can use about any paper you have, including vellum. Vellum is a bit tricky, but it can be done. 

Here are some embossing folders that I have, some are made specifically  for the mini machine and all may be used in the big guy. My two youngest granddaughters, ages 6 and 2.5, love to emboss paper with me!

In these examples I left the cards fairly plain so you can see the difference the embossed piece makes. I used the same stamp set, Softly Said, for all of the cards. I just love the large sentiments and the distinctive brush stroke type font. I will add some ribbon or bling to them before I send them out. 

Adding an embossed background layer to a card elevates a simple design to elegant, especially if you use the same color. Using white-on-white somehow makes a card appear very elegant. (Sorry the Very Vanilla one doesn’t show as well)


Adding an embossed strip for accent can bring out other design elements used on the card.

Showing the difference between a layer of Designer Series Paper and an embossed card stock background. (I realized after I had already stuck the sentiment down with dimensionals that it should have been a horizontal card…ooops! Happy mistake!)

Now, with this last one, I got a wild hair, and not only embossed the card stock and the DSP, but I also die cut the sentiment from the embossed background layer! I know, I’m so crazy! 😅You have to stamp prior to embossing.

I hope you enjoyed this look at how embossed layers and strips can elevate your cards in just a few simple steps. Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Next week I’ll feature some embossing with powders. Below is a list of all products I used on these projects. You can find them all in my online store. If you don’t already have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I would love to be yours! You can contact me through the website or at stampinopolous@gmail.com

Thanks for popping in! Till next time stay crafty and get your hands inky!

Blessings, Barb

Did you know that the Bible says that Jesus is the exact imprint of the Father?

He (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. Hebrews 1:3, ESV

Read more about Jesus being the imprint of God here on gotquestions.org

*any links provided are for my online store through Stampin’ Up! I earn a commission on any sales from those links.

*Please use the February 2024 Host Code at the top of the post when ordering. This helps me earn products to show you! If your order is above $150 in product, don’t use the code, as you will enjoy your own rewards! 

*If you join Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator during February 2024 Sale-A Bration, you can get the Glass Mat Studio as a sign-on bonus for free. Email me for details!

Products used:

Basics 3D Embossing Folders (set of 3) 

Geometric Patterns Embossing Folders (set of 2, works with mini machine)

Stampin’ Up! Card stock: Blueberry Bushel, Gorgeous Grape, Bubble Bath, Basic White, Very Vanilla
Stampin’ Up! Ink Pads: Blueberry Bushel, Misty Moonlight, Pebbled Path, Gorgeous Grape

Monday Product Review #1: Stampin' Up! Stamp Blocks

Quick Review and comparison of Stampin’ Up! stamp blocks and Fiskars Stamp Blocks

When I first caught stampin’ fever, I had been binging on the MayMay Made It! You Tube channel. Based in Alabama, she has a brick and mortar store and crafting studio in a quaint small town, Clanton. My first supplies were purchased from their online store, and I picked up a set of Fiskars stamp blocks* to be used with my first ever photopolymer cling stamps. I have never used more than a wood-mounted rubber stamp prior to 2023, and I felt these worked fine. They are flat, thin plastic, approximately 1/4 in thick, and have a grid marking which is nice to get your stamping placement straight. They have curved handles on the sides where you hold them to do your stamping. With the exception of the smallest one, you need two hands to use them. Alongside of the odd “oops, stuck my finger in the stamp pad” issues, I’ve gotten used to them.

Since I purchased (another) new stamp set, I wanted to try out a few of the Stampin Up! stamp blocks, too. I purchased the three that were suggested in the catalog under the set listing. The difference working with them is real. The blocks are comfortable in my hand, and are simple to use one-handed, all which make it much easier to place and stamp. They are approximately an inch thick, and come in several sizes, both square and rectangular. I tend to have a heavy hand, and it was very easy for me to lighten my touch. I was skeptical, but after an afternoon of using them, I will be collecting more! 

Price point to consider: the Fiskars set, sizes 1×1, 2×2, 3×3 and a large 2×6.5 inches, is $23. You can use them all for most of your hobby needs. If you purchase 2 sets you won’t need to constantly change out your stamps if you’ll be creating more than one or two cards. The Stampin Up! clear acrylic blocks * are riced as a bundle of 9 sizes at $81, the smallest block being just a hair under 1.5×1.5 and the largest at 5×6, big enough for their background stamps. The prices of the individual blocks run from $5-$20. The bundle is a great option if you have the finances to get them all up front. In the catalogs, when you purchase a stamp set or bundle, the suggested sized blocks are listed. 

The Fiskars set is a great set to begin with. MayMay’s online store also has an inexpensive set of acrylic stamp blocks  (under $10) if you want to try out acrylic blocks. If you decide to move from casual to avid stamper, upgrade to the Stampin Up! blocks. 

I hope this was helpful if you are considering taking up this amazing craft!

Till next time, be blessed, and don’t forget to #createandblessothers 

Barb 

*Full disclosure, as a Stampin Up! demonstrator, I will make a commission if you use my SU links. Links to MayMay Made It! are not affiliate links. I will always tell you if any link is an affiliate link.