Hello Squashettes! Gail here today to talk about cutting!
In addition to embossing folders I love dies and I am also a big fan of fussy cutting. In combination with embossing folders these can really add wow factors to your project.
Maybe you are lucky enough to own one of the cut and emboss folders. These can be really beautiful, but they tend to be a bit more pricey. These have built in dies so the whole cut/emboss process is super quick and easy. This is a Marianne Designs folder that I use quite often. I've embossed corrugated card and smeared some black ink on it. A contrasting colour behind the cut outs gives a great pop of colour.
You can also find embossing folders that have matching dies. If you are going to use an embossing folder and die together I have found it is better to cut first and then emboss. You have better control on where the embossing is going to be and it doesn't get flattened by going through your machine a second time with the die. I have quite a few of these types of sets from Sizzix and Cricut. A few years ago I made rocking Christmas cards using Sizzix Bird #2 embossing folder and matching die.
Sizzix also have a range called Embosslits which cut and emboss at the same time. These can be really fun, especially with mirror of metallic card. The wreath on this tag is made using an embosslit folder. I added some distress ink colour and red enamel dots.
Maybe you don't have any of the folders mentioned above. You can still use dies to cut shapes and emboss them, but fussy cutting is also an option. The simplest version of this would be to cut simple shapes, or even use some scraps you have hanging around. An embossed patchwork background can look lovely. If you want to get a bit more adventurous you can cut out embossed elements or cut away sections of the embossed detail to give a totally new look. This also allows you to stretch your embossing folders and use them in more ways. I inked Sheena Douglas Web Flowers folder with Candied Apple distress oxide and embossed a scrap of yellow card. Then I cut the flowers and added a die cut birthday sentiment.
I hope this post has given you some ideas or reminded you of some folders you have forgotten about. The next challenge starts on the 10th, so see you then. Thanks for dropping by. Hugz
3 comments:
Fab post, Gail, love the cards and how you used the technique! That bird is a beauty, Jo x
Thanks for the technique tips. I'm going to be looking at my embossing folders differently now.
Looking forward to the next challenge.
More cool ideas for using out embossing folders... you're so creative Gail - no cut and emboss in my stash but I don't mind fussy cutting and I'll now be looking and the EFs in a different way... looking forward to challenge #3.
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