Making Embossed Greeting Cards

Read through the tutorial before starting.

Step 1: Select cardstock and paper

To make the card in this tutorial, select  a solid color cardstock and a coordinating decorative paper. The embossing will be done on the cardstock. A sure bet is to select cardstock and paper in the same basic color. For more dynamic color combinations refer to the color wheel concepts in the Paper Weaving Card tutorial.

Step 2: Make Embossing Template

Cut a 4-inch square of cardboard—cardboard from an empty cereal box or poster board work well. Draw a 3-inch heart in the center of the cardboard square and cut it out using scissors or a craft knife.

Tip: Embossing templates can also be made with a paper punch. Be sure the cardboard isn't too heavy to be punched.

Step 3: Cut cardstock and paper

Cut  a 5¼-inch by 4-inch piece of decorative paper to use as the card's background.

Cut a 3½-inch square from the solid color cardstock to emboss.

Step 4: Align Template and Cardstock

Center the embossing template over the  the cardstock square, front-side up. While holding firmly, flip the two over.

Tip: Hold the template and cardstock in front of a light to better see that the paper is centered on the heart.

Step 5: Emboss Cardstock

We are doing a type of dry embossing called blind embossing. It's called blind because the embossing template is hidden from view. Hold the cardstock and template firmly with one hand and the craft stick in the other hand. Use a couple of fingers from the hand holding the craft stick to gently feel for the edge of the heart. Run the tip of the craft stick along the edge, all the way around. Flatten the craft stick and retrace the edge pushing more firmly to get a sharp impression. You may first want to practice the embossing on some scrap cardstock.

Tip: The cardstock can easily slip out of place. You may want to lightly tape it to prevent slipping.

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Turn the cardstock over to reveal the embossed heart. If there are any gaps in the embossing, carefully realign the template and repeat the embossing.

Tip: It is possible on some types of cardstock to correct problems. Use the flat of the craft stick to press out problems in the embossing and redo the embossing.

Step 6: Assemble Card

Glue the decorative paper background to the card and glue the embossed cardstock square on top. Embossing is a very subtle design element best viewed close-up. To enhance the card for viewing across a room, add more embellishments with colored pencils or rubberstamps.