Inks With Embossing Folders-Tips And Ideas

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Using Inks With Embossing Folders-Getting Started

Embossing folders are two-sided plastic folders that have a design imprinted in them. A piece of paper is placed inside the embossing folder. The embossing folder is then pressed through an embossing machine. When it is compressed, either manually or electronically, The design is imprinted as a raised image on the paper. You can use white or colored paper to create the image.

These designs can be used in many ways. They can of course become greeting cards. You can also use them in art and junk journals as pockets or embellishments. They can also be used on scrapbook pages as journal pockets or embellishments.

Now when you add ink on the side with the design on it, You add another dimension to the embossing folder. You can add layers of color that make the design of the folder sing and stand out. On top of that, you can add another layer of color. That makes the design have even more dimension.

Using inks with embossing folders is often referred to as the letterpress technique

Clear Example Of Embossing And Debossing

Difference Between Embossing And Debossing

When you are working with embossing folders, it is important to understand the difference between embossing and debossing.

Embossing is the process of stamping or carving a design onto paper like cardstock in a fashion that creates a raised, almost 3D look. For our use, this is created by using embossing folders.

Debossing is often thought of as another type of embossing. Rather than the design popping out against the material, it’s created with an indented look.

When you are using embossing folders, where you apply the ink will determine if you get an embossed or debossed image.

Embossing Folder Sandwich Guide

Three D Embossing Folders

Here are some sandwich guides for 3 D folders

Gemini Embossing Sandwich

• Base clear cutting plate
• Magnetic shim
• Embossing folder with card/paper inside
• Plastic shim

New Stampin Cut & Emboss Machine Sandwich

• Top – 4 Specialty Plate
• Middle – 3D Embossing Folder 1/8″ Thick
• Bottom -1 Platform

Big Shot Sandwich

• 3 D Folder with card stock inside
• 3D Embossing Folder plate (blue plate)

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Shadow Press Debossing Folders

Leave it to Tim Holtz to come up with a different tool for our embossing needs. The Shadow Press Debossing folders fit the bill when you want to create a debossing technique quickly and easily.

According to Sizzix, ShadowPress Debossing Folders are for use with the Texture Boutique, BIGkick, Big Shot and Vagabond machines only (used with a pair of Cutting Pads and the machine's included Platform).

These are word/sentiments that can be used in a multiple of papercrafts.

6 debossing folders are included with each package.

Inked Embossed Tags With Distress Inks

Supplies For Inking Embossing Folders

There are just a few supplies that you need to create ink embossed cards. You may have a few in your craft stash already.

Embossing Machine

There are several different types of embossing machines on the market. Most of them function as both a die cutter and an embosser. Some are manual and others are electronic. Each has their advantages.

Cardstock

You will want to use a good cardstock of at least 80 lbs -90lbs. I like Ninah White for its quality and performance. Usually, I prefer to use white cardstock, especially when I am planning to ink the paper with two inks. But you could also use colored cardstock and then add some darker ink for the embossing process. Experiment and see what you like best. The card stock is a single sheet that is adhered to the base card when it is all done.

You may also want to add a layer of cardstock between the embossed image and the card base. Each layer that you add should be slightly bigger then the one above it.

Embossing Folders

You can use any embossing folder that you have. You want to use a folder that does not have a lot of open space for the best results. If you have 6" by 6" embossing folders you can orientate the paper lengthwise or crosswise. Make sure to clean the embossing folder right after use so that the ink does not become permanent. A baby wipe works fine. Or you can use a shammy that is made to clean ink off a stamp. Do not use any alcohol on your embossing folders.

Inks

You can use any inks that you have. Dye inks really work well for this project. Try different inks with the same folder to get the same results. If you use two inks on your project, you want to have some contrast. Lighter n the bottom and darker on the top or visa versa. Play with your inks and see what works best. You might want to keep a list of what inks you liked best with a particular folder.

The inks may look a lot different when they are dry, so do not fuss when the ink comes out of the folder. Wait till it is dry to see the results.

Card Base

Once you have created your embossed ink image, you will want to have a card base to attach it to. You can use a premade card base or cut and fold your own. You will want the card base to be slightly bigger than the embossing folder, of course, you can cut the embossed image if you need to.

Best Inks To Use With Embossing Folders

As we said before, you can use just about any ink on your embossing folders, but some inks work better than others.

Water-based inks like distress inks, distress oxide inks, and crisp dye inks are the preferred inks for this technique.

These ink pads are flat and hard. This makes it easier to swipe the ink on the top of the embossed areas. You can use these inks in the full pad size or the mini versions.

All of these inks have wide choices when it comes to color, so you should have no problem finding a color that is right for your needs.

Two Ink Embossed Papers On One Card

Faux Letter Press Tachnique

This idea is a basic inked embossing folder technique. You can use one color of ink for this technique or several colors.

Supplies

• White Cardstock
• Inks pads-any color that you choose
• Embossing Folder
• Die Cut/Embossing Machine
• Card Base
• Double-Sided Tape
• Craft Mat Or Parchment Paper

1. Open the embossing folder flat on your workspace that is covered with a craft mat (or parchment paper)
2. Lightly tap the ink pad on the raised side of the embossing folder.
3. Place the paper inside the folder and close it.
4. Use the die-cut/embossing machine to emboss the embossing folder following the manufacturer's direction
5. Adhere the embossed piece to the card base with double-sided tape. Add a sentiment and any other embellishment you would like

Using Embossing Folder With Ink-The Simple Way

Inking The Flat Side Of The Embossing Folder

You can ink the flat side of the embossing folder for a different effect. You can ink the whole panel or part of it, it is up to you. This will give you a different effect over using the ink on the raised side.

Follow the basic directions to get the best results.

Mixing Colored Inks In Embossing Folders

Smooshing Technique

In this case, you would use ink oxides as they will work well with water.

1. First, onto a plastic craft mat, you add distress oxide in two colors with a light water mist.
2. Then, place the inside flat side of the embossing folder over the inky craft mat to apply the ink.
3. Then, extra ink was smooshed onto the same panel afterward.
4. Place the cardstock in the embossing folder
5. Run it through your die cutting/ embossing machine following the manufacturers direction

Brayering Ink Onto An Embossing Folder

Using a brayer to apply ink to an embossing folder gives a good smooth ink coverage to the folder. I sometimes apply the ink with the brayer twice to get more color,

1. Open the embossing folder and lay it flat on your workspace
2. Ink the brayer
3. Apply the ink with the brayer to the raised side of the embossing folder
4. Insert cardstock to the inside of the embossing folder and close the folder
5. Run the embossing folder through the die-cutting/embossing machine following the manufacturer's directions.

Note you can also apply the ink to the flat side of the embossing folder for a different effect.

Always start with the darkest color first then work your way up to the lightest if you are working with multiple colors

Have a piece of scrap paper on the side to roll and clean your brayer

* You can also put ink on a craft mat by just rubbing the stamp pad across the mat. Then roll the brayer through the ink and apply it to the embossing folder.

Perfect Brayer Set For Your Embossing Folders

Ink Blending Before Embossing

Another inky technique to try is to blend inks ahead of time on your card piece and then blend it. So easy and it comes out nicely

Supplies

• Inks-you can do rainbow colors or different shades of one color
• Ink Blending Tool
• Cardstock
• Die Cut/Embossing Machine
• Double sided Tape
• Card base in the size of your choice
• Craft Mat Or A Piece of Parchment Paper

1. Cut a piece of white cardstock a little smaller than the card base that you plan to use
2. Starting at the top of the cardstock piece, select the color of ink that you want to use. Blend it on the paper with the blending tool
3. Select the next color and apply it with the blending tool, slightly overlapping the first color.
4. Continue adding color all the way down to the end of the cardstock, overlapping the colors all the way down
5. Place the cardstock in the embossing folder
6. Run the embossing folder through the die-cut/embossing machine. Follow the manufacturers for making your sandwich
7. Use double-sided tape to attach the embossed piece to the card base.
8. Add a sentiment as any other decor that you would like
9. Enjoy your design

Double Embossing With Embossing Ink

Here is a really different way to use ink and add a larger dimension to your cards. This time instead of using regular inks, we are going to use embossing ink and embossing powder. This technique is pure magic and the combinations are endless.

Supplies

• White Cardstock
• Card Base
• Embossing Folder
• Embossing Ink
• Embossing Powder
• Brayer (optional)
• Heat Gun
• Craft Mat or Parchment Paper

1. Open the embossing folder and lay it flat on the craft mat or parchment paper
2. Cover one side of the embossing folder with embossing ink
3. Lay the piece of cardstock on the folder and close the folder
4. Run the cardstock through your die cut/ embossing machine
5. Apply any color or combination of colors of embossing powder to the paper
6. Heat the embossing powder till it is all melted
7. Appy the embossed piece to your cardstock
8. Add a sentiment

Another Version Of Double Embossing

Sponging Ink On Embossing Folders

Faux Water Color Embossed Card

This is a technique that requires inks that work well with water. I would use oxide inks or distress inks for this project.

Supplies

• White Cardstock
• Oxide or Distress Inks
• Spray Bottle With Water
• Embossing Folder
• Die Cut/Embossing Machine
• Card Base
• Craft Mat or Parchment Paper

1. Apply oxide/distress inks directly to the raised area of your embossing folder. You can do one color, rainbow colors, or mixed colors.
2. Lightly spray with water
3. Place the paper in your embossing folder
4. Run the embossing folder through the die-cut/embossing machine. Follow the manufacturer's directions
5. Use double-sided tape to mount the card to the card base.
6. Apply a sentiment and any other decoration you would like

More Ideas For Embossing With Ink

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  Using Ink with Embossing Folders is what we have for you today. Today I am going to show you how to add ink to your embossed image two different ways!

Contrast Ink Color

Using Spray Inks On Embossing Folders

Broaden your horizons and use ink sprays on your embossing folders. This technique takes the process a step further. You can use ant spray. The metallic sprays are a choice that gives some extra depth and dimension.

Supplies

• Cardstock-white or colors-at least 90 lb.
• Ink Sprays
• Die Cut/embossing machine
• Craft Mat
• Water In A Spray Bottle
• Embossing Folders
• Paper Towels

1. Open the embossing folder and lay it flat on the craft mat.
2. Spray the top part of the embossing folder with the colors you have selected.
3. Spritz two to three spritzes of water to help mix the colors.
4. Carefully lay the paper in the embossing folder and close the lid
5. Carefully put in the piece of cardstock cut to fit the folder.
6. Following the manufacturer's direction to create your sandwich and run the embossing folder through the machine.
7. Allow drying time
8. Add some sequins and a sentiment

Using Alcohol Inks With Embossing Folders

More Than Just Greeting Cards

Once you have stamped and inked your paper, consider the use of these papers for more than just greeting cards. These papers can be used in other papercrafts, like junk journals and art journals. They can also be used as backgrounds on artist trading cards. Consider using them as journal pockets on scrapbook pages.

Creating Pockets In Journals

There are several ways to add pockets to your journal pages. All you need to create these pockets is some double-sided tape. or some tacky glue.

1. Corner Pocket-You cut a triangle that will fit the corner of your page. Glue or tape two sides of the pocket to the page.
2. Square Or Rectangular Pocket- Cut the paper to size. You can place this pocket anywhere on the page. Glue or tape the pocket on three sides

Belly Bands

Belly bands are strips of heavy paper that are taped or glue on each end of the page. The band can be either vertical or horizontal. The purpose of the band is to hold whatever you would like to add.

Scrapbook Journal Pockets

If you would like to add some hidden journaling, journal pockets fill the bill. You use a piece of paper a bit larger than the paper you are using for your journaling. Glue or tape the pocket on three sides of the pocket.

© 2021 Linda F Correa