Lindsay Dickason Designs

Embossing

Stencil emboss cards 3 ways & Erin Lee Creative March Release Blog Hop!

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Learn how to emboss with stencils to create stunning card designs! Plus take a look at the new products by Erin Lee Creative!

Hello! Happy Wednesday and happy Erin Lee Creative March Release Blog Hop Day!

Thank you so much for hopping along with us as we celebrate and share the new and fabulous products by ELC!

Erin already has an awesome selection of stencils in her shop, and the newest additions from the March release are no exception.

Just take a look at the Scandinavian Stencil. Isn’t it just so stinkin’ gorgeous?! I am totally loving it!

I also love finding new ways to use my supplies to get lots of unique and creative looks with my cards. In this post, I’ll show you how easy it is to create 3 different cards using the same technique – stencil embossing!

Let’s Get started!

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Quick Links to Information in this Post

What is stencil embossing?

Stencil embossing is a technique that essentially turns your stencils into embossing folders!

Just like with an embossing folder, when you run a stencil and cardstock through your die cutting machine, it presses the cardstock into the stencil – giving you that elegant, raised design in the paper.

The way to do this is to add a silicone rubber embossing pad in the “sandwich” of your die cutting machine.

Supplies

How to stencil emboss

Here are 3 different looks you can achieve with the same stencil using the stencil embossing technique. The differences are subtle, but stunning nonetheless. No matter which technique you choose though, the stencil “sandwich” you run through your diecutting machine doesn’t change.

The Sandwich

From top to bottom here it is:

  • top embossing/cutting plate
  • optional: thick cardstock to act as shim (but make sure paper covers entire stencil)
  • stencil
  • paper
  • silicone rubber embossing pad
  • bottom embossing/cutting plate

Depending on what machine you are using you may also need a platform to hold the sandwich. Check the instructions of your die cutting machine for how to emboss.

Technique 1

Before assembling your stencil embossing sandwich, temporarily adhere the stencil to your cardstock.

I think the best way to do this is to use a light tack, repositionable adhesive like Pixie Spray. This gives you the most control and the crispest stencil lines. Holding the stencil in place with washi tape also works too. You just want to make sure the stencil won’t move while you’re diecutting.

Apply Salty Ocean Distress Ink to your cardstock with an ink blending tool. Be gentle and press the ink blending tool straight down onto the cardstock rather than swiping side to side. This helps to keep the small bits of the stencil from lifting and possibly bending or breaking.

Keep that stencil in place on the cardstock as you run it through your die cutting machine. Use the sandwich, run it through, and then gently remove the stencil. It really won’t look much different than using just the stencil and ink, but you’re not done yet!

Next, take the Distress Ink pad and gently rub it all over the cardstock. Apply even pressure, but not too firm, and make sure you keep the ink pad flat without tilting it side to side.

See how the raised areas catch the ink differently than the flat areas? You end up with a dark stenciled image with little halo of uninked cardstock.

Technique 2

For this technique, temporarily adhere the stencil to a piece of cardstock (again, I used Pixie Spray). Build your stencil embossing sandwich, run it through your diecutting machine to emboss, and then remove the stencil.

Flip the cardstock to the side where the stencil design has been raised by the embossing. (It’s so much easier to see in real life rather than in the picture.)

Then, swipe the Distress Ink pad lightly over the entire piece of cardstock. You don’t want to press down too hard. Just keep reapplying ink over the cardstock until you get a pretty solid coverage over the raised areas.

In this technique, the raised areas will pick up the ink more heavily than the flatter areas. This technique is very similar to the first except that the stencil design isn’t inked as boldly.

Technique 3

This technique is exactly the same as technique 2, with just one change. Instead of applying ink to the raised side, flip the cardstock over and apply ink to the side where the stencil design is “debossed.”

On this side of the cardstock, because the design is “sunk” into the paper, it doesn’t pick up the ink as much as the other areas. This keeps it relatively lighter than the rest of the card, again, giving you a different look than the other techniques.

Blog Hop Order & Giveaway info

Ready for your next stop on the hop? The very talented Amy is up next, and below is the full blog hop order because you don’t want to miss a thing! We’ve got a talented crew!

Want a chance to will a $25 gift code to use in the ELC shop? Just comment on all the blog posts in the hop to enter to win!

3 random winners who comment across all blogs will receive a $25 gift code to use in the ELC shop. Winners will be announced March 25. So be sure to comment!

Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that Erin is running a super awesome sale! Stay home, stock up, and craft!

Thank you so very much for stopping by, and supporting your fellow card makers and small businesses. We’re all in this together. Have a wonderful day!

Happy crafting my friends,

Did you make it? I’d love to hear from you!

If you made this card, I’d love to see it! You can tag me on Facebook or email me at hello@lindsaydickason.com.

And if you give me permission, I’d love to share a picture of your card on this blog post!

What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

And if you have any questions about this post, you can ask me either in the comment section of this post or email me at hello@lindsaydickason.com.

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