So this morning I had an idea.  I experimented a few days ago with a double-inking technique on the Subtle Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder® and was really pleased with the results.  Today I had an idea to try using a different Dynamic embossing folder on DSP to see how that worked.  So I pulled out one I haven’t used in ages, Basket Weave, and accidentally made a masculine birthday card.  Not that I’m complaining!

BASKET WEAVE DYNAMIC EMBOSSING FOLDER

The point about the Dynamic embossing folders from Stampin’ Up! is that they give a better 3D effect.  But there are a few tricks to getting the best results:

1. Spritz the card lightly with clean water before placing the card in the Dynamic embossing folder.
2. Place the folder directly onto a multipurpose platform with all the tabs open, or if using the new platform, don’t use the thin die adapter.  Then put a single cutting plate on top.
3. Run the folder through the Big Shot twice, once forwards and then once backwards as well.

Now, sometimes you can’t stick rigidly to these rules.  For example if I’m embossing a stamped piece, I can’t spritz it with water as the ink would run.  So I figure that the moisture from the ink has already softened the card fibres and just skip that step.

Of course embossing Designer Series Paper (DSP) is a different issue entirely.  It’s thinner than card and less likely to stand up to the rigors of the dynamic embossing.  But I felt sure that there was a way to get around this problem, and this morning I found it!

WOOD TEXTURES 6″ x 6″ DSP STACK

I took a piece of the Wood Textures DSP and used Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) to attach it to some Very Vanilla Card.  Then without wetting the piece I placed it inside the Basket Weave Dynamic folder and ran it through the Big Shot twice.

The result was amazing.  I had woven wood!  Why haven’t I tried this before?

As a control, I embossed another piece of the same the DSP without mounting it on card.  The results weren’t nearly as impressive, the embossing was much flatter.  I’d use both pieces, but only because I didn’t want to waste them.

SIMPLE LAYERS

To start the actual project I cut and scored a piece of Thick Very Vanilla Card using my Stampin’ Trimmer.  Then I folded the card along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder.

Next I used liquid glue to attach a square of Early Espresso Card.  Over the top of that I added the strip of embossed card/DSP using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

On a layer of Very Vanilla Card I used liquid glue to fix a narrow strip of the embossed DSP down the right-hand side.  Then this was fixed inside the card base with more liquid glue.

The remaining embossed DSP was attached to the flap on a Very Vanilla Medium Envelope with liquid glue.  I pressed this down really firmly then cut around the edge of the flap with Paper Snips.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

All that was left was the large ‘happy birthday’ sentiment from the Perennial Birthday Stamp Set.

I started by wiping a strip of Very Vanilla Card with an Embossing Buddy to remove any oils and static.  Then I used VersaMark ink to stamp the sentiment.  Next I sprinkled the sticky ink with Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder and tapped off the excess.  After removing a few stray specks of powder I melted the rest with my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).

Once it had cooled I added Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of the sentiment and added it to the card.  Job done.

So, all in all, a good morning’s work.  I’ve discovered that you can use the Dynamic embossing folders on DSP.  I’ve also discovered that you get the best results if you mount the DSP onto card before embossing it.  You can be sure this is a technique I’ll be using again, why don’t you give it a try?

Apart from the Subtle Dynamic embossing folder that I use an awful lot.  I have a few others in this range.  You can find some of these used on projects on these earlier blog posts:

Beautiful Promenade

Tin Tile – Retro Design

Christmas In July

The Midas Touch

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