This week’s technique challenge at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown is all about embossing folders, and as someone who owns rather more embossing folders than I probably need, I was very happy indeed with this theme!
Embossing folders are such a simple way to add texture and interest to a card, especially when working with a fairly clean and minimal design. For this card, I let the embossing take centre stage, pairing it with patterned paper, a little ribbon and a simple sentiment.
Here’s how I made it.
What You’ll Need
- 8″ square white card base
- Designer paper of your choice
- White cardstock
- Christmas Tree embossing folder
- Essential Rectangle Deckle Frames dies by Craft Addiction UK
- Banner die
- Greeting stamp
- Black ink
- White ribbon
- Foam adhesive
- Liquid glue
Step 1: Create the Background
I began with an 8″ square white card base.
Next, I selected a piece of designer paper and trimmed it slightly smaller than the card front, leaving approximately a quarter-inch border of white showing all the way around. This simple border helps frame the patterned paper and keeps the finished card looking fresh and balanced.
The designer paper was then adhered flat to the card base.
Step 2: Add the Ribbon Detail
To break up the background and add a little texture, I wrapped a length of white ribbon vertically along the left-hand side of the card front and tied it into a simple knot.
I love using ribbon in this way. It adds softness and interest without competing with the focal image.
Step 3: Create the Embossed Focal Panel
For the centrepiece of the card, I embossed a piece of white cardstock using a Christmas Tree embossing folder.
The beautiful raised design creates lots of texture and detail while maintaining the clean white look of the card.
To help the embossed panel stand out from the background, I mounted it onto a second piece of white cardstock that had been die cut using the Essential Rectangle Deckle Frames dies by Craft Addiction UK.
The deckled edge adds another subtle layer of texture and helps define the focal panel against the patterned paper.
Step 4: Assemble the Card
The completed focal panel was then adhered to the centre of the card front using foam adhesive.
Raising the panel creates lovely shadows around the edges and draws attention to the embossed design.
Step 5: Add the Sentiment
To finish the card, I stamped a festive greeting onto white cardstock using black ink and die cut it with a banner die.
The banner was then adhered across the centre of the embossed tree panel using foam adhesive, creating a simple focal point without obscuring too much of the embossed detail.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed creating this card. Sometimes it’s nice to step away from lots of stamping and colouring and let texture do the hard work instead.
The combination of the patterned paper, embossed tree, deckled frame and ribbon creates plenty of interest while keeping the overall design clean and elegant. It’s also a design that could easily be recreated in different colour schemes simply by changing the background paper.
If you’ve been neglecting your embossing folders recently, this week’s challenge at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown is the perfect excuse to pull them out and give them some love. I’d love to see what textures and designs you choose to showcase.
Happy crafting!
Lily-by-Gilly 