Taking 3D Embossing Folders to the Next Level!

Hi there! Emily Midgett here with you today, and I have some inspiration using the Ranunculus Bouquet 3D Embossing Folder-but kicked up a notch! These 3D embossing folders are quickly becoming some of my most favorite products to use… they create such a breathtaking, but subtle, impact on a clean and simple card. Simply run your folder with some pretty colored cardstock through your die cutting machine, add a sentiment (bonus points for a pretty die cut sentiment in a contrasting color), and maybe some sparkles, et voilá! But for today's card, I wanted to see if I could take things to a new level that matches my style a bit better with some watercoloring. Let's get started with the details!

I began by running the Ranunculus Bouquet 3D Embossing Folder through my die cut machine with some of Altenew's watercolor paper. I'm always amazed when I open the folder and see the incredible detail that has come through. It's positively magical. You could very easily leave it like this, but I pulled out my Artists' Watercolor 24 Pan set and did some loose watercoloring. Normally, I fuss with shading, dimension, and details for a very long time on a watercolored project like this, but the huge 3D details that you achieve with the embossing folder helps to cut down on the amount of detail that you need to add. A few extra layers of paint on those leaves that are more in the background to help them darken up a little, and you're good to go!

I did do some subtle washes of color on the background in coordinating colors. I think the effect is quite dream-like and ethereal. Once it had dried completely (you can use a heat gun if you're in a rush), I splattered some deep purple for an extra “artsy” feel.

You don't need an elaborate greeting with these beautiful embossed backgrounds, but for my sentiment I combined a plum purple Fancy Peace die cut with a silver embossed sentiment strip from Peaceful Serenity. I first adhered the Fancy Peace die cut to a strip of vellum (just for some extra interest and a touch of added stability), then adhered the sentiment strips to the flourishes at the bottom of the die cut. I then used the new Instant Dimension Foam Tape to pop everything up. The final touch was to add some gems for sparkle!

Well, that's all for my project today. If you haven't tried adding watercolor to your 3D embossed images, I highly encourage you to do so…. so much fun! Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a marvelous day!