Watercolor With Embossing Folders Technique

If you’ve been making cards very long, you’ve probably tried your hand at embossing with embossing folders. Have you tried watercoloring? If not, I seriously encourage you to try it! Why am I talking about embossing and watercoloring at the same time? Because today we are doing watercolor with embossing folders. Let’s take a look!

Have you ever done watercolor with embossing folders?! This fun twist on embossing creates one-of-a-kind results. Click for complete tutorial!

I dreamed up this technique a while back and first tried it during a Zoom craft night with my Stampin Up team members. The card turned out beautifully, and after sharing it several times online I’ve received requests to create a tutorial for it. Today’s the day! Let’s watercolor with embossing folders!

Featured Embossing Folders

I used the Elegant Eucalyptus, Painted Posies and Sweet Citrus embossing folders for these projects. For this watercoloring technique, I like to use embossing folders that create more of a picture rather than a basic design, though you could try this with patterned folders too.

Applying Ink To Folders

The first step for this technique is to apply ink to the embossing folder. You want to apply ink to the raised side of the folder (not the recessed side), and you can do this by directly pressing an ink pad against the folder or using daubers, blending brushes, markers, or spritzers. In today’s video, you can see that I used markers and daubers for my samples. Learn more about applying ink to embossing folders here.

Next Step – Spritz Water

After the color is on the folder, spritz 2-5 times with a water spritzer. Keep in mind the more water you apply, the more the colors will move and bleed.

Insert Cardstock

The paper type you use is up to you. I prefer to use watercolor paper or shimmery white cardstock, which allows the color to move a bit more than regular cardstock. Carefully place the cardstock inside the folder, without smearing the ink, and close it.

Emboss As Usual

Next, run the folder through your embossing machine. You may want to place scrap paper on top of and below the folder to catch any escaping water and ink. If not, just wipe it off with a shammy or rag after it comes out of the machine.