You’ve probably heard of the Cuttlebug. It’s a die cut and embossing machine that’s all the rage these days. Thanks to WishRAK, I have a few beautiful pieces of dry embossed cardstock in my collection now. What kind of fun techniques can you do with a Cuttlebug? Well, to illustrate one, here’s a wedding card I recently made with an embossed sheet:
Copyright Stampin’ Up! 1990-2007
With their raised surfaces, dry embossed images are easy to distress with the “Direct-to-Paper” (or DTP) technique. I started out by trying to sponge a bit of white craft ink onto the surface of my cardstock. But that wasn’t too effective (I started to get ink on all the surfaces, not just the raised design), so I started to simply swipe my ink pad over my cardstock, like so:
To add further dimension to my card, I added a bit of extra color to the background with a watercolor brush:
It was a rather subtle effect. The color of this cardstock is Cool Caribbean and the ink I used was a very watered-down Bashful Blue. And because they were slightly different shades of blue, the two colors blended nicely to make a soft metallic sort of look (you know, “soft” as in “so soft you can’t really see it here, but trust me–it’s there”).
When I was finished, I thought that this looked just right for a wedding card, so I finished it off with a white embossed greeting, one of my homemade Primas and some ribbon. I’m so very happy with this card! It’s the sort that makes me say to myself, “Did *I* make this? Wow!” Now I can’t wait for someone to get married…
Now, you don’t need a Cuttlebug to try this technique, either. If you have a brass template for dry embossing, that will do just as well! Don’t feel left out if you don’t have a ton of money to spend on all the latest fads. That’s what WishRAK is for. I did notice, however, that Joann’s is having a sale on the Cuttlebug this week, so now might be the time for you to purchase one. Their designs are very lovely!
Hope you enjoy trying this out for yourself. If you share one of your creations, let me know because I’d love to see it!
Happy stamping!
I’m green with envy at your creativity!!! This card is GORGEOUS!!! Love the colors, the elegance… you rock!!!
Another brilliant tutorial…I’ll be sure to link to this one!
Beautiful card, and I like the additional dimension you get from the watercoloring - really great idea!!
This finished card is beautiful - I love how you explained the process and just love the finished project!
What a wonderful idea to add “lowlights” to the image. Whenever I’ve tried this in the past, I’ve just used white ink but it just doesn’t look right. I’ll definitely be trying it your way!!
Thank you for this tutorial. I had been wondering how to do this!
Joy
What a beautiful card! I love the idea of adding both highlights and lowlights to an embossed image. As always, thanks for your clear, concise directions and photographs.
This card is stunning, Nicole!
I love this card! And I had no idea that you were without a Cuttlebug!! Well if you have any requests please feel free to ask…I’d be HAPPY to RAK you.
This is beautiful. Very elegant. Love the color. Thanks for the tutorial. ;o)
Great card. I really like my cuttlebug and will have to try this right away. Thanks. Waymo
thanks for the tips!
What a pretty card. Loved the tutorial too.
What a great card. I have not had my cuttlebug long and your card is just the inspiration that i needed to just go for it….thankyou
Love the look of this card. I too have been swiping my embossed images - I really like the effect.
Another tip for those that don’t have cuttlebugs or can’t afford one is to just buy the Cuttlebug embossing folders and use a good old rolling pin to apply pressure!
Love my cuttlebug and want to know where you got the beautiful lacy type emboss for the wedding card
I just found your site via a search on Cuttlebug’s. I think the wedding card is absolutely gorgeous and imagine that it would work equally well with other colour ways. You have really got me thinking now. As yet I don’t have a Cuttlebug. I saw one for the first time at a Craft Expo in Poitiers, France, close to where I live. I’m looking forward now to having a look at you other tutorials. This is the first time that I have seem a site like this and would love to know more about them.
Thanks,
Su
-x-
This card is absolutely gorgeous. I have a wedding on saturday and I hope it’s okay to case this one. I love your tutorial on applying ink to the embossed images.
BEAUTIFUL CARD I JUST LOVE THAT TEXTILE EMBOSSING FOLDER—MELODY
Great idea. Always good to see ideas for cuttlebug.
As I have a Cuttlebug on layby and will be getting it in a week or so I did a web search for Cuttlebug Tutorials and came across your site.
The card is absolute gorgeous and I can hardly wait to get my Cuttlebug. I have been buying dies but so far haven’t purchased any embossing ones yet, but I see that will be what I get next.
Thanks for such an interesting site.