Take your embossing to a new level with the blackout technique! This is a fun and simple way to use the debossed side of embossed cardstock. And I have two different ways you can use this technique in your card making.
The cards feature the Layered Florals 3D embossing folder and the Simply Said stamp set from Stampin’ Up! However, keep in mind you can use any supplies you have on hand with this technique.
The Technique
First let’s talk about the embossing aspect of the blackout technique. Start by choosing a 3D embossing folder, like the Layered Florals, for this technique. This style of embossing folder will add deep imprints in the cardstock which is perfect for this technique!
Start by embossing a 4 x 5-1/4 inch piece of cardstock. The raised side of the cardstock is the embossed side. If you flip over the embossed cardstock you will find the debossed side. We will be using the debossed side of the cardstock for this technique.
The second aspect of this technique involves the coloring. You can use sponge daubers to add different colors to the debossed side of the cardstock as shown in the first picture. Of course, you can also use stampin’ blends, alcohol-based markers, to color in the debossed side of the cardstock (refer to the second picture). Each of these two coloring options give a little different look to the flowers.
The cool part about the coloring is that you can be messy with it! No need to stay inside the lines when coloring because any excess ink will be covered up once the blackout technique (dark ink) is applied.
Background Blackout
The third aspect of this technique is where the magic happens! Once you have embossed the cardstock and colored in the debossed side, you are ready to blackout the background. This involves a simple ink pad dragging technique using black or, in this case, Early Espresso ink.
Open up the Early Espresso ink pad, flip it over so the ink side is facing down and lightly drag the pad across the debossed side of the cardstock. The ink will fill in all the high spots (the background) on the debossed side of the cardstock. The low spots, where the colors are, will be accented by the dark ink but not covered by it. Continue to drag the dark ink across the cardstock until all the white is covered. Now you are ready to create some cards! Be sure to download the tutorial below.
Of course, you can use the ink pad dragging technique on the embossed side of the cardstock too. Learn more about this technique HERE.
Tutorial & Supplies
Now you have two different ways to use the blackout embossing technique in your card making. Download the tutorial for a complete list of supplies and the instructions for creating these cards.
I hope you enjoyed the card ideas and are inspired to give this technique a try. Be sure to watch the video to see this technique in action! Have a fun and creative day my friends! ~ Lynn
So pretty! Is this a new EF? I keep getting confused since they have not put an N in catalogue to designate new stuff. Want to get if new. You really do a nice service for us. You amaze me!
Hi Helen, Thanks so much! Yes, it is a new embossing folder coming out in the fall mini catalog. It is part of the Winterly Tree Tops suite
Very creative, unique and beautiful. You’re generous with your tutorials and free downloads. Sure appreciate all that you offer.
Thanks so much for your sweet comments. So glad you enjoy the card ideas and tutorials.
Also, I’d like to say thank you for always inspiring me. You always have something so wonderful to share share thank you.
Thanks so much! I’m so happy to hear you are inspired by the different card ideas.
I am so impressed with this technique. I have never in my life seen this and I can’t wait to try it. Thank you Lynn for sharing.
It is a super fun technique! One of my team members share this last week with us so I just had to play around with it. Have fun with this technique!