Watercolor Background with Embossing Folders

Let’s do some water coloring with embossing folders today! It’s a fun and simple way to create a watercolor background for your cards. 

The cards feature the Changing Leaves Bundle from Stampin’ Up! This is a NEW online exclusive which just launched today! However, keep in mind you can use any supplies you have on hand with this technique.

Creating the Watercolor Background

First let’s talk about how to create the watercolor background with embossing folders. Start by choosing the embossing folder you would like to use. I recommend a folder with a lot of detail. I chose the Exposed Brick 3D embossing folder for my watercolor technique. Next, I chose a few neutral colors to create the watercolor look in the background. A bit of Crumb Cake, Pecan Pie and Early Espresso ink were the perfect combination.

We will be using the debossing side of the embossing folder for this technique. The debossed side is typically the bottom section (not the top flap). It’s the side that creates the indentations in the cardstock (not the raised areas). Randomly apply the 3 different colors of ink to the debossed side of the embossing folder. You can use a sponge dauber, brayer or even your stamp pad to apply the ink. Once the ink is applied, spritz the ink with a bit of water, add a piece of watercolor paper and run it through your embossing machine.

Card Ideas

Now that you know how to create the watercolor background, you are ready to make a few cards! For these cards, I am featuring the NEW Changing Leaves Bundle from Stampin’ Up! This particular bundle comes with a stamp set, a coordinating die set, and a Hybrid embossing folder. You can learn more about this bundle HERE.

I basically completed the watercolor embossing technique using a 4-1/2 x 6 inch piece of watercolor paper. I found that it’s easier to watercolor a large piece of paper and then cut it up into smaller pieces for card making.

The watercolor background for the first card is simply a 4-1/4 x 2-1/2 inch piece. Add a 2-3/4 x 3 inch piece of Early Espresso cardstock behind it before adhering to the card front. The measurements for the other two cards can be found in the tutorial below.

Tutorial & Supplies

Now you have a fun and easy way to use your embossing folders to create a watercolor background. For additional details on these cards, feel free to download the printable tutorial.

I hope you enjoyed this technique and are inspired to give it a try with a few of your own supplies. Be sure to watch the video to see this technique in action. Have a fun and creative day my friends! ~ Lynn