Four Easy Embossing Holder Hacks: Video Tutorial

Embossing folders are one of those tools we all seem to collect. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and create instant texture with just one pass through a die cutting machine. But if I’m being honest? Mine were starting to gather a little dust. I found myself reaching for the same folders and using them the same way every time—plain white cardstock, run it through, done. Sound familiar?

In today’s post, I’m sharing four simple ways to get more out of your embossing folders. These are techniques I come back to often when I want something quick but impactful. Each one brings a fresh twist, and they all work great whether you're crafting a quick birthday card or something a bit more playful and layered. I’ve included a video tutorial so you can see each of the hacks in action, along with card samples to spark your own creativity.

Easy Embossing Holder Hacks:

1. Ink Up Your Embossing Folder

This first trick is one of those oldies but goodies I come back to when I want to stretch my stash of inks and folders. For this card, I grabbed a floral embossing folder from my stash and paired it with Saltwater Taffy Distress Oxide Ink. Instead of inking up the paper, I inked the inside of the folder—specifically the front flap, which keeps the raised (embossed) lines nice and white once it’s run through the machine.

This little shift makes such a big difference. The ink fills in the background while the floral lines stay crisp and white—super soft and pretty without needing any extra embellishments. I trimmed the panel down, added a simple black mat for contrast, and finished it off with a bold “Happy Birthday” word die.

Pro Tip: You can ink either side of the folder depending on the look you want. Try both to see if you prefer the ink highlighting the raised areas or the recessed ones.

2. Partial Embossing for Clean Design

Partial dry embossing is such a fun way to bring in texture while keeping some “white space” on your panel. For this technique, I placed my cardstock into an embossing folder and let the bottom portion hang out. The result? Only the top section got embossed, leaving a smooth area for stamping or embellishing.

For the card example, I used that open space for a die cut sentiment and a cute little girl image I had stamped and colored earlier. I added a narrow strip of colored cardstock right along the transition line between embossed and smooth—just to give it a little visual balance—and then mounted the whole thing on a black mat.

This is a go-to layout for me when I want to combine textures without overwhelming the card front. It also works beautifully with bold sentiment strips or stamped messages across the open area.

Pro Tip: Want a perfectly clean line where the embossing ends? Use a thin piece of chipboard or a second cutting plate positioned just over the area you don’t want to emboss. It helps create a soft but clear stopping point.

3. Embossing Vellum for Soft Texture

This one might be my favorite. I love using vellum in card making—there’s just something so dreamy about the way it softens everything. But have you ever tried embossing vellum? It’s game-changing.

I used a cloud embossing folder from my stash and paired it with vellum cardstock for a whimsical background. It paired perfectly with the Pokémon kids card I shared yesterday—soft, subtle texture that didn’t compete with the busy stamped images but still gave the design some depth.

Pro Tip: When embossing vellum, use a lower pressure setting if your machine allows it, and avoid over-handling the embossed piece afterward. Vellum can crack along the raised edges if you bend it too much, so I usually adhere it flat with double-sided tape behind any covered areas.

4. Embossed Die Cut Shapes

This final hack is all about getting more from the supplies you’ve already got on hand. I had some balloon die cuts sitting on my desk—leftovers from another project—and instead of letting them go unused, I ran them through an embossing folder to add texture.

It’s such a simple thing, but wow does it elevate those plain cardstock shapes. The embossed texture gave the balloons a more realistic, dimensional look, and made them feel like embellishments instead of just flat elements.

On the finished card, I clustered a few together on a stenciled background and added a cheerful sentiment. It ended up being one of my favorite cards of the bunch, and it came together so fast.

Pro Tip: Stick to simple shapes when embossing die cuts—balloons, hearts, stars, circles. More complex shapes can lose their detail when they’re put through a folder.

Wrap-Up: Stretching Your Stash

I love finding new ways to breathe life into supplies we already own, and embossing folders are a perfect place to start. Whether you’re inking them up, playing with vellum, or giving your die cuts a texture boost, there’s a lot of magic hiding in those little plastic folders.

If you’ve got a stash of embossing folders you haven’t used in a while, I hope today’s post inspires you to pull them out and try something new. And if you’re short on time, each of these techniques works wonderfully as a standalone feature—no need for complex layering or coloring.

Let me know in the comments which technique you’re most excited to try—or if you’ve got a favorite embossing trick of your own. I always love hearing your ideas and seeing what you create!

And don’t forget—you can watch the full video tutorial to see each of these hacks in action.

Happy crafting!

Easy Embossing Holder Hacks Video Tutorial:

If you have problems watching the video here on my blog you can always watch it on my YouTube Channel by Clicking here!

(Wondering what I used in this video? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible). As always I appreciate your support of my videos!

Materials Used:

Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

Happy Stampin'

Rick Adkins

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