Rusty Grunge 3 Ways | Distress Kraft Stock + Seth Apter Embossing Folder & Dies

I’m so excited to wrap up my Rusty Grunge 3 Ways series with this final look—a softer, more earthy grunge full of color and bold texture.

For this version, we’re diving into Distress Kraft Stock. It’s the perfect base when you want that warm, worn-in look that still delivers all the rusty grungy vibes. I’m once again featuring the Seth Apter embossing folder along with a mix of his new Sizzix dies. And like in the first two videos, I took some inspiration from Tim Holtz’s techniques and added my own spin.

Rusty Grunge with Distress Kraft Stock by Juliana Michaels featuring Seth Apter Embossing Folder and Die Techniques

The background came together with plenty of layered color, grit, and splatter. And while the tones are more neutral and vintage compared to Parts 1 and 2, the texture is still bold and dimensional.
To finish it off, I used a mix of grungy die cuts—including a few butterflies (because let’s be honest, they’re one of my favorite embellishments ever!).

Rusty Grunge with Distress Kraft Stock by Juliana Michaels featuring Seth Apter Embossing Folder and Die Techniques

WHAT TO EXPECT

In this first video, I’m walking you through how I created a rusty industrial metal effect on the background and embellishments using:
  • Distress Kraft Stock
  • Seth Apter’s New Embossing Folder and Dies
  • Distress Oxides
  • Distress Spritz
  • and a technique inspired by a recent Tim Holtz demo
Rusty Grunge with Distress Kraft Stock by Juliana Michaels featuring Seth Apter Embossing Folder and Die Techniques

WATCH THE VIDEO 

Check out the video and the rusty grunge techniques I'm sharing below or you can watch it on my YouTube channel HERE.

RUSTY GRUNGE 3 WAYS 

This is Part 3 of my Rusty Grunge 3 Ways series. In the other two videos we explore: 
  • Distress Watercolor Cardstock for a bold, rusty oxidized effect
  • Metallic Kraft Stock for an industrial rusty metal effect
Missed a video? Check out the entire Rusty Grunge Playlist HERE.

Rusty Grunge with Distress Kraft Stock by Juliana Michaels featuring Seth Apter Embossing Folder and Die Techniques

If you’ve made it through all three parts of this series—thank you! I hope it’s inspired you to pull out your embossing folders, grab some Distress products, and explore your own version of rusty grunge.

Let me know in the comments which version was your favorite—Watercolor, Metallic, or Kraft Stock?

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card and the swatches. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!
 

Rusty Grunge with Distress Metallic Kraft Stock | Industrial Texture with Seth Apter Embossing Folder and Dies

Welcome back to Part 2 of my Rusty Grunge 3 Ways series: Bold Texture. Moody Color. Endless Possibilities.

Today I’m diving into one of my absolute favorite surfaces for creating gritty, industrial effects: Distress Metallic Kraft Stock. This cardstock is amazing for adding a touch of shimmer to those rusted textures we love.

Rusty Grunge with Distress Metallic Kraft Stock by Juliana Michaels featuring Seth Apter Embossing Folder and Die Techniques

Once again, I’m using the new Seth Apter embossing folder from Sizzix, along with his bold new die designs and a tried-and-true favorite from Tim Holtz to finish the piece with layered embellishments. Tim’s recent technique demo sparked this entire project, and in this video, I’m sharing my spin on it.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

In this first video, I’m walking you through how I created a rusty industrial metal effect on the background and embellishments using:
  • Distress Metallic Kraft Stock
  • Seth Apter’s New Embossing Folder and Dies
  • Distress Paint
  • Distress Crayons
  • Distress Embossing Glaze
  • Embossing Powder
  • and a technique inspired by a recent Tim Holtz demo


Remember to check your stash for similar items—it’s all about making it work with what you’ve got! If you’re interested in anything I used, you’ll find a complete supply list in the video description. Your support through those affiliate links means so much and helps me keep making content like this.

WATCH THE VIDEO 

Check out the video and the rusty grunge techniques I'm sharing below or you can watch it on my YouTube channel HERE.


RUSTY GRUNGE 3 WAYS 

This is Part 2 of my Rusty Grunge 3 Ways series. In the other two videos we explore: 
  • Distress Watercolor Cardstock for a bold, rusty oxidized effect
  • Kraft Stock for a deep, earthy patina look
Check out the entire Rusty Grunge Playlist HERE.


THE RESULTS

This card is a rich mix of shiny metallics and rusty decay. The alchemy that happens when you apply paint and alcohol to Metallic Kraft Stock is seriously magical. Add in that bold blue butterfly, those die-cut layers, and the simple reminder—“Don’t forget to fly”—and it all just clicks.

Be sure to stay tuned for Part 3, where I’ll be working with Distress Kraft Stock for a softer, more earthy take on rusty grunge.

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card and the swatches. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Rusty Grunge with Distress Watercolor Cardstock | Seth Apter Embossing Folder and Die Techniques

Have you seen Tim Holtz’s recent demo with the new A5 embossing folders? (If you missed it you can check it out HERE.) I was so inspired by the texture and techniques he shared that I had to try them out myself and in doing so have put together a 3-part video series I'm calling Rusty Grunge 3 Ways—Bold Texture. Moody Color. Endless Possibilities.

In this series, I’m putting my own spin on the grungy, industrial techniques Tim shared using Seth Apter’s new embossing folder and dies, along with a few of my favorite Tim Holtz supplies.

Rusty Grunge with Distress Watercolor Cardstock by Juliana Michaels featuring Seth Apter Embossing Folder and Die Techniques

First up, we’re kicking things off with Distress Watercolor Cardstock — and as you know, this is my favorite paper to use when it comes to mixed media!


WHAT TO EXPECT

In this first video, I’m walking you through how I created a bold, rusty background full of layered color and rich texture as well as the grungy embellishments using:
  • Distress Watercolor Cardstock
  • Seth Apter’s New Embossing Folder Dot Matrix
  • Distress Oxide Sprays
  • Distress Spritz 
  • Distress Archival Ink 
  • Embossing Powder
  • and a technique inspired by a recent demo by Tim Holtz


But I didn’t stop at the background — I’ll also show you how I finished the card using Seth Apter’s new die sets along with a favorite Tim Holtz die to create coordinating embellishments that bring the whole look together.

WATCH THE VIDEO 

Check out the video and the rusty grunge techniques I'm sharing below or you can watch it on my YouTube channel HERE


RUSTY GRUNGE 3 WAYS 

This is just Part 1 of my Rusty Grunge 3 Ways series. In the next two videos, we’ll explore: 
  • Metallic Kraft Stock for an industrial rusty metal effect
  • Kraft Stock for a deep, earthy patina look
Check out the entire Rusty Grunge Playlist HERE


 

So what do you think of this technique using Distress Watercolor Cardstock? Would you try this look yourself? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments — or tag me on social if you give it a try!

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card and the swatches. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!
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