What if you could create a rich, textured background without an embossing folder? Today I'm sharing one of my favorite techniques using some of the newly released dies from the Tim Holtz Sizzix March release — and the best part is it works with any dies you already own.

The technique uses dies you already own and creates that beautiful raised, textured look without any special equipment. Add Distress Sprays and a little Foundry Wax and the results are stunning — this card has that vintage wanderlust vibe I absolutely love. You'll want to watch the video to see exactly how it all comes together!

The Faux Embossing Technique

The key to this technique is that you don't need specific dies — you can use whatever you have in your stash. Any die cut adhered to paper before adding color will create that raised, textured effect. For this card I used dies from the Tim Holtz Sizzix March release, which were previously released and retired and are now available again. So if you missed them the first time, this is a great opportunity to grab them!

For color I used Distress Spray Stains in Uncharted Mariner and Broken China, along with Distress Oxide Sprays in Uncharted Mariner and Weathered Wood. The good news is you don't need both types of sprays — use what you have, mix and match, or stick with one. That's the beauty of this technique: it's flexible and works with your stash.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to see the faux embossing technique in action? Watch the complete tutorial in the video below, or head over to my YouTube channel to check it out. 

I'd love to know — do you have dies sitting in your stash that you haven't used in a while? This technique might be just the reason to pull them out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you're thinking of trying it with.

Supplies

Below you will find links to the supplies I used to create these cards. When you shop through these links—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 providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Three Levels, One Embossing Folder

The idea behind this tutorial is simple — take one embossing folder and show how you can use it three different ways, each one stepping up the complexity a little. No matter which technique you choose, the Sizzix Luster Wax is the secret weapon that ties them all together — it catches the raised areas of the embossed design and makes it pop beautifully every single time.

The beginner technique keeps things simple with colored cardstock, Luster Wax to highlight the embossed design, and inked edges using Distress Ink. It's approachable, low-risk, and gives you a gorgeous result with minimal supplies.

The intermediate technique introduces Distress Watercolor cardstock and Distress Spray Stains before adding the Luster Wax and inked edges. The Spray Stains sink into the watercolor cardstock beautifully, adding depth and color before the Luster Wax works its magic on the embossed design.

The advanced technique builds on the intermediate version by layering Distress Oxide Sprays on top of the Spray Stains before finishing with the Luster Wax and inked edges. It's the same process with one extra step, but that additional layer of color adds a richness that takes the background to a whole new level.

The Focal Point

While the focus of this tutorial is the background techniques, I also walk you through how I created the die cut focal point for each card using the new Sizzix Tim Holtz Vault Picture Wheel and Handwritten Thinlits Dies. One of my favorite things about the Handwritten dies is how beautifully they layer with the Alphanumeric Stretch Upper Case dies — and you'll see exactly how I used that combination on these cards.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to see all three background techniques in action? You can watch the complete tutorial in the video below, or head over to my YouTube channel to check it out.

I'd love to know — which background technique would you choose for your next card? The beginner, intermediate, or advanced version? Leave a comment below and let me know!

Supplies

Below you will find links to the supplies I used to create these cards. When you shop through these links—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 providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!