Blending brushes have become one of my favorite new tools to use on my card projects, and dry embossing using embossing folders is one of my old favorite techniques. I have a really neat technique I want to share with you today mixing the two together. The results are truly gorgeous, and will give your handmade cards that extra special touch. Let’s get started!
Let’s talk first about embossing in case we have any new papercrafters in the crowd today who aren’t familiar with this technique.
Embossing
Embossing is a beautiful technique often used in papercrafting which involves raising certain portions of the paper vertically to create texture in a particular design. To achieve this you’ll need a Cut & Emboss Machine as well as Embossing Folders. Click here to learn more about the fun of embossing. Here’s an example of a card I’ve embossed.
The other tool I used for today’s technique is blending brushes. Now, let’s talk about them!
Blending Brushes
Blending brushes are tools that allows you to apply soft and even color to your projects using the ink colors already in your collection. Using a swirling motion, apply a brush to an ink pad to pick up color. Then, use the same circular pattern to begin applying color to your paper project, starting at the edges and moving inward. Whether you use one color or blend several together, the end result is beautiful. Below is an example of a card I created using blending brushes.
Here’s the fun part…let’s put embossing and blending brushes together and see what we can create!
Using Blending Brushes And Embossing Together
When using this technique, first decide the type of embossing folder you’d like to use. Begin by embossing the cardstock with your Cut & Emboss Machine or Mini Cut & Emboss Machine. Next, reach for your Blending Brushes and ink. Pick up ink onto the brushes with a gentle swirling motion as described in the video below, or in this blog post about blending brushes. With that same swirling motion, begin applying ink to the cardstock from the edges inward. As you do this, the raised portions of the paper will collect more ink, while the lower portions will receive less. This color variation in combination with the embossed texture is absolutely stunning!
Below are some helpful tips I’ve discovered while playing with this technique.
Blending Tips:
Dab Extra
Before applying ink with Blending Brush, first dab off the extra ink onto a scrap piece of paper. This keeps having a dark blob of ink on your beautiful project.
Use Varying Pressure
You can explore and experiment by applying more or less pressure. The amount of pressure can change the look of your project. Do some experimenting to see what you like best. I found that when using blending brushes with embossed paper, I actually prefer to apply very light pressure. This helped get more ink onto the raised portions while keeping the lower areas closer to the original color, for more overall color variation.
Layer Colors
Feel free to mix and match colors when applying with the Blending Brushes. You can evenly blend the colors across the project or apply certain colors only in specific areas. This will add depth, highlights and variation.
Video Tutorial
If you want to see exactly how to use Blending Brushes with embossing and get more of an explanation on today’s card projects, watch along with my video below.
Now let’s look at my card samples up close.
Blending Brushes And Embossing Sample Projects
Below are samples of cards I created using this same blending brush and embossing technique. Have a look, and for more information on each including the colors of cardstock and ink used, make sure to watch along with the video above.
These first few samples use the Tin Tile embossing folder. These are just gorgeous in person!
This next card uses the Woodland embossing folder. Depending on the colors used with this one, it can be great for winter, warmer months, fall, and Halloween too! Mine is a neutral sample that would be appropriate anytime of the year.
Here’s a collection of several of the cards I created using this technique. The pink card on the right uses the Parisian Flourish embossing folder, the one in the center is the Evergreen Forest Embossing folder, and the one at left uses the Tasteful Textile folder. 
Aren’t these stunning?! As usual, you can’t appreciate the beauty of these cards unless you see them in person or make some yourself!
This is one of my favorite new techniques, and I can’t wait to play around with it more. I love the detail that comes alive when adding ink with the blending brushes. Try it yourself and experience the excitement!!
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Anna- you looked absolutely beautiful in this video! I also love your new technique- and can’t wait to try it. Thanks for keeping us learning and loving card making.
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