Hello, craft enthusiasts! We are thrilled to share a fantastic new technique with you – the Gradient Embossing Folder. This technique adds a touch of elegance to your projects, creating a gradual texture that looks absolutely stunning. The best part? It's quick, easy, and you probably already have everything you need at home. Let's dive into this step-by-step tutorial!

Materials Used:

• Embossing Folder (Full Coverage)
• Cardstock (Various colours, cut into panels)
• Low Tac Tape
• Die Cutting Machine (e.g. Sizzix Big Shot)
• Clear Plate
• Shim (for adjusting pressure)
• Aqua or Turquoise Plate (for adjusting pressure)
• Ink Pad
• Optional: Stamps, Sentiments, Ribbon

1. Prepare Your Cardstock:

• Cut your cardstock into panels, varying the width from slightly less than halfway along your embossing folder.
• Create different-sized stacks, combining strips of 1, 2, 3, and 4 inches for versatility.

2. Test the Pressure:

• Test your machine's pressure by placing a scrap of paper into the embossing folder and running it through.
• Ensure there's no embossing at this stage; adjust the plates or shims if needed.

3. Stack and Tape:

• Stack your cardstock strips together.
• Adjust the width to be wider than your embossing folder.
• Use low tac tape to secure the stacked strips. Adjust the tape as needed based on your machine's pressure.

4. Set Up the Die Cutting Machine:

• Remove the thin plate from the machine.
• Place the clear plate, add a shim, and then position your embossing folder with the cardstock stack on top.
• Insert the embossing folder into the machine with the Aqua or Turquoise Plate on top.

5. Run Through the Machine:

• Run the embossing folder through the machine.
• Adjust the pressure as needed by adding or removing shims until you achieve the desired embossing effect.

6. Ink Up the Embossed Cardstock:

• Once embossed, use an ink pad to highlight the gradient effect.
• Experiment with different colours to enhance the ombre look.

7. Optional Embellishments:

• Stamp a sentiment at the top of the embossed area or add a piece of ribbon where the embossing starts for added flair.
• Get creative with additional embellishments to make your project unique.

And there you have it! We hope you enjoyed it and feel inspired to try the Gradient Embossing Folder technique on your own projects. Subscribe to the CraftStash YouTube channel for more creative ideas, and explore the CraftStash shop for all your crafting needs. Happy crafting, everyone!

Watch the full video tutorial here: