Wax Paper Embossing Folder Tutorial

Good morning all! On the run up to the last weekend before Christmas, I decided to do a tutorial and put off my wrapping for another day! I had a slew of emails asking about the embossing folder resist technique that I did on my first demo last Sunday. While I have done this technique in the past, it was always a bit hard to source the wax paper then. Look no more, it is here now and raring to be used. I will give you a quick rundown on the card and then the tutorial for the background will follow below. For the focal element, I cut two Marvellous Squares out of white card. I nipped away one corner from each of them. I taped the squares on the diagonal, then used the corners on either side to peek out between the the side points. I added some mounting foam to the back and attached to to the middle of the card. I used a section of the background that I created and poured clear embossing powder over it. I cut a small frame from it using two of the Labels 28 dies. I mounted the frame over my stamped sentiment and then cut away the excess white card. I tied a messy bow from seam binding and added it to the corner of my focal element. I cut a spiral flower four out of white felt, rolled it and added it to the centre of my bow. I cut an Asian border and glued it to the left side of the card and finished it off with Cosmic Shimmer white PVA glue dots.






Embossing Folder Resist Tutorial Start by picking an embossing folder with an all over type pattern for best results. I am using the A4 Garden Lattice Embossibility folder here. Cut a piece of Reynolds Cut-Rite wax paper the same size as your folder.

Next, insert the wax paper piece in your folder and run it through your die cutting machine. If you are using the Grand Calibur, you will need to use your gray base plate, the folder and wax paper and the raspberry adaptor plate (no tan mat for this).

Next, remove your embossed piece of wax paper and sandwich it between two sheets of gloss card. It must be gloss for this technique to work at it's best. The gloss side of the card needs to be facing the wax paper on the top and on the bottom for the technique to work properly also.
Next step is to use an iron to melt the wax on to your gloss card. I have used a regular sized iron, but have emptied any water from the iron. You do not want steam for this. I find the best results if I turn my iron on high and wait until it is good and hot then it only takes a few passes across the card to do the trick. You do not want to continue ironing too long as it will cause the melted wax to lose it's pattern. Your card will take on a bit of a heated bend to it, but don't worry it is fine. You can also use a small craft iron on high for this too. If using the family iron, be sure that non of the wax paper is sticking out from between the card or you will get it on the bottom surface of your iron!

This is a picture of what your gloss card will look like when it is ready. You will see the pattern has transferred to the card, but you will also get wrinkles from the wax paper too. It isn't an exact copy of the pattern and that is the fun. It will always look different every time you do it!
Pick an ink to cover your piece with. I prefer to use the darker distress inks straight from the pad. The colour will always look lighter when you are finished too. Don't be afraid to use dark colours, once covered, you will wipe with a tissue to smooth the colour and take off any residue.

Last step is to cut your background to size and use it how you like. The card above uses the same folder and technique for the background, then I added some clear embossing powder to a small piece and cut my frame, giving it a different look all together. Don't forget, you will have two usable pieces since you sandwiched your wax paper between two pieces too. Use one and save one for later! I hope you have enjoyed this quick tutorial and have fun creating your own backgrounds with all different embossing folders you may own! All for now, Sue x


32 comments:

jennywren1947 said...

sue u never cease 2 amaze me must try this 1 as well
hugs chris x

Pam said...

Finally a fun use for the iron. Great tutorial Sue, will try this one.

magpie said...

Wonderful! "Thank you" xx Love Karen xx Thank you for them all Sue xx

Anonymous said...

Thanks Sue I really enjoyed doing this technique hugs x Heather T

Unknown said...

great technique sue iv just been and tried it and it looks great xxx
Debs A

Unknown said...

I have not been on your site since before xmas as hubby been in hosp

so i have spent all my time there.I am now trying to catch up missed your show (gutted). Have just found this tutorial and i think its fab.As soon as i get back to card making i must try this as it makes super backgrounds you are so clever hugs stella x

Unknown said...

I have not been on your site since before xmas as hubby been in hosp

so i have spent all my time there.I am now trying to catch up missed your show (gutted). Have just found this tutorial and i think its fab.As soon as i get back to card making i must try this as it makes super backgrounds you are so clever hugs stella x

Unknown said...

This is so amazing! I can't wait to try it, it's so cool, I love wee things like this :-)
Diane from Glasgow

Jean Z said...

Looks fantastic love Jean Z xx

Anonymous said...

hi sue thanks for all the wonderful cards that u make could you tell me wot the embossing folder is called that you use when you make the bonsai thinking of you card and where i can buy i from with best wishes sheila moore keep up the good work

Karen Ratcliffe said...

Thank you Sue for the informative tutorial on the wax paper and embossing folders. What a great way to get the color and matching paper you need!!

Lisapmac said...

Very clever, must try this, thank you x

englishrose897 said...

Wow this card is gorgeous. I have seen you demo this technic on C&C. Take care Sally x

Anonymous said...

Dear Sue What a wonderful card! Thank you so much for the tutorial, you are so kind. I have seen you do this but not had a go myself so will do with these instructions. Thanks again and take care Love Michelle S xxx

Eileen said...

Hi Sue was looking for tutorial about felt flowers no luck but found this one cant wait to get the greaseproof paper out and have a go thank you for your wonderful ideas which makes me look good when i craft
Eileen x

nattyboots said...

Lovely Sue
Elaine H X

June F said...

Hi Sue, couldn't remember how to do this technique but just found it on your blog. It make it sound easy using the tutorial so I am going to have a go today.

JULIET11@gmal,com said...

Sue you amazing lady I love your work hugs from Juliet xx

JULIET11@gmal,com said...

I love your cards what you make xx

Yorkie girl said...

Hi Sue
This is one technique I will be trying out
Thanks fir sharing
Theresa xx

Lisapmac said...

Brilliant, looking forward to trying this :-)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this, love watching all your demos and videos xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue - a much better use for the iron! Very clever technique and a lovely result. The card is beautiful. Best wishes
YvonneMayxx

grammypat said...

Can't wait to try that technique. Such a great way to make background. Thx for sharing

Debby said...

Beautiful card! Thank you for explaining the wax emboss technique.

Christine Kosmak said...

This is a very interesting technique and one I will be trying myself!! Thanks for the idea and tutorial!! Now I just wish I had room to put up the ironing board!! Lol!!

Jan's Paper Flowers said...

Wow...love this technique and your gorgeous card! Thank you!

craftynanna said...

Hi Sue just found this tutorial and it looks a fab tecnique to try so will have a go tomorrow, thank you Johanna

Unknown said...

Just came across this, amazing! Can't wait to try this out, think there will be screams of joy when I do. Thank you so much for your inspiration x

BrendaLea, the Prpldy said...

That is such a cool technique, why I not seen this before! I can't wait to give this a try. Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge.

Mau xx said...

I need to try this! It looks amazing Sue. Xx

unknown said...

I really like this easy technique. This is good and I tried this method. Card design is wonderful. We offers embossing die sets and custom metal stamps. Contact us for details.