Embossing Folders - Old and New

 I love embossing folders for card making.  They are a quick and easy way to add texture to any card.  There are loads of them on the market- in lots of different styles.  Now there are even, 3D embossing folders or Texture Folders.  These have several layers or levels to the embossing instead of a single level.  It's hard to explain.  

I've invested in several embossing folders and I've been gifted a few.  I also purchased two 3D embossing folders and I love them! Here are some cards I've made using them. 

This 3D folder has balloons and some are more raised than others.  
All this needs is an image and a large sentiment and it's done! 
So easy. 

You don't even need to add an image if you don't want to! 
It helps that I embossed coloured cardstock for this background. 

The great thing about balloons, is that they work for any celebration,
not just birthdays! 

This  background was made using a 2D embossing folder 
and just plain white paper. This adds texture, while letting
the sentiment (which was a gel print die cut) shine! 

A 2D floral embossing folder on white cardstock
makes simple and elegant sympathy cards.

Embossing a strip of cardstock adds extra dimension
to your card.  You can rub pigment powder or ink
onto the embossed strip (or experiment with inking the folder itself)
to jazz it up even more. 

There's nothing much more to say about this card. 
It's just too cute! 

Whether it's a 2D folder or a 3D folder, embossing a panel or even a strip of cardstock, is a great technique for card making.  You can step up embossing folders by adding ink to the folder, or to the cardstock after embossing it.  You can use multiple folders on the same card or shift the cardstock before embossing it a second time. So, drag out your embossing folders and have some fun. 

That's that then. 

What other techniques should we look at? Let me know if the comments.