I’m finishing my makes guided by the week-long course from Online Card Classes: Extraordinary Embossing Folders. For the final day, we looked at bonus tips for using embossing folders which incorporate previous techniques with different ways of applying media.
Inking with a Gelli plate
![](https://i0.wp.com/perfectly4med.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3169.jpg?resize=584%2C779&ssl=1)
Theoretically, you can pick up ink from a Gelli plate using the embossing folder. In reality, this didn’t work brilliantly for me… I think the ink from extra juicy ink pads just beaded up on the plate and folder and didn’t lift well. Still, you can see the pattern. Better blending is required between the colours… Background colour blends are inspired by Inky and Stampy.
- Sizzix /Tim Holtz Alterations embossing folder: Retro Circles [656650]
- Ranger / Tim Holtz Distress Oxides: Saltwater Taffy / Spiced Marmalade / Crackling Campfire
- Gelli Arts gel plate: 5×7″
- Sentiment stamp: my own design
![](https://i0.wp.com/perfectly4med.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3168.jpg?resize=584%2C778&ssl=1)
This is the debossed version using the same folder using the ink that transferred from the Gelli plate.
![](https://i0.wp.com/perfectly4med.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3172.jpg?resize=584%2C779&ssl=1)
Another attempt at the technique, this time using the ‘other side’ of the folder. I tried a different brand of pigment ink to see if it would make a difference. It didn’t…
- Embossing folder manufacturer unknown
- Versacraft ink pads: Pine / Forest
- Sentiment: my own design
![](https://i0.wp.com/perfectly4med.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3173.jpg?resize=584%2C779&ssl=1)
This is the debossed version using the same folder using the ink that transferred from the Gelli plate.
![](https://i0.wp.com/perfectly4med.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3171.jpg?resize=584%2C779&ssl=1)
I did persevere with the technique and this was my final attempt before giving it up. as a bad job. The Gelli print was terrible, with no contrast between pattern and background. The transferred pattern was fine and survived to be made into this card.
- Hobbycraft embossing folder: Deco Wallpaper
- Ranger / Tim Holtz Distress Oxides: Villanous Potion / Wilted Violet / Dusty Concord
Watercolour and heat embossing
![](https://i0.wp.com/perfectly4med.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3174.jpg?resize=584%2C779&ssl=1)
Working on watercolour paper, the eventual card should show layers of overlapping watercolour with glossy heat embossing between… Versamark was applied to the flat side of the folder.
- Cuttlebug embossing folder: Swirls
- Renesans watercolours
- WOW! Embossing Powder: Clear Gloss
- Versamark ink pad
![](https://i0.wp.com/perfectly4med.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3176.jpg?resize=584%2C779&ssl=1)
For this one, I skimmed the Versamark pad over the top of the embossed background and heat embossed with clear before adding more watercolour.
- Spellbinders 3D folder: Flowers & Foliage [E3D-074]
- Renesans watercolours
- WOW! Embossing Powder: Clear Gloss
- Versamark ink pad
![](https://i0.wp.com/perfectly4med.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3178.jpg?resize=584%2C779&ssl=1)
And finally, an embossed, swiped, gold embossed and watercoloured background.
- Sizzix / Tim Holtz Texture Fades embossing folder: Patchwork
- Derwent Inktense watercolour pans
- WOW! Embossing Powder: Metallic Gold Rich
- Versamark ink pad