Designer Sharon Harnist combines watercolor with our Embossing Folders for gorgeous results!

At Taylored Expressions, we love to learn new techniques, polish up on old favorites, and be inspired by the creativity of designers from around the crafting world.

Today we have a tutorial from designer Sharon Harnist,

who shares how to create a beautifully colored, textured background using watercolor and embossing folders!

Check out Sharon's step-by-step tutorial on how she created both an embossed and debossed card using our Scattered Leaves Embossing Folder:

A Note from Sharon: Fall is one of my favorite seasons for papercrafting. I adore the rich, vibrant colors and set out to recreate gorgeous fall leaf color in these cards for you today. Taylored Expressions' array of beautiful embossing folders and an easy inking technique made it simple!

Step 1: Open the Scattered Leaves embossing folder and ink the raised leaves (left in the photo above) directly with mini Distress Ink Pads (Fired Brick, Fossilized Amber, and Spiced Marmalade). (Tip: To keep the final colors more vibrant, you may want to wipe off any ink that may get into the background area.)
On the other side of the embossing folder, ink the raised background area (on the right in the photo above) with Crushed Olive Distress Ink.

Step 2: Lightly spray (only 2 or 3 pumps of a mist bottle from a good distance away) each side of the embossing folder with water, then close the folder and press it all over. This will transfer and distribute the ink colors to both sides of the folder.
(Tip: You may need to adjust the amount of water you use - less water will keep the colors more vibrant, while more water will dilute the color and produce a softer effect.)

Step 3: Open the folder to see if ink transferred sufficiently to one or both sides of the folder. You may want to add a little more ink color to the leaves again, if you want more vibrant, deeper color results. Insert watercolor paper into the folder and run through your die cutting machine, using the machine's suggested sandwich for normal embossing.

Open the folder and check both sides of your embossed paper, to see which result you prefer - either the embossed or debossed leaf side.
(Tip: If your ink color results are very splotchy and sparse, immediately misting the paper with water may help to reactivate the ink and get it to wick out and spread more evenly. Or, for lighter, softer colors, try misting the paper before embossing it.)

Step 4: Add Brushed Corduroy (brown) Distress ink to the leaf stems of the embossed paper by using a waterbrush to pick up the ink pad color from a craft sheet. You may also use this method to add some additional color to the background or leaves.

Note: Keep in mind the colors will lighten once the paper thoroughly dries.

Embossed Card

To finish this card:

1. Trim the leaf panel and machine stitch it to a Red Pepper card base.

2. Die-cut a small panel with Build A Tag 1 from watercolor paper.

3. Splatter small panel with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.

4. Die-cut round leaf and watercolor with the Fired Brick, Spiced Marmalade, and Crushed Olive Distress Inks. Adhere with foam tape.

5. Die-cut banner piece from watercolor paper, watercolor with Fired Brick Distress ink. Stamp "give thanks" sentiment and adhere with foam tape.

6. Adhere panel to card with foam tape.

Debossed Card

To finish this card:

1. Trim the leaf panel to 4.25" x 5.50". Flip card over for debossed pattern. Adhere to a Sugar Cube card base.

2. Die-cut frame and strip using Band It 2 using watercolor paper.

3. Stamp sentiment.

4. Stamp apple on watercolor paper, watercolor with Fired Brick Distress Ink, Crushed Olive, and Brushed Corduroy inks. Die-cut with coordinating die. Adhere with foam tape.

5. Adhere sentiment frame and strip to card with foam tape. Trim and adhere strips of leaf panel with glue.

6. Add sequins.

We hope you are inspired to make your own version of a textured, Fall card using this fun technique! When you have made your project, visit our Facebook Page and share with us!

For more of Sharon's work, visit her blog, PaperFections!

Stay Connected

Stay connected with TE between newsletters by clicking on any of the icons above!

New to Taylored Expressions? Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions as well as information about our stamps, dies, tools, paper and much more by clicking HERE.

Thanks for taking time to connect with TE today! If you ever have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to email us at support@tayloredexpressions.com.