How to Emboss with Dies

In today’s post, I’ll be sharing a bit about how to emboss with dies.

The project I’m sharing here was actually made with a leftover piece that I created while playing with ideas for my Dry Embossing with Dies Technique Class. In this class, there were multiple ideas and variations shared. So, in today’s post, you’ll learn just a bit about how to emboss with dies. For the complete story, you may want to consider checking out this technique class.

In today's post learn a bit about how to emboss with dies and see a gorgeous project made with the Brilliant Wings Dies.

It was so much fun to play with my dies to dry emboss!

One of my primary goals in creating the Dry Embossing with Dies Technique Class was to show some additional creative ways to use dies, besides just cutting out shapes. Now the dies used for my project are part of the Butterfly Brilliance Bundle that you see below. This is one amazing set of dies with so many creative possibilities!

I’ve used five of the fourteen butterfly-shaped dies for my project.

In today's post learn a bit about how to emboss with dies and see a gorgeous project made with the Brilliant Wings Dies.

Now learning how to emboss with dies is not complicated, however there are some tips and tricks that are helpful to know.

Here are some basic tips for how to dry emboss with dies:

You simply use your die in your die-cutting machine with the blade of the die facing away from the paper. So, instead of cutting, you create an impression in the paper. It’s also important to use some kind of silicone sheet as one of your layers under the die, so there’s some cushioning when running your sandwich through the die-cutting machine. You’ll have to play with your layering to get the right thickness, so you make an impression only and don’t cut into the cardstock instead.

Now when you dry emboss a piece you always have the option to use either the embossed or the debossed side.

In today's post learn a bit about how to emboss with dies and see a gorgeous project made with the Brilliant Wings Dies.

In the photos above and below, the finished card is made with the embossed side, which is the one with the shapes pushed out toward us. The piece on the left is the debossed side, which is, of course, the side with the shapes pushed in. These two pieces were created in exactly the same way. They just show the reverse sides of each other with color added.

In today's post learn a bit about how to emboss with dies and see a gorgeous project made with the Brilliant Wings Dies.

Once your piece has an impression(s) in it, you can add color for some added contrast and interest in a variety of ways.

For my pieces, I’ve used Blending Brushes with some Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, and Daffodil Delight ink.

In today's post learn a bit about how to emboss with dies and see a gorgeous project made with the Brilliant Wings Dies.

I focused the Pumpkin Pie ink toward the center of the three bigger butterflies and then add my two yellows. This was so simple to make and color!

In today's post learn a bit about how to emboss with dies and see a gorgeous project made with the Brilliant Wings Dies.

In this next photo, you may be able to see that I’ve added some shimmer with my Clear Wink of Stella brush to select spots on my three larger butterflies. I’ve used Gilded Leafing with Heat & Stick Powder to create my simple sentiment. The sentiment comes from the Elegantly Said Stamp Set.

In today's post learn a bit about how to emboss with dies and see a gorgeous project made with the Brilliant Wings Dies.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this project and learning a bit about how to dry emboss with dies! If you’re hungry for more make sure to check out my Dry Embossing with Dies Technique Class.

At the end of this post, you’ll find project dimensions and a complete supply list with links to my online store. If you choose to purchase any or all of the items for this project through my online store, let me just say, thank you in advance for supporting my business! It is very much appreciated!

Happy Crafting!

Melissa 🙂


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Project Dimensions:

  • Daffodil Delight Card Body: 4-1/4″ x 11″
  • White Dry Embossed Layer: 4″ x 5-1/4″
  • White Inside Layer: 4″ x 5-1/4″
  • Black Scrap for Sentiment Piece

Project Supplies:



About Me Page

I am a seeker of that crazy, excited feeling that comes when you've created something that’s unique, beautiful and expresses who you are in some small way. It’s like making a new discovery, when you find a unique combination of color, layout, dimension and texture. I call it a creative spark and it makes me giddy! Through sharing and teaching I hope to help others find this amazing feeling of creative bliss!

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