Technique Focus

Adding a beautifully textured embossed layer is a sure way to enhance a handmade card. (We used the Cane Weave 3D Embossing Folder for this card front.) However, if you’d like to bring even more dimensionality and vintage appeal to your creation, you may want to think about distressing the cardstock.

There are two ways to distress paper. First, you can roughen up the edges of embossed, Basic White Cardstock by opening Paper Snips and dragging the blade across the edge of the cardstock at the right and bottom corners; then, bend in the edges to give the cardstock layer a crumpled, well-loved look. So beautiful!

For the second distressing method, use a Sponge Dauber to add Basic White Stampin’ Ink to the embossed, detailed Brushed Bouquet Dies. After you die cut the images, dab the Sponge Dauber with Basic White ink and softly rub it on the die-cut pieces in a circular motion. This helps soften the ink’s appearance to give it that distressed look.

Try these ideas to “age” and distress paper. It’s a fun technique, and so easy to do!