Vellum and embossing folders can work beautifully together – once you know what to watch for.
In today’s project, I’m sharing an embossed vellum floral card that combines soft texture with bold colour, along with a few helpful tips for getting great results when using vellum with embossing folders.
This project is part of my Same But Different Series: Embossing Folders, where I share stash-friendly ways to get more from the embossing folders you already own – one idea, one technique, and lots of helpful tips. You can find the playlist here.
If you’d like to keep learning, I’ve shared a few current classes and events at the end of this post.
So, are you ready to see today’s card?
Grab a cuppa and watch the video right here, or head over to YouTube to see it in HD.
Also, this post contains affiliate links. If you choose to click and shop, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support both me and the crafty shops we all love.
Thanks a bunch 🥰!
#VELLUM
Vellum is a smooth, semi-transparent paper that adds a soft, elegant layer to card designs while still letting colour and texture show through underneath.
Modern vellum is made from highly refined plant fibres that are pressed and treated to create its signature frosted look and silky finish. The result is a paper that’s strong yet delicate – perfect for techniques like stamping, die cutting, and especially embossing.
Because vellum is softer than cardstock, it behaves a little differently in embossing folders… which is exactly why a few small adjustments can make all the difference.
Vellum & Embossing Folders – Tips for Best Results
- Test your vellum first: Different embossing folders, vellum brands, and die-cutting machines can give very different results. It’s often worth testing your sandwich before committing to your final panel.
- Use less pressure: Vellum is softer than cardstock, so a lighter sandwich helps keep the embossed detail crisp instead of flattened. Try removing extra shims.
- Add the lightest spritz of water: A very fine mist can help vellum emboss more smoothly. Too much water can cause the vellum to curl.
- Emboss once, not twice: Running vellum through an embossing folder more than once can actually soften the detail.
- Watch the direction of the folder: Try embossing with the smoothest side of the vellum facing the raised side of the folder for clearer results.
- Handle gently after embossing: The raised areas are delicate, so avoid rubbing or pressing on the embossed surface.
- Plan ahead how you’ll hide adhesive: Frames, sentiments, or layered elements are ideal for securing vellum without visible glue.
This card was inspired by my friend Lisa from Dahlhouse Designs and her beautiful design featuring a watercolor background with a stamped floral image on vellum.
I had permission to CASE her idea and adapted it using an embossing folder. Lisa also has a video sharing her original card, which you can watch here.
Card Inspiration – Embossed Floral Vellum Card
I started with a bright watercolor wash background, knowing that vellum would naturally soften and mute the colours underneath. There are many different types of vellum available – some are more translucent, others more opaque, and you can even find colored or patterned versions.
Because I wanted the watercolor wash to remain visible through the vellum, I chose a more translucent vellum for this card.
PRO TIP: Keeping the vellum panel directly against the watercolor background allows more of the colour to show through. Popping the vellum up too high can mute the background and reduce the impact of the watercolour.
Now it’s over to you!
Try this embossed vellum floral idea and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media – I’d love to see what you make.
More embossing folder inspiration is on the way, so stay tuned.
Happy papercrafting,
Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things! 😄
Embossing Folder: Lisa Horton Crafts – May – Peonies (limited edition)
Watercolors: Altenew – Cherry Blossom | Fiery Sunset | Warm and Cozy.
Watercolor Brush: Black Velvet Silver – Size 12.
*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
 Magnolia Dreams ALT | SSS |  A2 Layers Die SSS |  Fountain Wishes SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Vellum SSS |
 Matte Gold Foil SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Foam sheets SSS |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |
 Bristol Smooth AMZ | SSS |  Artists Watercolor 24 Pan Set ALT |  WOW Heat Tool SSS |  Watercolor Brushes Round ALT | SSS |
 Bone Folder ALT |  Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Score Board ALT | SSS |
 Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Platesaver OTH |  Go Press N Foil OTH | 9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ |
 Tape 1/8 SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |
So STUNNING! I love how that embossed vellum looks over the watercolor background. I just knew you’d make something lovely and inspiring! Thanks for CASing me, my friend! 🩷
Thank YOU for the beautiful inspiration my friend x
So pretty, I’m sure I have some vellum around here in need of some love.
I need to recover from my family holiday (8 of us from 4 to 83 yrs old!) to NZ, I’m hoping once I’ve recovered I can get back into creating some great cards. Thank you for the inspiration.
Good luck with your recovery… sounds like a great reason to be tired lol.