I may have gone a little overboard with this one…
Welcome back to my Same But Different series, where I’m sharing different ways to use embossing folders… and this time, I’ve taken things in a slightly unexpected direction.
This is the third card in my masculine embossing folder series – if you missed the earlier cards, you can see them HERE and HERE because they’re definitely worth a peek!
So… are you ready to see today’s card?

Are you ready to watch the video right here Da-dum… Da-dum… 🦈
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 🥰!
Embossed Design Paper Card… But Not the Star
The embossing in this card isn’t the main feature – it’s sitting in the background adding texture and interest. By embossing design paper and lightly highlighting the raised areas, you get that extra detail without taking away from the focal point. It’s such a fun way to stretch your embossing folders and try something a little different.
Card Inspiration – When Pigs Fly Birthday Card
One of the things I love about this card is that the embossing isn’t the main feature… it’s actually working more in the background.
In my other cards in this series, the embossing really takes centre stage – but this time, it’s all about building atmosphere and texture.

By embossing the design paper and adding a light touch of white pigment ink to highlight the raised areas, it creates depth without competing with the focal point.
It’s a great reminder that embossing folders don’t always have to be the star of the show… they can be the foundation that pulls everything together.

BONUS IDEA: If you enjoyed this idea, I’ve also shared a floral version of embossing design paper with white pigment ink in a previous video HERE – it’s a great place to start if you want to try the technique without the shaker element.
Over to you!
I hope this gives you a fresh way to look at your embossing folders – sometimes they don’t need to be the star of the show to make an impact.
Whether you’re creating an embossed design paper card or using plain cardstock, try letting the texture sit in the background and see what happens… you might be surprised how much it adds!
I’d love to hear – would you use embossing as your main feature, or are you tempted to try it as a subtle background like this?
Til next time, crafty hugs,

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! 😄
Stamps: Waffle Flower Crafts – Tiger & Lily (retired)
Cardstock: Altenew – Aqualicious.
Inks: Altenew – Aqualicious.
Copics: C1 | T2,4 | R05 | 0.
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This is such a fun card, Therese. I love the shark stamp too.