Brayer Magic: 5 Fun Techniques to Transform Your Papercrafting

There’s just something about a brayer that makes crafting feel even more magical. I’ve always loved using this simple tool, and today I’m excited to share some fun and easy techniques you can try!

For my first project, I rolled ink directly onto an embossing folder, creating two completely different looks depending on whether I used the embossed or debossed side. The dimension and detail that this simple step adds to a card is amazing! I used this fun technique to create the below card that’s being entered into two challenges: Sketch-N-Scrap’s April 20th Card Sketch Challenge (I did the #238 March of ’23 layout) and the Color My Heart Color Dare #649.

Measurements (all in inches):

• Card Base – 8-1/2 x 5-1/2, scored and folded at 4-1/4
• 1st layer – 4 x 5-1/4
• Horizontal Black layer (2nd layer) – 5-1/2 x 2-1/4
• 3rd layer, horizontal Basic White layer – 5-1/2 x 2-1/8
• blue and purple embossed elements (cut two) – 2-1/2 x 1-3/4
• Mat for embossed elements (cut two) – 1-7/8 x 2-5/8
• Flower element (DSP) – 1-11/16 x 1-11/16
• Mat around Flower element – 1-3/4 x 1-3/4
• Largest mat around Flower element – 2-1/8 x 2-1/8
• Next-to-largest mat around Flower element – 2 x 2
• Inside – Basic white 5 x 3-3/4

Next, is the technique of multi-color rolling. This was so much fun! I loaded up my brayer with Fresh Freesia and Granny Apple Green inks, then rolled it over a piece of Basic White cardstock that had been heat embossed with a black “Happy Birthday” sentiment. The way the colors blend together gives the card such lively energy — and that bold sentiment just pops off the page.

• Measurements:
• Card Base – 4-1/4 x 11, scored and folded at 5-1/2
• Art Piece – 5 x 3-3/4
• Mat around art piece – 5-1/8 x 3-7/8
• 1st layer – 5-1/4 x 4-1/8
• Inside card – Basic White 5 x 3-3/4, coordinating cardstock to mat 5-1/8 x 3-7/8

The third technique is using a tone-on-tone effect for subtle texture. Azure Afternoon ink was brayered onto a matching Azure Afternoon panel, and I love how it created such an elegant, yet playful, birthday card, especially after cut into a fun tag. It’s a super easy way to add interest without overwhelming your design.

• Measurements:
• scraps for die cutting tag
• Memories & More card cut to 5-1/4 x 4
• Inside card – Basic White 5 x 3-3/4, coordinating cardstock to mat 5-1/8 x 3-7/8

Another beautiful use for the brayer is creating smooth, even backgrounds. I crafted a serene sunset (or sunrise!) scene with vivid colors blending softly across the sky. A simple black silhouette of a sailboat gliding through peaceful waters and a “Thinking of You” sentiment finished off the card perfectly. The soft gradients you can achieve with a brayer make it one of the best tools for this kind of peaceful background.

• Measurements:
• Card Base – 5-1/2 x 8-1/2, scored and folded at 4-1/4
• 1st layer – 4 x 5-1/4
• 2nd layer – 3-7/8 x 5-1/8
• art piece – 3-3/4 x 5
• Inside card – Basic White 3-3/4 x 5, coordinating cardstock to mat 3-7/8 x 5-1/8

Finally, lightly brayering over an already embossed piece of cardstock can add instant charm. I ran a piece of Poppy Parade cardstock through the Mini Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder, then brayered ink over the top to highlight all that fantastic texture. The result was a cheerful birthday card featuring the Poppin’ By and the More Messages stamp sets. I even added the playful inside sentiment, “No One’s Butter Than You,” for a little extra smile. This card is headed into two more fun challenges: the TicTacToe Challenge #269 (using the Die Cut, Birthday, and Stripes elements) and The Paper Players Challenge #735 with their great sketch layout.

• Measurements:
• Card Base – 5-1/2 x 8-1/2, scored and folded at 4-1/4
• 1st layer – 3-7/8 x 5-1/8
• 2nd layer – 3-3/4 x 5
• vertical strip (embossed) – 1-1/4 x 5-1/2
• scraps for die cutting
• Inside card – Basic White 3-3/4 x 5, coordinating cardstock to mat 3-7/8 x 5-1/8

If you love versatile tools, the brayer is definitely the tool for you! Whether you’re adding texture, blending colors, or creating dramatic backgrounds, it’s an easy way to elevate your papercrafting projects. I’d love for you to check out the full video to see each of these techniques in action — and maybe even try one (or two…or five!) yourself.

Which brayer technique are you most excited to try? I’d love to hear in the comments!

Supplies to create Technique 1: Glass & Gardens Embossing Folders (165597), Floral Impressions DSP (165603)

Supplies for Technique 2: Layered Thoughts stamp set (165346)

Supplies used for Technique 3: Paper Tags stamp set (165454), Paper Tags Dies (165461), Celebrations Expressions Memories & More Pack (165307)

Supplies to create Technique 4: Sunrise Sailing bundle – includes stamp set (165491), Sunrise Sailing dies and hybrid embossing folder (165497), Blooming Phrases stamp set (165523)

Supplies for Technique 5: More Messages stamp set (165471), More Messages Die (165472), Poppin’ By stamp set (165487), Poppin’ By Dies (165488)