Sometimes it’s the simplest techniques that give the biggest “wow” factor, and sanding Stampin’ Up!’s Two-Tone Cardstock is one of those tricks that never fails to impress. When you emboss this cardstock and then lightly sand over the raised areas, the lighter core peeks through, adding incredible depth, texture, and contrast to your projects. Whether you use it for an accent, a focal point, or the entire background, it’s an easy way to add instant interest to your cards.
For my premiere project, I created a happy and bright card using a Poppy Parade card base. I layered a Pool Party geometric patterned paper from the Floral Impressions DSP, matted in Basic Black, onto the front. Two strips of Darling Duckling Two-Tone Cardstock were run through the Cut & Emboss Machine with the Damask Designs Embossing Folder, then sanded to reveal that soft white core. I matted those in Basic Black as well and adhered them across the front.
A Basic Black floral die cut from the Beautiful Motifs sits on the left side, overlapping the embossed strips, and the sentiment “Just a Note” from the coordinating stamp set was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black on the Pool Party DSP in the lower right. Inside, Basic White and Basic Black layers were added with a strip of the same Pool Party DSP along the right-hand edge for a polished finish.
This card is being entered into the Global Design Project #509 color challenge and the Just Add Ink #763 sketch challenge, and I love how those sanded strips bring in both texture and color contrast.
The second card I shared in the video uses the Two-Tone Cardstock as the focal point. On a Thick Basic White base, I layered Floral Impressions DSP and then stacked two layers of Garden Green Two-Tone Cardstock—one lighter, one darker—embossed with the Pressed Flowers folder. The darker piece was sanded to bring out that core color, and I wrapped Linen Thread around the layers before adhering them with dimensionals. A “Get Well Soon” sentiment from the Greetings for All Mix & Match Ephemera finished the card beautifully.
My final card for the premiere shows how stunning this technique can be as a full card background. I embossed Old Olive Two-Tone Cardstock with the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder and sanded it to reveal the lighter core. This piece was adhered to an Old Olive base, accented with a narrow strip of the same cardstock, a wrap of Linen Thread, and a sentiment from Encircled With Love punched out of Basic White.
No matter how you choose to use it—as a background, focal point, or accent—this sanding technique brings out the magic of the Two-Tone Cardstock. It’s an easy way to add an extra layer of texture and interest to your cards, and trust me, people can’t resist running their fingers over the finished piece.
You can watch the full video tutorial and see all the cards I shared here:
If you haven’t tried it yet, grab your sanding block and give it a go… you might just find a new favorite way to use your embossing folders.
Sanding Block can be purchased from Amazon here: https://a.co/d/9GfNhJG
Supplies Used: (also listed in Tutorial)
Julia your two-tone embossed detail looks stunning and I’m sure the texture would be even more gorgeous in real life. Thanks so much for joining us at Just Add Ink for this week’s sketch challenge.
Thanks, Kerry! I sure appreciate your kind comments. I love playing along with Just Add Ink!
Ohhh what a fabulous technique. That’s very inspiring! I love embossing – but adding the sanding just takes it to another level. Chantell Just Add Ink
I was amazed at how well the details showed up with the sanding – a game changer, for sure! Thank you for your kind comments, Chantell.