My Favorite Crafty Things – Stencils & Embossing Folders

12.04.17

Hi! I am back with another My Favorite Crafty Things post. Today I am focusing on stencils and embossing folders.

Over these few weeks, I will be sharing my favorite crafty products of the year. If you haven’t checked out THIS video, please do so – it explains how the series works.

First up, let’s share some crafty deals…

  • Simon Says Stamp is offering my readers $10 off purchases of $75 or more during 12/11/17 to 12/18/17 ! Use the code “JENFAVES” when shopping HERE.
    (Note the dates. Valid on in-stock merchandise only. Not valid on previous purchases and cannot be combined with other offers.)
  • Ellen Hutson is offering 10% off your order! Use the code “JensFaves17” through 12/13/17 when shopping HERE.
    (This is extended! Valid on in-stock merchandise only. Excludes BCRF Fundraiser set and Mama Elephant releases within the last 90 days. Not valid on previous purchases and cannot be combined with other offers.)
  • Gina K. Designs is offering a FREE stamp set to my viewers!! Shop HERE.
    (Good for orders over $50 – just add “JENNIFER” into the instruction box at checkout.)

Let’s talk stencils and embossing folders…


[All products are linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails. Affiliate links may be used. To watch the video in HD on YouTube, click HERE.]

If you are interested in any products, click on one of the store icons under the product images. Also, if you are interested in seeing the videos of the projects I have done using particular products, click the heart icon under the product.

STENCILS

Here are a few stencils that I have enjoyed recently…

Simon Says Stamp Stained Glass 1 Stencil
[ SSS | JNN ]
Altenew Layered Medallion A Stencil
[ SSS | ELH | ALTN ]
Altenew Layered Medallion B Stencil
[ SSS | ELH | ALTN | JNN ]
Hero Arts Spiral Stencil
[ SSS | ELH | HA ]
My Favorite Things Radiating Rays…
[ SSS | ELH | MFT | JNN ]
Create a Smile Focal Point Stencil
[ SSS | CRT ]
My Favorite Things Cloud Stencil
[ SSS | ELH | MFT | JNN ]
My Favorite Things Drifts and Hills…
[ SSS | ELH | MFT ]
Honey Bee Outdoor Scene Builder Stencils
[ SSS | HNB ]
Echo Park Diagonal Buffalo Plaid Stencil
[ SSS ]
Echo Park Beach Towel Stencil
[ SSS ]
[ SSS | HA | JNN ]
Gina K Foliage
[ GNK ]
Altenew Layered Dahlia A Stencil
[ SSS | ALTN | ELH ]
Altenew Layered Dahlia B Stencil
[ ELH | SSS | ALTN | JNN ]
Tim Holtz Floral Stencil
[ SSS ]
Neat and Tangled Balloon Duo Stencils
[ SSS | ELH | N&T | JNN ]

EMBOSSING FOLDERS

I will always like the look of embossed backgrounds. Here are some great embossing folders:

Echo Park Buffalo Plaid Embossing Folder
[ SSS ]
Spellbinders Wedding Ring Stitch…
[ SSS | SPL ]
Couture Creations Bohemian Damask…
[ SSS ]
Couture Creations Bohemian Bazaar…
[ SSS ]
Brutus Monroe Vintage Tapestry…
[ BMR ]
Echo Park Sunny Dot Embossing Folder
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Roses Embossing Folder
[ SSS | ELH ]

RELATED VIDEOS

Looking to learn more? Try these:

GIFT GUIDE

I am hoping this list of Favorite Crafty Things works as a helpful gift guide. Feel free to share this link or print the page. Don’t forget the discount codes, too!

I will be back soon with more of My Favorite Crafty Things 2017. You can keep up to date on all the topics HERE… and for my lists from 2016, click HERE.

GIVEAWAYS

Today I have two giveaways! You could win one of these prizes:

  • 5 stencils
  • $20 to Altenew (they have a great selection of stencils!)

For your chance to win a giveaway, leave a comment below by 11:59pmEST on 12/15/17 telling me if you ever use stencils or embossing folders. (To leave a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post on my blog and click the green “leave a comment” button. The winner’s name will be randomly selected, emailed and posted on my “Winners page” after the giveaway closes. International folks are eligible, too!)

See you again soon!

[Please note that I purchased many of the products in this post personally, but not all. Regardless, the decision to include them in this list was my own. I truly like these products and companies. For more info, visit HERE. If you have questions, please email me.]


Leave a Comment

439 thoughts on “My Favorite Crafty Things – Stencils & Embossing Folders”

  1. Cindy G says:
    December 5, 2017 at 12:58 am

    Stencils and embossing folders are great tools to have in your craft arsenal. They look very simple, but offer the user a wide variety of techniques (both simple & complicated) resulting in unique design outcomes.

    Reply
  2. Pam says:
    December 5, 2017 at 12:59 am

    I love using embossing folders. I have not used stencils. Not sure how I am suppose to use them.

    Reply
  3. Kathy says:
    December 5, 2017 at 1:01 am

    Love love embossing folders, I’m not real good with stencils…but I’ve tried …thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  4. Cathy B. says:
    December 5, 2017 at 1:01 am

    So many beautiful things to be made.

    Reply
  5. Joyce says:
    December 5, 2017 at 1:12 am

    love it when u do the favorite things video

    Reply
  6. Deanna Fillmore says:
    December 5, 2017 at 1:17 am

    I had no idea that there are layering stencils!!! I use embossing folders all the time and have several stencils but I haven’t used them very much. Thanks for the great video!

    Reply
  7. Linda says:
    December 5, 2017 at 1:47 am

    I just received my latest embossing folder in the mail today! I’m so excited: it’s I Corinthians 13 and to test it I embossed onto a piece of golden yellow paper, then highlighted the words using and orange Distress ink. (Thanks, Jennifer, for demonstrating this technique). I also embossed the image onto a piece of acetate, which then, of course, fit perfectly over the top of the imprint on the yellow paper. Now all I have to do is glue them together and cut to size and I will have a wonderful and unique element to include in a future project! I just bought my first stencils, too, so I will be trying out some of your techniques with them in the near future, too! THANK YOU.

    Reply
  8. erikav74 says:
    December 5, 2017 at 2:18 am

    I use embossed folders – that’s how I started learning about card-making. I have a couple stencils but have a lot of trouble making them work for me. I need to dedicate some time to practice and use what I have – some of the ones you featured are beautiful!

    Reply
  9. Martine Bykowski says:
    December 5, 2017 at 2:24 am

    Hi Jennifer, Thank you for sharing such wonderful instructional videos with us! I began getting my feet wet in card making earlier this year and enjoy being able to incorporate different materials and supplies. I love embossed cards and recently experimented with lightly brushing a die over the raised area. The embossing folder was for baby boys and was perfect to welcome our new grandson! Another favorite embossing folder is the dotted Swiss which I used to emboss a clear vellum. This became the pinafore/ overlay for a baby girl’s dress. It was the cutest baby shower invitation for my oldest granddaughter.
    Stencils? I have several that came with stamps, but was unsure the best way to use them until I watched your video! I got some some sponge daubers and am ready to go for it!
    Thanks for this opportunity to win freebies! How fun!

    Reply
  10. Melodie Isreal says:
    December 5, 2017 at 2:27 am

    I haven’t used stencils much but I have been collecting them! I am getting closer to using them as I gain inspiration from watching your videos. I have and use embossing folders a lot and appreciate the new techniques that I have learned from you!

    Reply
  11. Paraskeva Bonova says:
    December 5, 2017 at 2:32 am

    Thank you for sharing your videos, there are always things to learn in them :). I use embossing folders a lot, but I’m pretty new to stencil techniques. So this is a chance for me to try them out. Blessings!

    Reply
  12. Sarah Nelson says:
    December 5, 2017 at 2:33 am

    I’ve used embossing folders before, but have never tried stencils. I too love the look of embossed cards. Some of the details you can get with them just puts your cards over the top. Watching you use stencils is so much fun that I can’t wait to give them a whirl!

    Reply
  13. Ana Cristina Wu says:
    December 5, 2017 at 2:44 am

    I love using embossing folders as background as well as part of the card. I was blown away when I watched your video about inking the folder with one color and then the card with a different color. What a great idea and effect they give. I am now learning the benefits of using stencils and I am grateful for the ideas you showed in this video. You are my to go artist for techniques and inspiration so thank you so much, Jennifer.

    Reply
  14. Lillian K says:
    December 5, 2017 at 2:46 am

    I hardly ever use embossing folders, but I use stencils a lot. Mostly for backgrounds when I’m creating scenes. Distress Ink with a blending sponge is my most common technique, but lately I’ve tried molding paste too. Your videos are great for inspiration and new ideas. Thank you!

    Reply
  15. Billie A says:
    December 5, 2017 at 2:54 am

    Great variety of embossing folders and stencils. I do love using both. I like them for quick backgrounds and I have done the ink inside and getting that awesome effect. I did it with a birch tree folder and soft brown coloring. Looked awesome. Even stamped some silhouette plants on the inside and it transferred over to the card stock. Great look. thanks for the video.

    Reply
  16. Tess Inman says:
    December 5, 2017 at 2:59 am

    Love your favorite things. Almost as good as Oprahs. You always show me things I haven’t seen and I am always surprised. Thank you for your time and dedication to all of your followers

    Tess

    Reply
  17. deni says:
    December 5, 2017 at 3:05 am

    I use embossing folders a lot when I have a featured element like a rose or a fun character. A patterned paper would distract but plain would be boring, so texture works. I don’t do much with stencils but now that I see the cloud demonstrated I am eager to try. Thanks Jen!

    Reply
  18. Charlene Frietchen says:
    December 5, 2017 at 3:42 am

    I am always learning from your u-tubes. Thanks so much. I have used Tim Holtz floral stencil. Love how it turns out! All the others are new to me. Will be anxious to try some. Thanks again. Please keep up the videos.

    Reply
  19. Lindsey says:
    December 5, 2017 at 3:44 am

    I love my embossing folders but have never felt too comfortable with stencils but I should keep practicing!

    Reply
  20. Louisette Wasilewskisett says:
    December 5, 2017 at 3:47 am

    I love folders as they can add interest to your card. Love favorite things, I would never have seen a lot of items you show us. Thank you.

    Reply
  21. Toni C says:
    December 5, 2017 at 4:13 am

    I love stencils and embossing folders, have stacks of both 🙂 Generally inexpensive but they can transform a whole card.

    Reply
  22. Sue says:
    December 5, 2017 at 4:38 am

    Many thanks for the fantastic info, Jennifer!

    I use stencils much more frequently than embossing folders, but that’s mainly because I use them for crafty things apart from papercrafting (e.g. with polymer clay). Embossing folders are great for general texturing too, however. All of my crafty supplies get used for things they’re not intended for!

    Reply
  23. Simone says:
    December 5, 2017 at 4:48 am

    I don’t use stencils and embossing folders that often, but I don’t have so many either. As I see your beautiful results I’m definitley looking forward to use these techniques more often and get more of them! Thank you for your great inspiration!

    Reply
  24. Stef Perry says:
    December 5, 2017 at 4:56 am

    I love using both stencils and embossing folders. Stencils especially are great for adding subtle background detail. Thanks for another great informative video!

    Reply
  25. Helen S says:
    December 5, 2017 at 5:15 am

    I use stencils along with the Oxide Ink Pads – always a good look. Embossing folders too when I want a background that blends in with the focal image. Always looking for more ideas !

    Reply
  26. Lisa Tilson says:
    December 5, 2017 at 5:16 am

    Love the stencil review – I think I look forward to this one the most! I adore using stencils, and I use them a lot. I agree, they are overlooked, and very underrated. The layering ones are really beautiful and there is just so much you can do with them. I always find it hard to choose what to buy, as I love pretty much all of them and find myself reaching for them often. Thank you for the great review Jennifer, Lisa x

    Reply
  27. Kathy R says:
    December 5, 2017 at 5:34 am

    Thanks for the great ideas. I enjoy using embossing folders and stencils for backgrounds. I have mostly embossing folders and just a few stencils. Would love to have some of the stencils you have previewed in your video.

    Reply
  28. BentheDK says:
    December 5, 2017 at 5:54 am

    I often use stencils and I also make my own on my Silhouette Cameo. I don’t have a big shot or anything like that so I have to settle for admiring the embossing folders, and I do!

    Reply
  29. smlittler says:
    December 5, 2017 at 5:55 am

    Really great video. So many beautiful stencils and embossing folders that I have never seen.

    Reply
  30. Sonja says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:15 am

    Yes I use both embossing folders & stencils!

    Reply
  31. Laura says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:28 am

    Hi! I have used a couple of embossing folders and one stencil and would love to try some new ones! Thanks for your awesome videos and the giveaways! Happy holidays:)

    Reply
  32. Kristina "CraftyPaws" says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:32 am

    I own and have used stencils and embossing folders, but they are not in my “go-to” arsenal. I should use them more, as they can add such interest and texture. Thanks for the reminder!

    Reply
  33. Teresa Doyle says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:33 am

    These are great stencils and embossing folders. I have a LOT of beautiful Em’s and love using them, however I have very few stencils so far but I love to use them whenever I can.

    Reply
  34. valchic says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:33 am

    I’ve used both to get great background to my cards.I love them both the same.Thanks Jennifer.

    Reply
  35. Judy M says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:43 am

    Rarely use stencils but I love dry embossing

    Reply
  36. Allison says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:45 am

    Hey Jennifer. I’m really enjoying your favorite things series, TFS:). I love both embossing folders and stencils. They’re great for background and I find they add that little bit of “magic” to my projects.

    Reply
  37. Debbie Anderson says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:47 am

    I use stencils all the time in my art. I do more art journaling now than cards, but I do always need cards, they are just more one of a kind now than mass produced. I have embossing folders and have used some of your techniques but find they are not as useful to me as stencils. I have added several of the stencils you showed to my to-get list. I will check out more of your videos on stencilling I am sure I will learn something!

    Reply
  38. Linda F says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:47 am

    I have a range of embossing folders, and have a few favourites I use often. I only have a handful of stencils and I rarely use them, mainly because I either move the stencil during inking or transfer the ink on the stencil via my fingers to places I don’t want it.

    Reply
  39. Melanie Ann MacKenzie says:
    December 5, 2017 at 7:00 am

    I absolutely love embossing folders and use them quite often. I have only recently begun my stencil collection and have just begun using them. Thanks for another great post. Cheers.

    Reply
  40. Anita in France says:
    December 5, 2017 at 7:13 am

    Thanks, Jennifer … there are some beauties here! Don’t do a lot with stencils or embossing folders … though I did just make a couple of cards with some TH stencils and it was easy and fun. A good reason to try them again! Anita 🙂

    Reply
  41. Ali Moore says:
    December 5, 2017 at 7:14 am

    I’ve used both before but neither is a go to technique. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  42. Sharon Brand says:
    December 5, 2017 at 7:28 am

    I do use both but not consistently. Think I need to work on the stencils with
    my inks more!

    Reply
  43. tndj says:
    December 5, 2017 at 7:35 am

    I use embossing folders very often but could never find stencils smaller than 12×12 until lately.
    So I am looking for stencils. Bought a couple from Altenew. Would love to use stencils more often
    when I get a chance. Would love to find more stencils and try them with my inks and chalks.

    Reply
  44. Andrea Miller says:
    December 5, 2017 at 7:39 am

    Hi Jennifer,
    I enjoy using embossing folders now and then. I havectrouble with knowing what to do with the full page ones. (I have some with large sayings like Fa la la going vertical that Im not sure how to use) I have 1 Christmas stencil that Is fun to use. I recently purchased blending tools and that has been so fun.
    On a side note I love you girls on the Crafty chats. Im learning so much. Thanks for all you do.

    Reply
  45. Marlene says:
    December 5, 2017 at 7:40 am

    While my use of stencils is Very limited (once with the thick paste stuff, I love embossing folders. Like you, Jennifer, I recently purchased a Gemini. Although I am very happy with the machine for cutting, I have had issues with the embossing instructions. The machine is so powerful that it cuts into some of the impression. I am still experimenting wit h the right sandwiches, which is complicated by the fact that there are so many different brands and thicknesses of folders out there . I find I go to my manual machines for the embossing because of it. I wonder if others have had this problem.

    Reply
  46. F. Andre says:
    December 5, 2017 at 7:44 am

    . Thanks for highlighting these great options. I have used both stencils and embossing folders.

    Reply
  47. Theresa P says:
    December 5, 2017 at 7:57 am

    I use EF’s all the time but seldom use stencils, probably because I own only 2. Love seeing your favorite craft thing videos. Now I have ideas for my DH to buy me.

    Reply
  48. KarenHTK says:
    December 5, 2017 at 8:02 am

    I have used Dreamweavers Brass Stencils in the past. Have also used Fall Leaves and Bamboo Embossing Folders with NUVO Mousse on 110# White Cardstock. Used NUVO Mousse Gold, Copper, Platinum for backgrounds….son thought they were embossed metal sheets….lol Jennifer is right on stencils and embossing folders being overlooked by paper artists….They make Great background!

    Reply
  49. Marlene says:
    December 5, 2017 at 8:04 am

    Just watched the video. I am so ready to try the stencil inking. Can’t believe I have ignored this technique . Thanks.

    Reply
  50. CathyL says:
    December 5, 2017 at 8:14 am

    I have occasionally used stencils, but not embossing folders since I don’t have a die cut machine.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Like…

My Favorite Crafty Things — Coloring Read More >
My Favorite Crafty Things 2017 — Paper & Adhesive Read More >
My Favorite Crafty Things: Dies Read More >
Stay In Touch With JM Ink!
Sign up for my email list to get updates

Let us know what types of content you would like to receive.