Simulated Embossing

Luxury Textures with Layers

Welcome Paper-Lovers! I’m so glad you’re here..

I’ve often been accused of being born a hundred years too late, and perhaps you can relate. For years, I have been captivated by vintage, nostalgic designs in paper. My journey began with a simple, lifelong love affair with paper. Drawing from my professional background in art and publishing, I’ve spent years bridging the gap between a timeless, nostalgic aesthetic and the modern translated into cut paper designs.

My Journey with Embossing

I have always loved the high-end, tactile look of embossed paper you can feel with your fingertips. My first craft “cutting machine” was a manual die cutting and embossing machine, a Sizzix, which I still use and love. However, I found myself limited by the fixed sizes of embossing folders and the trial-and-error of manual tools. I knew there had to be a better way to achieve that luxury look with total design freedom.

When I delved into the world of electronic cutting machines, I experimented with my Cricut and Silhouette machines to get the look of embossed paper. I tried specialty embossing tips for my cutting machines and thick craft boards to see if I could "press" that luxury look into the paper. But while those methods were fun, nothing quite gave me the crisp, dimensional outcome I wanted.

Then, I tried a different approach to simulate the look and dimension of embossing. Instead of pressing a design into one sheet of paper, I built up dimension with multiple layers of paper. I’ve spent countless hours in my California studio mathematically perfecting the 'Simulated Embossing' technique. I’ve calculated the exact offsets and designed foolproof 'alignment frames' for every layer so that you don't have to worry about the technical math. I’ve done the engineering so you can skip straight to the joyful, meditative part: the assembly. And the results have been more satisfying than I imagined.

How My Designs Work

Each of my simulated embossed designs are made to be easy to assemble. Each one has a frame around each layer that perfectly lines up with the other layers, so there is no guess-work. Just start with the first layer that lines up with the edges of the card base and work your way up through the layers, carefully gluing each one on top of the previous layer.

There is a specific, satisfying moment in this project that I can’t wait for you to experience. It’s when you’ve laid down that final layer of cardstock and you run your fingers across the top of the card. You can feel the "valleys" and "peaks" of the design. It has a weighted, substantial feel that a flat card simply can’t mimic. When you use four or five layers of 80lb cardstock, you aren't just making a card; you are building dimension in the paper that creates deep, elegant shadows. It looks—and feels—like an expensive boutique find, but the pride of knowing you crafted that dimension is priceless.

Right: Layers for the my Thank You card design

Example Designs

Mr and Mrs, Layered SVG Card for Cutting Machines

Description

Size: A7 (7 inches wide by 5 inches tall)

Materials used: 8.5 by 11-inch cardstock

White card base, folded, medium weight (80 pound), textured cardstock

5 layers of white, medium weight (80 pound), textured cardstock

1 layer of black smooth light-weight (65 pound) cardstock

Glue

This was the first design I liked using this technique. When I first experimented with embossed-looking designs I tried very intricate patterns, that looked pretty messy. So, instead I went the other direction, minimalist.

See this Card in My Shop

Thank You with Leaves, Layered SVG Card for Cutting Machines

Description

Size: A7 (7 inches wide by 5 inches tall)

Materials used: 8.5 by 11-inch, medium weight (80 pound), textured cardstock

White card base, folded

5 layers of white textured cardstock

1 layer of black textured cardstock

Glue

My shop offers a lot of Thank You cards because everyone can use one now and then. I loved how the Mr. & Mrs. card turned out so I experimented with a similar black and white design, but with a little more flourish, by adding just a few leaves.

See this Card in My Shop

Mom Layered Card, SVG Template for Cutting Machines

Description

Size: A2 Card (5.5 inches wide by 4.25 inches tall)

Materials used: 8.5 by 11-inch, medium weight (80 pound), textured cardstock

White card base, folded

5 layers of pale pink

1 layer of dark pink

Glue

See this Card in My Shop

Star Geometric Simulated Embossing Design

Description

Size: 5-inch square design

Materials used: 8.5 by 11-inch, medium weight (80 pound), textured cardstock

5 layers in varying tones of gold

1 top layer of white

Glue

With this design, I started experimenting with geometric shapes. I think I will turn this into a congratulations card for graduations, etc. by adding “You’re a Star” in a bold blue font on top of the layers, or with a few changes it could be a dimensional Christmas card.

This design is currently not for sale in my shop.

What You'll Need

My tested SVG Template
- 80lb Textured Cardstock (American Crafts Precision or Encore)
- Bearly Art Precision Glue (to avoid those bubbles!)
- Your favorite cup of tea and a quiet 20 minutes.

American Crafts Precision Paper in White

Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue

The Perfect Paper

When you’re cutting these intricate designs, your paper choice is everything. I always reach for American Crafts Precision or Encore because they are solid-core—meaning there’s no white center when cut—and they are acid-free, so your keepsakes won't yellow over time.

Why? Because these papers are engineered to cut cleanly without fraying, ensuring those elegant loops stay crisp. Plus, they are acid-free, which means your creations won't yellow over time—they truly become keepsakes that last a lifetime.

Bonus Tip: Check out my article on the Ultimate Guide To Cardstock for more.

Which Glue to Use

I have a little "pro tip" for you: please stay away from standard water-based school glues! Because they have high water content, they can cause the paper to "bubble" or warp, which ruins that perfectly flat, embossed look we’re going for. Plus, inexpensive glues are not acid-free and can stain your paper after time.

Instead, use a glue formulated specifically for paper. Bearly Art Glue is the "professional’s secret" for preventing the dreaded "paper buckle." It grabs quickly, dries clear, and—best of all—comes with a precision tip. This is a lifesaver when you’re putting tiny dots of glue on the back of fine-script lettering!

Continuing my Journey

I am always experimenting with new techniques and I am excited to continue trying new ways to apply this one to make different designs and get different kinds of results, using colors, shapes, words among other things. Be sure to check back periodically with me to see what's new in my shop.

Remember, we aren't just cutting paper; we are crafting memories and gifting love.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments! Let’s chat below!

Happy Crafting,

Laura

Bella Carta Design

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