Botanical Rails 3D Embossing Folder – 2 Quick but Elegant Congratulations Cards

Elegant cards don’t have to take forever! Sometimes all it takes is a favorite embossing folder, a bit of shimmer, and a simple sentiment to create something special.

Hello Altenew friends, Hannelie here and today I’m sharing two quick “Congratulations” cards that prove just that — both built around the same technique, but with completely different results. One keeps it clean and minimal with an embossed glitter strip, while the other goes all in with a fully embossed background and a bold die-cut sentiment.

Instead of my usual white card base, I reached for Morning Frost cardstock. It’s a beautiful neutral that adds just enough warmth and depth without overpowering the design. Both designs are finished with a few gem sparkles for that polished touch of celebration!

I used the Botanical Rails 3D Embossing Folder from this month’s release. The lovely geometric pattern with floral shapes is both elegant and playful depending on the way you choose to use it! It pairs beautifully with the Petalcraft Layering Die Set, but today, I decided to focus on the versatility of the embossing folder.

1. Botanical Rails 3D Embossing Folder
2. Morning Frost Cardstock
3. Moonstone Glitter Cardstock
4. Vellum
5. Gem sparkles: Citrine, Rhodonite, Emerald City, Smoky Quartz & Deep Sea Sapphire
6. Die cutting machine
7. Timeless Sentiments 2 Die Set
8. Congratulations sentiment from Wings & Petals PK
9. Obsidian Pigment Ink
10. Instant Dimension Foam Tape
11. Stampwheel

1. Prepare the Card Base
Trim and fold Morning Frost cardstock to create an A2 card base (alternatively, you can start with a white card base and layer a panel of colored cardstock on top).

2. Emboss the Glitter Strip
Trim a piece of glitter cardstock to approximately 4 × 13.5 cm (1.5 × 5.25 inches) Place it inside your embossing folder and run it through the die-cutting machine, making sure the design is nicely centered within the strip.

3. Assemble the Card
Remove the embossed strip from the folder and adhere it to the front of your card base.

4. Stamp the Sentiment
Secure the card onto the sticky base of your Stampwheel and stamp the “Congratulations” sentiment using Obsidian Black Ink.

5. Add Finishing Touches
Embellish the card with gem sparkles to complete the design.
(See the photo below for suggested placement of the gems.)

1. Prepare the Card Base
Trim and fold Morning Frost cardstock to create an A2 card base (alternatively, you can start with a white card base and layer a panel of colored cardstock on top).

2. Emboss the Front Panel
Trim an additional piece of Morning Frost cardstock to fit the card front. Place it inside your embossing folder and run it through your die-cutting machine, making sure the design is nicely centered within the panel.

3. Assemble the Card
Remove the embossed panel from the folder and adhere it to the card base.

4. Create the Sentiment
Die cut the “Huge Congrats” sentiment from glitter cardstock, and cut the shadow layer from vellum. Adhere the glitter layer to the vellum layer, then attach the sentiment to the card front using Instant Dimension Foam Tape for a raised effect.

5. Add Finishing Touches

Embellish the card with gem sparkles to complete the design.

(See the photo below for suggested placement of the gems.)

Embossing folders are such wonderful tools for quick but elegant cardmaking! I was pleasantly surprised by how beautifully the 3D embossing showed up on the glitter cardstock — it adds so much texture and depth while keeping that gorgeous shimmer intact.

With just one folder, you can create anything from a soft, subtle accent to a bold, statement background in minutes. I love how both of these “Congratulations” cards highlight that versatility, each with its own personality but equally refined.

Have you ever tried embossing on glitter cardstock? Please let me know in the comments below!

Happy crafting!

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