Enjoy Embossing with Unexpected Materials — DIY Paper Craft Ideas

As the year-end rush begins, finding time for paper crafting or elaborate scrapbooking projects can feel impossible. But you can still enjoy creative moments right at home with your die-cutting machine and a 3D Embossing Folder! Even just a few minutes of DIY paper crafting can bring you that satisfying “handmade magic.” 

Let’s explore how to have fun with embossing using unconventional materials—things you probably already have around your home, like cereal boxes or paper shopping bags. These everyday supplies can transform into beautiful, embossed designs that look surprisingly classy and professional.

Before committing to a full piece: 

Do a quick test: cut a small swatch and run it through your machine with the embossing folder to ensure it glides easily without jamming or damaging your plates. This simple step saves time and keeps your tools safe, opening up a whole new world of crafting possibilities using 3D embossing folders with these everyday household treasures.

Every die cutting machine and 3D embossing folder is a little different, so always follow the manufacture's guidelines and stop right away if it feels too tight.

The thin chipboard from cereal boxes or gift snack packaging is perfect for embossing! Just make sure it’s not too thick to run through your die-cutting machine safely. Once embossed, you’ll notice a beautiful, raised texture that adds instant depth to your project. You can use the embossed chipboard to create travel-themed journaling book covers, scrapbook layouts, or vintage-style gift tags. 

Try blending brown dye ink over the surface to bring out a leather-like effect—it gives your handmade embellishments a warm, rustic look. To get that “faux leather” texture, gently rub the ink in circular motions directly onto a chipboard surface or with a blending tool. 

Start your paper crafting adventure: 

By digging through your home for everyday items that yield thin chipboard—the perfect material for embossing with 3D folders. Look for lightweight chipboard pieces from cereal boxes, cupcake mix packaging, or even the sturdy backing cards that come with sticker sheets and other craft supplies. These household finds often have just the right thickness—flexible enough to pass smoothly through your die cutting machine without resistance, yet substantial enough to hold stunning raised textures. I always make a habit of collecting and stocking these thin chipboard scraps in my craft space because their neutral colors (like kraft browns or subtle whites) provide a versatile base for endless projects, from travel journal tags to scrapbook embellishments. 

Step-by-Step: Faux Leather Journal Cover from Thin Chipboard

For this project, I selected a piece of thin chipboard that was backing a sheet of scrapbooking paper—its natural kraft color makes it ideal for creating a journal notebook cover with authentic leather vibes.

Products I Used to Create the Journal Cover:

• Yellow Ochre Dye Ink
• Milk Chocolate Dye Ink
• Wanderlust 3D Embossing Folder
• Mini Blending Brush (Flat Bristles)

First, trim the chipboard to be slightly smaller than the Wanderlust 3D Embossing Folder’s width for smooth processing. I cut two pieces to 8½ inches tall by 5¾ inches wide.

Next, grab the Yellow Ochre Dye Ink and apply it directly to the kraft side of the chipboard using the ink pad itself—no blending tool needed here. The chipboard absorbs the ink’s moisture, softening just enough to make embossing easier and more defined. If it feels too dry, give it a light mist of water to help the ink enhance flexibility.

Place the inked chipboard into the Wanderlust 3D Embossing Folder and run it through your die cutting machine. I did this in two passes (as shown in the photo) to cover the full surface.

Once embossed, directly ink the raised motifs and lettering with a darker brown dye ink pad—the Milk Chocolate Dye Ink. Press firmly to fill the textured areas, creating beautiful contrast that mimics aged leather grain and brings out every detail for that luxurious faux leather finish. 

Finally, pick up a mini blending brush loaded with additional blown ink and gently work it into the recessed areas around the raised designs. Use soft, circular motions to build subtle shading and enhance the natural leather grain texture, making your journal cover look even more authentically aged and dimensional.

This technique transforms simple thin chipboard into a mature, dimensional piece perfect for journal covers, tags, or scrapbook accents—all without special tools beyond your embossing setup! I really want you to enjoy these DIY ideas safely, so please avoid very thick materials that could damage your machine or embossing folders.

Once both chipboard pieces are colored and fully dry, adhere them together, adjusting as needed so the final cover measures 8½ inches tall by 4½ inches wide—perfect for a standard journal notebook.

To create this pink journal cover, I used Dusty Pink Fresh Dye Ink following the same inking technique as with the brown ink. Then, I embossed the piece using the Piped Floral Lace 3D Embossing Folder for a delicate, textured finish. 

For this assembly, I used thin white chipboard pieces for both front and back—their smooth white surface takes ink differently than kraft, creating brighter, more vibrant color saturation that you can really enjoy exploring. 

Those sturdy kraft shopping bags and simple grocery carriers hiding in your closet have untapped potential—their natural texture and durability make them prime candidates for creative transformation.

Cut a flat piece from the bag, place it inside your 3D Embossing Folder, and run it through your machine. Once embossed, glue it onto another paper bag for added texture and strength. The raised pattern instantly gives that once-plain surface a touch of charm. It’s the perfect beginner-friendly option for smooth results without any fuss.

Or try what I did—remove the handles from a paper shopping bag first, then emboss the bag! Next, reattach the handles securely using a strong craft glue for a polished, functional finish.

If you can't find the right thin material around the house, the Metallic Cardstock is a fantastic backup option—its plain white backside works perfectly with these embossing techniques, creating stunning results with 3D embossing folders.

Looking for something even simpler—a five-minute craft that brightens your daily life? Try embossing a paper napkin from your kitchen! Choose one with a floral or geometric pattern and gently emboss a single layer. The delicate design that emerges feels like lace and brings a subtle, elegant mood to your table setting.These small paper crafting moments remind us how creativity can slip into our daily routines. You don’t need expensive supplies or hours of studio time—just a bit of imagination and a trusty embossing folder can turn ordinary materials into art.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you found some exciting inspiration for your paper crafting DIY projects. Until next time, happy crafting and stay inspired!

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