Embossed Ribbon

by Dina Kowal

Use an embossing folder to step up some of the wider ribbons in your stash.
Technique submitted by Holly Brown.

Supplies

  • Wide ribbon (satin, silk, grosgrain, etc.)
  • Mister bottle, filled with water or shimmer spray
  • Embossing folder (Darice Multi Circles 5x7 Embossing Folder used here)
  • Die cutting machine
  • Other supplies as needed to complete the card (used here: Neenah cardstock, chipboard, Zig Clean Color brush marker, Echo Park papers, Spellbinders circle die, Impression Obsession stamp (C13101 Beautiful People) and die (DIE409-K Dress Form), Impression Obsession Chocolate Hybrid ink, Scor-Pal)

Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1

    Cut a length of wide, solid ribbon. Experiment with different types of ribbon for best results. Shown here - satin ribbon, silk ribbon, and grosgrain ribbon.

  2. Step 2

    Spray the ribbon with water, Glimmer Mist or similar shimmer spray.

  3. Step 3

    When the ribbon is slightly damp (not soaking wet), position it in an embossing folder.

  4. Run the folder through a die cutting machine, following manufacturer’s instructions for embossing.

  5. Step 4

    Leave the ribbon inside the embossing folder to dry (when it has dried partially you can use a heat tool to encourage the drying process, but be careful with synthetic ribbons - they can quickly overheat and shrink or warp).

    TIP:
    To ensure good pressure on the ribbon while drying, leave the folder in your die cutting machine.

  6. Step 5

    Use the ribbon to embellish a card or other project.

Video!

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Embossed Ribbon. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

***Please note - Internet Explorer/Edge is not a supported browser, and will not allow you to see the videos. Please use Chrome, Firefox or Safari to view our tutorial videos.

Questions and Comments

We'd love to get your feedback or questions. Leave your comment below.

Really fun technique and wonderful for adding dimension to masculine cards too - without being frilly! Thanks for sharing, especially the "be careful when heating" I have had customers melt their ribbon!
Joan Spevak  |  Wed Aug 9, 2017 at 7:38 AM
WOW Dina, you have taught me another fun new technique!! LOVE it and again, can't wait to try it right away!!

Hugs, Julie
Julie Heyer  |  Wed Aug 9, 2017 at 8:35 AM
What a clever idea! I would have never thought to do this. It adds a nice touch to the card.
Dawn McCloskey  |  Wed Aug 9, 2017 at 9:20 AM
Dina, what a great tutorial, and I love the results! Thanks! Hugs!
Cheryl Scrivens  |  Wed Aug 9, 2017 at 10:21 AM
Dina, this is a super tutorial and an easy one. The folder really makes the ribbon pretty...and there are so many folders with wonderful designs waiting to be used.
Benzi  |  Wed Aug 9, 2017 at 10:53 AM
I am curious if anyone has done this and checked the results a month later. All of my attempts faded away over the course of time, anywhere from 2 or 3 days later to a month or two later. If you find a specific type of ribbon is holding the embossing longer, let us know. I would love to include this technique on layouts.
Sandy  |  Wed Aug 9, 2017 at 12:08 PM
Sandy,

One thing you can try is spraying your ribbon with a spray starch or a sizing to help it "stay" after embossing. I haven't done that myself, yet.

I embossed some cheap polyester-type ribbon last night and left it to dry overnight. It took the embossing pattern very well, so I want to check it again as soon as I get home from work and see how it looks. If it still looks like it did this morning, I'll see what kind of ribbon it is and let you know. grin
Holly Brown  |  Wed Aug 9, 2017 at 1:46 PM
Would a fixative help hold the design? Also, I'm thinking this might be lovely with an inked embossing folder. That way, even if the embossing does relax and fade, the design would still be there. I see some fun experimenting ahead!!! Thanks Dina.
Lucy Schmidt  |  Wed Aug 9, 2017 at 4:00 PM
All righty folks! Here's my try with the cheap ribbon - http://splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2818290?&cat=500&ppuser=4030

I thought it was polyester, but no. It is 100% acetate ribbon. It has that scratchy polyester feel with that fake silk shine to it. It's not good for tying pretty bows on your cards, but it's great with this embossing technique!

I did NOT use any kind of fixative or spray starch. I simply sprayed it with water and let it dry inside the folder overnight. I've rubbed the ribbon with my finger and it did not flatten out at all.
Holly  |  Wed Aug 9, 2017 at 7:56 PM
Thanks for another great idea! Keep them coming, Dina!
Mary Ellen  |  Thu Aug 10, 2017 at 12:01 PM
Thank you Holly. Your card is beautiful, as are all the posted cards.

I agree Lucy, there is a world of fun to experiment with here.

Thanks Dina, for another fun idea. I can't wait to get started.
Sandy  |  Thu Aug 10, 2017 at 5:53 PM
What a great idea!!! TFS
Nancy Williams  |  Fri Aug 11, 2017 at 3:56 AM
That is such a cool idea! Would have never thought of that. Thank you!
Donna A  |  Thu Aug 24, 2017 at 3:35 PM
Lovely idea, definately going to give it a try.
Susan Thomas  |  Wed Aug 30, 2017 at 6:13 AM
So cool! Thanks Dina!
Kathy Harrison  |  Tue Sep 5, 2017 at 10:06 PM
So pretty and clever!! Look forward to trying this!
Lynn Price  |  Wed Sep 6, 2017 at 5:04 PM
Wow - I love this technique and cant wait to try it. Thank you so much for sharing this idea.
mkk7577  |  Wed Mar 9, 2022 at 7:49 AM
How lovely is this? I would never have thought of doing this, so thank you for showing us what to do.
kgirl1966!  |  Fri Jan 13, 2023 at 3:04 AM

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