Embossing is a great way to add texture to a card. The traditional Embossing Folders (EF), like the new Climbing Vine EF in the annual catalog, create a uniformly raised image on the paper. You can see this effect on the Soft Sea Foam layer of this card. Without the embossing, the card would lack interest.
The next evolution was embossing with Dynamic Embossing Folders (DEF). 
I’ve used these on several cards in the past. Including this one. Same Soft Sea Foam cardstock, but this time I used the Ruffled DEF. Dynamic folders create images that vary in height and depth. Some parts of the ruffles are higher than others. This variation ups the interest.
Texture is fundamental for any successful card making project. You can read more about my opinions on texture here. But embossing folders are a little bit limited. You have options to use the embossed side – the raised side–or the debossed side. You can run the cardstock through in different directions or even combine embossing folders such as Softly Falling and Woodland. But the images are limited to what you have in your folders.
Another option to add texture is to layer die cuts onto your card. Die cuts are created using Thinlets and Framelits. The scalloped square above is a Layering Squares Framelit. For this card, I used a Springtime Impressions Thinlet on Garden Impressions DSP and then cut up the image so that I could layer it the way I wanted. It works well and I could have cut it from Blueberry Bushel for a monochromatic look.
But now, we have another option. With the new Big Shot Embossing Mats, 
you can use any Thinlet you already own to emboss your cardstock. There is a specific way to make the sandwich so that the silicon mat isn’t damaged and you get the best impression. I’ll add the Stampin’ Up! video at the end of this post. If you’re considering using the Embossing Mats it’s a must watch. It is super simple once you get the order correct and the results are Ah-MAZING. I used the same Springtime Impressions Thinlet on the base of this card. Such an elegant way to add texture.
If you don’t have a Big Shot, now is the time to put it on your holiday wish list. This and my Paper Trimmer are essential to my craft room. Okay, I might want my Heat Tool too, but I can make a TON of projects with a trimmer and my Big Shot. The new Embossing Mats just exploded the number of possibilities of what I can make next. What is your can’t-live-without tool?
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