Heat Emboss Resist Technique for Stunning Birthday Cards
If you've been looking for a way to take your handmade birthday cards to the next level, this technique is going to stop you in your tracks. In this project I'm using the Hero Arts Yay Birthday Bundle Stamp & Die Set paired with the Hero Arts Abstract Criss Cross Bold Print Rubber Cling Stamp — and the combination is absolutely gorgeous.
The finished card is a rich, moody purple using Lisa Horton Metallic Ink in Ultraviolet with a heat emboss resist technique that gives you that stunning raised pattern effect. It looks complicated but once you see how it comes together you'll be making these for every birthday on your calendar. Don't like purple? Pick your favorite color!
Watch the full video tutorial below — I walk you through every step so you can make this card at home!
Watch the 12 minute Tutorial
What is Heat Emboss Resist?
Heat emboss resist is one of those techniques that looks like it took hours but is actually very achievable for intermediate crafters. Here's the basic idea:
You stamp your image using a VersaMark or clear embossing pad, cover it with superfine clear embossing powder, and heat set it. The embossed area then resists ink — so when you blend ink over the top, the stamped image stays raised and clear while the background fills in with gorgeous color.
The result in this project is a deep purple metallic background with the Abstract Criss Cross pattern peeking through — it's rich, dramatic, and looks absolutely beautiful paired with the Yay Birthday die cuts layered on top.
Supplies & Tools
Here's everything I used in this video:
Tools:
- Scissors
- Die cutting machine with plates
- Stamping platform and block
- Heat tool
- Paper trimmer
- Ruler
- Non-stick work surface
- Sticky mat for ink blending
- Copier paper to catch embossing powder
- Repositionable tape
Adhesives:
- Liquid adhesive (Tombow Mono Adhesive)
- Double sided foam adhesive
Inks & Embossing:
- VersaFine Black Ink
- VersaMark Embossing Pad
- Superfine Clear Embossing Powder
- Wilted Violet Tim Holtz Embossing Glaze
- Lisa Horton Metallic Ink Pad — Ultraviolet
Coloring & Blending:
- Blending Brushes for ink blending
- Paper towels
- Olo Markers: Y1.2, Y2.2, V2.6, V2.4, V2.3, C-G3, C-G5, and C-G7
- Stickles — Yellow and Mermaid
Stamps & Dies:
- Hero Arts Yay Birthday Bundle Stamp & Die Set
- Hero Arts Abstract Criss Cross Bold Print Rubber Cling Stamp
- Circle dies — 2 ¾" & 3"
Cardstock:
- 6 — A-2 panels of white cardstock
- 1 — A-2 card base
Tips Before You Start
A few things that will make this project go smoothly:
Use superfine embossing powder. Regular embossing powder can be too chunky for this technique and won't give you that clean, crisp resist. Superfine is the way to go.
Work quickly after stamping. While VersaMark doesn't dry as fast as die based inks, you will want to apply the embossing powder on immediately after you stamp so nothing is missed.
DON'T MISS THIS STEP - Cover your embossing powder container, so embossing powder does not accidentally blow everywhere.
Keep your heat tool moving. Hold it about 2 inches from the surface and keep it moving so you don't scorch the paper. You'll see the powder melt and turn shiny — that's your cue it's done. Keep fingers out of the way of the heat.
Blend ink in circular motions. For the Ultraviolet metallic ink, light circular blending motions give you the most even, beautiful coverage over the embossed area.
Want to Take This Further?
If you loved this card I have something really special coming up. I'm offering a limited Birthday Bundle that includes the Hero Arts Yay Birthday Bundle Stamp & Die Set and the Hero Arts Abstract Criss Cross Bold Print Rubber Cling Stamp — everything you need to make this card — PLUS an exclusive one hour private zoom session on Tuesday April 14th at 7PM ET where I'll be teaching a brand new technique that I am obsessed with.
On the zoom I'll be showing you how to create your own sprays that keep your papers flat.
Bundle includes:
- Hero Arts Yay Birthday Bundle Stamp & Die Set
- Hero Arts Abstract Criss Cross Bold Print Rubber Cling Stamp
- Private 1 hour zoom session — Tuesday April 14th at 7PM ET
- Written step-by-step instructions
Total value: $64.97 — Your price: $32.99
This bundle is limited to 10 only and will not be restocked. When they're gone, they're gone!
👉 GRAB THE BIRTHDAY BUNDLE HERE
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below or reach out — I'm always happy to help! See you at the craft table. 💜