Step by Step Tutorial: Cardmaking with Mini Wax Seals

Hello, crafty friends, I'm thrilled to be back as a guest designer on the Spellbinders blog, and today I'm excited to share a step-by-step tutorial for a festive card featuring one of the new products from the Holiday Magic Wax Seals and 3D Emboss & Cut collection! We'll be using the beautiful Snowflake Wax Seal to create this card.

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Step 1: Create Background

Emboss a background panel with the Christmas Cameos 3D embossing folder from the Merry Moments Collection on white cardstock using your Spellbinders Platinum 6 Die Cutting and Embossing Machine.

• Tip: For a more pronounced and crisp embossed impression, lightly mist your cardstock with water before placing it inside the embossing folder.

For 3D embossing folders, use the Universal Platform. Place white cardstock inside the Christmas Cameos 3D embossing folder, then position it on top of the Universal Platform (A). Finally, place Adapter Plate (D) on top of the 3D embossing folder, and run this "sandwich" through your machine to achieve a crisp, textured result.

Step 2: Shading Color on the Background

Once embossed, place the textured panel into the corner of a stencil mat for ink blending. Using a big ink blending brush and a teal-colored ink, gently apply color to the edges of the panel, blending inwards with a light hand. The goal is to highlight the raised embossed design around the perimeter while allowing the center area to remain lighter for a subtle gradient effect.

Step 3: Die-cut the Holly leaves, Bow, and Sentiments

Die-cut the holly leaves from green cardstock and the berries from red cardstock using the Sealed Holly Sprigs die. Die-cut the ribbons using the Gifting Bow Die from your chosen cardstock (as shown with red), and die-cut the "Merry & Bright" sentiment banner from a silver metallic cardstock. Once cut, carefully remove all the delicate pieces from the dies.

Step 4: Color Shading the holly leaves

To add dimension, shade the die-cut holly leaves with a darker green ink. For added highlights and visual interest, use a white gel pen to draw subtle lines onto the holly leaves & red berries. Adhere the individual red berries onto the die-cut and shaded holly branches.

Step 5: Create Wax Seal

Prepare to create your wax seals. For a beautiful marbled effect, take one light teal bead and one darker teal bead from the Must-Have Wax Bead Mix (Teal) and melt them simultaneously in your wax melting spoon. Once the wax is fully melted, pour a small pool onto a silicone mat. While the wax is still warm and liquid, press your Snowflake Wax Seal stamp firmly into the center of the wax. Hold it in place for a few seconds until the wax cools and sets, then carefully lift the stamp to reveal your beautiful wax impression. Once your wax seal has cooled and hardened, use a silver metallic marker to color the raised snowflake. This highlights the details and adds a shimmering accent to your seal.

Step 6: Die-cut the Oval and resemble the card

Die-cut an oval shape from white cardstock using the Essential Modern Oval Die set. This oval will serve as the central panel to highlight your beautiful holly arrangement. Using liquid glue and foam adhesive for dimension, begin assembling all the elements onto your card base. First, adhere the oval panel onto your inked, embossed background. Next, attach the holly branches to the oval panel, ensuring they are securely in place. Then, layer the red ribbons and the "Merry & Bright" sentiment banner, securing them around the holly. Finally, adhere your enhanced snowflake wax seal on top, carefully positioning it to complete your festive design. I hope this tutorial inspires your holiday magic! Remember, wax seals are versatile; they add elegance to gift wrapping, scrapbooking, invitations, and many other applications. Happy crafting! XOXO, Heejung