Letterpress Embossed Birthday Card with Die-Cut Happy Birthday

A project from our live show HOBBYMAKER TV - Broadcast 9th November 2026 · 09/11/2026 · watch it from 6:00

Create an elegant birthday card using an embossing folder with the letterpress technique, combining debossed and embossed effects. Layer this with a die-cut 'Happy Birthday' sentiment in coordinating colours and add embellishments for a professional, multi-dimensional card. The finished design features sophisticated layering and texture for a truly special greeting.

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Step by step

1. Ink both sides of your embossing folder with a water-based ink pad in your chosen colour. Allow to dry, then select which side you prefer for your design. ▶ watch 6:15
2. Place your white cardstock into the inked embossing folder and run it through your die-cutting machine using plates A, C, and C. ▶ watch 6:45
3. Open the embossing folder to reveal the embossed candle design on your cardstock. Carefully remove the embossed piece from the folder. ▶ watch 7:15
4. Die-cut the 'Happy Birthday' sentiment from charcoal cardstock using your die-cutting machine. Keep both the cut-out letters and the negative space pieces for your card design. ▶ watch 7:45
5. Die-cut the same 'Happy Birthday' design from bright pink cardstock to use for paper-piecing the letters. ▶ watch 8:30
6. Using a glue pen, carefully adhere the pink 'Happy Birthday' die-cut pieces onto the acetate backing. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding. ▶ watch 9:15
7. Mount the embossed white cardstock onto your charcoal card base, ensuring you leave an even black frame around all edges. Press down firmly to secure the panel in place. ▶ watch 10:00
8. Attach the layered 'Happy Birthday' sentiment to the centre of the card front using foam pads for dimension. ▶ watch 10:45
9. Add small embellishments such as party hats and embossed candles around the design using foam pads to create dimension and height on your card. ▶ watch 11:30
10. Add a ribbon bow to the front of the card for a finishing touch. Position it on the winter scene design and secure in place. Your letterpress embossed birthday card is now complete. ▶ watch 12:15

Tips from the show

• Always ink both sides of the embossing folder so you can choose which effect you prefer after seeing the result.
• Water-based ink pads can be easily cleaned from embossing folders with a baby wipe or lukewarm water, and residual tinting will not cross-contaminate your cardstock.
• You can use the same die multiple times in different colours to create layered, paper-pieced effects for added dimension.

More from this show

• Circular Wreath Card with Stamped Leaves and Berries
• Nesting Balloon Die-Cut Birthday Card
• Festive Wreath Card with Poinsettia Dies and Layered Florals
• Woodland Wildlife Stencil and Stamped Scene Card
• Embossed Heritage Paper Card with White Ink Highlight

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly