I got this embossed Geared Up Garage card from a demonstrator card swap and I LOVE the embossed detail in the background.  The Garage Gears Thinlits dies were used to create the unique background pattern on this masculine card.  The dies are normally meant to cut through cardstock to make a die cut like on this Garage card.   But if you use the dies with the Big Shot Embossing Mats you get an embossed image rather than a die cut image.

The Big Shot Embossing Mats come with 3 mats and some instructions on how to create embossed images.  You can also cut and emboss at the same time. I found the instructions small and a bit hard to understand, so I created my own visual verison.     You can save a copy of my instruction guide here or click on the image to bring up the file. I hope my guide helps you when you try out this technique.  Read below for an additional tip on how to make the image pop.

Big Shot Embossing Mats Sandwiches

There is one other cool technique on this card using the dies.  You might have noticed the dark outline on the embossed image.  To get this look, you ink up the cutting side of the die before putting it in the Big Shot with the embossing mats. Simply take an ink pad and smoosh it lightly on to the die.  The die acts like a stamp as well as an embossing tool!! How cool!  It leaves a much more distinct impression.  See the full supply list for this card at the end of this post.

The base of the this card is Night of Navy and it is one of the Happiness Blooms Memories and More Cards.  These cards are a quick way to start your card making.  There are two sizes of cards in the pack (10 of each size) and also includes matching envelopes for a total of 20 cards and envelopes.

To see any of the supplies in my Online Store just click on the images.  And don’t forget to save your Big Shot Embossing Cheat Sheet here.