A warm welcome back to Laura Shirley, whose first guest post and papercraft project here on the All Things Paper blog was the beautiful Moroccan Lantern. In her latest tutorial, Laura shares her "Simulated Embossing" technique—a way to achieve that luxury, old-world tactile feel using your modern electronic cutting machine. With precision-cut layers, you create deep shadows and a substantial boutique feel.
Simulated Embossing: Luxury Textures with Layers
Hello! It is such a joy to be back with the All Things Paper community.
I’ve often felt I was born a hundred years late, and perhaps you can relate. For years, I have been captivated by the elegance of antique craft styles and design. I’m Laura, the founder of Bella Carta Design, and my journey began with a simple, lifelong love affair with paper.
Drawing from my professional background in art and publishing, I’ve spent years translating a timeless, nostalgic aesthetic into modern cut and engineered paper designs. And I’m so excited to see an old-world aesthetic, like embossed paper, coming back!
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| Mr. and Mrs. Layered SVG Card for Cutting Machines |
Based on the beautiful California coast, I now specialize in designing 3D SVG templates for electronic cutting machines, like Cricut and Silhouette, that turn flat paper into interactive keepsakes. Whether it’s an elegant pop-up card or timeless home décor, my mission is to provide frustration-free, thoroughly tested designs for paper crafters of all skill levels.
My Journey with Embossing
I have always loved the high-end, tactile look of embossed paper you can feel with your fingertips. My first craft machine was a manual die cutting and embossing machine, a Sizzix Big Shot, which I still use and love. However, I found myself limited by the fixed sizes of embossing folders and the trial-and-error of manual tools. I knew there had to be a better way to achieve that luxury look with total design freedom.
When I delved into the world of electronic cutting machines, I experimented with my Cricut and Silhouette machines to get the look of embossed paper. I tried specialty embossing tips and different papers to see if I could "press" that luxury-look into the paper. But while those methods were fun, nothing quite gave me the crisp, dimensional outcome I wanted.
Then, I tried a different approach to simulate the look and dimension of embossing. Instead of pressing a design into one sheet of paper, I built up dimension with multiple layers of paper. I spent countless hours in my studio perfecting this 'Simulated Embossing' technique. I had to calculate the exact layer size and 'frame' alignments with multiple precision-cut layers of cardstock to finally achieve what I was after. And the results have been more satisfying than I imagined.
In this article, I’d like to celebrate this discovery with you, so keep an eye out for a special gift I’ve left for you.
How My Designs Work
Each of my simulated embossed designs is made to be easy to assemble. Each one has a frame around each layer that perfectly lines up with the other layers, so there is no guesswork. Just start with the first layer that lines up with the edges of the card base and work your way up through the layers, carefully gluing each one on top of the previous layer.
There is a specific, satisfying moment in this project that I can’t wait for you to experience. It’s when you’ve laid down that final layer of cardstock and you run your fingers across the top of the card. You can feel the valleys and peaks of the design. It has a weighted, substantial feel that a Cricut embossing tool simply can’t mimic.
When you use four or five layers of 80lb cardstock, you aren't just making a card; you are building dimension in the paper that creates deep, elegant shadows. It looks—and feels—like an expensive boutique find, but the pride of knowing you crafted that dimension is priceless.
Example Designs
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| Mr. and Mrs., Layered SVG Card for Cutting Machines |
This was my first design using this technique. When I began experimenting with embossed-looking designs, I tried very intricate patterns that looked pretty messy. So, instead I went the other direction, minimalist.
Size: A7 (7 inches wide by 5 inches tall)
Materials used: 8.5-by-11-inch medium weight (80 pound), textured cardstock in the following colors:
White card base, folded
5 layers of white
1 layer of black
See this Mr. and Mrs. Layered Card Design at Bella Carta Design.
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| Thank You with Leaves, Layered SVG Card for Cutting Machines |
My shop offers several Thank You cards because everyone can use one now and then. I loved how the Mr. & Mrs. card turned out, so I experimented with a similar black and white design, but with a little more flourish, by adding just a few leaves.
Size: A7 (7 inches wide by 5 inches tall)
Materials used: 8.5-by-11-inch medium weight (80 pound), textured cardstock in the following colors:
White card base, folded
5 layers of white
1 layer of black
See this Thank You Leaves Design at Bella Carta Design.
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| Mother’s Day Wreath, Layered SVG Card for Cutting Machines |
For a Mother’s Day card design, I wanted something lacy and feminine. I experimented with roses. The cut outlines of the roses seemed to work the best for this technique.
Size: A2 Card (5.5 inches wide by 4.25 inches tall)
Materials used: 8.5-by-11-inch medium weight (80 pound), textured cardstock in the following colors:
White card base, folded
5 layers of pale pink
1 layer of dark pink
See this Mother's Day Wreath Design at Bella Carta Design.
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| Star Geometric Layered Design |
With this design, I started experimenting with geometric shapes. I think I will turn this into a congratulations card for graduations, etc. by adding “You’re a Star” in a bold blue font on top of the layers, or with a few changes it could be a dimensional Christmas card.
Size: 5-inch square design
Materials used: 8.5-by-11-inch medium weight (80 pound), textured cardstock in the following colors:
5 layers in varying shades of gold
1 top layer of white
This design is currently in the testing phase to ensure it's frustration-free for you! If you'd like to be the first to know when it's released, join my community.
Whether I'm experimenting with new geometric shapes or classic florals, I've found that success always starts with the foundation: good materials. Here are some of my trusted standbys:
The Perfect Paper
When you’re cutting these intricate designs, paper choice is everything. I always reach for American Crafts Precision Textured Cardstock or Encore Texture Cardstock. (Amazon affiliate links) These papers are engineered to cut cleanly without fraying, ensuring those elegant loops stay crisp. Plus, they are acid-free, which means your creations won't yellow over time — they truly become keepsakes that last a lifetime.
Which Glue to Use
I use a glue formulated specifically for paper crafting. Bearly Art Glue (Amazon affiliate link) is the "professional’s secret" for preventing the paper from buckling. It grabs quickly, dries clear, and—best of all— comes with a precision tip. This is a lifesaver when you’re putting tiny dots of glue on the back of fine-script lettering!
Continuing My Journey
I am always experimenting with new techniques of paper crafting, and I'm excited to continue trying novel ways to apply this one to make different designs with an array of results by using a variety of colors, shapes and words, among other things.
A Gift for the All Things Paper Community
I truly believe that everyone can be a crafter, and I want to ensure your success. To celebrate our shared love for paper, I would like to give you a gift. You can choose any one of my three designs in the simulated embossing technique.
- Click here to visit Bella Carta Design.
- Choose the design that speaks to your heart.
- Add it to your cart.
- Use code SIM-FREE at checkout to get the card for free.
You’ll get your file emailed to you instantly! I can't wait to see what you create!
I want to ensure your success from the very first cut.
Click here to join my crafting community for more paper inspiration and resources.
Remember, we aren't just cutting paper; we are crafting memories and gifting love.
Happy Crafting,
Laura
laura@bellacartadesign.com
Bella Carta Design is also on Etsy (BellaCartaDesignsSVG), as well as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
