How to Emboss and Deboss with Your Cricut Maker

You can easily emboss and deboss on your Cricut Maker with the debossing tool, and the process is very similar! With just a few small steps you can emboss in a jiffy!
What you use for your stencil also affects your end result, and its important to know that if you want a sharper emboss or deboss, you may need to change that product!
I do show you in this video what the effects are from using both cardstock which is around 130gsm, and a much thicker card that is around 300gsm, so make sure to check out the entire video!
Materials used:
Kraft board: amzn.to/40km3U5
Metallic paper: amzn.to/41lcWEk
Cricut Maker 3: amzn.to/3KKVbak
Quick Swap housing with debossing tip: amzn.to/41w3nBW
Brayer: amzn.to/3KQvkiu
Standard grip cutting mat: amzn.to/3o7RtQt
This channel is the best place to learn many different types of Cricut Crafts. Kelly Rossouw is dedicated to making the best Cricut tutorials for you, helping you to live an easier creative Cricut life.
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*Please note that I may earn a small commission from products bought through Affiliate programs, this in no way affects the price you pay. Channel by Kelly Rossouw

[@KellyRossouw]

Check out some more Cricut Embossing tutorials here: kzbin.info/aero/PLkpaKJi6XJQKxyGZ31ojyNI1HDEwtDhx6&si=tU1KPBgmXLzV-gKr

[@ChyinaPowell]

I really appreciate how simple your tutorials are. Plus the fact that you hop right in and don't give us 25 minutes of filler. Great video!

[@KellyRossouw]

I appreciate that!

[@KdogBites]

Same for me!@@KellyRossouw

[@relicbane]

@@KellyRossouwyou need to publish a tutorial for how we can give you more than 1 like per video. Brilliant stuff. Thank you!

[@cindymcgarrahan1001]

First time watching one of your videos - it won't be be the last. You make it so simple and direct. I hate watching long videos that just use fillers. Thank you.

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so so welcome! Welcome to the channel 💚💚 And thank you so much!

[@robertapalmer3599]

This by far is the best tutorial on embossing and debossing I have seen! Easy to understand. Very step by step. I have definitely subscribed to this channel!

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you so much 🥰 very much appreciated!

[@debvesper9147]

You're amazing! I've watched a lot of videos on this. I've also read up on it many times. I could never figure it out! But you have explained it and shown it beautifully! Thank you so much!

[@KellyRossouw]

Ah thank you so much! So glad it helped

[@salwahlane9361]

Ohhh so glad I found this video of yours! I've been wanting an embossing machine but don't need the die bits as have a Cricut Maker. I have used the deboss tool a bit but using it to EMBOSS like you show, looks fabulous. Just have to test it... back soon!! SUCCESS!!! I used MAKE A WISH and it turned out great. thank you!

[@KellyRossouw]

oh that's amazing! I'm so glad you had success! Well done!! 😍

[@nanceecole9015]

Your video was amazing. I watched an “embossing” video when I first got my Maker and it seriously scared me off (for two years!). Watching your video has given me the confidence I needed to try embossing again. I’m now a subscriber!

[@KellyRossouw]

Awww thank you so much Nancee! Really appreciate it 🙏 good luck!

[@amicarobinson7819]

Thank you for this amazing tutorial! 🎉 bought my maker today & deboss/embossing is the first thing I want to tackle! 😍

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome! Good luck!

[@AJTivol]

Wow! That's a fantastic result. Thank you so much. I have a project that I've had in mind for a couple of years and this is just what I needed to know.

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck!!

[@BarbaraRogers65]

Thank you for this video. I have had my cricut for over 3 years and never tried embossing/debossing. You explained this so clearly and easy to understand. Thank you. I finally did my 1st embossing because you gave me confidence to do it.

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad it was helpful! Well done on your project 🤩

[@productivityseventeen6127]

thank for such a comprehensive and clear tutorial on deboss and emboss! appreciate you sharing your testing results.

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome!

[@thaabitmollagee4238]

Thanks for this. Just got my machine today and tested this method. Came out great!

[@KellyRossouw]

oh fantastic!! Well done 😍

[@gailivers6855]

Love this video! I just purchased my second Cricut machine a Maker 3 because I wanted to do embossing, You made this SO easy to understand ! Thanks so much !

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome! Hope your projects come out super super well!!

[@lisak3159]

Thanks for this. Brilliant. I've used foam sheet backer to get deeper deboss but I like the emboss much better

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bijouxw1014]

I am waiting for my Cricut Maker 3 to arrive & want to learn from you. I am so happy I found your tutorials..

[@KellyRossouw]

How exciting!!! Thanks

[@donnamiller9578]

Love this information. I have been wanting to find a way to emboss with the Cricut & you have taught me the way. Thank You!

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome!

[@ab_8893]

I'm a new cricut owner and I love your videos!!

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you so much, and welcome!

[@bijouxw1014]

Kelly, Your tutorial is really great. Enjoy learning from you.

[@KellyRossouw]

Thanks so much!

[@suzystar49]

Thank you thank you. I did it. I've been debating on buying an embossing machine. You have saved me some money,

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad I could help!

[@jeancopelin642]

Thank you I just received my embossing tool for my cricut maker3 and sat and watch your video and did my first embossing, its not perfect but i will try and improve on my first attempt :)

[@KellyRossouw]

Wonderful! Thats all we should ever do! Keep trying and improving! Well done!

[@lindaheuer677]

So excited to learn this technique. I am going to use it on my daughter's wedding invitations? Amazing tutorial! Thank you.

[@KellyRossouw]

Wonderful! That is such a perfect application of this technique! Hope you have an absolute blast x

[@UYDesigns]

Wow I had no idea cricut could do this! Thank you for sharing!!

[@KellyRossouw]

Happy to help!

[@SABan-bh4hi]

Curious Metallics is the name of a line of paper and cardstock made by Arjowiggins!

[@KellyRossouw]

Thanks for sharing! Would love to know how they got the name 😂

[@bubblegirl6265]

You explain things so clearly! Thank you. 😊

[@KellyRossouw]

You're so welcome!

[@Michisux]

This is the exact video I’ve been looking for, thank you!!

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome!

[@gesilaferreira7261]

Stunning! Have to try this, but think I need to watch the tutorial a few times again...🙈

[@KellyRossouw]

You are most welcome! Yesss! Thats exactly what I do too 😁

[@aimeehartcher5860]

I'm doing a happy dance. First time using the Deboss tool and it worked amazingly! Thankyou :)

[@KellyRossouw]

heck yes! You did all the hard work - well done!

[@marilynlegaspi4412]

Oh my god thank you for explaining❤️. I’m going to do wedding invitation card so this really help. I’m going to buy the embossing tip asap🤙

[@KellyRossouw]

yaaaay! Thats the perfect excuse to use the debossing tip! Wish I had a Cricut when I got married hehe

[@dianeday7995]

Great video explaining in detail debossing and embossing. Thanks!

[@KellyRossouw]

You're very welcome!

[@realgeorgehere7123]

This video was great. I really enjoyed watching a crafty showing her Black belt 🥋 . you earned my subscription

[@KellyRossouw]

aww thank you so much!

[@ruthmiddleton2829]

Watched this last night and was hooked I had to try it. Went to a Cricut social day today and did this technique. Unfortunately my 165gsm was not good quality and it ended up with holes. I then used my American Crafts cardstock. This worked OK but as you said the thicker the cardstock the less sharp, so I debossed it a second time and was thrilled with the result. Thank you so much.

[@KellyRossouw]

oh thats so exciting! Glad you came right, well done!!

[@BibelzitateropLetzebuergesch]

Thank you so much for your tutorial! The result looks awesome!! 😮❤

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome!

[@pertinasmith8183]

I never heard of either and super glad you made this video 😊

[@KellyRossouw]

I'm so glad! It is so much fun to use!

[@mariawinters1947]

Wauw thank you so much I missed the embossing of my silhouette machine but this solution is great.

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome! I missed it too :( glad that I can do it on my Cricut though 🤭

[@stephanietm9960]

I appreciate your videos. I always learn so much from you! Have a happy day!!!

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you! You too!

[@samanthamartinez8801]

You just gave me great ideas with this video, so thank you 😁

[@KellyRossouw]

I'm so glad!

[@bethmegansmith4642]

Had to watch this again . I got aa cricit Maker coming to me on the 9th August . I got it new from ebau UK it is Champagne color . I am really excited. Happy Clacking xxxxxx

[@KellyRossouw]

ooooh that is very exciting!! Have so much fun!!

[@bethmegansmith4642]

🥰@@KellyRossouw

[@user-bn2fd7jc9u]

wonderful explanation and tutorial- thanks so much!!

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you 💚

[@julianas.7566]

GREAT video, exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much

[@KellyRossouw]

Ah awesome! Happy to help 😊

[@mamaita17]

Awesome! Super informative. Thank you

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Thank you for this tutorial! just brought the embossing tool a week ago, was looking to fine a tutorial con embossing came a cross your channel glad I did! Thank you for sharing! Just Subscribed to your channel...

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome! thank you for the support!

[@elizabethvallely4044]

@@KellyRossouw You're very welcome!❤

[@bethmegansmith4642]

Thank you Mega Cleaver 🤗

[@KellyRossouw]

haha thanks so much

[@corigodfrey1178]

That was the best video I have seen! Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@KellyRossouw]

Aw thank you so much Cori!! You are so kind

[@MisterKallo]

Amazing tutorial. Thank you!

[@KellyRossouw]

You're very welcome! Hope your project is a super success!

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Thank you so much for this tutorial was very helpful!!! Liz ☺

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome!

[@magscj123]

Awesome thx Kelly, great tip

[@KellyRossouw]

You're so welcome! 💙

[@margokraus6371]

Love it! Thanks for such a wonderful video!

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KnicolewithaK]

THANK YOU!Best tutorial on here.

[@KellyRossouw]

Aw Thank you so much! So glad it helped 💙

[@giselleazpurua203]

You're a genius!! loved this!

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@audreyhollatz5690]

thank you for your easy to follow, great video!

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome!

[@bassambouhamad7935]

Thank you so much for your beautiful information, I love your video.

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome! It is the Cricut Maker 3 :)

[@Jaquelinewieser]

Thanks for share, I love the proyect ❤😊

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome!

[@visualsweets]

Such useful info. Thank you.

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome!

[@debi6511]

I’m going to try this! I’ve had the debossing tool for a while and have been afraid to try it!

[@KellyRossouw]

Ohh please do! Its so much fun :)

[@MikeTees]

_Thank you_ , for sharing been thinking about the , the new *_Cricut_* auto press as well as the hat press , *_Awesome_* video Continue to be Great and" Break the sky with your *_Creativity!_* 💯🗣🔥

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome! I cannot wait until they are available in my country - I will definitely do videos on them for sure! 😍

[@zina6581]

Great information! Thank you!

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome!

[@chicagogirl8173]

This is fantastic!! Thank you :)

[@KellyRossouw]

You're so welcome!

[@yukipanda5535]

That looks great thanks for the tip! :)

[@KellyRossouw]

You are most welcome!

[@drenie1]

fabulous video and tutorial! to answer your question Curious Paper Metallics is a paper company and the "metal" is the finish of the paper that looks metallic but doesn't have actual metal in it. I love this paper line. beautiful stuff!

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you so much! And thanks for sharing 💙

[@kathiespecht4359]

@@KellyRossouw Do you know what weight of the curious paper metallics you used. I've found it in many different weights. Thanks. Enjoyed your video.

[@julietekell4057]

Such a great video!!!

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you!!

[@CockatooWantsToBeaCat]

Thanks, I was wondering how to do this. I've tried and failed and almost gave up. I just subscribed!

[@KellyRossouw]

Thanks for the sub! 😍

[@dreakie]

Omg!!! So amazing!!!

[@KellyRossouw]

hehe thank youuu :D I love it 😍

[@rondasheive4280]

Thank you great video on this.

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelcarpenter6242]

Wonderful! Thank you.

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome!

[@ellen-marie6692]

Thank you! It’s a bit intimidating but I suspect it’s due to my still somewhat limited experience with my Cricut.

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome! Im sure you will be a bit more comfortable with it soon :) Give it time and practise!

[@abysss56]

Great ideas!

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad you think so!

[@simplefragments]

Thank you for this tutorial. It is super helpful. I was wondering if you knew how to add color to the embossing. So for example, if I just wanted to add color to the raised text vs. leaving it the same color as the paper

[@KellyRossouw]

You can cut another layer as the stencil and lie it on top perhaps? Its not often something I do

[@pacbyrania]

I’m from South Africa Cape Town, love from Canada Ontario ❤

[@KellyRossouw]

oooh awesome!! Hi! 😍

[@user-ng6co6wg3d]

Gorgeous 😍

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you! 😊

[@julietekell1548]

Brilliant!!!

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you so much!

[@patriciacroteau2063]

great video, thx

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad you liked it!

[@janesuh1316]

What a brilliant tip on embossing and debossing! Thank you so much for sharing! I tried the deboss tool for the first time yesterday and was frustrated with results. Your tutorial makes so much sense and I am looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much as well! Very much appreciated 💚

[@Fernanda_85]

Wowww muchas gracias!!! 😍

[@KellyRossouw]

Eres muy bienvenida!

[@justanaussie7094]

I've been wondering if you needed templates for embossing/where to find them so your video answered that question for me thankyou.

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad I could help!

[@bufah101]

Great video! How about making a stencil out of kraftboard that is mirrored? So doing it all from the back side, if you understand what I mean? Or is it even possible to do it in the Cricut software? (The 2 step, with just step 2 as you already have the stencil after the first time). Love your style by the way! This channel will definetly gain popularity soon!

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you so much

[@bikrgran]

That's COOL!

[@bikrgran]

Just to clarify, in my mind, you are using the cut design to give the debossing tool a "ledge" to make the card more pronounced? Does that make any sense? 😆

[@KellyRossouw]

Thanks so much! Yes that is exactly what I do! And because I use a thicker harder board as the stencil for the ledge - the result is THAT much better!

[@bikrgran]

@@KellyRossouw awesome! Thanks!

[@caroltinnie5387]

Thanks so much for this! I subscribed to your channel and look forward to learning a lot from you. Do you happen to have a cheat sheet for this tutorial? Thanks!

[@KellyRossouw]

Welcome! I dont have a cheat sheet unfortunately :(

[@maferilla]

hi! it looks so good! I was just wondering if you have a video with embossing something a image pattern into something? I am having trouble translating embossing the writing into embossing a pattern of images

[@KellyRossouw]

It is something I am working on, so hopefully will be able to do a video on it soon!

[@FR3DER1Cx]

Hey, great video! I’m very new to arts and crafts in general but love the results you’ve shown off. Why do you cut out the design first and place a new sheet on top, is that necessary for the em-/debossing process?

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you! The cut out design makes the "stencil" layer which creates the dimension in the method I use in my video :)

[@francesmoses6894]

Your hair is amazing

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you so much! :)

[@SewPerky]

Have you ever done this method on cork fabric? If so, I would like to watch!

[@KellyRossouw]

I havent unfortunately :(

[@diannerobert3822]

Very nice video tutorial, but will to watch the video a couple of times Because I don’t quite get it yet. 😊

[@KellyRossouw]

Glad it was helpful!

[@julietekell4057]

Thank you for your wonderful tutorials! I wanted to ask your opinion…do you think it’s possible to emboss/deboss on parchment paper? So far, my attempts have been unsuccessful.

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome! I havent tried, but perhaps because it is a paper with thicker fibers you might need a different approach. Are you using kraft board as a stencil?

[@cindysouthall1722]

Thank you so much for making this video. I have tried to do the embossing as per your instructions on two occasions. The first time I cut medium cardstock on the mat and used medium cardstock for the embossing. The second time I cut poster board on the mat and used medium cardstock for the embossing. On both attempts, there were two small tears from the embossing tip on the embossed paper. Do you have any idea what I did wrong? Thankyou for all your helpful information.

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome!

[@cindysouthall1722]

@@KellyRossouw Thanks for your reply. You were right. I changed the settings to less pressure and that fixed the problem. It turned out beautifully.

[@rebeccaramirez7098]

Great Video! Is this how the Cricut maker 3 would also use the deboss tool?

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you! Yes, exactly the same 😊

[@Reneesfun]

Smart

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you!

[@JanisGodwinSpear]

I really didn't understand how to do either of these techniques, but now I understand. It seems a bit fiddly, but so worth it. Just a question, do you move down and to the left for both the embossing and debossing? Thanks for sharing.

[@KellyRossouw]

You are so welcome! As long as you attach both the cut and deboss layer to an 11.5" square, you wont need to move the design. I cover it differently in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWqZlXqQeZZsfJo

[@JanisGodwinSpear]

Thank you - I will check it out ❤

[@aniavazzo]

Thank you for your video. I am fairly new to cricut but have learned a lot in the last few weeks and have been able to cut out some very detailed cards and successfully scored fold lines. I will have text on the cards and would like to deboss it. When I tried this for some reason the debosser tool is only debossing the outline of my text. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Perhaps you can help? Also using your offset method to deboss how do you make sure the second piece of paper adheres to the first? Thank you.

[@KellyRossouw]

You are most welcome! The tool is intended to only do the outline, which is why we use the stencil to deboss out the entire section! :) The paper doesnt adhere to the "stencil", it removes from the mat leaving the negative behind :)

[@user-yq6me7en9k]

Thank you so much for this. ☺️ Do you think there would be any way to use this to emboss leather?

[@KellyRossouw]

Most people engrave the leather instead of embossing it. I dont think the embossing tool would leave enough of an impression - depending on the leather of course!

[@crazymered1]

I just tried it for the first time and yay! I had a few mistakes but I am ready to try again. I do have a question though. I only have medium weight cardstock currently and I am using it for the embossing. What were you using for the actual cut part and what were you using for the embossing part? What weight of paper do you recommend for each? Like at least a certain weight for each? Thanks so much for the really easy tutorial!

[@KellyRossouw]

I use 300 gsm Kraft board for the stencil, and I emboss on the 216gsm medium cardstock, or lower

[@crazymered1]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate. 😊. Excited to make a card for a wedding using this method ❤

[@shannonpadilla4120]

Thank you for the tutorial! Do you know if there is any way I can deboss and print ink on the same areas? I'm completely knew to the Cricut and trying to print my poetry on cardstock!

[@KellyRossouw]

Hi Shannon! This would be quite an advanced process and lining this up could be quite challenging. Its not something I have ever tried, but I do believe it is possible to do. Ill take a look into it and see if I can make a video about it at some point in the future :)

[@daliasamak3898]

Hi, I’m new to Cricut and loved your video. Is that the Cricut Kraft board you used? And will the fine point blade that came with the maker3 cut it or do I need to buy another blade? Thank you!

[@KellyRossouw]

Welcome to the family! Yes, the board underneath is the Cricut Kraft board - fine point cuts it perfectly, no need for another blade! :)

[@patriciadavis-scott1599]

Wonderful video--thanks for sharing. I am just a bit confused. Do I set the off-set when cutting or just when I start to emboss/deboss?

[@KellyRossouw]

You offset the emboss layer!

[@nachtschimmen]

I haven't worked out how you use my embossing tool yet... I set my designs to deboss but no result is produced on the paper. I will watch your film again to make sure I'm doing it right. ...But you'd be interested to note that I've worked out lots of ways to make embossing folders myself - I've also uploaded the designs to DesignSpace that you can make in any plastic or vinyl which consists of two or more layers which allows you to peel one of the layers off after cutting. I love using Floor Lino the best and I'm getting great embossings with it on thick cardboard and one of my embossing devices or printing presses. Thanks for this film. I really want to work out how to use the embossing tool but on my third try I'm still got getting a result in cardstock!

[@KellyRossouw]

Good luck! Yes, I use this technique myself, and actually recently released a video on it - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYi7poinns-Cnbc

[@lauramartin7300]

I've had that tool for quite awhile I forgot about it. Glad I caught your video. Will have to try this. Once done with the design fo you save it? I'd put transfer tape or maybe press and seal be better? on it and save it to reuse, can you do that? Thanks for sharing. Saved this too,to rewatch,and subscribed. :)

[@KellyRossouw]

Im sure you can save it, lining it up again will be a bit tricky, but totally doable!

[@lauramartin7300]

@@KellyRossouw thank you

[@Tansvorster]

Thank you for this video. Will this method work on faux leather?

[@KellyRossouw]

I havent tried yet :)

[@desgoldhawk3886]

thank you so much for this, I seem to be missing something and I am a newbie. When I load my card for the cut it cuts at the top of the mat but the card is at the bottom as you showed me, where am I going wrong?

[@KellyRossouw]

Hi Des! You are welcome! You need to make sure that you are moving the design to the same place in all places you want to cut it on :)

[@ldylvtt1716]

Hi I loved the video. I’m new to Cricut and fairly new to You Tube. How do I turn off the ad that takes up 1/3 of the video screen? I can’t see the right side of your video. Thanks

[@KellyRossouw]

Thank you so much! I unfortunately cannot control the ads that are on the video, however there should be a small x mark in the top right hand corner which should close the overlay of the ad if/when it pops up

[@bijouxw1014]

I just noticed on my settings, it is in inches, so I will have to do conversion, also the newer version of Cricut design space has a "weld offset" feature, click yes or no, will leave off I think. Thank you so much for your tutorial. I need to get information on the materials you used. I think I found the poster board, but where can I get small amounts of metal paper??? in US??

[@KellyRossouw]

You can change to the metric system in your settings (if you use the metric system!) You can get the metallic paper on Amazon: amzn.to/41lcWEk

[@nourangroup5097]

Thanks for the video and can I do it with cricut explore 3?

[@KellyRossouw]

This tool is only for the Maler and Maker 3 unfortunately