Fall stamps are not just for fall cards. I love using them for sympathy cards too, especially with rich, comforting colors. For today’s cards, I paired the Acorn Almanac stamp from Unity Stamp Company with an easy emboss resist technique. It gives you all that beautiful color with ink blending instead of coloring with markers. And since sympathy cards are always good to have on hand, I made two at once.
Assemble This! Videos are more detailed as we create this card together step-by-step. You’ll get all my tips and tricks to inspire your next card. Watch on YouTube.
Featured Unity Supplies
 Acorn Almanac USC |
So Kind. So Caring. So You. USC |
 Scallops & Rectangles dies USC |
Compensated affiliate links may be used at no additional cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop using my links. Unity Stamp Company usually has a new sale almost EVERY week. Check the website for details. Stamp sets go on and off sale all the time. If it is not on sale this week, just add the stamp set to your wishlist and wait for the next sale so you get a great deal.
Emboss Resist in Fall Colors
I love using a large background stamp as the main focus of a card. I stamped and heat embossed Acorn Almanac in white, then blended those rich fall colors right over the top. Watching the leaves and acorns appear through the ink is one of my favorite parts of emboss resist, and I really liked how those deeper colors felt for a sympathy card.
Distress Ink Colors: Pine Needles | Wild Honey | Seedless Preserves
I die cut the embossed panel and added the sympathy sentiment in the same color as I used in the blend. I love how the simple layout lets those rich colors pop against the white background. A few gold watercolor splatters added just enough shimmer and adds to the rich autumn feel.
This one uses the same techniques, but I changed the placement of the stamp and sentiment color for a slightly different look. I like that the cards share the same idea without feeling exactly alike. Making both at once was easy and now I have some sympathy cards ready for when I need one.
Emboss Resist Tips for Better Results
- Prep the cardstock first: An anti-static powder tool helps keep stray embossing powder from sticking where you do not want it.
- Give the stamp good coverage: With a large background stamp, make sure the embossing ink reaches the entire design before adding the powder.
- Heat until the powder turns smooth: Move the heat tool around the panel instead of holding it in one spot too long. Once the powder melts and looks smooth, move on.
- Blend right over the embossing: Once everything is cool, add ink directly over the embossed design. The white embossing resists the ink and lets the stamped design show through.
- Wipe away leftover ink: After blending, lightly wipe over the embossed areas with a dry soft cloth or paper towel. It cleans off any ink sitting on top and brightens the white embossing again.
I really love how these turned out, especially with those rich fall colors against the white embossing. Emboss resist is such a simple technique with beautiful results. Is emboss resist one you use often, or one you need to pull out again?
Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it!
Supplies
Some links provided are affiliate links. If you shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support both the crafty companies and me too. 🩷
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.
Distress Ink Colors: Pine Needles | Wild Honey | Seedless Preserves
Acorn Almanac USC |
So Kind. So Caring. So You. USC |
Scallops & Rectangles dies USC |
 Hammermill Cardstock AMZ |
 Pine Needles SBC |
 Seedless Preserves SBC |
 Wild Honey SBC |
 Versamark SBC |
 Anti-Static Pouch SBC |
 White Superfine SBC |
 Gansai Tambi Starry Set SBC | AMZ |
Most Used Tools
 1.5″ block SB | OTH |
 Big Shot SB |
 Black Stamping Tool SB |
 Blending Brushes AMZ |
Blending Brushes Large AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Medium AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Mini AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Small AMZ |
 Connect Glue SB |
 Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS |
 Die Cut Envelope AMZ |
 Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB |
 Foam Roll Combo Pack SB |
 Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ |
 Media Mat Mini SB | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brushes AMZ |
 Mini Stencil Mat** SB |
 Mini Trimmer SB |
 MISTI – Mini SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original – Black SB |
 MISTI Corners SB | AMZ |
 Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB |
 Post It Note Tape AMZ |
 Reverse Tweezers SB |
 Sticky Mat SB |
 Triangle Trays AMZ |
 White Gel Pens SB | AMZ |
 White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ |
 Adhesive Roll SBC |
