Craft Technique: Wax Resist Backgrounds Using Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

Have you ever tried the "wax resist" technique? It's where you apply wax on a project, and when you apply ink over the top, the ink doesn't stick to wherever the wax has been applied.

Here's a wonderful technique that I played around with this afternoon and the results are fantastic!

Run a piece of wax paper through your Cuttlebug and emboss it using an embossing folder.

Place a piece of scrap paper down on your work surface, followed by a sheet of cardstock or paper that you're planning to use on a project, then the wax paper that you've already embossed. I normally put another sheet of cardstock or paper on top if the wax paper is double sided (so I get two projects from one sheet of wax paper). Lastly, add another piece of scrap paper on top.

Use a hot iron (no steam!) and iron for about 5-10 seconds. Remove your pieces of cardstock or paper that will now have the waxed pattern on them. Rub an ink pad or brayer that has been inked over the top to apply the ink.

To finish the process, take a piece of kitchen towel and rub it across the whole surface. This will remove any excess ink, in particular the ink from anywhere that had wax on it. Hey presto, you now have a customised background with a gorgeous pattern on it!

Give it a try. With so many wonderful embossing folders around, it's another way of getting more use from them. Try adding a few different colour inks at the same time to mix it up a bit too.

Happy crafting!!


Debbie and Lily