How to Create an Easy Embossed Grid Background for Mixed Media Art
- Heather McClelland
- Mar 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Want to add easy texture to your mixed media projects? This embossed grid technique is simple and fun!
This tutorial will show you how to emboss grid lines onto cardstock and enhance them with ink for a stunning background effect.
This technique is a simple yet powerful way to create custom, textured designs without needing embossing folders or expensive tools!
Materials You'll Need
Scoreboard & Score Tool or a DIY method (see how below)
Ink Pads
Spray Inks for an Alternative Method
Tutorial
Start by Using the Scoreboard and Tool
Place a piece of heavy cardstock on top of the scoreboard. You can keep the paper straight for parallel embossed lines or turn it at an angle for horizontal lines.
Use the scoring tool to make lines in the paper. I chose lines half an inch apart, but feel free to get creative with the spacing. ⭐️
Embossed Lines Without a Scoreboard
Ruler & Bone Folder (or Stylus, Empty Pen)
🔹 Place your cardstock on a self-healing mat, mouse pad, or stack of paper for cushion.
🔹 Use a ruler to guide your lines and press down with:
- A bone folder
- A stylus (like one for shaping clay or dot painting)
- An empty ballpoint pen (no ink)
- The back of a butter knife (blunt edge only)
💡 Tip: If your ruler slips, use washi tape or painter’s tape to hold it in place while scoring.
Rotate the Cardstock to Make a Grid Pattern
You can rotate the paper to make a perfect grid or let your creativity shine.
Run an Ink Pad Over the Cardstock
Gently run an ink pad across the cardstock. The embossed lines will appear white, as the ink won't fill them.
I chose two colors on my paper using archival ink:
Different types of distress ink pads can also be used:
Idea: Adding Spray Inks
I used two different purple-colored spray inks.
Flip Cardstock Over and Emboss the Grid Lines:
Instead of embossing the cardstock so the lines go in, flip it over so the lines come out on the inked side.
Use Pigment Inks to Just Ink the Raised Lines:
Press the ink pad lightly across the top to mostly ink just the embossed part. It can look cool when you get some ink within the lines, giving it a grudge-like appearance.
If the ink sprays are darker shades, pigment inks work better for visibility since they're more opaque.
An Example Using Lighter Shades of Pearlescent Watercolors Instead of Spray Inks:
✅ Troubleshooting & Pro Tips for Embossed Grid
The embossing lines aren’t showing up well:
Possible Cause: Your cardstock might be too thick or smooth.
Fix: Use medium-weight cardstock (around 80-100lb) with some texture. If too smooth, lightly mist with water before embossing.
Ink isn’t catching on the embossed lines:
Possible Cause: Insufficient pressure from scoring.
Fix: Ensure you apply firm, even pressure with your embossing tool and repeat if necessary. A softer ink applicator (like a foam blending tool) can help highlight the raised areas without pressing ink into the grooves.
The ink is smudging too much and hiding the grid pattern:
Possible Cause: Excess ink or a very wet ink pad.
Fix: Use a dry or semi-dry ink pad. Try dabbing instead of rubbing to avoid filling the embossed grooves.
✅ Ideas for Using Embossed Backgrounds
Bookmarks, Tags, or ATCs (Artist Trading Cards):
Small projects like bookmarks and ATCs are fantastic for using leftover pieces of embossed backgrounds. These mini artworks are fun, quick to make, and great for swaps or gifts.
✨ How to Use:
Cut the embossed paper into bookmark or tag shapes, ink them, and add embellishments.
Layer stamped images, stickers, or rub-ons over the grid.
Add a hole punch and ribbon for a decorative bookmark.
Use gold, silver, or black ink to highlight the raised areas for an elegant contrast.
Junk Journals & Mixed Media Panels:
Embossed backgrounds work beautifully in junk journals, adding tactile interest with a vintage aesthetic. They can also be used in larger mixed media pieces as textured layers.
✨ How to Use:
Tear the embossed grid paper into strips and glue them into a junk journal for borders.
Use as a background panel in a mixed media piece, layering paint, ink sprays, and collage elements on top.
Emboss onto kraft paper or old book pages for a rustic effect.
Try stitching along the grid lines for added detail.
My Examples
📖 Related Tutorials & Techniques
Looking for more ways to enhance your mixed media backgrounds? Check out these tutorials:
Resist Backgrounds Using Embossing Folders (Another Artsy Karma tutorial)
Embossing with Rubber Bands for Unique Texture (Another Artsy Karma tutorial)
Distress Ink Blending Techniques (From Jennifer McGuire Ink)
Tim Holtz’s Best Ink Blending Tips (For smoother, more vibrant ink application)
🎨 Get Inspired & Share Your Work!
Want to show off your embossed backgrounds or get inspired by other artists? Join these fun art communities:
Craft Challenges:
Share Your Work Online:
Instagram Hashtags: #mixedmediaart, #artjournalpage
Facebook Groups: Search for “Mixed Media Artists” & “Card Making Inspiration”
Reddit: r/mixedmedia | r/artjournaling
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📣 Let’s chat! Leave a comment below – Have you tried embossing backgrounds before?
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