Crafty Embellishments……
- Shacora Hawkins
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
What Are Crafty Embellishments?
If you’ve ever participated in a swap, happy mail exchange, or handmade card project, you’ve definitely encountered crafty embellishments—and chances are, they made you smile before you even used them.
So what exactly are crafty embellishments, and why are they such a big deal in swaps and paper crafting? Let’s break it down.
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What Swap Hosts Say About Embellishments
To get a well-rounded perspective, I asked a couple of experienced swap hosts what crafty embellishments mean to them—and their answers perfectly capture the heart of it.
Ebony( the_crafty_gurl ) https://youtube.com/@the_crafty_gurl?si=1QNgCOQhk5Tu6Phq
shared:
> “No matter the type or style of embellishment you create, they should be created to be seen and make a statement! After all, they’re usually the focal of a project! They help in creating the tone for the whole swap.”
That right there says it all. Embellishments aren’t an afterthought—they’re often the star of the show, setting the mood, theme, and personality of a project.
Caroline (@my_crafty_adventures) https://youtube.com/@mycraftyadventures?si=Zl5dOCnpfAPwNNFk
added:
> “I appreciate layered die cuts and sentiments. They are so useful to use on future projects. I also love to receive things like gems and flatbacks. They’re always great for dressing up projects.”
Her answer highlights something equally important: versatility. The best embellishments are not only beautiful but practical—easy to use across multiple projects.
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So… What Are Crafty Embellishments?
Crafty embellishments are handmade or curated decorative elements that add dimension, texture, and visual interest to a project. They’re commonly used in:
Card making
Scrapbooking
Junk journals
Memory keeping
Swaps and happy mail
They can be flat or dimensional, simple or detailed, themed or neutral—but they always add that extra something ✨
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Examples of Crafty Embellishments You Can Make
Here are some popular (and swap-friendly!) embellishments you can create:
Layered die cuts (characters, florals, icons, shapes)
Sentiment strips or clusters
Rosettes and paper fans
Mini tags
Shaker elements
Fussy-cut images
Paper bows
Flat embellishment clusters
Enamel dot groupings
Themed icons (holidays, seasons, events)
These are perfect for swaps because they’re easy to store and simple to apply to future projects.
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Materials That Enhance Embellishments
Want your embellishments to stand out even more? The right materials make all the difference.
Paper & Base Materials
Patterned cardstock
Specialty paper (vellum, glitter, foil)
Acetate
Chipboard
Kraft cardstock
Decorative Add-Ons
Gems, rhinestones, pearls
Flatbacks and cabochons
Enamel dots
Sequins
Beads
Texture & Dimension
Foam tape or dots
Puffy stickers
Layered cardstock
Felt or fabric accents
Finishing Touches
Glossy Accents or Nuvo Drops
Distress ink or oxide ink
Gold or silver wax
Stickles
Heat embossing powder
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Why Embellishments Matter in Swaps
Crafty embellishments are more than just “extras.” They:
Set the tone of the swap
Showcase your creativity and style
Give recipients usable, inspiring pieces
Become focal points in future projects
When done thoughtfully, they feel like a little handmade gift within a gift 💌
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Final Thoughts
Whether bold and statement-making or soft and versatile, crafty embellishments are the heartbeat of many creative projects. As Ebony said, they’re meant to be seen, and as Caroline reminded us, the best ones are useful long after the swap ends.
So next time you’re crafting for a swap, don’t think small—think intentional, layered, and creative. Your embellishments might just become someone’s favorite supply.
Happy crafting ✂️✨
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