One other idea..three D card ..useing store bought cards....
say your picture on the front of the card is a bell (starting very simple here) with a pointed item, maybe a round tooth pick or the likes, out line the bell.
Open and turn the card over placing it face down on to several sheet of paper towels. This is to cause a cushion but not too thick because with the next step you could punch through the card itself.
Using a rounded tip such as an empty ball point pen, begin filling in the area of the bellyou just outlined (as if you were coloring it).
This will cause the bell to push out some and when you look at it from the front it will be as the embossed cards you pay so much money for.
If you can't find and empty pen just use a regular one and then add another piece of card stock over the back where you were useing the pen. This will cover the inked area.
Anyway, just a thought. Good luck with your project what ever you do!