MAKE IT EASY: PRESSURE EMBOSSING PAPER WITH STENCILS

Here's an easy way to use a Sizzix Die Cutting Machine to pressure emboss paper with either plastic or metal stencils. I have an idea that a roller type die cutting machine will require a slightly different supply on top of the paper, so you may have to do some fiddling if that's the type of machine you have. But give these instructions a try...who knows, they might work fine!

Cut a piece of Darice 6mm White Foamies (a craft foam) in the same size as the white Cutting Pad; the Foamies must be free of any inks or paints. Attach the Systems Converter to the underside of the Pressure Plate. Clean any inks or paints from the white Cutting Pad; scratches and/or cuts on the Cutting Pad will not affect the results.

Dampen both sides of the paper (cardstock or text weight). Both sides should be evenly damp; areas that are less damp will not emboss well. The Weekly tip on June 19 details the suggested method for dampening the paper; adding hand

sanitizer to the water is strongly recommended.

Place the stencil on the paper in the desired position. Smooth the back of the stencil so that it will stick to the damp paper. Gently turn the paper over so the stencil is down and place the stencil/paper layer on the white Cutting Pad. When possible, position the stencil/paper on the Cutting Pad so that the stencil is horizontal (long side to long side) on the Pressure Plate. Place the 6mm piece of Foamies over the paper. The 'sandwich' will be as follows: Cutting Pad; stencil; paper; Foamies.

Push the Cutting Pad forward under the Presssure Plate and pull the handle down. Continue pushing the Pad forward and lowering the handle until pressure has been applied to all areas of the stencil. Pull the Cutting Pad back toward you, repeating the pressure procedure as the Pad is pulled back.

Pick up the Foamies; the impression of the stencil should be visible through the paper. If it is not, replace the Foamies and repeat the pressure procedure. When the impression is clear and defined, remove the Foamies. Carefully pick up the paper from the Cutting Pad and place it on a smooth, flat surface; allow to dry. If you want to apply color to the raised areas of the paper, allow the paper to dry, replace the stencil and color the paper.

Drying can be speeded up with either a hair dryer or heat gun...BUT, keep flipping the paper over as you're heating it. Too much heat on one side will cause the paper to bow. Since you can't use either an iron or weight to flatten it once it bows, you'll have to apply an adhesive across the entire back of the paper

and adjoin it to a substrate.

The piece of Foamies gets a little smooshed through repeated use. Turning it over and reversing the front end each time extends usage. When it no longer does the job, cut a new one.

Why white Foamies and a super clean Cutting Pad? Any little dip or dap or drop of ink or paint gets picked up the damp paper. No worries about not seeing those gunks on either white Foamies or a clean Pad. I can guarantee you won't be too happy if unwanted blobs end up on the embossed paper... I know I was a bummed big time when it happened to me.

And..that copper-looking piece on the card is paper. One part of Plum Wine Ancient Page was blended with four parts of rubbing alcohol (70%) that was lightly brushed over Pacon Gold Fadeless Metallic paper with a disposable foam brush; the ink was heat set after it dried. When cool, Krylon Workable Fixatif was sprayed over the front. Water was applied only to the back of the paper for pressure embossing. As you can see, the same metal stencil was used for both examples.