MAKE IT EASY: DIY EMBOSSING FOLDERS/DIE CUT SHAPES

These instructions for DIY embossing folders use shapes cut with a die cut machine. In a couple days, I'll post instructions for folders using shapes punched with a hand punch. The good news is that a die cut machine is not needed for pressure...your fingers do the walking! But, if you want to use your machine, that's fine with me.

The die used in the pictures is a Sizzix heart. This die was selected so you could see how the shapes from a three-pieced die are used. I generally use either 2 MM Foamies or Scratch Art Scratch Foam Boards as the supply for the shapes. These supplies are not affected by dampness, and both can be inked. Other supplies can be used, but they must be 'cuttable' by the die cut machine you're using. Regardless of the supply used for the shape, a sheet of clear medium weight acetate is used as the folder.

Fold the acetate in half (long way); burnish the fold line so that the acetate is flat when folded. Note the creased line down the center of the acetate in the first picture.

Open the acetate and adjoin the pieces on one side of the opened acetate as seen in the second picture. Place repositionable glue on the two shapes that are tinted orange (the inner and outer shapes); allow the glue to dry to a tacky state. When the glue is tacky, close the folder and lightly burnish the acetate in the areas over the glue.

Turn the folder over (the orange shapes will be down). Open the folder and apply repositionable glue to the back of the shape (the white shape) that was not glued to the acetate. Apply a few drops of the glue along the outer edges of two corners of the folder. Prop the acetate open and allow all glue to dry to a tacky state. When the glue is tacky, close the folder and burnish the acetate in the areas over the glue.

When the folder is opened, the shapes will be attached to the inside of the folder as seen in first picture. The glue applied to the corners will ensure the folder will stay closed, keeping the shapes in the correct position.

Some tips:
The deep impression made by Foamies might be too much for some projects.

Cardstock probably will require being dampened.

Ink can be applied to the negative and/or positive shape if desired. After embossing clean off the ink from the shapes.

The bottle-cap burnisher is perfect for this technique. (see Weekly tip, June 27).

Repositionable glue provides options in the placement of the shapes within the folder (i.e., borders, off-center, etc.).

Never hurts to do a test or two before jumping into a project....

Here's how it's done by hand
1. Open the folder.
2. Position the paper over the shapes on one side of the folder.
3. Close the folder.
4. Ensure that the positive and negative shapes align.
5. Burnish one side of the folder over the shapes.
6. Turn the folder over and burnish over the shapes.
7. Remove the paper from the folder.

Here's how it done with a Sizzix die cut machine
Plan to fiddle a bit to find the sandwich which works best for your machine if it isn't a Sizzix, then follow steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6.
1. Open the folder.
2. Position the paper over the shapes on one side of the folder.
3. Close the folder.
4. Ensure that the positive and negative shapes align.
5. The Systems Converter must be in place for either Foamies or Scratch-Foam shapes; a piece of 2MM Foamies placed over the folder also is required for Scratch-Foam shapes. Ensure that all areas of the shapes have been under the Pressing Plate.
6. Remove the paper from the folder.

Go have some fun!!