MAKE IT EASY: DIY EMBOSSING FOLDERS/PUNCHES SHAPES

These are the negative and positive shapes when a piece of Scratch Art Scratch-Foam Sheet is punched. The negative is on the left; the positive is on the right. A McGill, Inc. dragonfly punch was used for this sample.

Decorated paper placed in the folder under the negative (mortise) shape. The paper entends beyond the top edge of the folder so the embossed image will be on the card front; the lower end of the folder is slightly visible at the bottom the picture.

To emboss: burnish the negative shape; turn the folder over and burnish the positive shape (the dragonfly).


Multiple shapes positioned in one folder. Note the crease line down the center of the folder (ignore the copper looking thing on the left side of the folder...haven't the faintest idea what it is!). When the folder is closed, the shapes will be aligned.

Tips:
Cardstock probably will need to be dampened.

Be sure the positive and negative shapes align when the folder is closed.

Scratch Art Scratch-Foam slides easily into the front of a punch.

The punched shapes (positive and/or negative) can be inked if desired. Clean off ink immediately after use.

A medium weight acetate is recommended for the DIY folder; pre-test if using another weight.

Attach the shapes to the inside of the folder with a repositionable glue as directed in the July 14 post.

To apply glue to small positive shapes: attach the negative shape to one side of the folder; place the positive shape on a piece of paper so that the side receiving the glue is up; apply the glue and dry to a tacky state; pick up the positive shape with the tip of a craft knife; position the shape into the negative shape; close the folder the burnish the back of the positive shape. You also can use this method for small shapes cut from Foamies with a die cut machine

If using a Sizzix, rather than burnishing by hand: attach the Systems Converter under the Pressing Plate; place the paper in the correct position inside the folder; place the folder on the white cutting Pad; cover the folder with a piece of 6 MM Foamies; pull the handle down, ensuring that all areas of the folder containing shapes have been under the Pressing Plate.

If using a roller-type die cut machine, rather than burnishing by hand: test to determine the correct sandwich.

The sky's the limit with this stuff...go for it!