Tuesday, August 14, 2007

EASY DOES IT: PRESSURE EMBOSSING VELLUM

No question, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders make quick work of pressure embossing. But, as you know by now, not all papers take kindly to being embossed. Certain vellums, particularity the lighter-weight ones, present problems.

The pressure exerted by the die cut machine often produces severe cracking of the vellum. Enough so that the paper is actually cut. Doesn't help that there are mega differences in vellums; what works for one isn't necessarily the solution for all. A Cuttlebug Embossing Folder can be used with Grafix Deluxe Vellum...nary a crack or tear. Another vellum (no label...have no idea of the brand) I tested was cut to bits by the embossing folder.

Because of the differences in vellums, and the different pressure exerted by each brand of die cut machine, these suggestions are only that...suggestions. Do some testing to determine which method works best for each brand of paper in the machine you're using. Take the time to record that information in your handy-dandy Craft Journal (WHICH I KNOW YOU HAVE!)

1. Place the vellum into the folder. Place a piece of cardstock over the vellum. Close the folder and emboss according to the directions of your machine.

2. Place the vellum into the folder. Place a piece of text weight paper over the vellum. Close the folder and emboss according to the directions of your machine.

3. Reverse the layers in the folder (i.e., either the cardstock or textweight paper is placed under the vellum in the folder). Close the folder and emboss according to the directions of your machine.

4. If using a Sizzix, do not pull the handle down completely.

6 comments:

Mrs. Nancy G said...

Thank you for the tutorial. You have included some really great tips.
:-)

Nancy Ward said...

Thanks, Nancy. Glad you found them useful.

Nancy

Laurie said...

This may also be an option. I love the embossing folders but I don't own a Cuttlebug. I use them with a big smooth rock! My rock is about the size of a small lemon and came in a bag of stones from a craft store. I just rub it over the embossing folder using some extra pressure for heavy cardstocks. I haven't embossed vellum but I expect that it would work like a charm.

I love your blog, Nancy - thanks for sharing such great info!

Nancy Ward said...

Laurie,

Thanks for sharing your tip...it's great!

Nancy

mel m. m. mccarthy said...

Fantastic tips Nancy. Thanks so much for sharing them! I wonder if misting the vellum would help? ...Though sometimes moisture makes vellum buckle. Maybe if you dried it in the folder under a book? As you say, I'll have to experiment. :O) Hope it's okay that I link this post up. Thanks for the inspiration! :O)

Nancy Ward said...

Hi Mel!

Vellum has a way of curling into a ball when water hits it, but maybe a super light misting would work...maybe. If it works, let me know!

Nancy