EASY DOES IT: PRESSURE EMBOSSING TIPS

The Pressure Embossing entry on June 23 has instructions for using stencils with a Sizzix. Great news! The same technique works for all kinds of other stuff...lace, buttons, unmounted stamps, die cuts...lots of stuff. About the only limitations are that it can't be affected by moisture (unsealed air-dry clay would be a no-no), and it has to have some dimension. The height of the supply determines the thickness of the Foamies selected (i.e., buttons and UMs usually require 2mm Foamies; lace and die cuts from quilting plastic require 6mm), but the sandwich (white Cutting Pad, supply used for embossing, dampened paper, Foamies) is the same given in the June 23 entry.

Although papers generally must be dampened on both sides, velvet paper only needs to be dampened on one side (the paper side). The result is as clear and defined as that when velvet yardage is embossed with an UM and an iron. Velvet paper is lots cheaper than velvet yardage...and no raveling problems either. Try this with a metal stencil, you'll love it!

Remember, roller die cut machines might require a different sandwich to obtain satisfactory results. One of these days I may break down and get one of those gadgets...but right now I'm having way too much fun with my trusty red machine.

EASY DOES IT: PRESSURE EMBOSSING TIPS

Paper often needs to be dampened on both sides when pressure embossed with a die cut machine, especially when either a stencil or texture plate is used. Although a fine mister with water often is used to dampened the paper, I prefer a rubber brayer, and I don't use plain water.

Blend five parts water (distilled is recommended) with one part hand sanitizer (cheapo variety from dollar store), and place a small amount of the solution in one side of an opened CD case. Add a few drops of reinker to the solution if tinted paper is desired. Place the paper being embossed on a piece of scrap paper. Use the brayer to apply the solution over one side of the paper; turn the paper over and brayer the solution over the second side of the paper. Text weight paper will be pliable immediately; card stock may take up to 20 seconds. Place the paper in the die cut machine and emboss; dry flat.

Why the hand sanitizer...it makes the paper more pliable .

BTW: You're not seeing double. This post originally was made April 11. I decided to repost it as a Weekly tip. It'll be easier for you to refer to it with that label.