Tip Tuesday: Using embossing folders

Today the team would like to present some tips for using embossing folders.

Tip #1
When I get a new embossing folder, I try it out with a piece of copy paper or scrap cardstock so I can see how the pattern looks before I use my pretty papers in it.

Tip #2
If you don't yet have a die machine, you can run embossing folders thru a pasta machine.

Tip #3
Consider embossing one sheet with two different folders. Half one and half the other. Makes a great shabby chic background!

Tip #4
Ink up the inside of your embossing folder & then run your paper through. The ink will transfer giving you a whole new effect! Make sure to use non-permanent inks and clean your folder right away.

Tip #5
You can stamp a design onto the flat part of the embossing folder (on the inside) and then emboss. The ink design transfers to the paper. (A Tim Holtz idea!)

Tip #6
Selective embossing can be done by placing a piece of chipboard outside of the folder and adjusting the sandwich slightly. On a Cuttlebug, use the A plate and a C plate, and add shims if necessary. The folder will only emboss where the chipboard shape is placed.

Tip #7
Thin metal or chipboard can be embossed in folders. Just be careful not to let the sandwich get too thick.

Tip #8
Really thin materials like velum or lightweight papers emboss better if embossed along with a piece of cardstock; it helps to keep the embossing folder from breaking the thin material.

Tip #9
Small embossing folders can be tricky to emboss with on larger pieces of paper since their edges often leave marks. Replacing one of the embossing plates in the sandwich with a piece of chipboard or polymer embossing mat (like the Spellbinders 12"x12" Polymer sheet, WIZ-RUBB.$16.99) that covers the pattern of the embossing folder but doesn't extend to the edges can eliminate those extraneous marks!

Tweet