Hi Heather, thanks for this. Another tip when embossing papers especially with the 3d folders is to spritz the paper you’re using first with a little water. This helps to soften the paper fibres allowing it to be more flexible and therefore tear less.
Another tip is after you mist the paper and run it through, I find it really helps to put the finish papers in a paper back book. I just use a thin catalogue. I eave them there until they dry so it doesn’t warp. I keep the catalogue right next to my die cutting machine so I remember to do it. If I wait til it dries on its own, I can’t straighten out without compromising the embossing.
I guess it's true that everything old is new again. I still use my original green Cuttlebug to emboss and die-cut! It must be over 10 years old now. I've had to replace the die-cutting plates a couple of times, but it still works perfectly. Later I bought the Spellbinders Grand Calibur for larger dies, but find I don't use it often. I have that same Anna Griffin embossing folder; her designs are beautiful and so classic. I found a baggie of random embossing folders at a thrift store and got them for practically nothing because the person there had no clue what they were. Got them home and discovered 5 or 6 of the Anna Griffin folders, including the Damask one, and each one had a coordinating border folder. They make pretty greeting cards.
I'm still using my Cuttlebug everyday :) I have it for 11 years now and I love it so much. I also have the Big Shot and I use it mostly for embossing when I have folders that are wider than the size of the Cuttlebug plates. I love my Cuttlebug so much!
When I started I would’ve LOVED to have this tutorial. Techniques, papers even the words were overwhelming. Takes time to learn but you’ve fast tracked many new crafters to making pages and tags in their junk journals asap. Brilliant. Thank you
Where have you been all my life ? I have had this exact same Big Kick machine for years not quite knowing how to make the sandwich layers….I thought I hurt my acrylic plates when I used a die cut….cuz it cut into my clear plates…..now I know. Thanks to you. And I’m 😔 (ashamed) how much time I’ve lost embossing journal papers….it is gorgeous. Thank you Heather 🤍🤍🤍
Heather, I got my big shot a couple of weeks ago and have looked at a lot of videos, many of which left me puzzled! Your video is so helpful and full of lots of creative ideas! Thank you so much!!
Thanks Heather, I have a big shot. I tend to emboss only plain paper, but I should try it on some printables. It really adds dimension to them. I like the idea of using chalk, and also a paintbrush for getting the small pieces out of the way. Sometimes I use washi tape to hold the die cuts in place. if the pressure is too much and my paper tears, I have often stacked a few sheets together. Your tutorials are always so inspiring and beautiful. Thank you. ~ Abby
I'm only 2 years into making journals, so I haven't purchased any of the crafting machines. I don't think I'll ever get a die cutting machine, but I would be interested in trying an embosser. I always love your tutorials and videos. Thank you so much for making them.
What a refreshing take on embossing - I have long experience with this but this brings me back to basics and charges my imagination anew. Thanks for sharing Heather!
Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial, Heather 💜 I recently found a Big Kick at my local thrift store for $15, along with three brand new embossing folders!!! I was so excited and now I can’t wait to try out your ideas! Everything you made was so beautiful 🥰
Heather, I am delighted to have found your channel! I am relatively new to junk journaling and am so pleased to be learning from you! This tutorial is JUST WHAT I NEEDED TO SEE re the SIZZIX BIG SHOT! Thank you for sharing your GOD-GIVEN talent, your knowledge and the manner in which you teach…
Hi Heather. I have just bought a Sizzix Big Shot machine. I had a little play and thought I'd broken the machine when the embossing folder came out the other end and made that clicking noise! I'm glad you said that it would do that. Your video has been really helpful. I will play now with more confidence 💜
I love your embossed papers. It always adds something special to what seems to be ordinary… That’s the machine I use most if the time. It was my first real investment in my craft room. When Michaels had the 50% off coupons many years ago. Over the years I have added to my collection but that’s still my go to machine!
I got my Bigshot over a year ago and it’s my absolute fave craft tool and biggest arts & craft investment ( because it keeps growing with new folders and die cuts) but so worth it. One of my favorite thing to do with it other than what you shared is emboss watercolor paper and paint it with watercolor- gives that 3d/texture to water color, might be a bit of challenge w/ too detailed folders, but I found some big bold patterns from Lisa Horton. Also, gilding wax over the raised patterns is another effect. But I learned from you today the chalk which I would try, even with some colored ones. TFS 🤗🤗🤗
That is a wonderful tip! Do you paint it after you emboss or before? I so want to try! Right up my alley. I have tried the colored chalk and it works great too! I like the pastel colors.. I have also used artist pastels and they work good too but a little more saturated.
Thank you for this very helpful video. I'm in the process of researching the Big Shot vs. the Cricut, and your comments have given me good things to think about.
Thank you, Heather. I bought a big shot in May and only used it once. I thought I broke it when it made that clunking noise! Then I looked at the plates, and they were all messed up!! Lol, I had no idea it was normal!! I guess it's time to try it again. This time, I'm sure I'll have fun!
Hi Heather, I too have the Sizzix Big Shot. My son gifted me a Cricut about 4 years ago and I've only used it 3 or 4 times. It's manual machine but I find it quicker and easier to use. I hate having to rely on electricity or a computer. I just want to say to sprit your paper before embossing. It really helps with the tearing. The water helps the paper expand and become pliable as you emboss it, so it conforms to the embossing folder. I know you'll have so much fun using your Sizzix machine. Tfs. GOD Bless
Thank you so much for sharing this video covering the attributes of this little machine! I’m seriously considering buying a used one from eBay. I really love seeing how you use the embossed papers in your journals.
Thanks so much for doing this! I have had my bigshot for years but never did embossing and didn't know how. I just recently bought a couple folders because I was inspired by your beautiful art and now I know how to use them! I'm so excited to try it! Hugs!💗🐝💗
I love to emboss and die cut but I didn’t know about the chalk, brilliant idea! Also I haven’t ever embossed on a digital paper, I adore that idea as well! Thank you! 🌸🌷🌺
If you have trouble with your thin dies moving around, you might try putting a little piece of washi tape along the edge in a couple places 🙂 and I love the chalk idea... so beautiful!
Thank you so much. I received a Big Shot Plus for Christmas and have not used it yet. I still have my Cuttlebug. It is so cute and easy to use. I really loved the look of embossing on digitals with the chalk highlight. I have some colored chalk from my cardmaking days I will have to find and use. Blessings.
Heather thank you for another great video. I love to hear your thought process of a technique or how you use something in one of your beautiful creations. Love your Esty shop, my wish list continues to grow. Hoping for a sale so I can maybe get a few items off my list. Love the idea of using the chalk, it really brings the image to life. Thank you for sharing your never-ending talent. You are so inspiring! Pamela A / PA
I've had this same machine for about 8 or more years. I started with a small one that looked like a purse. LOL Love it. I've had a Cricut air for about six months now. (I bought it used on FB Market Place) I still have not used it yet! Why?, you may ask... B/C I get exhausted just trying to setup the Cricut. And, by the time you get the Cricut set up, then cut. You have to deal with the mat being either too sticky or not sticky enough. I had a Cricut years ago and sold it due to my frustration with it. Then when the Air I thought maybe it would be easier to use now. NOPE! It's still frustrating! LOL I always grab my Big Shot and use it.
I have just found your channel and saw how you did the tags with the embossing paste. I have been crafting for a while but still trying to get the right sandwich for some of my embossing folders. However, you are the best at explaining how to use the Big Shot which is the same as mine. TFS
Oh Heather! Thank you for another inspiring video! Have you embossed instead of cutting using intricate die cuts? If you haven't, just Google how to emboss with a die cut. The information you find will be easier to replicate than my convoluted explanation. Thank you again for sharing your time and talents with us. Blessings
Beautiful embossed papers, Heather. I have quite a collection of embossing folders, & you’ve inspired me to get them out & make something pretty. Thanks for sharing your projects & knowledge with this community. Is there a home printer you would recommend for printing digital papers?
Thank you!! I have an Epson Eco Tank printer... it is wonderful as the ink lasts forever and you don't have such an expense to buy it all the time. It is a little more expensive up front.. but it saves so much over time. :)
Ps. HACK: If you don’t have artist spray varnish, little hairspray over your chalk or pastels will permanently set it in seconds without marking your page. It was too expensive at university to buy real artist spray varnish, our female professor told us girls her secret. lol Works like a dream and at 90% less than professional art supply
If you are ever in the market for a Cricuit machine, please, please, please look at the Silhouette. It is far and away a better machine with extraordinary software and it doesn't cost more than Cricuit. I'd hate for you to be disappointed.