Cuttlebug/Embossing Machine Techniques

[Deb Lovett]

There are many techniques for using EMBOSSING FOLDERS. Let's share what we are doing with Cuttlebug/our favorite EMBOSSING FOLDERS for embossing machines.

Some of the techniques that I have written up are already on separate threads, so I'll just link to them.

Please feel free to add what you are doing with your embossing folders.

We have a separate thread for DIE-CUTS and hope you will also visit this thread:
http://www.rubberstampchat.net/showt...354#post145354

[Deb Lovett]

Open your Embossing Folder and rub a dye ink pad over one side of the folder.
Add white (or contrasting or coordinating) cardstock.
Run through your embossing machine.
Clean up is super-easy if you use a dye ink. Just run water over the embossing folder and let dry.

[Deb Lovett]

Wax Paper Resist using Cuttlebug/Embossing Machine
Original instructions and discussion are found here:
http://www.rubberstampchat.net/showthread.php?t=3172

Wax Paper Technique with Cuttlebug embossing folders:
Put the wax paper in the folder. Run through your machine. Remove wax paper from the folder, then iron the wax paper to the cardstock to transfer the design. Use a brayer to add ink to the cardstock, or you can just smear ink on if you don't have a brayer.

In my sample I stamped the gecko directly over the inked background using Staz-On black ink. The wax paper resisted the ink in some places, so I used a sharpie marker to color the gecko where needed.

[Deb Lovett]

Do you have a background that you just don't like? Before tossing it, try running it through your embossing machine.... What do you have to lose?

This was a background created with Createx paints on wax paper. The paint didn't stick very evenly. I like it as a background now.

[Deb Lovett]

Whitewashed Background

Paint black cardstock unevenly with gesso or white acrylic paint.
Let dry completely.
Run the painted cardstock through your Cuttlebug/Embossing machine.
Use fine sandpaper to lightly sand the raised image.

[Deb Lovett]

You can make any background more interesting by just running it through the Cuttlebug.

#1. Here is a Spray Starch background "cuttlebugged."
(Spray Starch tutorial is found here: http://www.rubberstampchat.net/showthread.php?t=3009)

#2. Option: lightly rub an inkpad over the raised image to highlight the design.

[Deb Lovett]

I get so "fancy" and forget the simple!!!!! This should have been first! Just emboss -- as in Just Do It. Ü

[Deb Lovett]

Experimentation

I kept looking at the empty carton of Half & Half. Could you run a wax carton through the embossing machine? Tried it, and yes, you can. Just cut it to size.

For these samples, I rubbed ink on the inside of the embossing folder (Post #2) (some are the embossed side, some the debossed side) then added the wax carton, and ran through the embossing machine. The waxy surface resists much of the ink, so I buffed it real well. The debossed image (where it pressed into the carton) seems to push the ink into the paper fibers.

[Deb Lovett]

Pressed Flowers With a Twist
The original Tutorial and discussion can be found here: http://www.rubberstampchat.net/showthread.php?t=3930

[Deb Lovett]

Will Sizzix texture plates work on the Cuttlebug?
Yes, make a "sandwich" consisting of:

A plate
the Sizzix texture plate
cardstock
rubber embossing mat
chipboard or cardboard (as shim)
B plate

Here is the youtube video I found to answer the question
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfnb1ZpLJZo