Plastic Embossing Folders for Card Making

Description

Using approximately 4/6 inch plastic embossing folders with a die-cut/embossing machine for scrapbooking and card making involves several steps. Here’s a general guide:

### Materials Needed:
1. **Embossing Folder**: Plastic folder with a raised design.
2. **Die-Cut/Embossing Machine**: Machine that applies pressure to create embossed designs.
3. **Cardstock or Paper**: The material you want to emboss.
4. **Cutting Plates**: Plates that create the correct sandwich for the machine.
5. **Optional**: Ink, markers, or other embellishments for enhancing the embossed design.

### Steps to Use:

1. **Prepare Your Materials**:
– Choose the paper or cardstock you want to emboss. Cut it to size if necessary.

2. **Open the Embossing Folder**:
– Place the paper or cardstock inside the embossing folder, aligning it with the design you want to emboss.

3. **Create the Sandwich**:
– Follow your die-cut/embossing machine’s instructions to create the correct sandwich. Generally, the sandwich consists of:
– Bottom cutting plate.
– Embossing folder with the paper inside.
– Top cutting plate.

4. **Run Through the Machine**:
– Place the sandwich into the machine’s opening.
– Turn the handle (manual machines) or press the button (electronic machines) to feed the sandwich through the machine.
– The machine will apply pressure, and the embossing folder will press the design into the paper.

5. **Remove and Reveal**:
– Take the sandwich out of the machine.
– Open the embossing folder to reveal the embossed design on your paper.

6. **Enhance the Design** (Optional):
– You can leave the embossed design as is or enhance it using ink, markers, or other embellishments to highlight the raised areas.

### Tips:
– **Test on Scrap Paper**: If you’re new to embossing, practice on scrap paper to get a feel for the process and pressure needed.
– **Alignment**: Make sure the paper is aligned correctly inside the folder to avoid crooked designs.
– **Clean Folders**: Keep your embossing folders clean to ensure a crisp design every time.
– **Use Correct Sandwich**: Always refer to your machine’s manual for the correct sandwich configuration to prevent damage to the folder or machine.

### Example:
Here’s an example using a common die-cut/embossing machine like the Sizzix Big Shot:

1. **Prepare**: Place your paper inside the embossing folder.
2. **Create Sandwich**:
– Base Platform.
– Cutting Plate.
– Embossing Folder with paper inside.
– Top Cutting Plate.
3. **Run Through**: Feed the sandwich through the Big Shot by turning the handle.
4. **Reveal**: Open the folder to see your embossed design.

This process can vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your machine, so always check the specific instructions for your equipment.