Here we are going to do an embossing folders comparison for scrapbooking! “Where Can I Find Embossing Folders? and… What are the Differences? Have you ever asked yourself those questions before? Are you looking for a particular brand? Do you know where to find it in our store? How many different sizes and styles are there?

Well, I am going to do my best to help out with these questions and show you comparisons! I am including two videos; one that will hopefully help you identify the different manufactures that make embossing folders, names, sizes, styles, and even Cut@Home pricing, which will enable you to choose which folders you want. We carry embossing folders from Cuttlebug, Quickutz, Sizzix, Spellbinders, and Tim Holtz!

The second will show you how to navigate our site directly to the different manufacturer’s embossing folders. A brand new feature that was added after taping this video is our Embossing Folder Theme which will take you to view ALL embossing folders in our store, including some Bigz dies that come with a coordinating Textured Impressions embossing folder which were not included in our video.

Before I do that just what to clarify real quick what embossing is:
Embossing is a technique that makes a raised image on cardstock or other materials. By having an embossing tool and dies that have an edge one can simply run the die or also known as an embossing folder through the emboss machine with your desired paper or card.

Hopefully these videos will be informative for you!

Here is the second video on navigating the site to find them. You may also look under THEME if you are into scrapbooking by theme and will find “embossing folders” there as well. Another hint as well is if you see in this image to the right under every folder and product we carry will list the brand, type of die and die name to which you can click on any if you want to see ALL. Very useful!

We have found that the majority of these embossing folders will work in most machines! The sandwich formulas are pretty much the same for Cuttlebug, Quickutz, Textured Impressions, Texture Fades and Texture Fades, so if you have used one of those in your particular machine, you already know how to use the rest.

Spellbinders M-Bossabilities will use a different sandwich formula as they are thicker due to embossing images on both sides of the folder. We have videos showing the M-Bossabilities sandwich formula that you will use with most of the die cutting machines we carry that will be well worth looking at HERE!

I hope this will make shopping for embossing folders a breeze!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

So we know how much everyone loves to use the cuttlebug embossing folders, but we thought we would show you how you can ALSO use the Spellbinders M-bossabilities in the Provo Craft Cuttlebug machine. Embossing is a lot of fun to do with cards and with the M-bossabilities in this video below you will see that these have two designs one on each side! Very easy and very fun to do!  Looking for other videos on how to use these emboss folders in other machines? Well then just click on the machine you would like to see demonostrated: Sizzix Big Shot & PRO, Quickutz Epic Six, and Vagabond electronic die cutting machine

M-bossabilities in Cuttlebug

Make sure you cut your paper or card stock that you will be using to the same size as your card front if you want it to fit the front of your card base, as you will not be able to run a full card through this machine with these folders.

Feel free to leave a comment if you would like to see other demos done! You can CLICK HERE to see all M-Bossabilities by Spellbinders Paper Arts!

I guess you could say that this week is “How To” week! I’ve been doing some playing around with my machines and different products and want to share the information! Today I will share how to use the Cuttlebug All In One Folders in the Sizzix Big Shot and Big Shot Pro machines!

To start with, you will need one 2000895- All in One Folder and one of the All in One Embossing Plates. Snap your plates into the folder, place your paper or card stock and you are ready to roll! If you want a letterpress effect of your design, just apply ink to your plate using a brayer before placing your paper.

Using the Big Shot Machine, all you need are the 2 Cutting Plates! Place one on the bottom of your All in One Folder and one on top! That’s it! Roll through and you are done! Here is the video demo!

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For the Big Shot Pro Machine, you will need to place the following sandwich formula starting at the bottom of your tray:

Pro Adapter Pad

Cutting Mat

All in One Folder

Cutting Mat

Roll through your machine

Yes, it is REALLY that easy! If you don’t believe me, just watch the video!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I have had a few of you ask how to use the Cuttlebug Embossing Plus Folders in other machines besides the Cuttlebug, so today I thought I would share with you how to use these folders in the Sizzix Big Shot Pro Machine, since it is a newer machine.

First of all, you will need to have purchased item 657435-Big Shot Pro Solo Platform, Shim & Wafer Thin Die Adapter. Click HERE if you do not have this item already. You can purchase it on our website for $34.99 (Retail is $39.99). Unfortunately, the coupon is not valid on Sizzix items at this time. You will also need an extra 656253-Cutting Pad Big Shot Pro Standard which are sold in a 2 pk HERE for $20.99 (Retail $24.99)

You will need to place the Adapter Pad, which was included in your machine, on the bottom of your sliding tray. Then make the remainder of your sandwich using the following:

Solo Platform

Cutting Pad

Cuttlebug Embossing Plus Folder with paper or card stock inserted

Cutting Pad

Roll through your machine. Remember to NEVER force anything through your machine!

Voila! you will have a beautifully cut and embossed image! I hope this helps with your future projects! Here’s the video!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Okay so we have been getting quite a few views on our Youtube Channel for this video, “how to use emboss plus folders in Sizzix Big Shot and thought we would share it on our blog as well! If you have any other tips or methods of scrapbooking with die cutting machines you would like to know we would be HAPPY to do a video on it. Our thinking is if there is one crafter out there that wants to know, then most likely there are more!

This video below shows how you can easily use a cuttlebug emboss plus folder which will cut and emboss at the SAME TIME in a Sizzix Big Shot die cut & embossing machine:

Feel free to leave your comments on what else you would like to see! Big Shot PRO demo coming soon!!!

thanks!

Marcie

Today I am so excited to share with you some of the videos we have just done to show you how you can use the Letterpress Starter Kit by Lifestyle Crafts with various machines!

Yes, it is true! We have tried, tested and proven the Letterpress Starter Kit with the following die cutting machines;

Sizzix Big Shot

Sizzix Big Shot Pro

Sizzix Vagabond by Tim Holtz

Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

The Letterpress turned out beautifully in each machine and it was so easy! There are no other mats required. Everything you need to start is included in the starter kit! Of course, if you want different cards, or ink colors you will need to purchase those separately.

Right now we have Letterpress Starter Kit on sale for $58.99! That’s a steal of a deal!

This kit includes the following:

• Letterpress Starter Tool
• Clear Packing Mat with grid
• Paper Placement Guides
• Ink Base
• Brayer
• Ten A2 flat cards
• Nine Printing Plates
• Tube of Black Ink

To view our videos you can either click on this link

http://ucutathome.com/blog/letterpress-die-cutting-machines/

or you can find each individual video on our Blog Page on the right hand side under Pages.

I know that this is exciting news for many of you who have been wanting to do Letterpress, but didn’t want to purchase another machine!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I know that many of you have tried and love the Cuttlebug Embossing Folders by Provo Craft but, did you know that Sizzix Textured Impressions are embossing folders that will work just like the Cuttlebug folders? You betcha they will!

Textured Impressions will work with the same sandwich formula as the Cuttlebug folders in the following Die Cutting Machines;  Cuttlebug Machine, Big Shot and Big Shot Pro Machines, Vagabond by Tim Holtz, Grand Calibur and Epic Six Tools!

Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folders offer the deepest and boldest embossing experience. You can turn ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece.

Sizzix designers have created these folders with beautiful artwork to give your projects the special touch that embossing/debossing creates. You can choose from elegant flourishes and flowers to seasonal folders that will create a fantastic card in seconds!

Marcie took some video of the latest Textured Impressions at CHA that we would like to share with you!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Here we are, half way through September! I hope that you are busy getting your Halloween paper projects done as it will be here before we know it! Quickutz has sure helped me out with my projects with their Be Spooked release. I am loving all the die sets in this release!

I have been trying to make a banner with the Nesting Ghosts for 2 weeks now, but finally got a chance to finish it up last night. I tell you, things have been crazy at my house, especially since all my yummy veggies have decided to ripen all at the same time and need something done with them NOW! (Does anyone know if you can do freezer salsa?)

Anyway, once I was able to find a minute to stay put in my craft room, it went together really fast! I used my Sizzix Big Shot Pro Machine to cut the  big shapes and my Cuttlebug for the rest.

Supplies used:

Quickutz dies- Nesting Lace Circles and Nesting Octagon, Nesting Ghosts, Splendid Alphabet

Making Memories Toil & Trouble paper

Purple card stock

Ribbon

Tombo adhesive

I think this would be fun to decorate home or office with. Hopefully this helps you get planning for all the little spooks that will be making their way around the neighborhood in only 6 weeks! YIKES!!!!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrei

As promised, I am featuring projects from the Be Spooked, Be Stuffed Collection from Quickutz/Lifestyle Crafts.  These dies can be used in the following machines: Quickutz Epic Six Tool, Provo Craft Cuttlebug, Sizzix Big Shot and Vagabond by Tim Holtz.

I used my beloved Cuttlebug for these projects. I rely on that little machine more than any of my others! It is like a trusted friend.

Since harvest time correlates with  fall, the first item of decor on my list for September 1st is pumpkins! I grow pumpkins in my garden for the sole purpose of decorating my front porch! I have a thing for pumpkins and scarecrows! A few corn stocks are also a must.

With that said, my first project just had to be with the Pumpkin dies! For dimension, cut 3 of each size. I used pattern paper from DCWV and 1/8″ Scor-Tape from Scor-Pal on the edges to hold the pieces together. I want to use these as table decorations (possibly put a candle in the middle of each) so I put a vine and leaf on all three sides.

Add faces to transform plain ol’ pumpkins into Jack-o-Lanterns for Halloween! Single pumpkins will also make great scrapbook embellishments for my fall layouts! Set includes 4 dies.

I used the Pilgrim Hat for my next project. I adore this die set because it is just so cute! Why use it only for Thanksgiving? I decided to make an altered witch hat for Halloween favors! More ideas- leave off the buckle for an Indiana Jones hat, turn up the sides and crease the front for a cowboy look, etc.! Fill with candy, crayons, mints, whatever! The best part is….with only 4 dies, it only takes minutes to put together!

There is more, but you will just have to wait until tomorrow to see more!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Today I would like to tell you about a fabulous product sold exclusively by Scor-Pal! The top selling No More Shims Embossing Mat has taken embossing with the Cuttlebug from Provo Craft and the Sizzix Big Shot Machine to a new dimension. You can now emboss things such as leaves, sequin, lace curtain and lots more ordinary household materials to make great embossed backgrounds!

When putting one of your Nestabilities through and even your Impressabilities you will see the huge difference it makes. You can run coins and charms through and make your own embellishments by embossing them on to craft foil.(up to the thickness of a quarter.You can flatten bottle caps with the mat in both the Cuttlebug and the Big Shot. You can flatten up to 6 aluminum caps at a time. All instructions included with the mat for the Cuttlebug and the Big Shot.

*Do NOT use this mat in the Spellbinders Grand Calibur Machine or Wizard Machine . It is to thick and can break the machine, so please use the Tan Embossing Mat from Spellbinders for embossing in those machines.

Please note you cannot run coins , bottle caps etc through an electric machine (such as the Sizzix Vagabond by Tim Holtz), but you will be able to emboss lace , leaves etc .

I thoroughly enjoyed the two gentlemen who developed and demonstrated this handy mat at CHA. Their English accents along with their enthusiasm for their product made them so much fun to listen to! I love the No More Shims Embossing Mat in my Cuttlebug Machine because I no longer have to use a chipboard shim with my embossing mat (which is one less layer that I have to worry about) so I am totally happy!

Take a peek at our video from CHA to see what I mean!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Heartfelt Creations artists are once again bringing us another outstanding collection which includes five gorgeous stamp sets with coordinating die! The Decorative Basket Collection is expected to start shipping next week! It is sure to be a favorite!

The stamps that are included in the Decorative Basket Collection are:

Decorative Basket

Woven Basket

Botanical Floral Basket

Basketweave Background

Belated Birthday Wishes

The exclusive Spellbinders die made just for Heartfelt Creations that coordinate with this stamps set is the HCD 714 Decorative Layered Basket Die.  It includes 3 dies.

Approximate Die Sizes:

1. Decor Basket: 3 1/2 x 2 3/4″
2. Layer Basket: 3 7/8 x 2 7/8″
3. Leaf Spray: 1 3/4 x 1 3/8″

I was inspired yesterday while reading Tim Holtz‘s Blog. He mentioned that one way he gets past a creative block is to organize! He finds stuff he forgot about and becomes inspired! Well, I decided that my space could use a bit of tidying up, and I found some little things I had forgot about that I  could use on my project for  today’s blog! I also used some of my brand new stuff that I have been dying to try!

I used the Decorative Layered Basket Die (available next week!) on my card below. I used the solid basket die to cut printed paper then used the decorative die to cut a marbled  card stock to layer. I did have to run the decorative die through my Cuttlebug Machine 2-3 times to make sure it cut through all the way as it is more intricate.

Other items used in this project were from Spellbinders and  Donna Salazar Creative Book Pages Two.  Paper from Teresa Collins World Traveler 6 x 6 paper pad. Flowers were made using the smallest flower and leaf from Heartfelt Creations Botanical Floral 2 then cutting with Spellbinders Rose Creations Die set. Other embellishments- mini brads, label from Making Memories, adhesive acrylic sentiment, sanding block for distressing embossed edges.

It was fun to go through and find stuff that was stashed away for a while! It felt like I had something new and it was already paid for! That’s always a good feeling!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I thought that I would take today’s blog to spotlight one of my favorite little machines! Provo Craft Cuttlebug Machine V2!  This machine is very similar to the older version which it replaced. It has the same sleek design and works the same as the older model, however, Provo Craft says it is more durable with its stronger outer casing and metal handle. It has an easy carrying handle making it very portable.

This little guy is a worker! It is the smallest machine I have, but definitely the most used! It is very user friendly and is great to take to crops, as the design enables it to fold up and take up very little space. With buying the extended 13″ plates, there are not many things that I can’t do with it! Use it for all your card making and scrapbooking die cutting or embossing projects!

With it’s 6 inch opening, it is compatible with QuicKutz, Boss Kut, Spellbinders, and Sizzix dies and embossing folders. It is NOT compatible with Spellbinders Grand dies or Sizzix Bigz Pro dies.

Tip: Keep one B Cutting Pad dedicated as your top plate for cutting and embossing. This will help the Adaptor C and other B Cutting Pad last much longer so you are not replacing them as often! The top pad will get really warped and ugly, but don’t worry! Just keep flipping it over and over and it will become your most loved (but ugly) plate! you won’t want to be without it! It should last quite a long time, but once it breaks, you will need to replace it, so I suggest having spares on hand. You can bet that it will break late at night, right in the middle of an important project, so it is important to have one handy!

If handled properly, the A Spacer Plate should last as long as your machine, however, we do carry replacements of all the standard and extended plates JUST IN CASE!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Today I would like to introduce the QuicKutz Tropical Splash Collection if you haven’t seen it already! Perfect for summer layouts, party invitations, and even party favors! There is so much you can create with this fun collection! There is a variety of sizes in this collection from 2 x 2 wafer dies to 12″ cookie cutter dies. The darling Tiki Alphabet is on a 4 x 8 plate with letters measuring approximately 1/2″ tall.

If you are planning a summer party or luau you can create your own Drink Umbrellas, Lantern, and even a Lei or two (or 50!).

My family is big into water sports so I have a ton of pictures at lakes or the ocean and this collection is perfect for my scrap room! Maybe I can get all those pages done that I have been putting off! At least I got a start with the pages below!

For my first page I used my Big Shot Pro with the Bigz Pro Die Circle Ribbon, then I used the Epic Six to cut the Surfboards and Tiki Sign which is included in the Tiki Alphabet used for the letters.  The Hibiscus were cut from the Hibiscus border.

For my next page I used the full Hibiscus border on the top then cut up another one for the pieces on the bottom.  The palm leaves are cut from the Tropical Tags die and attatched with a copper brad.

You can use the Hibiscus die and other 12″ dies  in the Cuttlebug V2, Big Shot or Vagabond by Tim Holtz using extended plates! If you plan to use your Big Shot Pro Machine with these dies or any wafer thin die, you will need the Big Shot Pro Solo Platform, Shim & Wafer Thin Die Adapter.

Here’s a look at some of the displays QuicKutz had in their booth at CHA!

I hope this gives you some inspiration for future projects! It is always fun to see someone else’s spin with a product!  QuicKutz inspired me to start die cutting and I have been an addict ever since!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

We’re here! Marcie and I are in Chicago at Craft and Hobby Association Show which we commonly know as CHA. We have been busy as bees going from booth to booth gathering information on all of the “latest and greatest” products and ordering from all our favorite designers so we can bring you highest quality, popular products on the market!  I can tell you now that you are going to love what is coming!

Here’s a shot of Marcie while visiting the Graphic 45 booth! Say Cheese!

Graphic 45 has done some amazing projects with their new paper lines. Here’s a sample of the Christmas Emporium and ABC Primer!

Heartfelt Creations made beautiful paper bouquets that look quite real!

We saw the new line of Nesting Dies from QuicKutz and Framelits from Sizzix. The new Nestaboard from Want2Scrap is HOT! Just Rite Stampers also has great  new stamp sets that coordinate with Spellbinders dies! Teresa Collins is not only talented, but stylish! We also visited My Mind’s Eye, Provo Craft and Silhouette .Everyone is on board and excited to bring you what’s new!

I hope that you have taken a few minutes to look at all the rest of the pre-order dies from Spellbinders that were made viewable this morning! Astounding!

This may be the best CHA release to date! Of course, since this is the first show that I have been to, it is the most exciting one for me! I am having a blast here in Chicago! It is most definitely a paper crafter’s heaven! Can’t wait until tomorrow for more exciting products from DCWV, Tim Holz, and anyone else that catches our eye!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’ from Chicago!

Carrie

I am so thrilled to introduce the Decorative Lace Border Die! It is a custom Heartfelt Creations Die manufactured by Spellbinders. This die coordinates with the Wedding Collection stamps. This die has more intricate details, so if you have a “loose” machine, you will have to cut a couple times. You will need to run it through your machine and cut once and then turn it 90 degrees and cut again.

I actually ran it 3-4 times through my Cuttlebug Machine then turned it before running it through 3-4 more times just to make sure! It is well worth the extra time it takes to cut it out! You will want to have either a QuickStik from QuicKutz, Pick Me Up from Silhouette, or pair of skinny craft tweezers to more easily poke through the holes! I love this die!

Since this is the season for weddings, I created an A2 wedding card using the Decorative Lace Border and Heartfelt Creations Bella Rose Scroll stamp set. I scored my card stock using my Scor-Pal for an accurate fold. I used 1/8″ Scor-Tape along the main lines of the die cut and ribbon to place on my card. A little chalk to add color to the roses then I used foam adhesive squares just on the top of the scroll to give the some dimension.

I don’t consider myself a designer, but I definitely have fun trying! I love playing with all of the fantastic products we carry and showing off the finished project! My family gets pretty tired of me showing them. They tell me it’s fine without even looking at it! Can you relate? I thought so! Of course I’m the mom, so I rant an rave over their stuff! I guess that is just how it goes.

I hope that you all have a great weekend! Better get lots of sleep, because we will have lots to show you next week after CHA! You may have to stay up nights just to see all the new stuff!!!!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie