Embossing Machines

You've probably been wondering what I have been up to on this "variation" on Pam's card. But I told you when I started the blogsite that if you have questions about a particular technique I would try to help you solve it here on the blog. Recently I was asked about putting the stencils through the embossing machines and what is the process. On one of Pam's recent cards she embossed the LJ819 snowflake background stencil through the machine and someone asked how that was done. When I saw her recent heart card (the one we just posted today) I realized that she had paste embossed every stencil on the card with the glossy black embossing paste... so how would this same beautiful design look if we dry embossed every element of the design on an embossing machine. If you dry embossed every dot and swirl and letter by hand using a stylus and light table...it would take a mega amount of work time. So here it is, done totally on the embossing machine. Now I know several of you have tried to do your stencils through the machines and the result has been a bent or "curled" stencil. The way a couple of the machines are designed there is a roller positioned at the top of the machine and this is the issue...if you place the stencil toward the top of the stack without the protection of a hard plate close to that roller you will have a ruined stencil, so use the following layering process:

1. The thickest plate that comes with the machine should be on the bottom, this is usually a white platen about 1/2" thick.

2. Next place the stencil face down on this thick plate.

3. Spray the back of the paper with alcohol or "Paper Glide".

4. Place this paper face down against the stencil

5. "Stamping Details" rubber mat, this is a slightly thicker mat that you have to purchase separately (we sell it and you can purchase it at your local paper arts stores).

6. Last layer of the stack are two thinner acrylic plates that come with the machine and then roll this all through the machine. You shouldn't have to shove or force it through while cranking the machine. (Forcing could cause a machine breakdown.)

You may need to adjust the layering of the last two plates if you are finding that it is needing to be forced through the machine. You want the pressure to be firm, but not forced. You may need to add "shims" ...these could be one or more pieces of cardboard or chipboard and I would put these on top of the rubber mat and then your clear plates. Some machines have two different thicknesses of the clear plates and you just have to try a variation to see what makes the layers go through your machines the easiest. But... to keep your stencils from curling you definitely want these clear plates to be closest to the roller that moves the layers through the machine. These hard clear plates protect the stencil layer.

Thank you Pam, for this lovely design that can be done so many different ways, you know my favorite saying, "No idea is immaculately conceived." Go take Pam's beautiful card design and give it your own twist. Have a good weekend!