Important Notice: Using Creative Expressions Embossing Folders with the Grand Calibur

I picked  this info up on the Creative Expresions website and thought I would pass it on: 

"Important Notice: Using Creative Expressions Embossing Folders with the Grand Calibur


In order to achieve the outstanding depth of impression that they offer, our Embossing Folders are slightly thicker than competitor products. As a result the Folders cannot be put through your Spellbinders Grand Calibur using the standard sandwich combination. Attempting to put them through using the standard sandwich may result in damage to your Grand Calibur machine.

Spellbinders plan to release a new plate for the Grand Calibur early in the New Year to improve its compatibility with our Embossing Folders. However, in the meantime, to use the Folders with your Grand Calibur machine please use the sandwich combination below:

Grand Calibur Cutting Plate (C)
CE Embossing Folder and paper/card
Grand Calibur Tan Embossing Mat
Wizard S5 Die Spacer Plate (Part code: WIZW -017)

All other die cutting and embossing machines remain unaffected and are completely compatible with our Embossing Folders.

(published: 17/12/2010) by Creative Expressions"

I will post the sandwich in the Glossary, so it doesn't get lost.

 Please also note the sandwich for die cutting with the Provocraft/Cuttlebug dies (like those that are supplied with your machine), also need a different sandwich than the Spellbinder, Joy Craft, Miranne dies.

Craft Too you and Joy Craft Butterfly dies

Hi again, two in one day!  Think this is a first!!

Here are my new butterfly dies: 

The large blue die is by Marianne Designs - Creatables
The pink set of three are by Joy Crafts

I have cut and embossed the JC dies using a printed vellum.  You need to place a piece of scrap paper over the vellem as this give a crisp cut.  After embossing, I left the cut in the die and rubbed an ink pad over to show off the design.  The dies all have a  different pattern and you can see the sizes now they are cut.

This is the Marianne die.  Much bigger!  When cutting this die, I again used  vellum, but instead of scrap paper I used a DP, so getting 2 flutterbys!  Layered this is how they look.     I have been told that some of the Wizard machines don't like it, but the Bug (well my Bug) does!  I love this lacey look  - you could use it to make an aperture card and place a patterned paper inside in the same way as my tutorial card on Monday.  Think I'll have to have a go at this!  Edit:  Tried this - it didn't work, but I managed to do something with the cut out.  (See above post).

The sandwich :  A / C / die cut side up / vellum and DP / B

Enjoy your day.

Nellie Snellen Rectangle Frames

I recently changed one of the Nestabilitie squares into a rectangle.  Today I thought I'd see if it was possible to change the Nellie Snellen rectangle die into a larger rectangle....the answer is yes you can!

For my card I used:
6" x 6" Cream card
Patterned vellum
black cardstock
CB folder: Texture
Nellie Snellen Medium Rectangle Die
Stamp: Elusive Images - Tulip Script
Ribbon

For a classie look this gold embossed patterned vellum gives a beautiful base layer

Next I embossed a piece of black card with the Texture folder - place the die on the card, but only cut 2/3rds.  Now reposition the die on the other end of the card and cut 2/3rds again.

Just noticed I've not push out all the bits!  The NS dies cut best if you place the die cut face up with the paper on top.  If your plates are bent....use the edge of the plate.

Sandwich:  A  /  C  /  die cut face up / card  /  B.

My finished card with added image....

This is a great image to colour with Promarkers and distress inks, and the triple embossing enhances the colours and compliments the richness of the cream vellum and embossed mat.

Have a good day!

Provocraft - Cuttlebug Vintage Corners on Tippy Thursday

A couple of days ago I posted a picture on what I had done with one of the dies from the Vintage Corner set.  I had a reply from Nessie saying she also had this set of dies and I like me had used the corners but wondered what to do with this one.....

In the end she cut it in half to use as a corner, so.....

this is what you will get.  Nice one Nessie!

this is a stamp from Elusive Images that I have been playing with.  It lacked something?!?!?

So instead of cutting the die in 2, I cut it into 4 and left and bits in!

I like it now - the corners finish the picture nicely and

if you use DST (double sided tape) on the back of the card - they are easy to attach.

The Sandwich for Provocraft dies that will help stop your plates from bending is:

  A /B / die cut face up / card / B

Whilst editing my picture I thought I've have a play with the hue control.   What do you think of this?

 

I have a tendency to dither over what colours to use on an image......I think this could be  a good way of "making my mind up" for the next time I use this beautiful stamp.  Have you tried this?

Have a great day!

Nestabilities and your Cuttlebug - Make a frame

Since I'm travelling home today I'll not be able to post as usual, so thought instead that I'd bring forward an old post that new followers of the Cupboard might have missed.  Hope you like this idea....

 Nestablities shaped dies are great for matting with your stamped images, but why not take them a stage further? and make a frame!

In this tutorial I'm using two dies from the Labels One set - here you will see them placed on the black magnetic mat which holds them secure. This does make the job a little easier, but you can complete the task without it if you take care with placing the dies. You could use a low tack tape to hold them, but again be careful not to place it where is might stick to your frame.

You can now cut your frame - I have the die with the cutting face up with the card on top.
Sandwich: A, B,Black Mat, Dies, Card, B. You will notice the sandwich is different than that usually used for cutting - this is because of the Black Magnet Mat. Without the Black Mat just cut as usual. Next with the largest of the frames, I have cut an acetate shape. Because this is a bit like the 'King's new clothes', I have cut this from an old patterned offcut so you can see it.

Next I have stamped my image onto patterned paper and again using the largest die have cut another label.

Here you will see the stamped label, together with the acetate label adhered to the frame . Now you can complete your embellishment by either just glueing the frame and image together, or you could use foam pads on the back of the frame to make a window.You will now need something on which to mount your embellishment. I have used a basil cardstock and pattern paper that matches the paper used for the stamped image.
Assembled with a flower and gems, my finished card

Cuttlehugs to all.

Cuttlebug Sandwich List for Die Cutting

CUTTLEBUG PLATES TO USE WHEN DIE CUTTING


PROVOCRAFT DIES

A PLATE / B PLATE / CARDSTOCK / DIE CUT SIDE DOWN / B PLATE

This is the order I mostly use because I like to see where I'm placing the die, but you can also place the die cut side up with the card on top. I find this method useful when  cutting alphabet dies.  So, it comes down to whatever suits the job best! (as long as the actual sandwich is right).


SPELLBINDER WIZARD DIES

A PLATE / B PLATE / CARDSTOCK / DIE CUT SIDE DOWN / C PLATE

Again you can reverse the order of card and die.

 
SIZZIX/SIZZLIT DIES

A PLATE / B PLATE / CARDSTOCK / DIE CUT SIDE DOWN / B PLATE

NELLEN SNELLEN DIES

A PLATE / B PLATE / CARDSTOCK / DIE CUT SIDE DOWN / C PLATE

If you use a magnetic mat to cut a frame - you will need to change the sandwich by replacing the C Plate with a B plate and possibly a shim.

These dies come fastened together - if your plates are warped you might experience problems cutting all of the frames in one go.  The condition of your plates might also mean you have to place and cut the dies on the side of the sandwich. You can try passing through twice, or try adding a shim if the Bug will take it without forcing. I cut through the paper holding the dies, but did not remove the paper backing.  If you do remove the backing you will find the dies stick to the plates when cutting.  If you have removed the backing - WD2 will unglue it!   You do not have to do anything with the white bits that cut the apertures in the frame.
You can use these dies as a mat, or as a frame.  To make the frame just place one die inside another on a magnetic mat, or you could use a low tack tape to hold them.  


THINGS TO  REMEMBER WHEN DIE CUTTING

GOLDEN RULE : NEVER FORCE : IF IN DOUBT ALWAYS START LESS AND ADD MORE BY WAY OF A SHIM(s)

DIES DIFFER IN THICKNESS WHICH MEANS ADJUSTING PLATES

ALWAYS HAVE THE A PLATE AT THE BOTTOM

ALWAYS USE THE RIGHT PLATE FOR THE RIGHT DIE, OR YOU WILL BREAK EITHER THE BUG OR THE PLATE.

IT IS NORMAL FOR THE DIE TO MARK THE PLATE WHEN IT CUTS.

IT IS NORMAL TO HEAR A CRACKING SOUND AS THE DIE CUTS.

PLATES ALSO BUCKLE WITH USE - THERE ARE VARIOUS THOUGHTS ON THIS...

I ALWAYS CUT ON THE SAME B PLATE AND TURN IT REGULARLY, AND ALSO TRY TO CUT IN DIFFERENT AREAS WHERE POSSIBLE.  I HAVE USED THE SAME PLATE  FOR 2 YEARS AND ALTHOUGH THE  B PLATE HAS BECOME VERY MARKED - IT IS FLAT AND USEABLE.

OTHER THOUGHTS
CUT ON ONE SIDE ONLY.
CUT ON THE C PLATE - it's stronger and less inclined to break or warp.
(I cannot comment on these because it's not what I do, BUT the crafters who use them are experienced die cutters and the methods work for them so I feel confident in sharing their thoughts)

IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS - ASK FOR HELP - IT'S A SHAME NOT TO USE YOUR DIES!
                                       
  

Cuttlebug and Magnetic Mats

Using a magnetic mat in your die cutting machine can be a useful way of making frames and apertures in your cards. Since I'm frequestly asked if they are needed; about the sandwich; and just how to do this .... today's card will show you the method I use.

Making an aperture card
I started by making a 4" x 4" card, which I scored round four sides.

Any make of die will make your aperture.  Tape the die to the inside of the card - cut side down - use a low tack tape to secure.

Place the magnetic mat inside the card

and fold the front card over securing the die on the magnetic mat.  Run through the Bug....

Sandwich:  A plate/card encasing the dies and mat/Shim/2 B plates  (I have to use 2 shims, BUT your machine might need less or more..TRY a test run...NEVER force....BEST to start with a thin sandwich).

and you have your aperture card.

You could achieve this result without a magnetic mat, but without the mat you get an impression on the back inside of the card.

Making a frame using a magetic mat

The mat is really useful for making frames

Place the dies on the magnetic mat - place your paper or card over the dies and run through the Bug.

The sandwich is slightly different than usual

A plate/magnetic mat with dies cut side up/paper/ 2 B plates

 (dependent on your machine possibly a shim on top).

In the picture you will see the frame fixed to the aperture card. 

To finish my card I only had to cut a piece of matching paper and add to the inside of the card.

  I also added a a silver thread and  beads. 

The remaining piece of the cut-out can then  be added  to the inside of the card.

It was my intention to use the cut-out from the aperture also on the inside, but after stamping with care and putting on one side to dry....it disappeared....yet to be found!

As you can see magnetic mats to have their uses.

Another such use is to emboss a frame on the front of your card, you can check this out here.
I have used a very quick and easy way of decorating the aperture - the choice is yours!

I have not added a sentiment - this type of card could be used for any occasion, but I thought with Christmas nearly upon us - it would make a very nice Thank You card, should I received a present!


PS: From a query received from Merry: You can buy magnetic mats from many suppliers, the link on the side bar is my supplier. The mats Liz supplies are her own NOT a Spellbinder product and so are much cheaper. They are very magnetic so that the dies hold firm - some mats are much thinner and are only suitable for storing dies. Also the dies do not cut the mats because the cut side is face up. Hope this makes sense and answers some of the points I omitted. ikki

PPS:  Question from Kim:  Can you use the tan mat instead?  NO.  The tan mat does a completely different job - Embossing.