Using metal stencils to Emboss

Today I'm here to tell you how you can use your metal stencil to emboss...

In fact there are a couple of ways to emboss.  You can hand emboss with a stylus or you can use your machine.  Yes... you can use a manual die machine like a Big Shot or Cuttlebug.

I used my Cuttlebug to emboss with the Hibiscus stencil from Dreamweavers

I followed the instructions I found on the Dream it Up! blog post .  Here they are.  I made a few adjustments (shown in red)

The main thing to remember while embossing by machine is the stacking method. If you follow these steps you will not ruin your stencil OR your machine.

1. Place the thickest white plate in the machine first if you own a Cuttlebug this is referred to as the A plate. If you own a Big Shot this is referred to as the thick white platform...do not use the TAB 1 or 2. Instead let those tabs follow through opened up. 

2. Place the  stencil face down on this thick white plate or platform. This means the copyright and stencil code is hidden from view. 

3. Next place the cardstock to be embossed on top of the stencil then spray this paper with rubbing alcohol. (I used a product called Paper Glide) This spritz of alcohol helps the paper fibers break and move into the stencil for a sharper embossed image without making the paper soggy like water would. And has the added advantage of not leaving water spots on the cardstock.

4. Now place the thick Stamping Details rubber mat on the paper. This mat is thicker than most but definitely worth having. Otherwise you need to use two or three plastic shims with your thinner rubber mat. But the rubber mat should be closest to the paper. (I used two of the tan mats from Spellbinders and didn't need any shim)

5. This is followed by two acrylic plates. For the Cuttlebug...these are identified as "B" plates.

Crank this stack of plates through the machine. DO NOT FORCE the machine. If it is too tight you could hurt the machine. Find the right formula for your machine by reading step #4 over again if necessary.


Once I had embossed I used Copic makers to colour the embossed area.  I trimmed out the stenciled area and edged with a gold pen.  The corners are a La La Land die, which I cut from gold card.  The sentiment is by Stamp-It

I hope this gives you some ideas on how to use stencils.    There are also lots of great techniques on the Dream it Up! blog.   I've also posted this over at Die Cut Divas as a sample for our Celebrate challenge.  We would love to have you join us.