Cuttlebug Embossing Folders
Scrapbookers love finding multiple uses for their supplies, and Cuttlebug embossing folders expand the projects possible with Provo Craft's popular tool.
Cuttlebug Basics
Provo Craft originally introduced the Cuttlebug as a die-cut machine for the home crafter. It's compact, does not require electricity, and folds up for easy storage, which has made it popular with scrapbookers that don't want the bulk or expense of large digital machines. It's also very easy to use. Provo Craft's website describes the process in three simple steps:
- Lower the platforms.
- Place the cutting material and die or embossing folder face up between the cutting pads.
- Turn the handle to move the die through the machine.
Embossing Folders
Cuttlebug embossing folders are used to press a three dimensional image into cardstock, craft foam, mesh, chipboard, and other scrapbook media. Six inches in the maximum width of the paper that can be accommodated, but there is no limit to the length.
The folders come in several different styles. The basic folders are 5-inch by 7-inch, and have an overall pattern. These folders are perfect for embossing photos mats and cards. Some of the designs are available individually, but others come in sets of four or six themed folders, like the four piece "Plum Blossom" set with an Asian theme or the six piece "Winter Wonderland" set with winter and Christmas designs.
Another series of folders are border designs. They come in 7-inch and 12-inch lengths for both cardmaking and scrapbooking. There are also several specialty folders for tags, labels, monograms, journaling boxes, and a series of small designs that come in sets of four. These small designs are especially practical for cardmakers, and they come in theme groups like "Thanks," "Feel Better," and "Wedding."
One of the newest additions to the Cuttlebug collection are the combo packs. These sets have a shaped cutting die with a matching embossing pattern, allowing crafters to create both effects on a single piece of paper. Combo Dies already come in dozens of designs, including sports, holidays, beach and vacation themes. There are also classic Disney characters available: Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Tinker Bell, and Nemo, as well as the Disney princesses Cinderella, Ariel, and Belle.
Other Ways to Use Cuttlebug Embossing Folders
Although the folders are designed for Provo Craft's machine, Cuttlebug embossing folders can also be used in other machines. They work easily with the Double Do XL Diecutter and Embossing Machine as well as several of the Sizzix machines.
Sizzix actually makes converters that are designed to make it easier to use other dies and embossers in their machines, although there is no need to buy the specialized equipment. Simply stack three cutting pads in the Sizzix machine to raise the base enough to get the needed pressure on the embossing folder.
Other scrappers have discovered that it's possible to use the Cuttlebug embossing folders even without a die-cut machine. The only equipment needed is a spray bottle, some tape, and a rolling pin.
It is not possible to get as much pressure with a rolling pin as the Cuttlebug can apply. With light weight paper, this will not be an issue, but for cardstock or other heavy weight materials, embossing will be easier if the paper is sprayed lightly with water. Dampening the paper will make it more pliable and easier to emboss. Place the paper in the embossing folder, and tape the folder closed. Lay the folder on a firm surface like a table or counter, and roll over it with the rolling pin, as though you were rolling out a piecrust. You will need to experiment to learn how much pressure to apply to get the desired result.
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