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I'm sure this has been addressed before...but whenever I use the Sizzix embossing folders in my Cuttlebug, the embossing cracks. I just ordered a Big Shot - does this happen with the Big Shot? I use mostly Stampin' Up cardstock.
If it does happen with the Big Shot, is there a way to prevent the cracking?
Try putting a sheet of thin copy paper underneath your cardstcock in the folder before you emboss it, that might help.
I've rarely seen any cracking when using any of my folders (a mix of makes) and I have a Big Shot but I don't know for sure it's the machine that makes a difference, I've never used a CBug.
I think it has something to do with the quality of the cardstock. Sometimes my folders do the same thing especially a couple from SU. I think the embossing grooves are slightly deep and sharper than some others. The paper trick does work most times.
I've had this happen with stiffer cardstock like SU. You can also mist the cardstock before running it through. This will soften up the fibres so they don't tear in the embossing folder. I use a mix of 50/50 water & rubbing alcohol in a mini mister spray bottle.
To prevent the cracking in my CB I make the sandwich thinner. Sometimes I substitute a C plate and cardboard with an A plate instead of 2 B plates. You just have to play with it. I've found that the more/deeper designs have this problem (elegant lines, snowflakes). I have read that Big Shot users use less tabs to prevent this.
Thanks for the information, everyone. I am having this exact problem right now. My issue is with a Sizzix folder in the Cuttlebug with a stiff glimmer paper from JoAnns. I don't think misting the paper would work in this case, as it might harm the cardstock, or alter the glimmer qualities. If you use the piece of paper in the folder trick, do you put the paper underneath the paper you wish to emboss, or on top of the paper you wish to emboss? Also, is the tan mat used only when you are trying to avoid the lines made by the outside of the embosssing folder, or when the embossing of the cardstock is actually cracking? I can test what works best, but if someone already knows the answer to these questions it could save me from waisting cardstock. Thanks!
If you use the piece of paper in the folder trick, do you put the paper underneath the paper you wish to emboss, or on top of the paper you wish to emboss? Also, is the tan mat used only when you are trying to avoid the lines made by the outside of the embosssing folder, or when the embossing of the cardstock is actually cracking?
The copy paper trick seems to work best with the paper under the cardstock you're embossing. The tan mat thing is just to avoid lines from the folder, it won't change the embossing qualities of the cardstock you're using so I don't think it would make a difference (although it might be putting less pressure on so it might work).
I had a similar problem embossing on whisper white paper with the stripes embossing folder. I tried both the cuttle bug and big shot and still the same cracking. However I found out that the problem was the way I had the paper oriented in the bossing folder. I found out that paper has a "grain" much like fabric. When I inserted the paper a quarter turn to te right it worked properly. Same sandwich, same folder etc just changed the orientation of the paper and it worked. Might be something to try.
I've had this happen with stiffer cardstock like SU. You can also mist the cardstock before running it through. This will soften up the fibres so they don't tear in the embossing folder. I use a mix of 50/50 water & rubbing alcohol in a mini mister spray bottle.
MISTING has always worked for me as well. It helps make the cardstock more pliable. It also can help with intricate cut dies. The downside is that it sometimes watermarks the cardstock. I'm assuming that a 50/50 water and rubbing alcohol solution lessens the watermarking/spotting???
MISTING has always worked for me as well. It helps make the cardstock more pliable. It also can help with intricate cut dies. The downside is that it sometimes watermarks the cardstock. I'm assuming that a 50/50 water and rubbing alcohol solution lessens the watermarking/spotting???
I've never had any problem with it water spots since its such a light misting. The reason I use a 50/50 mix is because the alcohol helps it evaporate quicker than just plain water.
One thing to note is that as your machines age they become looser so what may work with no problems in my machine may have problems in another. I have some embossing folders that will crack and possible tear the paper if I use the recomended sandwich. Try experimenting with different shims, misting, etc. and once you find what works best, write the information on your embossing folder with a sharpie for the next time you use the folder. My notes say things like: No Tabs/Tan Mat, "Tears Thick Paper", "Mist Paper"
The Big Shot multi-purpose platform has three separate "leaves" or tabs joined by a hinge at one end. If you flip both of them out before running through the machine then you're using "no tabs".
Thanks to everyone for sharing these tips & tricks! It saves me from thinking I'm not doing things correctly or that I've somehow broken my equipment...I keep forgetting crafting is not an exact science in most cases...
I just tried several of these tips, as my Sizzix EF tears my card each time. This worked for me using my Cuttlebug:
1. Spritzing the cardstock lightly with water AND 2. Laying a piece of copy paper under the cardstock.
Embossed Images Cracked....
