How to emboss with sizzix sidekick

[Rachelmom]

Is there a way to use my already purchased brass stencils to emboss on the sidekick? I see folders on the sizzix.com site, but was hoping I could use what I already have. TIA

[kimmie-99]

I don't know with regular embossing plates. The Sizzix folders have an indentation of the brass card and you place the paper between those 2 layers and run it thru the machine. Thus that's how the embossing works. Hopefully someone else will chime in.

[CroppinJen]

You can sandwich the cardstock between the stencil and a piece of rubber then run it through the Sidekick. You should get a pretty decent impression. Try looking on the Sizzix website for more information.

[FubsyRuth]

Hi Rachel - yes you can emboss normal brass stencils with your Sidekick - as long as they are narrow enough to go through. You will need to add some shims (I just experimented with pieces of paper/card until I got the right depth of embossing results). I was told to get some Zip'eMAte embossing foam - which I did and it works great! Here are the instructions I was given:

To Emboss
First, cut your sheet of Zip�eMate embossing foam down slightly so that it is narrow enough to fit through the width of the Sidekick.
1. Place one clear cutting mat on a flat surface. Place your handmade paper shim on top of the mat.
2. Put your brass stencil face upwards (if it has an obvious �right� side, if not, it doesn�t matter).
3. Put your paper upside down on top of the brass stencil (you should be looking at the back of the paper).
4. Place the Zip�eMate embossing foam on top of the paper.
5. Put the other clear cutting pad on top of the embossing foam.
6. Run the �sandwich� through the machine forwards, do not take it out and then run it backwards so that you get �two passes�.
When you remove the cutting pads from the machine you should now have a lovely embossed image on your paper.

Have fun! Ruth

[JoyceQuilts]

Where do you get Zip'eMate embossing foam? Will this work with the cuttlebug?

[FubsyRuth]

I'm in England so I got my Zip'eMate Embossing foam from a UK online supplier. I've just done a quick Google search and found a US supplier

http://store.crazyscraps.com/zip-zef11a.html

Maybe you could do a more in depth search to find other suppliers, better prices etc.

Happy crafting Ruth

[FubsyRuth]

I for got to say.........I've not used a CB so I can't say for 100% sure it will work - but I can't see why not as the CB works on the same principle as the Tag A Long and Sidekick.

[Rachelmom]

What is the consistency of zipemate? like funfoam or like silicone?? Thank you FubsyRuth so much!!!

[FubsyRuth]

Hi Rachel......hmmmmm......the consistency is hard to describe LOL! :confused: Definitely rubber, not like fun foam at all, more dense than that. It's definitely got that rubber smell! They call it Embossing Foam but it seems to me it is probably foam on the inside sandwiched between rubber IYKWIM. I'm sure I remember someone likening it to gasket type rubber........so maybe you could get something similar with the right consistency from a gas station? Could be worth a try! Good luck!

[AslansMane]

Howdy All!

Just a reminder that if you plan on selling any items you use your Sizzix for, you need to include a copyright line on the back. Check their website for their "Angel Policy."

[Harmony60]

I got an 8 1/2 x 11 rubber sheet from a craft store in Wisconsin sold to me specifically for that purpose (cut it into the right size pieces for your stencil). I think I've also seen them in other craft stores, so check with any ones that sell Sizzix accessories. The big box stores might not know what you are talking about, but good stamping/scrapbooking stores will.

If you can't find it, this is the place I got mine (and they taught me how to do this):
The Baker's Wife, phone is 715-356-5626, and address is 8783 Hwy 51, Minocqua, WI 54531.

Good luck, and have fun with it.

[lrusten]

Can I use some of my big rubber stamps to dry emboss paper on the big shot somehow?