Help! How to emboss with nestabilities
 

OK I finally got the chance to play with my new nestabilities. They cut BEAUTIFULLY and I love them However, I can't quite figure out how to do the embossing part. What am I doing wrong? I know it must be something simple and I feel like an idiot asking but I am wanting to play some more and I am an embossing hound. (My favorite thing for the 14 years I have stamped. Have never tired of it and still love the look)

So please someone, help this idiot!

Thanks,

Pam aka embossing challenged at the moment

I have not clue:o but I will follow this thread cause I too want to learn this. Just thought you should know "you are not alone" lol

Nicole from Papertrey has ALOT of info on her blog about the nestabilities dies including how to emboss with them.. Take a peek here:
http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capt...faq/index.html

Pam, what kind of machine are you using? That's makes a difference. If you are using the Wizard, you just remove the spacer plate, add the polymer pad on top of the card stock and run it through the machine again.

If you've got a different machine, let us know and I'm sure we can come up with the solution.

Cathy

also, check out ellen hutson's blog -- www.ellenhutson.typepad.com just scroll back a few weeks. she has tons of info on how to emboss with a variety of machines.

I have the Wizard machine which was originally made to go with the Ellison dies and I have a rubbery mat that I put on top and it goes through the machine again to emboss it. It depends on the type of machine you have as to the sandwich you use. I have an embossing plate, spacer plate, die, paper, and cutting plate. After the die is cut I take out the spacer plate and replace it with the rubber mat and run it through again to emboss.
Ann

I'm doing it with a Cuttlebug, so I can help if that is the machine you have. Just LMK!

I guess the major question is "what machine are you using"

If you are using the Spellbinders Wizard, you would do the following

Die cut first with this sandwich

• white emboss mat
• white spacer plate
• die (flat side down, cut side up)
• Paper/foil/thin chipboard/fabric... (print side down towards cut edge of die)
• white cut mat.

run this sandwich through the Wizard and this will cut the images out.

then leaving the die cuts in the die, remove the white spacer plate and use this sandwich for embossing the details into the die cuts.

• white emboss mat
• die (flat side down ) with the die cuts still inside the die
• tan polymar pad (on top of the die with die cuts)
• white cut mat

run this sandwich through your Wizard and now you have just embossed the details into the die cuts. You can at this point leave the die cuts in the die and flip it over and use the holes in the die to add ink, chalks, pencils... to embellish the dies. Doing this will add color/enhancment to the raised embossed areas. Or you can remove the die cuts and leave them uncolored. It's up to your own creative preference.

Hope this helps.
Kar

Another dummy here!
 

Hi, I just got my Nestibilities as well. I have a Cuttlebug. I've followed both Ellen's and Nicole's directions but what I want to know is how to both cut and emboss. Like how do we get the embossed scalloped shapes to come out as though they were punched? Surely we don't have to cut around each one? Anyone played yet?

Thanks so much!
Charlene also embossed challenged at the moment.

One pass to cut it out, one pass to emboss. This gives you the option to do one or both.

Check out Mary Anderson's blog www.itsallaboutthejourney.typepad.com
she has a list of how to emboss and cut for almost every machine that will take the nestabilities.

I have a cuttlebug. So what should I go and get that is best to layer with for the embossing?

Thanks to EVERYONE for all their help. I truly appreciate it so much. I am so anxious to get moving and grooving on my Chrismas gifts and cards!

I think that SCSer's are the absolute best.

Thanks...do you you a larger die to cut and the next smaller to emboss?

I thought I would attach this list right here for all of you in hopes that it helps answer some of your questions. I will try and follow this thread as well to answer any questions you might have.

Spellbinders Style Dies� Compatibility


Zip�eMate� by Accucut�

Capabilities
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders Style Die�.

How-To
To use a Spellbinders Die in the ZEM:
1. Place Spellbinders die on ZEM's platform, blade side up.
2. Place paper over die and cut in the same manner as with Zip�eCuts.
3. After cut, do not remove the die or the paper from the platform, place ZEM's Embossing Foam over paper and with the
ZEM's Embossing Mat, roll through again to emboss the die-cut.



ZAZ� by Accucut�

Capabilities
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders Style Die�, except the larger, Size Four Spellbinders Dies.

How-To
To use a Spellbinders Die in the ZAZ�:
1. Place Spellbinders die on ZAZ�'s platform, blade side up.
2. Place paper over die and cut in the same manner as with Zip�eCuts�.
3. After cut, do not remove the die or the paper from the platform, place ZAZ�'s Embossing Foam over paper and with the
ZAZ�'s Embossing Mat, roll through again to emboss the die-cut.



Sizzix�
Capabilities
Sizzix� manufactures the Sizzix� Adapter� and the Sizzix� System Converter� which, together, allow the cutting of Spellbinders Style Dies� that are smaller than the Sizzix� Adapter, which measures 2 3/8� by 2 5/8.� This includes most Spellbinders Fonts and Mystery Dies. The Sizzix� Adapters are sold in packages of ten and several can be used side by side to allow for the cutting of larger Spellbinders Style Dies�.

Sizzix� does not manufacture any kind of embossing pad or foam to allow the Spellbinders Style Dies� to be embossed in the Sizzix� machine. However, Spellbinders Tan Emboss Pad can be used in the Sizzix� Machine.

How-To
To cut and emboss a Spellbinders Style Die� in a Sizzix� Machine:
1. Place the Sizzix� System Converter into the Sizzix� Machine.
2. On the Cutting Pad, place paper to be cut, then the Spellbinders Style Die�, ridges down.
3. Place a Sizzix� Adapter over the Spellbinders Style Die�, then cut as normal.
4. Leave the cut paper in the die. Turn the die over so that the ridges are facing up, place back on the cutting pad � without
the Sizzix� Adapter.
5. Layer a Tan Emboss Pad over the die.
6. Press in the Sizzix� Machine. Shim with extra pieces of cardstock if needed.



Sidekick� & Tag-a-Long�

Capabilities
The Sizzix� Adapter does allow the cutting of Spellbinders Style Dies� with the Sidekick� & Tag-a-Long�, but this is limited to most Spellbinders Fonts or Mystery Dies, due to the limiting size of the Sizzix� Adapter.

The Sidekick� & Tag-a-Long� do not allow for the embossing of Spellbinders Style Dies�.

How-To
To cut a Spellbinders Style Die� in a Sidekick� Machine or a Tag-a-Long�:
1. Place die, ridges up, onto a Sizzix� Adapter.
2. Place paper over die, roll through the Sidekick� or Tag-a-Long�.



QuicKutz�
Capabilities
The QuicKutz� hand tool is capable of cutting smaller Spellbinders Style Dies�, such as the Spellbinders Fonts and the Mystery Dies.

It is not capable of embossing Spellbinders Style Dies�.

How-To
1. Place a Spellbinders Style Die� and paper into the hand tool.
2. Squeeze to cut as normal.

Note: The QuicKutz� tool has a �sweet spot� of cutting area in the center of the cutting platform. When cutting with a Spellbinders Style Die�, it may be necessary to center the desired portion of the die inside the hand tool�s cutting platform. If a good cut is not obtained with the first squeeze, the die may be moved and squeezed again. Taping the paper to the die can be helpful in this process.



Big Shot by Ellison Design�
Capabilities
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders Style Die�.

How-To
To use a Spellbinders Die in the Big Shot:
1. Layer an acrylic mat onto the thick white pad.
2. Place either two Sizzix� Adapters� or one Spellbinders White Spacer Plate onto the acrylic mat.
3. Place Spellbinders die on the Spacer Plate, blade side up.
4. Place paper over die.
5. Place another acrylic mat over paper. Roll through the Big Shot.
6. To emboss the die, remove the Spacer Plate.
7. Place Tan Emboss Pad over paper, put acrylic mat on top again and roll through Big Shot again.


Big Kick�

Capabilities
With the Big Kick, you can both cut and emboss Spellbinders Embossing Dies.

How-To
From the bottom up, to cut:
1. Universal platform (thick white mat from sizzix)
2. Clear acrylic mat
3. Spacer plate from Spellbinders
4. Spellbinders Style Die (cutting side up) that would mean the side with the ridges
5. Paper or cardstock
6. Clear acrylic cutting mat

Second Step- to Emboss (from bottom up) :
1. Universal Platform (thick white mat from sizzix)
2. Clear acrylic mat
3. Spellbinders Style die with paper still inside the die
4. Two pieces of tan Spellbinders Polymer
5. Clear acrylic cutting mat


Cuttlebug�

Capabilities
With the Cuttlebug, you can both cut and emboss Spellbinders Embossing Dies. Results are beautiful J

How-To
Cutting Sandwich - (Stack from bottom up)
1. A plate
2. C plate
3. Spellbinders die face up (rough side up)
4. Paper or cardstock
5. B plate

Run through Cuttlebug machine.

Embossing Spellbinders Dies in the Cuttlebug- (Stack from bottom up)
1. A plate
2. B plate
3. Die face up (with die cut still in die)
4. 3 pieces of cardstock
5. 1 Spellbinders tan polymer mat
6. 2nd B plate

Run through Cuttlebug machine

Just use the same die - cut using the die the first time through using the first sandwich recommended in the post above for your machine. Then send it back through your machine with the paper still in the same die using the second sandwich being certain to use an embossing mat.

There is a tan mat that is specifically made by Spellbinders to use with your machines. There are a couple of versions now on the market - the first was in the Wizard Charm Embossing kit. When we couldn't get enough of these in to help you with your nestabilities we put together a new product that is a 2-pack of tan embossing mats.

Thank you so much for your patience and the enormous positive response these have received. We will do our best to educate you and share projects that will show the many and varied uses of these dies.

cookiebaker - you use the same die, run the die through and cut, then run the same die through with an embossing pad to emboss. Ellen H has posted the recipe here for you, if you have any more questions just ask! The people on this board are so helpful! What a great community!

Thanks! You guys are awesome...Ellen, I got the Wizard Charm kit from you months ago and hadn't used it. Glad I have it now! I'm dumber than dirt and slower than mud but it finally sunk in. Now I'm trying to get the impressions deeper. Should I just add more paper layers?

To get a better emboss there are a couple of things you can do.

If you are using a very dense cardstock you might try spritzing the paper with "Paper Glide", its a product that helps to stretch the fibers. If you don't have Paper Glide, you can try misting with water, I think the Paper Glide works better than just water, but in a pinch......... If I'm misting paper I lightly mist on both sides so the paper doesn't tend to curl as much.

You can also try shimming with a piece of cardstock to get a tighter fit and deeper emboss.

You might try both ways and do a side by side comparison...let us know what you like better!

Kim

Thanks, Kim...Never heard of paper glide but will check on it. I'll try a tighter shim first though. YOu've been great. For the life of me, I just couldn't get it figured out and after spending all that $$$$$, I knew I was missing something.

big shot
 

If you have a multi platform for the big shot, you don't need the spacer plate. Cut on tab two and emboss on no tab. I tried since I didn't have the either sizzix spacers or white spacer. It worked:). You do need those two tan pads to emboss. I had fun playing with mine this weekend.

I received my Nestabilities today and have enjoyed playing. I have also had trouble gettomg the embosed effect that I think is great. I have the Big Shot and have followed the suggestions...but I need more practice or more shims. Not as definitive as I would expect. Also, how are you all storing the die cuts? Please give me insight.
Thanks.

Granna I just played some more today with my Big Shot to test it further. I had success with the following recipes and have since updated the Compatibility Recipes on my blog. Here is the adjusted Big Shot information:

Big Shot by Ellison Design�
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders� die.

How to Use a Spellbinders� Die in Big Shot�:
Cutting Sandwich
1. Thick white pad
2. Acrylic mat
3. Spellbinders� die, blade side up
4. Paper or cardstock
5. Acrylic mat
6. Roll through Big Shot

Cutting Sandwich with Spellbinders� Magnetic Placement Mat
1. Thick white pad
2. Acrylic mat
3. Spellbinders� Magnetic Placement Mat
4. Spellbinders� die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock
6. Acrylic mat
7. Roll through Big Shot

Embossing Sandwich
1. Thick white pad, Tab1
2. Acrylic mat
3. Spellbinders� die, blade side up
4. Paper or cardstock
5. Spellbinders� Tan Emboss Pad
6. Acrylic mat
7. Roll through Big Shot

Or Embossing Sandwich 2
1. Big Shot Impressions Starter Kit White and Black Mat
2. Spellbinders� die, blade side up
3. Paper or cardstock
4. Big Shot Impressions Starter Kit Black Impression Mat
5. Acrylic mat
6. Roll through Big Shot

Embossing Sandwich with Spellbinders� Magnetic Placement Mat
1. Thick white pad, Tab1
2. Acrylic mat
3. Spellbinders� Magnetic Placement Mat
4. Spellbinders� die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock
6. Spellbinders� Tan Emboss Pad
7. Acrylic mat
8. Roll through Big Shot

*Shim with extra pieces of cardstock if needed.

I hope this helps any Big Shot users out here in SCS land :D

Ellen,
Thank you so much. I am eager to try again. You know how it is....try, try and try again until you succeed.
Granna

This is SO true Granna - remember that if you are not getting a deep enough emboss that it helps to lightly mist both sides of your cardstock with a mixture of mostly water and a drop or two of dish detergent. This helps break down the fibers in the paper ever so slightly and allows for the embossing to be a little sharper and crisper. Another hint is to add a single thickness of cardstock to your sandwich to tighten it up even more. It is all about the pressure exerted by your machine. The Big Shot is quite sturdy and therefore should give you a good impression.

Thanks for the update, I have a big shot and this will help:).

This may be a elementary question, but I'd still like to know...are you ladies cutting your shapes (including misting for better embossing results) before you stamps/color, or after? I am slightly nervous about misting the paper (to emboss) after I have colored for fear of the ink running.

I realize that this won't matter when using copics or other alcohol based markers, but what about SU! markers. Won't misting with water have an effect on the image?

I just received my nestabilities yesterday and haven't had much time to play, but what I've done so far, I'm loving them...seeing so many possibilities.

Hi Lynn,
Please don't mist your work after you have colored with SU markers - that would be a complete mess. What you might want to consider doing is cutting out your image and embossing it before you color if you are not getting a crisp enough emboss.

Many times to make it easy for myself I cut out my die shape, then I stamp my image and color it. Then I place it back in the die and run it through the machine to emboss.

I think that you will find that you will get beautiful results if you keep your sandwich tight as it rolls through the machine. I have not had to mist my work at all when using the dies. It is only when I use the Fiskars texture plates in the Cuttlebug that I need to mist the paper.

What type of machine do you have? I will do my best to help walk you through the process you will need to use in order to get the beautiful crisp embossed pieces.

Thanks Ellen for your expertise! I am using a cuttlebug and it's not that I'm not getting the Nestabilities to emboss, it's just that I thought it would be a 'deeper' embossing. Do you think if I ran it through a second time that it would help?