Problem with Cuttlebug Lace Tree folder
 

I am having a terrible time with the Lace Tree Cuttlebug folder; no matter which end I run through first, the paper is creased, crimped, and pulled up in the center at the bottom. Sometimes I'll even get a marblized effect on either side of the tree. I have tired every weight of paper including foil! I have tired using a popsicle stick at the bottom edge also. Has anyone else had this problem, and, if so, what did you do to solve it??

Any help would be appreciated!

Saundra

I had that problem -- if your machine is wide enough (Big Kick/Big Shot) try running it through sideways.

I have a zippy mate so I can't run it through sideways but thanks for the suggestion. I even tired using a thinner foam mat to reduce the pressure on the folder but that didn't help at all.

Have you tried lightly misting your paper first with tepid water? I read that tip here before I got my Big Kick. These wonderful SCS members suggested it to get a more pronounced embossing. I was scared my paper would be all warped outta shape when it dried but it didn't.
Be sure you have a fine mist and you don't want to soak the paper. If I think theres too much water, I wipe the paper off first with a dish towel before embossing. It dampens the paper just enough for it to *bend* with the mountains and valleys of the folder. Afterwards, just lay it out to air dry for a few minutes and you're good to go. Practice on scrap a few times cause this may not be the answer for the lacy tree as I don't have that one.
I dampen my paper for all my CB folders and the Fiskars embossing plates too.
Good luck and please do let us know if this works. :D
May God bless, Sandi

I read a fast way without the machine is to use a rolling pin. Good luck and hope you find out what to do.

Have you tried flipping your platform? Maybe it's a bit warped or might improve if you reverse it or flip it. Just a thought. (I have a Zip e Mate, too!)

Hi Sandi,

I forgot I had Paper Glide so I tried it; it helped some but the paper still had the stress fractures and the paper still pleated. Then I remembered that paper has tension and if I could break the tension it would soften the paper. So I put the edge of the paper on the edge of my desk and ran it back and forth off the edge of the desk then flipped it ove and did the same thing on the other side of the paper. It worked like a charm!!!!!!!!!!!! It came out perfectly....no creases, no stress fractures, no nothing.

Thanks for all of your help.

Saundra

{{{{{Saundra}}}}} You're one smart cookie!! I'm sooo tickled that you thought about the tension! Duh!!! Breaking down the fibers is so logical. Again.. duh!!! I wouldn't have ever thought of it. [insert dumb-founded Smilie scratchin' her head]
I haven't linked the two even when scoring folds and saying to myself, break down the fibers! I bet gluing down the embossed paper would be easier afterward.. not as much resistance.
Thanky, thanky, thanky!!!! May God bless, Sandi

When I read that you had this problem with the Christmas Tree folder, I tried mine (hadn't used it before) and mine came out wrinkled at the bottom, also.

I tried misting it lightly, (as was suggested on this thread) and it turned out fine.

I hope it works for you!:-D

A different folder of mine did that and I ran it through my cb sideways and it doesn't do it anymore.

I used the CB Tree for my Christmas cards-they turned out beautiful--BUT--when used lighter weight paper (silver or gold) from Target's Christmas letter paper-wrinkled very badly-- I ended up using a much heavier weight with no wrinkles..thanks for the info-can't wait to try your technique on that Target paper!! It is too pretty to let sit!

I lightly misted the Target paper and the Christmas Tree folder turned out PERFECTLY!!! :-D

I have tried everything suggested with the Lace tree folder and my folder still crinkles everything. I sprayed it with water. I ran it over the edge of the desk to soften the paper. I tried several different kinds of paper and cardstock. Added shims etc. It still crinkled with every attempt.

I emailed Provocraft about the problem, but they didn't offer to replace it. Just said to run it through with the base of the tree first. That didn't help. Still crinkles. I emailed them again, but didn't get a reply so I'm just going to throw it away. It's not worth all this effort as I believe they got a defective batch and don't want to eat the cost of replacing them all. I have heard from several gals on other boards who have exactly the same problems with the Lace tree folder.

From now on, I will buy the folders in a retail store where I can return them instead of buying from on line stores since it would cost me as much in postage to return the defective one as I paid for the folder.

Just curious, what machine are you using?

Saundra

That's really a shame - I'm sorry you had problems. I used it for all my Christmas cards and had no problems at all. I hope you get it sorted out - it really is a lovely folder.

SELL IT ON EBAY TODAY!! The lace Tree is selling for $20 to $40. If it doesn't work for you, maximize your return!!! LOL

I had the same issue. I could not get it to look right when I was done. I got a Big Shot for Christmas and the problem has been solved. I asked for the Big Shot as there are larger embossing folders that I wanted to use.

I hope you get it working!

Ginger

I have not tried this but I have read it here on a site, they cut the folder apart and make extenders from cardboard and put the folder back together and one it is suppose to help you beable to center the tree and also suppose to reduce the wrinkling. Again haven't tried it, can't bring myself to take apart the folder, good luck!