Embossing with Impressabilities™

by Beate Johns

Create beautiful backgrounds by running your cardstock through your die cut machine with Impressabilities templates.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1

    Create a "sandwich" by layering the Impressabilities template on top of one plate.

    Add cardstock on top of the template.

  2. Step 2

    Lay the tan embossing mat over the sandwich.

  3. Finish the sandwich by topping the plate, template, and mat with a second plate.

    Insert into the Wizard and emboss.

  4. Step 3

    Unstack the sandwich and remove the embossed cardstock.

    Hint:
    Flip cardstock over for a debossed design.

  5. Step 4 (Optional)

    Enhance the embossed design by sanding cardstock to reveal the paper's core.

    This is especially impressive in cardstock with a different colored core.

  6. Step 5

    To create an embossed image with Impressabilities™ and Nestabilities™ first cut the cardstock with a Nestabilities die.

    Here's a video that will show you how to Create an Embossed Cut Out.

  7. Step 6

    Create a sandwich by layering the Impressabilities template on a plate.

    Place Nestabilities die template with the cut cardstock inside on top of the Impressabilities template, cardstock side up.

    Finish your sandwich by adding the tan embossing mat and the second plate.

  8. Step 7

    Run sandwich through Wizard.

  9. Step 8

    Remove shape from die.

  10. Again, if you have a cardstock that has a different color core (or if you are using patterned paper) sand cardstock to highlight the embossed image even more.

    Fun Fact:
    The cardstock used for the 1/4 sheet in the first few steps and the cardstock for the heart are the same cardstock. One side is white, one red. It is a sheet from the White Wash collection from Core'dinations.

  11. Step 9

    Finish your card.

Video!

Variations

  1. Embossing/Debossing only part of the image
    Use metal (or other strong scissors) to clip Impressabilities template apart, then use the pieces individually.

    Sandwiches for other Die Cut Machines

    Impressabilities™ with Cuttlebug™
    A Plate
    B Plate
    Tan Embossing Mat
    Cardstock
    Impressabilities template
    Thin cardboard shim
    B Plate

    Impressabilities™ with Big Shot™
    Multipurpose Platform Tab 1
    Acrylic Plate
    Impressabilities™ template
    Cardstock
    Silicone Rubber Mat
    Impression Pad

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Embossing with Impressabilities™. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

***Please note - Internet Explorer/Edge is not a supported browser, and will not allow you to see the videos. Please use Chrome, Firefox or Safari to view our tutorial videos.

Questions and Comments

We'd love to get your feedback or questions. Leave your comment below.

Awesome tutorial Beate...I'm sure that the more people get these little gems into their hands, the more questions they will have. You have covered so many bases...FANTASTIC job.
Lynn Mercurio  |  Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Hi Beate
Love both your cards using the impressabilities. I have just purchased two of these and was a bit lost as what to do with them.
When i have been using my tan mat, it leaves a tan color on one side of the card. Does anyone else have this problem? Would it do any harm if I wash the tan mat in luke warm soapy water? it does feel a little powdery.
Thankyou for sharing your wonderful creations!
shirlely henry  |  Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Hi Shirlely,

The mat shouldn't leave a residue on your card. Yes, try washing it. That will not harm it. I had to wash mine after my letterpress tutorial sample, since it had craft ink all over it.
beate  |  Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 1:11 PM
I have been waiting for this! I have only recently discovered Spellbinders many "abilities.

Thanks, Beate

Colleen H
Colleen Horner  |  Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 2:43 PM
can these be used with the big sizzix? I assumed it would, I was trying to sell my sizzix but now? hhhmmmmmmm wink
Molli Frey  |  Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Hi loved the tutorial I am new to stamping and was considering getting a die cutting machine what would u recommend, big shot, cuttlebug etc are any better than the other. Thanks look forward to seeing more
Deborah  |  Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I have been wondering how to do this. Great job.
Dawn B.  |  Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 3:53 AM
Do you ever have card ideas using the circut machine?
Delores Hanson  |  Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 6:20 AM
Absolutely stunning cards from both Tutorials!
Love the layers on this one and the richness of colour on your gorgeous blue one!! Thank you for all the creativity you share with us and the inspiration to aspire to!
laurie  |  Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 7:11 AM
Great card! Thank you for the tutorial. I love the reversable paper you used. I haven't used that type of paper in a while...I'm looking through my stash now he-he. I surfed right over to www.cutathome.com to see if they had these (because they have a 40% off coupon wink via thier newsletter)...Yup, sure enough they do. Yea-aaa!
Carol  |  Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Thank you for the tutorial. I have purchased these and was not sure how to use them because I do not have a wizard. I had heard that the tan mat and cuttlebug can be used.
Thank you for the "sandwhich specifics"
Priscilla  |  Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Wow Beate! Great card! Love it with the two sided cardstock! Thanks for a great tutorial and all the sandwich specifics!
Chris Olsen  |  Fri May 1, 2009 at 1:05 AM
Wow! I have a Big Shot, but it has bothered me that I can't put unembossed borders around the shapes I am embossing. Thanks for sharing - the card looks GREAT. I can't wait to get these plates!
rgardengloves  |  Thu May 7, 2009 at 1:50 AM
Where can I buy impressabilities? Our Hobby Lobby or Michaels does not have them. Can I order from someplace?
Ellen Pedigo  |  Fri May 29, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Hi Ellen,

check the left hand side on top of the tutorial. There is a link there to our Product Focus on Impressabilities. Go there. On the left hand side there is a link directly to the Spellbinders site where you can buy these wonderful templates.

Or you go to your google search engine and type in Impressabilities into there. You will find lots of online stores that carry the templates.

Hugs and smiles
Beate  |  Sat May 30, 2009 at 5:07 AM
What is the Impressions pad and where do I find it??
Ladette  |  Tue May 25, 2010 at 7:27 AM
Loved all this information. Have a couple of impressabilities, but when I have used one particular one with the various mats, card like you have done, the impressabilities has stretched at the bottom! Fortunately have managed to cut the card straight across but a bit annoying. Not sure if anyone else has had this problem?
Celia  |  Wed Jan 11, 2012 at 6:33 AM
Does anyone know what die cut is used for the "label" that says "with sympathy". Thanks.
judi  |  Wed Jan 11, 2012 at 8:20 AM
Hi Judi,
Rose Ann used Spellbinders Ribbon Tags Trio Shapeabilities die pack for that sentinment Label.
Beate  |  Wed Jan 11, 2012 at 8:59 AM
Is there any way to use the Impressabilities with the Texture Boutique?
Bonnie  |  Thu Jan 12, 2012 at 5:57 PM

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The Author

Beate is a housewife and SCS team member. She lives with her husband and three children in Edmond, OK.

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Products used here

Find out more about a product used in this tutorial.

Impressabilities

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Use these thin metal templates as stencils, to emboss, deboss, or letterpress your paper and to create embellishments.

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