Well I have been slack and not posted for a while but I have been “playing” with my bigshot. Given that I am only using embossing folders as I have already invested in a cricut my quest has been to work out what scraps of paper, card and other items I can actually use in the bigshot.
If you google you will find an endless list but that isn’t much help. So this is what I have found out this far:
- Bazzill/AC cardstock – embosses nicely gives a smooth edge
- Foil cardboard – the kind you buy the kids to make stuff out of embosses fantastically, very clear & precise and as a bonus readily available and cheap!
- Stardream/Opal papers – embossed fantastically, clear image. 2 pieces seem to emboss the same as 1.
- Glitter card – embossed ok but difficult to see against the glitter
- Acetate/clear packaging (including from your embossing folders!) – embossed fantastically, nice deep images which are clear. So don’t throw away that clear packaging cut it up and use it.
- Printed scrapbook paper/gift wrapping – embossed nicely, need to consider the pattern on the paper vs your embossing folder. Ideally use at least 2 pieces of paper at a time
- Vellum – plain and printed work great, gives a nice embossed finish but not clear images. You need to use at least 2 pieces at one time.
- Wallpaper – produces a nice soft embossed image
All of these are pictured below.
Top row from left – bazzil, foil board, stardream, wallpaper.
Bottom row from left – wrapping paper, vellum, clear packaging, printed paper.
My girlfriend tested alfoil – you need to double up twice, it will crease-up a little around the embossed image so don’t expect a pristine flat piece of alfoil. Brown paper also works well.
Other household items yet to be tested but I expect will be great – cereal boxes and covers from magazines. The addition of “embossing” really does make an otherwise ordinary looking item look fantastic whilst being good for the crafting budget and the environment.
I would love to hear any other idea’s for what to emboss.
Katrina