Cut, Emboss and Stencil a Pretty Frame

 I recently found something new (to me) in the clearance aisle at Joann's.  A couple of years ago, Cuttlebug "Emboss Plus" embossing folders were introduced.  I saw them at CHA but I didn't pay close attention at the time.  When I found the "Brocade Window" folder for less than $5, I knew I had to give it a try (regular list price is about $24).

These sets are made with metal embossing and cutting plates, held together with a thin plastic folder.

 When you flip over the folder it looks like this.

This pattern includes a center section that will cut the frame opening and an elaborate brocade design that will be embossed to decorate the frame.

There is a thin plastic sheet that can be lifted while the paper is still in the folder so the design can be inked.

The first time you use the folder, it is difficult to see how the sheet will separate.  You just need to look for the thin line that shows where it is cut (I offset it a little for this photo).  Then you can fold it back at the top and it will be easy to use.

In this side view you can see all three layers, the base plate with the cutting edge, the top metal layer with the openings for the embossing and the cover sheet that you lift to stencil the design.

When the top cover is folded back you can apply inks to the design.  The photo above shows my first cut and stencil.  I used a half sheet of letter size cardstock which extended beyond the design area.  I used three colors of Tim Holtz Distress Ink, worn lipstick in the center, then milled lavender and finally forest moss around the outside.  I started inking in the center and worked my way out to the edges.

Here is my first stenciled and cut frame.  I discovered that it was a little tricky to trim the frame perfectly.  I decided to try again and to cut my cardstock to 5 x 7 inches before inserting in the folder.  It would be nice if the folder had been designed with a cutting edge around the outside of the frame.

When I used the pre-cut piece of cardstock, I positioned it very carefully and used a bit of tape to keep it from slipping (this is the bottom, or debossed side).

After you add the color and lift the plate, you see this lovely full color design.

For the second frame, I started with the forest moss ink around the edges, working toward the center.  You do need to wipe the plate with a damp cloth or paper towel before inking with the next color to keep the ink from transferring onto the next color sponge.

This time I used four colors, adding broken china between the milled lavender and the forest moss.

The first frame is on the left and the second on the right.  I think the effect is pretty on both, but I prefer the second version and may try to add even more colors on future cuts..

 Here is the full view of the first frame.

This is the second frame.  I think for the next one I'll try spraying the base cardstock with some glimmer mist or perfect pearls spray to get a nice shimmer layer in the background.

If you have a chance, you might want to check the clearance aisle at your store to see if there are any of these folders available.  Now I just have to decided what to do with my frames!

A few reminders...

The Creative Memories sale on software ends today.  You can find the information about Memory Manager 3.0 (for photo organization and editing) and Storybook Creator 4.0 (for digital scrapbooking, cards, posters, calendars and much more) on my CM personal website HERE.

The National Scrapbook Day Sale will continue until Saturday, May 5th at 11:59 p.m. (Central Time).


Lettering Delights has lots of items on final clearance - value priced bundles at $10 or individual sets for only 50 cents.  there are graphics, papers, alphabets and fonts included in the clearance.  They also have introduced a huge bundle of single line fonts, doodles and some sketches at a bundle price of $50 (individual prices total $70).  The fonts work with Make the Cut software and a compatible cutting machine.  You can use the fonts to write on your page or card using a pen in the blade holder.  Single line fonts can produce words that look like they were handwritten - there is no open area in the center of the letters.

Today is the last day you can use the code StepAndSave to take $25 off a purchase of $60 or more (so you could get the $50 font bundle and $10 worth of other items for only $35 - a great deal).  Please click  HERE to go to site.

Don't forget to check out  Blitsy - there will be new crafty deals posted today.  If  you aren't a member yet, you can use my link to register (it's free) and then invite friends and family to join and earn credits to use for shopping on the site.


Have a wonderful last day of April!

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