I will always find a way to realize a vision – come hell or high water.
I’m always looking for new ways to bring my vision to fruition through paper crafting. Like many crafters, I have favorite supplies, but sometimes they just aren’t what I’m looking for. Some craft supply manufacturers issue restrictions regarding the use of their product, making it a little more challenging for the indie biz owner to create what they love for a living. That sort of thing shouldn’t stop the true DIYer!
I came across this tutorial on the Mel Stampz blog that out lines the process beautifully. It basically boils down to cereal box chipboard, a cutting tool, Modge Podge, and a little imagination. She even shows a few other materials you can use (like Grungeboard)! This wonderful idea opens up a whole world of embossing possibilities, is a great way to keep some waste out of the landfill and, best of all, the ideas you generate for these plates are entirely your own!
Now, I want to give you a peek at what I did with this tutorial!
Step 1: The Plate & The Cuttlebug
This particular plate was made from leftover black chipboard and a hefty apparel tag from an Apple Bottom Jeans garment tag. As you can see, I am using the A and C plates for the Cuttlebug.
Step 2: Paper
I placed my cardstock over the plate. For this example, I’m using 100 lb. bright white cover stock.
Step 3: The Rest of the Stack
I used my rubber mat for my Spellbinders dies, then shimmed my ‘sandwich’ with a couple more pieces of cardstock. Note: the tag and the chipboard in this example are pretty thick. This isn’t so typical with the cereal boxes that have proliferated in my home! Sometimes a ‘B’ plate may come in handy.
Step 4: Crank, Crank, Crank
This is pretty self-explanatory. Just remember to never try to force anything through your Cuttlebug!
The Results?
Ta-da!!!! This apple embossed rather nicely.
This was one of those old-fashioned Model A/ Model T type vehicles. Using the Sure Cuts-A-Lot program and my (original) Cricut, I cut this from one of those thinner cereal boxes. It took a little more work (shimming) on my end to get an impression to show up, but it does work.
A couple more notes about materials:
• You aren’t limited to cereal boxes. Chipboard has many forms, like those supportive backs of legal pads, display boxes from retail stores, or everyday product packaging!
• If you don’t have a Spellbinders tan mat, you can use a plumbing gasket.
How do you turn everyday materials into crafting tools? What is your experience with resourceful (green) crafting, and has this resourcefulness made your craft a little more affordable?
P.S. A super big thanks to my hubby who stayed up past midnight taking those photos! Love ya babe!
I think I did a great job with those pics! I felt like a paparazzi with your hi-tech camera.
Twitter: gardenwife
says:
I just got a good price on an original Sizzix System machine on eBay and am excited about automating the embossing process. The Fiskars embossing tool just doesn’t cut it for me since tendinitis is an ongoing issue with my hands.
I have an idea and wonder if you think it would work. I was given two magnet refill rolls for a Xyron 900 and I can’t see wanting to make magnets. I was thinking about making embossing plates using those since the material would hold up to repeated impressions.
I thought I could cut the media with my Cricut and its deep cut blade, then adhere the magnet material to a piece of Masonite or some other stiff backing. What do you think?
Twitter: simpinvcards
says:
That’s an interesting idea. I wonder how well magnets would hold up to repeated impressions, how much pressure they can actually take, and what kind of ink works well with them.
If the magnets hold up to a substantial amount of pressure, I wonder if you could use them for block printing as well? I have a devil of a time cutting the grey linoleum, but it holds up over time so much better than the easily-carved rubber stuff.
Very interesting indeed, Kimberley. Keep us posted. if it works out, I could see another tutorial in the works!