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I have gemini jr and a big shot. would love to get some of these 3d Folders. is there a sandwich that works, or does it differ from company to company that makes the folders? thanks.
I have a Big Shot and some 3D folders from several manufacturers. My experience is that the folders tend to be just a bit thicker than regular embossing folders but I’ve had no problems with them. If I remember rightly, I’ve flipped the top bit off the multipurpose platform then used both clear plates with the folder in between on what remains. All machines are a little bit different and of course different folders are likely to vary but I’m sure you’d be able to find a sandwich that works and there are some beautiful folders out there to tempt you!
The gray plate that Stampin' Up! now sells is meant to be used on its own with the platform and a 3D embossing folder. The plate will work in a Big Shot.
That said, before I got the new Big Boss, which comes with all the plates needed, I simply used some cardboard shims in my Big Shot along with a clear plate or plates. It's been a while so I don't remember exactly. But, yes, you can use what you have to make it work. The 3D folders have such a nice deep emboss.
I also have a Big Shot and find that the standard base plate along with the rubber pad for embossing and a top cutting plate work best for me. The rubber pad is squishes as it goes through but doesn't bind up my machine.
I have a Big Shot foldaway that differs enough from the Big Shot that SU used to sell that I have to figure out how to use most everything in it. It came with a few basic sandwich instructions, but nothing for the 3-D, which I've hesitated to buy, but worse, all the Sizzix and Provo Craft dies I have and love. I used to have the very first version of the Cuttlebug until recently, but that didn't allow me to use the newer, larger embossing folders. While I like my machine, I wish someone would put out the proper sandwiches for all the different products like was done early on for the Cuttlebug. The amount of paper I've wasted die cutting and embossing to find out is horrible.
Last edited by jeanne3579; 04-21-2021 at 08:29 AM..
With the big shot you only use one cutting plate or the sandwich will be too thick and potentially break the machine. With non Sizzix ones I sometimes have to shim. https://www.sizzix.com/blog/crafting...ssing-folders/
i have a big shot, cuttlebug, and Gemini JR. I never use gemini for 3d folders, I just save it for intricate dies. My big shot, i use the base plate with tabs with first tab flipped open, 3d folder and ONE clear plate and it works wonderful. My cuttlebug is a first edition and I just keep it for a backup for bigz dies, if something happens to my big shot. I had the electric big shot and burned that out so Gemini doesn't get used for anything I am not sure will work.
The Big Shot Foldaway doesn't have tabs, so it's hard to use directions meant for them. Still learning and still have problems that I had solved with my Cuttlebug. Don't have room to keep more than one machine.
The 3D folders are scary because they are so big, but the output is wonderful. I have one on my Gallery and I used the Big Shot but don't remember exactly the sandwich I used but I just guessed. I think I just used the regtular platform without a plate covering it, then the folder, then a cereal box cover or maybe an A plate. Your goal is only to get it a thick enough package to go through the rollers. Don't worry, nothing will get wrecked. I was angry with myself for putting it off so long because it is intimidating to do anyting without a recipe. Go for it!
The 3D folders are scary because they are so big, but the output is wonderful. I have one on my Gallery and I used the Big Shot but don't remember exactly the sandwich I used but I just guessed. I think I just used the regtular platform without a plate covering it, then the folder, then a cereal box cover or maybe an A plate. Your goal is only to get it a thick enough package to go through the rollers. Don't worry, nothing will get wrecked. I was angry with myself for putting it off so long because it is intimidating to do anyting without a recipe. Go for it!
I have a few on my wish list, so you have given me the courage to buy them and try. Thanks!
I found that I just had to keep trying different combinations. As long as you're not forcing it through your machine, you should be OK. With the Gemini machines, if the sandwich is too thick, the machine will not pull it through.
I found that I just had to keep trying different combinations. As long as you're not forcing it through your machine, you should be OK. With the Gemini machines, if the sandwich is too thick, the machine will not pull it through.
Do you know if all 3-D folders are the same from company to company? So, if I find the right sandwich with a folder from SU, will it work with those of other companies. I do have a little book I made of sandwiches, but what a hassle if each company requires its own combination. Oh well, it is still easier and faster than the old way with a light box and stylus.
Do you know if all 3-D folders are the same from company to company?
In my experience, no they are not. I have 3D folders from SU!, Spellbinder (way back before 3D became a thing!), Sizzix and Nellie Snellen. They are all slightly different. A cardstock shim can be all you need to make the difference though if you find a sandwich that’s nearly there. You can always write what works for a particular folder on a sticky note and keep it with the folder for next time so you don’t have to experiment again!
In my experience, no they are not. I have 3D folders from SU!, Spellbinder (way back before 3D became a thing!), Sizzix and Nellie Snellen. They are all slightly different. A cardstock shim can be all you need to make the difference though if you find a sandwich that’s nearly there. You can always write what works for a particular folder on a sticky note and keep it with the folder for next time so you don’t have to experiment again!
Great idea. I do keep a little book of sandwiches, as I have some of the old thicker dies as well as the M-bossibilities and texture plates. Guess I will be adding pages!
In my experience, no they are not. I have 3D folders from SU!, Spellbinder (way back before 3D became a thing!), Sizzix and Nellie Snellen. They are all slightly different. A cardstock shim can be all you need to make the difference though if you find a sandwich that’s nearly there. You can always write what works for a particular folder on a sticky note and keep it with the folder for next time so you don’t have to experiment again!
In my experience, no they are not. I have 3D folders from SU!, Spellbinder (way back before 3D became a thing!), Sizzix and Nellie Snellen. They are all slightly different. A cardstock shim can be all you need to make the difference though if you find a sandwich that’s nearly there. You can always write what works for a particular folder on a sticky note and keep it with the folder for next time so you don’t have to experiment again!
The problem I've found with ANY sandwich is that the one that works today may not work tomorrow. I have old Cuttle Bug and not quite as old Big Shot and a stack of cerealbox shims I cut the same size as the ABC plates. My fave Happy birthday die set has suddenly stopped cutting the Birthday, so I cut them both at the same tine with an extra scrap of cryogen over the Birthday. Kind of intetresting how satisfying this hobby is, considering the enormous number of variables there are with EVERY card!
My fave Happy birthday die set has suddenly stopped cutting the Birthday, so I cut them both at the same tine with an extra scrap of cryogen over the Birthday. Kind of intetresting how satisfying this hobby is, considering the enormous number of variables there are with EVERY card!
Is that happening in both your machines or just one? If one, it’s possible the machine itself needs tightening (the rollers gradually get looser with use). You’ll find plenty of info online about how to do it, including videos on YouTube, depending which machine it is.
Is that happening in both your machines or just one? If one, it’s possible the machine itself needs tightening (the rollers gradually get looser with use). You’ll find plenty of info online about how to do it, including videos on YouTube, depending which machine it is.
Thanks Angel. I had no idea I could fix my machines, will do!
Something to keep in mind, run the embossing folders through with the fold first. I forgot that important step and now have a 2 piece embossing folder:
I just have to share my experience.
3D folders come in many thicknesses, depending on the company. Mine range from 1/8 inch thick to 1/4 inch thick. That difference is the thickness of a clear plate...or more. One sandwich doesn't work for all of them.
You will need to adapt your sandwiches for each one of the 3D folders you have. They can't be forced, so you will have to find the right sandwich by trial (and not error).
3D embossing folder help!
