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I purchased one of these folders and have yet to use it because I don’t have a machine that will work with it... which is something I didn’t know! So I bought the Sizzix Texture Boutique thinking it would do the trick...um, nope.
I have a Grand Calibur die cutter and am thinking of switching to an electric die cutter like the Vagabond 2 or the Gemini but I can’t find any info that says they are compatible with 3D embossing folders.
Does anyone know or have experience with a machine for these things?🤔
I use mine with a simple Big shot. Many of them are extra thick so you need to figure out the right sandwich. Could be only only one plate on top of the fully stacked platform...maybe use a shim...depends on the folder and unit. I might also suggest a light spray of water to make the paper more pliable.
What says to you that you cant use what you have with it? Here is a vid that shows you how with the caliber...
Hi Kathy, I'm agreeing with the other posters, it's just a matter of adjusting your sandwich. Mostly,all I did was take out one plate, then use some thick card ( like off the back of notepads) to shim till I get a good impression. You may need to flip out the tabs,(with a Big Shot) or maybe not. It all depends on just how thick the folder is, how thick the cardstock you're embossing is, and of course the amount of pressure in your machine, as they all vary to one degree or another. Start off with one piece, try embossing with that, if it's not thick enough, add a second, or maybe another shim from thinner cardstock, depending how much of an impression you got after the first pass. I'm using a normal Big Shot, and also used to use them in my Cuttlebug. The light spray with water also helps to soften the card.
Well thank you so much for all the help! The “normal” sandwich Spellbinders uses for their own 3D folders would work, but I have a Sizzix 3D folder and nothing was working til I tried “shimming” with 4 layers of CS on top of the folder placed on the embossing plate. No top plate. Yay! I now have a lovely 3D embossed leaf panel (that I bought to use last fall)
Sizzix makes a thick blue plate for use with the 3D folders, the sandwich which works in my Big Shot is basic platform (just the platform, no tabs if you have the tabbed platform), folder with cardstock, blue plate. The Vagabond has the same sized opening as the Big Shot.
Cardboard shims tend to compress with use, so I personally prefer the blue plate. I'm a tad annoyed at having to buy yet another plate though :(
Yay! I try to label the folders with the sandwiches they need bc it keeps changing.
It isnt easy. I had it once w a spellbinders and then the next time I broke the folder. I had to buy a new one and they were discontinued already so I just eeked in with one.
Gee I never heard of a blue plate. Blue plate special? <groan> Sorry I couldnt resist.
Sigh...it does seem like a lot of plates-I am starting to have trouble remembering what they are all for. ugh
I have a Big Shot...
When using the 3D embossing folders and thicker texture and fade folders I use the base plate with the rubber embossing mat under the embossing folder and the top plate. I use the same sandwich for regular embossing folders. Also to soften the paper I'll lightly mist the back of it with water before running it through the machine.
I have a Gemini Jr, and when I use my 3D embossing folders I only use the top clear plate, the folder with paper or cardstock inside, and the bottom plate. My machine cracks and snaps and makes all kinds of noises, but works okay.
Yay! I try to label the folders with the sandwiches they need bc it keeps changing. It isnt easy. I had it once w a spellbinders and then the next time I broke the folder. I had to buy a new one and they were discontinued already so I just eeked in with one. Gee I never heard of a blue plate. Blue plate special? Sorry I couldnt resist. Sigh...it does seem like a lot of plates-I am starting to have trouble remembering what they are all for. ugh
I typed a label and stuck it on my box of folders, I think it runs to three different 3D sandwiches, listed by folder manufacturer. And then of course SU changed suppliers and sandwich and added a new plate . I need to add a new label.
ETA. Sorry, the groans are the forum, not me. And I can't find them to delete them. I think I've always had the extra Sizzix plate, I use it with my old Fiskars texture plates.
I use the Big Shot and I just had to order the 3D Embossing Folder plate. Was unable to use my 3D folders. I could not figure out the sandwich to make it work so I said "forget it", I am just going to order the plate since I have so many of the 3D folders.
I purchased one of these folders and have yet to use it because I don’t have a machine that will work with it... which is something I didn’t know! So I bought the Sizzix Texture Boutique thinking it would do the trick...um, nope.
I have a Grand Calibur die cutter and am thinking of switching to an electric die cutter like the Vagabond 2 or the Gemini but I can’t find any info that says they are compatible with 3D embossing folders.
Does anyone know or have experience with a machine for these things?🤔
I use my handy old Big Kick. I just use different layers on the platform.
I do not have the Vagabond 2, but do have the first one. Didn’t take long until it had uneven pressure. I went back to the Big Kick that I have had for years.
I also have the Big Shot Pro that I use for oversized embossing folders and dies, or if I am cutting a lot of different dies at once.
My Gemini Jr shipped with a 3D-like embossing folder, and the instruction booklet shows how to make your sandwich. I prefer to use my Big Shot for my 3D folders, though. I have an old platform that has the two tabs. I open it to the 2nd tab. I lightly mist the card stock before putting it in the folder, then run it through with just one cutting plate, and I'm happy with the result. I sometimes add a sheet of card stock as a shim depending on how crisp I want the embossing. Stampin' Up sells a special 3D cutting plate that's blue. It's supposed to be used with their 3D brand of embossing folders.
Mary Fish is a SU demonstrator and has a great guideline on her blog that lists the different "sandwiches" for the 3 different types of embossing folders. You could Google that and see if it's helpful, but the bottom line is finding the right combo of sandwiches.
__________________ Wanda Cullen ~ Dirty Dozen Alumni, On design team for Word Art Wednesday, Previously a designer for Color Throwdown and Fusion Card Challenges Cullen-ary Creations...my blogHERE'S MY GALLERY
I purchased one of these folders and have yet to use it because I don’t have a machine that will work with it... which is something I didn’t know! So I bought the Sizzix Texture Boutique thinking it would do the trick...um, nope.
I have a Grand Calibur die cutter and am thinking of switching to an electric die cutter like the Vagabond 2 or the Gemini but I can’t find any info that says they are compatible with 3D embossing folders.
Does anyone know or have experience with a machine for these things?🤔
I will tell you I can use the 3D folders in my big shot. I cannot use the sizzix (Tim Holtz) in my Gemini. But can use them in my big shot. Gemini has crafters companion 3D and obviously you can use them in their machine. I have not tried them in the big shot. So I am a little bum I can’t use Tims in my Gemini.
I will tell you I can use the 3D folders in my big shot. I cannot use the sizzix (Tim Holtz) in my Gemini. But can use them in my big shot. Gemini has crafters companion 3D and obviously you can use them in their machine. I have not tried them in the big shot. So I am a little bum I can’t use Tims in my Gemini.
Exactly why I'll stick with the Big Shot (Plus). You can use anybody's die and embossing folder (with the proper sandwich).
"... they all vary to one degree or another."
[/QUOTE] It's always been amazing to me that time I spend figuring out how to use the equipment and supplies is far more than it takes to simply make the card. I use Big Shot and Cuttlebug both, have all kinds of shims; rubber, plastic, Lucite, cereal boxes, corrugated from packing boxes, metal sheets....and I used to think I could keep them organized and have a recipe for which shims I used when. But that was a pipe-dream because the pressure of the Big Shot changes slightly with the weather and age and use, and the paper you are using makes a difference too. I put on my Gallery some cards made with the 3D dyes, and it was long ago but I think I either used one plate or maybe even no plate. It was scary. I didn't want to break the Big Shot. But you can do it! Do it once and you'll wonder why you spent so much time worrying about it.:p
I have a Gemini Jr, and when I use my 3D embossing folders I only use the top clear plate, the folder with paper or cardstock inside, and the bottom plate. My machine cracks and snaps and makes all kinds of noises, but works okay.
My Gemini did this too, and kicked it out. Per the company (manual and follow up emails), use the bottom plastic plate, 3d folder with cardstock, and the thin plastic shim (not the 2nd plastic plate). No cracking noises or spitting it out because it's too thick. Also, no chance of damaging your machine.
Yay! I try to label the folders with the sandwiches they need bc it keeps changing.
It isnt easy. I had it once w a spellbinders and then the next time I broke the folder. I had to buy a new one and they were discontinued already so I just eeked in with one.
Gee I never heard of a blue plate. Blue plate special? <groan> Sorry I couldnt resist.
Sigh...it does seem like a lot of plates-I am starting to have trouble remembering what they are all for. ugh
I will tell you I can use the 3D folders in my big shot. I cannot use the sizzix (Tim Holtz) in my Gemini. But can use them in my big shot. Gemini has crafters companion 3D and obviously you can use them in their machine. I have not tried them in the big shot. So I am a little bum I can’t use Tims in my Gemini.
I can use the Tim 3Ds in my Gemini. I think I do what was mentioned above, but can check when I head back to my craft room and will add it.
3D embossing folders in big shot and cuttlebug only use 1 small plate and base plate. Check online for other eqioment sandwhiches. I have a gemini but have never used 3d folders in it.
I purchased one of these folders and have yet to use it because I don’t have a machine that will work with it... which is something I didn’t know! So I bought the Sizzix Texture Boutique thinking it would do the trick...um, nope.
I have a Grand Calibur die cutter and am thinking of switching to an electric die cutter like the Vagabond 2 or the Gemini but I can’t find any info that says they are compatible with 3D embossing folders.
Does anyone know or have experience with a machine for these things?�
The Gemini is made to use 3D embossing folders. My Gemini Junior came with at least one. I don't remember if it was more because I gave most of the included items away. But I did try it, and almost everything that was included. The sandwich in the manual worked well.
Different companies' embossing folders are different thicknesses; there's no industry standard. Tim 3Ds are thicker than Crafters Companion.
I just tried with Neenah Classic Crest 80 and 110 lb. CS plus a scrap of something I think is called leather paper though it's not leather. From the bottom up: clear cutting plate, magnetic shim, embossing folder. For a deeper impression the metal cutting plate (a thin metal shim) can be added. Or cardstock can be added, like people use in manual machines.
The 110 pound stretched a very little bit in two very small areas when adding the metal cutting plate. I doubt a recipient would notice, and it goes along with Tim's grunge anyway. ;)
This machine transformed my ability to comfortably or frequently use die cuts.Turning a handle hurt. (Exception: Tim's little Sidekick machine is comfortable if not used too frequently. It's come in handy.)
Btw, the manual also refers to a "deep multi media die" sandwich. I don't know what they are; maybe the UK has some we don't have. I don't think those really thick steel rule dies can go in the Gemini!
Beth
Last edited by bjeans; 02-27-2020 at 02:44 AM..
Reason: ETA
Here's Justine Hovey using a Tim 3D folder in her Gemini. I hope the link works; there have been some issues that Lydia is trying her best to get fixed.
ETA: The video does't show up when I go back to my post, but does show up when in edit. In youtube.com search on "3D EMBOSSING FOLDERS - What Are They? How do they work?"
When these 3D folders came out I tried it on my Vagabond (mine was the original vagabond). and it got stuck in the machine. So I purchased a big shot, it didn't work in the big shot. I see your suggestions and I will try and see if I can get it to work for me. I also thought that I could cut apart the folder and just use the best side and put it through the big shot. If anyone has tried this, let me know if it will work. I haven't used the three 3D folder in several years so it would be nice to get to use them.
I will tell you I can use the 3D folders in my big shot. I cannot use the sizzix (Tim Holtz) in my Gemini. But can use them in my big shot. Gemini has crafters companion 3D and obviously you can use them in their machine. I have not tried them in the big shot. So I am a little bum I can’t use Tims in my Gemini.
I just used one of the Tim Holtz 3D embossing folders in my Gemini Jr. Of course I don't remember exactly what I did but I think I used only the folder and the base plate. Each machine may be a little different so you have to test it to see if you need to shim it. It does work though! :-)
I have been reading this thread with interest. I have one more tip to add...it might be a 'no brainer' for some, but for me, it was a great idea. When you are placing your EF in the sandwich, place the open end (where you flip the EF up), not the closed end, to run through the machine first. The open end seems to have more of a beveled edge and might be easier for the machine to accept it. I have a Big Shot Foldaway and my sandwich is: Platform, Ef with paper inside, then one cutting plate. I also have spritzed the paper lightly with water...seems to make a more dramatic impression. My example was done with a THoltz EF, spritzed SU Very Vanilla cardstock, and inked with some light SU ink (So Saffron? Sahara Sand? I don't have a clue!). I love these embossing folders!
My Gemini did this too, and kicked it out. Per the company (manual and follow up emails), use the bottom plastic plate, 3d folder with cardstock, and the thin plastic shim (not the 2nd plastic plate). No cracking noises or spitting it out because it's too thick. Also, no chance of damaging your machine.
Thank you for this information. I had stopped using 3d folders because I didn't want to kill my machine.
I have been reading this thread with interest. I have one more tip to add...it might be a 'no brainer' for some, but for me, it was a great idea. When you are placing your EF in the sandwich, place the open end (where you flip the EF up), not the closed end, to run through the machine first. The open end seems to have more of a beveled edge and might be easier for the machine to accept it. I have a Big Shot Foldaway and my sandwich is: Platform, Ef with paper inside, then one cutting plate. I also have spritzed the paper lightly with water...seems to make a more dramatic impression. My example was done with a THoltz EF, spritzed SU Very Vanilla cardstock, and inked with some light SU ink (So Saffron? Sahara Sand? I don't have a clue!). I love these embossing folders!
I have not thought of spritzing my card stock before embossing. I might give it a try, even though I have not had any problems not spritzing. Your embossed card stock looks beautiful! :cool:
I missed all the groans. Would not bother me. I deserved it.
Saberlove-that's the thing. Different companies' 3Ds are different thicknesses so there is no "one" sandwich for the big shot (or I assume other machines too) You just have to start with what they suggest you use and go from there.
Not every machine gets calibrated exactly the same in the plant for starters, over time it changes, and so on...and it does not take hardly any difference to get stopped. So you have to just experiment.
My biggest piece of advice is never force it. I would rather have it go thru without a great impression and start shimming a little at a time and then when I get it, label the EF.
The worst 3D EF for me is Spellbinders. Those puppies are crazy thick and was the kind I referred to up there ^^^
But I do love the effect!! And I cant wait to use gilding polish on them!
3D embossing folders
Gemini Jr.
