Is it even possible to use foil plates and foil without buying a machine?

[DancesWithHooves]

There’s a Spellbinders hit foil plate set out there I would really love to have for my cards, but I’m in no way up for investing in a machine. I’ve got an iron at home and plenty of places that sell the foil nearby. With a bit more effort than a fancy machine, can I get this to work?

I did search the boards before posting and wasn’t able to find anything. I am hoping someone knows something! Thank you so much for your time and help!

Blessings,
Chrissy

[lovinpaper]

You can use the foil plate without the foil. It will give a letter press effect. I do not know about using the foil without the machine. The machine basically heats the plate and the foil, then you run it through your embossing machine for the pressure. I would think if you can create the heat needed without the foil press and can give it the pressure, it may work.

[wavejumper]

Interesting question. I don't have an answer but wait to hear.

I am wondering if we cant press the plate image and foil onto transfer sheet and then run that thru a laminator which is way cheaper than a heat foil system? Seems like a stretch though....

[Bravesfan Linda]

I have the Glimmer Hot Foil system (finally broke down and bought one) and have been watching a lot of YouTube videos on how to use it. I might have seen a Jennifer McGuire YouTube video about foiling without the Hot Foil plate set up. I remember the video also discussed how to use the laminator process but I honestly don't remember the details. Might want to check YouTube for the answer.

[blindstamper]

I have seen videos using hot foil plates with ink and running through die cut machine for an inked impression. Seemed to work well. I think the "image lines" are a little thicker on a foil plate (compared to a die) so they hold ink a little better.

[gregzgurl]

Found this, if it's helpful:

Six ways to add foil to your crafting projects without a machine

I realize that it didn't address the original question, as none of the methods use the plates, but it might be useful in general. I'll keep looking around...

[gregzgurl]

Found one where the person stamped into leather - I'm guessing it would be a similar process for paper:

I tried hot foil stamping without a machine

[DancesWithHooves]

Thank you for all the responses thus far!

Sue, that link to the leather foiled piece is AWESOME! I might have to try this... but I have to figure out if it's worth the risk of investing in the plate first. It is on clearance at Hobby Lobby right now, so this might be my shot!

Fingers crossed someone will still chime in that has done it successfully on paper!

[stampintoo]

Here are a couple of videos showing how to use hot foil plates and ink to make letterpress and other style cards. No foil or foiling machines are needed, just a die cutting machine.

I apologize, it's been years since I've been very active here and have forgotten how to make a clickable ink to a video. In my preview, the links show but when I go out and come back in, they disappear so, I'll just try to direct you to the videos.
Sorry about that.

Letterpress style on watercolor paper : On YouTube search for Letterpress with your Hot Foil plates and dies without a foil machine. It's by Nancy Stamps and is dated Oct 23 2021

Jennifer McGuire's video goes back and forth between regular foiling and several different ways to use a hot foil plate with just ink and a die cutting machine. She has lots of tips if you're patient during the foiling machine parts or are good at scrolling, lol - just be sure not to scroll too fast or you'll miss the non foil techniques. The first non foiling method starts at about 3:15 minutes in.
Jennifer McGuires blog post dated 02-01-22 titled Make an Impression! + Sales
https://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2...ion-sales

[DancesWithHooves]

Thank you so much for your suggestions, April!

Blessings,
Chrissy