Really glad to see someone show an option to this new machine. I love my hot foil machine but I'm not in the market for another machine that I need to find another spot for, possibly have to buy more supplies, and forget that I should remember to use it. Plus, I personally like embossing as opposed to debossing. Yes, I know the professional look, etc. It's a pricey little doodad that getting an awful lot of press. A bit like the resurgence of the wax seals.
Gadgets, tools and machines are all awesome however, the ability to use creativity to utilize what you have (without getting more) is wonderful. I truly appreciate your video showing how a bit of ingenuity can save from having to spend more money. Card making and crafting can get expensive so thank you so much for these money saving tips!! Well done.
Beautiful! I am so sick of new machines being pushed at us. Times are tough. Really appreciate you showing us a way to use what we had. This was my thought as well. Thanks for being on top of this!
Times are tough for the companies too when everyone has cut back on spending. I always take the view that if you can’t afford it then don’t buy it! I think people forget just how many big names are gifted most of their stuff too
@@traceybartlam7737 well said. I often wonder for those few crafters on TH-cam that say they “bought” the item at what discount? I believe the big crafters get large discounts in addition to fees when people buy what they are using. I am also sick of hearing that these are small businesses barely making it when many of their products are not even made in the USA. Many of the non stamp/die items they sell I have found exactly the same like the blending brushes and the stand on Ali express for 90% less and I am not buying a huge volume like these craft companies do which reduces their costs even further. They tell us not to buy from China, but then these companies do. I don’t know about others, but I did not buys a single craft thing this holiday season. 25% off a $25 stamp set with no dies is ridiculously expensive to me. I always say I cannot die until I use everything in my craft room. If true, I am going to live to be well over 100. Wishing you happy crafting!
What a great presentation showing the comprehensive trials and their results. You’ve made it possible for many of us to get great results without having another expensive machine. Well done and hope your cold gets better soon. Best wishes ❤
Thank you so much for this video! I love the effect of the Betterpress, but I can’t justify buying it right now. Now I can get the same letterpress look! Thank you.
Try spritzing with a bit of water, you get more definition. I put a piece of copy paper under die when inking then pull out before making my sandwich, that way you don't get over inking onto your cardstock.
I have it as well. I’m waiting for someone to make a video using it with betterpress plates. This technique is great though. I can use equipment I already have out without dragging out a bunch of other stuff in my little cramped crafting space.
Thank you for demonstrating this. I have to say the letterpress technique (what I’ve seen so far) doesn’t appeal to me. There are so many beautiful dies, stamps and embossing folders that make beautiful cards that I’m happy to stick with those. 😘
Love it!!! Thank you for a well done video.... I hadn't thought of trying this, but certainly will now! Basically embossing folders act the same..just more limiting. You did a great service to a lot of people!
Thank you so much for this video. I have so many hot foil stamps but I have always had a struggle with my foiling machine with such limited hit and miss results. I was tempted to buy the letter press to try to use the stamps, but this is a much better alternative. Will be ordering the crease pad for sure.
Thanks Sarah - glad it was useful and hope you get some good results with the hot foil plates for letterpressing too. I just tried a full page one from the Greetery and it's awesome as a letterpress!
I honestly believe you can get a really good similar effect with a die and a rubber mat and the right depth of sandwich . It's just something else to buy and stand on the side of your craft room !!!
Thank you for this video. I have seen the examples of the better press machine and thought “that’s nice, but will I really use it?”. I’m glad you showed how to use the plates with a regualr big shot machine.
Just what I have been looking for! I am a new subscriber because I just came across your channel with this video recommendation. A few years ago, I purchased some foil plates but I didn't have a foiling machine. I knew I could emboss with them and they worked perfectly with the right shim. I now own a foil machine but haven't use it, haha. Thank you for helping us figure this one out too. Love it!!!
Great video! I’m a newer crafter. I knew of letterpress before betterpress came out but never watched how to do it. I’ve seen some videos of using different paper and inks but it was all with the betterpress system still. I figured eventually I’ll buy one but I don’t want to add an extra thing while I’m buying all the other staples.
Glad I saw this. Alot out there for the Press. I don't have the room or justify another machine and not cheap. Love foiling, but not another machine.. not room. But I'm glad to see both the press and foiling plates can be used this was and getting great results. I love embossing, hsve a bunch of folders Will experiment with some of my dies.the 2 pads you discussed about,have been called a squishy and a knock knock. One is soft and other hard. Lol thanks for sharing. Will experiment. And will look at those plates in a different way now.
Thanks so much for this! I'm just not going to buy another machine right now. And this gives me options. Thank you so very much for doing all the experiments and finding what works. Thank you ❤.
Thanks! I have the foiling gadget & plates, but I hardly ever use it. That’s why I knew I wouldn’t buy the Better press. I’ll definitely try this technique w/ the crease pad. I have some of the old stationary that was supposed to be used in a press system. It’s feels like thick cotton cardstock. I’m going to try w/ it. 🥰
I think that cotton cardstock is supposed to be the best for letterpress but I found most of my 280-300gsm card worked just fine. Happy experiementing!
I’d love to know how your paper worked out, I suspect it’s a good part of how the results are. I’m going to have a go with watercolour paper I have which feels like it may “give” a bit 🤞
I knew there had to be a way to do this!!! Thank you for showing this. I just preordered a die cutter. Can't wait to try. I appreciate you showing all the results from trying.
Thank you so much for experimenting with this, instant sub. I love some of the better press plate styles and have some glimmer plates. I want to see if I enjoy the process before I invest in another product. I do enjoy the glimmering and continue to use my glimmer system. I have seen another YTer do some glimmering with the better press plates. It's really too bad Spellbinders didn't design the betterpress to use the same thickness as glimmer plates. I used my glimmer plates before I got a machine with stamping foam that you can heat and press the plate into, works with anything that doesn't have words. Looking forward to your next video.
Thanks so much for subscribing. Oh I've not tried to foil with the plate - will experiment with that next. Yes its a shame there isn't more compatability across the platforms :(
Excellent video, well done. I like the betterpress effect but like many fellow crafters I don't particularly want to buy another machine. And I understsnd that for the machine to produce the best results you have to also buy cotton paper and special ink So this option is much more attractive. Thank you.
Thank you so much I really really enjoyed watching you create these amazing and beautiful card’s with those new embossing thing’s. I’ve subscribed and given you a thumb’s up too. Please stay safe and well too. I’m very very impressed with your style of teaching.
Thank you so much for sharing. I'm a bit late to the party! I love the look of some of the letterpress plates but really don't want to have to buy another machine. Off to buy a crease pad now.
Thank you so much Tara. That's really helpful. I have a new Spellbinder die machine, but my old Big Shot is tucked away in the cupboard. Think I'll have to get it out and play.
Thanks Deborah - I don't have a different machine to try the sandwich in but I guess as long as the thickness matches existing plates on your machines and it fits the width then I guess you could try a crease plate in other machines if those brands don't offer an equivalent .
Just letting you know in case you need to try and comment elsewhere that I hink you might have clicked on the wrong video as there are no tupperware containers in this.
Thank you for sharing this technique. I thought there was probably another way of letterpressing than having to purchase yet another machine. I have a Gemini & hot foil plate. And quite a few spellbinders die plates. I’ll have to have a play, with just the die plate. Love the video. Xx
Could you please link the card stock that worked best for you? So love the machine that so many already have can render fabulous results such as you achieved… many thanks
Hi Darlene - I didn't use any fancy cardstock - any thing that has a decent thickness will work fine. Whilst betterpress suggest you need linen paper which is very expensive I found that any 300gsm card worked fine. I used some hero arts coloured, some standard white (not branded I buy cheap bulk in the UK) and some papermania kraft card fronts.
OK I did more investigating the inks used here. It appears to be Tsukineko, Claire and they are a pigment that stays moist longer than dye inks. This can be used to your favor if you want to emboss especially helpful but you can use a heat gun to help dry just don't linger too long on any part of your design. Now as to my situation. I did want some bling even subdued bling but BLING none the less. So here's what I eventually tracked down there is also Tsukineko, Delicata and that has what they call shimmer to them. Stars on their boxes help identify these ink pads. Again it too is a pigment ink. I ordered that in Rose Gold, Copper, Gold, Silver, Emerald Green, Ruby, and a Pink. They make a shimmer brown and even a black and white. So I skipped the black and white for now because I already covered those just not in shimmer colors. Most people like the shimmer effect but sometimes people insist they can not see any shimmering effect at all. Not sure what would happen but I'm thinking it could do with media and how saturated your dies were or how many times you added more layers or reinked your dies and repressed with your ink press or block. I'm not sure if there's a way to get a total high gloss silver, gold metallic tone but I'm happy to know I get a little bit using the Gold and Copper and Silver. I'm not after mirror shiny. In other words not trying to get a full foiling look here like you get using foil sheets and heat pressing. I am not positive but several other sites doing similar and slightly different uses of their foiling dies to emboss or deemboss also recommend pigment dies more than other dye inks. Tsukineko, makes a number of leading inks including the StazOn inks. Not the other way around. So Claire is for basic colors no bling and Dleicata has a metallic element. Hope this helps. I intend to try inking with clear embossing pad and then adding embossing powder in fine or ultra fine silver and gold to see if I can achieve close to foiling without foiling. I have plenty of foiling sheets too but doubt I can get it to stick to the embossing fluid. Or any ink pad even pigments. Hope I didn't make this more complicated than it is. PS today JoAnn has the Dleicata in a few colors on really good sale with 1.99 shipping. I took advantage and ordered 4 of her offered colors. I already have over 8 different colors of the Claire used on this video.
This is wonderful! Thank you for showing this on video. I like the idea of this new tool, but did nor want to buy another expensive product. I'm definitely going to give this a try. I heard that glimmer foil plates could be used in a similar manner. Have you tried foil plates to emboss paper? Thank you again! I really enjoyed your video. I'm a new subscriber.❤
Hi Susan - yes the sentiment I used in the video is actually a spellbinders hot foil one and I've since tried using a card front sized hot foil plate from the greetery and that worked a treat as a letterpress plate too
So glad that I saw your video...much easier than using yet another new gadget. Does it matter which ink you use and have you tried using cotton watercolour paper as well? Would be interested to know and then I might buy one of the dies.
Hi Judith - I didn't try with cotton watercolour paper as I don't have any - I think betterpress suggest that is required for their platform but as I don't have that (and don't intend to buy it) I just tested the plate with what I had on hand so just used standard unbranded 300gsm white card and some hero arts coloured card I had on hand. If you want to try watercolour paper, i would just suggest you use a reasonable thickness - the thinner stuff I suspect would tear. I think you need a "dryer/stickier" ink for this to work. I used versafine clair which is strongly pigmented and it worked brilliantly and comes in a good range of colours - we stock those in store along with the matching reinkers. It is my go to ink for sentiment stamping too.
I've not tried that, but perhaps a slip of paper underneath would help lift it back off if you find your struggle - you'd have to give it a test before you applied ink to see if it works I guess.
Yes I do have issues with the screw falling out on my machine - its very well used! The plates are new from Altenew - they had two this month. This is the one I used sevenhillscrafts.co.uk/brands/altenew/alt-daity-flower-garden-press-plate.html
Hi Barbara - I didn't actually do any water colouring with this technique - this video is all about getting a letterpress effect without the expense of the new machine or fancy paper. If you wanted to apply water colour over the letterpress effect then you would probably need watercolour paper but I'm afraid I can't advise further as I haven't tested it myself - I'd just say grab a sheet of whatever paper you have and give it a go!
I have the betterpress and to be honest there is no difference in results. If anything it might have a bit more of an impression. If I'd of seen this before I don't think I'd of bought it
Hi Cleie - I don't have a spellbinders die cut machine so I can't comment. All I can suggest is you try it with the different plates you have available and just don't force any sandwich that feels too thick.
Hi June - sorry I only have the two sizes of sizzix machines - big shot and big shot pro so I can't say if it will work in those machines. Maybe google to see if they have crease pads or check the measurements of a crease pad to see if it will fit in your machine - just test gently if you try it as I wouldn't want you to break your machine if the sandwich isn't correct.
I believe it is generally better to do it with the card on top when debossing/embossing as the paper gets pressed into the die, but I guess you could try with the card on top of the crease pad and pressing down into it.
Thanks so much for this! Will the Sissix embossing mat do the trick as well? Or does it need to be "hard"? Also, I noticed that they released specific inks for the better press - do you need to use a specific type of ink, or will any ink work? Thanks again!
The ink for the better press seems to be thicker so it doesn’t flow down into the plate details. I do have the better press and have been using other inks with it
Hi Tina - as I showed in the video, I didn't find that the embossing mat (the grey rubber) provided enough resistance so the debossed lines didnt show up. I used versafine ink for mine - I use those when I want a strong line so thought they would be best for this technique but tbh I have not yet tried any other inks. Stazon would probably work too - you want something more sticky and less runny to keep it from dribbling down where you don't want it if that makes sense.
@@SevenHillsCrafts makes sense with the ink. I noticed the mat you used, but mine is black (from Sissix) and it looks like it might be a tiny bit thicker than yours 🤔 As of now I don't have either plates nor mat, so we'll see. Eventually 🙈
@@tinawilstrup955 Ah OK - maybe the mats are different in the UK - its is a sizzix one I used and they're grey here so I can't comment on the black one. Just try it with the same sandwich you normally use it with I guess and see if it works once you get a plate to test with.
It's not a die as such, it's an impression plate so not designed to cut. You want it pattern side up with the card on top and the crease plate on top of the card so the card is pressed down into it. Hope that helps!
I believe the difference is that the ink goes on the debossed lines. In creating debossed lines, though, what's around the lines is higher than the lines themselves, which makes it feel like those bits are embossed. She keeps referring to the embossed part, but in letter pressing, you're right - the debossed bit is the point, for the ink. The embossed bits are a byproduct, if that makes any sense?
@@lucyc @Julie-jh6yx @julie-jh6yx Yes Lucy is correct - by embossed I just meant the raised up areas created by the impression the plate gives into the paper, for every "in" area there is an "outie" too if that makes sense. Sorry if my terminology wasn't accurate - it wasn't a rehearsed video or over-dubbed I just talk as I go!
No, I wasn’t trying to challenge what you said, just wanted to clarify. I have the BetterPress system, and while it gives a very detailed and precise look, you really can’t see (only feel) the debossed lines. Those you’ve shown are quite striking and very visible! 💕
You’ve proven that the plates can be used without the BP system BUT that plate costs $24 US. In 3 purchases, I would invest almost as much as buying the smaller Better Press system which has a lovely plate, sentiment and ink AND a much better way of putting the sandwich together. But the plates cannot be used for anything else (cutting or foiling). That is what stops me from buying into this new fad. The plates. They’re expensive and have limited use, no matter what system you use.
Yes I guess buying the plates can get expensive but dies and hot foil plates are too. For me being able to buy a variety of those without the need to buy a new system to use them was a saving but I guess not for everyone.
I think betterpress machine is a waste of money for me. This technique is easy and elegant. You can use hot foil dies or regular dies too w the rubber mat!
I blew up a crossover machine by trying something that should not be done so a very expensive try (400,00) so I do only what Should be done with machines. We are not forced to buy things if you can’t afford it don’t buy …don’t buy those expensive Coffee for a month and you have a machine.
Yep - I'm not advocating anyone do anything that would damage their machine. A crease plate is designed to fit in a machine - and it just gives the same look for those that don't want to invest in a betterpress. Those that want to buy one can of course skip coffee or maybe Santa will bring one ;-)
Thank you for your video on this. I googled this very subject how to use these letter press dies without a Betterpress. Voila here YOU ARE with the Answers and MORE. For those who are curious the ink being used is Tsukineko I think it is made by StazOn or someone makes both and other lines of inks too. I just happen to have lots of glimmer dies and though I love the foiled effects they create there are tricks to getting everything just right and over time I've let my glimmer ware and dies just sit in the drawers unused sadly waiting on life. NOW I get to give them an entire NEW LIFE. I love embossing plates. And yet fight their limitations. The smaller ones can leave lines around larger sized card stock forced then to cut it down to size. This too happens with the smallest of embossing folders you end up having to cut them out and adding as a topper glued onto your card. This may work for those too. I have Sizzix and Spellbinder die cut and embossing machines plus two other electrics that probably won't take this sandwich but my others will. The Gemini does not have a wide mouth opening and I'm not positive how the new Empress works as I haven't opened it and set it up yet. (I got it on a huge sale almost half off. I couldn't resist trying one more time for an electric machine though my past history tells me forget that. I hate the Gemini it's ruined several Tim Holtz cut and emboss special 3D extra deep folding shaped emboss dies. Pretty much quit using it and it's also very very loud. The Empress is suppose to be whisper quite. I have a nerve condition that makes me sensitive to sounds. So here we are and loving it today. Your video is so helpful. I have grease mats in 2 sizes it turns out on hand. I forget why I bought them a few years back but I have brandnew ones waiting in the wings. I also find the Sizzix and the Spellbinder machines are very similar. I have both their normal solid platforms with and without the magnets and the flip book platform for the Sizzix as well as the newer Universal platform system for the Platinum. The hope here was to use my many Diamond Press dies in these bigger machines. I just ordered a special plate addition or not sure what one calls it a plate or platform add on for the Sizzix machines that helps cut the very thin to thinlit dies they carry and Tim Holtz makes. Meantime that plate should transfer to the Spellbinder machines too. I have both the regular 6" and the Platinum 8.5". All in all I am a HUGE FAN of thinking outside the box and DIY hacks if you will but I hate the word hack. I just believe in using common sense and being safe but also working through how to achieve things and coloring outside the lines so to speak. Love your showing what you tried and how it didn't quite make it and taking us through to what did work. I'm off to find a few colors in the Tuskineko inks . I live in the heart of the Rocky Mountain NW MT Forests with over 200 mature pine trees on our property so love love love Pine cones and pine branches and ordering a pine bow Letter Press plate today and knew I didn't have nor wanted to invest in yet another produt if I could. You were a twofur today as the saying goes. How to adapt my glimmer plates into letter press plates and then how to letter press outside the lines to boot. Hugs and kisses and all that messy stuff. Thank you....
Really glad to see someone show an option to this new machine. I love my hot foil machine but I'm not in the market for another machine that I need to find another spot for, possibly have to buy more supplies, and forget that I should remember to use it. Plus, I personally like embossing as opposed to debossing. Yes, I know the professional look, etc. It's a pricey little doodad that getting an awful lot of press. A bit like the resurgence of the wax seals.
Someone has a video showing how to use regular dies to do it.
Thanks - I love embossing too - the plates do give some raised areas as well as the debossed lines.
Jennifer McGuire has tons of videos doing letterpress BEFORE the betterpress
Gadgets, tools and machines are all awesome however, the ability to use creativity to utilize what you have (without getting more) is wonderful. I truly appreciate your video showing how a bit of ingenuity can save from having to spend more money. Card making and crafting can get expensive so thank you so much for these money saving tips!! Well done.
Thanks - glad it was useful.
I totally agree!
Beautiful! I am so sick of new machines being pushed at us. Times are tough. Really appreciate you showing us a way to use what we had. This was my thought as well. Thanks for being on top of this!
Glad it was useful!
Times are tough for the companies too when everyone has cut back on spending. I always take the view that if you can’t afford it then don’t buy it! I think people forget just how many big names are gifted most of their stuff too
@@traceybartlam7737 well said. I often wonder for those few crafters on TH-cam that say they “bought” the item at what discount? I believe the big crafters get large discounts in addition to fees when people buy what they are using. I am also sick of hearing that these are small businesses barely making it when many of their products are not even made in the USA. Many of the non stamp/die items they sell I have found exactly the same like the blending brushes and the stand on Ali express for 90% less and I am not buying a huge volume like these craft companies do which reduces their costs even further. They tell us not to buy from China, but then these companies do. I don’t know about others, but I did not buys a single craft thing this holiday season. 25% off a $25 stamp set with no dies is ridiculously expensive to me. I always say I cannot die until I use everything in my craft room. If true, I am going to live to be well over 100. Wishing you happy crafting!
Thanks for this option. The average crafter can’t keep up with all these gadgets even though we might love the resulting design! ❤
Thanks Deborah
What a great presentation showing the comprehensive trials and their results. You’ve made it possible for many of us to get great results without having another expensive machine. Well done and hope your cold gets better soon. Best wishes ❤
Thanks Marilee - glad you found it helpful.
Thank you so much for this video! I love the effect of the Betterpress, but I can’t justify buying it right now. Now I can get the same letterpress look! Thank you.
Glad it was useful!
Try spritzing with a bit of water, you get more definition. I put a piece of copy paper under die when inking then pull out before making my sandwich, that way you don't get over inking onto your cardstock.
I have the older letterpress by We R Memory Keepers along with all the old oil based inks. So glad it's come back around!
I have the same We R Letterpress, I was wondering if the plates would work...
I think I missed that system but feel I can do any letterpress without a system now.
I have it as well. I’m waiting for someone to make a video using it with betterpress plates. This technique is great though. I can use equipment I already have out without dragging out a bunch of other stuff in my little cramped crafting space.
Thank you for this video. I have the foiling machine (which I don’t use enough) and I’m now convinced that’s all I need. Smile😊
Glad its was useful!
Thank you for demonstrating this. I have to say the letterpress technique (what I’ve seen so far) doesn’t appeal to me. There are so many beautiful dies, stamps and embossing folders that make beautiful cards that I’m happy to stick with those. 😘
Yeah I think we sometimes think we have to do it all as crafters but if you have techniques you love then keep doing what makes you happy!
A great alternative to yet another expensive item to add to the ever increasing stash. Thanks for doing all the research Tara.
Thanks Leona!
Love it!!! Thank you for a well done video.... I hadn't thought of trying this, but certainly will now! Basically embossing folders act the same..just more limiting. You did a great service to a lot of people!
Thanks so much for taking the time to try out different paper and pressure options to get a really wonderful result.
Thanks Elizabeth!
Yep, just what I figured and was trying to experiment with. Didn't want to spend more money. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for this video. I have so many hot foil stamps but I have always had a struggle with my foiling machine with such limited hit and miss results. I was tempted to buy the letter press to try to use the stamps, but this is a much better alternative. Will be ordering the crease pad for sure.
Thanks Sarah - glad it was useful and hope you get some good results with the hot foil plates for letterpressing too. I just tried a full page one from the Greetery and it's awesome as a letterpress!
Tq 😊❤ I think I will stay with embossing
I honestly believe you can get a really good similar effect with a die and a rubber mat and the right depth of sandwich . It's just something else to buy and stand on the side of your craft room !!!
Thank you for this video. I have seen the examples of the better press machine and thought “that’s nice, but will I really use it?”. I’m glad you showed how to use the plates with a regualr big shot machine.
Thank you for the trial and error to find a way to do this without another big purchase.
glad it was useful!
Just what I have been looking for! I am a new subscriber because I just came across your channel with this video recommendation. A few years ago, I purchased some foil plates but I didn't have a foiling machine. I knew I could emboss with them and they worked perfectly with the right shim. I now own a foil machine but haven't use it, haha. Thank you for helping us figure this one out too. Love it!!!
Thanks for subscribing - so glad my video was helpful!
You got beautiful results! Good to know you can get he same look without spending a ton of money on a new machine!
Thanks - glad you liked the results!
Great video! I’m a newer crafter. I knew of letterpress before betterpress came out but never watched how to do it. I’ve seen some videos of using different paper and inks but it was all with the betterpress system still.
I figured eventually I’ll buy one but I don’t want to add an extra thing while I’m buying all the other staples.
Well done 👏👏 on such a great video. Well organised, to the point, and helping people to save money not spend it.
Thank you 👍👍
Great, saves buying another piece of kit to store. I'll try it out once I get a plate or two.
Glad I saw this. Alot out there for the Press. I don't have the room or justify another machine and not cheap. Love foiling, but not another machine.. not room. But I'm glad to see both the press and foiling plates can be used this was and getting great results. I love embossing, hsve a bunch of folders
Will experiment with some of my dies.the 2 pads you discussed about,have been called a squishy and a knock knock. One is soft and other hard. Lol thanks for sharing. Will experiment. And will look at those plates in a different way now.
Thanks Laura - happy experimenting!
Thanks - wanted to figure out how to use the beautiful images I have without buying more!
Glad you found it useful.
Thanks so much for this! I'm just not going to buy another machine right now. And this gives me options. Thank you so very much for doing all the experiments and finding what works. Thank you ❤.
You're welcome - so glad you found it useful
Great job. Thank you for doing all the guess work. Very fun and helpful👍❤️
Thanks Candi - glad it was helpful
That crease pad makes tbe best letter press! Fabulous.
Thanks! I have the foiling gadget & plates, but I hardly ever use it. That’s why I knew I wouldn’t buy the Better press. I’ll definitely try this technique w/ the crease pad. I have some of the old stationary that was supposed to be used in a press system. It’s feels like thick cotton cardstock. I’m going to try w/ it. 🥰
I think that cotton cardstock is supposed to be the best for letterpress but I found most of my 280-300gsm card worked just fine. Happy experiementing!
I’d love to know how your paper worked out, I suspect it’s a good part of how the results are. I’m going to have a go with watercolour paper I have which feels like it may “give” a bit 🤞
Thanks so much. I didn’t want to buy a new platform to use in my BigShot and this shows me it is possible to not need the platform
Very clear and concise instructions!
I knew there had to be a way to do this!!! Thank you for showing this. I just preordered a die cutter. Can't wait to try. I appreciate you showing all the results from trying.
Thank you for this hack! I just do not want to buy another machine but I really love the BetterPress look. TYFS 💛💛
Thank you so much for sharing this process. I like the look of the letterpress but am not going to buy another machine, Off to buy a crease pad !!
Glad it was useful!
Happy to see an option without buying g the tool..makes me want to experiment. Thanks
Thanks Jane - have fun experimenting!
Thank you so much for experimenting with this, instant sub. I love some of the better press plate styles and have some glimmer plates. I want to see if I enjoy the process before I invest in another product. I do enjoy the glimmering and continue to use my glimmer system. I have seen another YTer do some glimmering with the better press plates. It's really too bad Spellbinders didn't design the betterpress to use the same thickness as glimmer plates. I used my glimmer plates before I got a machine with stamping foam that you can heat and press the plate into, works with anything that doesn't have words. Looking forward to your next video.
Thanks so much for subscribing. Oh I've not tried to foil with the plate - will experiment with that next. Yes its a shame there isn't more compatability across the platforms :(
@@SevenHillsCrafts The YTer who did that was Nancy Stamps if you want to check it out.
Thank you for this. I had seen that you could do this and could not remember the steps. So Yay, yay I just purchased a crease pad. Bonus.
Glad I could help!
REALLY liked this vid! Way too go hun.
Thanks Kirsty!
Excellent video, well done. I like the betterpress effect but like many fellow crafters I don't particularly want to buy another machine. And I understsnd that for the machine to produce the best results you have to also buy cotton paper and special ink
So this option is much more attractive. Thank you.
Thank you so much I really really enjoyed watching you create these amazing and beautiful card’s with those new embossing thing’s. I’ve subscribed and given you a thumb’s up too. Please stay safe and well too. I’m very very impressed with your style of teaching.
Thank you so much - as a newbie to video creation I really appreciate that.
Thank you so much for sharing. I'm a bit late to the party! I love the look of some of the letterpress plates but really don't want to have to buy another machine. Off to buy a crease pad now.
Thank you so much Tara. That's really helpful. I have a new Spellbinder die machine, but my old Big Shot is tucked away in the cupboard. Think I'll have to get it out and play.
Thanks Deborah - I don't have a different machine to try the sandwich in but I guess as long as the thickness matches existing plates on your machines and it fits the width then I guess you could try a crease plate in other machines if those brands don't offer an equivalent .
Great tips and tricks especially fridge friend and Tupperware containers
Just letting you know in case you need to try and comment elsewhere that I hink you might have clicked on the wrong video as there are no tupperware containers in this.
Wow! Thank you for sharing. That was very informative 🙏
Thanks - glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing this technique. I thought there was probably another way of letterpressing than having to purchase yet another machine. I have a Gemini & hot foil plate. And quite a few spellbinders die plates. I’ll have to have a play, with just the die plate. Love the video. Xx
Thanks Tracey - glad it was useful!
Great video and very well done! So helpful. 😊 I use Anna Griffin Empress with my plates.
Oh Wow..perfect. I knew there was a way. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks - I was determined not to buy another new gadget too so glad I could help you!
You are a genus! Thank you for sharing this idea!
Thanks Jeanette!
Love the impression on the pink card stock.
Thanks - yes I was surprised how well it worked on coloured card but it gives a lovely result.
Tara, thank you so much for showing us this technique! Can´t wait to try :)
Thanks Ana!
❤❤❤this idea. Nice job I will try this.
Thanks Martha - have fun with it!
Thank you for answering one of my questions there ❤
Thanks, glad it was useful
They are like embossing a design on your card stock cool. But I am not sure if I need more things. I am sorta interested, though it looks real good
Very helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Love this tutorial
Thanks Lisa
Thank you. ❤
Thank you - a great video
Thanks Sheri!
Could you please link the card stock that worked best for you? So love the machine that so many already have can render fabulous results such as you achieved… many thanks
Hi Darlene - I didn't use any fancy cardstock - any thing that has a decent thickness will work fine. Whilst betterpress suggest you need linen paper which is very expensive I found that any 300gsm card worked fine. I used some hero arts coloured, some standard white (not branded I buy cheap bulk in the UK) and some papermania kraft card fronts.
@@SevenHillsCrafts thank you for your efforts to help. I can’t afford so many items either.
OK I did more investigating the inks used here. It appears to be Tsukineko, Claire and they are a pigment that stays moist longer than dye inks. This can be used to your favor if you want to emboss especially helpful but you can use a heat gun to help dry just don't linger too long on any part of your design. Now as to my situation. I did want some bling even subdued bling but BLING none the less. So here's what I eventually tracked down there is also Tsukineko, Delicata and that has what they call shimmer to them. Stars on their boxes help identify these ink pads. Again it too is a pigment ink. I ordered that in Rose Gold, Copper, Gold, Silver, Emerald Green, Ruby, and a Pink. They make a shimmer brown and even a black and white. So I skipped the black and white for now because I already covered those just not in shimmer colors. Most people like the shimmer effect but sometimes people insist they can not see any shimmering effect at all. Not sure what would happen but I'm thinking it could do with media and how saturated your dies were or how many times you added more layers or reinked your dies and repressed with your ink press or block. I'm not sure if there's a way to get a total high gloss silver, gold metallic tone but I'm happy to know I get a little bit using the Gold and Copper and Silver. I'm not after mirror shiny. In other words not trying to get a full foiling look here like you get using foil sheets and heat pressing. I am not positive but several other sites doing similar and slightly different uses of their foiling dies to emboss or deemboss also recommend pigment dies more than other dye inks. Tsukineko, makes a number of leading inks including the StazOn inks. Not the other way around. So Claire is for basic colors no bling and Dleicata has a metallic element. Hope this helps. I intend to try inking with clear embossing pad and then adding embossing powder in fine or ultra fine silver and gold to see if I can achieve close to foiling without foiling. I have plenty of foiling sheets too but doubt I can get it to stick to the embossing fluid. Or any ink pad even pigments. Hope I didn't make this more complicated than it is. PS today JoAnn has the Dleicata in a few colors on really good sale with 1.99 shipping. I took advantage and ordered 4 of her offered colors. I already have over 8 different colors of the Claire used on this video.
This is wonderful! Thank you for showing this on video. I like the idea of this new tool, but did nor want to buy another expensive product. I'm definitely going to give this a try. I heard that glimmer foil plates could be used in a similar manner. Have you tried foil plates to emboss paper? Thank you again! I really enjoyed your video. I'm a new subscriber.❤
Hi Susan - yes the sentiment I used in the video is actually a spellbinders hot foil one and I've since tried using a card front sized hot foil plate from the greetery and that worked a treat as a letterpress plate too
P
Find all our Press Plates to use this technique in store here sevenhillscrafts.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=press+plate
This is cool, I added that crease plate to my Amazon cart 😊
Thanks glad it was useful - I think I should have got Amazon to put me on commission - lol!
Stunning cards.
Thank you!
Brava!
that's very clever, thank you!
Thanks!
Brilliant... thank you so much!
Thank you
Wonderful. Looks great
Thanks
Thank you
Thanks for the tip great video
Thanks!
So glad that I saw your video...much easier than using yet another new gadget. Does it matter which ink you use and have you tried using cotton watercolour paper as well? Would be interested to know and then I might buy one of the dies.
Hi Judith - I didn't try with cotton watercolour paper as I don't have any - I think betterpress suggest that is required for their platform but as I don't have that (and don't intend to buy it) I just tested the plate with what I had on hand so just used standard unbranded 300gsm white card and some hero arts coloured card I had on hand. If you want to try watercolour paper, i would just suggest you use a reasonable thickness - the thinner stuff I suspect would tear. I think you need a "dryer/stickier" ink for this to work. I used versafine clair which is strongly pigmented and it worked brilliantly and comes in a good range of colours - we stock those in store along with the matching reinkers. It is my go to ink for sentiment stamping too.
The Better Press is overpriced like all the machines that come out. I'll use what I have just like you do!!😊
Could you put a piece of computer paper between magnetic plate and the stamps for easier lift off when done?
I've not tried that, but perhaps a slip of paper underneath would help lift it back off if you find your struggle - you'd have to give it a test before you applied ink to see if it works I guess.
Have you compared the Misti pad (for photopolymer stamps) with this crease pad? Just looking at the video, they look very similar.
Hi Sarah - sorry I'm not a misti user so don't have the pad to compare
Your handel on your machine sounds loose .I have never seen the plate you are using is it new and your doing a beauitful work.
Yes I do have issues with the screw falling out on my machine - its very well used! The plates are new from Altenew - they had two this month. This is the one I used sevenhillscrafts.co.uk/brands/altenew/alt-daity-flower-garden-press-plate.html
Did the water color work ok on card stock or should you use watercolor paper?
Hi Barbara - I didn't actually do any water colouring with this technique - this video is all about getting a letterpress effect without the expense of the new machine or fancy paper. If you wanted to apply water colour over the letterpress effect then you would probably need watercolour paper but I'm afraid I can't advise further as I haven't tested it myself - I'd just say grab a sheet of whatever paper you have and give it a go!
Great!! Thank you
Thanks
I have the betterpress and to be honest there is no difference in results. If anything it might have a bit more of an impression. If I'd of seen this before I don't think I'd of bought it
Hi Donna - sorry you invested and didn't get the results you wanted - maybe a bit more practice will get you there.
Can one use a Spellbinder Shapeabilities plate to letterpress?
Hi Cleie - I don't have a spellbinders die cut machine so I can't comment. All I can suggest is you try it with the different plates you have available and just don't force any sandwich that feels too thick.
Do you know if they will work with a cuttlebug or Gopower &Emboss machine???
Hi June - sorry I only have the two sizes of sizzix machines - big shot and big shot pro so I can't say if it will work in those machines. Maybe google to see if they have crease pads or check the measurements of a crease pad to see if it will fit in your machine - just test gently if you try it as I wouldn't want you to break your machine if the sandwich isn't correct.
This is great, thank you :D
Thank you
Cheers for this. Xx
Thanks
Could you put your card stock down first then die upside down in your sandwich? Or is it better the way you show it ? Thanks ☺️
I believe it is generally better to do it with the card on top when debossing/embossing as the paper gets pressed into the die, but I guess you could try with the card on top of the crease pad and pressing down into it.
Thanks so much for this!
Will the Sissix embossing mat do the trick as well? Or does it need to be "hard"?
Also, I noticed that they released specific inks for the better press - do you need to use a specific type of ink, or will any ink work?
Thanks again!
The ink for the better press seems to be thicker so it doesn’t flow down into the plate details. I do have the better press and have been using other inks with it
@@kiminalaska9363 thanks 🤗
Hi Tina - as I showed in the video, I didn't find that the embossing mat (the grey rubber) provided enough resistance so the debossed lines didnt show up. I used versafine ink for mine - I use those when I want a strong line so thought they would be best for this technique but tbh I have not yet tried any other inks. Stazon would probably work too - you want something more sticky and less runny to keep it from dribbling down where you don't want it if that makes sense.
@@SevenHillsCrafts makes sense with the ink. I noticed the mat you used, but mine is black (from Sissix) and it looks like it might be a tiny bit thicker than yours 🤔
As of now I don't have either plates nor mat, so we'll see. Eventually 🙈
@@tinawilstrup955 Ah OK - maybe the mats are different in the UK - its is a sizzix one I used and they're grey here so I can't comment on the black one. Just try it with the same sandwich you normally use it with I guess and see if it works once you get a plate to test with.
Why don't you put some copy paper under the die to stamp with the ink ?
Thankyou for showing an alternative idea. Personally the Betterpress is not for me as it's just another purchase I think I can live without.
Glad it helped give you an alternative to purchase
Did you use better press ink?
No as I explained on the video - I used Versafine Clair. This is a crisp sticky ink and worked perfectly.
Is the die cutting side up or down?? Thanks!
It's not a die as such, it's an impression plate so not designed to cut. You want it pattern side up with the card on top and the crease plate on top of the card so the card is pressed down into it. Hope that helps!
These are lovely. But I didn’t think letter pressing had any embossing, only debossing. Am I wrong?
I believe the difference is that the ink goes on the debossed lines. In creating debossed lines, though, what's around the lines is higher than the lines themselves, which makes it feel like those bits are embossed. She keeps referring to the embossed part, but in letter pressing, you're right - the debossed bit is the point, for the ink. The embossed bits are a byproduct, if that makes any sense?
@@lucyc @Julie-jh6yx
@julie-jh6yx Yes Lucy is correct - by embossed I just meant the raised up areas created by the impression the plate gives into the paper, for every "in" area there is an "outie" too if that makes sense. Sorry if my terminology wasn't accurate - it wasn't a rehearsed video or over-dubbed I just talk as I go!
No, I wasn’t trying to challenge what you said, just wanted to clarify. I have the BetterPress system, and while it gives a very detailed and precise look, you really can’t see (only feel) the debossed lines. Those you’ve shown are quite striking and very visible! 💕
You’ve proven that the plates can be used without the BP system BUT that plate costs $24 US. In 3 purchases, I would invest almost as much as buying the smaller Better Press system which has a lovely plate, sentiment and ink AND a much better way of putting the sandwich together. But the plates cannot be used for anything else (cutting or foiling). That is what stops me from buying into this new fad. The plates. They’re expensive and have limited use, no matter what system you use.
Yes I guess buying the plates can get expensive but dies and hot foil plates are too. For me being able to buy a variety of those without the need to buy a new system to use them was a saving but I guess not for everyone.
I think betterpress machine is a waste of money for me. This technique is easy and elegant. You can use hot foil dies or regular dies too w the rubber mat!
I blew up a crossover machine by trying something that should not be done so a very expensive try (400,00) so I do only what
Should be done with machines. We are not forced to buy things if you can’t afford it don’t buy …don’t buy those expensive
Coffee for a month and you have a machine.
Yep - I'm not advocating anyone do anything that would damage their machine. A crease plate is designed to fit in a machine - and it just gives the same look for those that don't want to invest in a betterpress. Those that want to buy one can of course skip coffee or maybe Santa will bring one ;-)
Have you ever heard of cough drops????
Thank you for your video on this. I googled this very subject how to use these letter press dies without a Betterpress. Voila here YOU ARE with the Answers and MORE. For those who are curious the ink being used is Tsukineko I think it is made by StazOn or someone makes both and other lines of inks too. I just happen to have lots of glimmer dies and though I love the foiled effects they create there are tricks to getting everything just right and over time I've let my glimmer ware and dies just sit in the drawers unused sadly waiting on life. NOW I get to give them an entire NEW LIFE. I love embossing plates. And yet fight their limitations. The smaller ones can leave lines around larger sized card stock forced then to cut it down to size. This too happens with the smallest of embossing folders you end up having to cut them out and adding as a topper glued onto your card. This may work for those too. I have Sizzix and Spellbinder die cut and embossing machines plus two other electrics that probably won't take this sandwich but my others will. The Gemini does not have a wide mouth opening and I'm not positive how the new Empress works as I haven't opened it and set it up yet. (I got it on a huge sale almost half off. I couldn't resist trying one more time for an electric machine though my past history tells me forget that. I hate the Gemini it's ruined several Tim Holtz cut and emboss special 3D extra deep folding shaped emboss dies. Pretty much quit using it and it's also very very loud. The Empress is suppose to be whisper quite. I have a nerve condition that makes me sensitive to sounds. So here we are and loving it today. Your video is so helpful. I have grease mats in 2 sizes it turns out on hand. I forget why I bought them a few years back but I have brandnew ones waiting in the wings. I also find the Sizzix and the Spellbinder machines are very similar. I have both their normal solid platforms with and without the magnets and the flip book platform for the Sizzix as well as the newer Universal platform system for the Platinum. The hope here was to use my many Diamond Press dies in these bigger machines. I just ordered a special plate addition or not sure what one calls it a plate or platform add on for the Sizzix machines that helps cut the very thin to thinlit dies they carry and Tim Holtz makes. Meantime that plate should transfer to the Spellbinder machines too. I have both the regular 6" and the Platinum 8.5". All in all I am a HUGE FAN of thinking outside the box and DIY hacks if you will but I hate the word hack. I just believe in using common sense and being safe but also working through how to achieve things and coloring outside the lines so to speak. Love your showing what you tried and how it didn't quite make it and taking us through to what did work. I'm off to find a few colors in the Tuskineko inks . I live in the heart of the Rocky Mountain NW MT Forests with over 200 mature pine trees on our property so love love love Pine cones and pine branches and ordering a pine bow Letter Press plate today and knew I didn't have nor wanted to invest in yet another produt if I could. You were a twofur today as the saying goes. How to adapt my glimmer plates into letter press plates and then how to letter press outside the lines to boot. Hugs and kisses and all that messy stuff. Thank you....
Thank You!
Thank you!!