Crafting tools have a way of being hot, warm, cool, cold, then hot once again. The prices we pay for these tools can be a bit high. Trending is not something I follow. Heck, I can’t keep track of myself let alone what is the newest trend.
While I am in between things to do, here at Message In A Fold….yes I’m just a bit full of myself :D, I have been going through my cupboards and stashes. Once in a while I run across something that I totally forgot I had.
A hidden treasure
In 2004 I bought the Fiskars Shape Boss. It, at that time, was the “must have” tool for every scrapbook artist and card maker. I used in in my daughter’s wedding album in 2005 and then stuck it away and it has been neglected ever since then.
This is what one looks like….if you don’t have one already.
Fiskars Shape Boss
Shape Boss
This comes with bright orange pegs (or mine did at the time). These are to hold the templates in place and keep them from wiggling around while you are working.
Pegs
The overlays come in two sizes. Overlays are purchased separately. Large for 12 x 12 and a medium one for 8-1/2 x 11.
12 x 12 overlay
8-1/2 x 11 overlay
There are two pieces to each overlay. A gray bottom piece and a clear overlay for the top. The clear overlay is marked with grid lines that help to align your paper between the layers.
2 pieces to the overlays
Line up the holes in the overlay with the holes in the Shape Boss. There are holes on all sides of the 12 x 12. The 8-1/2 x 11 have the three holes on the longer sides.
Line up the holes
Closer view of the holes
Insert the pegs. Don’t push them too hard in the holes. You will have to round up some pliers to get those suckers out if you really mash them in. Just push the pegs in the holes far enough that raising the top layer doesn’t send the pegs flying off the board.
Insert pegs
Raise the top layer and scoot your paper between the two layers. The Fiskars site recommends to add a sheet of wax paper over the card stock at this time. I just now found that out. I don’t go much for reading directions. Maybe that is why I have to struggle with things….ya think?
Insert card stock between layers of the overlay
Align the card stock within the grid lines. This will help you when you begin the embossing process. Once you take it out to have a look you can put it back in the right spot if you align it at first.
Align the card stock at the grid lines
Card stock inserted
If you want to use the interior panels instead of the borders, align your paper with the “Registration Marks” located in the interior panels.
Registration Marks
When I purchased this Shape Boss it came with a stylus. I don’t know if they still do. Now use your stylus within the overlay piece you want to use.
Stylus
You may be wondering what this is all about. I need to get back to making some cards. I’ve used four techniques for each size….12 x 12 and 8-1/2 x 11.
12 x 12:
Heat Embossing: I used VersaMark and some really old and pretty turquoise powder I’ve had for a long, long time. When heat embossing your embossed image, there are a couple things you need to do.
FIRST. Really, and I mean REALLY, rub over the paper – not so hard you flatten all you work – with an Embossing Buddy, dryer sheet, or whatever you use to remove the static from paper. If you don’t do this you will be spending a lot of time brushing off the excess embossing powder. Let me tell you this from personal experience.
SECOND. When using the VersaMark, or any other embossing ink pad, keep the pad FLAT. Very light pressure on the pad against the card stock and swipe in long strokes. Don’t mash the ink pad to the paper. You will have a huge mess then when it comes to heat this. Easy swipes will make for a cleaned heat embossed image.
Heat emboss over the embossed image
Chalk: While the card stock is sandwiched between the overlay you can use chalks to fill in the image. Use the overlay as your guide.
You can chalk the embossed image once you have it out of the overlay.
Chalk
Colored Markers: Those of you that are adept at using the Copic or other markers will have fun with this. Even those of us that are a bit dangerous wielding the markers can have fun.
Colored Markers
Ink: Smearing it all up with ink is fun as well. The different depths of color you get while sponging on is a joy to see.
Ink
Now for the 8-1/2 x 11 Overlay.
Twinkling H2O’s or other Shimmer Paints: Trying to see the embossed image on this white paper was a bit of a challenge but it turned out pretty good. There are so many products on the market today that can give this old tool a face lift and these sparkly paints are just one of them.
Sorry for the out of focus shot here. There is nothing that can hide my bad stamping skills 😀
Shimmery paints
Just look at all the sparkle 😀 Oooooh, pretty 😀
Oh so shiny
Chalk: As with the 12 x 12…you can chalk your image using the overlay instead of pressure embossing the image. With a Q-Tip and chalk colors of your choice it is really easy to make this embossed image pop. It even helped my stamping skills 😀
Chalk
Colored Markers: Same as with the 12 x 12. Use your Copic or other colored markers to make the raised embossed image pop out.
Colored markers
Ink: Once again, sponge ink over the embossed image to bring the shape out from hiding 😀
Ink
I like the convenience and speed available with the Embossing Folders from Sizzix, Cuttlebug, Tim Holtz, and Stampin’ Up!. Load the paper and crank it through the machine for awesome results.
There is just something about doing this old style way. Taking the time to press with the stylus and work it around to get the image. It can make for a “Zen” hour. Do something that requires very little thought to give your mind a chance to relax in a meditative state. Hurry another day….or soon after creating the image 😀
So, if you have one of these tools hiding away in your stash….bring it out and play with it for a while. What kinds of things can YOU come up with using the products you have? The ideas are endless….
Stickles
Glimmer Mists
Alcohol Inks
Acrylic Paint….that might be something to try. Paint the paper with the acrylic paint, let it dry then do the embossing. The paint will break off in places….ooooh, that sounds like fun 😀
Inks and mists
Perfect Pearls
Micro beads and glue
Just think of ways you can use this tool. Emboss on journal tags. Mini album embellishments. Card fronts. Scrapbook pages. Emboss a photo with a lot of open space.
Okay, I’ve talked myself into going back into my room and play with this thing again 😀
Message In A Fold 