Cuttlebug Border Embossing Folders and Plumber’s Gasket

I posted some cards last week on which I used the Cuttlebug border embossing folders and some plumber’s gasket. A couple of people asked for a more detailed explanation of just how the technique is done, so I got out the folders and the camera and here’s how I do it.

This is the plumber’s gasket. It looks a lot like the red rubber from which stamps are made and it comes in 6” x 6” pieces. I use the 1/8” thickness. I do have some that is 1/16” thick, but I really can’t remember why I bought it. I suppose it would work as well, but the sandwich would need to be different.

Trim it (I use the Tim Holtz scissors) so that it is slightly narrower than the embossing folder but make sure it covers all of the design.

                 

This is one of the really skinny folders.

 

It is a little hard to see in this photo but it is just a smidge narrower.

       

Next, place your cardstock in the folder and place it on the Big Shot platform, with just Tab 1 open. I know, I see the warning - “This is not a cutting surface!” but we aren’t cutting anything so just ignore that. Place the plumber’s gasket on top of the folder.

Put a clear plate on top and run it through the machine. My clear plate is well loved, as you can see.

There you go – a nice impression without the lines of the folder.

I do apologize to those of you with a Cuttlebug, I don’t have one so I have no idea what sandwich to use. I suggest trying just the A plate and the C plate with the plumber’s gasket, if it isn’t too thick to roll through. Do not ever force it through, it could damage the machine! If it is too thick, try shimming with layers of cardstock or chipboard with the A plate and B plate.

I bought the plumber’s gasket – actually DH bought it for me – at either Lowe’s or Home Depot in, of course, the plumbing section. It’s not expensive at all, I think it was less than $5. If you can’t find it you can always cut strips of chipboard and glue them together to make the same thickness and that should work just fine.

This method will work on the smaller square or rectangle folders, too, just cut the gasket the same way – a little smaller than the folder. It just occurred to me that it might even work for partial embossing, if you just wanted to use a portion of the regular size folder. I can’t imagine cutting a piece out of the center of the gasket, but if you only wanted to emboss half of a piece of cardstock, this just might work. I have to go give it a try now!

I hope this helps. Not go find those neglected folders and emboss something!