Please Watch this Solution for Thick Embossing Folders and Your Die Cutting Machine

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[@marypolancodesigns]

This is just ONE solution! Share what works for you too; we are all here to learn.

[@sandratheprocraftinator945]

I’m now watching the video now, yea the shims lol, I have used card board for the cereal boxes

[@kerriegood1046]

I have started writing the layering plates with sharpie on the folders- to help remind me of what worked last time. We think we will remember, but........

[@sandratheprocraftinator945]

Great idea, that will save a lot of time. I always have mess with a sandwich “layer” yea sometimes I feel like I’m gonna break it

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so right...thats' why I do videos. hahaha

[@kkrolf2782]

Thx bunches for the tip!! I think I’ll put my notations on the piece of cardstock I slid into each of my folders (makes it SOOO much easier to see what the folder is of!!)

[@sandratheprocraftinator945]

@@marypolancodesigns lol I don’t do videos but I learn from them and the comments and I also share some tips in comments

[@Dotalina33]

So glad I’m not alone with the 3D folder problem. I literally tried everything but ended up with 3-4 pieces of boxes(like cereal) instead of the recommended plate. Even some other brands don’t run thru smoothly. But this works. Thanks for affirming I’m not out of my mind!😆

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing your ideas. No you are not crazy.....OR we all are. ahhaha

[@gigiandrews5327]

You are beyond kind offering your classes where anyone can afford to avail themselves to your expertise and kindness. ❤❤❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

It's my pleasure, I just want as many to come as possible! YAY

[@Boatpeep]

"You Tube University" ! That is hilarious! Great tip, thank you!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahaha....I heard that one day and won't stop using it.

[@cindym9851]

In my experience, it’s best to put the rubber mat close to the embossing folder, with your shim arrangement as the outside layer. I tried the rubber mat on the outside once and it fed up into the roller system of my Big Shot!😖😖. Totally thought I was going to have to pitch the Big Shot as the mat wasn’t getting unstuck, no matter what I tried. In desperation, my husband took the machine apart, untangled the sucker, and got the machine back together. Thankfully it hadn’t effected the rollers or functioning of the machine.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oooh great tip; mine did get sucked up in there when I did another piece of cardstock. I will try that next time. THANK YOU

[@kkrolf2782]

It’s SUCH a blessing to have a handy person in our lives!!

[@priscillabade614]

I have a binder with samples of embossing from each folder. They are attached to sheets of paper and put in page protectors. I write the sandwich directions on or next to the samples. But writing the directions on the folder itself sounds simpler.

[@marypolancodesigns]

PERFECT thank you so much for this idea!

[@andrealavigne7824]

I have the Tonic Tangerine die cutting machine. It doesn't have a platform per se, but cutting plate, top plate, embossing folder plate, embossing with a wafer thin die plate, & a silicone mat, which basically goes with the last plate I listed. Thankfully, each plate is a different color, so hard to confuse. I have found, though, even with "regular" 3D embossing folders, that they are all not the same thickness. So I have taken to experimenting with them as I use them, employing different combinations of plates, and sometimes only one plate under the folder. The plates for my machine are different thicknesses, so I can vary the total sandwich thickness. When I find what works, I use a permanent marker to write the sandwich on that particular folder, so I don't have to reinvent the wheel for each folder every time I use it. Thankfully, I have yet to break my machine and, yes, I do proceed with caution when I have to experiment! So that is probably another useful tip - label the folder with its particular sandwich. Thanks for sharing this. Take care, & have an awesome day! :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome thanks so much for sharing this!

[@lisak2575]

Thank you for sharing! I continue to use my Big Shot Plus and label each folder telling me what works. We do have Platinum 6 and a Platinum in our house and we all go to my Big Shot as it is less work. I will definitely keep the paper shims in mind for the Platinum machines.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are most welcome, thanks for sharing this

[@melissamakes4048]

I have the same problem with the Gemini. Haven't figured it out yet. 😂

[@marypolancodesigns]

Uggg. I'm sorry I don't have that machine or I'd pull it in my lab

[@lindam8528]

A friend gave me some old 3D sizzix plates but they clog up my gemini too Melissa. Thanks Mary, this gives me hope and inspiration that we can figure this out 💕

[@maureenhayes7318]

The easiest answer is to buy a Bira Craft machine with the dial you can set for embossing and die cutting, then you don’t have to do all this craziness. I appreciate Mary doing this video and I mean no disrespect, I just can’t with each embossing folder so I just finally decided to buy the new machine (less than $100) and it’s easier to use and store then the Big Shot or Spellbinder Platnium 6. No I don’t work for Bira Craft, just passing along what I hope helps others 🥰🥰🥰

[@marypolancodesigns]

Agree...great idea! Thanks so much!

[@teresawilson3316]

I think Bira Craft may of helped Gina K with a Machine with her name and specific things she wanted done. I am not sure if there is any difference between the two. So do you have different 3 D folders from Different companies and this machine works on all?

[@artcreationsbydar]

Wow! Mary! I have had so many problems with this issue. I quit buying the 3D ! I actually wrecked one of my folders! Thank goodness it wasn’t my machine. Thank you for this! I also liked one of the comments that she wrote on her panels as to which worked and what it was for! You are so gracious and I love your tips. :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes that was such a great tip, I agree. Thanks so much for this

[@Bellbirdblue]

We have a picture framing part to our gallery and have loads of offcuts. We use 2, 4 and 6 ply mounting board and it’s brilliant to make shims from. Our 4 ply is probably about the same thickness as your 4 pieces of watercolour paper. Most framing places will happily give offcuts for free and it will save your expensive watercolour paper. I can solve every sandwich conundrum with these shims.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome share, thank you

[@kcinca5410]

I've had this same issue with my Sizzix Big Shot Foldaway. Instead of using two cutting plates and no adapter plate, I switch the bottom cutting plate for the adapter plate, which they tell you you don't need when you're using the embossing folders but it's just the right thickness with those extra thick folders. I tried using a magic mat first and totally warped the magic mat. Live and learn.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY thank you for sharing this! I appreciate it so much

[@Harleylady2000-Teresa]

I can’t believe you did this I tried last nite a few times and was afraid I would break my machine well I’m playing around again tonight so I will definitely try this thank you 💐

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are welcome; you shouldn't feel uncomfortable pressure as you go through, just enough to get a good impression. I was shocked the one video I watched from Spellbinders, actually worked. lol

[@nancyloomis3046]

When I first started learning to use a die cutting machine, some years back now, I recall being thrilled with seeing the beautiful designs as I pulled them from the dies or lifted them from an embossing folder. Die cutting, (as opposed to die "making") while not exactly an "art" (till you put them to use on cards or something) still gives me a kick even now, when I see the crisp edges or swirls and curves of the textures and dimensions that imitate the texture of a flower, wood, brick, trees, stone, fur, fabric or hundreds of other objects that we can enjoy with only paper, dies, embossing folders and a die cutting machine.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us!

[@jenm1874]

Speaking of the Platinum 6……I recently purchased a Platinum 6 to replace my old Sizzix machine. Well, I am so frustrated with it as I can barely die cut on 80# cardstock, certainly not 110# AND the standard embossing folder that came with the machine is such a tight fit that it leaves stress marks on the cardstock where there shouldn’t be any. I emailed the company and showed them the sandwich I was using and they said I was doing it correctly. Have you heard of anyone else having a machine that’s just too ‘tight’ (for lack of a better word)? Thank you for your videos Mary!💕

[@marypolancodesigns]

I haven't but it really sounds like there is something wrong with your machine. Check out my video to see what is different. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5LblpZrZruYipYsi=bXqO6yqiUhsYvlHi

[@BlessedtobeMimi]

I ran into the same issue last week with my big shot. I ended up using my regular base with the silicone mat on top of that and then the folder and one plate.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tip thank you

[@whoooami2090]

Put your silicone mat underneath your card stock, or between the embossing folder and the base plate. That might help keep your silicone mat in shape..

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you for the tip! I tried putting my newly made shim on top but it warped it crazy. I'll keep trying.

[@RosyRosie42]

Yeah, Simon Says Stamp embossing folders are thick, Gina K folders are thin, and Altenew’s are perfect (Goldilocks) thickness. I’ve had to put a sticky note on each embossing folder to remind me of the sandwich that works best for it.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks for sharing!! That's a great tip!

[@gheester60]

I always spritz water on my paper when using a 3D folder. I also broke my Big Shot machine using a 3D folder. I may have had my sandwich wrong but I was having a terrible time experimenting with the sandwich. I was afraid my handle would break but a gear or something inside broke instead. I now have a Switch machine and it pulls them through easily.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes I've heard about the water spritzing; not sure why but it doesn't make a difference with the 3 D folders I have.

[@AlysonGold]

I will have to try this. I have so much trouble with figuring out shims and pressure for the 3D folders. Tyfs!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Give it a go, just might work for you.

[@nancyloomis3046]

I'd say experiment with various shim thicknesses, as you did and came up with a good solution for your machine and all.... and also you may spritz a bit of water mist on the paper to make it more pliable. I've done that before with intricate dies when the design doesn't come out as crisp and/or it's not releasing. I also think wax paper may help? I don't know, I have a few of the thicker embossing folders, but usually use my standard Sizzix Big Shot and don't recall having a problem. It's always helpful to pass on what works for you bc there are for sure other people having the same problem. ☺

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great tips thank you so much!

[@janisblevins662]

I have an OLD Big Shot and have been able to adapt so that 3D embossing folders work without any problems. But for other purposes, when I need an extra shim, I use the clear cutting mats from the kitchen section of Dollar Tree. You can cut them to what size you need and they last longer than a cardboard shim.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Love this thank you so much

[@lenoregibb3930]

I have a Big Shot machine and on the rare occasion a shim is needed, I keep one made of cereal box cardboard around. It seems to provide just the right pressure.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Brilliant idea; thank you !

[@beatrizaguillon1596]

Instead of the shims you used I just used a clear plate. Perfect! So it’s the base and one clear plate 👍🏼🩷🩷🩷

[@marypolancodesigns]

I tried with no success. Hmmm 😔

[@missyb.623]

I also call it KZbin university 😂😂 I have a strange collection of papers and cereal type box shims in my stash!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Love it, all things on deck and ready just in case. lol

[@Papiercutz]

The 3 D folders are nice, but rather troublesome. I stack scrap paper or junk mail on top of my folder. I tried the mat and it got stuck in my machine, so that's a no. I will purchase 2 D folders if I can find them instead.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm playing with both and not gonna lie...they are both equally cool. lol

[@deborahbuonomo296]

Hi Mary, I just signed up for your Embossing class. I have a suggestion for another live class, one where you show us how to inventory our craft stash. I know there are several apps out there but I don’t know which is best or how to use them. I started an excel spreadsheet for some of my supplies but I know there’s a better way to keep track of our crafty goodies.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Rut roh...I might need to TAKE a class on this not teach it. hahaha Although maybe I do have a good system; let me have a look and see if i can be helpful! :) Thank you so much

[@ShawnaEgan]

It would be safer to put the cardstock shims on the top so that the rollers do not suck up the flexible silicone mat.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth here! I think I mentioned that in the video; that happened to me. haha DOH

[@janebooth9279]

I was wondering if you could open the folder, put paper on each side & use a longer mat and run it through and get 2 separate embossed/debossed pieces

[@marypolancodesigns]

That's a great question; next time i'm in the "lab" I'll check that out. lol Thank you

[@guardself921]

This is soooo helpful. I’m a newer crafter and decided to just not buy anymore sizzix 3D embossing folders. I just couldn’t get them to work.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY so happy this is helpful and you get to use your folders.

[@reneecastorena9280]

Great tip. Love your channel. It has helped me a lot. 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm so glad! Thank you so much for letting me know.

[@sandratheprocraftinator945]

Lol yt university 1:21

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahaha...facts

[@mystichris1543]

I mark my embossing folders with a Sharpie too - it definitely helps me "remember" - LOL

[@marypolancodesigns]

Perfect idea!

[@katehudgens8428]

On I run a sample of the plate and then write what worked. Then I place the sample in the folder so it is easy to locate.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great thank you so much!

[@judibradshaw1948]

I have several embossing that I have to figure out “their sandwiches” as well!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes there are so many variables for sure. Thanks for this!

[@pattymccargar9019]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are most welcome!

[@michelegourd5742]

Thanks Mary, I have some like that!!! I also started added cardstock until it worked!!

[@kkrolf2782]

While watching Mary, I was wondering if it wouldn’t be better to put the watercolor paper ON TOP OF the silicone pad. Just wondering …

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wonderful! YAY!

[@marypolancodesigns]

I tried that just now, literally. It was good but bent my cardstock a lot more than the silicone on top. I think both work but see which you prefer.

[@KathyLuvsPaper]

A Cricut Joy Matt can make a good Matt.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awesome thank you

[@jenntonakSA]

I loved the stencil class, already registered for the embossing folder class!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wooohooo...so happy you'll be there!

[@denisejames855]

Thank you Mary, I have a Platinum 6 and suffer the same issues with 3D folders so stopped purchasing. I ended up so confused as to what I had tried, I began again and wrote it all down! I also followed the Spellbinder recommendations and think now that is superseded with thicker folders. I will certainly watch the replay of the course but as in Australia, time zones are a little disrupting for these occasions.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Part of why I record this stuff is so i can go back to my own videos when I get confused. hahaha It can all be a bit much.

[@patnunley2341]

After buying a beautiful 3-D embossing folder, I knew I was going to have a problem. I had already bought one but this one was a bigger problem. It must’ve been a little thicker. And it did not work, so I was looking at buying a different machine. I didn’t want to and so I remember in the back of my mind about shims. So great minds think alike. I did exactly what you did a little bit trial and error until I got the perfect pieces of paper and it turned out beautiful my kids call me the mad scientist.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YES....We are crafty scientists! I love this so much; so glad you found a solution too

[@sueb1828]

Great tip. I don’t own many embossing folders & specifically not 3D. TFS.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@lauravasquez-ithinksewblueribb]

Wish I could take the class but I’m already committed to something else that day. Maybe next time.

[@marypolancodesigns]

We will miss you tons! Yes maybe next time.

[@martyls1]

Yesterday, I thought I might have to get a new machine - thank you so very much. It worked beautifully!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wonderful! This is awesome news!

[@cordeliaalderman391]

Yeah, I hate those Sizzix 3D embossing folders. I forgot how many shims it takes me to get a good impression. Thanks for the tip!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are most welcome! When I run them through my sizzix Switch, they work great with the suggested embossing folder.

[@TD-bu9wv]

I use 110lb cardstock for shims, I never thought about the watercolor paper that's a great idea.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Think so much!

[@donnahunter8500]

I have a 3 ply shim and a 4 ply shim for different 3d folders but the silicone mat always gets eaten up for me so I don’t use it

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great thanks for sharing this!

[@paulawray6210]

Thanks! I spend lots of time trying 1 sheet of cardstock at a time! Now I know.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I hope it works for you too!

[@FLCraftyGirl]

OMG! I really needed this so much! Thanks! 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

You're so welcome!

[@annkleinschmidt5435]

I have the same machine as you, Mary. When using the Sissix 3D embossing folders, I found that using Plate A, then the folder and paper, and then Plate C works.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I can't find my plate C....DOH! lol

[@annkleinschmidt5435]

Do you use 2 magic mats for die cutting? I use 1 plate C and a magic mat. My plate C is bright pink if that might help finding yours.

[@callycatus]

laughing so much and I having a bad back have trouble with most things being to hard to push through my big shot 😁so I have a plethora of shims and cardboard pieces to even be able to use my new Christmas present big shot but do eventually find a shim thickness that allows me to get Good results with no back pain! yaay! ..Thankyou these idea's are always so helpful 😍🤗

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY so glad this was helpful!

[@kkrolf2782]

This isn’t about embossing, but rather REGARDING D I E C U T T I N G with your BigShot: To help with your back issues, check out a y.t. video by SHARON LUSKA - WHICH I’VE SWORN BY for about 2 years! At her suggestion I’ve been using a sandwich that incorporates 2 pieces of THICK VINYL SHEETING that I buy from the upholstery department at JoAnn’s. My sandwich consists of the Sizzix Base Plate, 2 layers of $🌳 Cutting Sheets (from the kitchen section), the BigShot “B” Shim, one clear “Cutting Plate”, one layer of Vinyl Sheeting, the Card Stock to be die cut, the Die, another layer of Vinyl Sheeting, and, lastly, the 2nd clear “Cutting Plate”. This tip has been a game-changer, allowing me more crafting time even though I have a replacement shoulder on one side, and one v-e-r-y damaged one on the other side. This marvelous hack is not only easy on OUR bodies, but also on our equipment!! My “cutting plates” are in no worse condition than when I started using this: no additional marring, NO WARPING !! That goes for the DIES as well. Because the Vinyl “gives” in the process, the cuts are clean, and the effort required to do the deed is ever so much less! DO UNDERSTAND that the Vinyl Sheets are sacrificial … you’ll need to replace them as the dies mar the surface.

[@lyndablankfeld5155]

I had the same problem, but I didn’t stop when you did. I tried to force it and now everything is stuck in my machine. Any idea how to get the sandwich out of the machine? My machine is electric cut them boss by Stampin Up and the reverse button doesn’t work.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YIKES! I'm so sorry, I almost did but I've already ruined one machine because of my carelessness. lol

[@kkrolf2782]

At this point you’ve nothing to lose, lynda … U N P L U G the machine FIRST !! Then take a screwdriver to every screw you can find - MAKING SURE YOU KEEP EACH ONE WHERE YOU CAN FIND IT, AND being sure that if more than one style of screw was used, that you note where each came from. It would probably be a good idea, as well, to video your progress so re-assembly might go smoothly. Good luck with this project, lynda … 😉👍

[@markandcindihoskins6925]

So awesome to have Mary University at hand!!! ❤❤❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Awww what a compliment thank you so much for this!

[@cathywalsh7473]

I have really struggled with this because I have the old Sizzix platform that has tabs and when it was made, I don’t think 3D embossing folders were made. I have found that I have to try every which way with different folders I have and especially folders that also have dies in them. Trial and error and remembering to write the instructions on the a stick note and putting it on each embossing folders.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Same thanks for sharing

[@mz.witchcrafter]

Just wanted to share that I use the Sizzix 3D folders with my P6 a lot and the regular clear plate with just the base always works for me. Warning: the first pass is quite tight and I go extremely slow. I put the open end of the folder toward the machine (usually it needs to go in spine-side first) and make sure its slightly crooked as well! And as always, use caution and only experiment as much as youre comfortable with!

[@kkrolf2782]

(( Someone else suggested Spritzing before running through the machine. Since your experience is that the first run-through is tight, but not so much the second time, do you think a little moisture would relax the fibers sufficiently to ease that first runout? Just musing … ))

[@mz.witchcrafter]

@@kkrolf2782 It does help a little, but I think that first run is actually causing the folder itself to compress and fold more completely than the manufacturing process can. Its almost like you're breaking it in. But I do spritz and I definitely recommend it! If nothing else, it seems to help the design stay crisp once it's embossed and dries.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for this!

[@marypolancodesigns]

I tried but was too scared to push it through. lol thank you

[@KerryMcGregor-x5j]

❤

[@ingrid2543]

This reminds me of when years ago I had a cuttlebug and new to card making, my friend showed me how to use a mouse pad for a shim. Plus we used other things like you are showing here. I had this same problem with the thick embossing folders like Stampin up ones.

[@kkrolf2782]

I rather like the idea of an actual mouse pad incorporated into the sandwich. Did you ever try using DIES to E M B O S S with, incorporating your nifty mouse pad idea??

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for sharing this !

[@marypolancodesigns]

A mouse pad seems so cool cause there's give to it.

[@ingrid2543]

@@marypolancodesigns yep, it worked for me, I still have my old ones 🙃

[@kkrolf2782]

@@ingrid2543 Me, too! I found two different thicknesses. One is W A Y too squishy … I’ll use that one for the kind of ephemera forming that Christine Stokes uses on occasion. The other is thinner … I’ll give that one a try for embossing! Be well, All!

[@mpbailey18]

Good reason to stick with Sizzix die cut machines...they work with EVERYTHING!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yeah my Sizzix Switch recommendation for this folder worked perfectly!