Cuttlebug Machine and Embossing Folders Work with Clear Scraps Acrylics

Most paper crafters, scrapbookers, and card makers are familiar with the Cuttlebug machine by Provo Craft. The Cuttlebug machine is not a new tool; these days, it is an old favorite, and Cuttlebugs are in use by paper crafters all over the world.

One popular feature of the Cuttlebug machine is its embossing capability. Most paper crafters are aware that the Cuttlebug machine can be used to emboss paper. However, even Cuttlebug owners are often surprised to learn that surfaces other than just paper can be embossed with the Cuttlebug machine and Cuttlebug Embossing Folders.

Clear acrylic is one unexpected surface that can be embossed with the Cuttlebug machine. However, it is critically important to use the correct brand of clear acrylic for successful embossing. Clear Scraps acrylic is the brand I recommend for embossing. Clear Scraps acrylics emboss beautifully!

As you would expect, most clear acrylics cannot be embossed. The majority of acrylics are either too thick or too inflexible to be embossed. Many acrylics will chip or crack if you attempt to emboss them. Some could even possibly break your machine, so use caution when experimenting if you attempt to emboss any acrylics other than Clear Scraps. It is possible that you might find other brands that can be embossed, although I do not presently know of any others. (If you do find other brands of acrylic that can be embossed, please leave a comment in the comments section and share your discoveries!)

How To Emboss Clear Scraps Acrylics With The Cuttlebug Machine:

Clear Scraps acrylics come in a variety of shapes, sizes and weights. The first step is to choose which acrylic you are going to use. You can easily cut out a piece to emboss from one of the Clear Scraps 12 x 12 acrylic sheets. Or you could emboss pages from the new Clear Scraps mini keychain albums, or even acrylic pages from the new Clear 'N' Chip sets. Any of the Clear Scraps acrylics that will fit in the Cuttlebug should be able to be embossed.

You should also be aware that Clear Sraps 12x12 acrylic sheets can actually be die cut in some die cutting machines too. Clear Scraps acrylics have been successfully die cut in the Sizzix machines and Accucut machines. Those are 2 that I know of that definitely work; there may be others as well, although not all die cutting machines can be used. So, you can easily die cut the Clear Scraps acrylic sheets and then emboss the die cut shapes to make unlimited creative die cut embellishments.

After you've selected a shape to emboss, choose an embossing folder to use. There are lots of different embossing folders to choose from, and each one can be used to create a variety of different effects; some are funky, some cute, some elegant, some trendy. I think all the Cuttlebug embossing folders are useful, but I have two current favorites. The first is the "Textile" embossing folder, which is gorgeous and elegant. My other favorite is the "Swiss Dots" embossing folder, which is a multi-purpose design that can be adapted to look either cute, trendy, elegant, funky, or any other way you want it to look, depending on how you color and embellish the surface after it has been embossed. Choose whichever embossing folder suits the project you have in mind.

Next, set up your Cuttlebug machine for embossing the acrylic. There are multiple "plates" available for use with the Cuttlebug machine. You'll need one A plate and 2 B plates to successfully emboss Clear Scraps acrylic. Put an A plate down first, then a B plate. Next, place your acrylic inside the embossing folder, and then sandwich it in between the first B plate and the second. Crank the entire stack through the Cuttlebug machine. It might take a bit more "elbow grease" to roll it through than just a plain paper would, but overall, it shouldn't be too difficult. Remove the embossed acrylic from the embossing folder. Voila, you have an embossed piece of acrylic! You can now use it in a scrapbook layout, greeting card, or other paper crafts project. You can also embellish it if you prefer.

Suggestions For Embellishing Embossed Acrylics:

There are almost unlimited ways that you can embellish embossed acrylics. Here are some suggestions:

You can color them with alcohol inks: Use Ranger alcohol inks, Pinata colors by Jacquard, or others.

You can ink them with Stazon Inks. If you gently rub the embossed side with ink, it will color the raised design.

You can get some interesting effects by stamping on the reverse side using Stazon.

You can color them or draw on them with a variety of different pens and markers: Zig Painty Pens, Copic Markers, Slick Writers by American Crafts, Sakura Permapaque Pens, Sakura Souffle Pens, Sharpies, or pretty much any other permanent marker or pen that will write on acrylic.

You can paint them with certain brands of acrylic paint.

You can embellish them with Stickles glitter glue by Ranger or Ranger Liquid Pearls.

You can add faux flowers, ribbon, or other 3-dimensional embellishments to them using Glue Dots or Solvent-based adhesive such as Zip Dry Paper Glue or Helmar 450.

Add glitter glass for a rich, dramatic sparkly effect.

I am sure you can think of lots of other creative possibilities too!