Do you have backgrounds to spare? I know I do!
I’m often asked, “What do you actually DO with all those backgrounds you make?” Well, today I have proof that I really do turn them into cards… sometimes! 😂 After testing the NEW Spellbinders Glimmer II during my recent YouTube LIVE, I have three very different hot foiling card ideas to share!
Let’s start with a peek at these two snowy Christmas cards!
Grab a cuppa and watch the video right here, or head over to YouTube to see it in HD.
Also, this post contains affiliate links. If you choose to click and shop, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support both me and the crafty shops we all love. Thanks a bunch 🥰!
Hot Foiling Card Ideas
I had so much fun testing the new Spellbinders Glimmer II during my recent LIVE! It was my first time using a Glimmer, and we tried a few different techniques, including hot foiling with BetterPress plates and using the leftover foil to create a reverse image.
We even tried hot foiling with an embossing folder! Definitely not for the faint-hearted 😂 but I’m planning to experiment a little more with this technique, so watch this space!
Of course, every sandwich will be a little different depending on the machine, embossing folder, cardstock and foil you’re using. But, as promised, here are the sandwiches I used during the LIVE.
HOT FOILING SANDWICH CHEAT SHEET
All layers are listed from bottom to top, starting with the heated Glimmer plate.
1. Basic Hot Foiling
- Hot Foil Plate
- Hot Foil – shiny (pretty) side facing DOWN towards the plate
- Cardstock
- Thin Shim (pale green plate)
- Spacer Pad (clear plate)
2. Reverse Foiling
- A2 Solid Rectangle (metal reverse foil plate)
- Leftover patterned foil – shiny side DOWN
- Cardstock – smoother or specialty foiling cardstock gives me the best results
- Thin Shim (pale green plate)
- Spacer Pad (clear plate)
3. Hot Foiling with a 2D Embossing Folder
- A2 Solid Rectangle
- Hot Foil – shiny side DOWN
- Cardstock
- Embossing Folder – raised side facing the plate
- Spacer Pad (clear plate)
4. Hot Foiling with a 3D Embossing Folder
- A2 Solid Rectangle
- Hot Foil – shiny side DOWN
- Cardstock
- Embossing Folder – raised side facing the plate
- Cardboard or cardstock shims – 2-3 depending on thickness
- Thin Shim (pale green plate)
PLEASE NOTE: These are the experimental sandwiches I used during my LIVE with the Spellbinders Glimmer II. Results and pressure requirements may vary depending on your machine, folder, foil and cardstock. Embossing folder foiling is an experimental technique, not a standard manufacturer-approved Glimmer sandwich. Only use materials rated for the heat and pressure involved, and never force a sandwich through your die-cutting machine.
Want to save these sandwiches?
Click below to copy them, then paste them into your Notes app, email or wherever you like.
A huge thanks to Linda Dalke from Papercraft in Australia, whose video inspired me to try hot foiling with embossing folders! She shared some fabulous tips and tricks, and you can check out her video here. Thanks for the inspiration, Linda!
Card #1 – Positive Snowflake Background
I started with some basic hot foiling and stepped it up using one of my favourites – Opaque White Foil! It’s particularly great for sentiments and, as you can see here, backgrounds too. I chose navy cardstock to show that you don’t always have to foil on white.
I kept the design clean and simple using some older but fun products, leaving the background to shine (pardon the pun!). 😂
Card #2 – Reverse Foiled Snowflakes
I didn’t want to waste that gorgeous leftover foil, and this is where the solid plate really comes into its own! I was able to use it to create a whole new reversed snowflake background.
Once again, I reached for some older supplies to finish the card, I love that many of our supplies are timeless if you love them enough.
PRO TIP: Did you know you can also use leftover hot foil with toner sheets and a laminator? It’s another fabulous way to get more from your foil! Check out this Quick Tip Video to see how.
Card #2 – Hot Foiling on Acetate
After playing with the embossing folder techniques, I decided to finish the LIVE with one more idea… did you know you can hot foil on acetate?
I used bright pink foil with a floral BetterPress plate, then added color with the coordinating layering stencils. To finish, I wrapped the acetate around the panel to create a full-panel shaker, added some iridescent sequins and a simple white heat-embossed sentiment on black cardstock.
I think this one might just be my favourite!
PRO TIP: When hot foiling on heat-resistant acetate, I used the same sandwich as regular cardstock. Just make sure your acetate is suitable for hot foiling!
Over to You!
Do you have a pile of backgrounds waiting to become cards too? Maybe it’s time to give a few of them some love!
I hope these hot foiling card ideas have inspired you to try something different, or simply make the most of what you’ve already created.
I’d love to know, which of these three cards is your favourite?
I’ll be back soon, until then,
Happy Papercrafting!
Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things! 😄
Let’s Shop!
Stamps & Dies: Spellbinders – Floral Celebration – My Favorite Things – Merry Moments – Ellen Hutson – Snowflakes – Hero Arts – Sledding
Cardstock: Altenew – Dark Night | Milky Way Glitter Cardstock.
Inks: Altenew – Sea Breeze | Frosted Seaglass | Buttercream | Frosty Pink | Coral Berry | Forest Green | Lime | Navy | Heartbeat.
Copics: 0 | E00,34,37,40 | R05,22,29 | W7 | C1,7 | T2,4.
*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Today's Supplies
 Glimmer II Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK | OTH | |
 A2 Solid Rectangle Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 Opaque Black & White Hot Foil Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 Opaque White Hot Foil Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 Snowfall Shimmer Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 Nesting Postage Die Shop at: SSS |
 Acetate Shop at: SSS |
 Hammermill Shop at: SSS |
 Clear Iridescent Sequins Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Copic Markers Shop at: SSS |
Basic Supplies:
 Neenah Solar 110 Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
 Neenah Solar 80 Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
 Nocturne Shop at: SSS |
 Fresh Dye Inks Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brush Set Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Tweezers Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Perfect Picker Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Fine Blade Scissors Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Bone Folder Shop at: ALT |
 Score Board Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Paper Trimmer Shop at: SSS |
 Mini MISTI Shop at: SSS |
 Stampwheel Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Sticky Grid Mat Ultra Shop at: ALT | SSS | SB US |
 Platinum 6 Shop at: ALT | SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 BetterPress SB Shop at: ALT | SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 Glue Tape Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Foam Tape Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Bearly Art Glue Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
 Satin Masking Tape Shop at: ALT |
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