There are SO many ways to add foil to your projects and Julie is here to share 3 easy methods that are sure to knock your socks off!
Hello, there—it’s Julie! Here’s the thing: I love anything fast, fun and fabulous and these three foiling methods rank right up there (along with hot foil stamping, of course, but I’m focusing on these 3 methods today). Today’s ideas are totally what I had in mind when I designed the Winning Words Dies Set because it’s so nice to send encouragement to someone who’s been facing challenges and/or obstacles—when you know someone is cheering you on, you become even more motivated to overcome those obstacles, am I right?!
Patterns from the Modern Graphics 2 Paper Pack can be transformed into gorgeous foiled backgrounds so easily—and with so many gorgeous colors available, the possibilities are endless! Use Thermoweb’s iCraft Decofoils , WOW! and MINC branded foils along with a MINC machine OR a heat laminator for this heat transfer method. The heat from these machines activates the toner, creating an adhesive bond that fuses these particular foils to the paper.
No laminator or MINC? No problem! You can still transfer these foils to any sticky/tacky surface, i.e. double-sided tapes and “tacky when dry” types of glues (see supplies list for specifics). Please scroll towards the bottom of the post, under the last photo, for a detailed list of tips and helpful suggestions!
TIPS:
- Double-sided Foam Adhesive:
- Use a thin foam adhesive for best die cutting results; chunkier shapes/letters tend to work very well for this technique.
- Use Purple Tape or Washi Tape to secure die with blades against the paper liner (not the glossy liner). When ejecting die, keep die cut letters/shapes within negative—use tape to keep intact if necessary.
- Remove liner from back of shape/letters only and then position everything for mounting onto card front. “Weed” the negative foam away; remove top liner papers to expose adhesive.
- Place matte silver side of foil to adhesive/pretty side up; smooth down with pads of fingers.
- I achieved a much easier transfer with this particular adhesive by starting at one end, and burnishing with a bone folder while rolling and peeling foil away on itself (rather than pulling upwards) as much as possible.
- Toner Foiling:
- Requires a MINC machine OR a heat laminator and toner images
- Be sure to use TONER activated foil (Thermoweb iCraft DecoFoils / Heidi Swapp MINC foils). Placing “pretty” side up and matte silver side to toner image. Foil should be slightly larger all around to make sure all areas are covered.
- Sandwich the two layers between a folded piece of typing paper (this acts as a carrier sheet).
- MINC setting #3 works well but increase if necessary.
- Spot foiling with Quickie Glue Pen:
- Press ball tip of pen to paper surface and allow glue to “pool” out enough to create polka dots (or slowly draw desired pattern).
- Allow to dry completely tacky (no moisture!)
- Place matte silver side of foil to glue and PRESS firmly (do NOT rub or use a tool to burnish) with pads of fingers to transfer. Roll and peel away foil sheet for best results (do not pull upwards).
