Embossing Variations
By Connie Westenberg

      Here at last is a book that showcases the Fiskars ShapeBoss system, along with its two smaller sisters, the Mini ShapeBoss and the CardBoss, as well as the newer Texture Plates. If, like me, you are the intrigued owner of one or more of these items and are keen for a few ideas to get you started then you will find an impressive array in this little book. Firstly it introduces each item, explains what it is and how to use it along with a few basic photos. Then it is on with the projects (these items are very simple to use) and several related craft products are used in conjunction with the Fiskars system to great effect.

     The most featured of the Fiskars range has to be the new Texture Plates. These give an embossed background that has the appearance of patterned paper without the additional colors to match to any printed cutting sheet images. Items featured in this book include peel-offs, embossing foil, the ubiquitous paper tole cutting sheets and border punches. There are no Christmas or Easter cards in here, but many more multi-purpose designs that would do for birthday or any number of events that have nothing to do with public holidays. The most striking and effective cards (in my opinion anyway) are those in three sections covering the autumn season, some of which make use of the spectacular Anke Nobel cutting sheets. Overall, this is an easy book to use and ought to make owning one of the Fiskars embossing products even more fun, because it shows what it can be capable of. The best thing of all, though, is how it shows its effectiveness when used even with very few additional items, so any crafter on a budget won’t feel the need to buy much else.

     If you cannot find Fiskars ShapeBoss series try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers or opt for my suggestions:

      In the UK Cardcraft Plus, Unit 1, Oxheys Industrial Estate, Greenbank Street, Preston, Lancashire PR1 7PH Tel: (01772) 466157 Email: mailorder@cardcraftplus.co.uk They stock the Fiskars products and many of the paper tole items, colored papers etc.
This company ships WORLDWIDE!

        In the Netherlands the Jacobi-Dracten website at http://www.jacobi-drachten.nl/driedk/marjo.html. Stocks a vast range of the paper tole products used with the embossing, including the beautiful Anke Nobel cutting sheets. This company accepts PAYPAL and ships internationally.

      For crafting ideas and some free downloads visit http://homepage.ntlworld.com/rachelahyde/index.htm