My wife has recently got into card making and scrapbooking and I have been given an extended list of suggested Xmas pressies (well I did ask for ideas!)
She has mentioned Fiskars embossing kit. A little research has led me to the ScrapBoss and the ShapeBoss. My question is... Are these more-or-less the same thing or do they serve two completely different functions? Is one better than the other? Should I buy both and are the templates interchangable?
Andy....I will try to answer your queries and I am sure that others will give their ideas also. :o)
Firstly, you need to decide ( or try and find out) what would be most useful for your wife's paper crafting and to understand that Fiskars produce 4 embossing systems for paper crafters...the Scrapboss (for embossing pages up to 12" x 12") being the largest and latest I think! I personally have the Shapeboss ( does A4 size pages) but there is also a Cardboss and a Mini Shapeboss system. The Scrapboss according to the website takes all sizes of Fiskars stencils
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and you can also get Texture Plates to fit the system. Has your wife access to a craft group where she could perhaps try the system out? Are you close to some of the up and coming Hobbycraft exhibitions. I am going to the SECC Glasgow next week but you can find info on the up and coming events on
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and perhaps there is one close to you that she could visit. From personal experience....I bought the Shapeboss system two and a half years ago and have used it less than six times. I bought additional templates (5 or 6) which still have not been used. So my must have item was rather expensive and my money could have been better spent!!!! Personally, I would look at the option of buying a lightbox and brass stencils, as there is much greater flexibility and the finished embossing is cleaner and sharper. Fiskars templates can move slightly while you are embossing :o( Here is a link so you can see what I am talking about
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The advantage of this route is that you can buy individual brass stencils for a couple of pounds.
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You can use chalks, inkpads or paints to colour through the stencils. There are also stencils that combine paper pricking, cutwork, embossing and stitching using the one stencil and although a little more expensive (£3/£4) can extend your wife's crafting experience in the long term :o) Hope that helps, Marilyn
"Andy Shore" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com...
I have a ShapeBoss, but mine is from Wal-Mart (in the US) and it does have a light, so it does function as a light box. I use mine not only with the Fiskars templates, but also with all my Brass Stencils + Fiskar's cutting system (All fit on that thing!). In fact, all the Fiskars templates should fit on either box. The difference is one is 12 x 12 (inches) and the other is 8 1/2 x 11. But I have a 12 x 12 template I've used on my 8 1/2 x 11, so you can do it. If you can find a version that is lighted, get it. I don't think I would use mine much without the light. I have not experienced the moving problem that Marilyn has. My 2-cents. Kathy
Kathy...have never seen a lighted one! Could this have been a limited US specific version....as I don't see them on the Fiskars website. Sound like a more useful product!
I've only seen the at Wal-Mart, and I got mine a few years back. Actually haven't even looked laterly to see if they still have them-but I can't imagine having one that isn't lighted. It is much better then the tiny light box I used to have! Mine says "Light Boss" on it. I'll look the next time I'm at Wal-Mart and post if I see one. I know it doesn't exactly help you guys out, but at least you'll know if they still exist. Kathy
but it would be no use to UK peeps as the US voltage is different to UK's :o( I can see that the larger worksurface would be an advantage though!!! Take care, Marilyn
Just returned from the annual Fiskar's sale in Wausau WI~they were selling the light boss there for $20. If anyone is in that area, you might want to stop by the Cedar Creek Mall. Typically on Sunday of this sale all remaining stock is 50% off their already low price. Kathy
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