2 Alternate Ways to Use BetterPress Plates! | Craft to the Future! (Press Plate Techniques + Video)

Welcome to Craft to the Future! In this new blog series, we bridge the past with the future, igniting creativity and innovation along the way! As we celebrate Altenew's remarkable 10th anniversary, we are thrilled to introduce this series of blog posts that promise to breathe new life into your beloved crafting supplies and share inspiration with our newer products!

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Hi, it's Therese, and I am back with another edition of Take 2 with Therese! Today, I'm sharing two beautiful and very different cards with more press plate techniques and tips, using Altenew's Rustic Burlap Press Plates.

What is a press plate?

Not sure what ‘press plates' are?  These are the plates/images used with the BetterPress system, and the results are divine!  These images work almost like a stamp, it's as simple as adding ink to the image attaching the cardstock to the ‘platen' (the clear plastic plate), snapping it onto the corner magnets, and running it through a die-cutting machine.  

Why BetterPress?

If you love intricate designs and the ‘letterpress' look, then this machine is for you.  There is actually an impression made with the ink when the image is pressed into the cardstock, and stamped images struggle to get the crisp, fine lines that you can achieve with this system.  But, today is all about getting MORE from your BetterPress Plates.

2 Alternate Ways to Use BetterPress Plates!

And just in case you missed it, check out my previous video sharing How to get the BEST results with the BetterPress, right HERE! Both cards were made using the beautiful Rustic Burlap Press Plate, but these press plate techniques could easily be stretched to any other press plates you have available. 

Press Plate Technique #1 – Blind Letterpress

Typically the letterpress look is created with a debossed inked impression.  Blind Letterpress is exactly the same process but it is without the use of any ink.  The result, is a subtle debossed impression, and can be used with different kinds of press plates – backgrounds, images and even sentiments.

PRO TIP:

The Cotton Card Panels will have the best result here but do try what you have on hand.  I have also successfully used Altenew's Watercolor Cardstock with a very similar impressed result.

For today's examples I have created anniversary cards, using the beautiful Eclectic Bouquet with some extra leaf sprigs from Plants & Vases.

I added some Antique Gold Ink splatters to the background, but another option would be to add some subtle ink blending or swipe a gold ink pad over top of the debossing.

BONUS TIP:

Did you notice that I stamped some leaves on the background panel before I ran it through the BetterPress? I think this texture on the background leaves adds something extra to the overall design.

Press Plate Technique #2 – Hot Foil

Did you know that you can hot foil using the press plates?  This press plate technique is a great way to get ‘double duty' from a product since these plates are compatible with most Hot Foil Systems and hot foils available (Please note that hot foil plates do not work with the BetterPress system).

PRO TIP:

I would recommend doing a ‘test' piece before committing to an entire panel to make sure that you are going to get the best results.

I used Brushed Gold Hot Foil for this beautiful shiny Rustic Burlap background.  There is definitely an impression into the cardstock from the plate, but because the cardstock is thinner it is not as ‘deep' as the result you would get from the Letterpress.

This time I created the bouquet into a heart, and added a sentiment from the Rosa Gallica Set.

Today's cards not only focus on achieving MORE from the BetterPress system, but also on how easy it is to add some beautiful flowers and create easy cards using the panels created.

Watch the video tutorial below to see how I made these cards using 2 press plate techniques.

I hope you are inspired to get the ‘letterpress' look using the BetterPress system! Let me know in the comments below if you are going to try either of these press plate techniques.

Have fun crafting!