Have you tried hot foiling?
It’s been a hot minute since I pulled out my foils, but when Spellbinders released the redesigned Glimmer II Hot Foil System, I couldn’t wait to give it a go. I always love the beautiful shine you get from foiled cards.
I’m sharing two hot foiling Christmas cards, plus a full Assemble This video where you can see the new Glimmer 2 in action. I’ll share a few tips, including what worked beautifully and what to do when the foil doesn’t quite go to plan.
What You’ll Learn in the Video:
- A look at the redesigned Glimmer II Hot Foil System
- How I use the new system for clean, crisp hot foiling
- Template tip for easy placement tips for larger Press & Foil plates
- A few things that help with smoother foil results
- What to do when overfoiling happens
- Why I prefer to foil before ink blending
- Two clean and simple Christmas cards with lots of shine
Assemble This! Videos are more detailed as we create this card together step-by-step. You’ll get all my tips and tricks to inspire your next card. Watch on YouTube.
Featured Supplies
 Glimmer II Hot Foil System SB | SBC |
 Winter Peace Plate SB |
 Aura Foil SB | SBC |
 Metallic & Holographic Hot Foil Set SB |
 ColorWheel Cardstock HA | SB | SBC |
Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links. Full list of supplies at the bottom of this post.
Card 1: Teal + Gold Foil
My first card uses Blue Spruce ColorWheel cardstock with Aura foil, and I love how that warm gold looks against the teal. The Winter Peace Press & Foil Plate foiled beautifully on this one. Everything came out crisp, clean, and perfectly adhered with no overfoiling.
After foiling, I blended Tranquil Teal and Blue Denim Gina K inks over the background to deepen the color. I like adding ink after the foil so there is nothing sitting between the cardstock and foil when it is time to adhere. A quick wipe with a dry cloth brings the shine right back. I finished this one with a few gold sequins in the snowflake centers. They have a similar shine to the foil and were the perfect finishing touch.
Card 2: Deep Plum + Pink Foil
For my second card, I used the same basic process but switched to Mulberry ColorWheel cardstock with pink foil. I blended Plum Punch and Blue Denim Gina K inks over the background, and I love how that deep blue makes the plum feel even richer.
This foil gave me some overfoiling, so this one needed a little cleanup. A sand eraser helped lift the worst of it, and then an adhesive eraser took care of the rest more gently. The rich plum and pink already had plenty going on, so I kept the finish simple with just the sentiment. No extra embellishments needed. It also makes this one a great option for mass producing and easy mailing.
Tips for Better Hot Foiling
Start with smooth cardstock: Smooth cardstock usually gives hot foil the cleanest result. Very thick or textured cardstock can make overfoiling more likely, so it is worth testing a scrap first if you are trying something new.
Trim the foil close to the plate: Cutting the foil just a little larger than the design helps reduce stray foil around the edges. Less extra foil means less chance for unwanted overfoiling.
Let the system fully heat: Give the Glimmer II enough time to come completely up to temperature before foiling. A fully heated platform gives you a much better chance at an even transfer.
Roll through slowly: Take your time when running the platform through your die-cut machine. Slow, even pressure helps the foil transfer more consistently.
Adjust the pressure if needed: If you are getting underfoiling, try adding a thin cardstock shim for a little extra pressure. If you are getting too much overfoiling, your sandwich may already be too tight. Small pressure changes can make a big difference.
I forgot how much I love what hot foil can do to a simple card. These really do not need much once that shine is there. And after pulling my foils back out for the Glimmer II, I have a feeling they are not getting tucked away again anytime soon. This new system is so much easier to use.
Are you already a hot foiling fan, or has it been a hot minute for you too?
Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media. I would be thrilled to see it and leave you some love.
Supplies
Some links provided are affiliate links. If you shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support both the crafty companies and me too. 🩷
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.
Other: Gold Sequins
Glimmer II Hot Foil System SB | SBC |
Winter Peace Plate SB |
Aura Foil SB | SBC |
Metallic & Holographic Hot Foil Set SB |
ColorWheel Cardstock HA | SB | SBC |
 Hammermill Cardstock AMZ |
 Plum Punch | Tranquil Teal SBC | OTH |
 Blue Denim SBC | OTH |
 Sand Eraser AMZ |
 Adhesive Eraser SBC | AMZ |
 Cricut Heat Resistant Tape AMZ |
Most Used Tools
 Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine SB | OTH |
 Magnetic Magic Mat SB |
 Black Stamping Tool SB |
 Blending Brushes AMZ |
Blending Brushes Large AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Medium AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Mini AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Small AMZ |
 Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS |
 Die Cut Envelopes AMZ |
 Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB |
 Foam Roll Combo Pack SB |
 Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ |
 Mini Blending Brushes AMZ |
 Mini Trimmer SB |
 MISTI – Mini SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original – Black SB |
 MISTI Corners SB | AMZ |
 1.5″ block SB | OTH |
 Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB |
 Post It Note Tape AMZ |
 Reverse Tweezers SB |
 Sticky Mat SB |
 Triangle Trays AMZ |
 White Gel Pens SB | AMZ |
 White Glass Mat AMZ |
 Media Mat Mini SB | SSS |
 Mini Stencil Mat** SB |
I adore your bright snowflake designs Lisa, you have made them shine!
Ps I’ve been foiling too… it felt like it’s been a hot minute… I know couldn’t help the puns in this one lol.