Six Ways to Add Foil to Your Crafting Projects Without a Machine

I reported that at CHA 2015 foil accents one of the big trends– so the big question is, “how do I get foil on my projects?” Well, I’ve go a handy list of ways right here for you.

First, a word on foils!

We are specifically talking about mylar-backed foils or transfer foils for these techniques. We are not using metal leafing or flakes. If you need a refresher, take a look at my post about Metal Leafing, Foils, and Flakes.

I’m going to cover each area- but if you’d rather, just scroll down to the bottom to watch the video.

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Rubber Cement

This technique is courtesy of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer… rubber cement! I had totally forgotten about the joys of rubber cement, but Julie’s brilliant video reminds us that it’s SO easy to use it with our favorite stencils.

Tutorial by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer! Click the photo to see the full post.

Did you know that Elmer’s No-Wrinkle Rubber Cement is an acid-free/photo safe rubber cement? It’s come a long way since I was in yearbook!

Dry Adhesives

Dry Adhesives

You probably already have some dry adhesives laying around- sticky dots, a tape runner, maybe even a Xyron machine? Well, those are all really great ways to add foil to your projects!

It’s easy – just apply the dry adhesive to your paper, then place the foil colored-side-up, and burnish with a bone folder.

In the sample above, I used the Xyron to foil the “love” and hexi. (Just make sure you run it through upside-down, so you apply the adhesive to the TOP- then foil away. Or you could apply the adhesive to an entire piece of paper and then die cut or punch it. For the bottom samples, I used a Dot Matrix Tape Runner by Xyron, Glue Dots (Zots) , Scor-Tape
and a Tape Runner.

Double-sided stickers in cool designs.

There are also companies making shaped stickers that you apply almost like rub-ons- and they are specifically designed for foiling. Take a look at Clearsnap Design Adhesives for some ideas!

Heat And Stick Embossing Powder

Heat and Stick Powder

For those of us who love to stamp, this is the best way to get foiled stamped images. First, you’ll need to stamp your image with a good embossing ink- Versamark is one of my favorites- and then sprinkle on the Heat And Stick Power on immediately. Heat it up with a gun until the glue melts, then pop on the foil while it’s still warm. Burnish with a bone folder and poof! Foiled cards!

I’m working on a comparison of Heat And Stick Powders, but you can easily find versions by Judikins (Sticky Stuff) , Ranger , and Stampin’ UP.

Foil (Sticky Drying) Adhesive

This seems like a no-brainer-it’s meant for foiling, right? Well, usually foil adhesive is for metal LEAFING. But that’s OK, we can use it too. It’s a thick adhesive that dries VERY sticky when it “dries”- so it will grab the foil.

Foiling Adhesives stay sticky when “dry.”

You can stamp with them if you are careful, and you can also coat sheets of cardstock as well. (Don’t use then paper, it will curl.) The three brands I tried were DecoArts Renaissance Foil Adhesive, Scraperfect Best Glue Ever, and (my favorite) Coat N Create Surface Makeover Glue. It’s got the most aggressive adhesion by far. Make sure you read my review of that, as well.

Glue Pen

I’ve done a whole comparison of Glue Pens, and by far the best result of that round of testing is realizing that some pens dry sticky! Yes, the convenience of a sticky glue in a ball-point pen.

To apply, just write what you want (or outline a stamped image, maybe?) with the glue pen, then wait for it to dry clear. Rub on the foils and you are good to go! And I love this Zig Memory System 2-Way Squeeze and Roll Glue Pen so much, it’s one I recommend for…well… everything.

Foam Stickers

I’m not sure this even counts as a separate thing, but there are SO many foamie stickers and sheets right now…and all are great for foiling!

You can use the cheap-o foamies, your use double-sided foam shapes like these ones from Scrapbook Adhesives. There are so many fun shapes (like these hearts) and it will add some extra dimension to your papercrafts as well!

Here’s that video I promised….

I hope you’ve found this helpful- and we didn’t even discuss ways to add foil with heat or an iron! Maybe we’ll do that another day. I’d love any other product suggestions or comments/questions you might have.

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About Jenny

Chief Craft Test Dummy, Craft Evangelist, Founder, Editor, bottle-washer, trouble-maker, and creative whirlwind.

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