Learn to design foiled projects using heat foil techniques

Description

Class Description

Hello everyone welcome to my latest creative design course. I’m Jen Lezan and I’ll be your teacher for this course. I’m a graphic designer, illustrator and educator based out of the midwest and I run Bella + Sophia Creative studio. One of the things that I truly admire about design work is the ability to create something beautiful and practical.

The idea of being able to apply beauty to simple things like stationery, books and even clothing is by far my favorite part of the design and creative process. I like things that help me, but that also are nice to look at. It is in this space, often, where my crafty side comes out to play. So, we are going to do just that in this class.

In this class I wanted to take our crafting skills to the next level. We will be learning how to use the Minc machine to add a foiled finish to two different projects: a set of planner stickers and a greeting card. We will then use a cutting machine to cut them out. I love the practicality of designing my own planner stickers and greeting cards that I often sell in my Etsy shop. But, the competition is quite high on Etsy and I am always looking for ways to stand out. Adding some shine is definitely a fun way to do that. This foiling technique definitely adds a bit shine to catch the attention of shoppers and gives your product a little something different. It’s also a great way to just add a touch sparkle to your own craft projects as the process we will be completing is transferrable to other craft projects.

Tools You will Need

An iPad with Affinity Designer V1 loaded (or you can use the desktop version of the app)

A laser printer (must use toner based ink for the project to work)

A cutting machine (if you want to cut your items out)

Heidi swapp minc machine (or you can use a laminator machine)

Reactive Foiling paper

What You Will Learn and The class project

In this class we will learn how to design a set of foiled planner stickers and a foiled greeting card. First we will design a set of planner stickers and our greeting card using our the Affinity Designer app v1 on our iPad and export them with a transparent background as a PNG file.

Then, we will learn how to cut them on the die cutting machine using the Design space app. Finally, we will learn how to use the foiling machine to actually foil each project using the machine and foil paper. The Heidi Swapp Minc Machine is a simple but BRILLIANT product that allows you to apply foil to artwork, craft projects or anything else you can send through a laser printer, but if you don't have one, a laminating machine works just as well.

The basic idea of how it works is that with the heat and pressure of the minc machine (or a laminator machine), you can use foil sheets to adhere anywhere you have toner on your paper. This means that you cannot print your project on a regular ink jet printer, but need to use a laser printer.

Who this class is catered to

This class is catered to the beginner crafter, as I will walk you through the steps of using both the cutting and foiling machines. Some knowledge in Affinity Designer will be helpful, but you can just as easily create your stickers and greeting in any software you are comfortable with like Procreate or Affinity Photo or Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.

Project Description

Class Project

For your class project, you will be creating 2 projects. The first will be a set of planner stickers that you will foil with your minc and cut on your cricut. The second project is a greeting card that we will foil with the Minc machine and cut with the Cricut as well.

Your class project will consist of showcasing your final foiled planner stickers and greeting card. You can snap a quick photo with your phone of the final product and share it in the project gallery.

Things to Note
Make sure you download the class project files as well - I have included my final project files - specifically the Affinity Designer v1 files so you can see how the files are set up and use them to help you work through the project if needed.

Find Some Inspiration

If you would like to get some foiled project inspiration you can check out a board I created on Pinterest!

-Jen

What You Will Learn!

• Learn how to use the affinity designer V1 to create cut files for use in die cutting machines
• Learn the basics of the Affinity Designer app on the iPad
• Learn how to foil projects using heat foiling techniques
• Learn how to cut projects using a die cut machine

Who Should Attend!

• This class is catered to the beginner crafter and designer or anyone interested in creating foiled projects for their brand.

TAKE THIS COURSE