Tips when making cards

Here are just a few tips that I have discovered when making cards.  This list isn't exhaustive or complete.  I will add to it as I discover/remember things.

1. Embossing Folders: so important.  When you feed your embossing folder into the Big Shot make sure that it goes in folded edge first.  If you feed it into the Big Shot open end first, it puts too much pressure on the folded edge and it will eventually crack.  That would be a bummer especially if it happens to one of your favorite embossing folders.
2. 6 x 6 Embossing Folders: make sure that the are squared up against the sides of the platform and clear plates.  If not you risk damaging the edges of your embossing folder. 
3. Paper Trimmer: 
1. When I cut my cardstock on my trimmer, I like to move the blade across the paper towards the edge that the cardstock is resting against.  The paper has less of a tendency to move.
2. Paper has a grain.  When burnishing the score line, with your bone folder, it makes a difference which way you fold it.
1. White and Vanilla the "valley" (depressed score line) fold it with the score line (valley) to the outside, or your paper will "break" along the edge.
2. Color card stock the "valley" goes to the inside.
4. Big Shot:
1. If your Big Shot makes a lot of cracking noise when feeding your rectangular or square Thinlits or Framelits, angle them as you feed them into the Big Shot.  It will make a lot less noise.  Also, if you have a long narrow die, it will do the same thing.  If it is long and thin, run it through lengthwise. 
2. Intricate dies:
1. Use the impressions plate or run them back and forth through the Big Shot a couple times for a clean cut.
2. Use adhesive sheet on the back of your card stock before cutting, it will make adhering it to your card so very easy!