Every once in a while it's good to just get back to basics...don't you think?
So today I'm going to do just that.
Today we're going to be looking at the Minc.™ What exactly is it? And how does it work?
But first let me give you a little background...
Last year (2015), at the CHA Mega Show in Anaheim, CA, Heidi Swapp introduced her Minc.™ Foil Applicator...
...and it was the undisputed star of the show.
Since then, Heidi (and a number of other brands, too!) has introduced scores of products designed to work with the Minc.™ It's popularity continues to grow and grow. In fact, coming in March, a whole new line of products designed to work with the Minc.™ will be introduced - and they're sure to change the crafting world forever...more on those later.
The Minc.™ , which stands for Metallic Incorporated, is a machine that uses heat and pressure to apply foil to any design that has been printed with toner - i.e. on a laser printer. That's it in a nutshell.
See the designs above (just a few of the hundreds of pre-printed designs available for use with the Minc.™)? They have been printed on a laser printer. So, everywhere you see black you're seeing toner. That means that when we run them through a Minc.™...
...along with some specially-designed toner-reactive foil (available in a huge variety of colors)...we'll get that gorgeous foil shine - everywhere there once was just plain black.
This is how we do it...
Each machine comes with a transfer-folder. Essentially a 24"x12" piece of acetate folded in half (to 12"x12") to create a carrier for our designs and foil.
To apply the foil to the designs, you need to lay your pieces inside this transfer-folder - giving them ample space so that they don't touch each other.
Next, you lay a piece of foil, color-(foil) side-up over the pieces...making sure to cover each piece completely.
The machine comes with a number of heat settings (0 - for no heat, all the way to 5 - for use with wood veneer). "3" works with the vast majority of designs and is what most crafters will use.
You turn the machine on and press the big gold button in the middle of the heat settings until you reach "3." When the machine is ready and the light turns green (usually after about 30 seconds), you place the folded side of your transfer folder into the machine until you feel the rollers grab the folder. Then you let go and let the machine do all the work.
As soon as your folder makes it through the Minc.™, you can remove the excess foil (no cool-down or drying time is needed!) and you're done!
Your once black and white designs are now covered in the most beautiful color and shine!
This machine truly takes paper-crafting to a whole new level for both beginner and advanced crafters. There are tons of videos online demonstrating this amazing machine and all of its capabilities...here's one from Heidi herself to get you just a bit more familiar with the Minc.™:
Heidi's Minc. ™ introduction video
And here's one I did at the 2015 show!
Maggie's video - yayayay!
To see all of the videos and techniques featuring this genius machine, simply Google (or search on Pinterest or YouTube "Heidi Swapp Minc videos" or "Minc videos" or "Minc techniques"...there is a ton of inspiration out there!
Thank you so much for stopping by! And happy foiling!
SUPPLIES: Heidi Swapp Minc Foil Applicator, Heidi Swapp Foil, Heidi Swapp Minc Chipboard
