See how one beautiful dressmaker press plate creates two completely different elegant looks using BetterPress letterpress and Glimmer Hot Foil.
If you love versatility in your craftroom, press plates deserve a prominent place among your supplies.
Press plates are easy to use, create high-end results, and offer one of my favorite kinds of crafting value: one product…multiple looks.
Today’s cards feature the same beautiful vintage dressmaker plate used two completely different ways:
- BetterPress letterpress
- Glimmer Hot Foil
If you enjoy elegant, vintage-inspired cards, you might be surprised how dramatically the same press plate changes depending on the technique.
This kind of versatility makes press plates a true cardmaking staple.
They’re also wonderful for batch cardmaking and gift sets because once your setup is ready, it’s easy to create multiple elegant panels quickly and efficiently.
This post is part of my Press Plate Series where I share BetterPress, Glimmer Hot Foil, and press plate techniques for creating elegant handmade cards.
📌 In This Post
- Why cardmakers love press plates
- BetterPress Letterpress vs Glimmer Hot Foil
- One Plate, Two Techniques
- Tutorials and tips for using press plates
- Best uses for each system
✨ Product Spotlight
Today’s cards feature the Vintage Atelier Press Plate from the Spellbinders Frank Garcia Buttons & Keepsakes Collection.
I absolutely adore the old-world dressmaker aesthetic of this plate and wanted to experiment with both BetterPress letterpress and hot foiling using the same design.
One of the things I especially love about this plate is the oversized format. You can easily create cards larger than A2 if desired, which gives you even more flexibility when designing.
Press plates are such an easy way to elevate your cardmaking and achieve that boutique, artisan feel.
💕 Why Cardmakers Love Press Plates
Press plates transfer intricate designs beautifully and create results that feel refined, tactile, and professional.
Think:
- engraved invitations
- luxury stationery
- vintage boutique paper goods
With the Spellbinders BetterPress System, ink and pressure create a deeply impressed letterpress look with gorgeous texture and detail.
With the same plate, the Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil System uses heat and pressure to apply foil for dramatic metallic shine and elegance.
Both techniques are:
- beginner friendly
- easy to repeat
- excellent for creating multiple cards quickly
And honestly? Standard stamping just can’t replicate the luxurious look press plates create.
⚖️ BetterPress vs Glimmer: When I Prefer Each Technique
I genuinely love both techniques, so for me it usually comes down to the mood and finish I want for the project.
Most of the time, one technique isn’t “better” than the other—just different.
🖋️ I Prefer BetterPress When I Want:
- a softer vintage feel
- deeply impressed texture
- fine etched detail
- thick cotton cardstock
- understated elegance
- a no-heat process
BetterPress has such a tactile old-world quality that feels timeless and artistic.
✨ I Prefer Glimmer Hot Foil When I Want:
- dramatic shine
- a smooth polished finish
- formal elegance
- eye-catching metallic details
- easier cleanup (no ink!)
- extra visual drama
Hot foiling instantly makes a card feel luxurious and special.
🖋️ BetterPress Tips & Tutorial
I experimented with several paper types for these projects including BetterPress cotton cardstock, watercolor paper, and standard cardstock.
While all three worked well, I personally preferred the thick cottony feel of BetterPress cardstock and watercolor paper.
Helpful BetterPress Tips
- Use Best Ever Craft Tape to secure your panel
- Ink thoroughly using a “tap and twist” motion
- Avoid pressing, rubbing or smearing the ink pad
- Roll your sandwich through VERY slowly (“Super Slo-Mo” helps me remember!)
- Add an extra shim for deeper impressions
- Use a fast-drying ink (pigment ink is not recommended)
- Clean plates well after use
💡 My favorite cleaner for press plates is Hero Arts Ultra Clean. I’ve used it for years and it works beautifully.
👉 Interested in more BetterPress ideas?
You might also enjoy:
- 9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress
- Ranch-Themed BetterPress Home Decor Art Projects
- Handmade Winnie the Pooh Cards
✨ Quick Glimmer Hot Foil Tutorial
Hot foiling is surprisingly quick once you get the hang of the process.
Basic Glimmer Steps
- Turn on your Glimmer Machine
- Add your plate to the platform
- Wait for the green light
- Add foil (pretty side DOWN)
- Add cardstock + shims
- Run through your Platinum 6 VERY slowly
- Peel back the foil for the reveal ✨
For today’s cards, I created:
- one copper foiled version
- one matte gold foiled version
Both were created on regular aqua cardstock with coordinating sentiments.
The finished look feels luxurious, elegant, and incredibly eye-catching.
And one of my favorite parts?
👉 No ink mess.
👉 Want to explore more foiling techniques?
You might also enjoy:
How to Create a Stunning Foiled Floral Card with Ink Blending
🧰 Toolbox
Featured Products
Cardstock & Dies
Tools & Supplies
- Platinum 6
- BetterPress Inks
- Hero Arts Ultra Clean
- Foil (available in so many gorgeous colors!)
- Best Ever Craft Tape
📌 Save this post for later so you can come back when you’re ready to create elegant vintage cards.
🎉 During Spellbinders’ 23rd Birthday celebration, qualifying orders may also receive the Party Time Dragon Etched Dies free while supplies last.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Which technique did you prefer in today’s post—BetterPress or Glimmer Hot Foil?
I’ve loved exploring how the same plate can create dramatically different results depending on technique.
Now it’s your turn…go create something you love. 💕
kennyscards.com 