By: Vikki Clayton


Mail Order Source for Embossing Templates


Cherry Tree Toys (located in Belmont, Ohio, 1-800-848-4363) has 69
designs available in two different sizes, 1 3/4" x 2 1/2" (mini) and
3 1/2" x 5" (maxi).  The prices are dependant on the number of stencils
you buy. For the minis, 1-11 $2.95 ea, 12-49 $2.50 ea, 50-99 $1.95 ea,
100+ $1.50 ea, get all 69 for $99.95. For the maxis, 1-11 $8.95 ea,
12-49 $7.50 ea, 50-99 $5.95 ea, 100+ $4.50 ea, get all 69 for $299.95.
(I'm quoting from a 1993 catalog, so it may be out of date.) There are
a mix of designs, including some holiday stencils. I've never ordered
from them, so I can't say anything for the company.

I bought some Lasting Impressions templates at the Creative Festival
in Pomona, CA this past March. I believe they had a flyer for mail
order, but unfortunately didn't pick one up. They are based in
Bountiful, Utah and Alameda, CA (according to the packaging). The
Artist's Club (based in Portland, Oregon, 1-800-845-6507) carries
9 of their designs (price range $1.99 to $3.99). I've had good service
from the Artist's Club; nice people and they ship promptly.

Another source for templates is Dreamweaver Stencils. This was another
booth at the Creative Festival. They have really nice, beautiful designs.
The full color catalog costs $3.00, and the address to send for it is
Dreamweaver, Lynell Harlow, 1910 Hardt St., Loma Linda CA 92354. The
price range for her templates are between $4.25 and $8.50.

You might want to look for stenciling stencils (sorry for the redundancy)
at Michael's, Lee Ward's, Hobby Lobby, House of Fabrics, any craft or
fabric store that sells stenciling materials. Plastic works just as well
as brass/metal and is less expensive. There's a company that has plastic
stencils with borders and lettering that are great for cards. (I'm sorry,
I've misplaced my plastic stencils and don't remember the brand name).
Another source may be a rubber stamp store. Some of them carry embossing
materials.

You can also make your own templates by cutting out your designs from
01 acetate sheets with an Exacto-blade, and sticking them onto a translucent
plastic sheet (Seth Cole dura-lene was recommended) using double sided
tape. (I got this from an embossing class I took). This is nice, because
you can get the design and the reverse design (the paper gets pushed in,
instead of out, a different effect).
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