Video: Hot Foiling vs. Letterpress

Michelle Short

Hello there, Michelle Short here. Today I have two cards to share with you using the same design, but one uses the hot foiling technique and one uses the letterpress technique. Let's see which one you like best!


Here is the video showing how I made the cards:

(If you are having trouble viewing this video, please watch here on YouTube.)

Foiling vs Letterpress by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

I started off my cards by working on the focal point, which in this case, is the 'thinking of you' sentiment from Love & Thinking of You BetterPress + Foil Plates from the new Lovely Letterpress Collection, which released yesterday. 

Foiling vs Letterpress by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

For the foiled card, I took a panel of Deluxe Smooth White Cardstock and placed a piece of Silver Glimmer Hot Foil on top, shiny side up. I then placed the Thinking of You Plate on top (design side down), holding everything in place with low-tack tape. 

Foiling vs Letterpress by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

I placed the sandwich I created plate side down onto the already heated up platform of the Glimmer Hot Foil System. I pressed the timer button and when ready, ran it through my Platinum Six. I carefully removed the tape, plate and foil and then cut my panel to 4.25" x 5.5". 

Foiling vs Letterpress by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

For the letterpress card, I placed a Porcelain A7 Cotton Card Panel onto the Platen of the BetterPress Letterpress System, holding in place with low-tack tape. 

Foiling vs Letterpress by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

I placed the Thinking of You Plate onto the Chase and inked it up using BetterPress Black Ink Pad. I placed the Platen onto the base and then ran it through my Platinum Six. I then cut my panel to 4.25" x 5.5". 

I added ink blending to the bottom of both panels using Kiwi and Green Apple Core Inks and Ink Blending Brushes. The panels were then adhered to A2 size white card bases. 

Foiling vs Letterpress by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

I took the Spring Garden - February 2025 Fancy Dies of the Month and die cut the stems and leaves from Peridot and Rainforest cardstock. The tulips were cut from Peony and Ultra Pink cardstock, the daffodil from Canary and Beeswax cardstock, the hyacinths from Passion Flower and Amethyst cardstock, and the crocus from Mist and Paradise cardstock. 

Foiling vs Letterpress by Michelle Short for Hero Arts

I adhered the flower pieces together first, using liquid glue. I then adhered the stems to the cards, followed by the leaves. The flowers were adhered using thin foam tape. 


I cut the excess off the bottom using scissors. To finish, I embellished with Clear Enamel Dots

Which is your favorite? The hot foiling look, or the letterpress look? I think I prefer the design of the letterpress one as the sentiment works well on a landscape card. I do like that the foiling gives a touch of elegance though! Thank you so much for stopping by today, I hope you have a wonderful day!