Stampin’ Hot Foil System Guide: How It Works and What You Need to Know
The Stampin’ Hot Foil System launched in Australia in July, and the first stock sold out in one week. It will be returning in early September, but it is not currently available, which makes this the perfect time to learn more about hot foiling and decide whether the Stampin’ Hot Foil System is right for your craft room.
While we wait for stock to return, this guide will walk you through how the Stampin’ Hot Foil System works, what you need to use it, which machines it works with, and what to know before you order.
If you’re an avid papercrafter who loves adding shine, shimmer and special details to your cards, tags, gift packaging and other projects, hot foiling could quickly become a favourite technique.
The Stampin’ Hot Foil System isn’t the only hot foiling option out there, but this is Stampin’ Up!’s brand new hot foiling line, with coordinating foil rolls, hot foil dies, stamps, masks and accessories designed to work together beautifully.
When stock returns, there are some lovely perks too: a free virtual craft class with your purchase, the ability to earn Stampin’ Rewards or use saved Rewards towards your order, and, when you buy through my online store, you’ll have my help every step of the way.
Already own a hot foiling machine? The new Stampin’ Up! foil rolls and hot foil dies are still worth a look, especially if you enjoy coordinating your foiled details with stamps, masks and other papercrafting products.
There is something incredibly satisfying about lifting the foil away and seeing that shiny design appear on your cardstock. It feels a little bit fancy and very fun.
But before we all get swept away by the sparkle, let’s talk through how the system actually works and what you really need to know if you’re thinking about adding the Stampin’ Hot Foil System to your crafty collection.
In this post:
- How the Stampin’ Hot Foil System works
- Which machines work with it?
- Hot foil dies are not the same as cutting dies
- What can you make with it?
- What’s in the box
- What should you order first?
- How much is it in Australia?
- Free Metallic Magic class
- Frequently asked questions
How the Stampin’ Hot Foil System works
The easiest way to think about it is: Heat. Foil. Pressure.
1. HEAT
The Stampin’ Hot Foil System is the heated platform. Your hot foil die sits on the platform to warm up. There is an easy one-press button that starts the timer so it heats up automatically for just the right amount of time.
2. FOIL
Next, you build a ‘sandwich’ on the platform by adding your foil to the warmed die, the cardstock or material that you’d like the foil to transfer to, and the plates that come with the Stampin’ Hot Foil System. Don’t worry, there’s a handy instruction guide in the box, but after you do it a few times it will become second nature.
3. PRESSURE
Once everything is ready, wind it all slowly through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (sold separately). The heat and pressure work together to transfer the foil onto your project.
Then comes the very best bit: the peel and reveal. Stunning!
(Press play below to watch a quick video I made. Not working? Try viewing on YouTube)
Which machines work with the Stampin’ Hot Foil System?
Keep in mind there are two important things you need to successfully hot foil: The Stampin’ Hot Foil System AND the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (SCEM). You will also need the foil rolls and the hot foil dies too, but we’ll talk more about those later.
The Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine was first launched in 2020 and has a lovely wide opening of 6 ¼” which makes die cutting and embossing a breeze. It’s especially good for embossing with those fabulous extra-large embossing folders that are everywhere these days, and 3-D embossing folders.
Many crafters already own this machine, so the good news is you’ll already have an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to hot foiling. If not, you’ll need to purchase it when you get your Stampin’ Hot Foil System.
The Mini SCEM, although it’s incredibly handy, is too small for hot foiling because it’s only 3″ wide.
Will the Stampin’ Hot Foil System work with the Big Shot?
If it’s the regular Big Shot with the 6 inch opening, or another die-cutting machine of a similar size, then the answer is no. The opening needs to be 6 ¼ inches. I have a spare Big Shot and I’ve tried it, so I can verify that it’s about ¼ inch too narrow.
Here’s the quick version:
| Machine | Works with the Stampin’ Hot Foil System? |
|---|---|
| Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine | Yes |
| Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine | No, too small |
| Big Shot (6 inch opening) | No, about ¼ inch too narrow |
The system comes with a 12 month warranty when used with the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine.
Hot foil dies are not the same as cutting dies
Another important thing to know is that hot foil dies and regular cutting dies are not the same thing.
A regular cutting die is designed to cut shapes out of cardstock or paper.
A hot foil die is designed to heat up and transfer foil onto your cardstock. It does not cut the shape out. Instead, it presses the foil design onto the surface, giving you that shiny, elegant foiled detail.
So while the Hot Foil System works alongside the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, you still need hot foil dies that are designed for foiling.
The good news is that Stampin’ Up! has released a generous range of hot foil designs and accessories along with the launch of the system, so there is plenty to choose from right from the start. I’m sure we’ll see more added over time too, especially once people start using the system and seeing what it can do.
Some of the new sets actually have foiling dies and cutting dies in the same set, like the Luxe Alphabet & Numbers shown below. And there are even coordinating products like stencils, masks and stamps.
If you already have a collection of regular cutting dies, those will still be useful for your normal die-cutting projects. They just won’t replace the hot foil dies for this system.
Want to see the full range? Click the button below to grab your copy of the brochure.
If you prefer browsing the online store, there is now a dedicated Hot Foil category where you can see the products, look through project samples, read the details and get a better feel for what might suit your crafting style.
Visit the Hot Foil category here
What can you make with the Hot Foil System?
The Stampin’ Hot Foil System is lovely for adding special details to your projects, especially if you enjoy creating cards, tags, gift packaging or keepsake-style papercraft projects.
It is especially good for:
- Foiled greetings and sentiments
- Borders, frames and decorative accents
- Christmas cards and tags
- Wedding, anniversary and celebration cards
- Gift packaging and keepsake projects
I can see this being beautiful for projects where you want a little extra “wow” without having to add lots of layers or embellishments.
And it’s not just for handmade greeting cards! Add foil to your planner pages, business cards, tags, envelopes, scrapbook pages and more.
What’s in the box
Here’s exactly what you get when you order the Stampin’ Hot Foil System:
- Metallic Magic Craft Class ($53 value – limited time only!)
- Stampin’ Hot Foil platform: 6-3/8″ x 10-3/4″ (16.2 x 27.8 cm)
- Platform heating surface: 5-3/4″ x 6-1/2″ (14.6 x 16.5 cm)
- Stampin’ Hot Foil Shim & Spacer (replacement sold separately)
- Stampin’ Hot Foil Magnetic Pick-Up Tool (replacement sold separately)
- Silicone platform station
- Silicone cooling pad
- Power cord/Australian plug
You’ll need to add your choice of hot foil dies and foil rolls to your order, plus the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine if you don’t already own it.
What should you order first?
If you’re looking at the Hot Foil System and wondering where to start, I’d suggest thinking about the types of projects you make most often.
- If you make a lot of cards, greetings are probably a very practical first choice.
- If you love gift packaging, tags and decorative accents might be more useful.
- If you make Christmas projects, gold and silver foil are likely to get a very good workout.
My usual advice with a new tool like this is: start with the system, one or two foil colours, and the hot foil designs you can genuinely see yourself using again and again.
It’s easy to get dazzled by everything at once, but the best first purchase is usually the one that fits how you already craft.
A quick availability note
The first release of the Stampin’ Hot Foil System sold out very quickly in Australia, although new stock is already ordered and on its way.
My advice: if you see a “currently unavailable” message in the online store, look for the notification box and add your email address so you’ll be notified when the system comes back in stock. Once you receive that email, I’d suggest placing your order as soon as possible.
In the meantime, this is a great opportunity to learn how it all works, and think about which foil colours and hot foil designs would suit the projects you actually love making.
How much is the Stampin’ Hot Foil System in Australia?
The Stampin’ Hot Foil System is advertised at $280 in Australia, but that’s not the full story.
Ordering as a customer
When you order through the online store you’ll earn 10% in Stampin’ Rewards. That’s a good chunk of every order coming back to you as a saving. You could spend that on more foil dies!
The joining option
There is another way that you can get the Hot Foil System for around $215 instead of $280.
It’s not for everyone, but it’s worth considering, and I want to be totally honest with you so you don’t miss out. Stampin’ Up! launched a new joining method in July 2026, so you can join up to get all the perks of being a demonstrator (including that 20% ongoing discount and a welcome box) for $175 here in Australia. But here’s the big change: you now get a $240 product coupon that you can use towards an order, instead of being forced to pick items up to a set value at the time of joining.
Now, you have the flexibility.
That means you could put that $240 coupon towards your Stampin’ Hot Foil System and only have to pay an extra $40 above the coupon allowance. As an added bonus, you’ll get your demonstrator discount off the extra amount and you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on it too! That means the Hot Foil System could cost you around $215 ($175 joining fee + $40 overage), while also giving you access to the demonstrator discount and the wider crafting community.
So if you are looking at the machine, foil rolls, hot foil designs and a few extras, it may be worth comparing the customer order option with the joining option before you place your order. Keep in mind that future purchases, like those special foiling dies, would be eligible for the 20% discount.
A quick note before you decide
Joining does not mean you suddenly have to run classes or turn your craft table into a business. Many people join simply because they love the products and want access to demonstrator benefits. If your wish list is getting a little ambitious, it is worth doing the sums first.
However, joining is not for everyone. You can absolutely place a regular order as a customer and take advantage of the Stampin’ Rewards program. This still gives you 10% back in Stampin’ Rewards, and you’ll still have me to help you every step of the way.
Free Metallic Magic class with purchase
Another lovely part of this launch is that Stampin’ Up! is offering a free online class for anyone who gets the Stampin’ Hot Foil System this year.
The class is called Metallic Magic, and Stampin’ Up! has valued it at $53 AUD.
This is such a helpful bonus if hot foiling is new to you. It means you are not just buying the system and then being left to work it all out on your own. You’ll have a class led by Stampin’ Up! to help you see the system in action and get more confident using it.
You don’t need to add this class to your order. It’s an automatic benefit of buying the system, and you’ll get an email inviting you to the Facebook group where the class will be hosted. And you’ll get it whether you buy as a customer or through your joining coupon.
Just a word of caution here. You will see the class listed separately in the online store, but that’s just for people who already own a hot foiling system and would like to buy the class on its own. They can learn from the ideas and inspiration shared in the class, just like we will. But if you are ordering the Hot Foil System, do not buy the Metallic Magic class as well, because you’ll get it for free!
Frequently asked questions
No. The regular Big Shot with the 6 inch opening is too narrow. You’ll need the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine.
No. Hot foil dies transfer foil onto your cardstock, they don’t cut. Regular cutting dies can’t be used for foiling, though some new sets include both foiling and cutting dies.
Silver, gold and pink for now
Yes, it’s an automatic bonus when you buy the Hot Foil System before 4th January 2027, whether you order as a customer or a demonstrator. Don’t buy it separately if you’re ordering the system!
$280, with 10% back in Stampin’ Rewards when you order as a customer, or around $215 if you use the new joining offer. Foils, foiling dies and the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (SCEM) are all sold separately and are all required for successful hot foiling.
The Stampin’ Hot Foil System was developed in partnership between Stampin’ Up! and Spellbinders. Hot foiling systems in general are available from several crafting companies, but this model is brand new with the latest technology and design, and Stampin’ Up! was the first to launch it to customers.
Two-Tone Cardstock, Smooth cardstock (Basic White Cardstock works great!), vellum,
Designer Series Paper (patterned paper, scrapbooking paper), Window Sheets (acrylic sheets), Pearlized Specialty Paper and more. Always test small samples first.
Early September, but the best thing you can do is register to be notified here.
Want help choosing?
If you are excited about the Hot Foil System but not sure where to start, I’m here to help you work through the options.
If you’re in Australia and want to talk on the phone with someone real (me!), or even have a catch-up with a live demonstration and training over Zoom, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ve been a demonstrator in Australia for nearly 20 years, and helping people is what I do best.
I’ll keep sharing more practical tips and project ideas as I spend more time with the system. You’ll already find some over on my Facebook page too.
For now, my first impression is simple: it is shiny, satisfying, and very fun, especially if you enjoy adding those special finishing details to your projects.
Happy stamping,
