The Hype Is Real

Okay, friends — you KNOW I had to do it. The moment Spellbinders announced the Glimmer II Hot Foil System, my inbox absolutely exploded. “Debbie, is it worth it?” “Debbie, should I upgrade?” “Debbie, are you getting one?” And honestly? The answer to that last question was always going to be YES — because how could I not?! (Besides, my birthday is coming up… so this is an early birthday present 🙂 )

So I did what any self-respecting crafty person does: I went LIVE and unboxed it with all of you watching. If you missed the stream, don’t worry — I’ve got the replay linked below, and this post is going to walk you through everything I found inside the box, how it compares to the original Glimmer, and my totally honest verdict on whether this baby deserves a spot on your craft table.

Spoiler alert: I have thoughts. Many, many thoughts.

What’s Inside the Box

Let me tell you — Spellbinders did NOT skimp on the packaging here. The Glimmer II arrived in this gorgeous, sturdy box that felt premium from the moment I picked it up. Inside, everything was neatly tucked away and protected, which I always appreciate because shipping can be rough on craft equipment!

Here’s what you get right in the box:

• Glimmer II Platform
• Magnetic Charging Cable, Power Supply and Power Cord
• Heat Resistant Acrylic Spacer Pad
• Heat Resistant Acrylic Thin Shim
• Silicone Platform Base
• Silicone Cooling Pad
• Magnetic Pick Up Tool
• Exclusive Press + Foil Plates
• Two Starter Foil Rolls: Gold and Satin Gold

The machine has a really polished, updated look compared to the original — cleaner lines, and it just feels lighter in your hands. It’s still that same satisfying size that fits nicely on a craft table without taking over your whole workspace, which is a huge plus for those of us who are, shall we say, space-challenged in our crafting areas. 😄

First Impressions: What’s New vs. the Original Glimmer

TThis is THE question everyone’s been asking, so let’s get into it!

The original Glimmer Hot Foil System (the Platinum) was already a fantastic machine — I’ve used mine to death and loved every second of it. But the Glimmer II brings some genuinely exciting upgrades that make it feel like a true next-generation machine, not just a cosmetic refresh.

First, a quick note for anyone new to hot foiling: the Glimmer platform heats your foil plate, and then you roll that platform through your die cutting machine — the machine supplies the pressure that transfers the foil onto your cardstock. So the Glimmer II works beautifully with the Spellbinders Platinum and Platinum SIX (and several other machines with at least a 6″ wide platform), but it’s the die cutting machine doing the pressing, not a plate system.

Here are the Glimmer II upgrades that stood out most to me:

• No docking station required — the original Glimmer had a docking station you’d plug it into; the Glimmer II ditches that entirely for a much simpler, cleaner setup
• New magnetic charging cable — attaches directly to the platform, no fussing with cords, and makes it quicker to return to heating after a pass through the machine
• Full-plate even heating — the entire platform heats consistently, which means more reliable foil coverage across the whole design, even on larger and more intricate plates
• Audible beeps and ready lights — status alerts you can both see AND hear, so you always know when your platform is ready to go
• Automatic shut-off — after 15 minutes unattended, it turns itself off. A game changer for those of us who get distracted by shiny foil and forget things are plugged in! 😄
• Dual compatibility — the Press + Foil plates work with BOTH the Glimmer II AND the BetterPress Letterpress System, which means your plate collection does double duty

If you already own the original Glimmer, here’s my honest take: you don’t have to upgrade, but if you use your Glimmer constantly and find yourself frustrated with any inconsistencies in heat coverage, or you just want a simpler setup without the docking station, the Glimmer II addresses all of that. If you’re brand new to hot foiling? Start here. Don’t even look back.

This is THE question everyone’s been asking, so let’s get into it!

The original Glimmer Hot Foil System (the Platinum) was already a fantastic machine — I’ve used mine to death and loved every second of it. But the Glimmer II brings some genuinely exciting upgrades that make it feel like a true next-generation machine, not just a cosmetic refresh.

Here are the changes that stood out most to me:

• Universal Plate System compatibility — the Glimmer II works with the same Universal Plate System as the updated Platinum SIX, which means less hunting for the right plates and more interchangeability across your machines
• Improved heating consistency — even heat distribution means more reliable foil coverage, especially on larger plates and intricate designs
• Updated platform — the new platform sits more securely and the alignment feels more precise
• Sleeker form factor — it’s a refined, modern look that just feels more professional

If you already own the original Glimmer, here’s my honest take: you don’t have to upgrade, but if you use your Glimmer constantly and find yourself frustrated with any inconsistencies, the Glimmer II addresses a lot of those pain points. If you’re brand new to hot foiling? Start here. Don’t even look back.

The Autumn in Kyoto Collection: A Match Made in Foil Heaven

Okay, can we just TALK about the Autumn in Kyoto collection by Alex Syberia for a second?! Because I am absolutely obsessed and I need you to understand why.

Alex Syberia’s designs always have this incredible delicacy to them — every line feels intentional, every element feels balanced — and the Autumn in Kyoto collection is her absolute best work, in my opinion. We’re talking gorgeous Japanese-inspired imagery: autumn leaves, lanterns, flowing botanical elements, and the most adorable Kokeshi dolls you’ve ever seen in your life.

Here’s what I used on the stream:

• Autumn in Kyoto Press + Foil & Stencil Bundle — the foil plates in this bundle are chef’s kiss; the detail level is stunning and the foil just pops beautifully
• Autumn in Kyoto Press + Foil Plate & Die Set — perfect companion for adding those gorgeous metallic accents
• Autumn Kokeshi Dolls Stamp & Die Set — I am not exaggerating when I say these little dolls are the most charming thing I’ve ever stamped
• Autumn in Kyoto Curated Bundle — if you want to go all-in (and honestly, why wouldn’t you), this bundle is the way
• Shoji Screen 3D Embossing Folder — adds the most beautiful texture that coordinates perfectly with the whole collection
• Autumn in Kyoto Clear Stamp Set — beautiful sentiments and accents
• Spring in Kyoto Clear Stamp Set — a great mix-and-match companion

Paired with the Glimmer II, the foiling on these plates is genuinely breathtaking. The combination of Alex’s intricate designs and the Glimmer II’s consistent heat output means the foil adheres evenly, even in the tiniest details. We’re talking cards that look like they came from a high-end boutique stationery shop.

My Honest Verdict: Is the Glimmer II Worth It?

I promised you honesty, and here it is: YES. The Glimmer II is absolutely worth it.

But let me give you a little more nuance than that, because you deserve it.

Who should definitely get it:

• You’re new to hot foiling and want to invest in the best current option
• You use foiling frequently and want the most consistent, reliable results
• You’re building out a Spellbinders ecosystem and want full compatibility across machines
• You’ve been frustrated by any heat inconsistencies with an older foiling machine

Who might hold off:

• You have the original Glimmer, it’s working great for you, and you’re happy with your results — there’s no shame in staying put!
• Budget is a consideration right now — the original Glimmer (if you can still find it) or the BetterPress for non-foil work are still excellent machines

The bottom line? Hot foiling is one of those techniques that transforms your cards from “really pretty” to “did you BUY that?” — and the Glimmer II makes that process easier, more reliable, and more enjoyable than ever. Combined with a collection as stunning as Autumn in Kyoto, you’re going to be unstoppable.

I had SO much fun going live with all of you for this unboxing! The energy in the chat was incredible, and we even had some giveaway winners.

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📺 Watch the Replay: Is it WORTH THE HYPE? Let’s unbox the Glimmer II LIVE and find out!

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