I have had it! I've been wanting to have the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Template, and I have ordered it on an online store many weeks ago - my credit card already charged, and still I haven't received it. I've been wanting to make cards with the embossed dots for so long, but I can't because somehow that online store still doesn't have it :(
And then suddenly... TING!!! What if I make my own Dots Embossing Template? I've custom-made my own embossing templates with Cricut last week (you can see here), so why can't I make my own dots template? I searched for those metal sheets I bought from ReStore many months ago (10 cents each). I have made albums out of them, but I know I could save them for something else. I took out my worn out 12" scrapbooking ruler and drew lines on a metal sheet. Then, following the holes in my ruler, I marked dots on the metal sheet. Now time to make the holes. With my Crop-A-Dile Big Bite, I punched holes on the metal sheet. 
This gets a little tideous, but it's worth it in the end! After that, I took my Big Shot Machine out, and started embossing the same way you would with a regular brass stencil/template. After looking at the final result, I started to feel weak in the knees. I made my own dots embossing template.
However, I'm still frustrated that they still haven't shipped my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots. My order includes a pre-ordered item so I'll give them 'till this month to mail it to me.
Anyway, here are two cards that I was able to make with my very own dots template:
TINKER PLANET
