If you've followed me for more than a few months, you know how much I love dies! I especially love showing my customers and team members ways to use larger or background dies. There is always the obvious way to use them, but I like to stretch my imagination and find some more unique applications. In this video, I have nine cards to show you fun and beautiful ways you can use the Gorgeous Garden dies - dies that you may not have even noticed in the catalog since they are stand-alone dies. Take a peak on page 164 in the annual catalog and prepare to be inspired!
In my video, I start out by showing my examples of cards made with the two dies that are part of this set. However, In this blog, I will start with the instructions for the card I demonstrate (like I always do). I really wanted the focus to be on the variety of cards made with the dies and less on just one card. But I must admit, this one is my favorite!
Gather your supplies:
- Cardstock: Thick Basic White 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; Basic White 4" x 5-1/4" and 4" x 1-3/4"; Melon Mambo 4" x 5-1/4"; Vellum 3-3/4" x 3-3/4"
- Stamp Sets: Go To Greetings and Textured Floral
- Dies: Gorgeous Garden and Stylish Shapes
- Ink: Melon Mambo
- Adhesive and Tools
This card is elegant and simple. You could easily switch up the Melon Mambo for any color and a set of these would make a beautiful gift.
Begin by folding the card base in half and creasing with a bone folder. Next, open up the card and place (do not adhere!) the large white piece on the front. It's helpful to use a sticky note to hold it in place. Take the largest circle die and place it in the top, equidistant from the sides and top edge. Run this through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine - I was able to cut through both layers in one pass, but run it through a second time if you're uncertain. You can save both circles for another time.
Using the floral die, cut out the vellum square. On the card front, add Seal all around the opening and place the vellum piece on top. Place Mini Dimensionals all around the opening (or you could use Foam Adhesive Strips), and don't be stingy with them - we don't want the card to slump! Place regular size Dimensionals on the white panel and adhere it to the front of the card, aligning with the opening.
Stamp the sentient on the small rectangle and use the stitched banner die to cut it out. With this scripty font, I find it's often difficult to stamp straight. That is why I recommended a larger piece of paper for our words. I also find it's helpful to use a sticky note to place at the bottom of the letters before placing the die on top as this helps me to get it straight. Pop this up on the bottom of the card front and add the Melon Mambo panel on the inside. For my envelope, I used a sentiment from the Textured Floral stamp set.
Let's dive into the ways to use these dies. The most obvious way is to fold your card base in half and then use the die on the front panel. This leaves a fairly flimsy card front. You can add a piece of vellum like I did in this example, or cut a piece of cardstock to layer behind it - either the same color for a subtle look, or a different color to make the flowers or leaves stand out. I added a label from the All That dies and stamped my sentiment from the Kindest Expressions stamp set. A splash of ribbon finishes this lovely card.
While this card is similar, it differs for two reasons - first, I left the card base in tact and cut the design to layer on top. Second, I cut the leaf patter from Designer Series Paper (Distressed Gold). Using the Something Fancy stamps and dies, I made this elegant wedding card. I embossed the sentiments (inside and out) with Gold - this photo doesn't do it justice. Trust me, it's lovely!
Think outside the cardstock box for the next sample. Instead of having the background for these beautiful dies be cardstock, use DSP instead! Here I used Inked Botanicals as the background and Petal Pink for the card base and die. The tag is from Something Fancy dies and the sentiments are from the brand new set called Timeless Charm (an on-line exclusive). I did make my card base slightly larger than the normal 1-1/2" width to get an even border.
For my next two cards, I cut a panel the same size as my card front. Before adhering them to the card, I used blending brushes to add color. Normally, I am thrilled when the background bits fall right out, but for these cards, it's actually better if they don't! On the white floral piece, I used Bubble Bath and Highland Heather to color the centers of the flowers, and for the Lemon Lime Twist, I added Lemon Lime Twist, Granny Apple Green and a hint of Pretty Peacock. The sentiments are from Textured Floral and Sentimental Park.
These next cards were super fun to make! I cut out a panel of leaves in Garden Green and Granny Apple Green. Then I cut the leaves apart to have lots of small clusters. My initial plan was the floral card - I started with a Crumb Cake base with a panel of the Vellum Basics on top. Next, I arranged flowers from the Love For You stamps and dies in a partial circle. Then I tucked in leaves, added a sentiment (Sentimental Park with All That dies) and finished with a double bow of Linen Thread. I had this little scrap of the vellum left over and the second card popped into my head! I cut a vase with the Earthen Textures dies and embossed it with the Timeworn Type embossing folder. I tucked in some of the leftover leaves and embossed the sentiment (Earthen Textures). I just love the simplicity of this card and the speed I was able to make it.
For this card, I cut a panel of Crumb Cake using the floral die. I adhered it to another panel and nested the two largest Countryside Dies to cut two octagons. I adhered the ring to a Crumb Cake base and popped up the other piece in the middle. The sentiment is from Something Fancy and stamped in black. I used the same die (second largest) to trim the strip to the exact width of my popped up layer and adhered it to the top of that layer.
One last note - I used Multipurpose glue for all of my die cut pieces. You could try adhesive sheets and this might be easier. Since I can't find where I put them after I moved into my new space, I can't say with certainty that all the background bits will come out easily when using the adhesive sheets. When I find mine, or order a new pack, I will let you know. Regardless of how you stick them down, these Gorgeous Garden dies are just that! Have fun playing!
Karen
ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com
Etsy Shop: The Power of a Card
https://karensliwinski.stampinup.net
https://ThePowerOfACard.blogspot.com
Images Copyright Stampin’ Up!®
Join my Facebook Group (The Power of a Cardmaker): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042676296088278/?ref=share
My current host code for July is: 24TNVVEG
Please use this for orders less than $150 and you’ll get a special treat from me.
For orders over $150, you qualify for host rewards from Stampin’ Up! (plus a treat from me!).
No comments:
Post a Comment