Easy Die Cutting Techniques

The Easy Die Cutting Techniques class from the AECP inspired me to explore new ways to use dies creatively. For this project, I combined negative die cutting with a unique twist on inlay die cutting to create a window effect. The star of this design is the Altenew's Hanging Garden Die Set, which I paired with subtle glitter and elegant touches, resulting in a card perfect for a wedding or special occasion.

Products Used:

• White Cardstock
• Black Cardstock
• Hanging Garden Die Set
• Plum Fresh Dye Ink
• Build-A-Garden: Tulips & Friends Stamp Set
• Recycled Clear Packaging
• Distress Glitter: Vintage Platinum

Steps to Create:

1. Prepare the Base: 
   I began with a top-folding card base measuring 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" and prepared 2 white card panel with same size for sandwiching.
2. Negative Die Cutting: 
   Using the smaller die from the Hanging Garden set, I die cut the card base to create a window. This required opening the card and carefully aligning the die in the center.
3. Creating the Glitter Inlay Panel: 
   I wanted glitter paper to peek through the window, but with a twist. First, I die cut the shape into black cardstock and adhered glitter paper behind the negative space. To add interest, I die cut the same shape from white cardstock and carefully inlaid the tiny white pieces directly onto the glitter paper without the frame.
   
   To align the white pieces, I kept them in the die, added glue to their backs, and placed the die (cutting edge down) over the black and glitter paper. Once aligned, I pushed each piece into place with a pin.
4. Adding Dimension: 
   For extra depth, I die cut the leaf shape three more times from white cardstock and stacked them on top of the glitter inlay.
5. Positioning the Black Cardstock: I placed the black glitter panel behind the negative die cut on the card base. Initially, it was misaligned, but I embraced the angled look. I trimmed the black cardstock close to the die cut leaving equal space around all 4 sides and adhered it inside the card, lining it up with the negative die cut from the front of the cardbase.
6. Securing the Fragile Front Panel: 
   The negative die cut on the card front was delicate, so I decided to reinforced it and also create a clear window with a piece of recycled clear packaging. To align everything perfectly, I used my stamping platform creatively:
• Rolled 2 piece of masking tape on itself so that both sides are now sticky.
• Placed the cardbase closed in my stamping platform, aligning the die on the negative die cut on the cardbase.
• Stick one of the double sticky tapes on the back of the die, so when the door of the stamping platform is closed, it is attached to it. .
• To ensure precise alignment, I swapped the card base with the layering panel for easier handling. I applied a second piece of double-sided sticky tape to the die, with the cutting edge facing upward, and closed the door of my stamping platform onto the panel, securing the die in place. After carefully removing the sticky tape from the back of the die to avoid misalignment, I ran the panel with the die through my die-cut machine. 
7. Inking the Panel Edges: I trimmed both panels a little bit so when glued on the cardbase, we have equal border all 4 sides. 
   For a polished finish, I inked the edges of the panels directly with the Plum Fresh Dye Ink pad, creating a thin colored border. I adhered one panel to the front of the card and sandwiched the clear packaging between the card base and a second panel for a clean look.
8. Adding the Sentiment: I finished the card with a simple Congrats sentiment from the Tulips & Friends stamp set, stamped in black for contrast.

  

  

This card turned out beautifully with its unique die-cut window, glitter accents, and layered details. It's an elegant design that’s versatile enough for weddings or any special occasion. I’m thrilled with how the technique and final look came together!

  

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