Adding Dimension to Die-cuts - Design Element

Hi everyone.  Before we get to the technique information and samples, the Group of Cardmakers want to thank our followers for supporting us over the past several years.  Our Group is now down to three cardmakers and we have decided it's time to close.  This will be our last post.  We hope we inspired you to try new techniques, or design your own variations to classic techniques.  

For today we are sharing different ways to add dimension to die-cuts.  You can simply cut multiple images from dies and layer them together with glue or dimensional tape to create die-cuts with dimension.  Or, here are some alternative ways to add dimension: 1) ink edges; 2) using a stylus to shape and add depth; 3) layering die-cuts; etc.  They all work to give your die-cuts some dimension and interest, whether you use one or combine all of the different ways.  We hope you'll check out the videos below that all give a unique way to working with Die-cuts.

Different suggested ways to do the technique or try your own way!

Videos:  

Adding Dimension to Die-cut Leaves by Loll Thompson (3:16) - Add dimension to many different types of die-cuts by adding sponging to the edges, or using a stylus and foam pad for shaping.  Sorry for the poor quality, this video is quite a few years old. :)

Coloring Hack by Understand Blue (9:10) - Lydia uses layered patterened paper with sponged edges to add interest and dimension.

Lifelike Die-cuts by Jennifer McQuire (13:25) - Add dimension with colouring and layering die-cuts; use large die-cuts to deboss and add dimension to backgrounds; add glossy accents to add dimension to die-cut sentiments

Wreath Card by Sandi Maciver (12:44) - Creating dimension with layering die-cuts

Supplies:

• Die-cuts
• White, Coloured or Patterned Paper
• Detail sponges or finger daubers

Additional Supplies (if needed):

• Stylus & Dense Foam; and / or
• Background Die & Mat; and / or
• Glossy Accents

Technique Instructions:

• Die-cut regular dies or layering dies from white or coloured cardstock, or patterned paper
• Use detail sponges or finger daubers to add sponging around edges
• Use stylus with dense mat to shape and add dimension to your die-cuts
• Use background die with mat to deboss design and create dimension to your backgrounds
• Add glossy accents to die-cut sentiments or images to add depth and shine to your die-cuts

These instructions are listed on the sidebar by technique for easy reference.

Adding Dimension to Die-cuts Card Samples

Loll

Pat

Susan - away

* * * * *

Thanks again for following Group of Cardmakers!

Textured Backgrounds using Die-cuts

Hi everyone.  Today we are sad as we say goodbye to one of our team members.  Darnell is stepping down and we will all miss her terribly.  Thank you, Darnell, for sharing your amazing talents with us at Group of Seven.  You inspire all of us with your cards, but also with your generousity, charm, wit and humour. 

On to the technique ...

Today we are trying something that is new to most of us.  We've adhered tone-on-tone die-cuts to our card fronts.  This is an easy way to create textured and dimensional backgrounds ... basically faux dry embossing.  It's also a great way to stretch the use of your dies.  

If you do make cards, please join us by adding to the linky at the bottom of this post.  We'd love to see what you make!!

There are two videos to use as suggestions, but feel free to try your own way.

Videos:

1)  Creating a Tone-on-tone Background with Die-cuts by Kristina Werner (7:42)

2)  Ombre Tone-on-Tone Intricate Die-cut Background by Emily Midgett (10:20)

Sample card from another source:

Supplies: Video #1

• Individual Dies 
• Card stock for both your card front and die-cuts (same colour)
• glue or adhesives
• scissors

Supplies:  Video #2

• Coverplate Die
• Inks for Blending Background (Distress or Distress Oxides) 2-4 colours
• White card stock
• glue or adhesives
• scissors

Technique Instructions - Video #1:

• Pick a die and cut several to lay over top of your card front, making sure some of the images go beyond the edge of the card.  
• Adhere with glue.
• Use scissors to cut off excess.
• Use this as your background for your card design.

Technique Instructions - Video #2:

• Use inks to sponge your backgrounds, creating two that are similar.
• Die-cut one using a coverplate die from your coloured background.
• Die-cut a second using the coverplate from white card stock.
• Glue the two die-cut images together with the coloured one on top.
• Adhere your layered die-cut to the colourful card front, make use they are facing the same way so the colours are fairly aligned.
• Finish your card.

These instructions are listed on the sidebar by technique for easy reference.

Textured Backgrounds using Die-cuts

Loll

 

Susan

        

Julia

Positive

Negative

Christine

Brenda

Bonnie

* * * * *

We'll be back on the 28th of December with another

technique and sample cards.

See you then!

* * * * *

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

We'll be back on the 28th of (month) with another

technique and sample cards.

See you then!

Cover Die Eclipse

Video:   Stamp & Chat with Gina K. - this is a VERY long video.  It is easier to follow the steps below (copied from SplitcoastStampers website).

Supplies:

• Card stock
• Ink
• Large image (or grouping of several smaller images)
• Cover die (or several smaller dies)

Technique Instructions:

Following the video above ...

• Using your Misti, stamp two card fronts with the same large image (or grouping of smaller images).  Background stamps, large florals, etc. work well.
• Using a cover die, cut ONE of the stamped panels.  If desired for texture, cut more blank pieces with this same die and glue them into a stack with the stamped one on top.
• Glue the stamped cover die-cuts onto your second stamped panel, being sure to perfectly line up the stamped patterns.
• Note:  if you don't have any cover dies, use multiple small shape dies to cut the second panel and put them in place.

These instructions are listed on the sidebar by technique for easy access.

It's a great reference for all of us! :)

Cover Die Eclipse Card Samples

Loll

 

Susan

 

Julia

 

Bonnie

 

Brenda

 

Darnell

Christine

Sharing ...

Robyn                                               JoAnn B                                     Christine

Robyn                                               Bobby                                           Bobby

Pat                                                         Loll                                                  Aimeslee

Robyn                                                                                                       Megan J

We'll be back on the 28th of April

with another technique and sample cards.

See you then!

Print Making with Die-cuts

Hi Everyone.  Prior to starting our Group of Seven Cardmakers blog, our group kept in touch during Covid and started trying out new and (revised) older techniques.  We are including them as a reference for those that are interesting in trying them out.

* * * * *

August 2020

Supplies:

• Watercolour paper (hot or cold press)
• Dies
• Inks (Distress Inks work best)
• Paint Brushes

Technique Instructions:

• Die-cut two of your image from watercolour paper.  Paint both of them using inks.
• Using one to make your background print, spritz with lots of water, flip over and press onto a watercolour paper card front.  Press lightly to create a soft background.  Repeat as necessary, less is more with this technique.
• This creates a mirror image of your die-cut.  If you want it to be an exact image of your die-cut, watercolour the back of the die before flipping it over and pressing onto your card base.
• Use remaining watercoloured die-cut to adhere over printed background.  Finish card.

Print Making with Die-cuts

Bonnie

Brenda

 

Christine

 

Darnell

 

Loll

 

Susan