(click on the pics to enbiggan)
This month I wanted to share multiple looks for the same (two) set of dies--I love the whimsical and organic look of these flower dies (Flower Blossom Set 2, Set 3) by Savvy Stamps, but to be honest, I had only used them once (and that sample actually isn't shown in the photo)! Time to rectify that!
Developing different looks for the same product is super fun--sometimes one idea will spark the next and you get on a roll... I love when that happens!
Example No. 1 - Pressure emboss the dies
I made a standard A-2 card from Letterpress Paper, used 3M Post It Tape to temporarily join the two die sets together and embossed the pattern using the Sizzix Silicone/Rubber pad and my Big Shot. You can also use the rubber embossing mats by My Favorite Things. The trick is getting the right amount of pressure to emboss but not cut through the paper; every die cutting machine is calibrated slightly differently, so experiment a bit to find the right combo. On my machine, the following sandwich worked well:
- Multi-purpose Platform open to Tab 1
- Clear pad
- Dies, blades up
- Paper
- Silicone/Rubber pad
- Clear pad
- Card stock shim
Example No. 2 - Form a wreath with the individual die cuts
Black may seem an unusual color to use for "flowers", but in this instance, it works because of the modern/contemporary look and color scheme! *fist pump*
A circle die cut from some card stock scrap served as the template to trace with a pencil and then the die cut pieces were glued into place. Some of the ends of the foliage were not glued down to the card base so they could curl up and create dimension and interest.
I custom tinted a scrap of white card stock by rubbing a Hero Arts Neon Pink ink cube against it, heat set it, and then die cut "hello" for the greeting. A jumbo polka dot stencil by My Favorite Things was used to create the tiny black pin dot pattern (with a bullet nib Faber Castell marker)--this is a great way to get even spacing.
There are a few more great tips for this project in the video that I think you'll find useful, too! ;)
Example No. 3 - Mat the flowers against patterned paper circles
I'm on a quest to use all the pretty patterned papers I keep collecting, so I punched some 1.25" circles from a favorite paper pad (Highline 6x6, by Basic Grey) and then attached the flowers to them with my Tiny Attacher and glue, then mounted them in grid fashion to a simple white card base. The white die cuts against the vibrant colors and patterns makes a fun, bold statement!
Example No. 4 - Highlight a single die cut within a frame
I quickly colored one of the blossoms with Copic Markers and then set it inside a die cut photo frame. A little bit of black watercolor spatter and glittery gold washi tape with a scallop pattern are easy ways to add texture and interest, but still let that little sprig take center stage.
You almost wouldn't guess from the samples that they were all created with the same dies! And, I'm sure, at this point, you have even more ideas spinning around in your head now! ;)
You can view this month's video in HD on our YouTube Channel, and thanks so much for watching, subscribing, and taking a moment to give it a thumbs up! We appreciate it!
Enjoy!
Have a fabulous day!
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