Altenew Educator Certification Program: Easy Die Cutting Techniques

 

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to my Crafty Corner.

Today I am sharing cards I created for Altenew Academy's class "Easy Die Cutting Techniques" offered by Yana Smakula. In this class, Yana shows us many creative ways to use our dies in card making.  

I must admit that I am a bit obsessed with Altenew's Zero-Waste Dies as they offer endless creative possibilities. I save all the pieces and add them to other projects.  You can die cut them to your heart's content and mix and match the parts and pieces. 

Here is the card I am presenting today.  The bonus card at the end is an example of how one can use the leftovers to create something fun.

Of all the techniques Yana demonstrated in her class, dry embossing with a die is  my favorite and the focus of today's project.  

Supply List:

Altenew Zero-Waste 3D Floral Cover Die

Altenew Scripty Sentiments Die Set

Altenew Mini Ink Blending Brushes

Altenew Crystal Clear Gem Sparkles

Altenew Ultra Sticky Mat 

Neenah Solar White Cardstock, 80lb and 110lb

Foam Squares

Tonic Flower Shaping Tools

A2 Card Base

Nuvo Clear Sparkle Pen

Distress Inks:  Fossilized Amber, Carved Pumpkin, Seedless Preserves, Wilted Violet, Villainous Potion, Saltwater Taffy, Picked Raspberry, Candied Apple, Tumbled Glass, Salty Ocean, Prize Ribbon, Twisted Citron, Cracked Pistachio and Lucky Clover.

Trim two 4 x 5 1/2" panels of Neenah Cardstock - one 80lb and one 110lb.

Dry emboss the 110lb panel with the Zero Waste Die. This technique leaves an impression of the die without cutting through the cardstock. Please follow the manufacturer's instructions for your die cut machine.

Die cut the zero waste die with the 80lb cardstock.  Lay the die over the sticky mat and carefully remove the die cut parts.  Save the die cut outline for another card. (see Bonus Card)

Color the flowers and leaves with the distress inks and mini ink blending tools.  Shape the flower pieces with the floral shaping tool.  

Build the flowers by mixing colors and floral patterns. Put the leaves aside for now.

Adhere the dry embossed panel to the card base.

Die cut the sentiment and the shadow from white cardstock, ink blend Fossilized Amber Distress Ink to the sentiment, adhere to the shadow piece, then to the panel.  

Build the flowers, mix and match the colors and floral parts.  Add foam squares to a few of the floral bouquets to create dimension and interest.  Add the floral bouquets in a pleasing arrangement to the panel.  I used the florals to frame the sentiment.  

Add embellishments and use the glitter pen to add shimmer to the sentiment and a few of the decorative elements.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you like the cards and will consider trying the Zero Waste Dies.

Bonus Card - I saved left over parts from other cards I have made during my AECP journey and put them together to create the below card.  I am happy with how it turned out.