Hello! Today, I have two cards created by utilizing one background die. One card utilizes the die cut itself, the other makes use of the negative space left behind. This a great way to fully utilize your supplies, and it’s easy to do as well!
I started by using Distress Oxide inks to create a rainbow background onto Neenah 80lb Solar White cardstock (cut to 5.5” x 4.25”). Ink colors used were: Seedless Preserves, Salty Ocean, Mowed Lawn, Squeezed Lemonade, Carved Pumpkin and Picked Raspberry. After I was happy with my ink blending, I grabbed my W Plus 9 Ironworks Background die, which cuts an A2 card base perfectly.
I ran the die and background through my Big Shot die cutting machine, being careful to keep the cardstock and all cut bits on the cutting plate. I removed the top plate, placed a bit of spare cardstock over the top of the die, and flipped the stack over, revealing the bottom of the cardstock with all the cuts.
I dabbed Gink K Connect Glue over each of the cut bits (being careful not to get glue on the outline), then placed a card base (cut to 5.5” x 4.25”) over. I spent a few minutes thoroughly pressing down the cardstock, fully adhering the cardstock to the glued negative space bits. After I was confident the glue was doing its job, I gently removed the outline, revealing the negative space pattern. This technique keeps the pattern intact easily and efficiently. I set aside the panel to dry completely.
Using Gina K Connect Glue, I adhered the outline die cut directly to a cardbase, cut to A2. The sentiments for this card came from the Happy Birthday stamp set & dies made by Honey Bee. I stamped ‘Happy’ in Hero Arts Intense Black ink, and used the die to cut three sets of Birthday, which I layered to create a chipboard look. I used Nuvo Crystal Drops in Ebony Black to dot the I, as it is nearly impossible to keep track of the tittle, let alone trying to stack three of them together. This card was now complete.
Returning to the negative space background, I went through my stash and found a circle die that matched the void in the background. I stamped the circle cut with a sentiment pulled from The Stamp Market’s One of a Kind stamp set. I could have stamped directly onto the card panel, but wanted to pop the sentiment up with some foam tape to add dimension. I adhered the panel to an A2 card base, cut from Gina K Black Onyx card stock.
These two cards were so fun to put together. The bright colors added excitement and interest, without overpowering the busy nature of the die cut. Simple black sentiments bring everything together, and help the colors pop. This just goes to show the versatile nature of dies. Take a look at dies you may have (or that are on your wish list) and see if you could utilize the negative space. Keep Calm and Craft On!
