Page 78 - THE INDEPENDENT

Die-Cutting Technique Workshop
With unrivalled versatility, die cutting is undoubtedly one of our favourite techniques. There are so many ways that you can incorporate it into your makes.
Whether you’re a complete stranger to the shiny shapes or are more than familiar with your trusty machine, we’ve got some super-fun ideas for you! Once you’ve had a go at these, you’ll be die cutting in each and every project.
Double partial die cutting
Give your basic dies a new lease of life and create a different look with this contemporary design. By only applying pressure onto a section of a die, you can make a partial cut, shrinking down larger dies and eliminating sections. It’s so easy once you get the knack for it!
Trim down an 8” square card blank to measure 18cm square. Cut a piece of navy cardstock to a 17.5cm square and mark an X on top with double-sided tape. Cut a sheet of Forever Friends Opulent patterned vellum to measure 17cm and partially die cut.
To do so, tape the largest hexagon die in the centre. Position the Wedding Ever After alpha dies inside and tape together at their bases. Place the cutting plate over the upper portion of the dies, lining it up with the top edge of the craft tape on the letters. Run through your die cutting machine.
Remove the alpha dies and use a craft knife to cut the linked sections between each letter. Position the cutting plate over the bottom part of the hexagon and cut again. Cut across the hexagon to create a second aperture below the letters, using a craft knife and metal ruler.
Die cut some mini hexagons in coordinating papers and attach three to the vellum with double-sided tape. Layer up two with 3D foam. Make rolled flower embellishments by cutting a spiral into mini hexagon die cuts. Roll these up tightly and stick the outside ends in place. Fix the flowers around the hexagons, securing with tacky glue.
Flip your vellum panel over and attach double-sided tape to the areas covered by hexagons. Mat on top of the blue cardstock. Embellish with a scattering of copper adhesive domes to finish.
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Created by docrafts, Xcut is a leading brand in the die cutting world. Xcut’s products have been designed with the crafter in mind, from concept to finished product. With everything from dies and punches to embossing folders, Xcut provide all you need to create the perfect papercrafts with beautiful precision. Xcut are so confident with the quality of their products, that each comes with a lifetime guarantee.