Metal craft dies are similar to templates in that they are used in crafting to cut out specific, often ornate, designs. Craft dies are a fun and versatile crafting tool that can be used to dress up your scrapbook pages! There are a few tools you'll need before you start crafting with dies.
Different Ways to Scrapbook with Dies
1. 3D LAYOUTS
When it comes to scrapbooking pages, it's easy to avoid creating too many layers or a full and bulky page. Nathalie, a member of the Mixed Media Design Team, has achieved a great balance between several layers and a subtle and detailed design using the Mix & Match Mariposa Die Set. Our favourite aspect of this scrapbook layout is that the large number of butterfly die-cuts not only replicate a "kaleidoscope" of butterflies (that's what they call a group of butterflies! ), but they also create a "kaleidoscope" of butterflies! How lovely! ), but they form the shape of a heart!
2. COVER DIE PANELS
Cover dies are an excellent way to create space-filling panels for large format scrapbook pages. Nathalie uses large pops of pattern, layers, and plenty of white space to let the page breathe. The Dainty Blooms Cover Die is used with white cardstock and creates a very subtle 'pop' against the grey background. Another brilliant aspect of this layout is the use of negative die-cuts from a 6x6 patterned paper pad set to fill in the floral elements of the Dainty Blooms Cover Die (the Fuchsia Soiree 6x6 Paper Pack, in this case). Rather than blending that element with the palette's white, gold, and greys, the addition of a textured colour is fantastic!
3. USING ALPHABET DIES
Alphabet craft die sets are a great way to personalise a page with your own bold sentiments. This layout makes use of both positive and negative die-cuts. Why waste when nearly all die-cut elements can be used? When using alphabet dies, it's important to take your time arranging the letters and to measure and pre-plan your layout as much as possible before cutting out your dies or affixing them to your page. There's nothing more frustrating than stepping back from your craft and realising that your sentiments are all misaligned, unless that's a design element you're going for.
4. 3D FLORAL DIES
Altenew is well-known for its layered floral stamp sets, but did you know about our layered floral die sets? They're a great way to raise every element of a floral design with crisp cardstock elements and affix them anywhere on your crafts.
If you're new to 3D dies, the Fantasy Floral 3D Die Set is a great place to start. This set contains only 6 separate dies, whereas other 3D floral die sets can contain up to 20 separate dies! This layout also makes use of another great element to pair with crafting dies - washi tape. The contrast between the die-cut layers and the washi tape pattern creates a full but not overly busy effect.
5 .COORDINATING STAMP AND DIE SETS
Dies that do not come with a matching stamp set are referred to as stand-alone dies. While stand-alone dies have many applications, what about coordinating stamp and die sets? Yes, yes, yes! They have a place in the creation of scrapbook pages. Using layered stamps and matching dies to cut out designs is a great way to add layers and detailed floating elements. Build-A-Flower sets, which combine stamp sets to create full blooms with matching die sets, are a great example. Check out this layout where the Build-A-Flower: Begonia was used to make these full and beautiful flowers framing the page.
