Partial Die Cutting
by Debby Hughes
Extend a portion of a die cut shape past the fold for a unique card or place marker.
Supplies
- Sturdy cardstock or watercolor paper (Distress Watercolor Cardstock used here)
- Steel wafer die (Simon Says Stamp Paulina Butterfly Die used here)
- Die cutting machine, cutting and embossing plates
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scoring tool
- Other supplies as needed to complete the project (Spray Inks from Hero Arts, paintbrush, calligraphy pen, silver thread, Perfect Pearls, and Studio Calico Sequins used here)
Step-by-Step
-
Step 1
For a place card, cut card base to 5 1/2" x 4 1/4". Mark a pencil line across the card at 2 3/4".
For a standard-sized card, cut base to 8 1/2" x 4 1/4". Mark a pencil line across the card at 4 1/4" and at 5 1/2". -
Step 2
Place a shaped die so that one part of the die is above the center pencil line and the rest is below.
For the standard sized card, position the die so that it does not go above the line at 5 1/2". -
Step 3
Line up die cutting plates along the pencil line so that only the protruding portion is cut when run through the die cutting machine.
-
Step 4
Line up die cutting plates along the pencil line so that the rest of the die is encased between the plates. Run through the die cutter with an embossing mat to impress the die into the card.
-
Step 5
The card now has a die cut element, with the rest of the die impressed into the card.
-
Step 6
Score along the pencil line, outside the die cut area. Erase pencil markings.
-
Step 7
Decorate the card as desired.
Video!
Variations
-
Use similar techniques on a card, or create a fun party ensemble.
Your Turn
You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Partial Die Cutting. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!
***Please note - Internet Explorer/Edge is not a supported browser, and will not allow you to see the videos. Please use Chrome, Firefox or Safari to view our tutorial videos.
Questions and Comments
We'd love to get your feedback or questions. Leave your comment below.
This might be the project that gets me watercolouring!
I also loved the calligraphy idea. Will have to have a look out for one of those pens. Are they easy to get hold of in the uk?
Kathleen Mc xx
I have the calligraphy pens but have not used them for some time. Thanks for sharing.
Dianne
luv
Lols x x x
1- how did you hide the hole in the back of the card left by the diecut?
2- What is an embossing mat?
TIA-JAke
Jodi - if you want to add a mat inside the card to cover the negative cut, that would be fine.
An embossing mat is a squishy silicon pad that allows you to impress details from a die or embossing folder into your cardstock without it cutting through. If your machine didn't come with embossing plates for your machine, you can usually purchase them separately.
Page 1 of 3 pages 1 2 3 >