ItsyBitsy Blog Challenge #16

Hello crafty folks,

Gayatri here. You must be waiting excitedly for the next Itsy Bitsy Blog Challenge. I think few of you would have guessed it already what the next challenge is all about. Yes it is anything that goes with Little Birdies 15 new Thin Cut Dies. They are so versatile that you can use them in cards, mixed media, or any other project…..

Can’t wait to see what you make with them…so without much ado…I am happy to announce our Challenge #16 …..make anything with the Newly Launched Thin Cut Dies.

Have you checked the amazing designs yet?

Here are some guidelines to participate in the Blog Challenge

  • Submissions can be any project featuring any of the above 15 Little Birdie Thin Cut Dies .
  • Turn off word verification to enable us to leave comments
  • Entries can be submitted until  September 5th, 2018
  • In order to submit your entry, click on the inlinkz button provided at the end of this post, add your image and link to your blog post containing the submission.
  • Each participant can submit a maximum of 3 entries. Please append numbers 1, 2, 3 next to your name while submitting multiple entries
  • Please link to your post and not just your blog
  • In your blog post, create a back-link to this page
  • Only projects posted during the valid challenge period are eligible. Back links or Old projects are not allowed. Please link the creations posted only after our challenge has gone live.
  • Entries are welcome from all over the world. However if you are the winner, we can only ship your prize to an Indian address.
  • If you don’t have a blog and want to add your creation on Facebook, please upload it on our FB group Itsy Bitsy Crafter’s Cafe with the hashtag – #itsybitsyblogchallenge16  and add the link here.
  • When sharing your work via Facebook or Instagram, please make sure that your profile is PUBLIC else we will not be able to view your entry and it will be disqualified.
  • Top 2 entries will be selected by the DT.  Each winner will receive a voucher of Rs.500, redeemable online at www.itsybitsy.in.
  • Every month we will go into a lucky draw to pick 1 Lucky individual who Likes and Writes the MOST number of encouraging comments for Itsy Bitsy blog posts. For participating in the Challenge you have time from  July 31st, 2018 to September 5th, 2018. The lucky person will receive a gift voucher worth Rs 500, redeemable online.
  • If you have not subscribed to our blog kindly subscribe with your name and e-mail id.

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So for those who are new to crafting and have doubts, I will share some information about thin dies. So,

What are cutting dies?

Dies are metal shapes with cutting surface on one side. Dies can cut through paper, cloth, foam etc. so that we can get the same shape again and again. Different shaped dies are available which help us to add dimension and beauty to our project.

How to store dies?

Some die sets have smaller elements, which have chances to getting lost. So use a magnetic sheet to keep them in place while working. Since dies are made of metal, they will stick to the magnet.

How to cut intricate dies?

Some dies have intricate designs so we need to keep few points in our mind.

  • Some times intricate dies do not cut completely in one go. Then, pass it a second time through your die cutting machine.
  • While cutting, use an extra scrap card stock, which is called a shim. You also get metal shim which gives an even pressure to get a better die cut shape.
  • For the cut card stock to release from die easily, dab some baby powder or talcum powder, before die cutting.
  • You can see some holes are provided on the dies for easy release of the paper. Poke there to remove the die cut easily.

One doubt which most crafters have regarding a die cutting machine, is the cracking sound that often can be heard while working. Don’t worry, it is natural. It is the die cutting the material. The pressure is so intense that you will get impressions on your base plate. Keep changing the direction of the plates so that they don’t bend or warp.

Now coming to the newly launched Little Birdie ‘Thin Cut Dies’. The designs are amazing. Each and every die set is well thought of and comes with corresponding matching elements like leaves, flowers, birds etc. The dies are  International quality steel dies, cut so smooth in one pass itself. Some intricate dies might need a shim. And above all , they are so pocket friendly and we could never dream that in India. So a big congratulations to Itsy Bitsy Team and all of you, hurry and grab them before they sell out!!

Now let me jump to my inspirational project.

Today I have a card using the beautiful die – ‘Victorian Window’

Here is a step-wise description on how I made it:

  • I prepared a square card base measuring 5.75″ x 5.75″. I took another card panel and trimmed it about 1/8 of an inch smaller.

  • I cut several pieces of the window, so as to create a 3 dimensional effect. I used washi tape to hold the die in position.

  • I made an out line of where I have to cut the opening for the window  on the panel, and cut it with a craft knife.

  • I used the brick stencil  and distress inks, to give a wall effect. I mixed two colors to get a stone wall effect.

  • I distress colored a piece of card stock with – Mowed Lawn, Pickled Raspberry and Dusty Concord Distress inks and die cut leaves and flowers with the dies in the set.

  • I created a curtain for the window with organza ribbon which I had in my stash.
  • I assembled the flowers and leaves on the panel and adhered it to the card base.
  • I splattered some brown and white paint to finish the card.

Here are the final pictures of my project:

 

Products used:

  

 

Hope you liked my card.  Waiting to see amazing projects from you all for our challenge this month.

Till next time, Happy crafting!!

 

Anything goes with any one of these Thin Cut Dies…………………..

To Buy these click here :  https://www.itsybitsy.in/categories/papercraft-die-cutting–embossing-thin-cut-dies/cid-CU00369158.aspx

 

15 comments

  1. Such a simple and amazing creation !
    Loved every detail of it…thanks so much for sharing 🙂

  2. Beautiful and Elegant card. Thanks for sharing very informative post about the dies and their usage.?

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