Stepped Up Dimensional Die Cuts

Hello! Today I am sharing lots of examples featuring stepped up dimensional die cuts. Be sure to watch my video – I have lots of tips!

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

[All supplies are linked in the text below and in the thumbnails at the end of this post. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.]

There are many ways to make your die cuts stand out on your card. Today’s tips make a HUGE difference and are well worth the time and effort. You can try just one tip and it alone will look great.

For my first card, I stacked three Simon Says Stamp Balloon die cuts, along with four stacked “23” die cuts from the Simon Says Stamp Everett Numbers Die Set. Stacking is easy with Gina K Connect Glue since the adhesive comes out easily and dries strong and clear. I then covered the dimensional die cuts with five layers of clear embossing powder. That shine is amazing! But keep in mind that the clear embossing darkens the cardstock color.

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

For the background, I used Cosmic Shimmer Icicle Blue Sparkle Paste over a Simon Says Stamp Jazz Dance Stencil. I also added string that I coated with Gina K Connect Glue so I could force it into a shape and keep it there.

Here is a better look at the shine…

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

This next example is similar, with a couple difference. This time I used the Simon Says Stamp Everett Letters Dies for “hi” and covered the stacked die cuts with a thick layer of Tonic Crystal Glaze. This takes overnight to dry, but stays more true to the color underneath.

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

You can see this gives lots of shine. It is a bit less than the heat embossing on the “23” balloon, but it takes less time to apply.

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Next, I show a couple ways to add shimmer to the dimensional die cuts. The first option involves covering a stacked die cut with Tonic Aqua Shimmer Pens and then a layer of Tonic Crystal Glaze. This is a great way to make a die cut stand out! I used the new Simon Says Stamp Big Friend Dies along with a sentiment strip from the Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments Stamp Set. I assembled the pieces on a stacked Simon Says Stamp Hibiscus Frame Die Cut.

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Another option is to use several layers of clear embossing powder… with one layer of Judikins Sparkle Embossing Powder on top. (If you use the sparkle powder for all of the layers, it won’t let the cardstock show through much.) This is much faster to do but darkens the color.

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Another way to step up your die cuts is to create multi-color pieces. This is a great opportunity to use up scraps! For this card, I used Scotch Tape on the back of three strips of cardstock to hold them together. I then die cut my “patterned paper” with the Simon Says Stamp Dude Dies. It die cuts beautifully! I stacked it with a few more “dude” die cuts and on a few black shadow die cuts. I then covered it with Tonic Crystal Glaze.

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I clear heat embossed the Simon Says Stamp Center Cut Geometric Pattern Stamp on black cardstock – a great backdrop! The sentiment is from the Simon Says Stamp CZ Emphatic Stamp Set… and I added a few stars from the Tonic Golden Years Confetti.

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

To create a bunch of rainbow die cuts, I first made my own “patterned paper” by taping strips together. I had enough to make several cards!

This first card shows a dimensional Simon Says Stamp Good Vibes Dies… covered with Tonic Crystal Glaze. Such a fun die cut!

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I also created a rainbow stacked die cut using the Simon Says Stamp Big Friend Dies… but covered it with lots of clear embossing. You can see this made the die cuts darker, but I still like it! I added it to a notecard along with a white Simon Says Stamp Debra die cut… and a Simon Says Stamp Simple sentiment.

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

One advantage to using several coats of clear embossing for dimensional shine? It is fast for large, intricate die cuts! Check out that Simon Says Stamp Debra die cut background… I am loving that look!

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

You can also use Ranger Glossy Accents to cover die cuts. The results are rounded, shiny, and smooth. This card features the Simon Says Stamp Everett Letters Dies, Debra Die, and a little sentiment from the Big Thanks Words Stamp Set.

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

These remind me of the puffy stickers I collected as a kid…

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

My last example features my favorite dimensional die cut piece. It looks amazing in real life! I stacked several circle die cuts along with Simon Says Stamp Miss You Block Die Cuts. I then topped the “miss you” with glitter cardstock. Finally, I coated it with a heavy layer of Ranger Glossy Accents. The background is from the Simon Says Stamp Beachy Waves Stamp.

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I am impressed how the gloss coats the dimension…

Dimensional Die Cuts Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

NEW RELEASE

Most of the products I used today are from the new Simon Says Stamp Good Vibes Release. Lots of great products! Find them HERE.

SUPPLIES

Want to find the products I used? I have listed them below. (Compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you. Thank you! Affiliate and product disclosure can be found here. All products were personally purchased except those with an asterisk or Simon Says Stamp branded. As always, this post was NOT paid for or sponsored.)

Simon Says Stamp Everett Letters Dies
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Everetty Number Dies
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Balloons Dies
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Big Friend Dies
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Debra Die
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Dude Dies
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Good Vibes Dies
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Hibicus Frame Die
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Miss You Block Die
[ SSS ]
Simon Says STamp Jazz Dance Stencil
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Center Cut Geometric…
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Beachy Waves Stamp
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 1…
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Big Thanks Words…
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp CZ Emphatic Stamp Set
[ SSS ]
Tonic Golden Years Confetti
[ SSS ]
Gina K Connect Glue
[ SSS ]
Tonic Crystal Glaze
[ SSS ]
Ranger Glossy Accents
[ SSS ]
VersaMark Ink
[ SSS ]
SSS Clear Embossing Powder
[ SSS ]
Judikins Sparkle Embossing Powder
[ SSS ]
Hero Arts Heat Gun
[ SSS ]
Coffee Filters
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Craft Pick
[ SSS ]
Tonic Aqua Shimmer Pens
[ SSS ]
Cosmic Shimmer Icicle Blue Sparkle Paste
[ SSS ]
Palette Knife Set
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Glitter Cardstock
[ SSS ]
MISTI Stamping Tool
[ SSS ]
Neenah Classic Crest 110lb Cardstock
[ SSS ]
MISTI Creative Corners
[ SSS ]
MISTI Mouse Pad Insert
[ SSS ]
MISTI Bar Magnet
[ SSS ]
Gemini Junior Die Cut Machine
[ SSS ]
Therm O Web Purple Tape
[ SSS ]
* Tim Holtz Tonic Glass Media Mat
[ SSS ]


Leave a Comment

49 thoughts on “Stepped Up Dimensional Die Cuts”

  1. Love these cards. What great techniques. My favorites are the ones with the multicolored stripes, especially the one with the Debra Die and the black Friend die. You come up with the best ideas!!! Thanks.

  2. These all look absolutely amazing! I love the self-made stripey paper and the shine on all of the die cuts!

  3. Thanks for the video! I was recently watching the Q&A “episode” where you said you never hopped on the washi trend…I’ve seen many of your videos and I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen washi make an appearance! 😉
    Have a blessed week!!

    1. P.S. I’d love to see a side by side comparison of the different Tonic products…Crystal glaze vs. Morning Dew Nuvo drops, etc.
      What are the gold embellishments used on the last card? They look like Lucy’s…
      Thanks!

  4. Hi Jennifer…OMG….Love these cards…so shiny & colourful…Thank you for sharing….Pattie 😊

  5. I’ve received your posts regularly until last month when they stopped. I’ve tried to sign back up but am told to try again later….it’s been a month and I still can’t re-subscribe. Could you put me back on your mailing list? Thanks so much – Elaine

  6. I am overwhelmed!! But I now have lots more things to try. Perfect video for breakfast–the timing was spot on! Would you consider sometime showing the difference between Crystal Glaze (Tonic) and the Glossy Accents? Is it worth buying both or are they essentially the same? It seems that every time I finally buy a product, all the bloggers and YouTubers are using something different. Thank you so much for all you have taught me.

  7. I just used Glossy Accents on some cards I made to make the embellishments pop, and I am stacking my die cuts, even if they are cut on my Cricut. You have given me so many great ideas to enhance my card-making and I cannot thank you enough.

  8. These are all fantastic cards and your ideas are totally awesome, every. single, time!
    There is so much in this release that I love and want, ♥ it ALL!

  9. I thought I would share a great way to organize your craft items. EVERNOTE. I’m sure you have a little help getting all your stamps organized but with this software /app you can find anything. Takes time entering but you can add pic or examples of your favorite stamps or colors that best go with it. Just cut and paste. I know you have way more than me but it is a great system. Look up on computer, tablet or phone. Just FYI

  10. I love the Beachy Waves background stamp, the Jazz Dance stencil, and the Perforated Pockets dies in this release.

  11. You are so very valuable to so many people! I don’t know you personally but through your cards, I see a beautiful person who cares deeply about others (even strangers) and also prioritizes family first. Amazing ability to do all you do with so much heart. Thank you from the bottom of mine.

  12. What a fabulous video!!! I want to make all of these! Thank you for your tutorials and am off to shop! Love that Deb die!

  13. Your videos are DA BEST! Thanks for all the techniques and great tips! Loved the fun looks, you achieved with the die cuts, to create your beautiful cards!

  14. Wow what a fun video. The dude Die cut is such a great idea. The way you created your own pattern paper. Love all of these techniques. Thank you so much for sharing 😀

  15. WOW! Beautiful cards. Love them all. Thank you or all the great tips. Your video is fantastic. Thank you.

  16. Very cool! The Good Vibes sentiment is particularly good, love the colours on the black. Very 70’s :). I too would love to see a comparison of the Glossy Accents and Crystal Glaze.

  17. You have given me so many ideas for my cards! Thank you for sharing. Your instructions are so clear and straight forward.

  18. I love the way you used strips of cardstock to make multi-colored sentiments and embellishments. They look wonderful! Thank you for the video.

  19. Your cards all came out Gorgeous! I love following your site because I always learn something new from you. Whether its tips on using new products or ideas for using old ones, there is always something I learn. Thank you for sharing all these tips!

  20. Awesome cards. Thanks for another great video full of tips and techniques! Clever the way you overlapped the Layered numbers on the balloon. It was really helpful to see the three different techniques to add shine to our cards and to learn about the pros and cons of each. I will definitely be giving these techniques a try.

  21. You always have the most creative and colorful ideas for us, Jennifer! These are awesome, and I will be giving these techniques a trial over the next couple of weeks! Hope I have enough cardstock—-LOL!

  22. They all are amazing! What a great way to make cards that are homemade look a little more professional and impressive. Thank you for the creative ideas!

  23. Well dude you defiantly get great vibes when you see all the fantastic mix of cards. Such great way to build up die cut words & so colourful as well. Thanks for another fab video x

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