Rethinking Die Cuts

Hello! Today’s episode doesn’t share a technique, but rather many tips for “rethinking” your stamps and dies to get new, fresh looks. I had a load of fun making LOTS of examples and I hope they inspire you to do the same!

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

[All supplies are linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post. Multiple stores are also linked in the parentheses following the product name. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.]

This video has 22 cards… and is packed with tips and tricks. Even though I am sharing my cards here, I do suggest watching the video for the ideas! I was in need of lots of cards, so decided to share the process.

For all of my cards, I creatively used stamps and dies together. I started with a stamped background and pulled in “silhouette” dies to create unique looks.

My first card features the Concord & 9th Floral Print Silhouette Stamp Set (SSS | C9) to create the stamped background. I then cut it with a house Concord & 9th Floral Print Silhouette Die (SSS | C9). After backing it with die cut craft foam, I added it to the card along with several white die cut flowers and a sentiment from the same stamp set. All of today’s envelopes are decorated with a sentiment from the The Stamp Market Hugs and Hello Stamp Set (SSS |TSM).

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I like how the cluster of tiny die cuts behind the house adds interest to this simple card.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Here is a similar card but with different colors and a sentiment from the Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 2 Stamp Set.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Another way to use a patterned die cut is to add it to a tone-on-tone die cut background. This card showcases the Lawn Fawn Portrait Heart Backdrop Die and a sentiment from an old My Favorite Things stamp set.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

This next card uses the negative piece from my first card. (It is always fun make two cards at once!) I backed the house with a piece of embossed cardstock using the Creative Expressions Bountiful Blossom Embossing Folder… and added a Mama Elephant Hello Friend Die Cut (SSS | EH) and Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 2 Stamp Set sentiment. Sometimes a little bit of texture makes a big difference!

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

You can also use silhouette-type dies to create a window that allows stamping to show through.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Adding dimension with craft foam is key to this design to highlight the window feature.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I also liked using these Concord & 9th Floral Print Silhouette (SSS | C9) stamped backgrounds with the Essentials by Ellen Hand Dies. So cute! I added a die cut heart… and a sentiment from the Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 2 Stamp Set.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

The Concord & 9th Floral Print Silhouette Die (SSS | C9) has other shapes besides houses… including this cute elephant.  I combined the elephant die cuts with a Sunny Studio Dapper Diamonds Embossing Folder background.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

The first card has sentiments from the Concord & 9th Floral Print Silhouette Stamp Set (SSS | C9) (including “you amaze me” on the inside).

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

The matching card has a sentiment from the Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 2 Stamp Set. I made a little party hat for the elephant. 🙂

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

You can also use coordinating dies without the matching stamps… and instead use them to cut out stamped backgrounds for a silhouette look. Here, I used the dies that match the Altenew Birds of a Feather Stamp Set (SSS | ALT). The sentiments are from an older My Favorite Things stamp set.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I added the bird to a Sunny Studio Sunburst Embossing Folder background.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Here is another card featuring a coordinating die… from the Altenew Crown Blooms Stamp Set (SSS | ALT).

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Behind the leaf die cut, I created a window with the Memory Box Bright Hearts Die. I really like to combine unexpected products together!

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

You would be surprised how many coordinating dies work for creating silhouette shapes! For my next card I used a heart balloon die that matches a stamp in the Concord & 9th Monster Love Stamp Set (SSS | C9). I also added heart confetti that was left over from the Lawn Fawn Portrait Heart Backdrop Die I used above.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I also found many dies that were perfect for silhouettes in layering die sets. This leaf die is from the Altenew Hibiscus Garden 3D Layering Die Set (SSS | ALT).

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

This card shows covering the background with white die cuts for a bit of dimension. Love that sentiment from the Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 2 Stamp Set.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I used the matching piece for a simple die cut inlay over a notecard heat embossed with Hero Arts White Satin Pearl Embossing Powder and a new Simon Hurley Background Stamp.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

The card designs I share today are also great for using up leftover stamped backgrounds or “mess up” pieces. I had this large colorful piece leftover from THIS video (featuring the Birch Press Shining Mandala Stencil and Stamp Bundle) and decided to not let it go to waste!  The sentiment is from the new Avery Elle You’ve Got This Stamp Set (SSS | AE).

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

And here is the matching card with a background created using the new Avery Elle Ray Die (SSS | AE).

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

If you open the door to any of these die cut houses, there is a tiny die cut heart inside!

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

My next two cards are good examples of how well a coordinating die works for this technique. This die is meant to match up with a lovely stamped image from the Altenew Dainty Bouquet Stamp Set (SSS | ALT) but it looks great without! I used this die along with a background I created with the Concord & 9th Happy Plaid Stamp Set (SSS | C9).

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

This die cut is a great example of how helpful it is to die cut craft foam for the added dimension. Trying to put foam squares behind that would have been a challenge! I added the piece to a Avery Elle Quilted Frame Die (SSS | AE) background (swoon!).

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I also added the negative space plaid piece with die cut craft foam… and a sentiment from the Avery Elle You’ve Got This Stamp Set (SSS | AE).

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

You can also allow stamped backgrounds to peek from behind border die cuts. This card features the Concord & 9th Hey Turnabout Stamp (SSS | C9) and the Concord & 9th Peek Through Pattern Dies (SSS | C9). Love these colors!

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

My final set of cards shows that you can do these tricks with word dies… and leftover backgrounds made of scraps. I had this rainbow scrap background left over from THIS video and I thought I would use it along with the cool new Birch Press Simple Love Dies. It worked perfect!

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Again… this shows the benefit of die cut craft foam for dimension…

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

And my last card! (Whew!) This has an Avery Elle Scalloped Frame Die (SSS | AE) background.

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I love that this card has TONS of details… but required little work!

Rethinking Stamps & Dies Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Whew! That was a lot of cards. 🙂 But I hope the inspire you. Time for me to get these in the mail…

CHECK IT OUT

Many of the products I used today are from the newest Concord & 9th release. It is a good one (you can see it all HERE)… and you can get this stamp set FREE with a $60 purchase at Concord & 9th!

Also, be sure to check out the guest artists over at Concord & 9th this month! One of the guests is my good friend Jeff Lindberg. You can see the guest post HERE… but be sure to follow him on Instagram HERE. I love seeing more guys craft!

SUPPLIES

Want to find the products I used? I have listed them below. (Compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you. Thank you for your support! Affiliate and product disclosure can be found here. All products were personally purchased except the products with asterisks which were received from the company with no expectation. As always, this post was NOT paid for or sponsored.) Click on the icons below each product picture to go to a favorite store.

*Concord & 9th Floral Print…
[ C&9 | SSS ]
*Concord & 9th Floral Print…
[ C&9 | SSS ]
*Concord & 9th Hey There Turnabout Stamp
[ C&9 | SSS ]
*Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 2…
[ SSS ]
The Stamp Market Hugs and Hello Stamp…
[ SSS | THS ]
*Altenew Hibiscus Garden 3D Dies
[ SSS | ALTN ]
*Concord & 9th Happy Plaids Stamp Set
[ C&9 | SSS ]
Hero Arts Infinity Circle Dies
[ SSS | HA ]
*Birch Press Shining Mandala Stamp &…
[ SSS ]
*Concord & 9th Peek Through Pattern Dies
[ C&9 | SSS ]
Mama Elephant Hello Friend Die
[ SSS | ELH ]
Essentials by Ellen Hand Dies
[ ELH ]
*Altenew Birds of a Feather Stamp Set
[ SSS | ALTN ]
*Concord & 9th Monster Love Stamp Set
[ C&9 | SSS ]
*Avery Elle Youve Got This Stamp Set
[ SSS | AVR ]
*Altenew Crown Bloom Stamp Set
[ ALTN | SSS ]
*Altenew Dainty Bouquet Stamp Set
[ SSS | ALTN ]
*Memory Box Bright Hearts Die
[ SSS ]
Poppy Stamps Blooming Border Die
[ SSS ]
*Birch Press Simple Love Dies
[ SSS ]
*Lawn Fawn Portrait Heart Backdrop Die
[ SSS ]
*Avery Elle Ray Die
[ SSS | AVR ]
*Avery Elle Scalloped Mat Dies
[ SSS | AVR ]
*Avery Elle Quilted Frame Dies
[ SSS | AVR ]
Creative Expressions Bountiful…
[ SSS ]
Sunny Studio Dapper Diamonds…
[ SSS ]
Sunny Studio Sunburst Embossing Folder
[ SSS ]
Hero Arts Shadow Inks
[ SSS | HA ]
Gina K Designs Ink
[ SSS | GNK ]
VersaFine Onyx Black Ink
[ SSS ]
VersaMark Ink
[ SSS | ELH ]
Altenew Artist Markers
[ SSS | ALTN ]
Marvy Gel Reminisce Pens
[ SSS ]
Tonic Aqua Shimmer Pens
[ SSS | ELH ]
Hero Arts White Satin Pearl Embossing…
[ SSS | ELH ]
White Craft Foam
[ SSS ]
MISTI Stamping Tool
[ SSS | ELH ]
MISTI Creative Corners
[ SSS | ELH ]
MISTI Mouse Pad Insert
[ SSS | ELH ]
MISTI Bar Magnet
[ SSS | ELH ]
Tim Holtz Tonic Glass Media Mat
[ SSS | ELH ]
Gemini Junior Die Cut Machine
[ SSS | ELH ]
Gina K Connect Glue
[ SSS | GNK ]
Scrapbook Adhesives Thin Foam Squares
[ SSS | ELH ]
Stick It Adhesive Sheets
[ SSS | ELH ]
Micropore Tape
[ SSS ]
Microfiber Cloth
[ SSS ]
Hero Arts Heat Gun
[ SSS | ELH ]


Leave a Comment

51 thoughts on “Rethinking Die Cuts”

  1. You know you are a paper crafting genius, right?😻
    I really love what you come up with! Thanks for always sharing your gift.

  2. I don’t know how you come up with your design ideas, but I’m glad you do! Sadly I wasn’t born with the design gene. But with your help I’m creating like never before! Thank you so much for all your ideas!!!! I love each of your cards equally!

  3. You’ve created some really great cards with the dies Jennifer. I always try to find a use for the negative part of my die cuts. Thanks for showing us all these tips for using the dies in different ways.

  4. Wow, I think this is one of my favorite videos of yours-(I do have a long list of favorites, but this will be at the top). Thanks so much for sharing your talents with us.

  5. I’m inspired! I love this wonderful technique and your backgrounds are beautiful. I, too, have a stash of backgrounds I’ve made and not used, and I also have some rather heavy weight patterned paper, and I’m thinking I might try to using it with this technique.

  6. What a timely video. I’ve been cleaning out my craft supplies. I too save things that didn’t turn out like I wanted them to. Sometimes they look better with the passage of time. But, now I have some ideas about what to do with those pieces that will never get any better. And I tend to forget about embossing folders. Thanks for the reminder

  7. Hi Jennifer, I LOVED LOVED LOVED this video with all of your fabulous ideas. Thank you. As soon as I am able to find craft table (which is currently completely buried under an overflow of stash) I hope to try out some of your ideas.

  8. Jennifer, thank you SO much for this video! I have wanted an elephant die for a _long_ time and could not wait to place my order! Also love how you find so many wonderful suggestions for using things you already have! I have been making a list of which family members will receive anything I live behind 😉 and my 15-year-old granddaughter KNOWS which closet in my house is full of card making supplies!!! Can’t wait to receive my Concord & 9th order!!!! Blessings to everyone in your lovely family.

  9. So many fantastic cards, ideas and techniques in this video. I’ll have to go through my dies and see what I have to use in these ways. You amaze me with all the ideas that you come up with. Thanks for sharing them with us!

  10. Each card that you made are really nice…my favorite one tis he one with the busy background and friends on top of it….well done on all of them….tfs

  11. Wow – this is fantastic and certainly a different way to look at supplies. I am thinking about a few of those dies that I didn’t find the stamps to match – what a great way to use them. Great inspiration and love the color combinations in this.

  12. What a brilliant variety of super fun cards! I’m not sure my old brain could keep up, it would be great to try. Sequoia and I did finish 26 valentines today, all the same, though! That was a big accomplishment for us! Thanks for all the inspiration. Lots to pin today!

  13. Great tips and some fabulous cards. Thank you so much for all the time you spend making videos to help us make the most of our supplies.

  14. We love your long videos because they are so inspiring and creative they don’t seem long!! I love all your tips and tricks, they are so helpful. Your house cards were so cute I had to buy the bundle. Thank you for ALL your videos long and short!!

  15. You are AMAZING! Love your videos, your creativity and your generous heart for sharing all you do! Please don’t apologize for the length of any of your videos, each and every one of them is time well spent viewing and some I’ve watched multiple times. Thank you for everything! Cheers, Dotty

  16. I loved every minute of this video! I kinda didn’t want it to end, to be honest. 🙂 I get a huge kick out of finding new ways to use or combine products, so your examples really spoke to me. Thanks so much also for explaining your thinking behind each tip. That really helps me apply the concept to my own supplies. All in all, this video was a goldmine of inspiration, so thank you!

  17. Awesome and too short video. Yes, I said too short. I could have watched a lot longer because I was so fascinated by all you did. I love craft foam too and use it often. Thank you so much.

  18. These cards are just great – thank you so much for sharing in your wonderful videos! I’m always inspired and learning something new!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

  19. Such a brilliant demo video Jennifer! Thank you so much for your continued inspiration and ideas on how to use what we have!

  20. This post and video have been extremely helpful and inspiring. I’m definately checking out the rainbow scrap background video. It looks great and I have a ton of scraps that I don’t know what to do with. For me, even though you taught nothing new, a lot of these ideas I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. Thanks so much! You truly are a fantastic crafter!

  21. Thanks for your video full of great, new ideas and lots of creative inspiration!! I love that you have shown ways to re-think the supplies we already have and use them in new ways. I am also loving the white-on-white backgrounds you’ve showcased. There are just so many possibilities with them and they can add a lovely (and simple) elegance to cards. I can’t wait to get to my crafting table this evening and make something!

  22. Great tips along the way. For some reason, the elephant and hands dies look very Indian (sari print) with their backgrounds—I love the effect. I think I’ll try this with the stash of patterned paper scraps I’ve accumulated. Will look for those Marvy pens, too.

  23. Jennifer, I cannot thank you enough for the inspiration and wonderful ideas you share with us. I watch your videos over and over again. I learn so much from you. Tonight I used a “friend” die, and fun foam and created 2 cards that I love.
    I have an idea I’d like to share. Probably it wouldn’t be worth the time for you to do, but others might like it. I have all of the sentiments on my clear stamps listed out in a file on my computer. I frequently scroll through the list to remind myself of what I have. I list the name and manufacturer of the stamp set along with the sentiments.
    Thank you again for your hard work. It is so clear that you love your job and you help the rest of us love our creations too.

  24. Thanks for all the tips and ideas but most of all thank you for getting me to look at my stamps and dies in a totally new way!

  25. Love how you’ve combined different products, both old and new, as well as left-over bits to create something new and exciting. Your video is so full of great tips and ideas, boosting my own creativity. Thank you!
    Marianne x

  26. This video could not have come into my life at a better time. I am trying to sort through my patterned paper stash and force myself to stop hoarding it. Your silhouette idea is a fabulous idea! I feel so inspired after watching this tip filled and creative video. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas and taking the time to post your videos. {{{ HUGS }}}
    Leigh

  27. Such a fantastic video. This helps so much to get those creative ideas going, how to use existing supplies in a new way, and to narrow down new products to get more out of what you already have. Thank you so much for explaining your ideas in such a clear way!

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