9 Die Cut Inlay Techniques

Hello! I am always looking for ways to use my dies creatively. And die cut inlay is perfect! Today I am sharing NINE different ways to do die cut inlay with a variety of dies… and even more examples.

[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.]

Die cut inlay is a technique where you die cut paper and then glue the little pieces back into the negative space for a smooth look. It is like putting together a puzzle! Today I am sharing lots of variations of this technique… along with different dies, adhesives, etc. that you can use for unique results.

I am just going to share the basics here – please watch the video for all the details!

#1: Partial Die Cut Inlay

With large, detailed dies, doing a full die cut inlay on a card can be time consuming. One way to save time and still make a big impact is with a partial inlay.

This features the Crafters Companion Clamshell Die (SSS | EH) and Mighty Hands Blessed Words Stamp Set.

I also added a bit of Tonic Aqua Shimmer Pens to the rainbow pieces for shine…

#2: Layered Inlay

Layering dies are very popular right now. Since they have a higher price point, it is important to find many ways to use them creatively! Here, I both inlaid and layered the little pieces for a dynamic look.

This card features the Birch Press Lumina Layer Dies, Poppy Stamps Luscious Script Hello Dies, and Altenew Bright Blossoms Stamp Set (SSS | ALT).

I also used a bit of Couture Creations Gold Matte Cardstock for some of my die cut pieces. This adds a lot of interest.

Here is another card I made with the leftover pieces. It came together quickly – I will be making more!

#3: Set-Back Inlay

Another fun look you can get with die cut inlay is to set the inlaid pieces back a bit. All you have to do is inlay a die cut with colorful pieces… and then add two or three additional die cuts on top for dimension.

This card features the La La Land Crafts Mandala Doily Die and Clearly Besotted Pick a Peony Stamp Set for the sentiment.

In the video I share a few tips for getting these tiny pieces into place easily.

#4: Pattern Paper Inlay

Many of us have collected patterned paper over the years and struggle to use it all! Well, many patterned papers are fun for inlay techniques.

This card uses the Poppy Stamps Summer Blossom Die & Stencil Combo, Birch Press Hello Sugar Script Die, My Favorite Things Well Hello Stamp Set (SSS | MFT), and Sunny Studio Flirty Flowers 6×6 Paper (SSS | SUN).

I also layered extra white flowers on the card for dimension… along with white pearls.

#5: Shadow Inlay

Another type of die that is very popular right now is word dies that come with the matching shadow die. Normally this allows for a layered look, but you can also inlay the word in it’s shadow.

This card features the Poppy Stamps Luscious Script Thanks Dies, Kaisercraft Pretty Floral Branches Dies, and Gina K Petite Flourish Background Stamp (SSS | GK).

I also added a few layered flower pieces to give more dimension.

#6: Jewel Inlay

Instead of doing a die cut inlay with cardstock, you can also use embellishments. I decided to use jewels, but you could also use Tonic drops, glitter, etc.

This card features the amazing Birch Press Epiphany Layer Dies, Birch Press Big Lingo Hello Dies, My Favorite Things Well Hello Stamp Set (SSS | MFT) and a variety of jewels. So much sparkle.

#7: Metal Framing

Another fun way to do die cut inlay is to cut the die from metallic paper and use normal cardstock for the inlay. This creates what looks like a decorate metal frame.

This features the Paper Rose Rose Frame Die, Couture Creations Gold Matte Cardstock, and Janes Doodles Kind Stamp Set.

The shine is pretty in real life…

#8: Colored Inlay

Using markers to color inlay pieces can be a time saver. All you need is white cardstock and markers.

This card features the Poppy Stamps Hello Outline Dies, Crafters Companion Clamshell Die and Simon Says Stamp Tiny Words Stamp Set.

I also added Tonic Aqua Shimmer Pen to the letters for shine.

This card also features a colored inlay technique. This time I used my Copic Markers for a blended look. It features the Birch Press Lotus Flower Layer Dies and Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 1 Stamp Set.

While I had the dies out I made this bonus card. Nothing fancy! It features the Birch Press Lotus Flower Layer Dies, Simon Says Stamp You Matter Stamp, and Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 1 Stamp Set.

#9: Glitter Inlay

Glitter inlay can be done with loose glitter or glitter paper. I chose paper – it is so much easier!

This card features the Birch Press Regal Peacock Layer Dies, a Birch Press Epiphany Layer Die, Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 1 Stamp Set, and Lawn Fawn Pixie Dust Sparkle Card (SSS | LF). I colored the white glitter paper with Copic Markers.

The sparkle is fun in real life!


Thanks for watching!

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.

Crafters Companion Clamshell Die
[ SSS | ELH ]
La La Land Crafts Mandala Doily Die
[ SSS ]
*Poppy Stamps Summer Blossoms…
[ SSS ]
*Birch Press Lumina Layer Dies
[ SSS ]
*Birch Press Epiphany Layer Dies
[ SSS ]
Paper Rose Rose Frame Die
[ SSS ]
Kaiserfcraft Pretty Floral Branches Dies
[ SSS ]
*Birch Press Regal Peacock Layer Dies
[ SSS ]
*Birch Press Lotus Flower Layer Dies
[ SSS ]
Birch Press Hello Sugar Script Die
[ SSS ]
Poppy Stamps Luscious Script Thanks Dies
[ SSS ]
Poppy Stamps Luscious Script Hello Die
[ SSS ]
*Poppy Stamps Hello Outline Dies
[ SSS ]
Birch Press Big Lingo Hello Dies
[ SSS ]
Mighty Hands Blessed Words Stamp Set
[ SSS ]
*Clearly Besotted Pick a Peony Stamp Set
[ SSS ]
*My Favorite Things Well Hello Stamp Set
[ SSS | ELH | MFT ]
*Altenew Bright Blossoms Stamp Set
[ SSS | ELH | ALTN ]
*Simon Says Stamp Tiny Words Stamp Set
[ SSS ]
*Janes Doodles Kind Stamp Set
[ SSS ]
*Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 1…
[ SSS ]
*Gina K Petite Flourish Background Stamp
[ SSS | ELH | GNK ]
Simon Says Stamp You Matter Stamp
[ SSS ]
Stick It Adhesive Sheets
[ SSS | ELH ]
Darice Foam Adhesive Strips
[ SSS ]
E6000 Spray Adhesive
[ SSS | AMZUS ]
Gina K Connect Glue
[ SSS | GNK ]
Glue Stand
[ ETS ]
Neenah Classic Crest 110lb Cardstock
[ SSS | AMZUS ]
Couture Creations Gold Matte Cardstock
[ SSS ]
Lawn Fawn Pixie Dust Sparkle Cardstock
[ SSS | LWN ]
Sunny Studio Flirty Flowers 6×6 Paper
[ SSS | SNN ]
Gemini Junior Die Cut Machine
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Craft Pick
[ SSS | ELH ]
Spellbinders Tool
[ SSS ]
Couture Creations Creative Detailer Tool
[ SSS ]
Tonic Aqua Shimmer Pens
[ SSS ]
Sketch Copic Markers
[ SSS ]


Leave a Comment

36 thoughts on “9 Die Cut Inlay Techniques”

  1. WOW! What eye candy!!! These are all amazing! That rainbow one with the setback inlay is calling to me. LOVE them!

  2. OMGoodness! So many pretty and clever creations! I know it takes so much time to do these posts, videos and voice overs….but man just to be able to sit and create…..I can’t wait til the Fall and Winter (yes, you read that right!) to just sit and be crafty!!! Thanks for never disappointing! (I stil have gem envy lol) I think my favorite is the gold framed one! Gorgeous!

  3. Just WOW! I’m worn out after watching all that. These are so beautiful but the dies are waaay out of my affordability range. You are so creative with these dies and I enjoyed this video very much. I especially liked how you did the outline for the word dies. Who else would have thought of that? Thanks very much.

  4. I was so glad to see a post from you. I know everyone is busy with family right now. The world is always right when there is a post from you. It is much appreciated. Your talent never ends. Thanks.

  5. Really enjoyed seeing this technique and have been going through my own dies today with a view to creating something similar. I like to challenge myself every day to use a die or stamp or paper that I haven’t used in a while and try to make at least 5 cards with it using different techniques. Thank you for the inspiration x

  6. so awesome. You did Great distracting me from my pain, thanks for that. You’re way more fun than back surgery. Yeah you really are 😄

  7. You introduced me to the wonders of layered die-cuts. I love them. So appreciate this tutorial for different ways to use them. Your projects are amazing! Thanks Jennifer!

  8. Jennifer, I can’t begin to say how much I love these cards. I have some of Birch Press’s dies and love how beautiful they layer. I never thought about doing inlay but I will now since they have that extra touch that adds to the cards. Thanks again for those great tips too.

  9. Gorgeous Jennifer, you always surprise me with an other great technique.
    The cards are awesome and I think the peacock card is stunning!
    Thank you so much for all the time and effort to show this to us.
    Have a wonderful Sunday.

  10. Jennifer, these cards are stunning, I love the idea of using gems in the card…it’s beautiful. They all are. You still amaze me everyday, with your ideas!!! Thank you for showing us how to take some basic cards and stepping it up to a level that is beyond fantastic!!!!!!

  11. I love the idea for the plates for Gemini Jr. I have just tried it and it works beautifully. I was getting frustrated with the plates and how they were beginning to curve and shift even though I would rotate them. Thanks for sharing your talents and kindness it means so much. The cards are amazing.

  12. WOW! Your cards are beautiful. You are af fantastic card maker. I enjoy your videos. I learn so much from them. Thank you for the great tips.

  13. I don’t usually comment because I imagine you get bombarded and probably can’t read them all. I did want to tell you, just in case you do read them, that your calmness and ease of explaining things to your followers is a gift. Every time you share a new technique, I immediately feel that I can do it too. That is a testament to your teaching gift. Thank you, again, for always sharing with us. I pray that we are able to continue to bless you as we follow and use the links. Have a blessed day!

  14. So many fun things to make! Love them all, but that peacock is amazing. I don’t have many dies, but I’ll have to check and see what will work with these techniques. Thanks for teaching me so much.

  15. Wow, your cards are amazing! These inlay cards and colors are beautiful. Thank you for sharing techniques. Thank you so much for sharing your video with us!!

  16. Absolutely GREAT cards Jennifer!!! The circles on some made me think about how I would go about making a circular card. The card actually being a Circle. Would I add a tab somehow on the side to attach the inside of the card? Or is there a way that when I put the die through my machine I could place it so it would be all one piece? I looked through all your videos but I probably missed it if you addressed this question. I’m now obsessed with figuring this out so I will head into my craft room but if you could help me out with this I would appreciate it!
    Thank you so much for all your great instruction, I’ve learned so much from you!!!
    Sherri Richmond
    [email protected]

  17. Jennifer, you are an absolute genius! All of your posts are excellent, but this one is the best yet. I love inlay piecing, but it is very tedious and time consuming This technique solves a big time problem and allows us to inlay more detailed patterns. I love the look.
    The frame die where you cut a frame in white to also inlay the background solved another problem for me. I love water colored backgrounds but it can be messy and requires a lot of patience (which I have little of). Now I can water color a panel; cut out the frame die; and piece the back ground in place.
    Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the technique teaching that you do.

  18. So many wonderful ways to work with die cuts, Jennifer…looking forward to trying some of these soon. Thanks for these inspiring card designs.

  19. Tried the inlay technique for a birthday card yesterday. Actually I used a cupcake card front that I cut with my cricut maker. The pieces stayed on the cutting mat so it was easy to find which ones went in which location. Thanks again for a great video.

  20. Thank you for inspiring us with your beautiful creations and wonderful techniques and tips! I love the idea of taping the different plates of the gemini sandwich together. However, it is recommended that you rotate the plates each time to prevent warping. And I see that your plates are still very flat, how do you do that with them taped together?

    Thanks again for the videos!

  21. Your cards are so beautiful, you make it look effortless. I will be trying your ideas. Thank you for sharing.

  22. LOVE die cut inlay – it is my favourite technique, I find it really relaxing. Beautiful cards, as always 🙂

  23. How do you do it….you continue to amaze and wow me….such an inspiration.. so happy I finally found where to comment after all of these years. Thanks Jana.

  24. I found it helpful when you recommended we go for partial die-cut inlays if we have large detailed dies since it can be quite time-consuming to do a full one if we don’t have all the time in the world to complete it. I run a wedding planning company, and I want to make our invitations more creative for every client by incorporating more unique designs. I’ll take note of this while I look for commercial die-cutting machines that might be able to help us out with this.

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