Mastering Background Die Cut Techniques

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Technique 1: Using Craft Foam for Raised Dimension
   • Materials Needed
   • Step 1: Creating an Inked Background
   • Step 2: Adding Craft Foam to the Back
   • Step 3: Die Cutting and Assembling the Card
   • Step 4: Adding Sentiments and Finishing Touches
   • Pros and Cons
3. Technique 2: Adding Dimension with Adhesive and Gluing
   • Materials Needed
   • Step 1: Die Cutting and Inking the Background
   • Step 2: Adding Adhesive or Glue to the Back of Pieces
   • Step 3: Assembling the Card
   • Step 4: Adding Sentiments and Finishing Touches
   • Pros and Cons
4. Technique 3: Creating Inlaid Dimension with Foam Tape
   • Materials Needed
   • Step 1: Die Cutting and Inking the Background
   • Step 2: Adding Foam Tape and Adhesive
   • Step 3: Assembling the Card
   • Step 4: Adding Sentiments and Finishing Touches
   • Pros and Cons
5. Technique 4: Combining Dimension and Flat Pieces with Glue
   • Materials Needed
   • Step 1: Die Cutting and Inking the Background
   • Step 2: Adding Foam Tape and Glue
   • Step 3: Assembling the Card
   • Step 4: Adding Sentiments and Finishing Touches
   • Pros and Cons
6. Technique 5: Creating a Stair Step Effect with Raised and Flat Pieces
   • Materials Needed
   • Step 1: Die Cutting and Inking the Background
   • Step 2: Adding Foam Tape and Glue
   • Step 3: Assembling the Card
   • Step 4: Adding Sentiments and Finishing Touches
   • Pros and Cons
7. Conclusion

Technique 1: Using Craft Foam for Raised Dimension

If You want to add dimension and texture to your card backgrounds, using craft foam is a fantastic technique. This method works especially well with intricate background dies. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use craft foam to Create raised dimension on your cards.

Materials Needed:

• Inked panel
• Stick It double-sided adhesive sheet
• Craft foam
• Bone folder
• Scalloped Cover Die (or any background die of your choice)
• Die cutting machine
• Gina K Connect Glue
• 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 inch top-folding note card
• Heavy object for weighting
• Sentiment stamps or die cuts
• Embellishments (Gems, sequins, etc.)

Step 1: Creating an Inked Background Start by creating an inked panel using Distress Oxide inks on white cardstock. Blend the colors together, overlapping the edges to achieve a seamless transition. You can customize the colors to match your card theme or design.

Step 2: Adding Craft Foam to the Back Once you're satisfied with the ink blending, cut a piece of Stick It double-sided adhesive sheet slightly larger than the inked panel. Adhere the adhesive sheet to the back of the panel, pressing firmly with a bone folder to ensure a strong bond. Then, remove the release paper from the adhesive and attach a piece of white craft foam to the back. The craft foam adds dimension to the die-cut pieces and can be die cut easily.

Step 3: Die Cutting and Assembling the Card Choose a background die, such as the Scalloped Cover Die from Neat and Tangled, and run the foam-backed panel through your die cutting machine. Make sure to adjust the pressure or use a shim if needed to ensure a clean cut. The craft foam will flatten when run through the machine but will regain its dimension over time.

Once you've die-cut the panel, Apply a small amount of Gina K Connect Glue to the back of each individual die cut piece. Focus on the smaller pieces and avoid adding glue to the Outline of the pattern. Then, carefully adhere the panel to the front of a 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 inch top-folding note card. Place a heavy object on top to ensure a secure bond and let it dry for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4: Adding Sentiments and Finishing Touches After the glue has dried, remove the outline piece of the die cut, leaving behind all the intricate pieces with dimension. Feel free to save the outline piece for another project. In this technique, you not only achieve raised dimension on your card, but you also have a negative space with dimension that can be glued onto another card.

To complete the card, add your preferred sentiment using stamping or die-cutting. Embellish the card with gems, sequins, or other embellishments to add a touch of Sparkle and interest. Remember to keep the focus on the dimension and texture of the background by keeping the rest of the card design simple.

Pros and Cons of Craft Foam Technique:

• Pros: Adds depth and dimension to background dies, allows for easy die cutting, provides versatility with the negative space, saves time by adhering multiple pieces at once, offers potential for creating multiple cards from one process.
• Cons: Requires patience for waiting for glue to dry, may require additional shimming when die cutting, adds thickness to the card which may impact mailing costs.

By following this technique, you can create stunning backgrounds with raised dimension, giving your cards a professional and eye-catching look. Experiment with different background dies and color combinations to achieve unique and personalized results.

Now let's move on to the next technique that involves adding dimension with adhesive and gluing.