Hi crafty friends. Border dies are frequently used in card making to add interest and texture. However, that’s not all they can be used for and I want to share with you how to use border dies to make your mini album pages stand out. Best of all, these dies are an easy way to add extra detail to a mini album without taking away from the gorgeous papers.
For example, I made my mini album using the adorable new Graphic 45 Woodland Friends collection. Because these papers feature cute woodland critters, I wanted to add a simple detail that wouldn’t overpower how cute these papers are. To accomplish this, I selected border dies from Spellbinders that have a simple design of scalloped edges. These dies come in a set of 7 coordinating dies, but I only used two border dies in my project.
Border dies require a die cutting machine such as the Spellbinders Platinum machine I used. However, before I bought my Spellbinders Platinum, I made a paper template that I traced by hand on my pages and flaps to create a similar effect. The die cutting machine and border dies make it so much simpler and quicker!
How to Use the Border Dies
Each piece of paper should be cut individually in order to be sure the paper does not slip during cutting. In order to make this easier, use Washi tape to hold the border dies to the paper. The Washi tape peels off easily, does not damage the papers, and can be used multiple times!
Start with one of the interactive flaps or pockets for the base of the page. On the paper, mark the center and 1 inch down on both sides (this is how far down my border dies cut) as a guide. Then, center the border die and line up the sides with the two guide marks. Next, run it through the die cutting machine and then remove the Washi tape. When you are ready to cut the decorative papers, choose the plain border die. This die will cut the larger scallop shape but not the smaller scallops or the perforated holes from the first border die.
Using the same process from above, run the decorative paper and die through the cutting machine and remove the Washi tape. Then, place the decorative paper on top of the cardstock. It should fit perfectly, leaving the perforated holes exposed.
Tips for Using Dies in Projects
- Make sure to measure the paper carefully before cutting with the border dies in order to prevent wasted paper. Also, pay attention to the direction of the decorative papers and make sure you are cutting on the correct edge.
- Use a centering ruler to quickly mark the center of your papers. Mark the center of the die on the actual die so it is easier to line up with the center of the paper.
- Use Washi tape to hold the die in place during cutting and only cut one layer at a time.
Here’s a quick flip through of my album where you can see all of the die cut pages and papers using the border dies.
Check out the FotoBella online store to purchase the “I Want it All Bundle” for Woodland Friends.
Your pace and narratives are wonderful! Your design is beautifully detailed and very versatile.
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