It’s been a while, but I’ve finally finished another Altenew Academy class ‘Easy Die Cutting Techniques‘ by Yana Smakula. This class covers everything from the basic use of dies with stamps to some more advanced techniques.

The best card I created for this class was one that involved die-cutting vellum. First I used the Baroque Motifs stamp on the vellum using Versamark, then added Wow Opaque Bright White embossing powder and heated it. This is a really good stamp to heat emboss, as all the details stand out. Even if you miss bits, the shabby chic style of it means it does not affect the look of it too much.

Turning the vellum over, I ink blended on the back of it to give a subtle hint of colour. Only after doing this did I die cut the images out. Vellum is easier to die cut than you would first think.

I decided to use a kraft card background to give a more neutral look to the card. Then added a simple heat embossed sentiment in silver. Finally, after gluing the vellum pieces on the card, I added sequins and Nuvo crystal drops.

Supplies

  • Altenew Baroque Motifs Stamp and Die Set
  • Altenew Half Tone Circles Stamp
  • Altenew Sweet Leaf Ink Pad
  • Altenew Caribbean Sky Ink Pad
  • Wow Opaque Bright White Embossing Powder
  • Stampendous Detail Silver Opaque Embossing Powder
  • Versamark
  • Nuvo Silver Tinsel Sequins
  • Nuvo Crystal Drops – Olive Branch and Blue Babe

Things I learned from this class:

  • vellum is easy to die cut
  • sequins are a good embellishment, and it is ok to add a lot of them sometimes
  • negative die-cutting
  • inlaid die-cutting

Here are some of the other cards I created during this class.