Tutorial - Die Cut Edge Cards

As the name implies, Die Cut Edge cards are decorated with a stamped and die cut edge, although the technique can also be done with a pair of sharp scissors and a steady hand. These cards can be created in any size and shape you like, and the decorative edge can be at the top, bottom or side depending on the look you're going for.

1. Start with a card blank. It can be any size and any orientation. I'm using a piece of A5 sized cardstock with a top fold for one of the cards I'm creating, and an A5 with a side fold for the second card.

2. Stamp the image in whatever position you desire. For the card below, I'm going to cut away the bottom of the card so that the gnome's legs and feet protrude over the edge, which is why I've stamped him in the bottom corner. 

3. Position the die around the image and secure in place with some low-tack tape.

4. Place the card and cutting die on top of the cutting plate. Position the top plate so that the edge of the plate reaches the place you wish to cut to. The area under the plate will cut, but the area not covered by the top plate will not. (See the images below)

5. Use a craft knife and ruler to remove the excess cardstock from the bottom of your card, and you have completed the base of your Die Cut Edge card.

6. If you don't have a matching die for your image it's possible to use a pair of scissors to get the same result. Stamp the image in the location you desire. Measure and mark how much of the cardstock you wish to remove from around the image. In this case, I'm going to cut a curvy line to give the impression the gnome is walking up and down a hillside. I've used a pencil to mark a cutting line.

7. Cut along the line until you reach the edge of the image. Fussy cut around the image until you arrive back at the line you marked earlier, then continue cutting until you reach the fold of the card.

8. Cut along the card fold and remove the top portion. Your card base is done!

9. Stamp a sentiment and colour the image as desired. I'm also going to add a piece of patterned paper on the inside of each card to contrast with the image and highlight the shaped edge.

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