texture with die cuts

A trend that is pretty obvious in the paper crafting world is textured papers - whether you purchase them already textured or emboss or impress texture yourself. Adding texture to your projects can take your projects to a whole new level. Turn to your collection of die cuts and cardstock to create your own custom textured papers to use on your projects. The key is using the same cardstock for both your paper base and die cut shapes that you add to its surface. I have several examples to share with you today...

One thing to keep in mind, is how you are going to adhere your die cut shapes to your cardstock base. Using a Xyron or sticker machine is one of the easiest ways. Run cardstock through the Xyron before you die cut it to avoid sticky edges. This little sticker machine handles shapes up to 1 3/8" wide and of course, Xyron has many machines that accommodate larger sizes as well.

After cutting the die cut shapes, remove the sticker backing paper before attaching to your project.

Here I used the new Leafy Vine border die to create a textured look on the right side of my card front. Don just think all over design - sometimes adding a little texture is just enough.

I used Tag-its #3 to finish off this card. The vine frame image coordinates nicely with the Leafy Vine border die.

Next I used the Heart Prints die collection. I used the various heart sizes in a random design. The heart shapes are big enough to use just regular adhesive to adhere them to the card front. I did use the Xyron for the smaller hearts.

After I attached the hearts, I stitched over them for another textural element. Such a subtle look on a card like this.

The sentiment and frame are from the Little Labels set and I attached a few more hearts with a vintage style pin.

How fun is this look using the Wonderful Words "forever" die to create this background? The Wonderful words shapes are quite thin and so some adhesive suggestions include: Xyron, spray adhesive, or a liquid glue.

I added the "friends" sentiment (from Friends 'Till the End) to a Double Ended Banners die cut and placed it to fall right above the full "forever" to complete the "friends forever" sentiment for this card.

So next time you need to add a little something to your projects, remember to turn to your die cut collection - they aren't just for embellishing and main images anymore!

Supplies:

all supplies are from Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted

Vine Texture Thoughts Card

stamps: Tag-its #3

ink: True Black, Ripe Avocado, Pure Poppy

cardstock: white, Ripe Avocado

other: Ripe Avocado grosgrain ribbon, Pure Poppy & Scarlett Jewel buttons, Rustic Jute button twine, Leafy Vine border die

Love You Hearts Card

stamps: Little Labels

ink: True Black, Berry Sorbet

cardstock: white, Fine Linen, Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush

other: Berry Sorbet satin ribbon, Little Labels die, Heart Prints dies, lace (vintage), vintage pin (Making Memories

Forever Friends Flower Card

stamps: Friends 'Til the End

ink: True Black

cardstock: white, Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides

other: Ocean Tides & Simply Chartreuse felt, Hawaiian Shores button, Rustic Jute button twine, Double Ended Banner die, Wonderful Words die, pewter brad (Creative Impressions)