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Writer's pictureBonnie Crane

Positive and Negative Design featuring Simon Says Stamp's Wafer Dies

Updated: Jan 12

I thought I would do something a little different with today's post. I am focussing on a die cutting technique using Positive and Negative Design and have several examples of how this can be applied. In a nutshell, positive space refers to the subject and negative space to the background. Instead of throwing away the background when we die cut an image, if we plan in advance, we can use that negative space to create a second card. I have five pairs of cards to share with you demonstrating this easy and fun technique.

Several ink blended backgrounds were created for each pair of cards. I have the combinations of Distress Oxide inks listed in the products section. The specifics of how each pair of cards was made can be viewed in the video.


Outline Clustered Leaves

When I considered the design for each card, I also took into account how the negative space of the die cuts could be used to create a partner card. The lay out of the dies on the panel for the card featuring the negative space was planned in advance.


Dahlia Frame

I worked on the pairs of cards together .... literally side by side! I found it was easier and minimized confusion (you may not need to do this!) ... especially for those cards with multiple die cuts being traded back and forth!


From the Rooftop

When using a background die such as the one in From the Rooftop, use the large die as a template to adhere all the smaller die cuts on the negative space card before working on the positive space card.


Fresh Daisies

The Positive and Negative Design die cutting technique can be used for quick and easy cards such as the pair using the Fresh Daisies die. The more intricate the die cuts, the more time consuming the cards can be.


Sunflower Stem

During these difficult times, I am taking the opportunity to send out encouragement and 'thinking of you' cards to family, friends and those people supporting essential services. This is a great die cutting technique for making multiple cards. I am not one for making several cards all the same ... short attention span! ... using the same technique and different dies gets me in a rhythm without the risk of losing interest. Cards can be made quickly! BONUS ... I have the opportunity to use lots of different products! I feel good when I use the things I have purchased more than once!!!


Products

Simon Says Stamp: Fresh Daisies, Sunflower Stem, It's Your Day, Scripty Hello, From the Rooftop, Pretty Peonies Background, Dahlia Frame, Outline Clustered Leaves, Leaves and Berries Background, Frames, Script Thanks, Love You

Hero Arts: Fancy Die from Monthly Kit, July 2018

Impression Obsession: Ribbon and Bow

My Favourite Things: Stitched Rectangles Stax 2

W Plus 9: Trellis Background


Distress Oxide Inks:

Fresh Daisies Dried Marigold, Tumbled Glass/Ripe Persimmon, Wilted Violet

Sunflower Stem Worn Lipstick, Shaded Lilac, Blueprint Sketch

From the Rooftops Scattered Straw, Abandoned Coral, Seedless Preserves

Dahlia Frame Cracked Pistachio, Peacock Feathers, Blueprint Sketch

Outline Clustered Leaves Antique Linen, Vintage Photo, Black Soot


Strathmore Bristol Smooth Card Stock

Neenah Solar White Card Stock 110lb

Simon Says Stamp Black Card Stock


Wow Embossing Powder: Metallic Gold Rich, Opaque Bright White

VIDEO TUTORIAL ... please link to YouTube



Thank you so much for visiting!

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