Stretch Your Dies: 5 Must-Try Die Techniques

Discover how the Greenhouse Die Set from the April My Monthly Hero Kit can be transformed into five unique and creative card designs. From dimensional window cards and cozy bookcase designs to interactive shaker cards and display-worthy easel cards, Channin shares a variety of cardmaking techniques perfect for large focal dies.

If you’re looking for cardmaking inspiration, die cutting ideas, or My Monthly Hero kit projects, this video is packed with techniques to try. Exploring new ways to use your supplies not only saves money but also helps you grow your creativity.

These ideas show how to get the most out of your dies while creating beautiful, handmade cards that stand out. Watch the video to see each card come together step by step and get inspired to try these techniques yourself!

One of the easiest ways to stretch your dies is by altering them, and these first two cards are perfect examples. Instead of using the full greenhouse shape, the top portion is trimmed off to create a more versatile die cut that can be used in multiple ways.

Using that same technique, the second greenhouse is transformed into a cozy bookcase. However, instead of books the shelves are filled with colorful potted plants created with the House Plants Stamp & Cut Set. The plants were first stamped in INTENS-ified Black Ink, an alcohol marker friendly ink and then colored with copic markers. The card is completed with a bold background created with Beeswax and Tuscan cardstocks.

Together, these two cards highlight how simple modifications can lead to completely different results, making them great examples of creative die cutting ideas and unique handmade card designs.

If you love interactive cards, this greenhouse shaker card is a must-try. Using the Greenhouse Die Set, Channin creates a shaker element filled with sequins and lovely cardstock leaves that move and sparkle.

The greenhouse shaker was constructed by adhering four greenhouse diecuts together and then removing the interior structure of the stacked greenhouse.

She then used the leaf dies included in the Greenhouse Die Set to create a bunch of tiny green leaves to add wonderful movement and color to her shaker greenhouse. Next, she then sealed up the shaker with a diecut acetate panel and another greenhouse diecut.

The front of the shaker greenhouse was then decorated with additional diecut plants and even a cute diecut kitty die cut making the entire design feel complete and lush. The following colors of cardstock were used: 

• Peridot
• Rainforest
• Fern
• Beeswax
• Tuscan
• Cinnamon
• Terra Cotta

For those who enjoy more advanced designs, this trifold card with an off-set window offers a fun and creative challenge. The front flap features a greenhouse window made with acetate, allowing you to see through to the second layer of the card.

This type of interactive cardmaking technique adds depth and visual interest. The off-set design draws the eye across the card and makes it feel more dynamic.

For this off-set window design, Channin first die cut an A2 side-folding card base and an A2 panel with the greenhouse base die. She used partial die-cutting to only die cut the card front and panel and then used a craft knife to cut the greenhouse diecut free.

A panel of acetate was then adhered between the remainder of the panel and the card base to replicate glass and then finished with two Pitch Black greenhouse frame diecuts, one for both sides of the acetate.

Next an A2 card base made from Peridot cardstock was flipped so the fold was on the right side and then the card back was then adhered to the interior of the white card base.

Lastly, planted pots diecuts were created and added to the scene using the following colors of cardstock:

• Fawn
• Rainforest
• Fern
• Tuscan
• Cinnamon
• Terra Cotta

Special attention is given to decorating both sides of the diecuts so that it looks polished whether the card is open or closed. This is a great example of thoughtful design in layered cardmaking projects.

The final project is a shaped easel card, which is perfect for display. This is a beautiful example of a 3D cardmaking technique and shows how to turn a simple die into a standout piece.

This card starts off with a 3 7/8" x 11" panel of white cardstock. The panel is then partially die cut with the greenhouse base die to add the peaked roof to the top of the panel. The panel is then scored and folded across the roof and then scored at where the bottom of the greenhouse would fall. Next, the bottom of the panel is folded and then the excess is trimmed off to create the card base.

A panel of vellum is then die cut with the greenhouse base die and then adhered between two white greenhouse frame diecuts. The vellum greenhouse is then adhered to the roof of the card base. Next Rainforest cardstock is trimmed and adhered down to the bottom fold of the card base. Lastly, the card is finished with several diecut plants and a sentiment.

These cards highlight just how versatile the greenhouse die can be. From window cards and bookcase designs to shaker cards and easel cards, there are so many ways to use one die set creatively.

Happy crafting!