Friday Die Day

Hello friends

This week's Friday Die Day is a tutorial using one the 

adjustable Shadow Box Frames

(I got around to it at last!)

I've chosen to use the smallest one 1/2 inch border.

So these dies may look a little confusing at first, hopefully this

tutorial will clarify how they work.

Within each set is 5 dies - 4 make up the adjustable 

frames and the tiny one is a hinge/corner piece.

The 4 adjustable frame pieces come in two designs -

they mirror each other so ensure you use matching ones.

Here we go...

First of all decide what size frame you would like,

this decision will dictate the lengths of your card that you cut. 

Next, the lengths of card need to be the width of the dies.

With this 1/2" set I cut my card widths to 5.5cm.

Aligning the dies - spot the little corners?

Becca refers to these as 'bump outs'.

Align that 'bump out' with the corner of your card,

I've placed an arrow for clarification.

Here's the dies positioned and taped to the lengths of card.

This will create two sides of the frame so you'll need to do this twice.

Run through your die cutting machine, no need to emboss.

Remove the dies, repeat until you have 4 pieces - two of each design.

Next, use a score board or if you haven't got one, a ruler and a scoring tool.

Notice the die has already imprinted lines top and bottom?

You are scoring so those lines join up.

All 4 pieces scored. 

You get faster as you do more!

Affix a strong tape to each panel,

I used Extreme Double Sided Tape, it is 'extreme' - sticks perfectly!

Now fold along all those score lines, remove your tape and fix each side down.

You will then have 4 frame pieces, two look straight and two mitred.

The mitred ones have sticking out tabs.  Arrows on picture to indicate.

Those tabs tuck inside to give extra reinforcement.

Also cut 4 little hinge pieces, again no need to emboss.

Now to join all the frame pieces.

Alternate mitred with straight pieces.

Fold the little hinges in half, apply glue and slot into the end

of each frame piece. Take your time so the line in the hinge 

aligns with the top of your frame piece.

You'll then find you can slot each frame piece in at right angles.

Tip: make sure you have all the fronts of your frame pieces in a 

line when assembling, it is so easy to get this wrong! 

Alternative method with hinge pieces -

if you prefer you can affix these on the outside to hold the corners, 

they are decorative and would look good perhaps if you are

creating a gold/silver frame - it is entirely personal choice.

Once all pieces are glued you can use your score board to gently

push your frame into the corner to align.

It's really quite robust, clever engineering!

Attach a back piece of card and your frame is done!

This was my very first attempt and I can see a very slight misalignment 

in one corner but overall I'm very impressed with how these dies work.

And of course, you can make frames to whatever size you need.

I do intend to put something in mine so stay tuned :) 

So if you fancy a Shadow Box Frame the

1/2" Border is available here

3/4" Border is available here

Extreme Double Sided Tape

We have currently sold out of the 1" frame,

I confess I do like the slimmer ones! 

Take care friends, have a brilliant weekend,

who is doing festive stuff?