Friday 7 December 2018

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

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?

13 comments:

kittyedavies47@gmail.com said...

Morning All.
Thank you very much for the instructions,
it does seem easier than I thought.
Take care and have fun Kitty.

hazel young said...

Wonderful die set Christine. Thanks for the instructions xx Hazel

nattyboots said...

Thanks for the Tutorial Christine ,however i think it is a little too complicated for me as I have no patience .

Take care
Elaine H X

CraftyCoffey said...

This Die set look great, thanks for the instructions. I’m very tempted to treat myself to these.

Michele

Jean said...

Morning Christine, thank you so much for the shadow box tutorial. It’s brilliant. I have the 3/4” frames. I’m now desperate to have another go at it. We’re off to Nottingham at 10.00am for the weekend, to see my son and his family, and I’m seriously thinking of cutting out the pieces and taking all the bits with me! Haven’t packed yet either. So I probably won’t get around to it.
Have

Hope your Mum is feeling OK. Have a good weekend everyone. Jean x

margaret driscoll said...

Good Morning Christine
That sounds too long winded for me I do have one from Elizabeth Crafts that is easier!
Have a nice weekend hope Mum is ok?
Take care
Love Marg

lydia jordan said...


Morning Christine,
I think I would get too confused using these they seem to be really fiddly.
Lydia
X

Ann said...

Hi Christine

Thankyou for the fabulous tutorial for the frames I have a set of the dies and used it once

only now I have your very clear and precise instructional tutorial I am going to try and

make a frame card for a very dear friends 60th Birthday in January next year.

Hope your Mum is now resting and getting better each day please give her my love.

Take good care and Thankyou so much

Luv n hugs Annxxxx

tombecca said...

Thank you for the great tutorial I wondered how these worked. Wishing your mum a speedy recovery. Have lovely Christmas.

Nicky said...

Thank you so much for explaining how to use the dies.
I like the fact that you can choose the size of frame to fit your project rather than the other way round.

Patricia Howarth said...

Hi Christine, A fantastic tutorial, at first glance it sounds confusing, but I will need to re-read it all, but you made a fantastic creation here, I would never believe it was your first time !!
Lots of love from Patricia xx

Sam Squires - A Crafting Niche said...

Thank you for these instructions Christine. I'll try to have a go over the weekend x

Jean Eve said...

Thank you for instructions, the end result is perfect. Have a great weekend cheers Jean xx

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