If you’ve ever battled with fiddly die-cut pieces that just won’t stick right or leave you with gluey fingers, you’re not alone. In this week’s Facebook and YouTube Live, I shared my go-to tips when using intricate dies—and trust me, they’ll make your cardmaking a whole lot smoother.
I featured the Delightful Wishes bundle and created a gorgeous layered floral card using soft tones like Lemon Lolly, Peach Pie, and Pecan Pie. But instead of walking you through every step, I’d encourage you to watch the video to see it all in action—you’ll pick up way more by seeing the process live.
Here is a close up of the card and a list of the supplies I used:
Use Adhesive Sheets to Avoid Messy Glue
Intricate dies often mean skinny, delicate pieces that are tricky to glue down neatly. One of my favourite tricks is using Adhesive Sheets before die cutting. It’s a game-changer! Simply pop the adhesive on the back of your cardstock before cutting, and you’ll end up with a peel-and-stick piece that saves time and keeps fingers clean.
I used this tip for the centre fine floral layers, the very thin “wishing” sentiment, and even the outer layer of the leaves. You can still use regular adhesive or dimensionals for the bigger pieces—no need to waste those sheets where they’re not needed.
Lining Up Layers Just Right
When layering detailed die cuts, especially flowers or sentiments with multiple layers, getting the alignment right can be fiddly. I shared a little tip to make this easier: look for a pointy petal or a curved edge as a visual guide, and you’ll be lining things up like a pro in no time.
Add Subtle Backgrounds and Finishing Touches
For the background, I used ink blending on a die-cut Countryside Corners shape to soften the look and help the branch pop. I also stamped centres for the flowers and added one of those sweet bee embellishments for a little extra charm.
And here’s a clever little trick: if you lose those teeny-tiny dot pieces for your “i” in die-cut words (like I did!), just use a marker in the same colour and draw it in. Easy!
Watch the Full Card Come Together
These tips don’t just apply to the Delightful Wishes dies—they’ll work for all sorts of intricate dies in your stash. If you’ve struggled with sticking pieces down neatly or wondered how to get everything aligned just right, this week’s live is packed with helpful ideas to make the process easier.
👉 Watch the full video here to see the finished card and pick up the tips in action.
Want More Cardmaking Inspiration?
I go live every Thursday at 1:30 PM NZT on Facebook and YouTube, sharing helpful tips, card ideas, and product inspiration. If you’re not already on my mailing list, sign up to get exclusive tutorials, class updates, and more.
Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just getting started, these lives are a great way to stay inspired and keep learning.