"Fussy" Die-Cuts

Late last week Fiona e-mailed me with a dilemma, she is working on a limited budget and while she has a few dies to cut with she would really like some larger ones but they just aren't possible right now.  She has over time bought a few basic sets (circles, ovals & hearts) but has found that she has lots of stamps that don't "fit" the dies she has. 

I promised I would post a little tutorial on "Fussy" Die-Cutting...a perfect way around smaller dies paired with larger stamps.

First, I totally kwym about dies not fitting stamps.  I have many stamps that don't fit my dies either and while I don't have any heart dies I do have the same circle & ovals which give me fits from time to time.

Here is a simple solution to help utilize the dies you have AND your larger stamps...

Stamp your desired image onto cardstock.  Mine is from StampersBest.

Place the desired die over the image, determine where you want to position the die.  Using a pencil draw an outline around the image but be sure not to draw through the bits that stick out.  This will help when we align the die for cutting.

Next I take an actual die-cut of the shape I'm going to be using and trace around this helps determine cut lines.

Now use an exacto knife to fussy cut around any bits that hang over the inside line.  Depending on what type of dies you have you may need to cut inward an extra 1/8" to allow clearance for the extra metal lip on the die.  (sorry, I really get into fussy cutting ~ I totally forgot to photograph this part)

After you have cut around all of the bits, use the pencil guide lines to line up the die on the paper.  Lift all of the extra bits over the edge of the die so they are above the die, not below it.  You may need to tweak your cuts at this point.  When you've got the die lined up with your pencil marks place one or two pieces of tape on the die to hold it in position while cutting.

Run the image/die through your cutter.  Carefully remove the tape and die to reveal your Fussy Cut Die Cut.

Now it's time to enjoy!

 

Here is the card I made using my Fussy Die-Cut....

 

 

So, no worries if your stamped images don't quite fit your dies...

simply do a bit of fussy cutting and you'll be all set!