£9.99 | Issue 37 September 2018
Die-Cut Cards for
S ta mpin g ★ Stepp
g er Cards ★ Snow Globes ★ Letterin
cards
45+
PERFECT FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
Use your kit to create magical Christmas scenes
FAST & FESTIVE MAKES IN EASY STEPS
stashbusting 3-D DIE-CUT SENTIMENTS
Cards ★ Decorations ★ Gifting Ideas ★ Inspiration
Get a n art o head st mas Christ ur with yo kit!
Die-Cut
CARDS
Winter Wonderland Die Set 1 1 P I R E U CE O Y
Create festive scenes in minutes!
When you’re reading through your list of people to make Christmas cards for – and possibly feeling somewhat daunted – a die-cutting machine can be an absolute godsend! Our FREE Winter Wonderland die set is sure to inspire – try these simple, yet stylish project ideas to get you started.
TO SOMEONE SPECIAL
1
Make up a white card blank. Matt patterned paper onto kraft card and glue on the front. Mount striped paper onto kraft card and stick across the front. Matt cream paper onto kraft card and attach with foam pads.
Essential Kit
2
Die-cut a green deer and stick onto the panel with foam pads. Thread green and white twine through a die-cut tag and attach onto the card. Add pearls to the topper.
Winter Wonderland Die Set PLUS Die, M&C Boutique Stitched Circles Craft punch, scalloped circle Die-cut sentiments Patterned papers Coloured card, assorted Ribbons Twine Gems Ink-pad, blue Adhesives
MERRY CHRISTMAS TRIO
1
Create a white landscape card blank. Mount patterned paper onto red card and glue onto the front. Mount spotty paper onto red card and glue across the middle. Die-cut one large and two smaller stitched cream circles. Die-cut a brown deer and glue onto the large circle.
Project Designer: KITTY FRAMPTON
Project Designer: KITTY FRAMPTON
2
Die-cut two small red snowflakes and stick onto the small circles. Mount the large circle onto red card and attach all three on the card with foam pads. Attach a twine bow onto a die-cut ‘Merry Christmas’ sentiment and fix with foam pads. Add gems to each corner.
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Project Designer: KITTY FRAMPTON
SPECIAL WISHES
1
Cut a white card blank, mount plaid paper onto red card and glue on top. Attach cream lace across the bottom and add gingham ribbon across. Matt cream paper onto red card. Add a small hill shape to the bottom.
2
Die-cut a tree from kraft and white card and glue together so that they overlap slightly. Die-cut the robin and squirrel and stick in place. Add a die-cut ‘Special Wishes’ sentiment, plus pearls to the corners.
DEER SCENE
Matt patterned paper onto kraft card and glue onto a square blank. Mount a green square onto kraft card, snip a snowy hill shape from white card and stick onto the panel. Die-cut three trees from white card and glue them in place. Die-cut the deer from red card and attach with foam pads.
Project Designer: HELEN FITZJOHN
Project Designer: KITTY FRAMPTON
TALL ROBIN CARD
Top tip: Use a
cocktail stick to apply white glue to intricate die-cut motifs
Make up a tall white blank then trim a strip vertically from the front. Stick pink striped paper inside the card and a strip down the front left-hand side. Glue a white strip by the spine, and add 1cm x 4.5cm blue strips at either end. Punch three 5cm scallop circles and adhere along the edge. Add die-cut robins, snowflakes, stars and a sentiment. Decorate the card with gems.
Project Designer: HELEN FITZJOHN
Create a snowy look with white card, blue ink and silver die-cut trees 6
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WOODLAND SCENE CARD
Cover a white blank with blue card, then add red and white strips along the bottom. Stick spotty ribbon across the white strip. Die-cut trees from grey, silver and white card, plus a stocking, squirrel, baubles and a star. Glue where shown and decorate with gems. Add a sentiment to the top right corner.
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
This Christmas Advent Box kit from Ginger Ray contains everything you need to make 24 numbered gift boxes that can be filled with little treats – even more fun than the usual calendar! £6.99, gingerray.co.uk
SKILL SET
There are so many ways to create with paper, from origami and papercutting, to quilling and decoupage. Paper Crafts: A Maker's Guide, from the V&A Museum, covers them all, with beautiful projects to master each technique. £16.95, thamesandhudson.com
delights Die-cut
Kick-start your Christmas makes with these paper craft essentials! TRIM THE TREE
NEW DIMENSIONS
Create pop-up Christmas cards with just one pass through the die-cutting machine, thanks to Crafter's Companion's new Dimensional die collection. Compatible with the Gemini machine, the festive designs are sure to inspire you! Visit crafterscompanion.co.uk
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Create beautiful decorations with Lavinia Stamps' PDF inserts by printing them on acetate and placing in empty baubles. Add sequins, ribbons and other embellishments, then hang from the tree and enjoy the compliments! £6.30, laviniastamps.com
CARD SHARP
Our sister title Papercrafter Magazine is running a competition to find the UK’s best Christmas card designer. There's masses of prizes up for grabs – could you be this year's card-making champ? Find out more at papercrafter magazine.co.uk
ALL IN ONE
Got a festive crafting emergency? The POSCA Make Today Christmas Card Pack is stuffed with marker pens, card blanks and illustrations by artist Ella Johnston to trace and transfer, along with an inspirational booklet of projects. £29.99, uniball.co.uk
FOILED AGAIN
Put the glitz on your festive makes with Therm O Web's innovative new Foil Mates. These ready-to-use sheets can be applied to cards with a laminator for instant, mess-free shine – Christmas just came early! Visit thermowebonline.com
POETRY IN MOTION Sisters Helene and Simone Bendix reveal the full potential of our favourite craft material in Paper Poetry. Their book takes you through several paper cutting projects to create beautiful, enchanting designs. £16.99, kylebooks.co.uk
WINDOW DRESSING
Get ready for Christmas and create unique cards this festive season. The brand new 170-piece set from the Craft Store has all you need to make ten 3-D window cards, for only £19.99. Visit craftstoreuk.com
THREE'S THE CHARM!
Christmas has well and truly arrived at Sizzix, with a variety of new festive die designs that are perfect for cards, decorations and more. The Chapter 3 collection includes traditional motifs, modern designs and classic Sizzix creations! Find out more at sizzix.co.uk
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Deck the Halls Take your Christmas die-cutting to new heights with our contemporary yule greetings
Essential Kit
Dies: Lawn Fawn, Stitched Ornaments; Sara’s Signature, Winter Wonderland Snowflake Quartet Card: white, aqua, teal, lilac Glitter card, silver Ribbon: white, lilac, aqua Gems, silver Washi tape, silver Adhesives
If you’re looking for ways to wake up your die-cutting technique, then Tracey Daykin-Jones’ selection of delightful designs are sure to tickle your festive fancy. Featuring delicate snowflakes and intricate bauble motifs, be sure to whip up these wintry wonders in next to no time. Inlay die-cuts within co-ordinating apertures and create simple layered toppers to achieve various dimensions for simple yet statement greetings to wow your nearest and dearest.
STATEMENT SNOWFLAKE
1
Create a top-folding A6 card blank and cover with aqua card. Trim a lighter shade of aqua and layer on top. Trim an inverted ‘v’ shape from a strip of white card, cut a large bauble from the centre, then secure.
2
Die-cut a smaller bauble from lilac card, cut a snowflake from the centre and position within the white panel. Die-cut the snowflake again from white and inlay. Cut a silver bauble topper, tie lilac ribbon through and add to the card using foam pads to finish.
“Reduce paper wastage by keeping all unused die-cut snowflakes for future projects” TRACEY DAYKINJONES, DESIGNER 12
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Top tip: Don’t be afraid to add
numerous foam pads behind each layered section for maximum impact
Essential Kit
Dies: Concord & 9th, Magnolia Wreath, Joyful Noel; Tonic Studios, Triangle Kaleidoscope Box Lid & Base Set Card: teal, red, green, white, pearlescent yellow Patterned paper: Reverse Confetti, Very Merry Tonic Studios Nuvo Glitter Drops, White Blizzard Embellishments
Festive Fine Dining Add the finishing touches with this vibrant selection of makes
Oh the Christmas dining table, it’s an aspect of the big day that can easily be overlooked amongst all the rush, but we’re here to help with a trio of easy makes that will set your spread apart from the rest. Using intricate wreath dies and bright patterned paper, Keren Baker has whipped up a brilliant collection that will add a handmade touch to the highly-anticipated Christmas feast.
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TABLE CENTRE BOX
1
Die-cut a triangular box using white card. Make two centre panels from teal and one from patterned paper. Die-cut two triangles for the top and bottom of the box. Adhere all the papers as shown.
2
Make two sprigs in teal and add to the centre of the box. Die-cut ‘J’ and ‘Y’ from red paper and a star from yellow. Secure to the patterned panel of the box. Create scalloped edges from teal and adhere to the side lids. Add Nuvo Drops onto the leaves to finish.
Paper Pals
Team your dies with these festive papercrafting goodies for fabulous results. From sparkly glitter powders to pretty ribbons, they’ll add the perfect finishing touch!
Xmas t! wish lis
1 2 7 6
3
4 5
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1 First Edition Perfect Christmas 6” x 6” papers pad, £8, hobbycraft.co.uk 2 Merry Christmas ribbon, £1.50, docrafts.com 3 Ho Ho Ho ribbon, £1.50, docrafts.com
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4 Christmas Trees ribbon, £1.50, docrafts.com 5 Red and White Christmas Washi Tape Set, £1 for three, hobbycraft.co.uk 6 Your Carriage Awaits SPARKLES glitter, £3, wowembossingpowder.co.uk
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7 Metallic Gold Rich embossing powder, £2.50, wowembossingpowder.co.uk 8 Apple Red embossing powder, £2.50, wowembossingpowder.co.uk 9 Christmas Village 12” x 12” papers pad, £8.99, docrafts.com 10 Holly Jolly Christmas red and white twine, £2, hobbycraft.co.uk
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Die-Cut
CARDS
Essential Kit
Die, Sizzix Originals Holly & Berries #3 Cardstock: light green, medium green, dark green Pom-poms, 8mm-20mm, red Ribbon, 2.5cm wide, red Florist wire, green Polystyrene ring, 25cm, half doughnut Acrylic paint, green Adhesives
Berry Nice Create a pretty holly wreath to bring out every Christmas
HOLLY WREATH
1
Paint a polystyrene ring with green acrylic paint and allow to dry. Die-cut several small and large holly leaves from light, medium and dark green card – for a fuller look, slightly crease and bend them. Starting at the bottomcentre, glue the leaves around the ring, leaving a narrow gap at the top for the ribbon.
Wreaths are synonymous with Christmas and look so lovely hung outside on your front door. Why not make one out of card to hang on an inside door or above your mantelpiece? Colette Smith’s gorgeous project in traditional reds and greens can be created using a few simple items that you probably already have in your craft stash – just add a simple holly die-cut set and you’re ready to go.
Top tip:
Make smaller wreaths for the Christmas tree, using red beads instead of pom-poms
2
Wrap and stick a length of red ribbon around the top of the wreath to form a loop. Stack two lengths of red ribbon on top of each other and tie into a large bow. Cut fishtails from the long ends. Glue to the top of the wreath.
3
Wrap florist wire around a pencil and pull to create a loose spiral. Cut into short lengths and glue randomly amongst the leaves. Add small red pom-poms to some of the clusters of leaves. Fill in any gaps around the bow and loop with more leaves.
“Hot glue is best for this project as it dries quickly and doesn’t react with the polystyrene. It can leave fine stringy strands – just pull these off when the wreath is finished” COLETTE SMITH, DESIGNER
SHOPPING BASKET Take a Leaf Build your wreath with Sizzix Original’s Holly & Berries #3 die, £9.99, countryviewcrafts.co.uk
These scarlet Knorr Prandell assorted pom-poms make perfect holly berries. £2.19, buddlycrafts.com
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Cutting Edge We chat to papercutting artist and Instagram star Georgia Low about her delicate and beautiful creations
paper is reasonably cheap, if you make a mistake it doesn’t hurt as much when you have to chuck it away and start again – which I’ve had to do a few times, sadly.” Living in North Wales, much of Georgia’s work is inspired by the natural beauty of her surroundings, which can also be seen in her first book, Nature Cuts. “I’d always wanted to create a book, plus I receive a lot of messages from fellow crafters asking for advice with papercutting, so when I was approached by the publisher, I jumped at the opportunity!” she reveals. “My favourite project from it is probably the bee papercut. The original – much larger – piece that it was inspired by is my most popular one to date, so I wanted to create a simpler version that everyone could have a go at making.”
Christmastime The art of papercutting has a long history behind it, transforming a plain sheet into a creation that can be as intricate as you like. Artist Georgia Low is one of the modern-day stars of this craft since she started her business in 2011, exhibiting her work across Europe and gaining more than 27,000 Instagram followers. After seeing her painstakingly detailed and charming papercuts, often inspired by nature, it’s easy to see why! Georgia’s introduction to papercutting began at school during her GCSEs when her art class was assigned a new teacher. “She was a lot more inspiring than our previous teacher and suggested cutting out silhouettes from paper – except back then, I used a Stanley knife and scrap paper!” Georgia recalls. “I created an image of people fishing and put layered green tissue paper behind it so the light would shine through. I actually still have it somewhere in my studio!”
Inthe papers
Although she enjoyed papercutting during school, Georgia forgot about it afterwards until, aged 19, she decided to make a birthday card for her mother. “I started creating more pieces after that and was hooked, which is when I set up my first Facebook page and Instagram account,” she tells Make It Today. “I never even thought about becoming an artist, but I fell into it and now it’s my dream job!” Like many crafters, Georgia loves the versatility that paper offers. “It still amazes me how you can transform a blank sheet into a beautiful piece of art just by cutting a few (or a lot!) of holes in it. Also, as 38
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The festive season is also a great source of inspiration for many crafters and Georgia is no exception. “Winter is my absolute favourite season – give me open fires, hot chocolate, snow and dark nights every time!” she smiles. “I also love coming up with more seasonal ideas; a few years ago I created a family Christmas tree which proved quite popular. Every year a stag appears somewhere in my makes. I just love them, and all woodland animals really! I also love the Scandinavian trend, so this year’s makes will probably feature a lot of greys, white and possible pops of colour here and there.” If you’re starting on your Christmas cards early and fancy incorporating some papercutting, Georgia offers the following advice: “Keep the design relatively simple – if you’re planning on making quite a few, you don’t want to be spending days making them! To create multiples, I’d recommend scanning your design then printing it out onto sheets of paper or card as this saves so much time! Also, make sure that you draw the design backwards if you wish to include writing. This means that once you’ve cut it out, you can flip it over and have a clean papercut free from lines or marks.” To see more of Georgia’s creations, visit georgialow.co.uk or find her on Instagram @georgialowpapercuts
LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE
Fox & Hare Lantern Flex your skills to create Georgia Low’s woodland tealight holder
If you enjoy papercutting, you’ll love creating this countryside inspired lantern by Georgia Low – plus it will make a lovely addition to your home. Featuring foxes and rabbits nestled amid delicate foliage, the cut-out windows are lined with vellum or tracing paper to create a beautiful soft light.
Essential Kit
Safety first
A lw a ys u se a b a tt e ry o r LE D p o w e re d ca n d le lig h t yo u r la n te rnto ra th e r th a n a re a l o n e
Card, 160gsm Vellum or tracing paper Twine or ribbon Craft knife Cutting mat Metal ruler Bone folder Glue stick or gun Battery-operated faux tealight
PAPER LANTERN
1
Print or trace the lantern template onto card. Cut along the outside line, then remove the two grey rectangles on the left. Score along all the dotted lines with a bone folder and ruler, then fold them.
2
Open out the lantern. Take out the smallest grey-shaded areas on one of the hare designs, such as the nose and eye. Continue cutting out the design from the top, working your way down. Use a ruler along any straight edges. Repeat for the fox motif, then cut out the other lantern half.
Template
3
SEE PAGE 64
Snip four 6.5cm x 10cm rectangles from tracing paper or vellum. Secure the pieces inside the lantern by applying small dabs of glue at each corner of the windows. Slot the tabs from one half into the holes of the other to join them.
SHOPPING BASKET
4
Slot the remaining tabs in the last two holes. Fold the small tabs at the top and glue them to the inside of the large tab. Create a handle by tying twine or ribbon to the two semi-circles on top of the lantern, then place a faux candle inside.
Get the Book
Find more beautiful botanical projects in Nature Cuts by Georgia Low (Herbert Press, £14.99), bloomsbury.com
Finish your creation with a handle made of bakers twine, £3.95, rexlondon.com
Light your lantern with these white LED tealights, £1 for six, wilko.com
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Snowglobe Scenes Transport your loved ones to enchanting festive settings Full of magic and sparkle, snowglobes are a truly wonderful spectacle for all ages, conjuring up charming scenes of winter woodlands and traditional Christmas. Taking inspiration from these festive favourites, Elizabeth Moad has created a co-ordinating selection of greetings using the Crystal Globe Card Shape dies from Tattered Lace. Shaped cards really stand out from regular card blanks and these are sure to take pride of place on the mantelpiece.
Essential Kit
Dies: Tattered Lace Crystal Globe Card Shape; reindeers Card: white, purple, red, turquoise, brown, pink Punch, snowflake Fineliner, black Adhesives
SILENT NIGHT
1
Die-cut the snowglobe base from turquoise and cut two snowglobe frames from purple. Sandwich a panel of turquoise between the bottom and adhere together. Attach to the snowglobe base using the tabs provided to create the card blank.
2
Trim two tree motifs from white and fix to the background, leaving a gap in the centre. Take two reindeer dies and cut out from red card, then attach one to the base and the other to the frame between the trees. Print out a sentiment onto pink and adhere to the bottom to finish.
MINI MAKES
Die-cut the mini snowglobe shapes from turquoise card and decorate with festive die-cuts. Personalise each design to create stylish place settings or gift tags.
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