Hi Stampers,
I love using dimensionals (foam tape, pop dots, foam squares, etc). Those little pieces of foam are amazing! They are an easy to use and inexpensive Cardmaking supply that can take your card from nice to WOW! But, what happens if you have a dimensionals emergency? Somehow you didn’t notice you were running low, and now you have none? How can you add that nice little lift to your focal images and sentiments! Do you have some scrap cardstock? If so, you have emergency dimensionals. I’ll show you three options for these dimensionals. Let’s take a peek at the sample cards:
Can you tell which cards were put together using dimensionals, and which ones were put together using homemade dimensionals?
NOTE : All supplies for my cards are from Stampin’ Up! ®️ unless otherwise noted.
VIDEO
NO DIMENSIONALS? NO PROBLEM! MAKE THEM!
NO DIMENSIONALS OPTION 1
STACKED DIE CUTS
For the card on the left I used dimensionals on the raccoon image and the tree (front right). Dimensionals add a bit of depth and interest, but you can get the same results by stacking die cut (or punched) images or sentiments. The camper image on the card to the right is lifted up from the page by adhering the image to 4 other die cuts of the image, and adhering that image to the card front.
ADVANTAGES
* A great way to use up scraps of cardstock - use white or colored cardstock.
* The image will be sturdy, and will stand up to the rollers at the post office.
* Using different numbers of die cuts allows you to add variation to the height of your images.
DISADVANTAGES
* This technique works best with die cuts and punched images, or cardstock mats cut with a trimmer for stamped sentiments or images. It is not always practical for use with fussy cut images.
* It is easy to get carried away stacking the images. Too many layers makes the image stick out too far and can cause issues for mailing. I try to keep my stacked layers between 3-5.
* Using this technique with larger images can add a bit more weight to your card, so keep that in mind.
* Die cutting or punching multiple images might not be for you; it can get a bit tedious.
WONDERFUL SNOW
SUPPLIES I USED
* Card Base - Shaded Spruce cardstock (A-2 size)
* Mat Layer - Real Red cardstock (5 1/4” x 4”)
* Focal Panel - Basic White cardstock (5” x 3 3/4”)
* Other Cardstock - Basic White (5” x 3 3/4”) for snow - tear into two pieces, scraps for stamping images
* Stamps - Freezin’ Fun (retired), Star Snowflake Sentiments (Waffle Flower)
* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Balmy Blue; Stampin’ Blends - Shaded Spruce, Real Red, Pretty In Pink, Smoky Slate, Gray Granite
* Blending Brush- use with Balmy Blue for Sky
* Embellishments - Pops of Color - Glitter Snowflake (Scrapbook.com); Blizzard Snowflakes ( Trinity Stamps)
* Dimensionals and other adhesive
HAPPY ADVENTURES
SUPPLIES I USED
* Card Base - Shaded Spruce cardstock (A-2)
* Mat Layer - Basic White (5 1/4” x 4”) - blended and stamped background
* Other Cardstock - Basic White for stamping image and for die cutting stacking layers
* Inks - Distress Oxide - Tumbled Glass, Shabby Shutters, Frayed Burlap (Ranger), Tuxedo Black (Memento),Shaded Spruce, Early Espresso; Stampin’ Blends - Shaded Spruce, Poppy Parade, Old Olive, Smoky Slate, Copper Clay, Crumb Cake, Pool Party
* Stamps - Adventure Together and dies
* Other - Blending Brushes, Spritzer for water
* Adhesive
NO DIMENSIONALS OPTION 2
STACKED PIECES
Which card has dimensionals? This time it is the one on the right. The one on the left was created using what I call stacked pieces. This substitute dimensional is easy to create and is similar to the stacked die cuts. You can make these any size or shape you like. You need scraps of cardstock, a punch, die or even your trimmer. You simply need 3-5 punched or die cut circles, squares, whatever you like. Just be sure the size of the pieces are small enough to fit behind the image you want to pop up. Stack and glue the like shapes together, just as for the stacked die cuts. You now have homemade dimensional!
ADVANTAGES
* This technique puts scrap cardstock to work!
* You can create the stacked pieces at varies thicknesses allowing for images on your card to be adhered at different heights.
* These homemade dimensionals do not add excessive weight to your cards
DISADVANTAGES
* Punching out, die cutting, or cutting multiple pieces then gluing them together can be tedious.
* It is best to assemble these prior needing them, so not great for last minute needs.
FABULOUS BIRTHDAY
SUPPLIES I USED
* Card Base - Basic White cardstock (A-2)
* Mat Layer - Patterned paper 5 1/2” x 4 1/4” (Retired)
* Other Cardstock - Basic White and Petunia Pop
* Other Patterned Paper - 2024-2026 In Color 6” x 6” DSP - Petunia Pop(
* Ink - Petunia Pop
* Stamps - Flippin’ Fabulous and dies (Honey Bee Stamps)
* Embellishments - 2024-2026 In Color Resin Dot
* Dimensionals and other adhesive
AWESOME BIRTHDAY
SUPPLIES I USED
* Card Base- Basic White (A-2)
* Layer - Patterned Paper Night of Navy (retired) 5 1/2” x 4 1/4”
* Other Cardstock - Real Red and Basic White and scrap Cardstock for punching pieces for stacking
* Other Paper - Real Red (retired)
* Stamps - Flippin’ Fabulous and dies (Honey Bee Stamps)
* Embellishments - Real Red (retired)
* Adhesive
NO DIMENSIONALS OPTION 3
PAPER SPRINGS
The card with dimensionals is on the left. The dimension for the card on the right is achieved by using a paper spring. The springs take a strip of scrap cardstock, scored and folded to form an hour glass or an X shape.
ADVANTAGES
* Adds not only a bit of height to the image, but also add a bit of bounce.
* Goes flat to fit easily into envelopes.
* The springs take can be customized to accommodate the size or shape of the image.
DISADVANTAGES
* This spring style dimensional is not always the best choice for elevating images.
* It is difficult to create smaller versions of the spring.
CREATING THE SPRING
Basic Spring
* Cut a piece of cardstock 3/4” x 3 1/2”.
* Score it at 3/4”, 1 1/8”, 1 1/2”. 2 1/4”, 2 5/8”, 3”
* Fold from either end - M V M M V M
(M= mountain, V= valley)
* Glue the ends together to form an hour glass shape (or an X)
Use the chart above to create a spring that starts out 3 1/2” long. The height can be whatever you like it to be. After you make 2-3 of these you see the pattern and be able to create springs with different lengths as well.
MAKING THE SPRING WITHOUT SCORING
* Decide on the width and length you want the cardstock to be. Add 1/4” to 1/2” to the length. Cut the strip.
* Fold the 1/2 “ under.
*Fold the strip in half.
* Fold each half in half.
* Now shape the strip into a box (square) shape.
* Glue the ends together.
* Hold the box shape up with the glued side to the back, push in the sides, and press front to back.
* You now have a paper spring.
BUTTERFLY DOTS BIRTHDAY
SUPPLIES I USED
* Card Base - Mango Melody (retired) A-2
* Patterned Paper - (Retired) 1” x 5 1/2”
* Other Cardstock - Highland Heather 1” x 5 1/2” - tear 2 strips - adhere to patterned paper, Basic White cardstock for stamping
* Stamps - Beautiful Butterflies
* Ink - Tuxedo Black (Memento); Stampin’ Blends - Pumpkin Pie, Mango Melody, Daffodil Delight; Glimmer Pen (Scrapbook.com)
* Embellushments - (Retired)
* Dimensionals and other adhesive
BUTTERFLY PLAID BIRTHDAY
SUPPLIES I USED
* Card Base - Petal Pink cardstock (A-2)
* Patterned Paper - 1 1/2” x 5 1/2”(retired)
* Other cardstock - Highland Heather 1/2”x 51/2” - tear it in two; Basic White cardstock for butterfly
* Ink - Tuxedo Black (Memento); Stampin’ Blends - Pumpkin Pie; Glimmer Pen (Scrapbook.com)
* Stamp - Beautiful Butterflies and die
* Embellishments - Soft Peach Bubbles (Trinity Stamps)
* Cardstock for paper spring
* Adhesive
ALL KINDS OF DIMENSIONALS
Whether you purchase dimensionals or make your own, they are one of the best ways to add depth and dimension to your cards. Purchased ones are relatively inexpensive, and homemade ones use up cardstock scraps! If you have yet to use dimensionals, why not give them a try? Be warned, you could become addicted!
That’s all for today! Thank you for stopping by? Until next time . . .
Stamp Happy!
Kim
No comments:
Post a Comment