USING BEAUTIFUL SHAPES DIES TO CREATE A TUMBLING BLOCKS CARD BACKGROUND

 Hi Stampers!

Today’s post is a bit of a continuation from my previous post. I will walk you through how I use the BEAUTIFUL SHAPES DIES to create the Tumbling Blocks pattern for card backgrounds. Below are two card I created using the Tumbling Blocks pattern. The card on the left was featured in my previous post.

I love the optical illusion created by this pattern. It is a pattern always catches the eye! I admit creating this pattern is a bit labor intensive, but the end result is worth it. 

Below is a look at the BEAUTIFUL SHAPES DIES and the die cut created with them.

BEAUTIFUL SHAPES DIES

BEAUTIFUL SHAPES DIE CUTS

PURPLE TUMBLING BLOCKS BIRTHDAY

HOW TO CREATE THE TUMBLING BLOCKS BACKGROUND

* Select three colors of cardstock. A dark, medium, and light versions of a color work well, but combinations of colors look great too. The color combinations I used in the two cards shown today are Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Pool Party and Fresh Freesia, Highland Heather,Gorgeous Grape. I think Basic Black, Basic Gray, and Smoky Slate would be a nice combination. How about Pumpkin Pie, Mango Melody, and Daffodil Delight?  Combinations of patterned paper would be lovely too.

* I assembled the pattern on a “backing” piece of Basic White cardstock cut at 3 3/4” x 5”, then I trimmed the panel. 

* Use the small die that cuts out two diamond shapes. Cut 24-26 shapes of each color cardstock. The number of die cuts required will depend on the size panel created. 

* I started with the lightest color cardstock (Fresh Freesia) and adhered one of the pieces along the the top of the Basic White cardstock at the center point. This does not need to be precise. Eyeballing is just fine. Now add dies on each side to continue the pattern across. In the die set there is a die that cuts two small triangles. If you like you can cut out a few of these to finish the pattern ends as shown below. For me, I prefer to use the diamond shaped die cut and just trim off the excess. As you can see using the triangle die cuts still require some trimming for the size of my cardstock backing.

* For the next row I used the Gorgeous Grape cardstock and adhered it along the right side of the Fresh Freesia die cuts.

* Next I adhered the Highland Heather die cuts along the left side of the Fresh Freesia shapes. As you can see the pattern is beginning to emerge.

* Continue the pattern until you cover the cardstock. Trim away the excess along the dies of the cardstock with scissors.

* Next use an embossing folder to add a bit of texture to the panel. This step is optional, but it serves two purposes; it adds a bit more interest to the panel and it helps bind the pattern pieces to the cardstock backing giving a little extra help to the adhesive. The best embossing folder designs are small patterns like

Tasteful Textile, Timber, Timeworn Type, and several of the mini embossing folders.  

* Using your scissors, trim away the excess Basic White cardstock, and use a paper trimmer to cut the panel to the desired size.

* Use the panel as a focal piece for your card.  I paired my shades of purple with Basic Black. I think the black creates a bold dramatic flair to the card. I like to contrast bright / brighter colors with black. 

Although used my panel in a portrait orientation, the pattern looks great in landscape orientation too.

KEEPING DIFFERENT COLORS OF PIECES IN THE RIGHT ORDER

Following the order of steps listed above should help keep the colors in the correct order to create the Tumbling Blocks pattern, but sometimes things can get complicated. A good way to check your pattern is to look for the star! Yes, the star! Along with creating the illusion of cubes the pattern also creates 6 pointed stars like the one below.

This star pattern has like colors directly across from one another. Now take a look at the Tumbling Blocks pattern below. I placed the 6 pointed star on top of one of the star patterns in the Tumbling Blocks design. Can you find it? It is not embossed. Now look for other stars in the pattern. 

What if you make a mistake laying out the pattern. This background is, as mentioned earlier, labor intensive, so a mistake can be very upsetting and discouraging. No worries. You have options. In card making there are always options!

1. Reframe the situation! Instead of viewing the misplaced piece or pieces as an error view it as an artistic statement. In other words - embrace it! The design is still beautiful and is uniquely yours. 

2. Try removing the piece (s) and replacing it (them). This works best prior to embossing.

3. Cover up the misplaced piece with a greeting!

The Tumbling Blocks pattern is fun to create, and the BEAUTIFUL SHAPES DIES are the perfect way to cut out the pieces needed for this design and many others. I hope you give this pattern a try!

That’s all for today. Page down to check out some great limited time offers from STAMPIN’ UP!®️ Thank you for stopping by. Until next time…

Stamp Happy!

Kim

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