Off-the-edge Die-cutting Tutorial

Creating your own off-the-edge die-cuts is really simple and fun. You can add an extra special twist to the shaped card blank idea with stamps that have a co-ordinating die set.

This look uses partial die-cutting techniques matched with precision stamping so if you have a stamp positioning tool that will come in handy. Don’t worry if you don’t, you can also stamp the images by hand. Set up your die on the edge of the card blank and partially cut the section closest to the card edge. Simply trim away the excess cardstock using a paper trimmer, scissors or a craft knife and you are left with a fun shaped edge to the card blank. Don’t forget to cut away the reverse of the card blank as well! You can then stamp the shaped edge using the co-ordinating stamps for an interesting card front.

To make it even simpler you don’t have to use a card blank in your partial cutting, which is particularly useful if you can’t fit the card blank into your die-cutting machine! Instead, try partially cutting a panel of cardstock then adhere the shaped panel to the card blank so the die-cut edge overhangs at the side or the top – either method works well.

If you don’t have co-ordinating stamps for your dies, you can make your own! Use the same die from the partial die-cut to cut the whole shape from craft foam, then use the craft foam die-cut as you would a stamp. All sorts of dies and stamps will work well with this technique, from ordinary shaped dies to more detailed filigree dies. Give them a go and see what die-cut and stamped edges you can create!

For more fantastic die-cutting tutorials, visit the links below!

Clean & Simple Inlaid Die-cutting

Die-cut Letterpress Tutorial

Pyramage Die-cutting Tutorial