Creating A Wedding Card With Dies: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a handmade wedding card is a thoughtful way to celebrate the happy couple. It's a chance to craft a unique greeting card that reflects your own style and creativity. In this guide, we'll explore different ways to make a wedding card using dies, from elegant cut-out designs to fun interactive elements. We'll offer tips and tricks to elevate your card-making skills and help you add a personal touch to your creations. Whether you're an experienced crafter or just starting out, get ready to unleash your creativity and make a wedding card that's sure to impress!

Using a die-cutting machine

First, gather your supplies. You will need a die-cutting machine, dies in various shapes and sizes, cardstock or paper, and any other embellishments you want to include, such as vellum, foil, or tassels. Playing around with different materials can add depth and interest to your card.

Next, decide on the design of your card. You can create a simple fold card, or try something more complex like a gatefold card, which opens like French doors, or a jar fold-along card, which stands on its own and can be decorated in various ways. You can also create a stand-up card, which is not only fun and interactive but also easy for the recipient to display.

Now it's time to get cutting! If you're using a manual die-cutting machine, you'll need to prepare your sandwich of cutting plates, dies, and paper. Follow the instructions for your specific machine to ensure a clean cut. If you're using a digital die-cutting machine, simply upload your design and let the machine do the work.

To add interest and dimension to your card, consider using techniques like partial die-cutting, where only a portion of the image is cut, creating the illusion of layers and complexity. You can also try die-cutting vellum or creating a die-cut window on your card to give a sneak peek of what's inside.

Finally, assemble your card and add any finishing touches. This is where you can get creative with embellishments, stamps, or even shaker elements. Don't be afraid to experiment and try out different techniques to find what works best for your design.

With a die-cutting machine, the possibilities are endless, and you're sure to create a beautiful and unique wedding card that the happy couple will cherish.

Creating a stand-up card

Step 1: Cut and Prepare Your Cardstock

First, you will need to cut your cardstock to size. Cut one piece to 4 1/4 inches by 11 inches. This will be the base of your card. Then, cut a second piece of cardstock (in the same colour) to 3 inches by 4 1/4 inches. This will be your 'tent fold' piece, which will create the structure that allows your card to stand up.

Step 2: Score Your Cardstock

Now, you will need to score your cardstock pieces to create the folds that will give your card its structure. Take your first piece of cardstock (4 1/4 inches by 11 inches) and score the 11-inch side in half at 5 1/2 inches. For your second, smaller piece of cardstock, score along the 3-inch side at 3/4", 1 1/2", and 2 1/4".

Step 3: Fold Your Cardstock

After scoring, you will need to fold your cardstock pieces along the score lines. For the larger piece, fold it in half so that it opens like a book. For the smaller, 'tent fold' piece, fold it in an alternating pattern (valley fold, mountain fold, valley fold) so that it forms the shape of a "W".

Step 4: Decorate Your Card

At this stage, you can start to bring your card to life with decorations. Cut a piece of designer series paper to 4" x 5 1/4" and adhere it to the front of your card. Now, you can decorate your card however you wish. You can add stamps, stickers, or die-cut shapes and images to create a beautiful and personalised design.

Step 5: Assemble Your Card

Finally, it's time to assemble your card and create the stand-up structure. Add adhesive to the outer folds of each side of the 'tent fold' piece. Flip the 'tent fold' piece so it looks like a "W" and adhere one end to the inside front of your card along the bottom. Squeeze the 'tent fold' piece shut, then close your base card so that the inside back adheres to the other end. This will ensure perfect alignment.

And that's it! You now have a beautiful stand-up card that is sure to impress. You can use the back of the card for any additional messages, stamping, or decorations. This fun fold technique will make your card unique and is a great way to display your creativity.

Adding vellum for depth

Adding vellum to your wedding card is a great way to add depth and a touch of sophistication. Vellum is a semi-transparent type of paper that gives your card a light and airy look. It is also budget-friendly and easy to print on with most home printers. Here are some ways to add vellum to your wedding card:

Simple Vellum Wrap

For an elegant finishing touch, try adding a subtle vellum wrap to your card. Cut an 8.5 x 11" sheet of vellum down to the length of your invitation card. Line up your invitation card in the corner of the vellum sheet and mark the height with a pencil before cutting to size. Center your invitation on the cut vellum and fold both sides so that they overlap in the front middle. You can add a wax seal, ribbon, or belly band to secure the vellum wrap.

Vellum Belly Band

Cut a sheet of vellum into strips of your desired width and use them as belly bands to wrap around your invitation. Our standard size belly band is 1 7/8". Lay the vellum strip on top of your invitation card, fold one side to the back, then flip over and pull the loose side tight before folding it against the card. Seal with tape or a glue dot. You can decorate the belly band with a printed or hand-lettered design, such as your wedding logo, names, or wedding date.

Vellum Pattern Overlay

Print a design on vellum to overlay on top of your invitation. This could be a border design, seal, logo, or your names. Trim the vellum and invitation card to the same size and fasten them together with a brad or paper fastener. You can use a pin to create a small hole for the brad to add a decorative touch.

Vellum Printed Invitation

If you have a simple invitation design or want to pair different textures and patterns, you can print your invitation directly on vellum. Choose a design to show underneath your invitation text, such as a floral pattern, watercolor, photo, or texture. Just make sure the underlying design is not too busy or distracting. Print your invitation on vellum and trim to size, then place it on top of the underlying design and secure the two layers with a brad or paper fastener.

Die-cut window card

Materials:

• Cardstock in your choice of colour (white, cream, or pastel shades are popular for wedding cards)
• Metal cutting dies in your desired shape and design (window, door, or other shapes)
• Embossing machine or tool
• Paper cutter or scissors
• Adhesive or glue
• Embellishments (optional) such as ribbons, stickers, or stamps

Instructions:

• Start by choosing your cardstock and cutting it to your desired card size. You can create a standard bi-fold card, a gatefold card, or experiment with other styles.
• Next, select the metal cutting die you wish to use for the window design. There are various options available, including window frames, doors, and nature-inspired designs. You can also experiment with different shapes, such as hearts or stars, to create a unique look.
• Position the cutting die on the cardstock where you want the window to be. If you're making a standard bi-fold card, you'll likely want the window on the front cover. For a gatefold card, you might consider placing the window on one of the inner panels so that it is revealed as the card is opened.
• Use the embossing machine or tool to cut out the window design. This will give you a clean and precise cutout.
• If desired, use the paper cutter or scissors to mat and layer different colours or types of cardstock to create a frame or backdrop for your window. This can add depth and interest to your card design.
• Adhere the layers of cardstock together, making sure to line up the window cutouts precisely.
• Embellish your card as desired. You can add ribbons, stamps, or stickers that complement the wedding theme. Consider using gold or silver embossing powder, watercolour paint, or quilled paper flowers for an elegant and romantic touch.
• Finally, write your wedding message inside the card.

By following these steps and adding your own creative touches, you can create a beautiful and personalised die-cut window wedding card.

Partial die-cutting

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a partial die-cutting effect for your wedding card:

• Lay the die towards the edge of your card base. This could be the front or back of your card, depending on your design preference.
• Run the card base with the die on it partway through your embossing machine. The machine will only cut the part of the die that goes under the pressure point or centre of the machine.
• Once you've achieved a partial cut, carefully trim off the excess cardstock. You can use a trimmer or scissors for this step.
• Now you can decorate your card as desired. You can stamp or emboss images, add sentiments, or include embellishments.
• If you're creating a fun fold card, follow the specific instructions for that card style to finish assembling your card.

Frequently asked questions