Do you only use your coordinating dies for cutting? What if I told you they could do more…

In today’s Take 2 with Therese, I’m sharing two bee-inspired card ideas that show just how versatile coordinating dies can be.
But first… here’s a sneak peek at today’s cards! 🐝

Would you like to see these techniques in action? Click HERE to watch the video at YouTube.

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This post is part of my Take 2 Series with Altenew, which means you get double the inspiration, and if you want to see MORE ideas like this, CLICK HERE.

I use affiliate links, which means if you click on a product and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support my channel and the shops we love 🥰!

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#DIETECHNIQUES

Stretch Those Dies!

It’s so easy to reach for our coordinating dies and just… cut. But they can do so much more! By experimenting with different techniques, you can add new life to your supplies and find creative ways to make your designs truly stand out.

I love finding unexpected ways to use the tools I already have – and today’s cards are the perfect example of that!

Card #1: Zero-Waste Die Technique with a Stenciled Background

I started by ink blending a stenciled background of flowers, leaves, and bees to create a soft, layered look. This set includes a coordinating Zero-Waste Die, which means you can cut and use all the pieces at once – such a clever way to make the most of your coordinating dies!

But instead of cutting, I used the die in a new way. I ran it through my die-cutting machine with a silicon mat, pressing the design into the cardstock to create a textured, embossed-style impression over the stenciled images. It’s an easy die-cutting technique that adds texture and dimension without any bulk.

I kept the rest of the card simple so the impressed design could shine, a bold sentiment and an extra popped-up bee was all it needed to tie everything together.

🎥 You can see exactly how I created this impression technique in my YouTube video!

Card #2: Shaker Card Technique Using Coordinating Dies

For my second card, I turned the honey jar image into a shaker card – because who doesn’t love a little shake? I started by using the coordinating jar die to cut a window for the shaker section, then added a layer of acetate and some foam tape to create space for the sequins.

Instead of stamping the jar image on the background, I decided to use a panel with an embossed honeycomb design, brushed lightly with shimmery gold relief paste. Inside the shaker, I added a mix of gold sequins, and the hexagon shapes tie perfectly into the honeycomb theme.

To finish, I stamped and ink-blended the jar lid, then adhered it over the top of the shaker window. I also added a few bees from the stenciled background to bring everything together.
PRO TIP: Lining up coordinating dies can be tricky – especially for smaller shapes like bees

🎥 You can see exactly how I line up these bees in my YouTube video!

Which Technique Will You Try First?

I love how using coordinating dies in different ways can completely change the look of a design – whether you’re adding subtle texture or creating a fun shaker element. It’s such an easy way to stretch your supplies and get even more from your favourite sets.

Happy crafting,

Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things!

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P.S. Need supplies? Here are the links to the products I used today (some of these are affiliate links, so I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase – thanks for supporting my channel 🥰)!

*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Other Supplies:
Altenew Inks: Aloe Vera | Matcha Tea | Swamp Green | Green Opal | Caramel Toffee | Silver Sprout | Celestial Mist | Glacier Iris | Dreamy Periwinkle | Twighlight Sky | Hazelnut | Almond Butter | Milk Chocolate | Citrus Burst | Maple Yellow | Honey Drizzle | Industrial Diamond | Pure Graphite.
Altenew Cardstock: Jet Black

Affiliate links are used

Honeycomb Haven ALT | SSS	Honeycomb Haven Add-On Die ALT | SSS	Bold Alphabet ALT	Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS
Acetate SSS	Obsidian ALT | SSS	Embossing Ink ALT | SSS	Fresh Dye Inks ALT | SSS
Forest Trail ALT | SSS	Jade Dreams ALT | SSS	Sage Garden ALT | SSS	Moonlit Twilight ALT | SSS
Rock Collection ALT | SSS	Pocketful of Sunshine ALT | SSS	Summer Afternoon ALT | SSS	Large Blending Brush ALT | SSS
Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS	Mini Blending Brush Storage ALT | SSS	Stellar Sequins – Champagne ALT | SSS	Shimmer Relief Paste – Enchanted Gold ALT | SSS
Shimmer Relief Paste ALT | SSS	Palette Knife Set ALT	Fine Liner Pen Set ALT | SSS	Pure White ALT
Powder Tool SSS	WOW Heat Tool SSS	Perfect Picker ALT | SSS	Tweezers ALT | SSS
Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS	Stamping Mat ALT | SSS	Stampwheel ALT | SSS	Bone Folder ALT
Score Board ALT | SSS	Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US	9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ	Precision Glue Press AMZ | SSS
Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS	Glue Tape ALT | SSS	Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS	Satin Masking Tape ALT
Post It Roll SSS