If your nesting dies usually stay in neat little stacks, this post is for you.

I’ve been playing with nesting dies in my card designs lately, and I’m loving how versatile they really are. Today I’m sharing two simple ideas that show just how much you can do with them.

Let’s take a quick peek at today’s card!

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Psst… before we start: This post is part of the new beautiful Altenew Release.

And, this post contains affiliate links. If you choose to click and shop, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support both me and the crafty shops we all love.
Thank you 🥰!

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Why Nesting Dies Belong in Your Craft Stash

Nesting dies are a staple in my craft room. They’re a set of coordinating dies that cut the same shape in graduated sizes and are surprisingly versatile. Beyond layering and matting, they can be used for masking, shaping backgrounds, framing focal points, and adding subtle structure to a card design

Two Ways I Stepped Up This Nesting Die Design

For this card, I used my nesting dies in two different ways to add extra interest. First, I created a negative space using a nesting arch cut from masking paper and used it to create an ink blended focal point. Blending the inks in an ombre style adds a little variety while still keeping the design clean and simple.

I then added a die cut Clematis flower and leaves, which I ink blended to match.

PRO TIP: To give your flowers extra dimension, gently shape the petals using a ball stylus, such as the Petal Shaper tool. This is a great option if you’re happy to add a bit more depth.

The second way I used the nesting dies was to create a sentiment strip. I popped this up with black foam tape, which has quickly become one of my favourites. It comes on a huge roll and in three different sizes, making it easy to add hidden dimension to dark cardstock without any fuss.

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And if you enjoyed this idea, stay tuned – I’ll be sharing two more cards soon, each featuring different ways to use nesting dies.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear how you use nesting dies in your card designs, tell me in the comments below!

Happy papercrafting,

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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CAF Clematis ALT	Nesting Arches Die Set ALT	Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS	Masking Paper ALT | SSS
Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS	Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS	Embossing Ink ALT | SSS	Sugarplums Ink Set ALT
Sage Garden ALT | SSS	Coastal Mist ALT | SSS	Large Blending Brush ALT | SSS	Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS
Mini Blending Brush Storage ALT | SSS	Black Onyx ALT | SSS	Petal Shaper Tool Set ALT | SSS	Pure White ALT
Powder Tool SSS	WOW Heat Tool SSS	Bone Folder ALT	Tweezers ALT | SSS
Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS	Stampwheel ALT | SSS	Score Board ALT | SSS	Sticky Grid Mat Ultra ALT | SSS | SB US
Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US	Platesaver OTH	9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ	Precision Glue Press AMZ | SSS
Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS	Glue Tape ALT | SSS	1/2″ Ultra Sticky Tape ALT | SSS	Black Foam Tape ALT
Satin Masking Tape ALT