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Nestabilities Die Templates 101

Nestabilities Small or Large Sets

Let’s begin with the differences between small and large sets. Below you will see one pair of plain circle Nestabilities Classic Oval Large and Nestabilities Classic Oval Small. Here is the trick. Look at the smallest die in each pack. The smaller one will always be the Small set and the larger one will always be the Large Set.

Straight or Decorative Cut Edges

Each set starts as straight line sets and then has at least one coordinating scallop set. If the same size dies from a straight cut and a decorative cut are stacked, the scallop, for example, will just peak out from under the straight shape.

Decorative Edges

By beginning with scallops, a quintessential card making, scrapbooking and home decor shape, Spellbinders established Nestabilities Die Templates as a premium product for paper crafts. Knowing that card makers and other crafters like a variety of scallops, Spellbinders offers 2 sizes: Classic and Petite. At this time, the Ovals and Circles have both sizes. The Squares and Rectangles come in Classic Scallops only.

In February, 2008, a Pinking set came on the scene that coordinates with the Standard Circles. What will they come up with next?

¼" or ⅛" Increments

 As described above, Nestabilities Die Templates shapes come in small and large sets. If you choose to use one set then the dies will cut concentrically at ½” increments to provide ¼" matting or framing. For example, the Classic Squares Large (S4-126) measure as follows:

• ½x½"
• 1x1"
• 1½x1½"
• 2x2"
• 2½x2½"
• 3x3"
• 3½x3½" 

Note that if these dies are stacked on top of each other you will have a ¼" mat. The same rings true if you only have the Classic Squares Small but the dies start at ¼x¼" up to 3¾x3¾". If you really want to add to your flexibility, then combine the two sets for matting at ⅛".

Nest Sets

As a bonus for purchasing an entire set of a particular shape (2 straight edge Nestabilities sets and 2 decorative edge Nestabilities sets) Spellbinders offers 20% discount over purchasing the sets individually. Here is an example of the Petite Ovals in the Nest Set (Nest-06). Note how the four sets include 2 straight-edge shapes and 2 scalloped.

Standard Circles

Paying attention to this name “Standard” can help you not double up on your die order. The Standard Circles Large and Small (S4-114, S4-116) can use any of the circular decorative edges. So only one set of the straight line cut dies need to be purchased to use the Petite Scallops, Classic Scallops and Pinking. Please still pay attention to whether you are choosing small or large sets but this is the most versatile set to use to create.

Check the order here:

Using Nestabilities Die Templates

Since Nestabilities Die Templates are universal, feel free to pull out your favorite die cut machine. If you have questions about compatibility, download Spellbinders’ Compatibility Guide.

Cutting and embossing with Nestabilities Die Templates:

• Prepare cutting sandwich according to Spellbinder’s Compatibility Chart.
• Place die on the base, cut edge up.
• Lay paper on top and complete the sandwich.
• Run it through the preferred machine to cut.
• Emboss using Spellbinders’ Tan Embossing Mat.
• Turn die over and add details by inking, chalking or doodling through stencil holes.

Creating a scalloped mat with Nestabilities Die Templates:

• Prepare cutting sandwich according to Spellbinder’s Compatibility Chart.
• Place plain shape die on the base, cut edge up.
• Lay paper on top and complete the sandwich.
• Run it through the preferred machine to cut.
• Emboss using Spellbinders’ Tan Embossing Mat.
• Repeat the process using scallop shape. If using the same size, the scallop will just peak out from behind. For a thicker frame, use a larger die.

Cutting a frame with Nestabilities Die Templates:

• Prepare cutting sandwich according to Spellbinder’s Compatibility Chart.
• Place scalloped die on the base, cut edge up.
• Add a smaller plain shape inside the scalloped die, cut edge up. Using Spellbinder’s magnetic sheet helps keep dies in place.
• Lay paper on top and complete the sandwich.
• Run it through the preferred machine to cut.
• If desired, emboss using Spellbinders’ Tan Embossing Mat.
• Turn die over and add details by inking, chalking or doodling through stencil holes.

Embossing only with Nestabilities Die Templates:

• To add emphasis to a paper crafting element, try embossing only. Consider photos, cards and page elements.
• Place die on machine base, cut edge up.
• Layer with the element to be embossed and add Spellbinders’ Tan Embossing Mat.
• Take special care in making sure the elements do not slip.
• Emboss with the die in preferred machine according to Spellbinders’ Compatibility Chart.

Creating a card base with Nestabilities Die Templates:

• Choose a Nestability size and shape to create a card base.
• Cut paper larger than die, making sure one direction is a little more than twice the size.
• Fold card base in half.
• Layer sandwich according to Spellbinders Compatibility Chart, placing the fold of the card just inside the cut edge of the die. This allows the edge to remain uncut to become the fold.
• Run it through the preferred machine to cut.
• Embossing is possible but will be incomplete around the fold.