Spellbinders Blog

Hello crafty friends! Lisa Tilson here, and I’m so happy to be joining you today with a sweet wedding card tutorial featuring the Classic Mouse Wedding Collection. This project is all about layering die cuts to create an adorable bride and groom scene, complete with elegant details and a foiled sentiment.

If you enjoy building detailed die-cut characters, this is such a fun one to make.

Video Tutorial

Watch the video tutorial for this project on our YouTube

Hello crafty friends! Lisa Tilson here, and I’m so happy to be joining you today with a sweet wedding card tutorial featuring the Classic Mouse Wedding Collection. This project is all about layering die cuts to create an adorable bride and groom scene, complete with elegant details and a foiled sentiment.

If you enjoy building detailed die-cut characters, this is such a fun one to make.

Video Tutorial

Watch the video tutorial for this project on our YouTube channel or below:

https://youtu.be/1e6XLwVtfDo

Creating the Die Cut Wedding Mice

Begin by die cutting all of the elements for both the bride and groom using ColorWheel Cardstock in a mix of soft neutrals and classic tones. There are quite a few pieces, so it really helps to keep everything organized in a tray as you work. Once everything is cut, we can move on to assembling the characters.

Assembling the Bride Mouse

• Start with the bride’s face, layering the facial features onto the base using small amounts of liquid glue. The etched guidelines make placement nice and easy.
• Next, build her dress. Attach the bodice first, then tuck the skirt layer underneath to create a dimensional look. Add the arms behind the bodice and finish with her tiny shoes.

• For the veil, align the curved top with her head and adhere the layers in place. Add floral details to the top for a soft, romantic touch, then finish with a waistband and bow.
• A little sparkle goes a long way here—add a touch of glitter glue to the flowers and shoes for a delicate shimmer.

Assembling the Groom Mouse

• The groom comes together in a similar way. Start with the face, then move on to his outfit.
• Add the trousers and shoes first, then attach the sleeves to the arms before assembling the jacket. Layer the jacket pieces using the guidelines for alignment, then add the waistcoat and lapels.

• Finish with the bow tie and place his hat at a slight angle for a bit of personality.
• Taking your time with the layering really makes all the difference here.

Adding Floral Details and Accessories

• To bring everything together, die cut a few small flowers and hearts from coordinating cardstock.
• Assemble the flowers and tuck them into the bride’s hand to create a bouquet. These little details add so much charm and help tell the story of the card.

Creating a Foiled Sentiment

• For the sentiment, use a press or foil plate set to create a crisp, elegant greeting.
• Foil the sentiment onto white cardstock using black foil, then die cut it with the coordinating die. The foiled finish adds a beautiful, professional touch that works perfectly for a wedding theme.

Assembling the Card

• Die cut an oval frame from blush cardstock and adhere it to an A2 white card base.
• Add foam adhesive to the back of the bride, groom, and sentiment to create dimension. Position the mice facing each other inside the frame, then place the sentiment above them.
• Finish by adding a few small hearts around the design to fill in the space and tie everything together.
• For the final touch, add a bit of sparkle to the bouquet with glitter glue.

This design may look detailed, but it’s simply a matter of building up the layers step by step. The result is a dimensional, storybook-style card that’s perfect for weddings, engagements, or anniversaries.

I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s tutorial and feel inspired to create your own version.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I’ll see you again soon!

[spellbinders-supplies]S6-270,BP-367,S4-1538,S5-562,GLF-049,SCS-267,SGG17028,CS-8-148,CS-8-147,CS-8-100,CS-8-145,CS-8-146,CS-8-103,CS-8-104,CS-8-141,T-056,T-024,T-042,T-043,T-098,PCGO2E,T-075,SCS-123,PE-104,GLS-005

[/spellbinders-supplies]

channel or below:

Creating the Die Cut Wedding Mice

Begin by die cutting all of the elements for both the bride and groom using ColorWheel Cardstock in a mix of soft neutrals and classic tones. There are quite a few pieces, so it really helps to keep everything organized in a tray as you work. Once everything is cut, we can move on to assembling the characters.

Assembling the Bride Mouse

• Start with the bride’s face, layering the facial features onto the base using small amounts of liquid glue. The etched guidelines make placement nice and easy.
• Next, build her dress. Attach the bodice first, then tuck the skirt layer underneath to create a dimensional look. Add the arms behind the bodice and finish with her tiny shoes.

• For the veil, align the curved top with her head and adhere the layers in place. Add floral details to the top for a soft, romantic touch, then finish with a waistband and bow.
• A little sparkle goes a long way here—add a touch of glitter glue to the flowers and shoes for a delicate shimmer.

Assembling the Groom Mouse

• The groom comes together in a similar way. Start with the face, then move on to his outfit.
• Add the trousers and shoes first, then attach the sleeves to the arms before assembling the jacket. Layer the jacket pieces using the guidelines for alignment, then add the waistcoat and lapels.

• Finish with the bow tie and place his hat at a slight angle for a bit of personality.
• Taking your time with the layering really makes all the difference here.

Adding Floral Details and Accessories

• To bring everything together, die cut a few small flowers and hearts from coordinating cardstock.
• Assemble the flowers and tuck them into the bride’s hand to create a bouquet. These little details add so much charm and help tell the story of the card.

Creating a Foiled Sentiment

• For the sentiment, use a press or foil plate set to create a crisp, elegant greeting.
• Foil the sentiment onto white cardstock using black foil, then die cut it with the coordinating die. The foiled finish adds a beautiful, professional touch that works perfectly for a wedding theme.

Assembling the Card

• Die cut an oval frame from blush cardstock and adhere it to an A2 white card base.
• Add foam adhesive to the back of the bride, groom, and sentiment to create dimension. Position the mice facing each other inside the frame, then place the sentiment above them.
• Finish by adding a few small hearts around the design to fill in the space and tie everything together.
• For the final touch, add a bit of sparkle to the bouquet with glitter glue.

This design may look detailed, but it’s simply a matter of building up the layers step by step. The result is a dimensional, storybook-style card that’s perfect for weddings, engagements, or anniversaries.

I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s tutorial and feel inspired to create your own version.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I’ll see you again soon!

[spellbinders-supplies]S6-270,BP-367,S4-1538,S5-562,GLF-049,SCS-267,SGG17028,CS-8-148,CS-8-147,CS-8-100,CS-8-145,CS-8-146,CS-8-103,CS-8-104,CS-8-141,T-056,T-024,T-042,T-043,T-098,PCGO2E,T-075,SCS-123,PE-104,GLS-005

[/spellbinders-supplies]

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Hi, crafty friends! Lea Lawson here today with an easy tutorial featuring the Chess & Checkers die set from the new Checkmate collection.

This card is geared towards beginner cardmakers, but could easily be elevated and adapted with more techniques and design elements. It offers warm colors, easy-to-create texture, and a fabulous birthday sentiment for every queen in your life! [gallery type="rectangular" link="file" columns="2" size="medium" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA1XC9MZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAtMi53ZWJwIiwidGl0bGUiOiJMZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAgKDIpIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA1XC9MZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAtMS53ZWJwIiwidGl0bGUiOiJMZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAgKDEpIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IkVhc3kgQ2hlc3MgJiBDaGVja2VycyBDYXJkIFR1dG9yaWFsIGZvciBCZWdpbm5lcnMsIEUzRC0xNzUsIFNEUy0yNzcsIFM0LTE1MzQiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9"] To start, trim a panel of Matte Metallic from the Treasured Cardstock: Gold Assorted Pack to 4” x 5.25”. We are going to emboss this panel with the Harlequin 3D embossing folder. The best plate sandwich that I have found for 3D embossing folders is Platform Base A, a 3D embossing folder with paper inside, and Adapter Plate D. This should roll through your Platinum 6 machine easily, and the results are STUNNING once complete. There is no need to run the folder back and forth - one time is enough for perfect results! [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="medium" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA1XC9MZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAtMy53ZWJwIiwidGl0bGUiOiJMZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAgKDMpIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA1XC9MZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAtNC53ZWJwIiwidGl0bGUiOiJMZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAgKDQpIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IkVhc3kgQ2hlc3MgJiBDaGVja2VycyBDYXJkIFR1dG9yaWFsIGZvciBCZWdpbm5lcnMsIEUzRC0xNzUsIFNEUy0yNzcsIFM0LTE1MzQiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9"] Cover the back of the gold embossed panel in foam tape, then mount to the front of a top folding A2-sized card base. Not sure how to create the card base? Here are some easy instructions:

1. Cut white cardstock to 4.25” x 11”.
2. Score on the long edge at 5.5”, then fold.

This creates a top-folding card base, which is what I’m featuring today! Die-cut the chess piece dies as shown from Chiffon, Bellini, and Coral cardstock. Reminder: flip the dies over and cut into the paper. I’m showcasing the dies face-up so you can see which ones I’ve used. New to diecutting with the Platinum 6? I’ve got you covered! Here is the best plate sandwich for cutting Spellbinders dies: Platform A, Platform B, Cutting Plate C, cardstock, die (face down) and Cutting Plate C. Use yellow tape to hold the dies in place as needed! Diecut the final detail dies from Mirrored Metallic from the Treasured Cardstock: Rose Gold Assorted Pack. Gather the pieces you need for each chess piece as shown. Set aside the extra pieces, which you can use on a later card if you’d like! I like to use a grip mat or sticky mat to assemble die cut pieces with multiple layers, but this is completely optional. [gallery type="rectangular" link="file" size="medium" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA1XC9MZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAtOC53ZWJwIiwidGl0bGUiOiJMZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAgKDgpIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA1XC9MZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAtMTMud2VicCIsInRpdGxlIjoiTGVhTGF3b3NuLUNoZWNrbWF0ZS1CbG9nUG9zdC1TdGVwICgxMykiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiRWFzeSBDaGVzcyAmIENoZWNrZXJzIENhcmQgVHV0b3JpYWwgZm9yIEJlZ2lubmVycywgRTNELTE3NSwgU0RTLTI3NywgUzQtMTUzNCIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA1XC9MZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAtMTIud2VicCIsInRpdGxlIjoiTGVhTGF3b3NuLUNoZWNrbWF0ZS1CbG9nUG9zdC1TdGVwICgxMikiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA1XC9MZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAtMTEud2VicCIsInRpdGxlIjoiTGVhTGF3b3NuLUNoZWNrbWF0ZS1CbG9nUG9zdC1TdGVwICgxMSkiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA1XC9MZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAtMTAud2VicCIsInRpdGxlIjoiTGVhTGF3b3NuLUNoZWNrbWF0ZS1CbG9nUG9zdC1TdGVwICgxMCkiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA1XC9MZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAtOS53ZWJwIiwidGl0bGUiOiJMZWFMYXdvc24tQ2hlY2ttYXRlLUJsb2dQb3N0LVN0ZXAgKDkpIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0="] Layer and glue together each chess piece from bottom to top until the piece is complete using liquid glue. Stamp the two sentiments from Well Played Sentiments in black ink to white cardstock. Diecut both sentiments with the strip die included in the die set for Well Played Sentiments. Trim the edges from each side of the sentiment, making each one a bit shorter in length. Add thin foam strips to the back of both sentiments, and only the tops of each chess piece. Add liquid glue to the bottom of each chess piece. Arrange the chess pieces and sentiments to the card front as shown, then add Aura AB self-adhesive crystals as accents to the front to finish. I hope you enjoyed watching this simple birthday card come to life featuring the new Checkmate collection from Spellbinders! The color combo options are endless, and you can switch out the chess pieces as you see fit. Perfect for your favorite chess guru or any game-playing friend!

I share lots of inspiration on my Instagram feed and YouTube channel - follow and subscribe to see even more inspiration with this beautiful collection. Happy crafting!

[spellbinders-supplies]E3D-175,SDS-277,S4-1534,SCS-168,SCSP-001,SCSP-003,CS-8-108,CS-8-109,CS-8-110,CS-12-148,SCSAH-002,T-042[/spellbinders-supplies]

Other supplies

Liquid glue, black ink, 1” foam tape

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Hi, crafty friends! It’s Heejung Hunsberger here, and I am thrilled to be a Guest Designer on the Spellbinders blog today. For this May feature, I’m excited to share a project that explores the incredible depth you can achieve with the Chess & Checkers Collection. Today’s project focuses on the stunning synergy between Layered Harlequin Stencils and 3D Embossing Folders. By following a specific order of operations - especially prioritizing stenciling before embossing - you can create a tactile game board that looks incredibly realistic. Let’s dive into the tutorial! If you'd like to get to know me better, visit my blog or follow me on Instagram. Additionally, I have a YouTube channel where I regularly post video tutorials.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Creating the Harlequin Background [gallery type="rectangular" size="medium" link="file" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQTVDNEUxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBNUM0RX4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6Ik1hc3RlciB0aGUgQm9hcmQ6IExheWVyaW5nIEhhcmxlcXVpbiBTdGVuY2lscyBhbmQgM0QgRW1ib3NzaW5nLCBFM0QtMTc1LCBTVE4tMDczLCBTNC0xNTM0IiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQThEMzQxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBOEQzNH4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQUY2QjYxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBRjZCNn4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0="] The foundation of the "game board" is created using the Layered Harlequin Stencils. To maintain a sophisticated design, a specific color strategy is applied:

• Layers 1 & 2: Blended with soft pink tones

[gallery type="rectangular" link="file" size="medium" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQTQ4NjMxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBNDg2M34xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQTJERkExLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBMkRGQX4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQUUyREIxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBRTJEQn4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6Ik1hc3RlciB0aGUgQm9hcmQ6IExheWVyaW5nIEhhcmxlcXVpbiBTdGVuY2lscyBhbmQgM0QgRW1ib3NzaW5nLCBFM0QtMTc1LCBTVE4tMDczLCBTNC0xNTM0IiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="]

• Layers 3 & 4: Blended with refreshing green tones.

Keeping the color families consistent for these pairs ensures a clean, professional checkerboard effect. Step 2: Die-Cutting, Coloring, and Assembling the Chess Pieces [gallery type="rectangular" size="medium" link="file" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQTYzREIxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBNjNEQn4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQTFFOTcxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBMUU5N34xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQUM4NjMxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBQzg2M34xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6Ik1hc3RlciB0aGUgQm9hcmQ6IExheWVyaW5nIEhhcmxlcXVpbiBTdGVuY2lscyBhbmQgM0QgRW1ib3NzaW5nLCBFM0QtMTc1LCBTVE4tMDczLCBTNC0xNTM0IiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="] The stars of the show are the chess pieces. Using the Chess & Checkers Die Set, pieces are cut from a coordinated palette:

• Green Team: Fern, Rainforest, and Mint cardstock.
• Pink Team: Dahlia, Tutu, and Blush cardstock. I layered the die-cut pieces together to build thickness. To give them more life, I used alcohol markers to add shading and a white gel pen for highlights, making the pieces look glossy and 3-dimensional.

Step 3: Planning the Layout & Shadow Stenciling with Masking [gallery type="rectangular" link="file" size="large" columns="2" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQVlFUkQyLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBWUVSRH4yIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQVlFUkQxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBWUVSRH4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6Ik1hc3RlciB0aGUgQm9hcmQ6IExheWVyaW5nIEhhcmxlcXVpbiBTdGVuY2lscyBhbmQgM0QgRW1ib3NzaW5nLCBFM0QtMTc1LCBTVE4tMDczLCBTNC0xNTM0IiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="] Before adding texture, it's vital to plan your layout while the paper is flat.

• The Planning: The assembled chess pieces are placed onto the flat, stenciled panel to decide the final positions.

[gallery type="rectangular" size="large" columns="2" link="file" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQVlFUkQzLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBWUVSRH4zIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQVlFUkQ0LndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBWUVSRH40IiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQTREM0UxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBNEQzRX4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQTc3MEExLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBNzcwQX4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6Ik1hc3RlciB0aGUgQm9hcmQ6IExheWVyaW5nIEhhcmxlcXVpbiBTdGVuY2lscyBhbmQgM0QgRW1ib3NzaW5nLCBFM0QtMTc1LCBTVE4tMDczLCBTNC0xNTM0IiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="]

• The Shadow Technique: Once the layout is set, the shadow stencil is used. To ensure a crisp result, masking tape is applied around the specific areas to be inked. This prevents accidental ink transfer. The shadows are then inked directly onto the flat panel.

Step 4: Trimming to Size and Stamping the Sentiment [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQTVDOTExLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBNUM5MX4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQTkyQUQxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBOTJBRH4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6Ik1hc3RlciB0aGUgQm9hcmQ6IExheWVyaW5nIEhhcmxlcXVpbiBTdGVuY2lscyBhbmQgM0QgRW1ib3NzaW5nLCBFM0QtMTc1LCBTVE4tMDczLCBTNC0xNTM0IiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="] Now, we prepare the final flat elements.

• Trimming for Balance: After placing the chess pieces, any excessive empty space on the right side of the panel is eliminated by trimming the stenciled panel down to 3 3/4" x 5". This achieves a perfectly balanced composition. Trimming must be done now, before the 3D embossing adds texture.
• Sentiment: A strip of Blush cardstock is cut to 1/2" x 5" and stamped with "happy BiRTHDay" from the Chess & Checkers Stamp Set using crisp black ink.

Step 5: Adding 3D Texture with Embossing [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQTEyNzIxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBMTI3Mn4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQUM3MTAxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBQzcxMH4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6Ik1hc3RlciB0aGUgQm9hcmQ6IExheWVyaW5nIEhhcmxlcXVpbiBTdGVuY2lscyBhbmQgM0QgRW1ib3NzaW5nLCBFM0QtMTc1LCBTVE4tMDczLCBTNC0xNTM0IiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="] With all ink work and precise trimming complete, the panel is run through the Platinum Six machine using the Harlequin 3D Embossing Folder. Because the shadows and specific cuts were already finished on the flat surface, the 3D texture sits perfectly on top, creating a tactile depth that makes the board feel like a real game set. Step 6: Final Assembly with Foam Dimension [gallery type="rectangular" link="file" columns="2" size="large" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9MQTcxQjAxLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkxBNzFCMH4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6IiIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0=,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzA0XC9IRUVKVU4xLndlYnAiLCJ0aXRsZSI6IkhFRUpVTn4xIiwiY2FwdGlvbiI6IiIsImFsdCI6Ik1hc3RlciB0aGUgQm9hcmQ6IExheWVyaW5nIEhhcmxlcXVpbiBTdGVuY2lscyBhbmQgM0QgRW1ib3NzaW5nLCBFM0QtMTc1LCBTVE4tMDczLCBTNC0xNTM0IiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="] To bring the card to life, the trimmed panel is adhered to an A2 card base. The sentiment strip and every chess piece are then attached using foam squares. By matching the pieces perfectly to their stenciled shadows and lifting them off the embossed surface, a spectacular 3D effect is created, adding a professional, high-end feel to the project.

Pro-Tips for Success

1. Trust the Eye for Trimming: Do not hesitate to stray from standard sizes. Trimming the panel to 3 3/4" x 5" helps eliminate awkward negative space and makes the chess layout pop. Always do this before embossing!
2. Smooth Pieces for Pop: Keep your chess pieces pattern-free. The contrast between the deeply textured Harlequin background and the smooth, glossy pieces creates a dynamic visual impact.
3. The Golden Rule: Stencil First, Emboss Last: Stenciling over an already embossed surface is nearly impossible to do cleanly. Always finish ink work and shadow placement on a flat surface.

Hopefully, this tutorial inspires new ways to experiment with the order of techniques—remembering to "stencil, trim, and keep pieces smooth before embossing"—to create professional-level depth in card making. Thank you for joining today! Happy crafting! XOXO, Heejung [spellbinders-supplies]E3D-175,STN-073,S4-1534,CS-8-103,CS-8-104,CS-8-105,CS8-119,CS8-120,CS8-121,T-045,T-034,SCS-120,SCS-123[/spellbinders-supplies]

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