die cutting

Welcome to another Tuesday Tutorial!  This week I’ll show you how to use Spellbinders Nestabilities as it’s one of the most common questions we receive.  I will be using the Big Shot since that is the machine I have but I have included info on how to use your Cuttlebug too!

If you already know your Nesties pretty well, scroll down to the Peony card below.

Before we start, let’s look at a Nestability up close. In case you’re wondering which Nestability I’m using it’s one of the new Spring 2009 releases, the Peony. All Nestabilities work the same way, the only difference between them is their shape and size.

One side of the die is flat (Ridge Side Down)

Now flip it over and you’ll see a ridge in the center of the die.  It’s this ridge, although it doesn’t feel sharp, that does the cutting.  To see it better, click the image to magnify.

What’s great is that in every package of Nestabilties is an instructional card.  Keep this as your reference as it lists the ‘stack’ or ‘sandwich’ that works in several different die-cutting and embossing machines.
Now you may see that I’ve listed a sandwich stack that is different from what is written in the package.  Not to worry, there are different ways of stacking depending on your machine (there are slight differences in machines even within the same manufacturer).
Just remember, NEVER force anything through your machine.  It’s always better to err on the thin side and run it again with a shim (cereal box thickness cardstock) than to ruin the machine.
Once you’ve figured out what sandwich stack works the best for your machine, be sure to make note of it for future reference.

Cutting with Nestabilities

Be sure to pick up an extra set of Cutting Pads for the Big Shot or B Plates for the Cuttlebug. This way you can keep one set nice and flat for “embossing” and the other for “cutting”.  Below is a picture of a well used cutting plate.

Cutting Sandwiches:
Big Shot – Multipurpose Platform on Tab 2, Cutting Pad, Spellbinders Nestie (ridge side up), cardstock to cut, “cutting” cutting Pad
Cuttlebug – A Plate, C Plate, Spellbinders Nestie (ridge side up), cardstock to cut, “cutting” B Plate

1. Place the Nestie ridge side down (using the largest size Nestie) on the piece of cardstock (Core’dinations Cardstock for this project) you wish to cut.

2. As I don’t want the Nestie to slide off the cardstock, I need to temporarily secure it in place and that’s where I bring out a Post-It or sticky note. **Since I put this tutorial together I’ve found a great tape that Kate carries – Scotch Removable tape – that you can use to hold your Nesties in place and it doesn’t ruin your paper at all when you remove it. Works even better than Post-It notes because you can see through it if you are trying to place your die in a specific place on patterned paper.

3. Now flip it, so the cardstock is on top and the Nestie is on the bottom

4. Place your “cutting” plate on top and run it through your machine

After you’ve run it through the machine, do NOT pop out your cut cardstock from the die.

Embossing with Nestabilities

Embossing Sandwiches:
Big Shot – Multipurpose Platform on Tab 1, 2 shims, Cutting Pad, Spellbinders Nestie with already cut cardstock in it (ridge side up), Spellbinders Tan Embossing mat, “embossing” cutting Pad
Cuttlebug – A Plate + shim + B Plate + Spellbinders Nestie (ridge side up), cardstock to emboss, Spellbinder’s Tan Embossing Mat + “embossing” B Plate

6. Set up your embossing sandwich as above

7. Don’t forget your shims! Then run it through.

8. Check out your work!  Tada! You have a cut and embossed Nestie shape!  Easy hey?

Mother’s Day Peony Card

For this Mother’s Day Peony card, the materials I’ve used are:

Spellbinders Nestabilties Peony
S.E.I. Designer Collection Pack – Bridgeport (base floral pattern paper cut to 5 1/4×5 1/4″)
Core’dinations Cardstock (card stock base cut to 5 1/2×11″)
Peggy’s Pretties (coming soon!! to Scrap n’ Stamp)
Glue Dots

1. After you’ve cut and embossed your Peony Nestie from above. Sand it.

2. Cut down one inch at all the arrows.

so that it looks like this: (sorry for the blurry photo!)

3. Then grab 3 pencils and place them around one petal section as shown

4. Curl the ends around the pencils as shown by the arrows, this will give the flower some shape.

5. Repeat steps 1 to 4, for an additional 3 times.  Each time using a smaller size Nestie than the last and using different coordinating papers.

6. Cut out the base floral patterned paper using the largest size Nestie and glue it onto the green card stock base.

7. Assemble your layers, sticking each flower onto the card.  Added some Peggy’s Pretties and voila!

A special card for a special lady! A Peony Card for Mom!

Here’s a close up (click to enlarge it)

The papers from the S.E.I. Bridgeport collection are just so suitable for spring with all it’s florals and bright colours.

Thanks so much for dropping in this week and spending some time with us! If you have any questions or comments, please drop us a line we’d love to hear from you!

Love,