It’s time for a new monthly challenge over at A Cut Above Challenge Blog. Our challenge is always Anything Goes — as long as your project includes at least one die cut created with a manual or electronic die cutting machine (no pre-made die cuts allowed). Challenges go live on the first Monday of each month and run through to the 28th, so there’s plenty of time to play along with a brand new project made just for the challenge.
For my layout this month, I decided to lean right into my metal dies and of course I just had to make them the star of the page. The photos are of Adrian sneaking in a quick metal detecting session at Sandstone Point while the girls were off having their own fun. Metal detecting is all about patience, listening and that little spark of hope when you hear a promising beep — so the gear and lightbulb dies felt like the perfect match.
I cut the lightbulb from kraft cardstock and mixed grey and patterned papers for the gears to add a bit of depth. Some are popped up, some are flat, which keeps everything feeling layered and interesting. The grid die was trimmed and tucked behind the photo strip to add texture without taking over, I love how versatile metal dies are for that.
Before assembling everything, I added some soft brown mixed media and splatter to give the background a sandy, slightly worn feel. It helps anchor the die cuts and makes them look as if they are sitting naturally on the page and ties the whole story together.
Metal dies really are such hardworking little tools. You can make them bold, subtle, layered or textural and they give you complete control over how your page comes together.
Now it’s your turn to pull out those dies and join us this month. I can’t wait to see what you create.
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