When looking at dies that coordinate with a stamp set there’s always the temptation to concentrate on the stamp set. If the images in the stamp set don’t appeal then the dies often don’t get a second look. But I’ve learned that this strategy could mean I miss something. For example this morning while creating my gift tag project I discovered the Painted Labels Dies make interesting layers.

PAINTED LABELS DIES

Today I decided to try something a little different for my tag base. First I embossed some Old Olive Card using the Subtle 3D Embossing Folder. Next I took the largest ‘label’ die from the Painted Labels Dies and turned it over to look at the cutting surface. Then I lightly tapped an Old Olive ink pad onto the cutting edge of the die. With that done I placed the embossed card on top before running it through my die-cutting machine.

I now had a large embossed piece with the embossed ‘frame’ from the die picked out by the ink. While it wasn’t perfect (I may have tapped the ink pad a little too firmly), it wasn’t all bad.

To turn the embossed label into a gift tag I needed to add a hole at the top and for this I used the Detailed Trio Punch. Then I threaded some Old Olive/gold 1/8″ ribbon from the All The Trimmings Ribbon Combo Pack through the hole, and tied it in a simple knot.

At this point I realised that I would need to include a space on the back to write “to” and “from”. The embossed surface wasn’t really ideal so instead I cut a small piece of Very Vanilla Card and attached it to the back of the tag using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow).

Before finishing with the Painted Labels Dies I wanted one additional piece, the small ‘doily’. So I cut this from some Champagne Foil Sheet and fixed it to the front of the tag with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

For the “Happy birthday” sentiment I turned to the Zany Zebras Stamp Set.

First, using Old Olive ink, I stamped the sentiment onto a 1″ strip of Very Vanilla Card. Then I shaped both ends using the plainer option on the Lovely Labels Pick-A-Punch.

All I had left to do was attach the sentiment to the doily layer with Stampin’ Dimensionals and my layered birthday tag was complete.

I’m so happy with how this turned out (even with the over-inked die). I’ve had the Painted Labels Dies for quite a while and I’ve never really noticed how versatile the set was. So I invite you to take a look at these dies by themselves, ignore the coordinating stamp set. You might find that they’re worth getting even if you don’t want the stamps.

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Painted Labels Dies in a bundle with the coordinating Painted Poppies Stamp Set (not used today). This meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore this option.