One of the surprises of the Stampin’ Up! retiring list is that the Ornate Frames Dies were NOT included. These dies have been around for a little while and were originally designed to coordinate with the Spooktacular Bash Stamp Set in the 2019 Holiday Catalogue. Then after that set retired it coordinated with the Perfectly Framed Stamp Set which sadly is also no longer available. Since then, although there is currently no coordinating stamp set, the Ornate Frames Dies has continued to be available. It’s one of my go-to die sets when stamping smaller sentiments or when I’m looking for something a little different.

HYDRANGEA HILL

My project actually began with one of the background floral patterns from the Hydrangea Hill Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack. Purple is my favourite colour and I was immediately drawn to this watercoloured design.

First I used my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Night of Navy Card. Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create a card base.

Next I cut a 3-3/4″ x 5″ piece of the DSP and a 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ piece of Night of Navy Card. Then using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I mounted the DSP onto the card layer, before adding it to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Going back to the DSP I cut my next piece at 2-1/4″ x 6″. First I attached this piece to the flap of a Whisper White Medium Envelope using liquid glue. Then I trimmed off the excess with Paper Snips using the edge of the flap as a guide.

I needed just one last piece of DSP and I cut this 7/8″ x 3-3/4″. Using liquid glue I first fixed the DSP onto a 1″ x 3-7/8″ piece of Night of Navy Card. Then I mounted that near the top of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ layer of Whisper White Card. Finally I fixed the assembled layer inside the card base.

Now all I needed was a sentiment for the front.

ORNATE FRAMES LAYERS

For my sentiment I chose “You make me smile” from the Hydrangea Haven Stamp Set. Then using Misty Moonlight ink to coordinate with the DSP I stamped it onto some Whisper White Card.

It was at this point that I pulled out the Ornate Frames Dies and was delighted to find the sentiment fitted one of the shapes perfectly. So using my Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine I cut out the sentiment using the die and set it aside.

Next I found a more elaborate die that is designed to layer perfectly under the plainer one. So I cut this one from Night of Navy Card and fixed the sentiment on top with liquid glue.

While I liked the fancy layer I decided it needed some bling so I added three Champagne Rhinestone Basic Jewels around the sentiment. Finally I attached the completed layers to the front of the card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals and my project was complete.

The Ornate Frames Dies consists of eleven dies including several that are designed to layer together. All dies in this set fit on the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine which is a real bonus for crafting on the go.

To see some of the other dies in the Ornate Frames Dies set, check out these earlier blog posts:

• A double dose of congratulations
• Always something new to try
• Summer days are numbered
• I discovered Santa’s belt buckle
• Velveteen Paper is gorgeous
• Finding a little Parisian romance

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Hydrangea Haven Stamp Set in a bundle with the Hydrangea Dies (not used today). Using the single ‘bundle’ item number meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. Like the Ornate Frames Dies, the Hydrangea Dies are designed to fit the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore this further.