KISS (Keep It Simple Saturdays) with Michelle ~ Ribbon Die Cut Tutorial

Happy Saturday to you!

Last weekend was a Victoria Day long weekend; an 'official' start to the Summer season. Although relaxing and fun, this past week was super crazy busy. This week's post will focus on creating super fun, ultra quick and really cool embellishments using your ribbon scraps, Big Shot machine and die of choice.

I apologize in advance if you do not own a Big Shot. This is the only type of die cut machine I have that will cut through fabric. I am not sure if this will work with other machines like the Cricut, Cuttlebug or Quickutz (I know this will not work for the Slice die cut machine).

Here are the tools and supplies you'll need for this project:

• Big Shot machine with its cutting plates
• Die of choice - it is highly recommended to use steel-rule based dies as they are best for cutting through fabric
• Ribbon scraps or strips of the alike
• Cardstock scrap
• Scissors
• Adhesive - it is also highly recommended to use strong adhesive that will hold the ribbon in place on the cardstock while putting it through the Big Shot machine

Here is your recipe for this creation:

1. Cut your scrap cardstock piece to desired size dependent if you want to create several die cuts or just one. Do not worry about the color of cardstock as the entire sheet will be covered in ribbon.

2. Apply adhesive to the entire side of the cardstock.

3. Place strips of ribbon in any order of choice going one way across the cardstock. Do not worry if your ribbon ends overlap the cardstock piece - this portion will not be die cut through the Big Shot.

4. Lay your ribbon covered piece of scrap cardstock onto the die.

5. Run through your Big Shot using the usual stack recipe (as per Sizzix).

6. Enjoy and use your newly created embellishment on desired project such as on a card or scrapbook page.

Tip: Use a heavy-weight cardstock such as 80lb or higher for support and durability of the finished die cut embellishment.

Tip: Measure the biggest portion of the actual shape on the die itself if you choose to create just one embellishment. That way you are not wasting anymore cardstock or ribbon unnecessarily.

Tip: You may have noticed that the top and bottom of the ribbon strips were not touched by the die therefore was not cut by the Big Shot. To me this is okay because I will save the scrap for another project. However should you wish to have a particular ribbon be part of your embellishment; ensure you place those pieces closest to the centre of your cardstock sheet.

Tip: If you see any ribbon ends fraying after the die cutting process, simply cut these ends off using a sharp pair of scissors and then apply strong-hold hairspray when complete. The hairspray will prevent further fraying to occur (and yes this method works like a charm).

Here are some cards I created using this method:

Well I hope I have inspired you to use your ribbon and/or ribbon scraps in a whole new way. Some of the DT gals have shown other fabulous ways to use ribbon. Just type in ribbon and you will find all sorts of posts to help you create with this fabulous crafting supply.

Have a great weekend crafters! KISSes and Hugs

Michelle