If you’re looking to create a unique card that stands out, a mini slimline card is a great choice. These cards are smaller than your standard slimline, offering a fresh canvas for creative designs. In this guide, we’ll explore how to craft a beautiful mini slimline card using the Spellbinders Large Die of the Month. Let’s get started!
What is a Mini Slimline Card?
Before we dive into the crafting process, let’s define what a mini slimline card is. Typically, mini slimline cards measure around 3.5” x 6”. They offer a compact, elegant format that’s different from traditional cards, making them perfect for special occasions or just to impress your friends and family with your crafting skills.
Spellbinders Large Die of the Month
If you haven’t heard of it yet, the Spellbinders Large Die of the Month is a versatile tool that can add intricate details and shapes to your card-making projects. Each month, Spellbinders releases a new set of dies designed to inspire creativity and elevate your crafting game. These dies are perfect for cutting, embossing, and stenciling, providing limitless design possibilities.
Read Monthly Cardmaking Subscription Clubs to learn more about monthly clubs.
How to Make a Mini Slimline Card with the Large Die of the Month
Ready to create your mini masterpiece? Follow these steps to make a stunning mini slimline card:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Cut Your Card Base
Begin by cutting a piece of cardstock to 7” x 6”. Score the longer side at 3.5” and fold it in half to create your card base. This will give you the classic mini slimline size.
Read How to Make a Card Base if you need help.
Step 2: Choose Your Dies
Select which dies from the Spellbinders set you’d like to use. Consider layering different shapes and sizes to add depth and interest to your card design.
Step 3: Die Cut Your Design
Place your chosen dies on top of another piece of cardstock, and run them through your die-cutting machine following the manufacturer’s instructions. Carefully remove the intricate die-cut pieces. Here is what I use for the card in the photo:
- Crimson – Flower center for the large flower
- Wildberry – Large flower, small five petal flower
- Dahlia – Flower center for the large flower, large round flower with lots of petals
- Pink Sand – Round flower with the large petals, small five petal flower,7 tiny flowers
- Blue Spruce – Stems for the tiny flowers, and the two round flowers
- Lagoon – Small leaf greenery, sentiment
- Teal topaz – Greenery with large leaves
- Brushed gold – Petal outlines for round flower with lots of petals, flower centers
Step 4: Create a Background To Make Your Die-cuts Stand Out
Trim a piece of barely peach cardstock to 3 1/2″ x 6″, put it inside the woven embossing folder and run it through the die-cutting and embossing machine.
Lightly drag the gold pigment ink pad across the emobssed panel in one direction. Do the same with the salvaged patina ink in the opposite direction.
Step 5: Assemble Your Card
Trim the embossed panel to 3 1/4″ x 5 3/4″ and fasten it centered on the card base with a tape runner.
Arrange the die-cut pieces on your card base. Experiment with different configurations until you’re happy with the design. Once you’re satisfied, adhere the pieces using glue or foam squares.
Step 6: Finish With a Sentiment
Consider adding a sentiment to your card to give it a personal touch. You can stamp a message or heat emboss it with gold embossing powder to complete the look.
Tips for Success:
- Experiment with Colors: Use contrasting colors to make your design pop.
- Layer Wisely: Layering adds dimension but be mindful not to overdo it, which can overwhelm the mini slimline format.
- Keep It Balanced: Ensure your elements are evenly distributed to maintain a harmonious design.
Congratulations! You’ve created a beautiful mini slimline card using the Spellbinders Large Die of the Month. Share your creations with fellow card makers and inspire others with your unique designs. Happy crafting!