Cheaper "Hugs" die takes a bit of figuring out.

I bought this die on the cheap from www.Aliexpress.com and found out right away that it is hard to use.  I figured out right away, that it is cheaper online there than normally because it is not able to be easily cut apart. Beware of knock offs!
The paper is an old 6X6 paper [-ad from Hampton Art in their Ki collection, "autumn flowers".  Also, that green shiny paper I used is found in the Neenah, Creative Collection, 65# metallic paper variety pack.

I also had to go online to see how to use it properly.  I found several videos and blog posts about it and many suggested having some written instructions for future use.

Firstly, one must know that the paper should be cut to  5.5" X 11" so that when folded, the card is the standard A2 size (5.5" X 4.25").  Otherwise, you'll end up with a strange sized card.  See below:

 Because it is not in two parts, one must run it through a couple of times with it set up with the long straight edge of die placed right along the edge of the cutting plates to make sure you don't accidentally cut out the cut line of other side of die or the card base paper wrong.

The next step is to score the card base at 1 7/8"  on ONE side only. Take this measurement form the long straight cut not from the edge of the letters.   Then, you fold the other side over, fit the two sides together and finally, use that nice snug fitting to give you the place where you'll score that second side.

You may also be required to cut the slits into the edge of letters "U" and "G", so it would actually fit together as I had to do.

If you wish, you can cut the word "Hugs" die out of other papers to place on top of the word "Hugs" onto your card.  This can give you a more sturdy closure with the two layers of paper on "Hugs".

Here is the final result.  A really nice easy card to send for many occasions. This first picture is the card open.  The next is when it is closed up.

I think I'll stamp some St Patrick's Day greeting s inside and call it good.

Hugs,

Nina

Using Sizzix Regal Flip-Its dies

I just thought I'd go into my old staxh today for a couple of cards featuring the  Sizzix "Regal Flip-Its" dies.  It's been a while since these have been around, but they sure make cute cards.  Here are the supplies I've used:

Some Lawn Fawn's "Big Scripty Words" dies and stamps, Kaisercraft gel pens for the coloring, and old Crate Paper paper pad called "Matrimony".  Found some ribbon in my drawer and they were nicely enhanced by it.  Don'tcha think?   I believe I also used some of the Ranger / Tim Holtz word stamps for the sentiments on the inside and outside.

Viola` the card opens and it is so pretty.

The second one was done suing all the same items and I've even doctored up the inside a bit more. 

 Hope you like these as they were so easy & fun to do.  Try getting some use out of the older dies you may have forgotten about.  It mixes things up a bit and adds some variety to the card making.
Smiles,
Nina