October Creative Challenge with MFT

In 2011, MFT is working harder than ever to inspire you, and we have come up with something we think you'll really enjoy. Our Design Team Creative Challenge is a new monthly feature, where we challenge our design team to explore their creative side using a specific theme, product or technique. This month, we're going to "be negative."   Our designers will show you what you can do with the negative space after you cut out your Die-namics, or the other half of patterned paper, cardstock or felt that is leftover when you're done with your Die-namics! Visit Kim's Blog to see exactly what we've been up to, you'll find a full list of designers that have taken up the challenge!

I had lots of fun with this challenge. I admit, I don't always think out of the box when it comes to my dies, but I did for this card. I used the negative space to create windows, stencils, and an extra wide border for different elements of my card. Let's take a look. I used acetate for my card base and to complete the "window" feeling of the card.  You can see all the layers here.

 Here's what the front of my card looks like, head on.  I am in love with these papers and the die-namics give it a playful feeling with the peek-a-boo window inviting the recipient to open it up to see what else there is to see.

  I used the one of the original and still one of my FAVE die-namics, Framed Greetings to create a window for my card.   

I use some washi tape (very low tack, so it holds the die in place but you can still peel away without leaving adhesive residue or ruining your project).  Here's what it looks like after I run it through my Big Shot.

I also used the Upsy Daisy flower centers in this same way.

Speaking of the daisy die-namic....I cut out a flower (the smallest one) from a scrap piece of paper

and used it as a template to sponge on white craft ink to make my flowers.  The negative of the flower was my template.

After I created my windows, and stenciled on my flowers. I went ahead and  cut some coordinating paper (oh, this is Random by Crate Paper, btw.....swoon!!!) with the solid bracket border.  While I love this die-namic as is, the negative is just as fun to use.  With the die-cut strip, you are stuck using it only in the width it cuts, with the negative piece the design is slightly different, BUT you can create any width of the border you'd like. Here's alook at the negative and postive pieces side by side.

I also used this technique on the inside of my card, so the top of my flower dp had the same decorative edge. Here's a close up of that, as well as the the full flower and leafy flourish I added.

When you open the card, this is what you see.....the full flower, more pretty layers and the birthday sentiment.

I hope you are inspired to look at your die-namics in a different light...check out the negative spaces and see what you can create.

 Check out Kim's Blog for the full list of DT players today.