Autumn Wreath Using a Die Cut Inlay Technique

I made this autumn wreath from a die that was released last holiday season by Simon Says Stamp. Incidentally, there are two similar dies available from that release. One is a wreath with ornaments, and you can use them to build some pretty neat holiday cards. The other is the wreath made of rings that I used for my project today.

To make this card:

• Die cut the wreath from white cardstock. Save all the pieces. Use tape on the back of the white wreath to put circles back into place. Making this solid layer creates the backing for the colored pieces.
• Cut wreath again from gold vellum. Save the pieces from in between the rings (check out the photo above). Adhere those and the gold ring wreath over the white backing.

You should now have a gold wreath outline with white circles showing through. Don’t sweat it if you can see tape corners – just trim them with a small pair of scissors. Now comes the fun part!

• Choose three to five cardstock colors for filling in the circles. Be sure to mix up textures to add more interest!
• Die cut each color and save the circle pieces.
• Position colored circles into the corresponding spaces. Use a dab of glue to hold them in place.

Next:

• Cut a 4 x 5.25-inch panel of burgundy paper. Use the finished wreath and a MISTI to center your sentiment. Stamp with Versamark ink and heat emboss with gold embossing powder.
• Adhere your lovely autumn wreath to your card front with foam squares and “hang” it with some ribbon.

I always have a tough time centering a bow, so I tucked a length of ribbon under the wreath and folded it over the top of my panel. Then, I sandwiched the end between the burgundy and a 4 1/8 x 5 3/8-inch gold panel.

I tied the bow separately and stuck it in place with a glue dot. It’s cheating, I know. But it’s so much easier, and anything that lowers the stress levels is fair game, don’t you think? 🙂

If you don’t have this die already, definitely pick it up on your next shopping trip. It’s crazy versatile – I’ll guarantee you’ll be happy you did.

Thanks for coming by today to check out my autumn wreath card. If you like this post, please share the love by pinning to your Pinterest boards!

<3 Niki