Introducing our new and exclusive Wings & Things Collection by our own brand - TEXT{ures} by Lou Collins!

Hello, crafters! We have a fantastic new wing-themed layering collection by TEXT{ures} available on our site, which lends itself beautifully to mixed media crafting.

Whilst some techniques are used more commonly, Lou Collins shows us how to use her layering die cut sets in ways that you might not have thought of before!

Each technique can be used with her Wings & Things Collection, as well as all of our other die cut sets to create unique, textured cards, gift tags, and more!

1. White Layers

This simple technique helps you define what exactly each layer consists of, but looks really delicate and effective when used as a layering technique.

Use each layer on a simple white card, with a solid layer at the bottom, then the detail, then the wings on top.

2. Colourful Staggered Layers

This is a similar technique, but instead of using white layers, use a different colour for each one.

You can experiment with texture here by slightly staggering your layers, which each one glued slightly higher or lower than the last, and only gluing down the body so that the wings can be folded up and fanned out.

3. Metallic

If you want a more gothic, grungey look, you can use black card stock with metallic embossing powder over the top.

Start by coating all of your layers with clear embossing ink, and placing on a dry, scrap piece of paper so that you can collect any overspill with ease and reuse after coating.

Pinch a small amount of your first powder and lightly apply over the bottom two layers so that there is still a few black patches left untouched.

Repeat this with a secondary colour if you wish, before finishing with your main, stand out colour - with which you will completely coat the rest of your layers with.

This creates an effect that features a variation of colours rather than just one, adding more depth and texture to your creations. Finish off by adhering your layers together with your favourite strong glue.

You can shop our range of embossing powder here: Embossing Powder - Stamping

4. Flat Gilding Wax

This technique is a little flatter, but allows you to use gilding wax to create some dimension to your card. Black card works particularly well with this technique.

For this one you will glue all of your layers down flat, dip a finger into your gilding wax and gently rub the surface of your card in a circular motion where you want the colour to stick.

You'll notice the colour sticks to the top layer and not the ones underneath, which makes the details really pop.

You can shop our range of gilding powder here: Gilding Powder

5. Create Your Own Stamps

These layered sets really allow you to be creative with what you do, and one thing that can be quite effective is making your own stamps.

For this, you can use something inexpensive like children's craft foam, die cut around the base and/or detailed layers, and sticking them onto a solid block using adhesive.

You can build up colour directly onto your stamps, and press them onto card to create some really fun, flat surfaces. Wipe clean with a damp cloth in between layers and reuse!

6. Create Your Own Stencils

This again is a very simple technique that can have some fantastic outcomes.

Carefully cut round your chosen base layer to create two pieces that you can use to build up layers on your card.

The first of those will be a cut out mask of your shape, which you can place on card, build ink colour over the top and around the edges, and lift away to reveal a gorgeous masked image underneath.

You can use the same technique using the negative space from your cut out as a stencil, which will have the inverse effect.

7. Watercolour Images

This technique again uses the negative space from any cut outs you make.

Place the mask over the top of your card with some spray adhesive, and cover the rest of your card with scrap paper to protect it from any overspill, leaving only the negative space of your shape exposed.

Lightly spray with water, and fill the wet space with any water colour ink of your choice, before allowing to dry.

Once dry, you can pull back your mask cut out, and this should reveal a perfectly water-coloured image underneath!

You can shop our range of Creative Craft Products - Watercolour Inks here: Creative Craft Products - Watercolour Inks

8. Shaker Card

One thing you can do with your silhouette is to create a shaker card.

Prep a piece of card stock with some ink/colour and stick your chosen shape over the top, before running it through your die cutting machine.

Apply acetone to the back of your card using tape around the edges, then apply foam tape around only your shape on the back of the acetone, ensuring that you don't leave any gaps - this is the area under the card where your gems will roam free.

Choose some gems to go inside your shaker and place them in the centre of your chosen area on your card.

Then, take your card, and stick it firmly over the top - this should allow the gems to move freely inside!

9. Gift Tag or Small Card

Stick your stencil over the top and OVER THE SPINE FOLD of your card, then run it through your die cutting machine.

You might have to run this through your machine a couple of times.

Once you're happy that it has cut through all of the layers, you can remove your stencil and your card should open up nicely and stand on its own.

These look great as place settings, cute little thank you notes, gift tags or anything else you can think of!

10. Create Your Own Shapes

Our last tip is to be free, and use our sets to create your own shapes.

For example, you can cut off the body of the dragonfly to create a butterfly or moth shape of your own, or you can cut off the wings of your bee to create a bug.

A lot of our sets are created for you to use in lots of different ways and not just one - don't be afraid of just giving it a go and experimenting with shapes, colours and techniques!

You might just find a new style that quickly becomes your go-to technique for cardmaking. Happy crafting!💖