Creative Ways to Use Basic Shape Dies for Cardmaking

Basic shape dies are among the most versatile tools in any craft room. While they're often used for simple layering, they can do much more. In this tutorial, you'll learn several creative ways to use circles, rectangles, labels, and ovals to create custom frames, shaped cards, dimensional focal points, and layered backgrounds.

These techniques are perfect for cardmakers who want to get more value from their die collections and create unique designs using products they already own. The examples in this tutorial feature dies from the From the Vault Collection, but the ideas can be adapted to many different die sets.

Hello there, Michelle Short here to share some ideas for combining and layering basic shape dies. The examples shown mainly use products from the From the Vault Collection. This collection features essential nesting shapes including circles, ovals, rectangles, and labels that can be used individually or combined to create countless design possibilities.

Project Snapshot

Project Details	A collection of techniques showing how to create frames, shaped cards, layered focal points, and backgrounds using basic nesting dies.
Skill Level	Beginner to Intermediate
Approximate Time	15–60 Minutes Per Technique
Project Type	Cardmaking Technique Tutorial
Techniques	Die Cutting, Layering, Frame Building, Shaped Cards, Specialty Papers
Occasion	All Occasions
Finished Size	Varies by Project
Featured Products	Labels 11, Classic Ovals, Lacy Circles, Standard Circles, Floral Assortment Dies

What You'll Need

Spellbinders Products

• Labels 11 Etched Dies
  
• Large Classic Ovals Etched Dies
  
• Large Classic Scalloped Circles Etched Dies
  
• Large Petite Scalloped Ovals Etched Dies
  
• Scored and Pierced Rectangles Etched Dies
  
• Large Standard Circles Etched Dies
  
• Lacy Circles Etched Dies
  
• Everlasting Circles Etched Dies
  
• Circle Delight Etched Dies
  
• Floral Assortment Etched Dies
  
• Woodland Trio Etched Dies
  
• Snowbound Style Etched Dies
  
• Snow Day Sentiments Clear Stamp Set
  
• Christmas Foliage Etched Dies
  
• Snowflake Kisses Sentiments Press + Foil Plate & Die Set
  
• Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock
  
• Waterfall ColorWheel Cardstock
  
• Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock
  
• Teal Topaz ColorWheel Cardstock
  
• Aquamarine Glitter Metallic Treasured Cardstock
  
• Vellum Sheets
  
• Best Ever Craft Tape
  
• White Foam Squares Mix - 1mm
  
• Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine
  
• Scoring Board
  
• Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue + Tip Kit
  
• Pro Shears
  

Other Supplies

• Thin Foam Tape
• Anti-Static Powder

How to Create Frames with Basic Shape Dies

Step 1 – Build a Custom Frame Die Combination

Frames are one of the most useful applications for basic shape dies. You can create them using concentric shapes or by combining completely different dies.

Place the largest Labels 11 die cutting side down, onto your work surface and temporarily secure it with Best Ever Craft Tape.

Position the second largest Large Classic Oval die inside the Labels 11 die and secure it with additional tape.

Place the combined die setup onto Waterfall ColorWheel Cardstock and secure with tape.

Run through the Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine using the standard die-cutting sandwich.

Remove the dies while keeping them connected. This allows you to repeatedly cut matching frames.

Die-cut a second frame and layer them together for added stability.

Designer Tip: If the tape feels too sticky, lightly dust it with anti-static powder before reusing it.

Step 2 – Explore Additional Frame Combinations

Try combining different nesting shapes to create completely custom frames.

One example combines Scored and Pierced Rectangles with Labels 11 dies, while another combines the same rectangle die with a Large Classic Scalloped Circle.

Mixing shapes creates unique focal points and gives projects a custom look.

The finished frame can then become the focal feature of a card design.

In the finished example, a Woodland Trio deer dressed with Snowbound Style accessories sits inside the frame, while a sentiment is die-cut from a Labels 11 die.

How to Layer Concentric Shapes with Specialty Papers

Step 3 – Combine Specialty Cardstocks and Vellum

Die-cut the second largest Large Petite Scalloped Oval from Aquamarine Glitter Metallic Treasured Cardstock and the largest Large Classic Oval from Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock.

Apply foam tape behind the white oval and adhere it onto the glitter cardstock shape.

The glitter cardstock creates a delicate mat and adds texture without overwhelming the design.

For an additional layer, die-cut vellum using the largest Large Petite Scalloped Oval die and position it underneath. Vellum softens busy backgrounds and adds subtle dimension. 

How to Combine Different Shapes for Layered Focal Points

Step 4 – Mix Circles and Rectangles

Die-cut rectangles, circles, and scalloped circles from coordinating ColorWheel Cardstock colors.

Adhere the white circle onto the scalloped circle.

Add foam tape behind the rectangle and adhere it to the card front.

Layer the circle pieces on top using foam squares.

This creates a dimensional focal area ideal for florals, stamped images, or die-cut accents.

How to Create Shaped Cards with Basic Shape Dies

Step 5 – Build a Shaped Card Base

Die-cut the largest Circle Delight die twice from cardstock.

Use a Scoring Board to score a line about ¾" from the top of one die cut.

Apply adhesive above the score line to create a hinge.

Adhere the second die-cut on top.

Open the card and reinforce the fold.

The scalloped edges act as feet, allowing the shaped card to stand upright.

The same technique can be used with Floral Assortment dies and many other decorative shapes.

How to Use Multiple Sizes of the Same Shape

Step 6 – Layer Small Shapes for Backgrounds

Die-cut multiple sizes of Lacy Circles and Everlasting Circles from coordinating cardstock colors.

Glue the colored circles directly onto the card base.

Trim any excess with Pro Shears.

Layer the white circles on top using either liquid glue or foam adhesive.

The same concept works with rectangles, squares, circles, and labels to build custom backgrounds that draw attention toward focal images. 

Tips for Better Layered Shape Die Designs

• Mix decorative and plain nesting dies for more detailed focal points.
• Use foam tape between layers to create depth.
• Don't limit yourself to matching shapes. Different shapes can layer beautifully together.
• Use vellum to soften busy backgrounds.
• Create custom frames by taping multiple dies together.

Ways to Customize These Techniques

• Create shaker cards using custom frames.
• Use specialty cardstocks such as glitter, metallic, or mirror card.
• Add die-cut flowers inside layered shapes.
• Create shaped mini albums using the hinge technique.
• Layer shapes with embossing folders for additional texture.
• Use these techniques for all seasons and occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine different nesting die shapes together?

Yes. Combining circles, rectangles, labels, and ovals often creates more interesting focal points than using one shape alone.

What is the easiest way to create a custom frame?

Tape two nesting dies together before die-cutting. This allows you to repeatedly create matching frame shapes. 

Why add vellum behind die-cut shapes?

Vellum softens patterns, reduces visual clutter, and adds subtle layering to card designs.

Can any nesting die become a shaped card?

Almost any large shape die can be turned into a shaped card by creating a scored hinge before adhering the base layers together.

More Die Cutting Ideas from Spellbinders

• Shaped Card Tutorial
• Shaped Christmas Cards
  

Conclusion

Basic shape dies are some of the hardest-working products in any craft room. From frames and layered focal points to shaped cards and custom backgrounds, there are countless ways to use them beyond simple matting and layering.

Experiment with your favorite nesting die sets, mix different shapes together, and don't be afraid to combine specialty papers, vellum, and dimensional adhesives to create unique designs that showcase your creativity.

About the Designer

Michelle Short

Michelle Short is known for elegant cardmaking projects that combine die cutting, layering, embossing, and creative techniques. Her tutorials focus on helping cardmakers get the most from their supplies while creating polished handmade cards.

For more inspiration and tutorials, visit Michelle at Card Grotto.