The Write Stuff

When I was working on my card H is for Harvest, I really wanted a Nestabilities long rectangle set. I only have the standard, large rectangle set so I set out to see if I could somehow repurpose it into a long rectangle. It only took me a couple of tries and I think it worked like a champ. I’ll be doing this again and again until I actually do have the long rectangle set. After I used this technique, I thought there might be a few others who would like to try it. I made another long rectangle and took a lot of pictures so y’all could see for yourselves. Remember, you can zoom in on all the pics by clicking on them.

Standard, Large Rect. Set #S4-1132

This is the rectangle set I have. For this tutorial, I’ll be using the second smallest rectangle (it measures approx. 2″ h x 1.5″ w).  The card stock I’m using is ivory and I cut it to measure about 3.5″ L x 2″ h. It’s probably important to note that I use an original Sizzix machine with one white cutting plate and the magnetic adapter. I also have a clear acrylic cutting plate that I place over the die when I cut. If you’re using a different machine, you may have to adjust how you do this.

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1. First, place the rectangle, cut side down onto the card stock, very close to the right edge as shown.

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2. Push the cutting plate into the machine, but leave the last 1/2″ closest to the center, out of the machine. We don’t want to cut this center edge.

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3. Remove the die, carefully place the embossing mat under it and emboss as usual, remembering to not emboss the last center 1/2″.

4. Remove the die from the card stock. This is what the back side should like with only the right half cut and embossed.

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5. Turn the half cut card stock around. Place the die on the uncut half, very near the edge as before. Take care to line up the edges and cuts.

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6. Place the cutting pad with the die in the machine, as before. Again, leave the last 1/2″ in the center out of the machine. We do not want to cut this part.

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7. Carefully place embossing mat underneath and emboss as before. Remember not to emboss the last 1/2″ in the center.

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8. That’s it! Here’s the finished product. My new long rectangle measures just over 3″ L x 1 5/8″ H. The leftover frame is also fun to use.

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