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.

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. This also works perfectly using a Big Shot…simply have the edge of your top cutting plate back from the left edge of the die. It won’t cut where the plate isn’t. 

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

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

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.

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 of the die with the already cut edges.

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.

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

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.

I’ve done this technique using many different die shapes. As long as the die is symmetrical, it has worked. This technique also works if you want to shorten the size of your die cut.