Flowering Christmas Tree Video

If I could pick one die that was our most popular design of the year, I would have to say that it was the Flowering Christmas tree. Since we released it July 1, 2011, we have sold this die more than any other in our collection (it is in stores in 21 countries!). My goal when I began designing dies this year was to create die cuts that would change the way people used dies - to make the designs as intricate and artistic as possible. This die really stood out and has been our go-to design when making samples and classes for the past 6 months. I created a video that shows a some ideas and tips using the die - enjoy!

 

I included a few color variations in the video (simple backgrounds with this die, because the design is so complex). The idea of layering the flowers onto a second cut piece came from Sharon, owner of the Cat's Meow, when I visited her store in California this summer. It was such an effective way to use this die and the results were perfect! 

I simply cut out two trees - one with red cardstock and one with green cardstock -  then used scissors to cut out the red flowers to be glued onto the green tree.

Adding a few red jewels to the centers makes the piece pop a little bit too.

Here's a color variation using aqua tones - the tree looks a lot different with Lagoon cardstock and bright white flowers. The centers? I used White Liquid Pearls and dusted them with irridescent glitter while they were still wet.

And here's the tone on tone variation I shared in the video. I love the look of artwork that has 2 shades of a color! A cream Flowering Christmas Tree on top of a textured cream background is simple and eye-catching. I used the Charlotte Border die 98242 to create the detailed edges and mounted everything onto a bright Cranberry notecard.

Have any of you used the Flowering Christmas Tree die? I'd love to see what you've done with it! Upload your creation to our Memory Box Flickr gallery so we can all get inspired!

 

Comments

[Betsyb]

How lovely this is-love the tone on tone. I wish we could order Memory Box online-our "local store" is an hour away.

[DebbieK]

I agree with Betsy, wish we could order on-line.

[Lisa (ThePurplePlace)]

Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your inspiration and all these fabulous dies! :)

[Jan Castle]

Absolutely Stunning projects Dave!!! TFS!
Jan

[Frank]

Thank you for sharing...lovely projects, especially the tone on tone...

[Sara Alford]

Hi Dave,

I made 21 Christmas Cards with the Winterland Tree and used two types of glue: Zig 2 way Squeeze and Roll Fine Ball Point and Martha Stewart's Fine Top Glue Pen. They worked well with the wrought Iron Gate die, too.

Love your dies,
Sara

[Sara Alford]

Oops!
That should read Martha Stewart "fine tip pen".
Sara

[Suzanne W. Skeels]

I love this tree and the wreath that looks similar to it. I used the wreath (white cardstock colored with green and red copics with white liquid pearls on the little "berries". I made 4 and put one on the top of a candle jar, then put the other wreaths around the outside of the jar. It looks so lovely. It is a Secret Santa gift.
Will be using the tree on some Christmas cards, blue backgrounds, white trees with silver flowers and berries.
Thank you so much for the video.

[Suzanne W. Skeels]

You can order Dave's things from Ellen Hutson and Simon Says Stamps.

[Terry Cox]

As always, beautifully done!

[Dixie]

Oh, my! All beautiful, but that tone on tone is breathtaking! Thank you for a terrific video!!

[Linda]

Love, Love, love, your dies would love to order but don't know were

[Dave]

Thanks Sara - I will try the glue you suggested! And Linda, if you don't have a local store that you can buy Memory Box products through, then you can check out our storefinder - and look at our listing of webstores that carry our product!

[bethann d]

i have this die but have to admit haven't used it yet. i use a Wizard and am having some problems cutting the delicate dies. still working on it.

[sheila brown]

bethann - i also have a wizard and have had difficulty w/ intricate dies. learned a new trick! use a small shim - maybe 2 or 3" long and 1/2 to 3/4" wide to "spot-treat" areas of the die that are not cutting clean. a piece of thin chipboard like a tissue box or cereal box makes a great shim for this purpose.