Learn how to make a layered rectangle die cut frame to set off your gorgeous arrangements, like this bountiful fall cornucopia.

Today I am sharing my tips for creating a rich looking layered rectangle die cut frame that can really show off your focal elements and let you put all your creative touches in that one gorgeous thing.  I shared a card using this same technique with circle dies and the new Nested Rectangle w/ Small Large Holes, die set from Rubbernecker inspired me to create a project using this shape. I used their new Cornucopia.  Sunflowers, Pumpkins and Ivy, Apple Pears and Corn, and Nested Rectangle dies to create the arrangement – see below for the making so you can create one of these at home.

Card Base and Layered Rectangle Frame

• Use white cardstock to cut an A2 sized card base and the Nested Rectangle w/ Small Large Holes.
• Place the decorative layer back on the cutting platform, line up the fifth size (3.75″ x 2.50″) die from the Nested Rectangle set on the layer and cut the frame opening.
• Use white cardstock to cut a second rectangle large enough to overlap the back of the decorative frame opening (4.75″ x  3.50″.  Pro Tip:  You will want to have enough border around the second layer to fit well behind the larger frame opening. 
• Apply mounting tape to the back of the decorative frame layer , line it up over the smaller frame mat and attach.  Pro Tip:  Secure the smaller frame in place using masking tape to keep it from moving around when attaching the larger frame.
• Apply strips of mounting tape to the back of the double matted frame and attach it to the card base.  Pro Tip:  I wanted the frames to stand well away from the card base so it would have enough space for the produce to appear to be spilling out of the Cornucopia.

Check out the post where I showed how to Make a Layered Die Cut Circle Frame to see step by step photos of creating that double matted frame.  Although the shape is different from the rectangle the procedure is exactly the same.  You can also attach the two frames together using only double stick tape instead of mounting tape if you don’t want so much dimension.

Coloring the Die Cut Images

To color all the images I used Color Fuse Ink Sets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 11.

• Use white cardstock to cut the Cornucopia, Pumpkins and a couple sets of the  Apples Pears and Corn.
• Use a wet baby wipe to apply Caramel ink to the Cornucopia and then apply Cinnamon ink embossed lines using a mini applicator.
• Color the pumpkins using Mango , Citrus  and Grass inks and mini applicators.  
• Use Crimson and Fern inks and mini applicators to color the apples.
• Color the pears, corn husks and corn with light touches of Lemon and Fern ink using mini applicators.  Attach the husks to the corn using connect glue.
• Use Custard and Grass inks and mini applicators to color the gourds. 
• Apply Versa to all of the die cut images and emboss them using super fine embossing powder.  Pro Tip:  Clear embossing colored die cut images enhances the color.  I wanted all of these images to really pop against the white frame and background.

  

Create the Arrangement in the Die Cut Cornucopia

• Apply pieces of mounting tape to the back of the Cornucopia and attach it to the card base.
• Start the arrangement by attaching the three pumpkins in place using pieces of mounting tape.
• Apply small pieces of mounting tape to the  of apples, pears and corn and tuck them in behind the top pumpkin and attach to the base of the Cornucopia.
• Continue tucking the pieces in behind and around the other pumpkins to create the appearance of a bounty of produce pouring out of the Cornucopia.  Some pieces were attached using pieces of mounting tape and some were attached using glossy accents.

This is a more involved card but it is not difficult. I just love adding all the little details to bring things to life and the colors on this are so vibrant and glorious. Here’s what you will want to grab from Rubbernecker to recreate this card:

5623-01D Cornucopia Die [ RBB ] 5624D Nested Rectangle with… [ RBB ] 5626-03D Sunflowers Die [ RBB ] Nested Rectangle Die Cut Set 5003D [ RBB ] 5215-06D Apples Pears and Corn Die [ RBB ] Color Fuse Set #2 [ RBB ] Color Fuse Set #4 [ RBB ] Color Fuse Set #11 [ RBB ] Color Fuse Set #1 [ RBB ]

And here are all the other items I used from my stash.

You can use this layered rectangle die cut frame for literally ANY theme, design or occasion. Not only does it set off your focal element to perfection, it also can take up quite a bit of space on a card front meaning you can use a smaller feature and not have to worry about “filling” the rest of the space. I call that a win-win!