Negative-Layering: Using the Negative image of a cut-out.

Hey everyone! I'm taking a break from putting together Halloween treats for the kids to bring you a tip.

Instead of adhering cutouts on top of other cutouts, have you ever paper-pieced using the negative cut? For example, let's take a look at today's card. I imported the tree (file 4) from the Lettering Delights' Feels Like Autumn Cut Its set and applied Make-the-Cut's Boolean Join to Layers 1 and 2. This action leaves behind the cut for only the trunk.

Select Layers 1 and 2 and apply Boolean Join

Next, using Basic Shapes, I brought a rectangle onto the virtual mat and planned out how my card should look like. 

Map out your card before cutting the layers.

Once the layout is completed, I am ready to cut out all the layers. By toggling on the "eye", I hid all the layers except the outer rectangle and the tree trunk

Now, instead of using the cutout of the trunk, I layered the larger negative layer over another piece of patterned paper.

I used the LDJ Hearth font to type out the sentiment and printed that along with the rhinestone border onto the negative. By the way, I used MTC's rhinestone tool to make the dotted border. I did the same for this butterfly placecard.

Using the negative cut of an image creates an interesting perspective especially when adhered with foam tape. It is an easy way to give a project more depth. Do give the technique a try sometimes!  :-)