Quick Card Layouts – Free Files – and DIY Masks

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I am completely and utterly incapable of cutting squares or rectangles with four 90 degree angles – by hand or even using one of my manual cutters (rotary, slide, or guillotine style).  My KNK Maxx, however can do it with the utmost precision every single time.  For this reason, I keep several card layouts available for quick card making any time I need them.  In this example, I used three rectangles layered on a contrast paper, and then layered onto my 6×6 card.  I also cut a frame with an inset shadow layer for my stamped image, and a standard shadow layer for another contrast layer.  Tip:  I retained the scrap of a 5.75×5.75″ square with the 3 rectangles cut, so I could line up the three rectangles perfectly on my card.

For other quick card layouts, I created these square and rounded-square grid layouts:

Include all nine squares on your card, or fewer for a number of variations using this layout. I also created an offset circle layout, a multiple circle layout, and a circle grid layout.  Use textured or embossed paper for more variation in the designs (the grids look fabulous with embossed paper).

 Click on any of the pictures above to download the free MTC files that include ALL 6 layouts shown above.

Now, for DIY masking….Hoorah!

I love the masks I own from the Tim Holtz collection but I just can’t envision buying too many of them for the use that I’ll get out of them.  I do have transparencies and craft plastic sheets, though, and decided to make my own mask for this project.  I selected a design that could easily be used as a mask (or stencil).  I cut it from transparency film, then applied 2 coats of Aleene’s Tack it Over and Over, mixed 2/3 glue and 1/3 water.  After letting it dry completely, I applied the mask to the inside edge of my card, then applied Perfect Pearls.  The transparency peeled off my card smoothly, and as you can see here it gave me very clean lines.

Here is the transparency with Aleene’s applied:

 

And just in case you’re curious, here is the front of my card:

 DIY masks are very easy to make.  Go get creative!

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About Cuttin' with KNK (Michele)

I am the proud mother of 2 grown children, waiting for grandchildren some day. I've been married to my best friend since 1988. I have been crafting since I was a girl - I can't even remember a time when I wasn't creating something, and I've tried nearly everything. I discovered KNK in 2009 and have loved the company and its products ever since. The machines are so versatile and enhance my own creativity. It is rare that I make something without my KNKs.

16 thoughts on “Quick Card Layouts – Free Files – and DIY Masks”

  2. Wow! Wow! Wow! The greatest idea. You are so smart. Thank you for sharing this idea!

  4. Great ideas! Was there a file I missed also!? 🙂
    love hugs and prayers
    Carol

  5. I loved the “Your Special” card, Michele. Thanks for sharing and for sharing the cutting files.

  6. I really like the mask idea – I will need to give that a try. I found a source for a similar (free) SVG of the Eiffel Tower here http://www.cuttwopieces.com/2010/06/eiffel-tower-free-files.html I am not sure if this is the same you used but the designer allows for it to be used freely as long as the file is not sold or shared directly. She says, “There are no restrictions on the cut out items.
    The electronic file is not to be sold or shared on websites or forums.”

  7. What BEAUTIFUL and Dlicate card. I like it so much. Thank you for your free files.

  8. Very nice! Making Stencils can be so handy. Your cards look great, BTW! Thanks for sharing, Michele.

  10. Wow…yet another post I missed! Good thing I’m looking through the forum…I would have missed these beautiful cards! Thanks for sharing your tips and ideas Michele!

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