9 Die Cut Inlay Techniques (Jennifer McGuire Ink)

Hello! I am always looking for ways to use my dies creatively. And die cut inlay is perfect! Today I am sharing NINE different ways to do die cut inlay with a variety of dies… and even more examples.

(All supplies are linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post. Multiple stores are also linked in the parentheses following the product name. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.)

Die cut inlay is a technique where you die cut paper and then glue the little pieces back into the negative space for a smooth look. It is like putting together a puzzle! Today I am sharing lots of variations of this technique… along with different dies, adhesives, etc. that you can use for unique results.

I am just going to share the basics here – please watch the video for all the details!

#1: Partial Die Cut Inlay

With large, detailed dies, doing a full die cut inlay on a card can be time consuming. One way to save time and still make a big impact is with a partial inlay.

This features the Crafters Companion Clamshell Die (SSS | EH) and Mighty Hands Blessed Words Stamp Set.

I also added a bit of Tonic Aqua Shimmer Pens to the rainbow pieces for shine…

#2: Layered Inlay

Layering dies are very popular right now. Since they have a higher price point, it is important to find many ways to use them creatively! Here, I both inlaid and layered the little pieces for a dynamic look.

This card features the Birch Press Lumina Layer Dies, Poppy Stamps Luscious Script Hello Dies, and Altenew Bright Blossoms Stamp Set (SSS | ALT).

I also used a bit of Couture Creations Gold Matte Cardstock for some of my die cut pieces. This adds a lot of interest.

Here is another card I made with the leftover pieces. It came together quickly – I will be making more!

#3: Set-Back Inlay

Another fun look you can get with die cut inlay is to set the inlaid pieces back a bit. All you have to do is inlay a die cut with colorful pieces… and then add two or three additional die cuts on top for dimension.

This card features the La La Land Crafts Mandala Doily Die and Clearly Besotted Pick a Peony Stamp Set for the sentiment.

In the video I share a few tips for getting these tiny pieces into place easily.

#4: Pattern Paper Inlay

Many of us have collected patterned paper over the years and struggle to use it all! Well, many patterned papers are fun for inlay techniques.

This card uses the Poppy Stamps Summer Blossom Die & Stencil Combo, Birch Press Hello Sugar Script Die, My Favorite Things Well Hello Stamp Set (SSS | MFT), and Sunny Studio Flirty Flowers 6×6 Paper (SSS | SUN).

I also layered extra white flowers on the card for dimension… along with white pearls.

#5: Shadow Inlay

Another type of die that is very popular right now is word dies that come with the matching shadow die. Normally this allows for a layered look, but you can also inlay the word in it’s shadow.

This card features the Poppy Stamps Luscious Script Thanks Dies, Kaisercraft Pretty Floral Branches Dies, and Gina K Petite Flourish Background Stamp (SSS | GK).

I also added a few layered flower pieces to give more dimension.

#6: Jewel Inlay

Instead of doing a die cut inlay with cardstock, you can also use embellishments. I decided to use jewels, but you could also use Tonic drops, glitter, etc.

This card features the amazing Birch Press Epiphany Layer Dies, Birch Press Big Lingo Hello Dies, My Favorite Things Well Hello Stamp Set (SSS | MFT) and a variety of jewels. So much sparkle.

#7: Metal Framing

Another fun way to do die cut inlay is to cut the die from metallic paper and use normal cardstock for the inlay. This creates what looks like a decorate metal frame.

This features the Paper Rose Rose Frame Die, Couture Creations Gold Matte Cardstock, and Janes Doodles Kind Stamp Set.

The shine is pretty in real life…

#8: Colored Inlay

Using markers to color inlay pieces can be a time saver. All you need is white cardstock and markers.

This card features the Poppy Stamps Hello Outline Dies, Crafters Companion Clamshell Die and Simon Says Stamp Tiny Words Stamp Set.

I also added Tonic Aqua Shimmer Pen to the letters for shine.

This card also features a colored inlay technique. This time I used my Copic Markers for a blended look. It features the Birch Press Lotus Flower Layer Dies and Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 1 Stamp Set.

While I had the dies out I made this bonus card. Nothing fancy! It features the Birch Press Lotus Flower Layer Dies, Simon Says Stamp You Matter Stamp, and Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 1 Stamp Set.

#9: Glitter Inlay

Glitter inlay can be done with loose glitter or glitter paper. I chose paper – it is so much easier!

This card features the Birch Press Regal Peacock Layer Dies, a Birch Press Epiphany Layer Die, Simon Says Stamp Simple Sentiments 1 Stamp Set, and Lawn Fawn Pixie Dust Sparkle Card (SSS | LF). I colored the white glitter paper with Copic Markers.

The sparkle is fun in real life!

Thanks for watching!

SUPPLIES

Want to find the products I used? I have listed them below. (Compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you. Thank you for your support! Affiliate and product disclosure can be found here. All products were personally purchased except the products with asterisks which were received from the company with no expectation. As always, this post was NOT paid for or sponsored.) Click on the icons below each product picture to go to a favorite store.