Recently I discovered Sizzix Frame Dies, and I've been on a mission to find new ways to use them.  I'm a huge fan of the Sizzix product line, I love how sturdy and economical they are, and I feel they are a wonderful value.

My favorite style of the frame dies is the Ornate Frame, designed by Brenda Pinnick.  It's adorable, and can be used on any style layout from elegant wedding pages to whimsical baby layouts.

Here are a few ideas for using a frame die on your projects:

• Highlight a photo - Use the frame to bring one area of a photo into focus.
• Create a journaling box - Either hand journal or computer journal and then cut out your journaling using your die. Layer several together for a unique look.
• Create a border - Either the background pieces, or the frame pieces layered and linked together, make a dynamic border.
• Make a tag - The background pieces of the frame dies make wonderful tags.
• Make a decorative photo mat - Use a small photo layered on top of the frame back, or layer several pieces of the frame back together with a larger photo on top.
• Make a bottle, or jar label - These dies are great for custom gift labels for handmade jam, bottles of wine, or jars with treats inside.  Punch a hole on either end and tie the label to your gift with specialty ribbons.
• Embellish a greeting card - Recycle handmade cards, holiday cards, gift wrap, or specialty paper by die-cutting sections out and reusing them on new cards with a stamped or handwritten sentiment.
• Create a mini album - Cut out several "pages" with your background die and bind them together to make a mini album.
• Make a mini shadow box - Hold 3D memorabilia such as a medal, a special hair barrette, or a small seashell on your layout by crafting a shaker box or mini shadow box using both the background and frame sections of your dies and 3D foam adhesive.
• Design place cards - The center piece of the ornate frame die is the perfect size to make place cards for your next dinner party.  You can type, hand print, or stamp each guest's name.
• Make napkin rings - Use the center piece of the ornate frame die, punch a hole in either end and tie around your napkin with ribbon or colored wire and beads.  Try printing out your favorite quote, or the words "Bon Appetit" perhaps.

I recently completed three projects that feature either the Ornate Frame or the Ornate Frame Back dies.

Greeting Card

This sweet little card features both the back and frame pieces from the Ornate Frame die.  I started by cutting a 5" x 10" cardstock card base and folding it into a square card. 

Supplies:

• cardstock - Bazzill
• patterned papers - EK Success
• frame dies - Sizzix, Frame Ornate, and Frame Back Ornate
• ribbon - May Arts
• chipboard accent - EK Success

Wine Label

This wine label was made using a leftover piece of patterned paper from my greeting card.  This is the center of the Ornate Frame die.  I save all of these pieces to use as small journaling boxes, labels, or place cards.

Supplies:

• patterned paper - EK Success
• frame die - Sizzix, Frame Back, Ornate
• ribbon - Sheer Creations
• stamps - Stampin' Up, Best Blossoms
• ink - Stampin' Up, Rose Red and Baroque Burgundy

Layout

This is a very simple layout showcasing my daughter's Halloween costumes.  The frame die was just the right size for my hand-lettered title.  I love these cute, quick layouts!

Supplies:

• cardstock - Bazzill
• Zigzag Cardstock - Bazzill
• frame die - Sizzix, Frame Ornate
• spiral journal page - Making Memories
• paper lace - Flair Designs
• fabric tape - Making Memories
• alphabet stickers - Doodlebug Designs
• acrylic gems - MAMBI.html" target="_blank">Me and My Big Ideas
• journaling pen - Zig (Wheat) and American Crafts (Black)

I think you'll really be impressed with both the quality and versatility of these new dies from Sizzix.  They definitely came up with a winner here.  They have become one of the items I find myself using over and over.  I can't wait to see what other styles they'll come out with soon!