If you love getting the most from your card-making supplies, zero waste die cards are a technique you’ll want to try. Today I’m sharing four different handmade card designs created using the Altenew Zero Waste: Wildflower Meadow Die—all from one die-cutting session. By cutting the die from several colors of cardstock and pairing the pieces with embossing folders and stand-alone dies, you can go from clean and simple to beautifully stepped-up designs using supplies you likely already have on hand.
This approach is perfect for efficient crafting, reducing waste, and stretching your dies even further.
What Are Zero Waste Die Cards?
Zero waste dies are designed to give you both positive and negative die cuts, allowing you to create multiple cards from a single pass through your die-cutting machine. The Altenew Wildflower Meadow Zero Waste Die is especially versatile, with florals, leaves, and shapes that work beautifully across many styles.
For many of these cards, I used my Waffle Flower A2 Layers Dies and A2 Additional Layers Dies. These are my go-to dies for layering. Between the two sets, you can achieve perfectly even borders in 1/8-inch increments, making it easy to create sharp, professional-looking layers every time.
Card #1: Clean and Simple Zero Waste Die Card
The first of my zero waste die cards is a simple layered card with a classic color palette including:
- White card base
- Black cardstock layer
- White panel layered with floral and leaf die-cuts
The contrast between the black and white really allows the die-cut florals to stand out. I finished the card with a large greeting using mixed fonts, placed at the base of the focal panel. This card is perfect when you want something elegant, quick, and easy to mass-produce.
Card #2: Kraft Cardstock with Embossed Texture
For the second card, I stepped things up just a bit by adding texture and ink.
- Kraft cardstock card base
- White panel dry embossed with the Altenew Deck Planks 3D Embossing Folder
Before dry embossing, I applied Gina K Kraft ink pad directly to the inside of the embossing folder. This simple step adds a subtle inked woodgrain finish that really enhances the texture.
The focal point includes a few leaves and three die-cut flowers using purples and corals, creating a beautiful contrast against the neutral background. A bold greeting completes the design and balances the texture nicely.
Card #3: Creative Negative Die Cut Card
The third card may be my favorite of the set! It showcases just how creative you can be with negative die cuts when making zero waste die cards.
Using a white card base, I layered the negative die-cut panel on top of a piece of watercolor wash patterned paper. From there, I filled in some of the open spaces using a variety of colored leaves, flowers, and small die-cut circles left over from earlier cuts.
To finish the card, I added a large greeting combining print and script fonts, which adds movement, texture and visual interest. This design is playful, colorful, and a wonderful way to use every last piece from the die.
Card #4: Stepped-Up Zero Waste Die Card Design
The final card is a fully stepped-up design, perfect for special occasions or when you want something extra special.
- White panel dry embossed with the Altenew Textured Tiles 3D Embossing Folder
- Focal point created using the Altenew Ornamental Lantern Layering Die Set
I die cut the lantern pieces from Kraft cardstock and brushed copper foil cardstock, creating a stunning base for the arrangement. Since I wasn’t sure how I would use the card, I waited to add a greeting. I then added greenery and florals from the Wildflower Meadow Zero Waste Die in pink, purple, and yellow for a soft but vibrant color palette.
To finish the card, I added a touch of sparkle using Altenew Iridescent Crystal Gem Sparkles, which add just the right amount of shine without overpowering the design.
Watch the Zero Waste Die Cards Video Tutorial
IIf you’d like to see how these zero waste die cards came together step by step, be sure to watch the YouTube video tutorial linked below. I walk you through each card design, share tips for stretching your supplies, and show how easy it is to go from simple to stepped-up using one versatile die.
I hope this inspires you to take another look at your dies and see just how many beautiful cards you can create from one die-cutting session. Happy crafting!
— Kathi
Simply Kards By Kathi
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