How can I center my oval dies on a card?
 

I am having so much trouble using oval dies because I can't seem to get them set straight on a card, or stamp a sentiment straight inside the oval shape. I wish they marked the horizontal and vertical centers on oval dies because that would help a lot. I've tried figuring out where the centers are on the dies, so I can mark them with a sharpie but just can't seem to get it. Does anyone have a tip on how to find the centers on these dies...or how to get them placed correctly on a card? I have some visual problems that make it even more difficult and can't just eyeball it, as I can with most shapes. Thanks so much.

Never done it myself, but if i wanted to find and mark the centers, I think I would cut out some ovals with my dies, then fold each cut-out oval in half the long way, open in up and then in half the short way. Then you can lay your die back over the die cut and you'll have lines pointing to the center point on each edge of the die (assuming you have open backed dies).

Oh my gosh, why didn't I think of that...duh!! Thanks so much. This is something I can do very easily. I can probably mark the points directly on my die with a sharpie..so excited!

Just experienced this issue this afternoon using the new May Hero Arts My Monthly Kit. It features an intricate tree die that floats inside a large oval. The oval die and the intricate tree die are individual dies so they can be used separately or in tandem.
I got lucky and had the intricate tree die land pretty much where it needed to within the oval. However, as I was doing it I wondered how I could accurately mark the oval die with vertical/horizontal hash marks...I�ve tried it in the past with dismal results.
Thanks SO much for suggesting a simple, non-mathematical way to figure out the centers! I�m gonna give it a try and see how it works! :cool:

Let us know how it works! I tried it with two of my oval nested dies and marked the actual die so we'll see how it goes tomorrow when I do some experimental stamping and cutting with it.

Emily, you are a genius! Whilst the rest of us are sat here thinking 'thats so obvious, we are total idiots!' lol. I rarely use oval dies for that reason, I see a cutting and die marking session in my future. Would also work great on circle dies, for us positionally challenged!

Wonderful idea! I have a lazy eye on my left side, so tend to see things a bit crooked--which is very frustrating when making a card. This will help me immensely! Thank you!!

I know, right? I cut a bunch of oval shapes out with my nested dies and folded them while I watched tv with my husband. I saved the folded shapes to use as reference and templates and marked with a sharpie on several of the actual dies but haven't gotten to all of them yet. It's got to be better than struggling the way that I had.

I have some visual issues that have popped up within the last 5 years or so and can't see straight lines at all anymore, which makes it challenging. I can use a ruler to mark the straight lines, but that didn't help when I couldn't figure out where the center points are on ovals. Circles are easier for me because I can shift them slightly, and eyeball it fairly well but those ovals, ugh

EXACTLY THIS!

That tree is in my way, and I can't see the forest...:rolleyes:

Aw, you are all so sweet. All I can say now is that I hope the suggestion works. LOL.

This idea is genius! As soon as I read the OP, I was visualizing how to use a centering ruler, draw two perpendicular lines on a scratch paper, lay the oval over it and mark where the lines met the die and then I saw the simple, but perfect answer submitted by SkyNacho! What a "duh" moment I had.

Fabulous idea for us to LOVE!
Thank you bunches!!!

I do have Sharpie marks on my oval dies at top/bottom/left/right centers ... and it helps a lot during placement decisions on C/S. But I used a more tedious method of alignment atop grid paper to get those markings placed. LOL

Me too!!!!! Same eye and everything is always off center just a smidge!

I started a thread in the off topic section for anyone who has vision issues - I actually thought I was alone in this but after reading this thread I see there are others. If you want to start a little group, the thread has been started. "See" you there!!

can someone please share a photo or two? im having a hard time visualizing this. thanks!

.https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.spl...c2abc793ad.jpghttps://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.spl...d75ff861f6.jpghttps://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.spl...a18981dafd.jpg
I've just done this with a scalloped Oval, so here are the pics. You can also use it on circles, but I didn't want to add too many pics.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.spl...e81e746bbc.jpghttps://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.spl...6c939b151a.jpghttps://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.spl...d328ddd9ec.jpg

So, from the top- die cut your Oval. I've used a scalloped Spellbinders die, and I noticed an important point, which you can see when you get to the pic where I've marked the points on the die. Scalloped shape is NOT a mirror image down either centre line, so I'd suggest marking TOP on your shape, and also on the die. Just a T, or a larger mark should do.
So, onwards. Fold your paper shape in half lengthways, and mark the fold line at either end. Open back up, and repeat for the widthways fold.
Now you can mark those centres on your die.
You can keep the cut shape as a template for future use.
I also realised that you can keep the piece you cut the die out of, and use that for lining up too- in which case you'll want to use a properly cut sheet- I just grabbed a scrap piece.

Thank you!

Thank you. The pictures also helped me.

Thanks Emily and Shaz! Great tips!

Shirl

Wondering if the sharpie marks will wear off? Would it work to mark with nail polish?

I'm sure they will eventually, but I suspect nail polish would also eventually chip or wear off. I would just remark the sharpie as needed. You can always just recut and refold and remark the dies if you forget before the mark wears off entirely.

I'm thinking you could also make a scratch mark with a sharp pointy object, on the die. But I agree with Emily, very easy to redo it with a Sharpie. I think it would be hard to get a fine line mark with nail varnish- at least I know I'd struggle, which is why I rarely varnish my nails, lol. They're a big enough target, and I can't manage them, :)