Is it possible to cut a silhouette from a detailed die?

[jjhere]

I'm not sure if that title makes since. My hope is that I can use my vintage camera die (Sizzix) to create chipboard covers. The problem is that it has a bunch of holes in it and I just want a silhouette.

Is there a way to do that? Thanks!

[gregzgurl]

The only way that I can come up with is to trace around it and cut it with a craft knife or heavy-duty shears. Maybe someone else is more inventive and can make a suggestion...

[Angelnorth]

I don't think you can stop the die cutting out those holes but could you stick the finished die cut to a sheet of reasonably lightweight paper, putting the pieces back in to the holes as you go? Then trim round the outside with a knife or scissors. Depending on what look you're going for, you could even give the whole thing a coat of acrylic paint to help it look even more cohesive. You'll end up with a textured surface but no actual holes, IYSWIM.

[Angelnorth]

Ahh - just had a lightbulb moment for something that may or may not work!

Will your die go into your machine in both directions (sideways on and end on)? If so, you may be able to go round and cut each of the four sides, one at a time. Roll the die into the machine until it just "bites" so you're cutting the first edge and then reverse it out of the machine and turn it through 90 degree. Put it through so it just cuts that next edge and reverse it out. Repeat for the remaining two sides.

I don't have the die and it's a bit hard to tell from a picture of it whether any of the "holes" are close enough to the edge that you'd struggle to cut edges without getting the start of the hole as well but if your machine will take the die both ways it's worth a go with a bit of scrap (try a cereal box) to see if you can get it to work.

HTH!

[jjhere]

Great ideas! Thanks! I'm experimenting with cutting it (and making sure all the pieces stay together) and then coating it with Mod Podge and then acrylic paint. I think, to be on the safe side I'll put a rectangle of CS on the back side so none of the pieces pop out with use.

[karjor]

Just a thought, but could you cut the die from chip board and use the negative as a shim? Maybe that way it would only put pressure on the outside cut edge? You would probably have to play with the tabs on your platform and add a further shim, but it might work.

Or if that doesn't give you enough pressure right over the cut line, maybe trace around the die on chipboard and hand cut just inside the line to make a shim. If it works and you are making a few, it might be worth the time. I hope that makes sense.