Ice Cream Cone Treat Box: Michelle’s Favorite Three Ways to Embellish Die Cuts

I have found the perfect Summer Treat Box. It’s Lori’s Ice Cream Cone Box! The box, which can be found in the Lori Whitlock SVG Shop, or in the Silhouette Design Store, is easy enough for a beginning paper crafter, and fast enough to mass produce for a group. It’s so much fun to embellish! I’d like to show you how I put this together and share my tips and tricks for my favorite three ways to embellish my die cuts.
Ice Cream Gift Box

Lori’s SVG files are so easy to use. She groups them together to make them easy to move around. If using a Silhouette Cameo or Curio, simply click “Ungroup” to put your desired colors on the map.

I really liked the colors that Lori Used, so that made grouping my pieces easy. Plus, I had a really pretty raspberry colored glitter, which unfortunately did not photograph well. Even with bad photos, using glitter is still one of my favorite ways to embellish my die cut pieces. It’s more economical to glitter my cuts after cutting and it saves the wear and tear and on my blade that glitter paper causes.

Tips for using Glitter on your cuts:

All glitter is not the same. Glitter comes in many different types as well as many different colors. Most craft glitter is made from a polyester blend. Glass glitter is also commonly found. It’s not a good idea to use glass glitter on any projects that will be handled by children, or that may come into contact with food. Glass glitter can do serious harm if ingested. Fine Glitter works well for small cut pieces. Chunky Glitter works best for larger projects. All glitter is wonderful for holiday decor!
When applying glitter, it’s best to choose a glitter that will closely match your paper. This way, if any glitter flakes off, it will be less noticeable. Use a sheer glue and apply a thin, even coat. Pour or sprinkle the glitter directly onto the paper and tap off the excess. Once completely dried, it is okay to apply a clear coat of glue or varnish to keep the glue in place. This works especially well with polyester or craft glitters. Applying a top coat is not recommended for glass glitter as it dulls the shine.
When adding two or more colors of glitter to your project, always apply the dark color first. This will keep your light colors looking fresh. If you get light colored glitter on your dark colored glitter, it will not be noticeable. However, getting dark colored glitter on top of your light colors will be quite apparent.
Many people do not like using glitter because they believe that it is messy. When applying your glitter, work over a clean piece of paper or paper plate. Pour any excess back into the glitter container. To make clean-up a breeze, use a lint roller. Lint rollers will pick up any stray glitter from your work area.
Keep in mind that glitter is difficult to photograph.

Tips for Embellishing Die Cuts

Another favorite way to embellish my cuts is to use ink. Inks can add depth and can completely change the way a cut piece looks.

Tips for using Ink on your cuts:

Most inks are either Pigment Inks or Dye Inks. Pigment Inks are generally thicker, like paint, and have more saturated color. A good way to remember this is, “P” is for “Pigment” as well as “Paint.” Pigment Inks take longer to dry than Dye Inks, but their color makes it worth the wait! Most Pigment Inks are permanent and are less apt to fade. Pigment Inks do not work well on slick or shiny surfaces. They will not dry on slick surfaces without being heat set. There are pros and cons to all inks and they are really a matter of preference.
By adding ink to the edge of a cut, you can create different effects. By adding ink to just one edge, you can create the illusion of a shadow. By adding ink to all of the edges, you can create a worn or aged look. You can also use inks to highlight embossed or raised areas.
You will also find hybrid inks on the craft aisle. Some hybrid inks are a combination of both pigment and dye inks. Distress and Oxide Inks are water based inks, which is why they react with water. Both Distress Inks and Oxide Inks are popular, but they are not permanent and will fade over time.
Inks can be used for stenciling on your cuts.
Don’t forget the pens! Markers and gel pens are another great way to add additional ink color to your cuts.

Tips to Embellish your Die Cuts

My favorite way to embellish a cut is to use embossing folders. Embossing Folders are a fast and affordable way to add texture to the paper.

Tips for Using Embossing Folders with your cuts:

Embossing Folders are used with a manual die cutting machine such as Sizzix, Cuttlebug, or Spellbinders. Generally speaking, the machines themselves are expensive. The folders, however, are relatively cheap and will last forever. Each machine operates a bit differently, so read the instructions before using them. I have heard of some people who have had success using a rolling pin and heavy pressure to achieve texture to their paper, although I myself have not been successful with this method.
When embossing, you will have an “embossed” side as well as a “debossed” side of the paper. Often this yields a new and different look, so try both sides!
It is much easier to easier to cut the paper into the desired shape and then emboss it.

Now that your pieces are embellished, it’s time to glue them together and finish the box. When constructing my box, I found it easier to glue my pieces down while the box is flat. Keep in mind however, that part of the ice cream swirl sticks out beyond the box.

Ice Cream Treat Box
There are many other fun ways to embellish your projects; Ribbons, Twine, Buttons, Enamel Dots…the possibilities are endless! I added a “Sweet” sentiment from the Shaped Pineapple Card in the Lori Whitlock SVG Shop and in the Silhouette Design Store to finish off my box.