Basic Bundles v. Layering Bundles!

For those of you who may have questions about the Basic Die Bundles and the Layering Die Bundles:

The colored BASIC bundle and the silver BASIC bundle contain the EXACT SAME sizes of dies (sets A-E). There is no difference in the cuts you will get from these. The silver BASIC set is made in the USA and requires the wire snips to nip them apart. The colored basic bundle also includes the 4x6 grid for cutting your photo into 1" squares. The packaging on the silver set reflects the colors that coordinate to the colored page patterns in the page pattern gallery. For each size available in both of these bundles, there are two dies - one fits the grid and one is intended to be a matted layer that does not fit the grid, it layers on top of the piece that does fit the grid and has a 1/4" border.

Then there is another colored set available (in pastels) called the LAYERING bundle. These are different than the basic bundle and they are meant to work in conjunction with the basic bundle. They do NOT fit the grid. When you add in the layering bundle with the basic, you can have as many as 3 photo mats with 1/8" gap between the layers for each size.

i'm borrowing Andrea Allan Fisher's photos to demonstrate how the layering bundle (available only in colored dies) nests into the basic bundle (whether you use the colored or the silver). I hope you find this helpful in answering your questions about which dies are which.

Paije also made a VERY helpful youtube video to explain this: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btP11J3Bh24&t=64s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btP11J3Bh24&t=64s)

Beginner Class - March 7, 2020 12 pm. - 5:00 p.m.

On Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 12:15 p.m., Tami Potter will be holding a FB LIVE event where she will be presenting a demonstration of the Level One "Explorer Level" Dies and launching a sale.

On March 7, 2020, I will host an event at Kricket's Kottage (Maineville, OH) where we will explore and enjoy five hours of hands-on instruction and playtime with level one dies (look for a level two "Adventure Level dies" class coming up in April!)

Class Agenda:

First and Foremost - We will review the basic Mosaic Moments Count and Cut technique for those who are new or who need a quick refresher. We will talk about the importance of using Mosaic Moments Grid Paper as the foundation of your mosaic pages.

Second - we will discuss the Basic Die Bundles (both colored and silver, including the Layering Die Bundles), and how they coordinate with the page patterns on the website and in the new Idea book. I will have copies of the Idea Book to share during class. We will build on the basic bundle by supplementing with other Level One Dies.

Third - We will create two 2-page layouts using the Level One Explorer Level Dies. I will have a variety of page pattern samples from which you can work. I will have one basic bundle of dies and a sampling of other level one dies to share.

Are you ready to explore? Here's what to do next:

1. GET READY: Tune in to the FB LIVE this Thursday, February 20, 2020 on the Mosaic Moments FB page. (Can't watch it during the daytime? It is usually online for 24 hours after the live showing.) If you choose to make a purchase, please do so using my affiliate link by clicking "Shop Now" in the Minerva Mosaics FB Page. When you are directed to the snapncrop page, select the word "dies" in the upper left corner and pull down to "explore level 1" to shop the selection. HINT: I encourage you to check out the Mosaic Moments YouTube Channel as well, as we may have some door prize drawings for folks who can answer questions from the introductory videos!

2. THREE PRICING OPTIONS: Send me your PAYPAL prepayment in the amount of (PM me for PayPal details):
- $40 if you're new and want to check it out before making any purchases.
- If you already own the basic bundle - no matter where you purchased it - and are bringing it to class, your class total is $35.
- If you shop this sale through my affiliate link this Thursday and spend $50 or more (or if you have spent $50 or between Jan 30 and Feb 24 through my affiliate link), your cost for this workshop is only $25 and you will receive 2 additional free sheets of grid paper from me at the workshop!!

3. BRING: YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS (very important!), coordinating patterned or solid colored papers, your own collection of MM dies (if you have any), and your die cutting machine (Big Shot, Cuddlebug, etc.) with appropriate mats and plates for wafer-thin dies, and Herma Dotto Repositionable adhesive. It may also be helpful to have a paper trimmer and washi tape in your tool kit.

4. EXPLORE: You will leave class with two completed two-page layouts. I will share my idea books for inspiration, completed page samples, one set of the basic bundle dies and an assortment of other Explore Level 1 dies. Your class fee includes instruction, the use of my materials, class samples, six sheets of Mosaic Moments Grid Paper (four for class and two to take home and practice) in the colors of your choice, light refreshments, and a tour of Kricket's Kottage. If we have registration of 6 students or more, I will offer door prizes including dies! I will also have page kits and additional grid paper available for sale.

I bought these dies . . .now what?

It seems that a lot of folks order their dies online or buy them at shows and then get home and become paralyzed with fear about how to use them.  Here are some options to get you inspired:

First, make sure you have joined the Mosaic Moments mailing list.  This list generates a once-a-week email (on Tuesdays) called "SnapFix."  This email list typically contains fantastic layout samples by all the best Mosaic Moments gurus.  It also lets you know when there will be a FB live video; when there will be upcoming sales; and when we are introducing new dies.   While you're on FB, make sure you like my page, the Mosaic Moments Page, and the SnapNCrop page.  (But always remember to click the shopping link here on my blog or on my FB page before you make any purchases, rather than following links from those pages.)


Second, join the FB group called "Crop and Share: Mosaic Moments."  This is a group where any Mosaic Moments fan can post her layouts to share with others.  There is a lot of inspiration out there AND when you are in the group, you can search within the group for specific die sets like "horizon" or "diamond mine" and see samples of pages that other folks have made using those dies.

Third, check out the Mosaic Moments Page Pattern Gallery.  I see a lot of comments that "there isn't a pattern for this one."  But THERE IS.  Our Mosaic Moments Page Pattern Gallery is designed using the basic bundle - sets a through e and the 4x6 1" grid die.  Every page pattern is made using those sets.  Some of the examples given branch out and use various other dies, but you can't search for, for example "hole in one" or "x-factor" dies in the pattern gallery.  The patterns are color coded to the die set that is utilized.  Set A is blue, Set B is purple, Set C is pink and so on.  If you own ANY blue 2x2 die, you can narrow your search parameters at the top of the page for "set a" and then use your die on any of the 2x2 openings that you see.

For example - say you bought this purple (set B) 2x4 die called Hole in One:

 
The snapncrop link where you purchased it shows you this sample layout:

That's great . . . but what else can you do with it?  You can use this die on ANY page pattern where there is a 2x4 purple (Set B) opening.  Here are 64 options!   

 

  

 

Fourth, get CREATIVE.  Let your juices flow!  Cut out a couple of samples of your die and play around with them on your grid paper.  Here's a cool sample that Steven Zeigler from A Crafty Situation made that isn't an exact match to any pattern!  

Are you getting the hang of this?  Great!  Now, you can take it to the next level and do the SAME thing with your other purple (Set B) 2x4 dies like X-Factor 2x4 and Double X-Factor 2x4. It's like magic!

 

 

 

I hope this gives you some inspiration to takes those dies out of the packaging and create your own layouts!