First Snow
Thought I’d bring a few winter layers to warm up your imagination for this week’s layouts with the two Basic Die sets that we have at Mosaic Moments.
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MM_Die-Sets-ABCD.jpg)
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/dies_layerset_thumbnail.jpg)
A question that is often asked is how the Basic Dies and The Layering Dies differ or how they work together. I find that a visual example always helps. I’ve prepared an example for each of the sets that I share with my classes, but for today’s example I’ll use Die Set A and C because that’s what I have used in this pair of scrapbook pages. I hope it helps you to see the differences.
The layering dies are sized in 1/8” increments. In the Basic set you receive the base die that fits to the grid and one layering die. It gives you a ¼” border around the mounted photo. The Layering sets give you two dies for each base in the original set. The first will give you a 1/8” border reveal around the photo while the second layering die will allow for a 3/8” mat reveal.
![](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Layering-DIes_001-1024x614.jpg)
![](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Layering-DIes_007-1024x970.jpg)
![](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Layering-DIes_014-1024x666.jpg)
![](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Layering-DIes_017-1024x807.jpg)
In this layout I’ve used both the 1/8” and ¼” layering dies. I like using the wider ¼” layering die when I’m using a patterned paper as a mat when I can. Although it may not show off a lot, it’s enough of a peek to catch your eye.
TIP: I also try to repeat the patterned paper in the layout in an area that shows it off more, as 1” tiles or even strips.
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_001-1024x1024.jpg)
For my mats I’ve used navy cardstock tiles and navy with white flecks cardstock for the mats. they’re slightly darker than my Mosaic Moments Klondike 12×12 Grid Paper from the new Yukon Territory Collection. Additional patterned papers from the Celebrate Winter by Lori Whitlock for Echo Park Paper Company make the remaining mats.
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_012-1024x1024.jpg)
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_010-1024x1024.jpg)
Using the darker colors helps to keep the snow looking bright and white and compliments some of the blue shadows on the snow as well as defines the photos.
![](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MMFEB-WK4-19.jpg)
From the Pattern Gallery two patterns stood out to be good for the photos with which I was working, Patterns #290 and #316 gave me the several vertical spaces, several squares and several 1” square spots.
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_015-1024x519.jpg)
On each pattern there are two spots that fill 2×3. One is a group of 6 – 1” squares while the other is a solid 2×3 block. I chose to use the same pattern paper in both spots for a balance in colors and patterns. The paper I’ve chosen is lighter than the rest with a white base and multiple colors of snowflakes in the pattern.
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_011-1024x1024.jpg)
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_016-1024x1019.jpg)
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_017-1019x1024.jpg)
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_002-1024x1024.jpg)
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_003-1024x1024.jpg)
I’ve also punched some of those snowflakes out to use as a border along the bottom of one of the photos. I’ve attached them with Glue Dots.
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_004-1024x1024.jpg)
![](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/die_mrsnowflakes_thumbnail.jpg)
![](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/snowflake-set.jpg)
Additional embellishments for the page are made with snowflakes from the Mr. Snow and Flakes die and the freestanding flake from the Snowflake Set 1.
For this die I cut two to layer together and cut into three sections and add to the corner of three photos as a partial photo corner.
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_006-1024x1024.jpg)
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_007-1024x1024.jpg)
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_008-1024x1024.jpg)
One of the extras that came with my paper was a sheet with several word blocks. I cut two out to go on the first page. They are about 3” square so the mat border around each is very narrow. The truth of how a big snow storm can change our world seemed appropriate to include, and I couldn’t resist using the “Baby it’s cold outside” tag, just because.
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_009-1024x1024.jpg)
In the center of the 2×3 block I’ve used a ½” strip of blue cardstock to briefly write the event and date with a white gel pen.
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_014-1024x1024.jpg)
Depending on the look you wish to create whether a single mat or several layers of mats for a special photo, or maybe just a decorative touch you will find you can accomplish it all with these versatile sets of dies. If you have tried them out, now is a good time to bundle up and try a few winter layers.
![Mosaic Moments Winter Layers](https://www.mosaicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1st-snow_018-1024x810.jpg)
Andrea Fisher