by "X"

(Originally published at Snowflake Maker's Group as:
The AMAZING negative snowflake!!! (mssg#1952)

Hello all fellow "Snowflake Makers"

I'm writing this letter to tell you all about my amazing adventures with the negative snowflake!  I know this subject has been covered, but I can't tell you how many "HOW DO YOU DO THAT" comments I receive now that I use it regularly.

By now many, or MOST of you, are aware of how to make a negative snowflake.  This letter is directed at the few of us who are not using this incredible tool, (of course, the rest of you are welcome to read on and add your most valuable comments!).

Believe me, I was getting PLENTY of comments on my "straight line" snowflakes, but using this "NEW" technique has sent the comments over the edge!  I can hardly keep up with them all, (so if I don't give you "thanX" personally, it's because I've lost track of who to thank, lol!)

The negative flake is an incredible "tool".  Even if you don't want the "flash" effect, it's surprising how many flakes you'll make that actually look BETTER in the negative view.  It can be used with ALL snowflakes, from plane-janes, to morphers, to face flakes, etc.  And of course is the ONLY way to make "bubble flakes", "super novas", and proper "flashers".  Most of my newer flakes are started off in the negative position, simply because I get a better "feel" for the snowflake and also think I have more artistic control over the finished product.

So here is the way I go about obtaining the negative flake.  It should be noted that I learned this technique from previous postings, (mostly Marilyn's), and I am eternally grateful to her for sharing it!  I am just "passing the buck", so to speak!

#1  -  I start in the lower left hand corner, because, (for me at least), it's easier to cover up any unwanted lines that may occur with this technique, (you can start on other corners if it suits you better!).

#2  -  Start lower left of the flake, and on the outside and just left of where the flake begins.  Cut along the outside of the flake, counter-clockwise, all the way around it, over the top,  and back down to where your line begins.  DO NOT enter the flake while doing this.

#3  -  Before going below the bottom flake line, (where your cut began), cut RIGHT into the flake and "x"it out of the bottom of it and overlap (join) your cut line.   Release your mouse button.  This should turn your flake black, ("x"cept for the tiny cut you just put in it, which will appear white).  You should now have a negative snowflake, and if all went well you should be able to draw (cut) in white now :) - If you are UNABLE to draw white shapes into the black (negative) space now, (as easily as you would cut black onto white), hit "reset" and try the move again!

It may take 2 or 3 tries until you get it right, but believe me, the effort is definitely worth it.  Try it and you'll be delightfully surprised with the outcome you'll come up with :)))

Best wishes, and happy flaking to you ALL

"X"