3. Cut title. Open DesignStudio software to a new 12" x 12" mat. Using Opposites Attract cartridge, select Opposite Happy Halloween twice. Weld letters next to each other, making an 11.323" x 1.638" border. Copy and paste border under first border. Select Multi Cut function and cut borders from very thin chipboard. Deselect Multi Cut function, insert Cricut Color ink, and write borders on the polka dot patterned paper. Remove ink and cut borders from polka dot patterned paper. Adhere patterned paper to chipboard base. feature and spell
If you’ve been scrapbooking for any length of time, you’re definitely familiar with die cut machines. When I first started scrapbooking, you could shop at a big box craft chain store and purchase die cut shapes in primary colors. We thought we were pretty hot stuff adding such cool shapes to our layouts. With time, die cuts got more and more sophisticated and products became more available. But what really changed the die cut market was the invention of the personal die cut machine.
With the availability of the personal die cut machine, scrapbookers can take a hands-on roll in creating die cuts for their projects. Die Cut machines are an investment and you may want to ask yourself the following questions to know which die cut machines are right for you:
* What price am I willing to spend on this machine?
* Will I use this machine at home or would I like portability?
* Do I prefer to purchase a package of die cut shapes all at once or to purchase them individually?
* Will I use this machine only for cutting shapes or would I like this machine to have other options such as embossing, letterpress, or laminating capabilities?
* Do I prefer a smaller format machine or a wider format machine?
I’d like to share with you a few machines that are now available on the market.
One of the first personal die cut machines on the market was the Sizzix Die Cut Machine. This machine can cut both thick and thin die cuts, as well as, emboss.
According to the Provo Craft website, the Cuttlebug “accepts the dies you already own; loves the materials you love, freeing you to cut and emboss from a wide range of crafting materials; the compact fold-n-store profile allows storage in less space than other leading machines; and with a built-in pop-up handle, Cuttlebug goes wherever you find inspiration.” The machine dimensions are 11.4″ x 6.7″ x 8″.
A smaller format even than this size is the Sizzix Sidekick. According to the Sizzix website, “With a few turns of its handle, the portable, affordable and adorable pink-and-black Sidekick Machine transforms single sheets of lightweight paper to cardstock into something special. Not only is it compatible with Sizzlits (including 12” Decorative Strip Dies), it also elegantly embosses with Textured Impressions Embossing Folders (small only) as well as other metal stencils. The handy vacuum seal attaches to most work surfaces for creativity almost anytime, anywhere!”
While these die cuts require a hand crank, Sizzix also offers traditional die cutting with the touch of a button. The Sizzix Big Shot Express is an electronic die cut machine that uses traditional dies. According to the Sizzix website, “this motorized shape-cutting and embossing system quickly cuts even our longest dies in as fast as two seconds, while still being compatible with the entire Sizzix product library, except Bigz Pro dies. If that wasn’t big enough, this ultimate roller machine cuts everything from cardstock to fabric and many things in between.”
Quickutz offers a traditional die cut machine called “The Epic” but also offers a letterpress kit option. “It both cuts and embosses all QuicKutz products as well as all other leading brand dies and embossing folders.”
Spellbinders offers a flat profile die cutting machine called “The Wizard.” According to the Spellbinders website, “The Wizard™ Embossing and Die Cutting System is a versatile, user-friendly crafting tool. It is designed to cut and emboss with Spellbinders™ Die Templates, but it can also cut with other consumer dies, emboss with brass stencils, replicate charms, perform image transfers, set eyelets, smash bottlecaps and so much more!”
Beyond traditional die cutting machines, electronic die cutting formats are now available.
Provo Craft’s Cricut is a hugely popular machine for the personal die cutting aficionado. This machine comes in two sizes. The Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter Machine weighs 7 pounds and will cut shapes “ranging from 1″ to 5-1/2″!”
The larger machine, the Cricut Expression Machine uses the “12″ x 24″ mat or the 12″ x 12″ mat” to cut shapes and both this machine and the smaller format machine require shape cartridges which you purchase separately.
If you prefer purchasing shapes individually, then perhaps the Xyron “Wishblade” is the machine for you. The Xyron website decribes this machine’s capabilities as “The standard Wishblade software offers Print and Cut technology, drawing tools, create outlines and shadows for images and allows for the cutting of any True Type Font. The new exclusive Create and Cut™ software enhances Wishblade functionality to include welding words and creating outlines (shadows) for text and images with the click of your mouse. Create and Cut Plus adds further power for your crafting projects an advanced Autotrace feature, Print & Cut, Outlining, Word Welding, Shadowing Distortion and a host of other functions will bring life to your art!” One feature of this particular machine is that it is both Mac and PC compatible.
Another option for individually purchasing die cut shapes, is the Silhouette machine. ”The Silhouette is a digital cutting tool for personal use. It connects to your computer just like a printer, but instead of printing designs it cuts them with a small blade. With the machine connected to your computer, you’ll get access to all of the fonts on your PC plus the thousands of cuttable designs found on the Silhouette Online Store.” Silhouette also offers the ability to load shapes onto a media card so the machine then becomes portable.
Want portability with the option of remote control? Then the Sizzix Eclips is the machine for you. “The eclips is the first electronic shape-cutting machine to combine the creativity of award-winning Sizzix artwork with the amazing cutting precision and remote-controlled intelligence of our most innovative system ever. This machine creates completely customizable shapes and letters to adorn almost anything. No computer required!”
Want portability and small format in an electronic die cutting machine? Then the Making Memories “Slice” machine is the one for you. The “cordless digital die cut machine that measures less than five inches square and weighs less than two pounds. This means take-it-anywhere inspiration at your fingertips. Its simple interface and easy-to-read graphics window enables users to select from thousands of high-style images and instantly convert them into die cuts ranging from 1″ to 4″. Each design card contains approximately 700 cutting options – now that’s a lot – allowing you to design anything. ” (This machine does require you to purchase design cards to cut shapes.)
Beyond your basic traditional and electronic die cut machines, there are new machines available that offer even more capabilities.
The Cricut Cake is perfect for the craft crossover of baking. This machine cuts gum paste for decorating cakes. I love the firey red color.
Looking for a “do it all” machine? Then be sure to check out the Xyron “Creatopia.” “Creatopia is the only machine you need for all your creative endeavors. Apply 3 types of adhesives and cold laminate to a variety of surfaces, cut paper, fabric and more to size or into strips, emboss paper up to 12 wide and make shapes in paper up to 6 ½ wide with leading dies.”
