Paper Craft Workshop: Die Cutting Hacks

Who does not love die cutting? Making some embellishments for all of your paper craft projects is so rewarding and fun! Die collecting once you get started is really addictive. So, as you invest in these delightful tools, you want to get the most from your investment.

Today, we are sharing some of our favorite and the best die cutting hacks to help you get the most from your time and efforts when you are creating those delightful little tools.

All About The Dies

There are a few things to understand about the sies themselves so that you get the best possible results from them. Understanding how to use your dies will help you avoid frustration when you are using them.

Wafer Thin Dies

Wafer thin dies may have restrictions as to the materials that they can cut. Always refer to the packaging or the manufacturer's website if you have any questions or concerns.

Larger Dies

Always cut larger dies (especially those with straight edges), at an angle. The larger dies have a lip that your die cut machine will have to get over. Make it easier for the machine by placing it on an angle when possible.

Nesting Dies

Nesting dies give you so many creative options for die cutting, card makers and lots of other paper craft options. Here are some tips to get the most from your nesting dies.

Nesting dies give you the option of layering pieces on a design. Make sure to use quality cardstock or materials to assure that your layers will hold up.

Make sure that your die is aligned properly. Use washi or other low tack tape to make sure that your die stays in place.
Play with texture. Mix different textures to get a true custom result.

When adding layers to your project take the time to align the layers. Adhesive foam, dots or double-sided tape can be used to adhere layers. Make sure that the adhesive you use is placed to make all the layers are leveled evenly.

Mix shapes from different die sets. Add some interest to your projects by using creative design using different shapes.

Avoid Losing Your Dies

It happens to everyone at one time or another. We are busy creating and somehow, somewhere one of our dies disappears. here are some tips to avoid that from happening.

Place a strip of magnetic tape on your work area to hold your dies when not in use.
Use the magnetic strip from a knife block to hold your dies.

Emboss a Die

Embossing a die is another way to extend the use of your dies. You will need to add an embossing mat to your sandwich. Soe manufacturers include an embossing mat with the machine. Others require an additional purchase.

Dry embossing with dies are another way to increase the use of the dies in your stash. In this case you simply fac the cutting edge of the die away from the paper; There is no cutting involved. Instead, you create a raised embossed image. You have the choice of using either the raised portion (the embossed side) or the image indented into the paper (the debossed side).

Die Cut Tips And Hacks

Always make sure that your dies are clean before using them. Use a die brush or a pick to remove bits of paper.

Keep your die cutting machine on a flat solid surface. Make sure that you have space in front and behind the machine to allow the plates to move through the machine.

Make sure that the die stays in place when you go to make your cuts. A magnetic plate may help with that. You can also secure it with painter's tape, washi tape or any other low tack tape.

Use adhesive sheets when you are cutting detailed die cuts. Rather than trying to glue all the tiny details, you can create a "sticker" with your die cuts.

Thinner cardstock cuts easier. So, if you are cutting sentiments you may want to consider using thinner cardstock. Layering several cuts give dimension to your sentiment. You can use your scrap paper to cut your layers.

To prevent your die from sticking to the cardstock, dust the cardstock with some powder.

Instead of adhesive sheets for your intricate dies, you can also use a glue pen, spray adhesive, or wide double-sided tape.

If your die is not cutting through the cardstock, add an additional piece of cardstock as a shim to help cut through to get the best cut.

You can add a piece of waxed paper between the die and the cardstock to get a better release, especially with intricate dies. This can be a real game changer!

Remove the negative pieces from your detailed dies with a pick or a die brush. A lint brush is a great tool to remove detailed dies from a cutting plate.

Use a piece of painter's tape to hold the "I "dot till you need to use it.

Create your sandwich (the way your plates, dies and cardstock are stacked) following the way the manufacturer suggests. Keep the directions for your die cut machine handy so that you can refer to it when you need to.

If your cut is not smooth enough, use sticky tape around the edges to remove all the little bits around the edges.

If you are die cutting on any material that has a grain to it. make sure that you align your die with the grain direction. This prevents the material from ripping or cracking.

To prolong the life of your plates, rotate them on a regular basis.