Die Cut Hacks And Tips

If you are a paper crafter, then, like me you probably have a collection of doe cuts in your craft space. Sometimes, it almost seems like a separate hobby collection that creative cutting dies. We all have them, words, images, shape collections, and more

When you are buying a new stamp set, always buy the coordinating die set at the same time. Many companies will offer both as a bundle at a better price.

Setting Up Your Die Cuts

The first thing to address when you are talking about die-cutting is how to create a sandwich. No matter if you are using a manual or electronic die cut machine, it is always best to use the manufacturer's recommendation on how to create the sandwich ( the order in which the plates, cardstock, and dies are placed. This is especially true if your machine is still in warranty. Shoving things out of order can cause a jam in your machine. In some machines, not having the right plates in the right order will not allow the machine to function at all. So, our first tip has to be, read the manual that came with your machine. Take time to learn about the plates for your machine and how they work! I promise you will save a lot of time and frustration!

Did you know that you can dust your dies with talcum powder or an antistatic bag to prevent the die from sticking to the paper? Use a paintbrush to remove any powder from the cut piece,

We all have those dies sitting on our craft shelf. And, for me using them becomes an old hat. So when

I saw these hacks to use my doe cuts, I got some new inspiration,

1. Save the leftover bits from your die cuts. They often have interesting shapes that can be used in shaker cards. You will save money and be recycling some paper.
2. Put a piece of painter's tape or washi tape over the  I dot (this is called a tittle) after you die cut the word and up;; it apart the title should be able to be removed carefully. If worse come to worse, hand-cut a title from the leftover paper.. 
3. When you take apart a new die, use a wire cutter. Make sure to remove any excess metal pieces from the die. That way you will not get a cut from those leftover pieces. 
4. Add some shine to your die-cut words. Cut out your word from paper. Then cut the same word from acrylic. Run the acrylic word through a zyron machine, Remove the backing from the zyron sticker and place it over the paper word. Makes a great extra layer and gives shine to your project.
5. Heat emboss your die cut. Using embossing ink, cover the die cut with the ink. add embossing powder to the die-cut. (Make sure it is entirely covered) Heat the embossing powder die-cut till the powder melts. You can use clear embossing powder or any color you may have. Do these two to three times. You will have a die-cut that has plenty of dimensions
6. Do a marked embossing powder die cut. Take some painter's tape and cover the part of the die-cut that you want to stay clear, Now ink up the rest of the die-cut with the embossing ink. Cover the part that is exposed with the embossing powder and heat it with a heat gun. Metallic embossing powder really works well with this idea, Now remove the masking tape and enjoy the custom die-cut that you have created.
7. Use a gel pen to create a bubble effect on your word die cuts. Use a gel pen around the border of your words in the curves of the letters. This creates a bubble-like effect.
8. Create a shadow effect for your word dies. Double cut a word that you are planning to use. Then offset the two words on your project. White, black, and metallics work very well for the shadow of your word. Set the words slightly apart. Use a glue pen to set them on your project.
   
9. Adding glitter to your die-cut. Adhesive paper is the tool you need to successfully add glitter to your die cuts. The adhesive paper has two sides that have adhesive. Peel back the covering and attach one side of the adhesive paper to the top if the cardstock. Cut the die cut. Now peel back the top of the paper and apply the glitter of your choice. You can out a coffee filter or a piece of cardstock under the die-cut so that you can save any remaining glitter.  Use a bone folder to press the glitter down on the die-cut.
10. Color your die cuts. If you want a special color that you don't have in cardstock, break out your coloring pens and markers and color the die-cut to your liking.
11. Add dimension with glossy accents. This is a product that you apply to the top of your die cut. You can use the nozzle to evenly coat your die cut.
12. Use the Ombre technique. Using three colors of ink, color your die-cut, Start with the lightest color first. Then use the middle color and then the darkest color.
13. Use a lint roller to get those stubborn tiny pieces out of your intricate die cuts, Roll the lint roller over the project and then clean up the bits with the same roller.
14. Matching stamp sets and die cuts make your paper crafting very simple. Instead of fussy cutting, you can stamp the image and use the die to cut multiple images at once. 
15. Use partial die-cutting techniques. Partial die cutting is when you cut a part of an image. like one wing of a butterfly, or just the stem of a flower. The rest of the image is still part of the cardstock or paper.
16. Use a die to create a stand-up card.
17. Use your dies to create a shaker card. There are so many shape does that will help you create a shaker card without a lot of fuss
18. Make more than one! While you have everything out, why not make more than one? It makes sense in time and effort
19. If the die cut has not gone all the way through, run it through again. If you can see that the die still hasn’t cut all the way through, run it through your machine again. You may need to add a shim (a piece of cardstock) or two. Alternatively, you can buy a metal adapter plate for some machines that help to get the right pressure.\
20. . Carefully remove the die-cut shape from the die using a pokey tool. If you don’t have one you can make one by carefully pushing the eye end of a fine needle into a cork and securing it with glue.
21. Place your dies towards the leading edge of the cutting plates rather then in the center. There is more pressure at the edge. You will get a better cut.

22. Use good grade crisp cardstock to prevent the fibers from stretching or breaking

Embossing With Dies

In addition to die-cutting, some doe cutting machines are also capable of embossing. Using embossing folders or does design to cut and emboss is a simple way to add texture tp a project. It is also possible to emboss dies by creating an embossing sandwich and running a die through it. The edges of the die will empress into the cardstock. Some manufacturers will provide an embossing mat with their die-cutting machine. while others require you to buy one. When you are purchasing your machine look for the options.

Partial Die Cutting Tips

Till time, Happy Crafting!

Linda

• Die Cut Basics
• 10 Die Cut Tips
• Ten Die Cutting Hacks You Really Need

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