D is for DIE CUT - #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z

Hello and welcome to D-Day for the A-Z Blog Challenge!

My theme is Scrapbooking, and today’s letter represents a technique that’s become a new favorite for me – Die Cuts.

Die cutting is where you use metal shapes (dies) to create paper designs that add dimension and texture to your scrapbook pages. This system is used a lot by card-makers, but the 3-D effect works well for any paper project.

Dies Cuts can be produced a few ways.

Themed and seasonal pre-produced die cuts (i.e. Easter eggs, Jack-o-Lantern faces), can be purchased, but are commonly sold in bulk, and are used more for classroom craft projects. Often it is a challenge to find an exact pre-cut die shape to match your scrapbook page needs.

Like cropping, you can produce a professional look using a die cut machine and manufacturer sold dies.

The Pros:

-         A Seamless, Beautiful Look - You can cut out corresponding shapes from craft foam (or pop dot adhesive) and stack the paper for a popped up effect.

-         Multi-Purpose - The dies can be used over and over in different ways. You can use up scrap pieces of paper, and customize the designs to fit your project. Dies can be used for other paper craft projects, too, like cards, ornaments, and tags.

The Cons:

-         Pricey – Formal die cutting can cost a bit of money as far as equipment goes. A small, basic die-cutting machine (Cricut Cuttlebug) can run about $80.00, plus the cost of the dies.

-         Bang for your Buck – After you invest in a die cut machine, you would want to consider how often you will use the dies that you purchase. Depending on their size, die packs range anywhere from $5 - $30, and you want to be sure that you get your money’s worth from frequent use.

I struggle with this often – I get excited when I see a new die pattern, but I try to stop and really think about whether or not it’s worth it.

A perfect example is recently I visited the National Botanic Gardens and got a great picture of the museum’s Southwest room. I later spotted a die cut set for succulent plants (cactus, ferns, aloe) that matched, but I had to ask myself whether the compliment of one photo was worth buying an entire die cut set.

I went with my gut (the shapes spoke to me), but I stayed frugal and waited until the set went on sale.

          In the end, my cacti turned out darn cute. (I think these dies would look fabulous using green velvet paper or sandpaper colored with green/brown distress inks.)

The goal, of course, is to get the most use out of the tools you have.

And machine made is not your only choice. Another simple option is to make the die cuts yourself.

I actually ran into this issue with a Thanksgiving page I have set up for later this year (you’ll see this scrapbook page again in the O is for Origami post). I used a machine die cut for the Thanksgiving turkey, but I couldn’t find a pie die cut that was functional enough to warrant the cost.

I turned to the good ol’ internet for pie design ideas when I found this:

Following the basic shapes, I cut out a rectangular pie plate, the brown dome, wavy edge for the crust, and eyelets for the steam slits. Using some stamp inks (you could use whatever you have at home: crayons, pencils, or markers), I shaded my pie to give it depth, and topped it off with “steam” from an existing coffee clear stamp set.

It turned out perfectly, and all of the materials used were in supply at home.

So, whether you cut using a machine, or create the image by hand, die cuts are a cool and aesthetic way to add appeal to your scrapbook page.

I appreciate you checking out my blog! Tomorrow is another exciting letter – E is for Embellishments. I hope you’ll stop by then.

And if you're ready for more A-Z Blog topics, please check out my fellow A-Z blogsters.

You can find them on social media using the #AtoZChallenge and @AprilA2Z.

-         SNG