We've got the NEW Stampin' Cut and Emboss Machine so die cutting tips are in review along with an elegant card you can make!
It's quite remarkable how we're able to get intricate and delicate die-cuts with Thinlits dies. Did
I belong to a fabulous Facebook group called Linocut Friends: a very talented and generous group of people, always encouraging newbies and sharing new tips and tricks. Well, recently it was discovered by one of our members, that a little die-cut machine called the XcutXpress works very well as a small tabletop press! In the following (rather lengthy) step-by-step, I share my very positive experience with it! (links at the end) For years, I've been enthralled with pysanky, the art of wax-resist egg dyeing used by Ukrainians on their Easter eggs. Some examples have a lovely simplicity, while others are exquisitely ornate. I even bought a pysanky kit years ago, but was quite intimidated by it. I recently decided to do my own humble little version of pysanky on this reduction linocut of an Easter egg, using repeated motifs, etc. It took quite a few sketches to get to this first stage on tracing paper...I was going for natural elements (sky to earth) and trying to create some interesting patterns. I used these wonderful mounted lino blocks from McClain's. The lino cuts like butter and you can order it mounted—the fabulous thing about this mounting is that they set the lino in a bit from the edge. so you can grab it while inking and printing without touching inky edges, etc.! I used these wonderful mounted lino blocks from McClain's. The lino cuts like butter and you can order it mounted—the fabulous thing about this mounting is that they set the lino in a bit from the edge. so you can grab it while inking and printing without touching inky edges! Because I wanted that repetitive pattern to be almost abstract in its shapes, (and being fairly proficient in Adobe Illustrator from my days as a graphic designer), I then "drew" it in Illustrator. This is also a great way to explore color choices, line thicknesses etc. And, especially when you're planning a reduction print, it really helps to plan the whole process in Illustrator or Photoshop, where you can separate out layers, etc. I wanted a really accurate transfer to the lino block, so instead of using tracing paper, I printed it on my laser printer and placed it face down on the lino and ironed the back with a warm iron. It took a few tries but it did work! And the toner residue didn't create any problems with inking later. (And before we go further, I want to mention that I rather like the occasional stray mark here and there on a linocut print. I am not striving for perfection here. Good thing, huh?) Some of these are be out of chronological order, as I want to show the printer set-up at this point. I won't go into elaborate detail about the printer itself, as others have done that much more thoroughly, but I will share a few initial points of interest: The prices are already climbing. I got the last one on Home Shopping Network a couple of weeks ago at $99.99 plus tax and shipping. They're more than that now, but still WAY below the price of a tabletop etching press. It may look like a plastic handbag in the photos, when it's folded up, but it's actually quite sturdy and heavy. You're limited to prints that are 8.5"wide. Adjusting the pressure knob on top is everything. Play with different settings and papers before you do any "real" printing. This is a quick shot I took of my initial "play" session when I unboxed it last week: To keep the block in place, and to keep the rollers from having to go up and down over the block, I made a frame out of balsa pieces from the art supply store, cut to the desired lengths and affixed to the bases with foam tape. (I used the shallower "cutting pad" of the 2 bases that come with the machine, so that the overall height would fit through the press.) Jumping a bit forward, this photo shows the last layer set-up (I had a few prints on longer paper, so I added a balsa block above the lino.) This also shows my new Ternes-Burton pins: I don't know why I EVER tried to register any other way. Period. So, back to the first layer: I cut out everything that would remain white (the paper color), and printed the yellow layer. I used Caligo Safewash Relief inks. Yes, they dry slowly, but nicer ink makes a huge difference, and it really takes a very thin layer of ink to get full coverage. I own the 3 process colors, (which are a bit transparent) and their opaque white. If mixing colors isn't your thing, they have a lovely selection. Nicer gouges (I received these Pfeil gouges for Christmas) make a huge difference too. Pricey, yes, but I figure they more than pay for themselves: I didn't have one throwaway print in the bunch! The tabs from the Ternes-Burton system make it easy to hang the prints to dry, using string and paper clips. I waited 3 days between layers on this project. Next, I carved away everything that would remain as yellow, and printed the blue-green. I never get tired of lifting that paper and seeing the result! I didn't take a photo (sorry!) of my "sandwich" as I ran it thru the press. I would attach the paper's tabs to the pins, lift it up, slide the block in, lower the paper and lay the felt on top. Time to carve the last layer (an almost-black blue-green). Because it was pretty detailed, I needed to use tracing paper and a graphite stick to check my work as I went. And here they are! Not a bad one in the bunch....I mean, edition, of 14. * * * * * Paper: I sampled a number of different papers on this project; in a future post, I will share my thoughts on their performance. * * * * * Feel free to leave any questions in the comments—I know that this was a very quick overview of this process; here are a few very helpful links: Watch videos by Colin Blanchard: the "pioneer" in linocut printing on an Xcut: https://youtu.be/oRmAgpzslnU https://youtu.be/pbgT_Xjyoz4 The machine: https://www.amazon.com/docrafts-Xcut-Xpress-Die-Cutting-Machine/dp/B00GFM3NII The carving tools (I have Set C): http://www.pfeiltools.com/en/products/linoleum-an-block-cutters/set-of-6-linoleum-and-block-cutters.html The lino block I used: http://www.imcclains.com/catalog/blocks/linocut.html The ink I used: http://www.imcclains.com/catalog/ink/Caligointro.html Ternes-Burton registration pins and tabs https://www.ternesburton.com/
Wondering how to use your dies in the Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine from Stampin' Up!? Here are some die-cutting tips that will help!
A personal die cutting machine is one of the most popular and loved tools in the modern crafter's tool room. One of the best things about them is their amazing versatility. Even with just a very small assortment of
These 10 die cutting hacks are lifesavers for anyone scrapbooking, card making, or papercrafting. Watch the video to see them in action.
Update: Sadly the Cricut Cuttlebug is no longer made by Cricut. A great alternative is the Sizzix Big Shot, read my full review and also…
Many quilters who use appliqué, patchwork patterns, or repeated motifs in their art, swear by die-cut machines. The machines can save time, make cutting
Makers Gonna Learn
Update: Sadly the Cricut Cuttlebug is no longer made by Cricut. A great alternative is the Sizzix Big Shot, read my full review and also…
A die cutting machine uses metal outlines with turned metal edges and pressure to cut thin sheets of fabric, paper, or other media. It allows you to easily cut pieces beautiful, complex shapes into virtually any shape. You need to know how to use a die-cutting machine to create millions of projects and we're here to help you!
Hi all, Ive been really enjoying experimenting with my cuttlebug and I'm so pleased i bought one. Ive been able to drag out supplies i haven't used in a long while and use them now in an even easier way than before. So drag out all your plastic stencils and today I'll show you what i taught to all my Monday card ladies....enjoy Open up your cuttlebug and put in your A plate then B plate on top and then your plastic stencil. Next lay your card over the top of your stencil. Now lay your silicone baking mat over the top of your card. As a shim i use 4 layers of card....as you can see these are the backings off the emboss folders you get....this way you will all know exactly how thick it should be. lastly lay your second B plate over the top to complete the sandwich and roll through. Remember to never force anything through your machine...if your silicone baking mat is thicker than mine just leave out one of the card shims....and the results..... What i found most annoying was that hole they use to hang the stencils in the shop.....but I just cut around mine and colored it with chalks...here's a close up Turned out like a fancy Lilly pad for my cute little frog. Well i hope this has inspired you to use some of your old supplies....see we didn't waste money buying all those stencils !! :)...Valita A note from Julie Wonderful Tutorial Valita and as I'm a proud owner of a cuttlebug myself I will definitely be giving this a go !! Everybody go and check out Valita's fantastic Blog HERE it is full with inspiration!!!
I love die-cutting, but I don’t love spending ages dotting glue on the back of my delicate die cut shapes! In this tutorial I'll show you how to use double sided adhesive Sticky Roll, to stick down your die cuts easily and mess free!
Our April release included the debut of the 28th Die-namics in the Blueprints series, and it is all kinds of awesome! This week we're going to learn some of the clever and inventive ways that you can use Blueprints 28. The main frame of Blueprints 28 features stitching on the outside and a semi-circle notch at the bottom, but there’s more than meets the eye. The inside top of the rectangle scores rather than cuts, creating a fun flap. Layer the stitched circles over the notch and tuck a gift card or a cute image behind the clever window opening. Today's video will give you a creative idea of how to use this innovative Die-namics. Stephanie shares a cute project originally made by My Favorite Things Creative Team Member Torico and shows the Blueprints 28 Die-namics in action. Watch the video below or click HERE to watch it on YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel so that you don't miss a single tutorial! The first time I saw this video, my head was spinning with all of the fun things that can be done with it! Let's take a look at a few examples of other creative ways to use Blueprints 28 in your designs. Julia uses Blueprints 28 to create an absolutely lovely card in pinks and grays. The circle at the notch is a fun place to add a little something extra like the button that Julia incorporated. And here's a peek at the inside of Julia's card. So pretty! She used other elements from the Blueprints 28 Die-namics got create a shaker inside. Inge's take on Blueprints 28 is more masculine in her color choices. You can see that she added a paw print on the circle. Just imagine the possibilities! And here's what the inside of Inge's card looks like! Like Julia, she created a shaker with an adorable image and sentiment from the Cool Cat stamp set. Yoonsun uses the flap of Blueprints 28 as a place to feature pretty stamped flowers from the Build-able Bouquet stamp set. She keeps the outer portion more muted to focus the eye on the flap. And look what Yoonsun has inside! What a fun spot to hide a gift card for the recipient! You'll notice that she has tied the flap and the frame together with a little bit of twine to make sure that the gift card doesn't fall out. You will LOVE Blueprints 28. Once you get your hands on it, we can't wait to see what you create! Be sure to tag #mftstamps when you post your projects online. We can't wait to see what you've made! Supplies used in today's video: InLinkz.com
Makers Gonna Learn
This post will demonstrate the dos and don'ts on how to use Sizzix Big Shot before you invest your time and money. A crafter's dream machine!
Lino printing with a Sizzix machine. Tips and inspiration for using a Sizzix machine to print with linoleum.
As you all may know, there are two main kinds of embossing that we do. One is "dry embossing", where you emboss the paper with either a stencil or embossing folder, using a die cut machine or an embossing stylus. The other is heat embossing, where you apply powder to ink on your paper and heat it until it melts. For this technique, we are doing both kinds! RUBBER MAT Before I get into the technique, I want to talk about rubber mats. To emboss a stencil or die using your die cut machine (Big Shot or Cuttlebug) you need a rubber mat. In this technique I used a regular rubber mat (Spellbinders tan mat) and had to shim with 5 pieces of cardstock to get it to make an adequate impression. Lynell Harlow, who pioneered this technique, developed a thicker mat to use, that works much better. Art 'n Soul is going to try to obtain some of these mats from Stampendous. Lynell has said that Stampendous has some in stock, but it's uncertain whether they will continue to carry it. We plan to try to get them in before Lynell's classes in August (which you should not miss; please scroll down for details) Please order one of these mats from Art 'n Soul if you want one, because they may not be available indefinitely. Now for this technique: I should say that I learned this from Lynell Harlow, and it's not only beautiful, but it's fun to do. My way is slightly different from Lynell's, but both work. I chose the Magenta Triangles stencil (TM-221) for this technique. I cut a panel of 80# Neenah Solar White cardstock to 3.75" x 5", using the Lawn Fawn LF-768 Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables die. I taped the panel to the back of the stencil and embossed it in my Big Shot machine. Every machine is different, and you may have to figure out the appropriate sandwich for your machine. For mine, I opened Tab 1 (you should set up your machine the way you would to emboss with an embossing folder) and I put down a metal shim, my rubber mat, 5 pieces of shim cardstock, my stencil with the panel taped to it, and both cutting plates. Once my panel was dry embossed, I added color using a mini blender and Distress Oxide inks in Wilted Violet, Broken China, and Cracked Pistachio. (The panel was still taped to the stencil at this point). If you move quickly with this process, you can remove the stencil and add your embossing powder to your panel, since Oxide inks are a fusion of dye and pigment inks and can be heat embossed. Unfortunately, since I did not move quickly enough, the bottom of my panel had dried. I replaced the stencil and added Versamark ink with a mini blending tool and added clear embossing powder over the panel. Once the panel was heat set, I decided to add another coat of clear embossing, so I placed the stencil again and added more Versamark ink, then more clear embossing powder. Placing the stencil is very easy at this point, because the triangles and squares have become raised up by the double embossing. Once I had the second layer of embossing done, I absolutely loved the look of the shiny and bright triangles and squares! I cut a strip of the panel, matted it in So Silk Glamour Green cardstock, and adhered it to my base card of Neenah Solar White 110# cardstock. I then die cut "Thank You" out of glossy black cardstock, using the Hero Arts Fancy Thank You die DI080. I sprinkled a few sequins at the end, and I still have half a panel to make another card. I hope you try this beautiful technique! Come in and see the card at the shop, it is so cool in real life. If this technique appeals to you, please check out Lynell Harlow's 4 new incredible stencil classes. Magenta Products Used: (If you are local, please look for products at Art 'n Soul. If you are not local and wish to find Magenta products, you can click on the link in the stamp or product name below each image, or you can visit the Magenta online store here). TM221 Triangles Other Products Used: Distress Oxide inks: Wilted Violet, Broken China, Cracked Pistachio Versamark ink JudiKins clear detail embossing powder Lawn Fawn LF768 Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables Hero Arts DI080 Fancy Thank You Glossy black cardstock So Silk Glamour Green cardstock Neenah Solar White 80# & 110# cardstock
Makers Gonna Learn
Hi all, Ive been really enjoying experimenting with my cuttlebug and I'm so pleased i bought one. Ive been able to drag out supplies i haven...
Makers Gonna Learn
Makers Gonna Learn
When sewing a curved seam, you are supposed to be clipping or notching the seam allowance, so that the seam can stay flat and smooth. The rule is that when the seam is concave, you clip the seam allowance; when the seam is convex, you notch the seam allowance. This is an important step. Without […]
Here are all my best tips and ideas for how to use a die cutting machine to make outline shapes for your junk journals, cards or mini albums. This tutorial will walk you through getting started using a Sizzix Big Shot or Sidekick machine.
Woot! Woot! Sunday means it is time for another installment in our Story Card Sunday blog series. Today's Story Card pays tribute to the Olympics since so many us are watching the events unfold. Anyone have a favorite moment so...
The Foil Quill is a new tool for foiling projects using your cutting machine. But do you have to use the foil that comes with the Foil Quill?
Tara Capewell has sent through some very useful tips on how to use your FISKARS...
Makers Gonna Learn
I have been on a roller coaster ride for the last week around here. I had mentioned that my dad was having his second knee replacement...
If you're in the market for a new die cutting and embossing machine, the Evolution Advanced is is an excellent machine to add to your craft stash! The Evolution Advanced Die-Cutting/Embossing Machine from We R Memory Keepers is a versatile option for any crafty household. With several unique features, the Evolution Advanced stands apart from the rest. To start, the Evolution Advanced folds up for compact storage. When folded, the machine easily slides across a smooth surface; when opened, the machine's suction cup feet activate in a way that secures them properly to the table. These folded out legs open up for additional storage. This is the best place to store the handle when not in use, and you can fit dies, washi tape, and even small paper swatches in these compartments. One of the biggest perks to this machine is the "lack of sandwiches". Die cutting machines made by other brands tend to include intricate layers of cutting mats for different dies and embossing folders. You might end up layering cutting platforms and mats and embossing pads (oh my!) in complex ways, creating ample room for user error. Instead, the Evolution Advanced includes a dial with different settings for function and paper weight. If you're cutting a thin piece of paper, there's a setting for that. If you're embossing a thick piece of paper, there's a setting for that. You can also letterpress with this machine. Each setting adjusts the machine to work with your materials, rather than adjusting your sandwich to work with the machine. This machine comes with a soft cutting mat that lies on top of the cutting platform. In order to properly die cut, do not use your dies cutting side down. That will damage the platform. You want them to face cutting side up. With the paper lying on top of the die instead of the other way around, it can be challenging to see exactly where you're placing the cut. An easy way to ensure perfect placement of your die is to use a bit of washi tape to secure the die to the paper. One last unique feature of this machine is that you can buy an attachable motor to use with it. I was impressed with the way the motor worked! After attaching, you hold the button and the cutting platform glides through smoothly. If you need to do any mass production of die cut projects such as invitations or party favors, the motor would be a handy attachment for reducing strain. The Evolution Advanced is an excellent die cutting and embossing machine for paper crafters. With so many perks, this machine is a wonderful option for many paper crafting projects.
Challenge yourself and keep it simple using cardstock only for your cardmaking, it's fun. Also a great idea if you're a beginner crafter.
the basic steps involved in cutting your quilt fabrics using an AccuQuilt GO!™ cutting machine, complete with a video tutorial!
Makers Gonna Learn
What is a Sizzix Big Shot Machine and What Does It Do? In-depth guide to die cutting and embossing. The perfect tool for Crafts and DIY!
Makers Gonna Learn
The Big Shot Switch is a super cool, electric die cutting and embossing machine! Today we will look at the features of this machine as well as whether we need to add it to our artist toolkit!
I love finding new ways to use tools, especially when they are new tools like the Label Framelits dies! CASEd from and inspired by Patty Bennett at Patty's Stamping Spot Check out these Two Cool cards with a fancy top border that looks like an archway! It's so easy to create with the Labels
