Computerized Die Cuts Revolutionize Scrapbooking

Author: Jeff McRitchie

For years, schools have been using expensive die cutting equipment for bulletin boards and craft projects. Then as scrapbooking became more popular scrapbook shops and craft stores started selling die cuts and die cutting equipment. Usually, the die cutting equipment isn’t that expensive. However, you can easily spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on die sets. For most individuals who love to scrapbook, the cost of owning a traditional die cutting machine along with a large selection of dies is just not practical.

With the cost of traditional die cutting solutions, most serious scrapbookers were left to either buy die cuts or use a die cutting machine at local scrapbooking stores. However, that has now all changed. With the advent of computerized die cutting solutions, it is now possible for individuals to create their own die cuts in the comfort of their own home without breaking the bank.

There are a number of different computerized die cutting machines available on the market. However, most of these machines require users to buy font sets and shape sets to use with the machine. Usually the machine itself is not very expensive. However, like traditional die cutting solutions it is easy to spend two or three times the value of the machine on the fonts and shapes. Unfortunately, this isn’t that much better than the old way of doing die cuts.

A few computerized die cutting solutions are different. They allow you use your computer to cut any font or shape that you have on your hard drive. With these solutions, there are literally millions of possibilities and you don’t need to buy a single font set or cartridge. You can use any of the fonts, clipart or shapes that you currently have on your computer or you can design your own shapes and cut them out. These solutions even come with software that allows you to “weld” words together to make a die cut of a complete word.

The possibilities for this type of machine are endless. You can use these machines to cut letters and words from virtually any type of paper you can find. You can cut nearly any shape that you can imagine, including complex shapes with small details such as a snowflake. You can even cut a logo or shape out of a card or document allowing you to create unique layers. Plus, if you run out of ideas of things to cut out you can find endless ideas on the internet. In fact, there are even groups dedicated to sharing ideas and designs to use with these type of die cutting machines.

There are currently three different machines on the market that offer the option of cutting shapes and true type fonts from your computer. These options include the Xyron Wishblade, The Craft Robo and the Pazzles Mini. All three of these machines offer similar features at similar prices. Check them out for yourself and start cutting shapes and letters today.

About the Author:

Jeff McRitchie is the director of marketing for MyBinding.com. He writes extensively on topics related to Binding Machines, Binding Covers,Paper Handling Equipments,Binding Supplies, Binders, Index Tabs, Laminators, Laminating Supplies and more.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Computerized Die Cuts Revolutionize Scrapbooking

Silhouette Cameo 12×10 Die Cutting Machine $269 The Silhouette Cameo is an electronic cutting machine that is great for light-duty, creative use. It uses a small blade to cut a variety of pre-designed materials such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, and more.

Cricut Expression Cutting Machine plus 2 Cartridges $183.99 Make the most of your memories with the Cricut Expression Personal Electronic CutterScrapbooking machine can create bigger die cuts for classroom decor, scrapbook layouts and moreMix and match creative features in the same cut

Sizzix Big Shot Machine with BONUS Sizzix Sizzlit $63.99 The Big Shot Machine features a stylish black and pink design and works with the entire Sizzix product library. This machine is ideal for creating any imaginable, perfectly-cut shapes for beautiful and unique creative projects.

Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die Cutting Machine $249.99 Sizzix Big Shot Pro is a Professional Die Cutting MachineThis machine cuts all types of materials from thin to thick paper, metals, fabric, cork, and more

Cricut Mini Machine with Font and Basic Shapes Content $119.98 This electronic cutting machine from Cricut makes home, school, business, craft, decor and party projects simple and fun. This Cricut Mini is a lightweight, portable way to make almost anything you want using paper, fabric, vinyl, metal foil and more.

Cricut Expression 2 Die Cutting Machine w/800+ cartridge images $276.54 Included: Cricut expression 2, cutting blade and blade housing assembly, 12 inches long x 12 inches wide cutting mat, cartridge (preloaded), stylus, lcd screen protector, power adapter, usb cable, quick start guide

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Sizzix Accessory Cutting Pad $22.99 This pair of Cutting Pads was specially designed for use in the BIGkick, Big Shot and Vagabond machines. Constructed of high-quality polycarbonate plastic these see through Cutting Pads allow for easy die-cutting of thicker, longer Sizzix steel-rule dies.

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Die Cuts with a View ‘Tattered Time’ Paper Stack (Pack of 48 sheets) $19.98 This ‘Tattered Time’ paper stack by Die Cuts with a View feature two sheet in twenty-four designs. The paper has a glossy finish and can be customized for many different of paper crafts.

Cricut Paper 12-inch Trimmer $9.42 Enhance your personal trimmer with a Cricut paper trimmerPaper trimmer allows you to easily cut through paper and cardstockScrapbooking tool features cutting arm that lifts for easy insertion and removal of paper

All Dressed Up Matstack Paper with Glitter (Pack of 72) $12.24 Enhance your arts and crafts with this All Dressed Up Matstack paper4.5×6.5-inch paper features glitter accented designsFabulous pack of pages is the perfect scrapbooking accessory

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Provo Craft Cuttlebug Thin Cutting Mats (Set of 2) $16.25 These cutting mats allow you to cut and emboss efficiently and effectively with your cuttlebug die cutter and embosser machine. These mats are designed to be used with Spacer Mat A.

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Sizzix Framelits Rounded Tag Die Cuts Package of 8 $16.49 These wafer-thin chemical-etched die cuts feature the perfect print registration without interference from any ridges at the edge of the die opening. The crafting accessories are excellent for clearly cropping photos and cutting windows.

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Sizzix Tim Holtz ‘Tattered Florals’ Bigz BIGkick/ Big Shot Dies $20 Bigz dies cleanly cut thick materials including cardstock, chipboard, fabric, foam, magnets, leather, metallic foils, paper, and much more. The wider size of these dies offers you more design options.

Provo Craft Cuttlebug Base Spacer Mat A $16.92 This spacer mat A allows your Cuttlebug machine to work effectively and efficiently with Cuttlebug dies. This spacer is designed to be used with two of the cutting pad B.

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