Susan R. Opel
In a former life, I was a bulletin board making teacher. Though I was sometimes crazy enough to hand cut my own lettering for that personal touch, I cannot tell a lie; I made use of the die cutting machine in the teacher workroom when time was at a premium. And so began my love affair with the world of die cuts. We’re going to skip right over the fact that for the 1999–2000 school year I misspelled millennium on a board at the front of the classroom and didn’t realize it until MUCH later.
Paper crafters have taken a cue from teachers, and they are embracing the world of possibilities available in the form of die cutting. There’s something about the polished and finished look that one can achieve through this avenue. Let’s take a look at one of my favorite cards in the issue:
Biggest Fan Card by Mary Dawn Quirindongo
I am amazed by this card by Mary Dawn! The sentiment is perfection, and by using the Cameo by Silhouette America, Mary Dawn was able to wrap it around the curve of the fan for an I-would-buy-this-at-Target look. I also love how the fan is placed giving a hint of oscillation. Finally, the color combination is fitting for the cool factor (pun intended) of this card.
As always, we wouldn’t send an issue to the newsstands that wasn’t inspiring, but this issue is that and SO MUCH MORE. We worked very hard to bring you an issue that is a comprehensive look at die cutting from every angle we could think of.
On Tuesday, Kerri shared with you a guide to sandwiching a variety of dies in a variety of manual die cut machines. It’s true. We did test them all to ensure that we were able to give you the most accurate information.
You’ll also find this handy Die Cut Machine Comparison Chart at the back of the issue. If your Christmas wish list includes a sparkly new die cut machine, this nine-machine comparison chart (five manual and four electronic) just might be the resource you’ll need to decide which one fits your die-cutting needs best.
If you already have a machine and it’s been sitting dormant for way too long, you’re going to LOVE this issue. And if you have a machine that’s still nestled in Styrofoam awaiting your presence, this issue is sure to strip away your buyer’s remorse.
I’m quite certain that I don’t even have to ask if you want to win this issue, so let’s just get down to business! Leave a comment on this post telling me which die cut machines you have tried thus far. We’ll give away three copies of the issue. Just make sure to leave a comment by Monday, November 19th at 5 pm MST!
Die cutting rocks!
P.S. Don’t forget to head over to the Moxie Fab World for another look into the issue! And today’s your last day to vote for your World Card Making Day Contest honorable mention winner! Make sure to vote by noon MST today!
I have several die cutting machines: my lst was a Spellbinders’ Wizard (still works well!); 2nd was a Big Shot; 3rd a BossKut Gazelle that I won (seriously!) and my newest is Spellbinders’ Grand Calibur — I still LOVE each one for different reasons/uses and as you can see I “NEED” this issue — LOL!!!
I have a Cuttlebug and love to use it for embossing. For shapes, I used a Cricut in the past but found much more freedom to design (not tied to cartridges) is available using other electronic cutters. I have purchased a Zing and LOVE it. Sorry to see your comparison only had a couple of cutters and two of them were from ProvoCraft. Anyone interested in an electronic cutter should do research to see what other options are available.
I have a Cricut and a Cuttlebug, this magazine would be perfect for additional ideas and get my creativity stirring! Thanks for the chance to win!
LizW in TX
I have a Cricut and am looking into a Cuttlebug, Sizzix or Big Shot. I think this magazine will help me decide. Thanks for a chance to win.
I have a Cricut and a Cuttlebug, so between the two I can die cut most anything. I used to have a Sizzix, but gave it away to someone who didn’t have any die cutting options. I’d love to be inspired as to how to use the machines more for my card making and scrapbooking creations!
Oh – I sure would love to win this! I have: Silhouette Cameo, Cricut Expression, Sizzix Big Shot and a Cuttlebug. I’ve got the die cut thing pretty well covered. I do have 2 favorites – my Cameo and my Big Shot. Those are the two I would keep if I had to pare down. Hope you choose me!
I have tried Cuttlebug and recently made 2 projects with my Cameo. Thanks for a chance to win this magazine.
I have the baby cricut, so sometimes I cannot cut images that are larger than my 6 x 12 mat. My gypsy helps rotate some images, but not all. The Cameo sure looks cool, but I’m challenging myself to use what I have. Love your blogs and magazines to get fresh new ideas.
I have a Cricut that I use for lots of things (loving the cartridge from Close to My Heart). I think I would love a Cameo but the Grand Caliber is on my Christmas list.
I’ve used the Cuttlebug, the Big Shot, the old Sizzix, the Big Shot and the Cricut. I love them all for different reasons. Right now my favorite is the Big Shot. There is such an incredible variety of dies and embossing folders available. I can’t make a card without die cutting and/or embossing.
I have the Big Shot and the original Silhouette. I really want the Cameo for the 12 x 12 options.
I have a blog dedicated to the Cricut and Close to My Heart, so I use my Cricut daily!! I love my Cuttlebug, too! I also have the Imagine, but haven’t used it much yet. I need this issue for some inspiration, so thanks for the chance to win
Do I want to win this issue? You bet!!! All the sneaks that you’ve shown us are fabby: I’ve got to find an issue for myself!! Can I buy it in a brick and morter, or do I have to order it? Thanks!!
I just love mycricut and would love to win the magazine to see what more I could do with my die cut machine
I have a Cuttlebug, a Cricut and I used to have a Klik-N-Kut Zing. By far, I use my Cuttlebug the most. I would love to see all of the possibilities in this mag though! Thanks for the chance!
I only have a big shot, but would like to add a silhouette to my crafting room. Your die cut issue sounds great.
I have a cricuit expression. I am hoping to buy/get as a gift a Big Shot but I am also looking at the Grand Calibur
I’d love to win this magazine!
Thanks so much for the chance to win such a fab issue!
The only cutting machine I have is a Cricut Cake – that can be used on paper – and I love it. Would love to try another die-cutter that embosses as well. The other comments have given me ideas, and I will have to check out the chart in the magazine.
The comparison chart is great. I think I need to invest in a Cameo soon. Cricut is great but your limited to the cartridges, I think a girl needs to have both!
Greetings, I have a Cuttlebug, Expression, Expression2 (which I am just getting a handle on) and an Grand Calibur. After I got the Grand Calibur, I am neglecting my Cuttlebug, because I seem to use the Grand Calibur for all my dies, from Sizzix to Cottage Cutz. Thanks for the opportunity to win this magazine, I think I would really enjoy it!
I’ve only have the Big Shot and love it but I’m sure I’d love the Cameo! Heard lots of good things!
I’ve only tried the Cuttlebug.
That looks like a great issue! I have a Sizzix Big Kick, and a Silhouette SD, and love using both!
I’ve tried the Cricut Expression and Sizzix Big Shot
Thanks for the chance to win!
I just purchased a cameo so this magazine would be very welcome in my home. I also have the big kick by sizzix. Thanks for th chance to win.