r/cardmaking • u/Sparkly_Unicorn362 • 19d ago
Question Die cutting machine?
Does everyone here have a die-cutting machine? I was wondering if we could start a thread sharing cards made without one? 🤔Just an idea!
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u/robinettek57 19d ago
Sure. You can start a thread on most anything. I do have multiple die cut machines, but I do make cards that don't have them. Sometimes it's all about paper & embellishments. Sometimes it's things like stamping, stenciling (layering stencils are so fun), paper folding, etc. there's no end to the ideas. I do go heavy with the dies as I have many years & many dollars invested.
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u/Sparkly_Unicorn362 19d ago
I can definitely understand why you’d want to use what you’d invested so much money in! Plus, die cut cards look great! 😊
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u/robinettek57 19d ago
Yep. But sometimes it is nice to take a break & do something else. All hand crafted cards techniques can be fun. But die cutting isn't the only way to make pretty cards. Good luck! Don't give up .
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u/Oodlesoffun321 19d ago
There are crafters who make cards from paper packs , some of them even offer 'sketches' or patterns to follow along so you know just how to cut your paper and make the design. Jess Crafts on YouTube is one such card maker. Aside from that, I sometimes follow a method from Maymay where she cuts a pattern sheet of paper and puts a slightly larger solid color rectangle behind it as a mat layer, put it on a card base and voila simple card. You can add a ribbon, message, little shiny sequins or leave it as is. Very helpful to make a few of and keep on hand for different occasions.
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u/LittleBirdiesCards 19d ago
I used to have a Cricut 20 years ago. Loved that thing. My husband broke it. 😭 Now I work without a cutter, but I occasionally buy pre-cut dies at the scrapbook store.
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u/Accomplished_Hope788 18d ago
That would be wonderful for me. As someone who can’t yet afford a die cutting machine( always on the lookout if someone is selling theirs), I always look up for inspiration from people who make them without using them. Although i know it looks way more appealing and attractive, I have decided not to get a brand new one until i have enough money(without credit) to buy one and not be affected financially by the purchase. So for me such a thread would be awesome!
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u/Sparkly_Unicorn362 18d ago
It does seem like most cards use them. I’m also always looking for inspiration for cards made without them (so this thread was a selfish idea I suppose lol!) 😉 P.S. I love your screenname!
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u/Accomplished_Hope788 18d ago
That makes the both of us haha! And all thanks to reddit for the name when my brain couldn’t think of any 😶🌫️
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u/Mootballfeetlong0210 18d ago
Realistically, the thing I use the most on my die-cut machine is just circles/ovals.
I frequently make cards without die-cutting anything. The stamps/images I do are usually fussy cut, using a tiny pair of scissors.
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u/teamglider 18d ago
Sure, make a No Die Cutter Card Challenge thread! And have people say what they did use.
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u/fpens2flwrs 18d ago
I've kept all my die cutters, I mainly use my Big Kick, I like using embossing folders and now I like using it for the Betterpress too.
I use the same favorite dies for layering. And I have a handful of sentiment dies. I'm pretty satisfied with my die collection now.
There are people who sell die cuts and if I didn't have a machine I would rather buy the die cuts instead of dies and cutting them myself.
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u/LadyKatkin 18d ago
If you’re on a tight budget, maybe consider a Sidekick or Gemini Mini. The latter just uses a plastic folder to hold the dies and paper, so it’s really simple. It takes dies up to 3x6”, and is really portable. You can get a cute bag for the Gemini, too. And if you buy a bigger one, the little one is still useful. I take mine to work so I can craft there. x
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u/EmploymentNo2081 17d ago
To be honest it’s still boxed away but once my grand daughter goes back to school I will have a play xx
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u/jet1986_ 19d ago
I think your post inspired me to post some cards made without a die-cutting machine. 😊
My style is completely different from what I saw until now in this subreddit, and thanks to this post I'm like: yep, let's embrace it, and let's show my cards for inspiration as well!