Complete Guide To Die Cutting And Embossing

When I was a new card maker, I was a bit overwhelmed. How do you use these ink pads? What about the stamps and blocks? How do I cut card bases? But the most intimidating question was, “How do I use my die cutting machine?” It really wasn’t hard, but it seemed like it might be. For this reason, today I’m sharing my complete guide to die cutting and embossing to help you get started simply. Let’s talk about it!

Learn all about what is die cutting and how to do it for cards, scrapbook pages, and other papercrafting projects.

Complete Guide To Die Cutting And Embossing Video

If you prefer to watch along, take a look at my video here. In addition, I always share something encouraging at the end and today’s talk is about miracles that have happened to four people I know personally. Watch along or keep reading!

Now let’s get started talking about die cutting and embossing!

What Is Die Cutting?

Die cutting is a process that uses metal dies in various shapes to cut from paper or other materials.

What Is Embossing?

Embossing uses molded plastic folders to imprint a texture onto paper.

Learn how to dry emboss paper! This is part 5 of my introduction to the Stampin Cut And Emboss Machine, an amazing tool from Stampin Up.

What Supplies Are Needed For Die Cutting?

Die cutting requires a die cutting machine, dies, and paper.

What Supplies Are Needed For Embossing?

Embossing requires an embossing machine (which typically does die cutting as well), an embossing folder, and paper.

Types of Die Cutting & Embossing Machines On The Market

There are many different die cutting and embossing machines on the market. Most are hand operated, while some are electronic. Various sizes are available. A standard size has a working surface around 6″ x 9″, while both larger and smaller machines are available. When shopping for machines, definitely do your research to see if others using a particular machine are happy with it. Also, check to make sure it comes with a warranty!

In this complete guide to the Stampin Up Mini Stampin Cut And Emboss Machine, I'll share everything you need to know to decide whether to add one of these machines to your collection and also how to use it!

I absolutely love the die cutting and embossing machine I have been using for several years now. I actually broke the first one I had after having it for a couple of years, and I was very pleased to find out it had a 3 year warranty and Stampin Up sent me a new one! This machine works so very well…better than the Big Shot I used to have. And the 3 year warranty is a big plus. Learn more about my die cutting and embossing machine and mini machine using these links.

How To Die Cut Paper

Die cutting paper requires knowing the specific instructions for your machine. For my machine, the process is as follows. Lay the following on the machine platform:

Plate 1
Plate 2
Clear plate 3
Paper
Die, rough edge down
Clear plate 3

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Next, gently press the stack into the machine and begin cranking it through. Once it catches in the machine, use your other hand to secure the machine using the top handle. Crank until the plates come out the back side, then remove the paper and the die.

How To Emboss Paper

Embossing requires knowing the specific instructions for your machine. For my machine, to emboss using 3D embossing folders, which is the type I use the most often, the process is as follows. Lay the following on the machine platform:

Plate 1
Embossing folder, with paper inside
Plate 4

Gently press the stack into the machine and begin cranking it through. Once it catches in the machine, use your other hand to secure the machine using the top handle. Crank it until the plates come out the back side, then remove the paper and the embossing folder.

Ways To Use Die Cuts On Card Projects

There are endless ways to use die cuts on projects! Just a few ideas include:

Tags for greetings
Die cut basic shapes for stamping a focal point
Detailed die cuts for a focal point
Die cut words for the greeting
Die cuts with special techniques like blending or embossing

Click to access Card Making For Beginners: Complete Guide To Die Cutting And Embossing! Learn to die cut and emboss simply!

Ways To Use Embossing On Card Projects

Embossing also can be used in many different ways on your projects! Here are a few ideas:

Full backgrounds
Embossed strips for backgrounds
Embossed punches or die cuts
Embossing with techniques like ink applied to the embossing folder, or ink blending done on the finished embossed piece

A sample Die cutting & embossing project

Watch along with today’s video, linked at the top, to see how to make this card!

To create it, I used a beautiful hybrid embossing folder to create the sand dollars. It embosses them, and then the coordinating die cuts them out.

Here you can see this lovely Seaside Wishes bundle.

And the card again!

I hope this helps you get started with die cutting and embossing! Learn more about these techniques using the links, or shop for supplies using the links below.