Does Anybody Use Just One Type of Die-Cutting Tools???

[scorpiobaby]

:confused: I am feeling awfully confused and overwhelmed recently with my tools... Perhaps too many and not enough time?

I have dies and my Cuttlebug.
I have 2 Cricut machines - create and expression, the original one.
Inks galore like CTMH, SU, TH Distress and more...
Coordinating stamps for my Cricut via CTMH and some of my dies.

I dunno but what I do know is that I need fast and simple. Right now I do not have my own computer to be crafty companion for me so the Silhouette nor the Explore are not the machines for me. My Cricuts are collecting dust. I love using my Cuttlebug and dies or punches. Especially when here is so much coordination with stamps and dies. But I am a scrapbooker and cardmaker.

What to do? What to keep? Any words of advice crafters?

[lylacfey]

A lot of the girls are going to say Clean and Simple. I beat them to it, lol.

I have been making jokes about this same topic on a couple of threads this week. I am going through the overwhelming tools thing too. I have different crafting hobbies and all my tools fit in small areas. Like my cross-stitching tools are in one box. That includes my floss & stitching tools. My polymer clay tools are in one little area. My paper crafting tools strewn everywhere.

I am like you I just want simple. I don't really need fast because I absolutely adore detailed work. There is something soothing to me just to have my craft knife, ruler and my detailed scissors out. Then I have my Cuttlebug out, my Cameo, my dies, my stamps, my coloring tools, my ten million inks. This seriously lead to me getting overwhelmed and exhausted. I am not joking about that.

Get rid of your Cricut's. If your not using them they will keep staring at you sapping out your creative energy. Seriously. Sell them for some new punch and die money. If your not in the position to sell can you pack them away the things that are bothering you.

I went through my dies and punches with a critical eye this week. If I couldn't use them for other crafts in my arsenal the dies and punches got donated. I only kept like three punches I use for cardmaking and my scrapbooking.

I would love to use one die cutting tool. I would probably just pick my Cameo.

Can't wait to hear what everyone else has to say. I think some of us needs some inspiring advice.

[Annecards]

Just like my signature I confess to being a craft, have to have it, junkie. Suddenly I'm back to the basics and into watercolor, inks, and stamps. You won't find me disagreeing here, because I find my arsenal overwhelming many days :confused: My main machines are my Big Shot Pro and Cameo. There's two electronic die and embossing machines, and I'm even embarrassed to list the other machines I've in my collection. Bottom line, you're both wiser than I!

[diecuts4u]

Donate a cricut to a library, I did an they use it all the time for their bulletin boards, signs, etc.

[lutheran]

I have a Big Shot only but I do really want a Cricut someday. I was slow to even get the Big Shot, I don't mind cutting and I'm a purest about Stamps, Paper, Ink on my projects. Now I love it and use it often and have accumulated quite a collection of "stuff" for it.
Mary Beth

[Denverkat276]

I have a slice, a cricut expresssion, a silhouette SD, Epic manual, Spellbinder's Grand Calibur. I actually do use them all. (not much lately, under the weather), but I'm planning to scrap out the rest of the winter.

I do want to trade my Silhouette SD for a new cameo, but I'm in no rush.

I can not advise you as I love all my cutters and I couldn't get rid of one of them... not yet anyway.

[klh54]

I used to just have the Cuttlebug, but then three years later in 2008 got the old Silhouette (Wish blade). I upgraded to the Cameo three years later in 2011, still keeping the Cuttlebug. Just recently I purchased some dies that won't go through the Cuttlebug opening so now I have a Grand Calibur coming my way via Amazon in 2 short days and that is also three years from purchasing the Cameo. So what's up with me...the three year itch? Hahaha

[chihuahua-mom]

I have the Big Shot, Cricut Expression and Pazzle. I use the Big Shot all the time, Cricut some of the time and Pazzle not at all. The Pazzle I bought a couple of years ago and have used it one time, I'm going to sell it and just keep my Big Shot and Cricut.

[StampinMeCrazy]

A few months back, I got rid of my Cricut Expression, carts, tools, all accessories and I don't miss it one teeny tiny bit. I use my manual diecutters (Accucut mark IV + Teal Big Shot) with a million dies and embossing folders (and stamps course) and ... that's enough for me. I organize everything by topic (birthday, alphabets, etc) and my dies are all laid out on a double-shallow Ikea wall shelf where i can see them. It works for me.

[scorpiobaby]

Do many of you create your own embellishments using stamps and coordinating dies and/or cutting machines? I am stuck in my thought process as to 'I want to do so' BUT am not doing so.

[Buried Treasures]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorpiobaby

:I love using my Cuttlebug and dies or punches. Especially when here is so much coordination with stamps and dies. But I am a scrapbooker and cardmaker.

I only have a Cuttlebug and I love it. It does everything from thin dies to the Bigz dies. All of the die cutting machines run on the same principle - apply enough pressure so the die cuts the paper. With a little bit of finagling, the Cuttlebug hasn't failed me yet! They even make the longer plates for it now, but even with the longer die sets, I cut portions at a time and haven't even been tempted to buy the longer plates.

[Cartermrc]

I have just the Big Shot. Don't want to get into electronic machines and the Big Shot does everything I need.

[gregzgurl]

I concur with Cindy - the Big Shot is all I require. I have "kid in a candy store" issues - too many options and it stops me in my tracks, completely unable to choose! Knowing this (and my propensity towards making the most "stuff" fit in the smallest footprint possible), I'm trying very hard to keep things as minimalist as possible in my craft room. Of course, "minimalist" is both an oxymoronic and a relative term where crafting supplies are concerned...there's still LOTS and LOTS! Good luck in your efforts on scaling back...

[Denverkat276]

I don't have too many matching dies/stamp sets, but I do make loads of my own embellishments. I'm crazy about flowers. I do for instance, cut out Tim Holtz's tattered flowers. I'll emboss them with some pretty folder, ink them and turn them into beautiful 3D flowers. I love taking cutouts and stamping them, then maybe add some glossy accents to turn them into something pretty and shiny. I love making my embellishments.

I recommend it as a relaxation technique. lol It makes me happy!!

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buried Treasures

I only have a Cuttlebug and I love it. It does everything from thin dies to the Bigz dies. All of the die cutting machines run on the same principle - apply enough pressure so the die cuts the paper. With a little bit of finagling, the Cuttlebug hasn't failed me yet! They even make the longer plates for it now, but even with the longer die sets, I cut portions at a time and haven't even been tempted to buy the longer plates.

This is my story, too. I only have my trusty Cuttlebug and have not been tempted to get anything else. And I use some longer dies, and like you, just cut portions at a time, so no long plates. (Are we sisters, lol?)

Right now I'm using my CB and an old, old snowflake embossing folder to make this year's Christmas cards! Newer isn't always better.

[lylacfey]

Posted on wrong thread. Tabbing went awry.

[lylacfey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorpiobaby

Do many of you create your own embellishments using stamps and coordinating dies and/or cutting machines? I am stuck in my thought process as to 'I want to do so' BUT am not doing so.

I solemnly swear I am going to post on the right threads now. Oh my gosh I am having a night! ROFL

Ninety percent of my embellishments are made by me. One of the reasons I bought so many cutting tools. Then I come to the conclusion most of my embellishments I make are fussy cutting.

I do not own any dies with matching stamps. I make my own die/stamp combos with my Cameo or fussy cutting. For the most part I don't need a die cut machine to make my own embellishments. I really thought I would. I used it as a crutch. My best embellishments have come from using my hands, X-acto knife, & micro-tip scissors. I make a lot of doilies and alphabets on my Cameo.

I love to make my own embellishments. I find it so relaxing. I tend to make more embellishments than an actual project. Least it seems like that lately.

I know I would not be happy with the stamp/die combos. I find great joy and making my own unique things. I think stamp/die combos would hinder me because I would be looking at them as I need to use them the way they are made for. I know that seems silly but we all have that about something in our craft room.

I hope that helps. I am fatigued tonight so I hope I made sense.

Now on to the Cuttlebug. I am another Cuttlebug fan. I love my little machine. When she goes to Cuttlebug heaven I will replace her. I have a Big Shot. I should say my husband now has it because I just don't like it. I have so many time recommended it over here. I do stand by my recommendation. It's not a good machine for me.

My Cuttlebug never fails me. I know my Nesties sandwiches by heart. I always get nice embossing from my embossing folders. It cuts felt like a dream, for me. Plus, it's small. I really don't like big tools. I have never sprained my wrist using it. I am looking at you with an evil eye Sizzix Big Shot. You know your guilty of that.

I don't really use my Cuttlebug for paper crafting. Paper crafting is usually Nesties or embossing folders. I use my Cuttlebug to make fabric flowers, Kawaii items, jewelry and felties.

[Paula O.]

I have only a Cuttlebug, a handful of dies and many embossing folders. I'm a simple person. I'm at a computer a lot a work and don't have the energy at night do Cricut things. My S.U. demo lives down the street so if I ever felt the need to cut shapes I could do it at her house. I like and admire the fanciness of cutting shapes, etc. but I don't have the creativity to do it.

[Bahb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregzgurl

I concur with Cindy - the Big Shot is all I require. I have "kid in a candy store" issues - too many options and it stops me in my tracks, completely unable to choose! Knowing this (and my propensity towards making the most "stuff" fit in the smallest footprint possible), I'm trying very hard to keep things as minimalist as possible in my craft room. Of course, "minimalist" is both an oxymoronic and a relative term where crafting supplies are concerned...there's still LOTS and LOTS! Good luck in your efforts on scaling back...

Ahh, my sentiments exactly! My kids gave me a Cricut Expressions #2 last Christmas, still in the box, because "too many options stops me in my tracks"! I am sooooooo happy without the Cricut, why complicate my life?
HOWEVER, I did buy a MISTI and count that the best dollars I ever spent, including the dollars I spent on the biggest Genesis Trimmer.

[arlenevita]

I only use a Big Shot or punches. Fortunately I have't felt the need to go electronic.

[Buried Treasures]

The only reason I would be interested in an electronic cutter would be to make my own stencils. Is there a reasonably priced cutter on the market where I could design and cut stencils without having to buy cartridges or be restricted to the manufacturer's designs?

[cgarskejones]

I have an art studio and I host craft night every Tuesday nigh and My Thursday night group has been meeting for 16 years. I purchased my Silhouette last year and I own 2 Big Shot. I love,love,love tools

[lylacfey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buried Treasures

The only reason I would be interested in an electronic cutter would be to make my own stencils. Is there a reasonably priced cutter on the market where I could design and cut stencils without having to buy cartridges or be restricted to the manufacturer's designs?

I cut stencils with my Cameo a lot. The reason I got into die cutting was to make my own stencils & cut my own artwork. Stencil making is the most important for me in choosing a die cutter. I do have a CB09 blade holder to cut stencils.

[sprtchick]

I own:
Grand Caliber
Slice
Ebosser
Big Shot
Cuttlebug (have gone thru 7!)
Cameo
Brother Scan and Cut
Crossover

I USE:
Crossover (bug is dead)
Cameo
Brother Scan n Cut

I love toys.
Blessings

[Kai!]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lylacfey

I cut stencils with my Cameo a lot. The reason I got into die cutting was to make my own stencils & cut my own artwork. Stencil making is the most important for me in choosing a die cutter. I do have a CB09 blade holder to cut stencils.

Does the stencil material dull the blade of the CB09 too much? If it's all right, can you share what settings you use? Thanks.

[shazsilverwolf]

I too cut my own stencils with a Silhouette, I just use regular OHP film for mine though, not thicker acetate or mylar.