Thursday, July 10, 2025

Basic Guide: Die Cutting 101

Today's share is a bit of basic die cut info provided by internet sources.  If you have a tip and/or trick for die cutting manually or electronically that you would like to share, please feel free to e-mail it to A Cut Above and we will post and give you credit.  
 
In crafting, die cutting is a technique that uses a machine and a metal die to precisely cut shapes from various materials like paper, cardstock, fabric and more.  It allows for creating intricate designs and repeating shapes with accuracy and consistency, saving time and effort compared to hand cutting.  
 
This video provides a basic overview of die cutting and its uses in a You Tube video.  If you are linking projects to A Cut Above challenges, then this info is old news for you, but may be helpful for someone just starting out in the crafting "die cut" world. 
 
 
What is a Die Cutting Machine?
 
A die cutting machine is a tool that applies pressure to a die, which is a shaped piece of metal with a 
cutting edge, to cut through materials. 
 
These machines can be manual (hand-cranked) or electronic (powered by electricity). 
 
They are commonly used in paper crafting for card making, scrapbooking and creating various embellishments. 
 
What are dies?
 
Dies are metal shapes with a cutting edge, designed to cut specific patterns or shapes. 
 
They can range from simple geometric shapes to complex designs like flowers, animals and letters.
 
Dies can be used to cut paper, cardstock, fabric, felt and even thin plastic.
 
This video above shows the process of using a die cutting machine.
 
How does die cutting work?
 
Preparation:  
A die is placed on top of the material to be cut, then both are placed on the cutting plate of the machine. 
 
Cutting:
The machine applies pressure to the die, forcing it to cut through the material.
 
Result:
The die creates an exact, repeated shape, saving time and effort compared to hand cutting.
 
Question:  What type of die cutting  do you do?  Manual?  Electronic? 
 
 

Monday, July 7, 2025

July Anything Goes With A Die Cut Challenge!

Welcome back to A Cut Above's July Challenge.

Thank you everyone that played along with the June Challenge.  There were lots of fabulous entries and it's great to see the different die cuts and how everyone uses them. 
 
All projects that include at least one die cut, according to A Cut Above's guidelines, are welcome.   Please be sure to check them out!  There is a three entry limit and A Cut Above reserves the right to remove entries not following the guidelines.  
 
As always, July's theme is "Anything Goes With A Die Cut"
 
The Creative Team is sharing wonderful inspiration for you...
 


 Add your entry by using the link at the bottom of this post by 8 PM, DST on the East Coast, July  28, 2025.  Challenge winner posted on July 30,  2025 here in the blog.
 
If you missed the June Challenge winner, you can find it HERE in the previous post. 
 
Thank you,
A Cut Above 
 

 

Monday, June 30, 2025

June Challenge Winner!

Winner!

Announcing the June "Anything Goes with a Die Cut" Challenge winner!

Thanks to everyone for sharing such wonderful projects with us this past month.   There were so many wonderful entries and we truly appreciate your creations and support.

Please grab the badge/link and spread the word!
Don't forget to follow the blog too.
 

On to the June Challenge winner....
The winner chosen by random draw is ...#35 Mamaw Cindy.  Congratulations!
 
 
Please contact A Cut Above at acutabovechallengeblog@yahoo.com by  July 7, 2025 to claim your $5 GC to A Cherry On Top Craft Store and avoid forfeiture of your prize.
 
 
Here are designer choices from some of the team...
 
Judy's choice...
 
Leanne's choice...
 
 Vicki's choice...

Diane's choice...
 Melly Art's choice...
 
Congratulations and please grab the Designer's Choice badge to share on your blog, or other social media sites.
 
Join us on Monday, July 7th for a new challenge!
A Cut Above is looking forward to seeing you here.
 
Thanks,
A Cut Above 

Monday, June 2, 2025

June Anything Goes!

 Wow, where did May go so fast?  

June is here and it's time for a new challenge.  The theme is always "Anything Goes With A Die Cut" according to the challenge guidelines found HERE at the top of the blog.  Be sure to check them out!  
 

Grab A Cut Above's badge/widget and add it to your blog or social media site.  
Spread the word and become a follower.  We're delighted to have you play along.
 
Winner is chosen by random draw at the end of the challenge and awarded a $5 GC prize to A Cherry On Top Craft Store after sending an acknowledgment e-mail to A Cut Above by the date listed in the winner post.
 
Here's a variety of great inspiration from the Creative Team.
Please visit their personal sites by clicking on the linked name above each project for details and to share some love.
 
First up is June's Guest Creative Designer with this gorgeous card.
 

 And even more inspiration from A Cut Above's Creative Team...
 


 
 Use the link at the bottom of this post to add your entry by 8 PM DST on the East Coast, June 28, 2025. Challenge winner posted in this blog on June 30, 2025.  If you missed the winner of May's challenge, you can find it HERE in the previous post.

ACA reserves the right to delete any entry not following the guidelines including the three entry limit.
 
Thank you!
A Cut Above
 
 

Friday, May 30, 2025

May Challenge Winner!

  Winner time!

May's challenge has ended and it's time to announce the winner of our Anything Goes with a Die Cut Challenge.  We had so many fabulous, creative entries.  Thank you to everyone that played along this past month.
 
The winner chosen by random draw is... #49.  
Congratulations to you!
Please contact A Cut Above at the e-mail address under the "Contact ACA" tab located at the top of the blog by June 6th, 2025 to claim your winner's badge and $5 GC to A Cherry On Top Craft Store to avoid forfeiture of your prize.


The Creative Team is sharing a few of their favorite entries.  Congratulations and
please grab the Designer's Choice badge for your blog and/or social medias sites.
 
Vicki's choice...

 Judy's choice...

Lori's choice...

Leanne's choice...


Please join us on Monday, June 2nd for a new challenge.
We look forward to seeing your wonderful creations!
 
Thank you again,
A Cut Above