More and more home crafters are getting into making homemade greeting cards – and with good reason! Homemade greeting cards are generally cheaper than the cards you can purchase from your local drug store or grocery store (where cards are frequently sold for $3-5 a piece!). In addition, making your own greeting cards gives you an unparalleled ability to customize each card specifically for the recipient. Many card makers stick with the hobby due in large part to the great compliments they receive on every card given!

 

If you're serious about getting started with making homemade greeting cards, there are a few essential supplies you'll need. Obviously, you'll want to stock up on cardstock, fun papers, scissors and adhesives. However, another item to put on your homemade greeting card shopping list is a die cutting machine. Surprised? Here's why this scrapbooking tool is a must-have for homemade greeting card makers.

 

First of all, creating your own greeting cards frequently requires you to either cut small, decorative shapes out by hand, or purchase pre-packaged die cut shape packages from crafting stores. If you choose to cut your shapes by hand, you'll quickly find that it's tedious, time consuming work that could best be allocated to other tasks. You may also find that this repetitive cutting work is tough on your hands, or that the shapes you create by hand aren't as neat and clean looking as the ones you can purchase from a crafting store.

 

Buying a die cutting machines for your homemade greeting cards eliminates all of these issues. With your very own die cut machine, you'll be able to create all the die cut shapes you could possibly want for your greeting cards at the touch of a button or the pull of a lever (depending on the model of die cut machine you choose). You'll be able to cut your shapes faster, which leaves you time to make even more cards!

 

In addition, die cut machines are much less stressful on your hands (this may be especially important if you have arthritis or any other condition that causes you to limit the use of your hands in crafting projects), and the shapes you create will look every bit as neat and clean as their craft store counterparts.

 

But beyond these advantages, a die cut machine will enable you to personalize your homemade greeting cards even further by customizing each shape you cut. Some die cut machines are computer controlled, which means that you can manipulate the shapes you cut in a number of different ways. This will help you to ensure that each die cut shape is exactly right for the card you're creating.

 

You'll also find that some die cut machine models will let you cut on a variety of surfaces, including everything from decorative paper to cardstock to vellum and more. This ensures that every greeting card you create will be as unique as the recipient you lovingly present it to!

Expand Your Scrapbooking with the Cricut Expression Die Cut Machine

If you’re more than just a “once in awhile” scrapbooker, you need a die cut machine that offers power and versatility – and the Cricut Expression Cutting Machine definitely fits this bill!

The Cricut Expression is one of the best die cut machines on the market today, due in large part to the wide variety of features it includes. It is computer-controlled, which means that you’ll be able to control the size and shape of each die cut shape you create. In addition, the Cricut Expression offers a number of different cutting modes to ensure that you get exactly the cut you’re looking for.

The following are a few of the other advantages of the Cricut Expression die cutting machine:

*Size – The Cricut Expression allows you to print at different sizes, from just a quarter of an inch up to 23 ½”. The easy to read LCD screen walks you through the process of printing at these different sizes – a feature that few other die cut machines can match.

*Cartridges Included – As with most die cut machines, you’re going to need cartridges in order to use the Cricut Expression. Fortunately, Cricut makes it easy to get up and running with your new die cut machine by including a complete font set and a set of essential shape cartridges. If these cartridges aren’t enough to meet your needs, you can always purchase more, either online or at any local crafting store.

*Flexibility – It’s true that you can do just about anything with your Cricut Expression, which is why most reviewers tend to rate this die cut machine very highly. Want to cut on vinyl? No problem! Want to create fun home decorations with die cut fabric shapes? Again, the Cricut Expression can handle it, giving you the most possible value from your die cut machine.

Check it out today!

 

*Portability – The Sizzix Big Shot is a manual die cut machine, which means it can be easily carried from room to room in your home, or even to scrapbooking classes or meet-ups. As far as die cut machines go, it's pretty small, which makes it easy to transport as well. It is rated as one of the best die cut machines for portability.

 

*Functionality – The Sizzix Big Shot is a beast – not only can it create die cut shapes out of paper, it can handle cardboard, fabric and a number of other different materials. This means that you get more bang for your buck when it comes to purchasing a die cut machine. The Sizzix Big Shot is one of the most affordable machines that can handle different types of material.

 

*Compatibility – The Sizzix Big Shot uses individual die cut cartridges (as it isn't powered by a computer that programs the die cut shapes), but you'll be pleased to know that it is compatible with cartridges from other product lines, in addition to Sizzix-specific cartridges. This is great if you already have an extensive selection of die cut cartridges, as you'll be able to use them with this machine.

 

Overall, the Sizzix Big Shot is a great die cut machine at a great price. It's a solidly-built work horse that will help you to create fun, unique scrapbook pages and other crafts.  It is a machine you can take anywhere and use for just about anything, all without breaking the bank on your die cut machine purchase.  And because of its cross-company compatibility, it's a die cut machine that you'll be able to use for years to come.

 

If you're looking for value in your die cut machine purchase, check out the Big Shot Die Cut Machine today!

 

*Buy used – Die cut machine manufacturers come out with new models nearly every year, but in most cases, it isn't necessary to have the absolute newest equipment. Consider what you're going to use your die cut machine for, and then find a cheaper used machine that will meet your needs for less money. You can find used machines on Craig's list, EBay and Amazon.

 

*Consider the total cost – Although you definitely want to save big on your die cut machine purchase, be careful to consider the total cost of your purchase. Suppose you find a deeply discounted die cut machine that sounds perfect on paper. But will you need to purchase any add-ons, like cartridges or extra cables? That cheap die cut machine can quickly turn into an expensive purchase if you don't consider everything you'll need to buy to use it.  In addition, specials are offered from time to time that include a machine plus several accessories. You can even re-sell some of the accessories to reduce your cost of the machine.

 

*Buy online – When you buy a die cut machine from your local scrapbooking or crafting store, you aren't just paying for the machine. You're paying for the overhead necessary to keep the store running, including things like commercial rent and employees, plus the store's heating and cooling. Most online sellers don't have these costs to contend with, and are therefore able to offer you big savings on die cut machines. It is much easier to compare costs when shopping online. Many online retailers offer free shipping and special discounts. You can even save state sales tax if you buy online from an out of state supplier. This can be a considerable savings if you are buying one of the more expensive machines.

 

Creating your own masterpieces with the aide of die cut machines is hobby you will enjoy for years to come. Finding the best deals will allow you more purchase power to pursue your passion.