Welcome to die-cutting 101 with Sizzix! If you’re familiar with our products, you’ll already know about all the fantastic crafting possibilities our die-cutting systems have to offer. If you’re new to us, you can find everything you need to know right here! The Sizzix website is full of inspirational project ideas and you’re able to browse through our range for machines and dies and embossing designs.
Feel free to browse through our range of project sheets on this page and throughout the website and continue your Sizzix journey… so, where to start!
Download the project sheets below and use them in conjunction with the top tips from our fabulous designers. happy crafting!
A. Good question! Basically they both fulfil the same purpose – to provide the extra depth needed when using items thinner than our steel rule dies i.e. Sizzlits, Embosslits and Textured Impressions Embossing Folders. The multipurpose platform also allows you to use our wafer thin dies (Framelits) as it has an extra tab on the top. If you have a Solo Platform and would like to use Framelits, you will need to purchase the wafer thin die adapter (item 657160).
A. Hi Nicola! Our designers often use old CD wallets to keep them all safe and clean. Keep the cover card which comes in the packaging so that you have all the dimensions close to hand.
A. Hi Hellen! There are so many ways to use distress inks with the folders. One to use them is to rub the inks over the resulting emboss (or deboss) to bring out the detail, this works best with a Ranger Ink Blender. You can even apply the ink to one side of the folder prior to embossing, blend different colours together on the folder for best results. Tim Holtz achieves some great effects with this.
A. Good choice of die Vee! Sizzix designer Pete says “Picking each one out with a pin is one way but can be time consuming. When I have a Sizzlits die with lots of delicate elements like this I will often cover the die with strips ordinary houshold Selotape. It won't affect the quality of the cut but you will find that the resulting die cuts are much easier to remove.”
We have a machine to suit everyone – our Texture Boutique for embossing paper and cardstock to our Big Shot, Big Shot Pro and Vagabond machines which allow you to emboss but also cut paper, grungeboard, fabric, felt, craft metal, leather, foam, shrink plastic and most things in between! Click here to view our machines.
Steel rule dies – look out for Bigz, On The Edge and Movers and Shapers dies. These will cut almost anything including cardstock, felt, fabric, foam, magnet, leather, craft aluminium, and many other materials. Imagine the giant-sized possibilities of our large and lovely decorative shapes, bags, cards, envelopes and lettering!
Chemically etched dies – Check out our Sizzlits and Embosslits. Designed to cut a single sheet of cardstock, Sizzlits create fabulous little shapes that make a great big difference with your papercrafting. Go one step further with Embosslits – these clever little dies cut AND emboss for some very impressive results!
Framelits – These are packs of wafer thin dies that sit within each other for gorgeous 3-D layering, precise cutting of windows in a card and more. What you see is what you get with Framelits they’re great for easy cropping of photos too. *requires the use of the Wafer Thin Die Adapter.
Textured Impressions Embossing Folders – does what it says on the tin! These cute folders emboss paper and thin card, giving an elegant twist to card and other papercrafting projects.
You’ve got your machine and you’ve got your dies, just pick your chosen material and you’re ready to go!
All you need to do is put your chosen material on top of your die, layer the two between your cutting pads and roll it through the machine. When using our thinner Sizzlits and Embosslits you’ll also need to use the platform that comes with your machine to add extra depth. Take a look at the first question and answer below for details on how to use Framelits.
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