Dies versus Die Cuts -What's the difference??

I sell die cuts so I run into beginner scrapmasters who don't really know the scrapbooking terminology so I have written this guide in order to explain the difference between dies and die cuts. What is a die cut? What is a die? Why do I need die cuts? What can I expect to pay for each? Which is a better option for my scrapbooking, paper making, or other paper project needs? Where can I find die cuts?These questions will be addressed in this guide.
"Scrapmaster" is the termmy fiance came up with to describe one who engages in paper crafting. A scrapmaster is a scrapbooker, card maker, or any other paper crafter.
My store is called Scrapmaster's Paradise which specializes in die cuts.
WHAT IS A DIE CUT?
Adie CUT is the paper or cardstock piece of paper that ismade into a decorative shape.Diecuts can be made into any shape you can imagine: letter shapes, people, holiday shapes, baby shapes, seriously anything you can imagine. Die cuts range from the most simple shapes to intricate, incredibly detailed shapes. Simple shaped die cuts are just cut around the edges to represent an object, like a star shape or a circle shape. The shapes get more geplex with detail cuts cut in the middle to make the die cut really look like what it is supposed to represent. The most intricate die cuts are actually layered with various cardstock colors like an assembled die cut of your favorite disney character.
Simple die cut
Multi-layered die cut
Multi-layered die cut
WHAT IS A DIE?
A die is the actual physical tool used to cut out a die cut. Popular die brands are Cuttlebug, Sizzix, Accucut, and Quickutz. These dies are made out of plastic or metal and a sharp metal blade protected in foam (the foam protects the blade and protects you from accidentally cutting yourself). These type of dies have to be manually pressed or rolled using the machine that coordinates with the die brand. For example, Sizzix original dies can be used with the Sizzix machine, and Cuttlebug dies can be used with the Cuttlebug machine. The most intricate die cuts are made with electronic die cutting machines like the Cricut Machine and Expression Machine, Pazzles Inspiration, the Wishblade, Craft ROBO, and Klik-n-Kut. Some of the electronic machines have to be used with the geputer and some of the electronic machines use cartridges or discs that contain shapes on them so you don't need a geputer.
Sizzix dies in a case
The Sizzix machine
The Cricut Machine -an electronic die cutting machine
WHY DO I NEED DIE CUTS?
If you are a scrapbooker, card maker, or if you do any other paper crafts, die cut shapes are essential. They are probably the most versatile scrapbooking embellishment available because 1. they are made out of paper so they are flat and lightweight 2. they can be altered with ink, distressed, layered 3. they gee in every shape imaginable so you can get exactly what you want for your project and 4. they can be used as stencils or stamps. There are lists on the internet for all the hundreds of things that you can do with die cuts. The possibilities are endless with these great embellishments. Some people even use die cuts in their home decor projects.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO PAY FOR DIES AND DIE CUTS?
Die cuts (the paper shapes) usually cannot be found in your local craft store except in generic basic shapes. There are plenty of great sellers on e-bay (me included) that sell die cuts. The prices range greatly depending on the intricacy and size of the die cut but typically range from $.15-$.30 all the way up to $5.00 upward. The die cuts found in the lower range are the basic shapes that are just the cut around the edges. The higher priced die cuts are the more intricate, multi-layered die cuts.
Dies are significantly more expensive! Sizzix dies range from 8-20 depending on the size of the die. Plus, you have to purchase the machine in order to cut out the shapes, and the Sizzix machine costs around $80. The accucut machine costs $395 on the gepany's website. Clearly the dies and die machines are very expensive. The electric die cutting machines are $200 and upward.
WHICH IS THE BEST OPTION FOR ME?
Expecially when you are just starting out with your paper hobby, it is hard to decide if you would rather buy die cuts or dies/die cutting machines. Clearly pricing is one of the most important factors that should be considered. The die machines are expensive, and dies are expensive. The electronic machines are also very expensive. Die cuts on the other hand are much less expensive. Why buy a lion shaped die for $15.00 when you only need one or two for a zoo layout when you can buy the die cuts for $1.00? For most scrapbookers or card makers, all the machines and die cutting tools are unnecessary. I have alsofound that some people simply don't want to have to spend the time assemblingall the tiny pieces of an assembled die cut. Some people find that part of the scrapbooking process very frustrating.And die cutting machines are heavy and bulky so they take up SPACE, which some scrappers don't have. Die cuts are relatively inexpensive, and you can find plenty of them on e-bay. Some sellers (me included) will actually make die cuts just for you if you can't find what you need for your project.
On the other hand, there are benefits to having a die cutting machine. The machines are convenient because you can make whatever you want. Having the machines gives you many creative possibilities right at your fingertips.
WHERE CAN I FIND DIE CUTS?
on okay! There are many sellers on okay thatsell die cuts. You can search for the shape you want and there is a category dedicated to die cuts in the crafts