Die cut printing is a process where die cutting is used to generate big amounts of the same shape in materials such as wood, plastic, metal or fabric to create a finished product. The shapes are often called blanks and are usually finished as decorated items before being sold. Many printers use specially designed blades to cut the desired shape on the material. After it is cut, the material is then placed on a flat surface where there is another material to support it. The die is then pressed onto the material to cut it.
The die cuts then are shapes and letters in your die cut printing that are scored from pieces of your paper stock which were either with the help of a machine or sometimes, by hand. Usually, die cuts are made in paper crafts and can be used to design greeting cards, scrapbook projects, and even marketing collaterals such as postcards.
As scrapbook crafts became very popular, die cuts have also been in style as they are used to embellish and adorn the layouts of the scrapbooks. In fact, die cuts became widely accepted as a form of decorative designs that many paper crafters use regularly.
The die cuts are very flexible especially in paper crafting that they can be utilized in die cut printing jobs using a computer and laser printer. The image can be downloaded from any die cut printing website and then sent to the printer for reproduction. Then the paper crafter cuts the shapes out by hand with a pair of scissors or by a die cut machine.
Die cuts are also popular for jigsaw puzzles. They can be pieced together in order to create a much larger image. They can also be decorated with color markers and pens to create a more dimensional effect. For a more distinct look, you can always go for distressed edges.
For an easier time of having ready-made die cuts, stores and craft shops are offering pre-cut shapes. You can choose from a wide variety that many stores have made available. However, many of the stores carry die cuts with limited sizes, colors and images. For many crafters, they often cut their die cuts at home with the help of a die cut machine, which is available in just about any craft store.
As always, you need to shop around for the die cuts you need. There are many die cut items and stores carrying this stuff. As long as you check out the stores that carry these special items, you can always find stuff that is appropriate to your needs as well as your budget.
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