Hey friends! Today I am so excited to be sharing another video in my cardmaking life hacks series… this time for die cutting. I will be sharing 6 life hacks to make die cutting faster and easier!

(Looking for anything that I used in the video? All of the supplies are linked with images to multiple stores at the end of this post. Compensated affiliate links used when possible. Watch the full video HERE in HD!)

For a die cutting machine, I really recommend the Gemini or Gemini Junior. These machines run through by themselves and have a really strong pressure, so they cut through intricate dies and thick paper effortlessly!

LINING UP DIES

Some dies don’t have any openings to line up with your image, so it can be difficult to get a perfectly cut image. To fix this, I cut out the die and use the cardstock over the image to place the die. This leaves you with a perfectly cut image.

DIY ADHESIVE CARDSTOCK

It can be helpful to die cut using adhesive backed cardstock for intricate die cuts instead of using liquid glue. I love this huge adhesive roll to put on the back of any cardstock (it’s also great to make stickers or use for techniques). The Gemini machine has no problem cutting through the adhesive.

FOAM DIE CUT

I am obsessed with layering paper die cuts to make them stand out on cardmaking projects! However, it can be quite a time consuming and tedious process to layer them up. Craft Foam is a great alternative… I add a paper die cut over the top and you have an easy die cut that stands out on your projects.

STAMPING WITH DIES

Stamping using dies gives unique and delicate results that can create some awesome backgrounds! I always use Distress Oxide Inks to stamp with dies because they clean off nicely with water and don’t stain. I’ve tested other inks and stamp cleaners that have ruined my dies.

DIY COLORED PAPER

If you don’t have tons of paper that coordinates with your project try using Distress Oxide Inks or Copic Markers to create your own unique cardstock. I created a watercolor background with Distress Oxides and an ombre background with Copics. Also, if you create a project that you don’t love try using it to die cut… you can get some awesome results!

PRESS N’ SEAL

Press n’ Seal is a huge time saver when doing inlaid die cutting techniques. I used it to pick up all of the little pieces from the Floral Confetti die to adhere on a background.

Here is a fun card that I created using some of the life hacks that were shared in today’s video!

SUPPLIES

Below are all of the supplies used in today’s video linked to multiple stores for convenience. Compensated affiliate links used when possible (when you use these links it helps support me at no extra cost to you)… Thank you!