Tip of the Week..."101" on working with Intricate Dies!

Hello Dear Stamper Friends:
Today I am bringing to you a quick "101" on how to work properly with intricate DIES and very effective tips when die cutting!...

1- How to release your paper when it gets stuck inside an intricate die without tearing it?
Place between, the die and the paper, a piece of  "WAX cooking paper"!...this type of paper helps release the paper from the die! It comes out like butter!!!

2- Where to place all the dies when die cutting without loosing them!...specially when using tiny and several ones at the same time?
I created a "MAGNETIC" surface at my "die cutting station"... in my craft room

I cover the side of this storage unit with a magnetic adhesive sheet and covered it with "white Con.Tact" paper to blend it with my furniture..
Who knew that this wood storage unit is "magnetized"?
I use this...

And I "magnetized", as well this acrylic photo holder to place my tiny dies in my desk when I am working with them...and not loose them!

using the same products...as mentioned above...

BEFORE

AFTER

3- MUST have tools when Die cutting:

-Remember when die cutting intricate dies use a Metal Plate as a shim along with your plates or place extra cardstock on the area that is having a problem when cutting...
-Use a Tool Pick to release the paper from the die
-Have a Makeup Brush to dust your dies, your plates, your working surface...after cutting there is alwasy "DUST" from the paper fibers...
-tape your die to the paper, specially when die cutting several pieces, with Removable Tape in order to avoid shifting when cranking your machine
-Place some Wax Paper between die and paper when cutting intricate dies...
- Nail brush, great to dust the big die cutting plates made out of that black foam like the ones from Tim Holtz
- Scissors ; did you see where I hang them from? look above...on my "magnetic" surface

4- About your CUTTLEBUG machine...or other die cutting machines...

a- Write the "Recipes for the Sandwiches" and glue them to your machine...
I use my "P-touch label maker" machine to make those labels...

b- try to place your dies on the edges, or corners, we tend to place everything in the middle section and with time your rollers get worn and have less pressure... so use other areas less used ...

c- REPLACE your plates from time to time with new ones... having too many cracks/ scratches or bends will make the die cutting less effective and the cardstock will show wrinkles from the used/worn plates...

Ok Dear friends, I hope I gave you some new ideas or tips that you can implement in your work area...when working with all your dies...

Come back soon, because  I will have on the side bar on the ORGANIZATION section,  How to organize all your Dies...and you will have a pick into my Heaven..of Dies!!!

for now, Have a nice day!

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