Die Cutting Machines
Mosaic Moments dies are compatible with any die-cutting machine designed to cut thin metal dies, making them accessible no matter which brand of machine you have in your crafting arsenal.
Here’s a guide to help you get the most out of your Mosaic Moments dies with a variety of die-cutting machines, along with some helpful tips to make your crafting experience smooth and successful.
Check Your Machine’s Compatibility
Before you dive into using Mosaic Moments dies, make sure your die-cutting machine is designed to cut thin metal dies. Most popular machines—like the Sizzix Big Shot, Crafters Companion Gemini, Spellbinders Platinum, and We R Memory Keepers Evolution—are perfect for the job. If you already own one of these machines, you’re all set! These machines typically work with a range of materials, including cardstock, patterned paper, and even thin fabric.
Layer Your Cutting Plates Correctly
One of the most important steps when using any die-cutting machine is creating the right “sandwich” of cutting plates. The specific order of plates may vary depending on your machine, but here’s a general guideline that works for most:
- Place your cutting plate on the base platform.
- Lay your paper or cardstock on top of the cutting plate.
- Position your Mosaic Moments die (cutting side down) on the paper.
- Place the top cutting plate over the die and run the stack through the machine.
If you're unsure about your machine's settings, consult the manual for die-cutting instructions specific to thin metal dies.
Use the Right Paper Thickness
Mosaic Moments dies work best with medium-weight cardstock or patterned paper. If your paper is too thin, you might not get clean cuts. On the flip side, super thick cardstock can make it difficult for the machine to apply even pressure, resulting in incomplete cuts. A good tip is to start with standard cardstock (around 80 lb) and adjust based on your personal preference and machine’s cutting power.
Maximize Your Machine’s Pressure
If you find that your machine isn’t cutting through the paper as cleanly as you'd like, don’t worry—this is a common issue and can be easily fixed. Here are a few tips to increase pressure:
- Add a cardstock shim (a thin piece of cardstock placed between the cutting plate and the die). This can help apply more pressure, giving you cleaner cuts.
- Make sure the cutting plates are not overly warped, as this can affect how evenly the machine applies pressure.
- If you still need more pressure, try running the die through the machine multiple times, or rotate the die and run it through again in the opposite direction.
Care for Your Dies
To get the best results from your Mosaic Moments dies, it’s important to take good care of them. Always store your dies flat to prevent bending, and be mindful when removing them from your paper—using a craft tool, like a pokey tool or tweezers, can help you lift them without causing damage. Also, occasionally clean your dies to remove any tiny paper bits that might get stuck in the detailed areas.
Get Creative with Your Dies
Mosaic Moments dies offer endless design possibilities! Use them to create stunning grid-based layouts, incorporate layering for extra depth, or even mix and match different sets for unique patterns. For example, the X Factor and Side by Side collections can work together to frame your photos in exciting ways.
Don’t limit yourself to just photos, though! Experiment with patterned papers and solid colors to make your designs pop.
Using Mosaic Moments dies with your favorite die-cutting machine is a simple and fun way to elevate your scrapbooking projects. As long as your machine is designed for thin metal dies, you’ll have no problem getting great results. Just follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, intricate layouts that truly stand out. So grab your dies, fire up your machine, and start crafting masterpieces!