Embellishing Your Scrapbook Die Cuts

Scrapbook die cuts are a popular way to embellish layouts and handmade cards.  You can purchase pre-made cutouts, or make your own, using one of the die cutters on the market.  

If you have been staring at the glossy pages of craft magazines, wondering why your layouts and cards look boring in comparison, you may be surprised at the reason- it may be those cutouts you are using.  If your die cuts are only paper and glue, they may need a little makeover.  It’s time to have fun with them, and once you do, you may find that your projects rival those ones you have been admiring.

Here are five simple ways you can embellish your cutouts, taking them from ordinary to extraordinary:

1.  Try embossing.  Embossing is easy, especially with all the different embossing tools available to crafters.  If you don’t own an embossing machine, check out either the Cuttlebug or the Sizzix Texture Boutique.  Both of these machines are fairly inexpensive and very easy to operate.  To emboss your die cuts, all you have to do is place them in an embossing folder, add the embossing plates, and run through the machine.  The machine applies pressure, which transfers the pattern on the folder to the paper cutout.

2.  Embellish with buttons, beads, brads, or other baubles.  Another way to easily transform die cuts and add more dimension is to add everyday items, such as buttons and beads, to your cutouts.  For example, if you have a die cut snowman, you could add real buttons going down the front of him, and maybe a fabric scrap around his neck as a scarf.  

3.  Use your sewing machine.  For some reason,when people get bit by the paper crafting bug, they put their sewing projects on hold.  However, sewing machines are not just for fabric – they can be used on paper too!  Stitching is a great way to add detail to die cuts.

4.  Apply ink to the edges of your cutouts.  One way to help die cuts stand out is to apply ink to their edges.  Inking ensures that your cutouts won’t blend into their backgrounds, and is a great way to add a distressed or grungy appearance to your paper piecings.

5.  Don’t forget to layer.  If you make your own diecuts using a die cut machine, use any of the extra features it offers.  For example, many of the Cricut cartridges have features which allow you to layer on the accents.  You can add personality to your projects by using these paper piecing options.

These are just a few ideas to get you started embellishing your scrapbook die cuts.  Another way to come up with even more ideas of your own is to find projects you like and scraplift them.  Many talented paper crafters have learned this way.  Once they become comfortable with the different techniques, they easily come up with original ideas of their own.  

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