Die Cutter Shapes Craft
Die cutting is a process where a prefabricated die, usually made from metal, punches or slices through materials to create shapes used in industry and crafts. The process was invented in the middle of the 19th century in the U.S. and became a major factor in the industrialization as it provided fast and cheap replacement parts for, among others, machines. Many crafters and hobbyists have their own die cutting machines which they use on various materials.
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Paper
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Die cut shapes made from paper are mainly used in card making and scrapbooking. Many card makers and scrapbooker artists make their own shapes with die cut machines that are widely available. The paper shapes are used as embellishments, to convey symbolic messages or as illustrations for text. Shapes can be stacked and glued on top of each other to create a three-dimensional effect, or be decorated with other materials, including glitter and beads, to add texture. Die cut paper shapes can also be used to create bookmarks, to embellish place cards or to make a pop-up books for children.
Wood
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Die cut shapes made from thin wood are used as ornaments on furniture, room decorations or puzzle games for children. Painted wood shapes can be strung up and suspended from ceilings to make mobiles for nurseries, or used as ornaments on Christmas trees. Alternatively, pick and paint wooden shapes of stars, animals and geometrical figures, attach Velcro stickers or magnets on the back and give the pieces to your children to make shape pictures on either textile covered or metallic surfaces. Wooden shapes are most commonly produced in industrial settings as die cutting machines for the material are not easily, or cheaply available for consumers.
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Metal
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Thin sheets of metal can be die cut into ornaments and used in jewelry making or metal sculptures and art. Most jewelry makers and metal workers make their own shapes by punching dies through metal sheets according to their designs. The shapes can then be strung on necklaces as pendants and added to earring and ring designs. Metal workers and artists solder, braze or weld die cut shapes on to structures and sculptures to create, among other things, art installations.
Textile
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Die cut fabrics are used in a variety of textile crafts. The shapes are added to repair or embellish children's clothes or be used as creative elements on quilts and patchworks. Die cut machines for home use are widely available and allow designers to create shapes to their own specifications instead of being limited to buying shop material. Die cut fabric shapes can add fashion or fun statements to clothes and accessories, and give new elements to tired looking or old household textiles, including bed sheets, curtains and nursery furniture.
Plastic
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Die cut plastic in various shapes is used in several crafts and can be easily produced with machines available to consumers. The paper thin shapes are used in card making and scrapbooking, but are also suitable for party decorations, art projects or jewelry design. Flower shaped plastic pieces can be strung up and used as garlands while other shapes might be added to earrings, necklaces or bracelets. Collage art offers possibilities to use a variety of materials and shapes, including plastic, while die cut letters and shapes can be added to fashion accessories, including handbags and belts.
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