Scrapbook die cuts are embellishments that are used on scrapbook pages to enhance a theme or help develop a story. They are usually made from heavy card stock and can help represent just about anything. Die cuts are letters, phrases, shapes, or tags and are placed on top of the page with adhesive to add depth and interest to a page.
Generally, scrapbooks are a creative way to capture moments and save memories. Each page of a typical scrapbook will generally focus on some highlight. It may be a special photo, award, concert ticket, or other important memory. Scrapbook die cuts are used to help tell a story or relive a memory; they can be used as accent shapes to frame a photo or words to describe it. For example, die cut shapes of palm trees can enhance the corners of a tropical vacation photo.
There are a variety of applications for scrapbook die cuts. When using a pre-made scrapbook page, a die cut can add a custom feel to a simple presentation. For printable pages, die cuts can give depth and dimension to an otherwise flat sheet. Die cuts can be a good way to add a label or caption to a photo. Used as borders or frames, die cuts can help highlight a special memento.
Scrapbook die cuts can be purchased at most craft stores, scrapbooking boutiques, or online. They range from simple letters to intricate designs, and are available in whole sheets of coordinating pieces that can become the theme of a page. The sheets may include matching letters, borders, shapes, and tags. Scrapbookers looking for simple designs may enjoy this out-of-the-box solution.
For people who want to make their own scrapbook die cuts, there are machines available for home use. These die cut machines range from basic shape-cutters to elaborate embellishment creators. The machines give users the ability to customize die cuts by allowing them to choose the color of the paper and how they want their embellishments to look. Scrapbookers can get the most out of their paper by using the scraps to create homemade die cuts. A home die cut machine allows a scrapbooker to create letters and shapes on the fly, which can eliminate a trip to the scrapbooking store on short notice.
For some, creative scrapbooking may rely on the use of die cuts. While beautiful pages can be made without them, many scrapbookers enjoy adding the embellishments. Scrapbook die cuts typically help bring a photo to life.