At first I was pleased with how this turned out, but now I am wondering if the present is too small. What do you think?

My friend was thrilled with them♡♡♡ yay for creativity and those who are willing to teach others.

The first one is actually more like 1/4 inch chipboard at this point so I'm thinking I'll put it in a shadow box frame 😅

I’m feeling kinda overwhelmed with all the options and info out there for die cutting and embossing machines. I have a Cricut Maker, but obviously it doesn’t emboss like a proper embossing machine. I also really like how quick die cutting is for certain things.

I don’t really have a strong preference between manual or electric. I just don’t want to be limited by whatever machine I get—I’d rather invest in something that can grow with me. This would be my first die cutting and embossing machine, but once I get the hang of it, I want it to be able to handle trickier stuff too. Like eventually I’d love to try foiling.

Basically, I’m just looking for the most versatile machine out there. Any recommendations?

TLDR: Which machine is the most versatile?

Hello 👋

I'm a newbie and still learning, I currently working on only my 2nd and 3rd card.

Anyway I have a spellbinders platinum 6 machine I bought last year or so, but I've only used it a handful of times. So its still practically brand new. I am having a issue where the release holes on a die is leaving "pimples" on a cut.

The paper and die I'm haveing this issue with is the Lawn Fawn butterfly border die and the lawn fawn champagne metallic cardstock.

I've read some suggestions about removing a shim but my machine only uses a top and bottom plate. No shims.

Thank you for any input yall might have! ❤❤❤ Happy crafting! 🤗

I’ve had some fun challenges recently for various themed cards, including house 🏡 themed cards for my mortgage lender, baby 👶🏻 cards, and wedding 💍 cards!! Just wanted to share for fun and maybe inspo! 😊

If those of us who are mere mortals can't afford to keep buying supplies inflated by tariffs or if stamping retailers start going out of business in the new economy how that will change the future for the folks who make all those YouTube videos?

It's possible, I suppose, that they'll be even more crucial inn the industry to make products with inflated prices seem more "essential" than ever. I wonder how soon we'll be seeing videos addressing these issues.

OTOH, it could be really refreshing to see their content start to address continuing to have fun with what people already have. Or what we can source from genuinely American products.

I've got 10 cards I've.made. I want to mail my aunt one each day for 10 days before her birthday. And I want to include something with each card. She's always been so good to me. And I've got a couple little gift cards and some fun stickers, but I didn't know if there was anything else I might be able to include that doesn't, you know, jump the postage up too much. TYIA

I think it's time for me to stock on colors I don't have but I bought all the Positively Saturated inks above at different times really believing they were different shades. I was comparing them from computer images. What did I know? I think they're good inks but, in truth, I would have been happy with just one of them.

How do you make your choices?

I created this sparkly card for a monthly holiday-themed Instagram hop. The Santa is a Colorize die set designed by Tim Holtz. I just love his expression! 🎅🏻

A detailed tutorial is on my blog at Sparkling Santa.

As I recall the last American die manufacturer recently went out of business. I guess that means all dies -- whatever brand name -- will be being imported and subject to tariffs.

I suppose stamps could still be manufactured here. ...but the number I've seen black-marketed by Temu makes me think a lot of American brands are still ordered from Asian manufacturers. An awful lot of inks -- whether in pads or reinkers or markers -- come from Japan. I'm not clear about where paper comes from. And how about the "systems" for die cutting, foiling, letterpress, etc. Are any of them manufactured domestically?

This potential for serious price increases to come has to have an industry that's already down on its knees on life support at some point in the future.

I always tell myself I have enough stuff and it's time to stop buying but it may not be a choice soon.

I’m interested in the Spellbinders Platinum with the 8.5 platform. The original is significantly cheaper ($100 vs $249) than the new and improved version, and I’m wondering what the opinions are of those who have either of them. Do you think the new one is worth the extra cost, or are you completely happy with the original?

Used the Hiking Through the Meadows set with some additional foliage I had around. As usual, I'm stumped for a good sentiment to add.

I saw this somewhere, I think probably a YouTube video, but I don't recall who so am not able to give proper credit. I often build a focal point, in this case the crate of flowers, but am not sure what color background would suit it best. If you assemble it on a large acrylic block or similar see through base, you can easily swap out background colors without disturbing the grouping.

Sharing another cute design to send to someone you love. This card is super versatile, great to send for an anniversary, wedding, or even if there isn't an event, just as a little way to show you care!

I haven't seen this one mentioned at all anywhere and I'm just curious if anyone has used it

I just got my beautiful craft room set up, spent $300 on paper & jazz. If you don't know Jazz is a technical term for more stuff lol. I haven't even made 4 cards. No desire, no interest whatsoever. I go through lulls now & again. I'm depressed in other parts of life, I just think I need motivation. Anyone else need a challenge? (Pics of old cards I've made)

I wish i made the background a bit more textured and made the happy birthday text higher contrast, but overall a joy to make!