Hi there blog friends – if you are ever curious about the opinions and habits of fellow APG readers, have a look at my past poll results. I’m always kind of surprised and last week was no exception – Die Cuts were at the top of your wish lists. Out of everything listed, I could never have predicted those results but then it made me even more curious – I thought this week we’d dig a little bit deeper. I received some emails from readers asking why there was no Cricut option on the Wish List, so this week I’ve made sure to include options for this following. This week is a quick poll (located on my right sidebar under Amazing Polls) mainly about “Die Cuts” since it is a big topic – have a look and give it your best shot!
I’ll be back in the morning bright and early with a post for a Blog Hop with Stamper’s Dream – lot’s of talent – you’ll want to have a look see!!! In the meantime, there is one open Blog Candy on this linked post from April 9th – Blog Candy Post. I’ll pick a winner on Tuesday, April 12th from comments left on that post which you can find it you scroll down to April 9th!!
I admit, I preffer the dies, as they´re much easierto use and you can place the die on your work, so it fits exactly where you want it. I do have a Cricut and also the SCAL program, but to be honest, then I´m a complete jerk, when it comes to find out about all this computerstuff and technical stuff, so I definately preffer the die, so I can see exactly what I´m doing and where to put it. And I admit, I´m totally in love with Spellbinders dies and just wish, I could afford to buy everything they´ve ever made LOL. You can just do so much with them and make soo many different things. I really just love them and a bit part of the reason for that is you my dear, as you´re always sharing sooo many great and wonderful ideas with them ha ha ha.
Have an awesome week ahead dear friends.
These polls are so interesting!
I prefer dies over cricut/computerized cutting. I think the die cuts are more accurate and the edges look nicer. Somehow those dies roll the paper edge just slightly enough to give them a more “finished” look.
But the rough edges of the computer cuts can be good for a more rustic or distressed edge.
I too love all the Spellbinder dies and wish I could have every one of them to use on my cards. I love the embossed finished look of the spellbinders best. I also like the ability to get free images to cut on my cricut (SCAL) as well as some of the cool cartridges that Cricut offers. I personally do not cut things very good by hand so I am in love with dies.
Your polls are such fun! I went with manual dies. I love my small (but slowly growing) collection of Spellbinders and Sizzix dies for so many reasons. They are each beautiful and give amazing dimension to any project. Of late Spellbinders and stamp companies have been working together giving us even more beautiful options. These are easy to store taking up very little space in my tiny space and are much more affordable then the machines and cartridges.
Have a blessed week!
Bernie
So love your websiteI, and the polls are so interesting! I’m wanting to vote again this week, but something seems to be amiss. I don’t seem to be able to vote. Blessings!
Like many of the voters so far, I also prefer the manual die cuts, specifically Spellbinders and Sizzix. What I like most about Sizzix is that I am able to cut thicker chipboard with the (Sizzix) dies with no effort on my part.
Having said that, I do have a Cricut Expression and a Making Memories Slice Elite machine. Both have their advantages–the Cricut being able to cut numerous pieces at a time and the Slice having super cute (and some of the most useful) cartridge images. The only drawback to the Slice (and it’s a big one) is that you must have the exact amount of adhesive every single time in order for the cut to come out smooth. There is no room for error with the adhesive—it’s like the Goldilocks of die cutting machines in that the adhesive has to be juuuuust right. Otherwise, forget it. Your cuts will be messed up. I even purchased the newer magnetic mat, thinking it would help solve the problem but, it didn’t….lol
Next on my list is to get the Spellbinders Grand Calibur—I love the bigger dies but my Sizzix just can’t handle the bigger die sizes.
Hi Becca I think the polls are such a great idea and find it really interesting to see what comes out tops. I went for the Spellbinders etc because I love my Cuttlebug and Grand Calibre…they’re just so easy to use and oh I wish I could afford all the great dies out there. Thanks again for another great poll.
Love Sheila xx
My vote was for the manual dies and love the Sizzix and Spellbinder lines. Before I got my Big Shot, I thought that my ultimate cutting machine would be either the Pazzle or Silhouette, but after spending time with the manual dies I’m totally satisfied with them. I’m not a computer techie and like the fact that I can use my Big Shot anywhere and it is not tethered to my computer. I also have the use of a Cricut with my crafting buddy and like the ability to do various sizes within the one cartridge.
I guess I am just greedy. I like my options. My vote was for all of the above. I have the spellbinders, cricut, and SCAL and love each one. I can’t say that I favor one over the other because it depends on what type of project and what effect I am going for. Each one provides a unique function and there are projects that I use all three on. I just like all of my bases covered.
Marcie
I love your polls! It makes me think about what types of products that I prefer and want to use most! There is so many great new items on the market this past year, the problem is deciding what to buy first! (Top of my wish list, is the Spellbinder dies! You just can’t beat the level of design that they create on a card, especially when you add the ease of use! I am totally hooked!
Hard choice! I would love to have more manual dies especially the Spellbinder ones but cost is a factor. I love that I can stamp and then cut with the manual dies, and that is is quick to do – but I have a Silhouette and am really loving it. I wasn’t sure I would use it that much but it is so easy to use and there are so many wonderful files either free or costing so little that I had to vote for these type of dies.
I, too, prefer the dies (Spellbinders are the ones I have and am familiar with), even though I own a Cricut. I will always use the Cricut for scrapbooking, but for card making I love the embossed feature of the Spellbinders dies. They are so precise and crisp-looking and add so much to a card. Now to acquire the Grand Calibur so I can use the really big dies!
Hi Becca oh I am not lucky enough to have a Cricut, but do love the Spellbinders. have just bought the pennant ones and love them.
Thank you for your pole it really makes one think.
Hugs Trish.
I prefer the manual die cutters, don’t have the cricut or any of those and no place to set one up. I have dozens of the spellbinders and now the new Cheery Lynn Designs ones, those doilies and XL stackers are awesome because you can fold over the paper and make 6″ square or 5×7″ cards without having to buy a larger machine and expensive dies.
Hi Becca. I have a cricut and have never used it. I have not had it very long but with all the new spellbinders dies, I am stuck on them and the manual. I have been using my Big Shot from SU for everything and did not think I would even want the Grand Calibur until I saw the demo cutting several Spellbinders dies at once. That did it. I did go ahead and get it and love it. I only have a couple of the big dies, but it looks like I may get a few more of them.
xoxoxo
I love my die cuts, have the Cricut (well 2 of them, as a year ago I got the Expression for xmas)…also have the cuttlebug, the SU Big shot, Gypsy and the hand held Quik Kutz…..I know it sounds wierd, but I use all of them and have a nice big “cutting” table in my room……I hear alot of people say they don’t like the Cricut…I have to say I LOVE mine, there are so many things you can do with it….like that flower cartridge…I have made some beautiful flowers…okay just my input…and no I am NOT rich…all of these except the Big Shot were gifts to me from my hubby for xmas, birthdays, valentines day over several years…thanks!
I voted for manual dies. I have to be in the process somewhat. Besides die-cutting is so much fun. As always Becca. TFS!!! :-D
I chose “all of the above” because I want and need the flexibility in my crafting. For speed and quality of the cut, I love Sizzix dies. I also absolutely love the variety of media that they cut …more specifically, I cut both paper and fabric. When cutting fabric on a Cricut, it’s possible but not nearly as reliable, and the fabric must be backed first. I rely on Cricut AND all of the cutting programs (SCAL, MTC and Fairy Cut) for the variety of images available at my fingertips, as well as the capability to size and alter the images to my heart’s content. I only have a few Spellbinders dies and they cut paper nicely. In the future, I’m looking forward to trying out some different brands of dies, such as Cheery Lynn, which look interesting. I wish I was a millionaire!!
I absolutely love using the Spellbinders dies and Sizzix dies and embossing folders. The dies add a wonderful dimension to my cards and seems to enhance the images.
I love my Cuttlebug and my dies and embossing folders. Those folders can change a diecut so fast and make it look unique. Now if I could only get a few more of the Spellbinders sets…
I voted for manual dies because that is what I have and use. I guess I should start a wish list. Thanks for the Poll.
I love the look of spellbinders. I feel it has taken my card making to a different level with the ability to layer very intricately cut layers. The possibilities are endless. Thanks for taking time to poll your following.
It is interesting to see what everyone else is using.
This is so cool (the polls) I love my sizzix, spellbinders and other dies and especially some “Made for spellbinders” so I went with manual!
To me , the spellbinder dies are easy to work with and you know exactly where your cut will be if you decide to cut your design right on the card or paper.
I guess I will always stay with Spellbounders’ products as I bought my Wizard when that was the only ‘Wow!’ machine out that could do everything and use any die on the market. I still rate it the best. I was talked into a Cuttlebug. That still sits on the shelf. I finally gave in for a Grand Calibur, (at a bargain of $78) and find that to be my favorite machine. It is the most simple for me. It can’t do what the Wizard can but it has become my buddy. I’d love to have some Grand dies but….Dies took the plain card to elegance. Thanks, Becca, for having this poll to get particapation from your readers. There is nothing like being a part of such fun. I always thank a scrapbooker as that is what saved cardmaking having all these wonderful tools.
Hugs, Jeanielou in PA
Sorry, but I am still in dreamland…I know it is the great “Spellbinders”…just didn’t catch that error before the finger got excited too early…. :)
Hugs again, Jeanielou
I had both Cricuts, but gave the smaller one to my crafty grandson. I haven’t used it anywhere as much as I should. Being cramped for space doesn’t help. If it could be all ready to go I’m sure I’d use it more. I’ve used several of the cartridges a LOT – like the paper dolls for cards. I love the ease of use for the Spellbinders and just added the Grand Caliber to my Big Kick machine. I immediately covered the whole plate with dies and cut two colors at once. What a dream. I am making sets of the cutouts for the many dies I have and placing them into clear pockets for a 7 x 9″ 3-ring binder for instant use as needed. You can cut them out so fast and do more than one color at a time with the Califber. Just have to trim a smidgen off 8.5 x 11 cardstock to fit the machine. I’ll still use the Big Kick – it’s perfect for embossing cards and working with smaller items. I’ve never mastered the Cricut computer program and probably never will. Too complex for this old lady! :)
I love your polls. It is always very interesting to see the results
I voted for manual dies. However my first choice is Spellbinders because they emboss too. The other companies have some nice die shapes, but they look flat when they are cut.
I don’t have nor want a Cricut or other electronic die cutter. I prefer to be able to stamp ” first” and then align the die over the image to get it perfectly straight. Even with a Stamp-A-Ma-jig I can be counted on to stamp things crooked LOL
Not sure I should be counted but I did take the poll. I just acquired a BIG Shot and bought some Sizzix alphabets. For me at this point it is acquiring things when I can. I use them when I can and create with what I have. Even if I do not actually have some of the items that are mentioned, I look what I have and see if I can adapt. But I am happy to get my cutter to make it a little easier for letters. Especially for journals.
I love my manual machine. I do have a Slice that I like using but I have to set it up each time while my Sizzix Big Kick has a permanent spot. It is my go-to die cutter!!!
I’m even less informed than I thought I was. Never heard of digital dies. Duh. Anyway, I’m happy as a clam with my Spellbinders and other dies that sit in a box in a drawer by my craft table. I can take them out, touch them, work with them, smile at them, cut out neat stuff and carefully store them away. Digital? No way.
Spellbinders gets my vote. I love them and the Sizzix. My daughter in law has the Cricut and several of my friends and they like mine the best.
I vote for manual dies. I’ve often chuckled to my husband… card crafting is something I can do totally without electricity!!! Manual dies and pressure tools; inks, embossing stylus, stamps, and my coloring pencils & copics. How great is that for the environment?? So on that note, time to go buy more spellbinders, sizzix and embossing folders.
Love the Poll but have a dilemma!
Love my Bigshot and all the dies I can put through it … Bigz and Bigz XL dies, Spellbinders, Cuttlebug Folders etc. but I also love my Silhouette (Craftrobo) which gives me the opportunity to create my own diecuts as and when I need them. (Did you know there are tools available to do your own embossing now!)
So I would need two votes for your poll so I don’t know if these would count lol!
I voted again for the Spellbinders….I have the Wizard, Cuttlebug and Sizzix (the original red one) and love them all. I would like the Cricut but just cannot warrent the price of these electronic machines, I wish I could though!
I love the Spellbinders because of the embossing features which just lift the die cut to a wonderful level and taking note of how you work with the Spellbinders has really helped me to look outside the box and mix and match them, something I never did before watching and reading your blog, so thank you Becca, your work is beautiful!
LOL Eileen
I love all the Spellbinder dies but like using my Cricut to cut box and purse templates – something you can’t do with dies.
Just popped back to add a little more!
I know a lot of people have a Cricut but unfortunately it’s not for me … Too restrictive and although I know and have tried SCAL, the program wasn’t as advanced as the Silhouette/Craftrobo Software in comparison which allows you to put a lot more detail (stitch lines) into your digital diecuts.
I know you are a big Spellbinders Girl and probably have the Grand Calibur and I do have a Wizard which I love as it’s a lovely solid metal structure but the Calibur doesn’t look very solid to me … is the frame all plastic?
Where as this baby … the Big Shot Pro… looks as if it might be an alternative for a larger cutting machine and I think the Grand Nesties might be okay with it.
Hope you don’t mind me commenting again …
I love it ALL! Have Spellbinders and other makes of dies and love ’em. I just recently got a Cricut and SCAL so I use that, also.
I agree with the person who said the edges of the cuts on the dies are smoother and a bit rounded so they DO have that advantage over the electronic cutting machines.
That said, for those dies I don’t have, it’s nice to be able to creat files in SCAL or download freebies to get the same look.
It’s just that I like all of the options, dies, cutters and being able to cut by hand. The more options the better, in my book!
Keep on making those terrific cards, Becca, and sharing your Becca Bits. They’re wonderful. And an Etsy shop would go over very well, I think. I hope you can sell your cards for enough to make it worthwhile. You will NEVER get what they are WORTH, though. Not by a long shot!
Hi Becca!!!
I was torn between the manual and the Cricut..I ended up voting for the cricut because the price of 1 cart (I NEVER pay more than 40.00 for a cart) with over 300 images in unlimited sizes tilted it in the Cricuts favor. I have approx 80 carts so I a HUGE investment to work with.
Blessings,
Valerie Martin
I voted for the Spellbinders/Sizzix option, because that is what I have and use with my Cuttlebug. If I get another machine, it would be the Grand Calibur, and I would like to have a Silhouette (a friend has one and does fantastic things with it). Money is an issue with all of them. I have an old book of card ideas from 2002, and I was shocked at the difference in what we do today and what was done then. We have really progressed!
Even though I am very much a techie, the interface on the computer programs is way too cumbersome and the sticky mats make the whole process way to complicated. I love Spellbinders because the embossing ability adds so many more possibilities.
My vote is for Spellbinders, although I have a cricut, which I seldom use. (Probably because I don’t know how to use it as easily as Cuttlebug, Big Shot & Gr. Calibur). I think my preference for the Spellbinders is mainly because of all the wonderfulness I see on your blog. When I see what you have created, then I try to get the specific die you used, if I can find it at a good buy (or NOT at a good buy sometimes if I love it enough!).
On another note re: your Etsy venture, I agreed with the ladies who suggested being able to just make the cards available through your blog, if you are able to do that.
Blessings.
Spellbinders and Sizzix for cardmaking, absolutely. I use my Cricut (with cartridges – no digital stuff) for scrapbooking – mainly for larger images and lettering; rarely use my Cricut for cardmaking.I work in the IT field and am on a computer all day, and the last thing I want to do is do anything digital for a hobby! Besides, digital stuff doesn’t have the charm of the handmade, handcut stuff.
I love my manual dies and my cricut. I use them for different reasons.
My preference is both manual dies and proprietary dies like Cricut, but that’s not an option in the poll. I’m going to mark it as “none of the above”.
Very interesting card. Love the background.. Thank you for sharing.
Hugs,
Dottie
My favorite is always what I’m using at the moment. It seems I have too many choices – can you tell I’m an avid collector?
I definitely prefer the Spellbinders dies. They are simply awesome! ‘Nuff said.
hi Becca,
my personal preference is DEFINITELY manual dies……Spellbinders, Sizzix…or European…they definitely seem to add a much nicer finish to the cards or projects that I make.
THank you for asking what we prefer, as always your creations, techniques and blogs are a great source of inspiration. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us.
I like almost anything as long as it works on (or is it In) my Cbug.
Spellbinders have so many great sets, & now that many of the stamp companies are designing to fit their dies it makes life much easier.
Some even work with Spellbinders to make special dies just for their stamps.
Love “em.
Blessings to all. mary l.
I prefer the Spellbinders dies, and your cards are wonderful and so inspriational.
I’ve never particaped in a blog hop before, more inspirations, The others will have to go far to beat yours.
I am going to be different than most of you – I love my cricut the best – especially the way you can use the same design and get so many different sizes. Another thing is to reverse the cut which I also love. One cartridge might be expensive but I get them on sale and with so many cuts and then all the different sizes on top of that I figure it is much less expensive than buying a bunch of different spellbinder dies. I do have quite a few spellbinders also along with the Sizzix, sizzlets and quickcutz and like them also but the cricut is my winner. Donna
I like the Nestabilities because they are so versatile. You can layer them, first on themselves, then you can layer them with other dies plus you can use them with punches. Anything. I like the new dies and especially the new “small” dies for Labels One and Labels Four. With those new ones, I do not have to draw around the die and hand cut to have a layer one size larger. These dies are fabulous!! And the fact that you do not have to use one specific machine to cut them! The folks at Spellbinders were really thinking when they developed their dies. Good for them!! Hugs, Linda
I considered getting an electric cutting machine but decided that Wizard did what I wanted. I like the professional look of the embossed edges and since I only make cards as a hobby it seemed the best way for me to go. I can easily cut and emboss what I need for a batch of cards with whatever paper or color is inspiring me and the results are always good. I don’t really need 300 different cutouts, the basic shapes allow me a solid anchor for adding all kinds of embellishments. I’ll probably get at least one of the larger labels dies so I can make shaped cards but I make shaped gift cards from the dies I have and they are fun to decorate and make envelopes for. Your question made me really analyze what worked best for me. Thanks for great questions.
Well, now I don’t feel so bad. I thought I was being left behind in the age of technology. First came cuttlebug, then sizzix, then spellbinders, which a few odds ‘n’ ends thrown in. Like someone else said, the advantage of the big sizzix is the ability to cut through thick stuff, chipboard and the like, or multiple sheets of cardstock. When I’m making stuff for all the third graders my daughter teaches, I like cutting multiples. But Spellbinders are the Cadillac! Multiple sizes and intricate designs! Oh, I want them all! :o)
My favorite is always what I can find first. I need to get organized.
Marv
Hi, I love the Spellbinders Dies….And would love to own them all..
I love what I have ssen what you have done with the Spellbinders dies. Your cards are to die for. I too own a Cricut Expression/Bigshot but my favorite are the spellbinder dies. So much easier N less complicated to use in a rush. Becca you’ve made me spend a pretty penny with your inspiring cards.