We at Scrapbooking.com, have decided to start a new feature to the magazine. We are featuring a series of articles on die cuts. You might think, that there is only so much that can be said about a piece of cardstock or your favorite paper cut into a shape you might need for a particular layout. Well, believe it or not... there is a lot to say! Our first article in the series is going to be about the Sizzix Personal Die-Cutter.

The Sizzix machine is a personalized unit to be used at home. It is an awesome machine that I recommend to anyone who scrapbooks or makes their own cards. The possibilities for using the Sizzix are endless! You are only limited by your own imagination. What I love about my Sizzix is that I can create my die in the paper that I want, when I want it! There are several alphabet fonts to choose from when creating your own titles and borders. They also include the numbers and the punctuation symbols!! How cool is that?? Ellison provides you with a wonderful selection of decorative dies and the list is always growing! I love to cut my dies and play with them, I've included a few layouts that I've done to show you what I mean. With the Lego Boy layout, I've cut the airplane and sailboat 4 times in 4 primary colors. I then just cut the pieces out and glued them together to give the die dimension. It also enhances the layout to a more "lego" feel!! I did the same technique with the trees on the fall leaves layout. I cut 2 trees, one in brown and one in the fall color and created the look of a fall tree to go along with the trees. Layering the dies like this gives your idea a personal look to enhance your photos and its so easy!! I added some color with my chalks and I've got trees, a sun, fall leaves and a weathered wood sign!

The DT has been very busy creating layouts with their Sizzix personal diecutters for you to see. Melissa Zeno has created a layout and a card, Tiffany Johnson and Laura Lou Bashlor have also been working diligently to provide other layouts. Laura Lou has used the shadow alphabet so you can how to make wonderful titles with the alphabet sets and Tiffany has created a layout that shows you how to enhance your layouts with an extra touch. Jamie Edge has created 2 cards to show the diversity of the Sizzix machines.



I think one of my very favorite dies is the tag die. I use my tags for so much these days!! They are awesome on cards as well as in my layouts. A simple technique that looks really great is when I use my printer to print my words on vellum and then use my tag die to cut out the tag with the words already on them. I've also included a layout with this idea for you to see.

One of the many great assets to having your own Sizzix is that you can create a page that is complicated or easy, you can create cards, even your own gift tags! The sky is the limit! I guess you could say I love my Sizzix and I really love to share my enthusiasm with you all!!! When something works its really easy to share with friends.

Hugs,
Dawn Heath