The ULTIMATE Die Cutting HACK!! 😮 Will it work??

[@hollymcatee143]

This might be the very best card making hack I’ve ever found! The bubble wrap has allowed me to use dies that have been a problem forever. One time through and everything cut! THANK YOU!!!

[@mzp6620]

A precision base plate is totally worth the investment!

[@jenifermcneill1411]

Yes, I agree with that the precision base plate is a game changer.

[@lisasisneros8200]

Parchment or baking paper works wonders for intricate dies too. Also the thin, soft foam packaging wrap they use to wrap dishes or protect furniture parts in a box acts as ejection foam (like the old quickutz dies had) for stubborn dies. The pieces just fall right out!

[@jaytee2642]

Oh!! I have some of that....somewhere.🤔 I JUST saw it, so it can't be buried too deeply.😂

[@shellyrene5708]

I had a big shot and always struggled with cutting as shown at beginning of your video. Ended up getting spellbinders platinum 6 and got better results. After learning the bubble wrap tip, went back to big shot with bubble wrap and it worked like a dream! All my free bubble wrap packaging has a free and hassle free purpose!

[@louisecote3063]

I have a couple dies that don’t cut well, but I like them. I use a dryer sheet between the paper and the plate. The cuts stick to the dryer sheet! If it’s not enough, I’ll put extra paper between the dryer sheet and the plate.

[@marajade8754]

Precision base plate - works wonders

[@bernadettelawson2916]

LOVE the popping! What’s not to like about this hack? I could do it all day 😂

[@LouCollins]

True! 😂

[@waynehudson5903]

Thanks for the tips. It's so frustrating to die cut and have it not fully cut. I HAVE not used some dies for years because of that. I'll try these tips. Lori

[@misselley8209]

I found that if I have an area that does not cut thru I turn one of the plates around and it will cut thru. I believe that the area that did not cut through had some line or dip in one of the plates. Turning it moves that area to a different spot. I see this happening when my plates are well used and have cuts and bends in them.

[@LouCollins]

That usually works well if you can turn them. Some of my biggest issues in the past have been cut lines that run parallel to the rollers and my machine not being large enough to turn the die 90° to run through again x

[@gailrodgers3079]

I was working on a new set of dies this weekend that were all sentiments. I was having trouble with them all not cutting. Finally I used a layer of freezer/parchment paper, shiney side down over the cardstock, added a metal shim like you showed (I cut on a Gemini Junior) and then ran it through and without even checking, once it came through the first time, I rotated the whole sandwich 180 degrees and ran it through again. Perfect. I did need the pokey tool for a few things, but finally they all came out. I had heard that waxed paper works, but I didn't have any thus what I used. As these were all single motifs, I put the dies down longwise. I am not sure if it helped, but it didn't hinder. Hope that helps you as well. I have never seen a die that big!

[@benteskinnerup1629]

Great tips. Thank you

[@joannedyer4225]

Really useful, but I could have done with that hint about 2 hours ago!!😊 Thanks, Lou x

[@susanbaker6409]

Grateful for this hack. I have an expensive die that struggles to even cut through paper. x

[@amandajill3625]

I cut up cereal boxes to make shims….. they are brilliant ….I also always use the die face DOWN onto the cardstock….works EVERY time. Xxx

[@SharonGarcia-ze3en]

So do I!

[@TheNextPursuit]

Love your craft studio!

[@mags8014]

Thank you, Lou. I will now try again with some dies I have -almost - tossed in the bin!

[@donnam5891]

Great tips. Thanks. Be careful with the thin metal shims. Because they are so thin some brands are very sharp on the edges. I recently cut my had quite badly on the sharp edge. I use a precision base plate now 🤷‍♀️

[@EllyMentryPapercrafting]

I cut myself on it too!

[@annegroves2648]

I put difficult dies in a poly pocket with the card attached. They sell ones that are slightly thicker and they cut first time every time. It’s like the Cut Tidy product that was invented for intricate dies.

[@shiba_inu_mom]

Hey there, what is a "poly pocket" exactly? I'm from Germany and if I try to google it, it keeps auto correct and gave me "polly pocket" - some dolls/toys ;-D

[@annegroves2648]

@@shiba_inu_mom, hi there. A poly pocket is a clear plastic A4 sized pocket that you would use to put notes or documents in. They are usually only £1 for 20 of them. so very economical as they can be reused. I buy them in Tesco or PEP & Co. If you can find ones that are slightly thicker they work even better. Look up the Cut Tidy product videos and you can see how to use the poly pockets.

[@DADA-ir6kq]

@@shiba_inu_mom ich habs gegoogelt. schein der britische name für ne Lochrandhülle/klarsichthülle zu sein

[@shiba_inu_mom]

@@DADA-ir6kq Ah, cool! Dankeschön!

[@EllyMentryPapercrafting]

Since I started using the Gemini by crafters companion I have never had any problems cutting intricate dies!

[@ankereid7691]

I have some dies that I've stopped using as it got too frustrating. Will try again now, thanks for the tips!!

[@Spaceydoodle]

i love the chrome plate for die cutting intricate dies. however, it warps my plastic plates like crazy, so, i only use it now for the hard to cut dies 😀

[@whichwitchhazel]

I love the popping sound I shall have to give it a try. xx

[@paulawray6210]

Great ideas. Thank you!

[@bonnerdebbie]

Great tips Lou, I have had great results with bubble envelopes on dies that didn't cut before. I also use wax paper on dies where the don't want to let go of the paper. Out the wax paper between die and paper. Thank you!

[@JulieCozensCrafter]

Brilliant, thanks Lou.😊

[@ruthvanmackelenberg9034]

Love the experimenting! Always enjoy spending time with you ❤

[@diezrosales]

What wonderful tips! Thank you so much for sharing, Lou. 👍

[@polkaniestatystyczna]

I ususally use two or three layers of paper towel or old wet wipes.

[@cindywall3119]

As always, great tips. Thank you Lou.

[@sheenacannon8176]

Brilliant tips Lou and everyone. Thank you x❤

[@DanettaHarding]

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise. I truly appreciate it.

[@angelaharnett6437]

Wow what a difference, thanks Lou

[@heikeneukirch7431]

Where would I get the metal shim or how could I replace that please.

[@michelegourd5742]

So helpful!! I will be trying this for sure!!

[@irishk.1041]

I bought a precision base plate & sometimes I will use wax paper. Wax paper usually helps a lot on intricate dies. Be blessed :)

[@maryt9375]

Can’t wait to try it out

[@tammyh1010]

This was very helpful!

[@smply4you]

Great tips again Lou. I have actually thrown some dies out because they just would not cut through. Next time I come across a die like that I'll try these ideas before throwing them out. I thought it might be my big shot. I've had it for years and have to say it just doesn't work as well as it did anymore. Anyone got any tips on cut n emboss machines as well :)

[@janriley8857]

Waxed paper from cereals can also help ..

[@Janstroh1]

Have you ever run waxed paper with your die first? It helps to release the paper from the dies.

[@annmorris1451]

Wow Lou

[@judyskoglund2148]

is it base plate, thin shim, plastic plate, die up, paper and metal shim?

[@LouCollins]

Both clear plates in there together 😊

[@bethrogers5656]

Actually the Craftstash packaging has that bubble wrap so this is a good way to use this instead of recycling. Depending on the die, I’ve used shims (plastic that came with Spellbinders platinum, metal, foam, extra cardstock, cardboard, plastic bags) Also deli paper, wax paper, fabric softener sheets. The fabric softener sheets come in handy if I want to paper piece back into those intricate die cuts. But there were a few that nothing worked consistently well with, even after trying with both manual and electric machines. So having this option with bubble wrap is good to have as another option.

[@kcinca5410]

My Big Shot Pro always gave me trouble with intricate dies even with all the tricks although I didn't have a precision base plate. I decided to invest in the new Switch and what a difference! No shims needed. Cuts intricate dies first time through with one pass only. Once in a blue moon I'll find a die that does cut properly and will use the precision base plate but I really think it's a problem with the die and not the machine. I don't like using the precision base plate because once you've used it for a certain die, you always have to use it so I have a note on the one die that won't cut regularly now. These tips are great. Love the bubble wrap. What is it about the sound of the bubbles breaking? Satisfying indeed.

[@seeking.harmony]

What is the Switch?

[@kcinca5410]

@@seeking.harmony Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus die cutting machine. Electric die cutting machine with tons of pressure (I least mine has lots of pressure).

[@cleanerjanh]

Is using the Precision Plate all of the time a bad thing?

[@kcinca5410]

@@cleanerjanh I wouldn't say it's a "bad" thing but I've read that once you use it with a specific die, you always have to use it to get it to cut properly. I'm thinking it's hard on the dies to cut on a metal surface all the time or else they would have used metal for the cutting pads or plates. Just my opinion. I just always look for any other way to get it to work first. I didn't have one until I got the Switch and after I bought it I never needed it except for the one die. I've only ever used it on that specific die as the machine does a super job on ALL my other intricate dies. I think that die is just poorly made to begin with. IMHO

[@salliefabulous1923]

Fab

[@leeojascastro711]

People used to use dryer sheets for die cutting but I can’t remember why?🤦🏻‍♀️

[@LouCollins]

That can put a coating on the die to help release the diecut but also it holds onto all the tiny little pieces so you can put them back in if you wished x

[@angrosvenor2967]

WHY would it make a difference to cut up rather than down? It's certainly a lot easier to get the die in the right place on the paper when the die is on top...

[@greendancingshoes]

Oh please don't cut yourself. Cut the paper.

[@joycegifford8826]

We can hear you speaking, we don’t need the flailing hands.

[@sheenacannon8176]

If you use your hands to express yourself as you speak, that's the way you express yourself.

[@LouCollins]

Joyce, it seems of the 6 comments you’ve ever left on my videos, 4 of them have been negative. If you don’t like my content or the way I explain things, please feel free to unsubscribe. I’m happy to hear constructive criticism any day, but I ask that people are kind and helpful in my comments. This comment is neither of those.

[@bethrogers5656]

@@LouCollinsbehind you 100%! Thank you Lou for these terrific tip videos!