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A monthly subscription for high-quality quilting, crochet, knitting, sewing and home decorating how-to videos, patterns and more. For one low monthly price, you get immediate access on any device to expert instructional videos with new episodes added almost every day.

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Die Cut Machines for Crafting

Looking for Die Cut Machines for Crafting?  Here are 5 of my faves!

A die cutting machine is a must have for a Crafter/Scrapbooker as myself.  This machine is designed to cut materials, such as  paper , fabric, or metal, to a specific shape. These  cutout shapes  can then be used for a variety of projects, such as scrapbooking, t-shirts, homemade cards, quilts, or decorations for a party.  

Die cutting is the process in which you use a machine to produce cut-out shapes. You can cut the same shape, over and over without using scissors, stencils, or a craft knife. It saves time and looks professional.

Crafters and Scrapbookers use a personal die cutting machines that are about the size of a toaster oven. These machines can sit on top of work space or can be stored in a small area and brought out when needed. There are a variety of brands of die cutting machines.

Here are my favorite Die Cut Machines for Crafting:

1. Cricut Air Explore 2 Machine:  I love this machine!  It makes the perfect cut every time and the learning curve was minimal.  I can make custom sticker, home decor, greeting cards, custom apparel and so much more.  Can also upload images for free or use Cricut's library of premade designs and project.

2.  Brother CM350 Electronic Cutting Machine ScanNCut:  This machine work  as a scanner as well as a cutter, allowing you to create your own designs. The only cutting machine with built in Scanner.  I was so excited to get this Machine for a Christmas present, my only regret is that I haven't found the time to play and create with it very much.

3. Sixxix Big Shot Machine:  For me this is  the  most popular of the hand-crank machines and for the budget.  Its a smaller die cutter  but can cut through just about any material you could tackle.  It comes with  a pair of Standard Cutting Pads and the adjustable Extended Multipurpose Platform.  I also purchased the Magnetic cutting pads which is the best, they hold the paper in place.  

4.  Silhouette Cameo Wireless Cutting Machine:  This machine is best for the advanced Crafters.  It  c uts designs up to 12 inches wide from more than 100 materials.  Includes Silhouette Studio software, power cable and USB cable, 12-Inch Cutting Mat, AutoBlade cutting blade.  

5. AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter Starter Set: This is the best machine for Quilters,  This machine is designed for cutting quilting fabric.   This machine cuts through up to six layers of fabric at once, making cutting out all your squares 90 percent faster than using scissors. The starter kit comes with templates for two sizes of squares and triangles.

There you have it my 5 favorite Die Cut Machines for Crafters.  Let me know in the comments which machine is your favorite.  Would love to hear from you.

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• Create a CV
• Write an artist statement
• Do your taxes
• Set up a business as an artist
• Apply for grad school, residencies, and shows
• Create a portfolio
• Create a studio space
• Balance life and work
• Frame and install work
• Survive and thrive with failure
• Use social media
• Understand copyright laws

• A thorough primer on how to launch your professional art career, typically only available as a college-level "Professional Practices" course.
• 15 HD video lessons you can access online anytime, anywhere
• An 80-page PDF course hand-out, with samples and copious web references
• Step-by-step expert instruction from author, artist and educator, Lisa Solomon
• The ability to leave comments, ask questions, and interact with other students

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Hardcover Junk Journal
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to gut a hardcover book, what types of pages and 'junk' you can add, and how to create a hidden inside spine so that the signature threads aren't visible from the outside. 

hank you to  www.vintagejunkjournals.com  for this tutorial

• how to gut a hardcover book                                                                   
• papers and other 'junk' supplies
• printing tips (for digis)
• tools
• binding technique

F i le Folder Junk Journal
This junk journal tutorial shows how to create a simple journal with a file folder and assorted paper. It also includes instructions for adding an easy elastic closure.
You can include 6 to 12 sheets in the signature. Remember that adding embellishment s will also add bulk to your finished journal.
(The printable kit featured in this video is  Vintage Queen Bee.)