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Thursday 23 August 2012

...Vintage Garden and a chat


A very quick sample for you tonight, I just wanted to show you how beautiful these vintage images are when stamped very, very simply. This greatly appeals to me as one who never seems to have enough time to do anything!!!

The tag images of flowers are from the small set Vintage Garden - Flowers and the little seed envelope images are from the Vintage Garden - Produce set, both due to release on Friday.

I will be back in the morning with my DT link list and then again in the afternoon with some very special samples, hope you can pop back.

I am whizzing about like a top in the background, prepping the store, getting the cut files together - wow, that Cameo is some machine, but I still love my dies. Something about the tactile nature of producing those beautifully embossed edges just tickles my creative spirit - the girls were beginning to show you the die shapes and the co-ordinating stamps today and I look forward to sharing my samples of those with you, but release week always seems to expand exponentially and I have a few behind the scenes things to do before I get to that.

I'd love to take a little straw poll tho - how many of you ladies or gentlemen out there have a use for our cutting files? With the launch of our first die set and my Cameo purchase I am looking at the different nature of each method of cutting. I'm finding that there are things I want to use the Cameo for and other things for which only my big Rasperry buddy, the Grand Calibur can do for me.

I will be designing both dies and cutting files henceforth, and my plan is to play to the strengths of each system. For example I don't think that the beautifully embossed edge on a decorative tag cut with a Spellbinders die template can be matched by the plain cutting function on my Cameo, I love texture and that is simply not achievable on a cameo...or is it (? lol, I have a wee tut for you tomorrow that could turn your Grand Calibur into your Cameo's best buddy!!) but the Cameo is handy for making little cut out shapes to match oddly shaped stamps that I may not want to buy a die for - so what do you think?

For folks who take the time to give us their opinion here in a comment on this post I'll be making a random draw for a set of my new dies! The draw winner will be announced just before the release. Looking forward to hearing from you!


101 comments:

  1. First, don't pick me to win cause I have NO more time for packing. LOL

    Second, I'm not buying dies anymore although I agree with you that you cannot beat them for the edge. MUCH nicer.

    I love my silhouette and just won't have space for many supplies in the future so have to give up my love affair with (most) dies!

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  2. Karen Stephenson23 August 2012 at 00:53

    I love dies so much more than my cricut. rarely use it lately. but, give me a good set of dies any day.

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  3. Your samples are lovely Claire!
    Personally I far prefer to buy dies to use with my Cuttlebug or Grand Calibur. I don't own a Cameo or such and have no plans to buy one (I do have a Cricut which I hardly ever use). I love the quality of the Spellbinders dies, especially when there are matching stamps - the results look so professional. I am very much looking forward to having custom WMS dies to match stamps in the future.

    Lynn Wild

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  4. I have the Cricut and the BIg Kick by sizzix and love the it. I'm just a bit (alot) disappointed in my Cricut since I just found out that I can't use SVG files or anything else unless it comes from Cricut: poo! So for me it's the physical die cutting(which I do love the extra texture that it gives) for now!!

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  5. I bought my Silh a few years ago with the thought of saving money and space. I have a love affair with dies too, but I have a green machine....a cuttlebug. After 3 years I am still buying dies and still rolling paper through one cut at a time. I like the smooth edges and polished look of dies. I use the Silh rarely even though, logically, I know that I should save money and switch to it more often. The silh is excellent for things like seed packets and card bases.

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  6. I'm really enjoying these sneak peeks. This set is particularly nice and would be great for me have. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  7. Hi Claire, I do have an electronic cutter but don't use it often and usually for vinyl (so much easier than cutting paper). It was a gift so I try to make the most of it even if it wasn't something I'd ever have purchased myself. That said, that doesn't mean I wouldn't find myself purchasing a cut file for a special project, especially since I can do it on demand even if it's in the middle of the night and I am in my pj's.

    As for dies. I have never purchased coordinating dies even when they have been available. I am simply too cheap. Either the shapes are simple enough that I can easily cut them by hand or I am willing to fussy cut a more intricate shape if necessary. I suppose if I found myself cutting one stamped image over and over again I'd invest in a die but for now my dies tend to be more generic shapes not one trick ponies. I have, however, purchased stamps from a lovely Irish woman who happens to make stamps to coordinate with generic shapes.

    Looking forward to the new release. And you are right. The vintage images stand on their own, something perfect for people like me who are coloring-impaired.

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  8. I have 2 Cricut machines (which I use with MTC to cut non-cartridge images) and recently bought a Cameo. I think cut files are great since there are lots of free and inexpensive files out there. It's easier/faster to cut multiples, and storage is less of an issue. You can also re-size the images as needed, make your own designs, etc.

    But I agree with you that die cuts just look and feel better. I still buy dies, but only if they're reasonably priced. Thanks for offering both!

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  9. Well, being a Spellbinders girl myself, I have to say Spellbinders dies all the way!! But in all seriousness, I don't have the space or budget for another machine and that would be the same even if I wasn't on the Spellbinders DT. Thanks for asking and being such an inspiration!!

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  10. I LOVE my dies. I also have the Grand Calibur and use it all the time. I have a cricut but don't have access to files online because I missed out on getting the SCAL before they had to change it to not include the cricut. *sad face* I don't use my cricut nearly as much as I thought I would but as I said, I use my Grand Calibur all the time. And I am still buying dies. (to my husband's dismay! lol)

    Thanks for the chance to win! I can't wait to see your new release in a couple of days!

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  11. I have the original Cricut, a Sillohuette, and a Big Kick.
    I'm a Die cut lover!
    I just don't get the desired look and feel from the svg, and I admit I get a weird little thrill out of rolling the die's thru my trusty Big Kick. LOL
    I adore the spell binders, and I love the stamp sets you create using them!!!!

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  12. Claire, I have a Cricut but rarely use it - I don't like looking through the books for the shape I want and the sticky cutting mat. Love cutting dies and like you, their beautiful crisp edges - flat and perfect! Can't wait to see the dies for the new stamps!

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  13. These tags are so beautiful, Claire!!

    I don't have a Cameo (yet!), but am seriously considering getting one. I envision using it for bigger things--like cutting boxes, templates, card shapes. I use a ton of dies and can't imagine giving them up. I also still fussy cut quite a bit because I'd rather save some money to use on stamps!!

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  14. I don't have a Cameo type machine so have no need of cut files. BUT I have been thinking if Claire keeps making cut files, that will probably change. And today's sneak peek card by Laurie made we wish I had that capability, so who knows?

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  15. I agree with you--play to the strengths of each system.

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  16. Ack....was coming back to say I LOVE the Opera stamps/die I have seen in the sneaks!!! Love the vintage flowers and veges in the sneaks and seed packets make me smile!! IMHO...I think there is a place both for the cut files (Cameo on my wish list and coming to my house soon!) and dies!! I think I would want to play with the Cameo for some intricate cutting...not the best fussy cutter but, honestly love playing with dies/stamps!

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  17. It's a great question, Claire, and a conversation I find I'm having with myself repeatedly! Right now I have a Vagabond and dies... and I'm considering an Eclips or Sil. Cameo. I don't have a lot of storage space so I like the idea of not buying more dies. And I see the value of being able to cut stamped images, but I do it so seldom now that I've been happy with cutting them by hand so far.

    I think it's an issue that will rest in the back of my mind until the epiphany comes ;) . Someday, somewhere, something is bound to put me over the edge one way or the other!

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  18. I have an Expression by Cricut, and luckily got the software for Sure Cuts Alot to be able to still cut SvG's that people produce. I do however use my dies much more than the Cricut. I too love the clean edges and the embossing that I can achieve to make it look so finished.Most of those are for base or stock cuts though. I do love being able to do quick cuts on the "Other" items I don't have dies for. I just wish the dies weren't so expensive. I can see if it was dies and stamps you would use a lot. I look at how expensive it gets for the convenience of not having to use scissors. It also depends on the quality of the dies. Some have no detail to them, just a mass cut around and no embossing either. So for those it's just as advantageous to simply use a Svg if there is one or cut it by hand. I will still use mostly dies and Svgs if available. I no longer buy the cartridges at all. Too limited and no stamps to match. So I'm thrilled you are offering the SVG cuts for your products. I will buy dies you offer also if it's for things that really looked more finished or detailed. Haven't seen any yet so I don't know. I look forward to seeing them!

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  19. Yes, I love that you are starting on cutting files! I can use the svg files.

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  20. I use both dies and cutting files. The file types I can use are svg.

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  21. I am a purist...don't do digital images and don't do electronic die cutting machines. I like to create with my hands and the dies allow this. I love the embossed look you can achieve with the nestabilities. I guess I just prefer dies. Thanks for asking. Btw, your vintage garden tags are quite lovely!

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  22. I have a Cuttlebug, and a Big Shot sitting ready for when the 'Bug dies. My hubby has been trying for years to buy me an electronic cutting system, but I won't let him - just love the actual dies too much. So it is wonderful that you're offering the cut files for those who use them - I just probably never will.

    Looks like you've got another great release coming up!

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  23. I'm glad to see Joan posting, just a side comment here. And in terms of dies, I love mine. I cannot afford an electronic cutting machine so I won't be using the electronic files that are popping up all over. I know, I know, I"ll be the antiquated dinosaur but then I'll have all the paleontologists fawning over me. HA!

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  24. I think it's wonderful that you are expanding to include dies. My sweet Mother bought me a Cricut, before I even knew what one was (she saw it on an infomercial, and figured if anyone would use it, it would be me, lol) I have to say, I rarely use it, because I have a very small area to craft, so no dedicated space to leave it out and hooked up. It's much easier for me to pull out my cuttlebug and dies for something quick (plus, as you said, the edge can't be beat!) but I do pull the Cricut out if I need to mass produce something, or for other special projects - so I agree with you here, too...there is a use for both. Hard to really choose just one and I am grateful to have the choice :)

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  25. I guess I'm more of a die person myself. The ease of use is what gets me. Thanks for the chance to win and I'm loving all the new stamps.

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  26. I'm a lover of dies and my Cameo - they both serve their own purpose in my addiction! :) I like having options, but, am moving toward less dies and more Cameo files. Thanks!

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  27. I agree, there's a place for both! Anything with score lines or potential for embossing needs a die! And you are right, weird shapes you don't want to cut out but won't use for anything else should be a cut file. But if a shape suits both, maybe produce both?

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  28. My opinion--I don't have a cameo, and can't see getting one in the future. I LOVE dies, and have three boxes of PTI dies. I'd be first in line to start buying WM dies. That's my vote.

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  29. I don't have an electronic cutter, and really - can't see myself investing in one. I see their benefits, but there is something about the way they cut that doesn't appeal to me, and I am like you: I like the ability to physically play with my dies on my projects for I commit to a design. If it were up to me, it'd be dies all the way! :)

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  30. I really love using dies. I have a Cricut but seldom use it. I am hoping to get a Silhouette soon so that I can use all these cut files that are available online.

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  31. I just have my little cuttlebug, so I'm afraid I'm stuck with dies...(though I'm not sad about that!!!) :D
    I love the look of the Vintage Garden images! I probably need all of them! Thanks for creating such beautiful stamps, Clarie!

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  32. I have a love affair with dies.. there's something so satisfying about running dies through my cricket.. and great for mass producing (esp. at Christmas time etc) Loving that more and more companies are releasing matching dies to their stamp sets. Can't wait to see yours!

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  33. Ooops, I think I put my comment for this in the post below :0) Well I still hope it helps, even though it's in the wrong place!

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  34. Lovely samples this set is so pretty. I have an eCraft and because I got it I find I dont tend to buy dies any more as I cant justify the expense :-\ I do love the dies I have though and love when I find stamps that coordinate with them. I am also always drooling over new dies! Maybe a cutting file version of the dies would be an option? You can always manually emboss the edges with an embossing stylus then?

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  35. Lovely samples this set is so pretty. I have an eCraft and because I got it I find I dont tend to buy dies any more as I cant justify the expense :-\ I do love the dies I have though and love when I find stamps that coordinate with them. I am also always drooling over new dies! Maybe a cutting file version of the dies would be an option? You can always manually emboss the edges with an embossing stylus then?

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  36. I totally agree with Karen here. I too have a Cricut, that I almost never use at all. I always grab my dies and my CAlæibur, as they´re very simple to use and even looks better, because of the embossed edges. So I admit, I´m thinking really serious about selling my Cricut and spend those money for more dies ha ha ha. I wouldn´t be without my dies.

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  37. Darn I totally forgot to say, I just love these vintage stamps here and how these tags looks here. I love vintage and I love simple, and this is just perfect in my book. Stunning work.

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  38. Good morning
    I am intrigued to see how the cameo works so I will look it up on u tube. I have a Cricut very really use it now !
    I also have the vagabond which I love I can't get enough of dies I love to match them up with my stamp sets.
    I am loving your new releases this month especially the little carrots great for more male gardening themed cards.
    Roll on Friday :-)

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  39. I use both, but at the moment have limited working space so am using dies more. When my craft room is finished (yay) my Silhouette will be permanently out, so that will get used more. In the past, I have made my own cutting files for stamped images, by scanning in the image (from the storage sheet) & using the off-set tool.

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  40. I have a big shot and no electronic cutting machine. I'm happy die cutting and stamping but some of the laser cutting does look amazing.

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  41. I don't own a digi file cutting machine, I have seen the wonderful projects on other blogs, and sighed in amazement and envy! I would love to have one, but I know in my heart, I wouldn't use it enough, so I'm sticking to my G.C and the copious amount of dies I now own!
    Loving all the sneak peeks so far Claire, my faves are the vintage seed packets, and the camellias, and the opera tags and dies, actually I love them all!

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  42. I can see that there is a place for both although I don't yet have any plans to buy a cutting machine. For me personally, I am not convinced I would use it enough, although I have seen some lovely, original things done with it. I still really like my dies after quite a few years of using them. There is something charming about the low-tech element which appeals to me! There is also the stamp/die combo issue which extends the range of one's stamps. Furthermore, look what a lovely job Clare Buswell has done with embossing with dies on her latest cards. You couldn't get an effect like that with a cut shape. Finally, along with many others, I really like the nice edge you get from a die. Nuff said really!!!

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  43. I would dearly love a Cameo Claire, but the cost of them in Australia (nearly $500, double that in the US), I cannot justify the expense. So for me I am very much looking forward to your foray into dies.

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  44. I don't have a cutting machine and really don't think I'd get enough use from one to justify such and expensive piece of equipment - not to mention finding a space for it in my small craft space. I'm not a volume card maker - I just like to make cards for family and friends so don't need a machine that can spend all day cutting out shapes for me. Most stamp companies have gone down the matching die route when releasing new stamps and I'm very happy to see WMS joining in.

    Oh and Claire, I just love those garden stamps! Wonderful!

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  45. hello, this is great!!!!!!! Very nice. Thanks for the chance to win.
    Love from Holland.

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  46. Claire your samples are beautiful! Looks like a timeless set - fab! I still love the actual dies but I don't own a cricut/silhouette machine yet! I'm with you on the way spellbinders cut & emboss - I don't think you can match their finish but love the idea of cutting tricky templates/words out with a machine very quickly. Hugs x

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  47. Fantastic news that there will be co-ordinating dies
    A die and co-ordinating stamp gives the novice (me) the confidence to produce a piece of work plus the investment in a manual die cutting machine versus an electronic bit of kit is more affordable for those of us that dabble in this very absorbing and enjoyable hobby
    Thanks for the inspiration

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  48. OK, here's my two-penneth on the die vs electronic cutting debate.

    I have a cricut, a cameo a big kick and a grand calibur (yes I will go to my grave a pauper, a pauper but a happy paper crafting obsessed one!) I hate the cricut - it never cut anything to the size I wanted without me wasting sheet on sheet of paper until my "guess" came out good. The cartridges are expensive and I've only cut a few images from any of the ones I bought.

    Then I took a die cutting class which included lessons on the cameo - er HELLO - where have you been all my life and why didn't I buy you instead of the darn cricut - so I bought it and have had it about 3 months now and have already used it about 3 times as much as the cricut which I've had for 2 years. It lives on my desk permanently and I turn to it often. The ability to buy JUST the image I want when I want it is perfect. I got the cut files which went with last WM release and thought they were brilliant - although I think I may not have imported them at the right size so there was a bit of juggling to get them to cut to the size of the stamp. I think they are particularly brilliant for things like the palm trees for which I wouldn't buy a die but would buy a cheaper cut file for the odd occassion I'm going to use it.

    The new dies look fantastic and despite my love affair with my cameo I will definately be buying them on Friday. I love the intracte look of them and do agree that for things like that you want the embossed edge.

    However, what I often find a disappointment with dies is that there isn't one just "a bit bigger" or "a bit smaller" when I'm layering them up so I often end up drawing around the outer or inner edges and cutting by hand. I have also found that you can "cheat" the embossed edge on hand or cameo cuts with a ball tool and a bit of patience. I am therefore very intrigued by what you're going to do with your calibre later.......

    Not sure if this helped or not, but I'm definately going to be a "buying from both camps" kind of girl.

    Now if you can just start putting some of your design flair into embossing folders too that would be grand :-D

    Tara
    x

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  49. I'm with you, Claire in that I definitely see a use for both my dies and Cameo.
    I do love the quick ease of a die plus as you've mentioned the detailed edging. I also like that I can use my heavier cardstock with dies. Since I have limited crafting space, the Silhouette is stored in the closet, so it requires a little more time to set it up for use.

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  50. Hi Claire
    firstly I am loving your samples, you are sooo creative. My mojo seems to have deserted me at the moment!!!!!!!
    I am lucky enough to have a sizzix eclips with which I can cut out svgs but like you and many others I still enjoy my die cutting too.
    Am looking forward to the rest of the samples I am sure my bank balance is going to take a hammering unless I am lucky enough to win LOL

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  51. Beautiful samples - so much inspiration from the DT too ;)
    I love, love, love dies... can't get enough. An electronic machine is beyond my budget (and space in my crafty den), so long live my Cuttlebug!!
    Thanks for all your hard work Claire & the WMS team - you are so appreciated ;) Rx

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  52. I'm a die cut girl all the way. It feels like I'm "paper crafting" when I'm making something this way. Anything digital or on the computer I relate to an office job...So old fashioned, but I am what I am :)

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  53. Although I don't have a machine that will work with cut files(yet) they are my preference. I love my Cricut(s) and what it/they can do, but the flexibility of the silhouette is so appealing for certain things. I don't intend to amass a large collection of dies, so I guess for me dies for now and cut files and a new friend for the Cricut(s) soon.

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  54. I love the look and feel of a die cut image and for labels, tags etc. I think they're great and will continue to buy them especially when they co-ordinate with such beautiful stamps as your own.
    I must admit though, your cut files for My Island have made me consider getting an electronic cutter - your images cut using SVG files look so professional.
    When I have all the WMS sets on my wish list (this keeps growing 'cause you keep releasing wonderful new products), I might consider an electronic cutter but until then I'll just have to fussy cut where necessary.

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  55. I have to say that although I have two sizes of Cricut, I much prefer dies to use in my Vagabond. It just seems to take less time to set everything up!

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  56. I love both. The dies give me the edge that I like and I can cut thicker carstock with my Big Shot. However, if I am in need of multiples, I prefer using my Cricut to save time. I do have the capability to use MTC so I have access to a lot of cutting files. I can't wait to see more of your dies because everythign that you create is lovely.

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  57. I do not have a cameo so can't comment on that but I do love the cut and design of the Spellbinders and comparable dies. The embossing function is wonderful and the cut is so sharp and crisp. I can't imagine not using my Grand Calibur!!

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  58. I am in love with my dies and have both a green CB and a lovely raspberry GC - both of which get used lots and lots! I've been thinking about an electronic cutter since the Expression first came out, but I held off. I really like the cut files you're making to go with your stamps and I've seen the Cameo - and it's on my wishlist now. I like both - for different reasons.

    BTW - love, love these new stamps.

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  59. Hi Claire, I have both a Cameo and a Big Shot and use both a lot. Since I purchased the Cameo I haven't been buying any steel dies but love getting lots of new digital files each month.

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  60. Beautiful samples! I love my dies and use them lots. I also love stamps to match...roll on Friday.

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  61. I don't own a Cameo or any other computerized machine...I use DIES DIES DIES!!! I would love to see those~my Big Shot gets hungry. ;)

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  62. I must admit, I have the Cricut Imagine and I think I have used it twice since I got it. I love my dies. I have an old battered up cuttlebug but it still works beautifully. I love the finish the dies give to the finished product. You just can't beat it.

    Suzanne Mooney
    momma.mooney@gmail.com

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  63. Claire,

    I currently have a big shot and a cricut. I do not have plans to buy a cameo at this current time, but a lot of people have one and love them. So I think your idea to play to the strengths of each system is a great one, this way you can have something for everyone!

    Chris L.

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  64. Remember me asking what on earth a 'cut file' was LOL!!
    I do know what they are now but that's it....for me it's just the CBug (my second one) and I with ordinary simple dies - I'm very happy with that scenario....would like a Grand Calibur but can't afford it...I'll just keep it simple.

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  65. Love the look of the vintage flowers and seed packets, can't wait for the release on Friday!

    I have just a Cuttlebug, and love it! Have never considered having an electronic cutter. Couldn't justify the expense, for one thing, but I do honestly prefer using dies, both for the finished look, and for the process. Can't emboss or stencil with an electronic cutter! WMS dies? What a brilliant idea!

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  66. Just got my Cameo. Your cut files were one of the reasons I finally took the plunge! I have tens of dies and I'm looking forward to yours. I would potentially buy both the dies and the cut files so I guess I'm not much help in deciding which way to go!

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  67. I have a Cuttlebug and only use dies. I love to have matching dies and stamps although sometimes they are tricky to line up so please could you consider using a transparent 'window' in the dies?. No plans to buy any sort of cutting machines here.

    I love your vintage images simply stamped onto kraft card - very classy!

    Penny

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  68. I love the vintagey look of your tags - simple perfection.

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  69. Everyone has a die cut machine, not everyone has a cameo...me included, so I love dies. It is so much faster and it is already sitting right next to me, so although I will probably buy a cameo...hope you make more and more dies! Dies give such a crisp and clean cut all the way around too and is easier to use with just a scrap piece placed just where you want it.

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  70. BOTH, BOTH, BOTH!! For exactly the reasons you state, Claire. A label or large shape outline, yes, I love a die with its embossing capability. For stamp-matching, especially intricate outlines and "holes" (like the gap between 2 tree trunks) I would buy cut files all the way. If a stamp set includes, say, 7 little images that would all look great cut and popped up, I don't want to buy/store 7 wee dies, each of which may get used semi-infrequently. I really see the question as apples and oranges.
    To offer the right tool for the right job, would be my preference (and I have complete faith in your ability to discern which is the right tool)!

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  71. Hi Clare I have a Cricut (dusty)and a Big shot by sizzix and a grand calibur. Love my Big shot & use it every day, so for me die cutting all the way...

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  72. While I love the concept of the cameo, one to be able to download with no need for horizontal storage space, I can't justify it as I have a Cricut and don't use it. However, give me dies, especially some of the new delicate ones, and I am in "hog heaven." There only downside is that you can usually only cut one at at time - sigh - whereas with the cricut you can select multiple cuts. Guess I want my cake and be able to eat it too!

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  73. I am definitely a die person--love them! I'm still content with just my CB, which fits perfectly on my work space. You can't beat the look you get from dies. The embossed edges with Spellbinders looks so professional but all my dies work great. I love how easy it is to make negative designs too. i have been loving all the awesome samples of the new stamps and the dies will be heavenly. I have to say I love fussy cutting too! Don't know if that is a carry-over from paper doll days but it's fun. So I've never minded cutting out your stamp images but know I'm going to love the dies too!

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  74. Hi Clare,
    I prefer the metal dies since I do not own a Cameo. Also, I like the convenience of cutting without "powering up and plugging in." Thanks for reaching out to customers and listening to our concerns!!

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  75. I have tried an electronic cutter (although it was not the Cameo) and I have to say that I prefer my Big Shot and dies. Maybe it is the learning curve of the electronic cutters that I find intimidating. I also love paging through my dies and seeing what I have from time to time. It gets my creativity flowing to look at those metal dies.

    I would love to see metal dies for your wonderful stamps!

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  76. I love the ease of dies which is probably why I haven't invested in a Cameo yet. I just don't think I would use it enough because I love my Grand Calibur and Cuttlebug so much. But then I see cute intricate things like the seed packet and the strawberry basket...and start to waffle :) I do love how you can add texture with embossing folders and such AND cut pretty shapes to match stamps so quickly!

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  77. Although I'm in awe of the possibilities of the electronic cutters, there's something about the mechanical process of a Big Shot. Just seems fitting for the "hand-made" genre.

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  78. First I love the images stamped simply on the kraft in that gorgeous color! Wow! These are stunning Claire!

    I love the embossed detail you get with dies. The new tag dies that you created are a perfect example. Love the little embossed details that are added and there is something lovely about rolling them through a die cut machine. It just makes me happy having that tactile involvement in creating something.

    I do not have a cameo but I do think about getting one. I am still not sure if I would get enough use out of it for the investment and so I wait....but I love seeing more and more cut files available and as I learn more about this machine I will know if I should make the investment. I do like the ability to cut intricate text titles with it.

    Thanks for asking the question. It has been so wonderful to see what others think to for my "cameo research"! :)

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  79. I use a Cuttlebug and I am not planning to buy an electronic cutting machine. So, I prefer to have matching dies for my stamps.

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  80. I agree, playing to the strengths of each system makes sense. I don't have a Cameo yet but plan to get one this year. Using the cut files for closely cutting out specific stamped images makes sense, then using the dies for beautiful shapes that can be used for many coordinating stamps seems like the best of both worlds!

    Besides, for closely trimming stamped images, a Sizzix Framelit or a Memory Box style die would work better because you DON'T want the embossed line making a mark within your image.

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  81. I do have a cameo and appreciate cut files for very specific shapes that I really won't use as often.
    But for tags as labels I really love dies.
    Embossed edges can't be beat, and I dont need to bring the laptop down to my crafty area as often. Although for the lantern above, a cut file all the way.

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  82. I dont' think my last post went through so I'm trying this again.

    Claire, I think your images are lovely...

    I do not have a Cameo, I have used a Cricut but don't own one. All in all, I prefer the Big Shot. I like the spellbinder dies the best... they are so compact and you are given several different sizes to help close the gap on size variation... I also love the edges on them! It's great that they have made larger ones...but they do not fit in my machine and the cost is just too high for my budget.

    I think the electronic die cutting machines require more time and effort to use than just running them through the regular die cutting machines. Perhaps if it was a business or something I might be more inclined to have access to both. I feel that the cartridges often have many items i would never use and don't care to pay all of that money for just a couple of images....I would need to use those images a great deal in order to justify it.

    Claire you have made beautiful stamps to coordinate with spellbinders!! Thank you for that...

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  83. I only have a wee Cuttlebug whom I love very much !! Unfortunately, when it came to making the electronic cutting choice I chose the Betamax instead of VHS and have a Cricut which is rarely out of it's box - the cartridges are just too expensive for the limited designs I want. I would LOVE you to produce dies to go along with your sets !

    xx

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  84. Gorgeous release!! I have a Cricut (gift two Christmasses ago) and have used it once. Mainly a space consideration but not sure it is really my thing. I love my cuttlebug but really only use it for label dies. I don't think I've ever purchased a set of dies that coordinated with a stamp set and though I never say never, can't really see doing so in the future. I adore fussy cutting (call the medics!) so am fine with that.

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  85. I love cutting files and dies both!! I like the unique qualities of each - the range of materials you can cut with dies and the embossing capability, but also love the versatility and sizing of the cutting files. I say go for them both!

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  86. No Cameo, just a Cuttlebug. LOVE the new Flowers and Produce sets!!!!!!!!!

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  87. I thought I would be in the minority when I read your question, Claire. It's dies all the way for me. Crafting space for an electronic cutter is an issue for me and the major reason I don't have one. Plus I love the portability of dies. I craft with a group of friends regularly and like to have my dies at hand when we get together.

    You know I'll be shopping tomorrow, right? Love absolutely everything.

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  88. I like both.
    I love the clean edges of dies...
    you're right...
    can't beat them!
    But when you have to cut 50-60 of something for some kiddies classes at school...
    who cares about clean edges...
    definitely not the kids...
    and most definitely not the mom who feels her arm may fall off before finishing! :)
    So it really depends on the use for me.
    Sometimes...
    I really wish I had all my dies in both options...
    and that is on my crafty nirvana wishlist! *giggle*
    LOVE everything so far...
    and can't wait to see more! :)
    You amaze me with your creative genius and vision!
    Hugs!!

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  89. I love that card & am looking forward to seeing the stamp set.
    I don't have an electronic cutter, but love my Big Shot & using dies. I use dies to help make at least 50% of my cards.

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  90. Hi Claire, I do not have a Cameo or any way to use cutting files currently. I hesitate to invest in such a machine since I think I lack the patience and discipline it takes to set it up and use/make cut files. I really do loves dies, and just replaced my Cuttlebug with a Big Shot for that reason. This release is soooo wonderful!

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  91. I absolutely am HOOKED on Spellbinders dies! Can't live without them! As for the cutting files; what in the heck is that? I'm so new to this game of card making that I haven't even heard that term before. Sorry I don't have anything to contribute, but one can't contribute if one does not know anything about the subject!

    Hugs

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  92. I don't have a Cameo or any other electronic cutting machine, so I love dies. Love that nice edge. And I don't really want to invest in another machine that is expensive and requires storing somewhere.

    Excited about this release!

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  93. I have a Cuttlebug and so of course I love dies! I can't get enough of them. I can see the benefit of an electronic cutter but I can't justify the price point on them. I think you should cater to both worlds because when the price of a silhouette drops down to under $100, I'm sure they'll be more people buying them.

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  94. Hi Claire...I love all the new designs...I love using dies...the embossing option is so beautiful...I use my little cuttlebug a lot. My Cricut is great for cutting out multiples of things when I have to make lots of the same card and hundreds of cards...(for camp crafts and classes and such)...i would love to have a cameo so I could use cut files...I love the versatility of it...
    Can't wait for the reveal! Thanks!

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  95. Dies all the way for me! I have a Cricut but rarely use it but my Cuttlebug is in constant use.

    Also I run a craft club and only one of my members actually has an electronic cutter, the rest are dies only ladies.

    I was first attracted to Waltzingmouse because I wanted to get more use of my Nesties, when I discovered your Nestie-friendly stamps I was in heaven.

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  96. Hi Claire,
    I only have die cutting machines and have recently upgraded to the Grand Calibur which I love. I haven't used or want a Cameo etc it just doesn't appeal.
    Julie

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  97. Whoa! Love these: gorgeous in their simplicity!

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  98. Hi Claire,
    Well, I'm a total die-0-holic. LOL I started with a Cuttlebug, advanced to Sizzix's Big shot express for the ease of the electric button. Then my son spoiled a couple of years ago with a large purchase for my bday, and I got an AccuCut GrandMark machine. I LOVE them all for their own purposes. I have dies from so many different companies and I love them all too for various reasons. My daughter and I had so much fun making invitations and favors for her wedding and the AccuCut allowed us the ease of using 8 1/2 x 11 CS to achieve the embossing on the areas we wanted and not marr the rest of the CS. I've just not taken the electronic cutter challenge yet. But I know it would be so much fun too. I really think the Cameo will be the one I get because you can do so much from your computer, like the fonts. Thanks for all that you do, I love your posts, I love your personality and your Paper Crafting is Outstanding and always tickles.

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  99. I love dies and I love my Cameo .. each have different uses. Sometimes you just don't have the time for the machine to do an intricate cut so running a die through a manual machine is way quicker .. other times the design is too big to go through a die cutting machine so up and away with a 12 x 12 on the Cameo .. yet again you can run a piece of thick cardstock through your die cutting machine and don't have to waste time doing three or four cuts on a digital die cutter. At the same time you can't beat designing whatever comes into your head in whatever size you need on your digital die cutter and being able to make your own stencils, embossing folders, stickers, cut out any most any stamp you possess.

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  100. I have the original Cricut and the Expression and love the last one. I think I am an addict for Spellbinders dies and thanks for the opportunity to win some eye candy.

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  101. I currently don't have a digital die cutting machine but would eventually like to get one. When I do I will invest in one of the machines that also embosses. They are around $400 so it'll be a while before I invest in that. I just my spellbinder's dies all the time and absolutely love stamps that match them. I think that it is fabulous that you provide cut files (even some for free, which is some of the best customer service I have seen). These free cut files especially make me want to buy the stamps that have cut files which is part of my motivation to want a digital die cut machine.

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Thanks for taking the time to comment, :) I read them all and I appreciate you taking time to visit!