7 Easy Die Cutting Projects You Need to Try

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a pile of die-cuts, wondering how to bring them to life, you’re not alone. Turning ideas into tangible projects is often overwhelming, especially with so many choices and techniques available.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of seven exciting die cutting projects that are not only fun but also easy to tackle, even for beginners. From the timeless elegance of white die-cuts to the ethereal charm of vellum foliage, these DIY projects will help you explore new techniques while addressing common crafting challenges. Whether you’re looking to create beautiful handmade cards in half the time or experiment with unique materials like crepe paper and acetate, we’ve got you!

7 Easy Die Cutting Projects You Need to Try Today

Zero-Waste: Autumn Leaves

1. Keep the positive die-cuts white. 

In Nathalie’s fall-themed memory-keeping page, she cut the Zero-Waste: Autumn Leaves Die from an ink-blended panel and a plain white panel. She then popped the white positive die-cuts back into place. This created some fun dimension and texture to her DIY project. Now go on and try this on your next handmade card!

Craft Your Life Project Kit: Chocolate Flowers

2. Use vellum for leaves and foliage.

Our guest designer and AECP Educator April Leithner has a must-try die cutting project for you! Instead of die cutting your leaves and foliage out of white or colored cardstock, try using vellum! This simple but incredible type of paper is perfect for adding that extra “wow” factor to any paper crafting project.

Timeless Sentiments Holiday Edition Die Set

3. Matte sentiment die-cuts with vellum.

Another fun way to play with vellum and die-cuts? Matte your sentiment die-cuts with vellum paper! It’s a subtle way to add impact and elevate your die cutting projects.

Tip: If you die cut leaves from different colored cardstock, you can easily create 2 handmade cards for 2 different occasions—Christmas and Thanksgiving! How cool is that?

Craft-A-Flower Dahlia April Heather Layering Die Set

4. Create two cards in one go! 

Hannelie’s quick die cutting projects are so simple you can probably do them with your eyes closed! Okay, maybe not with your eyes closed, but we promise you’ll be able to create TWO gorgeous handmade cards in no time. All you need to do is choose a flower die and color-coordinating cardstock sets, switch them up, and voila!

Inline Alpha Die Set

5. Create sentiment die-cuts in bulk. 

With the holiday season coming, we know the struggle of creating Christmas cards in bulk. Here’s an expert tip from the Queen of Clean and Simple Cards Aga: die cut your sentiments in bulk out of different colored cardstock paper!

Whether you’re using word sentiments or DIY sentiments with alphabet stamps, this die-cutting project is a fun and efficient way to get started on those holiday cards. Plus, you can do it while watching your favorite TV show, a Netflix movie, or listening to a podcast!

Playful Flowers Bundle, Blossoming Apple Bundle

6. Add acetate borders!

If there’s ONE die cutting project that you absolutely MUST try, it’s this one by Bibi! Try creating a unique border with acetate. This simple hack will make your handmade cards go from 0 to 100 in an instant!

Craft-A-Flower: Amaryllis Die Set, Craft-A-Flower: Japanese Anemone Layering Die Set

7. Use crepe paper for some interest!

We save the best for last! One thing you can change up to create life-like die-cutting projects that just pop off the page is the paper/material you’re using. In his handmade card above, Jaycee used crepe paper to die cut each petal. It took some time and lots of care, BUT the result is totally worth it!

Tip from Jaycee: The key is to ensure that the parallel lines of the flower match with the direction of each petal. This means you are cutting each flower petal individually–which takes a little bit of time.

Bonus Die-Cutting Project Ideas!

Before you go forth and die cut to your heart’s content, we’ve got 3 more die cutting projects for you to try! We hope this inspires you to play with your favorite dies, cardstock, vellum, and other materials. 

• Color in the white edges with alcohol markers. 
• Die cut out of patterned paper.
• Try paper piecing.

Create Easy Die-Cutting Projects with These Must-Try Tips 

We hope these 7 die cutting projects have inspired you to get creative and have some fun with your crafting! Whether you’re playing around with vellum, cranking out sentiment die-cuts in bulk, or experimenting with textures like crepe paper and acetate, there’s so much you can do.

Remember, crafting is all about enjoying the journey and expressing yourself. We’d love to see what you come up with, so don’t hesitate to share your creations using #Altenew on social media. Find more die cutting projects to try today In the Craft Room! Happy crafting!

FAQs About Die-Cutting in Card Making

What can I make with die cuts?

With die cuts, the possibilities are endless! You can create beautiful handmade cards, intricate scrapbook layouts, DIY home decor items, personalized gift tags, and even unique party decorations. From shapes like flowers and leaves to intricate designs for sentiments and borders, die-cuts can add a professional touch to any project.

What is an example of die cutting?

An example of die cutting is using a metal die to cut out a specific shape from cardstock. For instance, if you have a floral die, you can place it on a piece of paper, run it through a die-cutting machine, and end up with perfectly shaped paper flowers ready to take center stage on your handmade card, scrapbook page, and other DIY crafting projects.

What can die cutting be used for?  

Die cutting can be used for various crafting projects. It’s perfect for creating shapes for card making, adding layers to scrapbook pages, making custom stencils, producing intricate designs for DIY home decor, and even crafting unique packaging for gifts. Essentially, it allows you to cut precise shapes and designs quickly and easily.