There are a number of die cutting machines on the market including the Cuttlebug and Sizzix. These machines use the traditional method of die cutting which involves placing paper over a template, covering it with a protective board, and running it manually through a press machine to punch out the shape.  This method has proven effective and can cut multiple impressions of an image at once.  However, there are some limitations when it comes to selection, storage, and size.

The Cricut machine has renovated the world of die cutting.  It is a completely electronic machine.  The traditional dies have been replaced with small cartridges jam packed with images and options.  The cartridge is similar to a USB thumb drive in that it has a small plug that inserts into the front of the machine, stores mass amounts of data on it, is small, easy to store, and is portable.  The Cricut functions by having the user insert the cartridge, cover the machine key pad with the custom cartridge key pad, and select the images desired.  By using the cartridge the user has more options.  They can print multiples of the same or different images, choose special effects like shadows or italics, and most importantly alter size!  The ability to alter size is one of the best features of the Cricut machine providing the user with the freedom to change an image to fit their design layout not the other way around.  The cricut electronic die cut machine Cricut machine has size adjustment that can go as small as desired, although you want to limit this to ensure image quality, and it can max out at size 12X12 or 12X24.  The computer inside the machine tracks previous cuts and knows how much space is left on the remaining paper altering the user if there is space issues and when cutting multiple images knows which sections have already been used.  This opens up a world of creative possibilities that were never possible with traditional die cutting machines.

However, the machine is not perfect.  The Cricut expression like the traditional machines can be used to cut a variety of materials including card stock, paper, vellum, plastic, rubber, and vinyl but the user must remember to adjust the cutting settings or risk a miss-cut and damaging the cutting blade or the material.  The Cricut expression requires the use of specially designed sticky mats which the paper needs to be attached to for insertion and cutting.  This means that these boards will have to continually be purchased and if the company decides to stop making their machine or accessories the users will no longer be able to use the machine; this is not a problem for the traditional die cutters which do not require special equipment.  The stickiness of the cutting mat can also be an issue; when the mats are first used they are very sticky and can actually damage the paper causing it to tear or curl when removed but after several uses it becomes easier to manage.  If a customer finds a design they like by another company such as cuttlebug they are out of luck because they cannot use it in the Cricut but they could use it with their Sizzix Big Shot or Cuttlebug machine which provides more freedom in choosing a company and the images available.  Finally, the nature of the machine only allows it to do die cuts where the Sizzix and Cuttlebug are able to do embossing and put crease marks into paper which produces a wider range of options for their users.

Overall, the Cricut expression is a great tool for any paper crafter.  Like all tools it has benefits and drawback and it is up to the end user to do the research and decide if it is right for them.  The Cricut has recently come out with a computer software allowing users to design a layout on their computer and send it to the machine to cut opening it to the digital and computer world of crafting; a similar device is coming out for Sizzix but will not require a computer instead using a hand held device and electronic cutter very similar to the Cricut.  With all of the options it is just personal choice if you want more freedom in sizes and more options then a Cricut might be for you.  However, if you prefer versatility, the ability to do embossing, and want to use other brand dies then a traditional cutter would be the better choice.

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I am not out to speak good English or follow a writing style. I am here to speak my mind like I am talking to you one on one. Therefore, I won’t apologize for the way I write. My dear friend, there is something I have been thinking about for too long, It is called Mental Colonialism. That word!  Yea, lets talk about it.

I remember meeting up with Omotolani last summer in Nigeria. We arranged that she come to see in me in my hometown, Ondo. She affirmed that there is nothing really to do in Ondo town, "Ondo is for small girls”.  Keep it in mind that Omotolani was born and raised in Ondo until she went for university in Lagos. I quickly reminded her of the great asun (goat barbeque), the beautiful scenery, the breath of fresh air and the peaceful nature of Ondo town. I remember she even told me not to call her Omotolani again, that her name is now Sandra. I smiled. I thought to myself, major "ngunbeeness"!

I picked up Sandra at the motor park, and we headed home. She asked why I still talked “Nigerian”. I smiled.   I must have forgotten that I am Nigerian by birth; I think she must be reminding me. Am I missing something here?  I noticed in our conversations, Sandra seems to use more men, sh**, f*** and American slangs in her sentences than most Americans I know.  That is another story.

She started asking me about music, movies etc. She asked if I have seen this video and that video. She asked if I know of this new clothing line by this famous designer. I am sure I wasn’t really paying attention.  She has seen all the episodes of OC, Gossip Girls, and Summerland. I noticed she had a tattoo, she even told me that she smokes now. It is bigz girlz runz. Sandra was telling me that if you attend Unilag and you don’t wear at least a gold chain on your neck, you ain’t got swagga. In fact, she was even telling me about how girls while in school, get pregnant to tie a man down. I open my mouth.  “Ehen is it new? In America, there are lotta teen pregnancy, so why is your mouth wide open?”  she said.

We started watching a Nigerian movie on tv. Why is it that everyone looks flashy? Why is it that a man must wear all those earrings, designers, sun-glasses (at night), and blings on his neck to show his wealth? Why do they always show big houses? Why do those actresses remind me of Beyonce (except a crappy version)? Why do I notice an accent that sounds British? No, it sounded like American-Irish accent. On a second thought, I thought it sounded Sudanese mixed with Brazilian and Spanish. Ok I need to stop.  I switched channels now. This time it was a music channel. Is it me or do I notice more foreign women in Nigerian videos? When have you seen a Chioma in Linkin Park video? Chei!  Even Sandra said foreign girls are really beautiful. Then I said, “You must be ugly then”. She was like “haba, I be fine girl, as in, you know now”. Hmm, ok!

As if that wasn’t enough for one night. I saw a lot of dance moves that resemble that of Usher. Don’t get me wrong, its not bad to have that in videos o. I just don’t know why they have to dress like Usher. What is wrong with a man having bits and pieces of African culture in his music video? Well I think it is sexy.  I am sure if Usher wore an African outfit bigz dies in one of his dance videos, a lot of Nigerian musicians will adopt that. Having said that, few artistes are doing their best by showcasing the richness of Nigerian culture in their music videos or movies. I will like to say thank you and keep it coming. Nigerian needs more people like you. Ok, I digressed. 

Anyhoo, Sandra and I went shopping. I saw some London wax, and Ankara that I really loved. I bought a lot of them, took them to the tailor for sewing. I also bought some high quality t-shirts and customized my name on them with different designs and slogans. Then I saw a label called Dudu Phassion. I love their design work, so I immediately picked one up. Sandra was like “which one is dudu again? God forbid! Please lets visit Sachs, I have been dying to get that Louis Vuitton bag I told you about.” I smiled.  Major "Ngubee-ness"!

Later that night, we headed to the club. I need my inhaler on this one. Okay! I think am exaggerating now.  One thing I appreciated about the club was that they were playing Nigerian music. That was a relief!  I noticed a girl was wearing a top that looks almost like a bra with a short and a “long leather boot”. I didn’t know it was winter! I judged her, I am sorry. There was this guy with some grillz, hair plaited, pant sagging, and tattooed arms. Mehn I can see the lightening in those girls’ eyes. Its like you can read what they are saying, in their minds “he’s got swagga”. Even Sandra thinks he is sexy. One of my childhood friends, Olakunle, came to my table. Wow! I hadn't seen him in like 5 years. “Olakunle, meet my friend Omotolani, we went to primary school together”, I said. “Hmm, pls call me Sandra, nice meeting you”.  Olakunle asked us to visit a restaurant to catch up on old times.  It was really a nice restaurant. They have both home and foreign cuisines. Everyone ordered food. Sandra decided to eat Pizza. I could tell she wasn’t enjoying it because she said she wanted to take it home. Again I smiled. Major "Ngunbee-ness"!

We got home that night and I kept Sandra’s pizza in the fridge. An hour later, she told me she was hungry. I reminded her of the pizza. She was like “omo men, the pizza wasn’t flowing o. I just wanted to be tush ‘cos ‘Kunle was there”.  I smiled while thinking she is so Ngunbee in my mind. Sandra asked why I have been smiling. She thought I was acting strange. She even asked if I’m really schooling in the U.S. She said my behavior is like that of an Ondo girl. “Kei kei kei, ngunbee o! Am I not an Ondo girl?”, I asked. , “You are but I figured you should be acting American by now, your behavior is just …..” , she replied. I smiled “Sandra my dear, listen:

Americans don’t really care about us. Western people don’t wear our clothes, they don’t eat our food, and neither do they sing our songs.  Don’t be taken over by mental colonialism. Traveling or schooling in a foreign country is not a justification to forget one’s culture but to learn about new stuff, meet new people, try new things and become a global citizen. There is nothing bad in adopting a new culture but when you see nothing good in your own culture and thinks the other culture is the norm, then something is wrong.  I call it slavery of the mind. You can have all the degrees in this world and still be ignorant.  Why don’t we patronize quality Made In Nigeria products? Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with wearing Louis Vuitton but the mentality that any designer made in Nigeria is not of high quality is bad. I am not saying we shouldn’t listen to foreign music or watch their movies. The only thing I speak against is excess. Nigerians can abuse things. We use more American slangs than Americans. We  know more songs than the Americans. We tend to even know the American culture more than the Americans. If you don’t know, men that dress with their pants sagged to their knees like those ones seen in music videos are considered irresponsible. Yet, "some" people thinks it is the swag in Nigeria.  I don’t know when smoking became a fashion statement or a bigz girlz run. Have you ever thought about the cold weather in some countries? Maybe that is why people tend to smoke a lot in those countries? Why do we use American bad habits as our own “swag”? What is wrong with having a shirt with Funke Akindele or Fela Kuti written on it?  In fact, if you can’t wear that, how about a shirt with your own name on it? What is wrong with beautiful names like Adenike (kei kei kei), Omotolani, Aisha, Olakunle, Chika, Eniola, Agbani,  Ilebaye, Musa etc? Please I’m not saying if you have an English name, something is wrong with it. Something is wrong when you change your native name to an English name just to fit in or because you think it sounds good.  And then you will see wannabe model exposing their body and people will comment, “this is sexy”. You can be sexy without showing all your nakedness. Not everyone wants to see it.  9ice in his song “Photocopy” said, “Photocopy ko easy, You could never be like me, this is my identity”.  You can’t be an American even with fake accents. Your identity is your identity. It is what makes you special. Don’t be trapped by Mental Colonialism. 

Young people have choice. Nigeria youths are very creative and enterprising. However, the embrace of this so-called American culture is disheartening. Perhaps, times have changed but it is still not an excuse to adopt another culture to a fault. I will like to see more men in their sexy African attire.  I will like to see more people speaking proper English and not “we ain't talk to no police, we ain't make no peace bond, we ain't trustin in no judicial system, we shoot guns we rely on the streets, we do battle in the hood. We Gangsta” WHAT???  Can someone tell me when Nigeria started having "hood"? And no am not talking about AJegunle. I will like you to see the beauty of the Nigerian Culture. The radiance of the Nigerian woman, the fresh taste of our food, the unpolluted breath of air, the scenery of midnight tales, the orgasmic sound of our drums, the powerful effects of our proverbs, the courage of our people, the class in our fashion and the sophistication in our language. Hmm by the way, "Ngunbeeness" is an exclamation. It can be anything you want it to be. (Keikeikei, I formed it)

Above all, let us remember, that we are good people and a great nation.

Sandra thinks to herself, “Adenike you sabi talk o, all these because I pretended I like pissshaaaaa?”

 

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Lots of people have made scrapbooking as well as paper crafts a hobby or a pastime. With the technology advancement, machines such as the Cricut Expression has come out for this hobbyist. These die cut device creates an innovative technique in having just about anything personalized. There's no edge in the ability of this machine, it could be a layout for your scrapbook, designs for your signage or decorations for your classrooms. About 50 cartridges in different varieties are available for this machine. It also has a design studio suitable to make designs of your own. Another available machine is the QuicKutz Silhouette, which happens to be a digital cutting quickutz dies device that includes a blade to cut of papers and other materials such as vinyl. With your wide ideas on designs, these machines will be something great to put your imagination on paper or whatever material you choose from.

If you love making scrapbooks, these machines would be perfect for you. This would be a good companion for anybody who likes making scrapbooks. There are thousands of designs and styles for you to choose from.

Another popular machine is the Sizzix Bigshot. A machine designed to cut just about any kind of material. You can use this machine to cut shapes on the materials or even emboss them. A must use for those people who have a wider range of ideas to put on materials.

It takes creativity and hard work to create that wonderful scrapbook and not everyone can do it. There are a huge variety of choices in letters, shapes, designs, and phrases that you could make use of in your scrapbook which will give your scrapbook the look that anybody would want to keep forever.

This would be a magnificent gift for those people who enjoy creating scrapbooks. You just place a paper in it and push a button and that's it. The portability of the cricut is an added amazing feature. It's just seven pounds in weight, which is very handy to carry with you just about anywhere.

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Lots of people have made scrapbooking as well as paper crafts a hobby or a pastime. With the technology advancement, machines such as the Cricut Expression has come out for this hobbyist. These die cut device creates an innovative technique in having just about anything personalized. There's no edge in the ability of this machine, it could be a layout for your scrapbook, designs for your signage or decorations for your classrooms. About 50 cartridges in different varieties are available for this machine. It also has a design studio suitable to make designs of your own. Another available machine is the QuicKutz Silhouette, which happens to be a digital cutting new sizzix device that includes a blade to cut of papers and other materials such as vinyl. With your wide ideas on designs, these machines will be something great to put your imagination on paper or whatever material you choose from.

If you love making scrapbooks, these machines would be perfect for you. This would be a good companion for anybody who likes making scrapbooks. There are thousands of designs and styles for you to choose from.

Another popular machine is the Sizzix Bigshot. A machine designed to cut just about any kind of material. You can use this machine to cut shapes on the materials or even emboss them. A must use for those people who have a wider range of ideas to put on materials.

It takes creativity and hard work to create that wonderful scrapbook and not everyone can do it. There are a huge variety of choices in letters, shapes, designs, and phrases that you could make use of in your scrapbook which will give your scrapbook the look that anybody would want to keep forever.

This would be a magnificent gift for those people who enjoy creating scrapbooks. You just place a paper in it and push a button and that's it. The portability of the cricut is an added amazing feature. It's just seven pounds in weight, which is very handy to carry with you just about anywhere.

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Scrap bookers always like to make the effective use of their craft supplies to maximum extent possible and Cuttlebug embossing folders provide new verticals to craft projects as a good craft tool. It is well known that Provo Craft originally introduced the Cuttlebug as a die-cut machine for home craft projects. Its features include lightweight, compact, no use of electricity and fold up for easy storage. It comes as a cost effective craft tool that is extremely beneficial for people who find them incapable of spending huge sum of money on large machines. It's also extremely easy to use.

Cuttlebug embossing folders are widely used to press a three dimensional image into cardstock, craft foam, mesh, chipboard, and other scrapbook media. The optimum width of the paper that can be used should not be sizzix embossing folders more than six inches and there is no defined limit for height. These embossing folders are widely available in a variety of styles. The basic dimension of folder is 5-inch by 7-inch and has on the entire pattern. These Cuttlebug embossing folders are ideal for embossing photo mats and cards. Most of the designs come individually and the remaining come in groups of four or six themed folders, like the four piece "Plus Blossom" set with an Asian theme or the six piece "Winter Wonderland" set with winter and Christmas designs.

Another range of folders are border designs. They usually come in 7-inch 12-inch length for both card making and Scrapbooking. They also have special embossing folders for tags, labels, monograms, journaling boxes, and a series of small designs that are available in sets of four pieces.

Cuttlebug embossing folders can also be utilized on other machines such as Double Do XL Die cutter and Embossing Machine as well as varieties of the Sizzix machines. Scrappers have found that it's possible to use the Cuttlebug embossing folders even without the die-cut machine. The only equipment required is a spray bottle, some tape, and a rolling pin.

Bramwell's are craft distributors of card making and craft materials, combining a comprehensive and imaginative range of quality products. We do not do Cuttlebug Embossing Folders and Cricut machines at the moment but might start doing it later in the year.

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When you go to scrapbook stores, you may find magazines and books for scrapbooking that may trigger something in you to make you a great scrapbooker. However, these magazines, materials and kits will be very expensive, however, if you are indeed into scrapbooking, but do not have enough resources, here are a few instruction that will help you.

Look into basics for starters. Like in craft and artwork, many materials and supplies are needed for scrapbooks, however, you need not spend a large sum of money for it. Many products offered by scrapbooking industries are for people who are deeply into scrapbooking and want ultimate comfort. Hence they are very costly.

If you are a beginner, you need not worry about these. You must focus yourself and try to buy basic supplies and materials like sheet protectors and an album which are available in a variety of colors and sizes, paper trimmers or scissors that can easily cut out lines and shapes in papers, adhesives which are inexpensive, yet effective, photo splits or photo tabs that can keep the back portion of the photographs clean and easily removable, card stocks and papers punches scrapbooking which will make the base of the scrapbook pages, a variety of pens and other journal tools. However, you must be wary of lignin and acid content in these tools so that your photographs are protected.

Also, master the techniques of basic scrapbooking. Magazines that may help are expensive as they are made for a particular group in the market and if you have very less amount of money and want to make a scrapbook, then you will have to pump the creative juices in you, as it is the only thing that will pay.

Create your own style, but, you may take the help of the internet and get ideas about basic techniques that are used in scrapbooking. Some basic techniques that are used in scrapbooking are given which can be used in the do-it-yourself scrapbook.

- Eyelets can be inserted and an inserted eyelet is an awesome way of attaching things and will embellish your scrapbook and also enhance it. They come in many shapes and sizes and can be used in drawing attention from the focal point of the page. For inserting it, you will require paper punch, eyelet setter, mat and a hammer.

You must first select the place where the eyelet is to be inserted and you must lay the paper face up on the mat. The hole punch must be held upright and the hammer must be used and the punch's top must be hit by the hammer. The eyelet can then be inserted and the paper turned over. The eyelet setter can be placed on its top surface and then the eyelet can then be tapped by using the hammer so that the ridges on the sides of the eyelet are flattened.

- Another basic technique that can be used is piecing the paper and usage of patterns in the paper. While patterns are used in scrapbooks, you may have to include tracing paper in your scrapbook so that the pattern is enhanced in your scrapbook.

Using a pencil, the outline must be drawn on the tracing paper and then it must be transferred to the paper. Then, the tracing can be placed above the patterned paper, then finally slip the transfer underneath to draw on the lines. While creating a paper pieced embellishment, the steps used in using patterns must be followed and then the pattern pieces are to be cut out.

Chalk and vellum can also be used for creation of awesome scrapbooks.

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