Die-Cutting

• Using a Cuttlebug for die-cutting is a simple process. It involves what is commonly referred to as a sandwich, or stack, that includes your paper, card stock or other medium, the cutting plates that come with your machine and the die that you wish to cut out. You can cut multiple pieces of paper at a time and produce a clean cut without scissors or a craft knife. Put the sandwich you have created into the machine, crank it through, and in one to two passes you have sharply cut embellishments..
  
  

Embossing

• Embossing with your Cuttlebug is as simple as die-cutting. Your sandwich will look slightly different, using an embossing mat in the place of a cutting mat and an embossing folder in place of the die. This will enable your machine to impress a pattern into your paper or card stock instead of cutting all the way through it. ProvoCraft (Cuttlebug's manufacturer) has also created dual-purpose dies with an embossing and cutting side, so you can emboss the embellishment you have cut out for a truly 3D look.
  
  

Versatility

• ProvoCraft (Cuttlebug's manufacturer) has also created a document (with the help of its message board) that shows specific sandwich recipes using several other manufacturers' dies and embossing folders. This lets you take advantage of other manufacturers' shapes or fonts and combine them with the Cuttlebug's speed and versatility.
  
  

Other Crafts Uses

• With more than just paper or card stock, you can use different materials to create stickers, magnets and even stamps. To create a stamp, use an embossing folder as well as inexpensive craft foam available from any craft store and place it in your embossing folder. Emboss the shape into the foam, just as you would a piece of card stock, and you have a reverse image to use as a stamp. Glue the embossed craft foam onto a block or stamp handle, and you have your own stamp, giving you even more ways to decorate and embellish your scrapbooks and cards.