CuttleBug is a brand of at home die cutting machines that are produced by Provo Craft. It is one of the newer lines breaking through in the arts and crafts field and has found great success so far. The CuttleBug operates with a manual rolling crank that applies pressure and cuts the shape of the die placed inside.
CuttleBug machines easily cuts through many different types and sizes of material. The dies of the machine are put in the 'wafer' category, meaning they are thinner. This usually means that there is less durability and the dies can't cut through as much, but not with the CuttleBug. The manufacturer claims that the dies can cut through paper, fabric, light cardboard, coaster style chipboard, felt, fun foam, leather, super thin sheet metal, plastic stencils, and more. Some users report trying to cut through thicker items such as mouse pads. Results are varied, but general consensus is that if the thicker item is placed correctly, after a few times it is possible to get the cut desired.
One great perk of the CuttleBug is that it is compatible with cartridges produced by other major names in scrapbook die cutters. Big Shot Thick Cuts and Big Shot Thin Cuts, Sizzix Originals, Sizzlifts, and QuicKutz are just some of the brands that can be used in the CuttleBug. This versatility can be a major selling point, as more options are available. This can help you save money as you pick out the more inexpensive cartridge, rather than being tied into only one brand.
The CuttleBug machine was designed for convenience, as well. When the machine is straight out of the box, many users have noticed its similarities to other die cutting machines like the Big Shot. It can seem big and bulky and you may be wondering where on Earth you can fit it inside your house. A little bit of a deeper look, however, will reveal that the CuttleBug was designed with a ground breaking folding platform. Once folded, the machine takes up a fraction of the counter space. Storage, then, becomes much easier.
There is another product in the CuttleBug series, the CuttleKids Shape Maker. This miniature machine features kid friendly plastic dies instead of the standard metal cutters. While they can't cut through everything that the grown-up CuttleBug can, mom and dad can rest much easier without fear of potentially seriously dangerous cutting accidents as their kids play with their own die cutting machine. Using the same hand crank system, the CuttleKids Shape Maker can cut through paper, craft foam, and some thin cardboard. Now children have the opportunity to create their own decorations, party invitations and so much more. The CuttleKids Shape Maker is much smaller than the standard die cutting machine so again, storage will be much less of a hassle. The machine is only nine and a half inches long so it can easily be pushed aside on a counter. It does not offer the same compatibility as the original CuttleBug as far as cartridges go because of the plastic dies, so they are sold separately.
The CuttleBug and the CuttleKids Shape Maker are two reliable, durable and innovative die cutting machines. Prices usually run from $80 to $140, so shop around and find the best price for your new CuttleBug machine. Let the heavy duty scrapbooking and greeting card making begin!
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