Technique Tuesday- Thin/Intricate Die-cutting Tips from Virginia

Have you found that after purchasing some of these thin, intricate, dies or thinlets dies that you were not happy with the way they cut? 

Above are some cutting dies that I purchased last week.  Pippi Butterfly and Tender Leaves are from Memory Box and Small Fremont Pine Outline is from Poppystamps, Inc.  These dies come in small envelopes for storage.  I like the Pine and the Butterfly the most as they cut out an intricate shape.  The Tender Leaves just embossed only.  These craft dies are 100% Steel.

Die-cutting is all in the way you make your sandwich of cardboard, cardstock, etc. over your top cutting plate and how many times you run them thru your machine.  It is also about trial and error, too.  Here are a few helpful hints:

You will need a pick to remove all the cut out pieces. 
You may need to tape your die in place before cutting as they tend to slip & slide, then you get an Oops.   
You may need to add more layers of thickness. I used 3 pieces of medium weight cardboard and an extra layer of paper.  It depends on the machine you use and the thickness of the cardstock.  If you still need an extra layer (not more cardboard), take a piece of paper and fold it in half and add that to your sandwich.  I had to run these dies at least 3 times thru my Big Shots.  Once you get the sandwich layer that works for you, be sure and save it to use again.
Here's a card I created with my dies:

Intricate die-cutting is not impossible-it just takes extra care. Don't get discouraged--try, try again. They do work!!
Good luck and happy crafting from Virginia!!