Cutting Dies for Journals, Bookmarks & Paper Crafts
My picks for tabs, tags, bookmarks and flowers, and the ones still on my wish list
Scroll past the links and descriptions to browse the Amazon journaling, notebooks, and scrapbooking — links only.
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Once you have a die-cutting machine, the dies and embossing folders are where the fun starts. Cutting dies punch out crisp shapes, from journal tabs and tags to frames, flowers and lettering. Embossing folders press raised textures and patterns into paper and cardstock for an instant handmade finish. This page gathers the ones I've found worth having, so you can go from a plain sheet of paper to a finished tab, bookmark or card cover without the guesswork. Most thin metal dies and standard embossing folders work in the popular manual machines, including the Sizzix Big Shot and Sidekick, the Crafter's Companion Gemini Junior and the Spellbinders Platinum 6. Still, always check the size and compatibility notes before you buy. If you're still choosing a machine, start with the Sizzix page or the Alternative Die Cutting Machines page. Also note, that images will be coming soon.
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Graduated five-petal flower dies in several sizes, made for building layered paper roses. Cut each size, curl the petal edges, then stack them from largest to smallest for a full, dimensional bloom. They work well for card toppers, journal covers, gift wrap, home decor and larger backdrop flowers. I haven't used this exact set, but I own a very similar one, and it's one of the easiest ways to turn plain cardstock into something that looks like a real rose. Check the size and machine compatibility notes before you buy.
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Four round doily dies with delicate lace-cut borders: scalloped edges, open latticework and dotted eyelet patterns. They're perfect for layering behind journal labels, framing photos, topping handmade cards or tucking into scrapbook pages for a vintage touch. I own this same set, bought from a different seller back in 2020, and it's still one of my go-to dies. The cuts come out crisp, and the lace detail looks far more intricate than the effort it takes. A tutorial using these dies is coming soon.
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Fifteen label and tab shapes in classic frame styles: scalloped, bracket-cornered, flower-edged and ticket-shaped, several with a center fold line for fold-over page tabs. Cut them from patterned paper, cardstock or faux leather to make journal dividers, bookmarks, gift tags and planner labels. This is the set I've been using to make tabs for my own journals, and it gives a polished, custom look with very little effort. A step-by-step tutorial with a full supply list is on the way, available first as a PDF.
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Nested tag dies in graduated sizes, each with a faux-stitched border and a punched hole for ribbon or twine. They're perfect for gift tags, journal tags, planner labels and layered card toppers. The set also includes a separate group of bookmark dies (not pictured here), so one purchase covers both tags and bookmarks. Cut the tags in contrasting colors and stack them for a quick layered look. This set actually has two styles of bookmark. Although I have not bought this exact product the one that is displayed here is very similar.
Suggested bookmark cutting dies :
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A timeless bookmark shape in two sizes, with a scalloped top and a built-in slot for threading ribbon, cord or tassels. The larger size works as a full-length bookmark, and the smaller one fits paperbacks, journals and planners. Cut them from patterned paper, cardstock or layered designs, then add stamping, embossing or a ribbon to finish. I haven't tried this set yet, but it's on my list. The classic shape and the choice of two sizes make it a versatile, practical pick. Due to Amazon's community policies I don't have an image on my site at the moment.
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A classic bookmark die set in several frame styles (tag-top, scalloped and wavy-edged), paired with clear stamps sized to fit. The stamps feature reading-themed sayings and illustrations such as "Lost in a Good Book" and "Books Are My Love Language," made for book lovers and reading gifts. Stamp onto patterned or watercolor paper, then cut with the matching frame for a finished bookmark. The dies also work on their own for plain or custom book marks. I haven't tried this set myself, but it has the same classic bookmark shape as the dies I use. Per Amazon's community policies I don't have an image on my site at the moment.
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A wooden-mounted die with three bookmark shapes: a rounded top, a classic banner-cut tail and an angled point, each with a punched hole for a cord or tassel. Because it's a thick, foam-backed wooden die, it's built for heavier materials like leather, faux leather, felt and chipboard, and it cuts clean, sturdy bookmarks that hold up to daily use. It makes a thoughtful handmade gift for readers and writers. This style of die needs a larger machine, such as the Sizzix Big Shot or bigger, so check your machine's clearance before buying. I don't own this set yet, but it's on my wish list for leather bookmarks. Out of respect for Amazon's community policies I don't have an image on my site at the moment.