Gemini Die Cutting Plate Order

I finally stopped second guessing my Gemini plate sandwiches – (free printable!)

plate order image

I have a Gemini die cutting machine that I picked up used from an auction site because I wasn’t sure how often I would actually use it. I already have several manual die cutting machines, so this felt like a bit of an experiment.

Well… it turns out I reach for the Gemini more than I ever expected!

That said, one thing I don’t always remember is the correct plate “sandwich” for each technique. Every time I go to use it, I find myself second guessing—am I doing this right?

So I decided to solve that problem once and for all.

I created a simple printable chart with the plate combinations I use most often. My plan is to laminate it and keep it right with my stack of plates so it’s always within reach when I need it.

If you’re anything like me, having a quick visual reference nearby makes crafting so much easier (and a lot less frustrating!).

If you would like your own printable PDF chart, you can grab the free printable here: [Gemini]

Understanding Paper Weights

Save this paper weight chart for your next crafting project—no more guessing!

paper weights

Choosing the right paper weight can make a big difference in how your crafting and printing projects turn out, yet it’s one of the most confusing topics for many creators. With terms like pounds, cover, text, and gsm all used to describe paper thickness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when shopping for supplies or preparing printables. The downloadable PDF chart will break down paper weights in a simple, easy-to-understand way so you can confidently select the best paper for card making, journaling, printables, and other paper crafting projects.

paper chart

Grab the free PDF here: [Paper Weights]

If you shop internationally or online, always look for gsm — it’s the most accurate measurement.

Understanding Paper Weight

Understand the difference between paper weights in lbs and gsm with a printable chart.

Lbs vs GSM

paper image

Paper weight is measured in two main ways: pounds (lbs) and grams per square meter (GSM), and the difference lies in how each system defines the weight. Pounds are primarily used in the United States and refer to the weight of a ream (500 sheets) of uncut paper based on the type and size of the paper’s original sheet. Because different paper types (like text, bond, or cover) have different base sizes, the same pound rating can feel very different across types. In contrast, GSM is a metric measurement used internationally and represents the weight of one square meter of paper, regardless of its type or intended use. This makes GSM a more consistent and straightforward way to compare paper weights across categories and brands.

paper chart

Download the printable PDF chart for reference: Paper Chart

Paper is defined in pounds (lbs) or GSM (grams per square meter) based on different regional systems and historical practices:

Pounds (lbs) – U.S. System

  • Used primarily in the United States.
  • Refers to the weight of 500 sheets (a ream) of a specific size before it’s cut down to final dimensions (like 8.5″x11″).
  • Different base sheet sizes exist for different paper types:
    • Bond paper: 17″ x 22″
    • Cover stock: 20″ x 26″
    • Text paper: 25″ x 38″
  • Because the base sizes vary, two papers with the same pound rating can feel very different (e.g., 80 lb text vs. 80 lb cover).

GSM (grams per square meter) – Metric System

  • Used internationally.
  • Measures the actual weight of the paper based on one square meter of it.
  • More consistent and easier to compare across types, regardless of the paper’s purpose (text, cover, etc.).

Summary:

  • Pounds = historical + format-dependent (less consistent)
  • GSM = metric + weight per unit area (more consistent)

If you’re buying paper for crafting or printing, GSM offers a clearer and more consistent way to compare weights across brands and paper types. However, GSM is not commonly used or widely understood in the U.S., where pounds (lbs) remain the standard. To make things easier, print out the PDF conversion chart above—it’s a handy reference to keep in your craft room or near your printer.

Crop a Dile Chart

crop a dile

Do you have a Crop-a-dile and wonder if you are using it correctly? Did you know there is a printable chart available for different settings? I didn’t either until I stumbled upon it. It really should have come in the package but now that I know, I will print it out and keep them together. No longer do I have to wonder if I have everything set correctly. This chart is a game changer and a definite peace of mind.

You can grab the printable version of this chart and instructions in PDF form here: [crop-a-dile]

Poisonous Flower Chart

Make sure to grab this free printable poisonous flower chart and visit all the free camping themed printables. #camping #printable #blog_hop

flower chart

Now that most everything is in bloom, you need to be aware of what plants and flowers can be dangerous. This chart is a visual reference to those flowers that grow in the wild and are poisonous.

The free PDF printable is a great piece to have on hand. Print it out, even laminate it and keep it with your camping materials as a reference. Consider printing it out and placing it inside a bathroom cabinet door for reference. And if you have an RV, this makes a great chart to have on hand.

Familiarize yourself with the look of the flowers and introduce them to your family and let them know of the dangers of these lovely but sometimes deadly flowers.

Grab your free chat here [poisonous flowers]

Looking for something a bit more fun? You can also grab this free camping printable from the store. It is a one-sheet PDF-themed camping printable – great for crafting, mixed media, junk journals, glue books, scrapbooking, and more…

camping

[Camp Printable]

This post is part of a monthly blog hop for printables. This month’s theme is camping. Take a moment to check out all the other free printables available from the links below.

may collage

Mailing Letter Sizes

Grab this free letter template for standard mail sizes. #free #printable

Have you wondered about what size letters you can mail for a standard first-class stamp? The United Postal Service has a standard template you can print out. This is really helpful if you make odd-sized cards.

In the past, I have received a plastic template so you might want to check with your local office and see if they are available.

Here is the printable PDF for you to use. [letter standards template]

Cricut EasyPress Heat Settings Chart

A free printable Cricut EasyPress heat setting chart.

Since Cricut changed its site to include an interactive heat guide for the EasyPress Machines, I have heard a lot of requests for a printable version. I created the above chart from their instructions, making it easier for those interested in printing out a chart for your craft room. This way you can work offline and without a connection to the Internet when you are going to press your projects.

The chart works for all four EasyPress Machines. The temperatures and times in red are for warm peel and relate to the 3 different EasyPress 2 machines. The blue temperatures and times are for cool peel materials and relate to the 3 sizes of EasyPress 2 machines. The green letters are for the EasyPress mini and indicate one of the three settings on the machine. The warm or cool peel will remain the same as the EasyPress 2 machines. 

If you would like a copy of this printable you can download it below. The file is a PDF and the size is 8.5 x 14″ (legal).

[download EasyPress guide]

Links below are affiliates. Please consider using them to help support this site. It will cost you nothing additional to do so. ~ Thank you in advance.

Cricut EasyPress™ 2, 12″ x 10″ – available in mint and raspberry

Cricut EasyPress™ 2, 9″ x 9″ – available in mint and raspberry

Cricut EasyPress™ 2, 6″ x 7″ – available in mint and raspberry

Cricut EasyPress Mini™ – available in raspberry

Lilac, Blue, and Rose have been available but are sold out at the time of this writing.

Dremel Accessory Guide

Chart that lists all the accessories available for the Dremel tool.

dremel

This Dremel accessory guide is great for when you have a Dremel and don’t know what each tool is used for. Or maybe you have a project and you want to know the right accessory to buy. This chart will come in handy. 

After the image pops up, right-click to save the document.

links are affiliates