this machine needs no dies, cartridges, it cuts virtually anything, it embellishes, embosses, draws, colours in the design in the colours, size, shape you have chosen, it uses gel pens too and even etches glass, here is the link for you to listen to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42cWflUYqbQ&feature=related from Vanessa The Google Girl. my skype name is rainbowstar123