Die Cutting Machine - Sizzix

I came across the cutest stamp set (see first product linked).
And in the tutorial video it also showed a matching die-cut set (see second product linked).
I've always seen "die cut" sets but never understood what they were for...
now I am in love!

Question - how do I know which machine it goes w/?
I attached one (third product linked) but now sure if that would work...
Also anyone w/ experience w/ a Sizzix, please tell me your opinion... are they worth owning?
TIA!

I've never used Fawn Lawns, like EVER, even though there are so many sets I wouldn't mind owning. So I can't actually tell you how they work with Sizzix Big Shots...but they are supposed to be compatible with "your favorite" machine. Anyhow, I found this link where Fawn Lawn dies are used with a Sizzix, it doesn't show them being used, but I assume it must have worked without incident!!

http://nicholmagouirk.typepad.com/things_that_really_matter/sizzix-die-cutting/

Hi Doreena,
I too, have never used lawn fawn dies, but I do own a big shot and own lots of different brands of dies, and stamp and die sets.
I have never had any problems using any brand with the big shot.
I absolutely love my Sizzix, I use it every time I make something, whether it be a card or a layout.
I wish I had bought it sooner than I did....only downside (lol) is now I am totally addicted to dies but I am having soooo much fun!

• christiscraps61 Said:

I'm reading that "They are compatible with your favorite die cutting machine" so I guess any machine will do... right?
So the Big Shot?

Hi Doreena,
I would think you could use Lawn Fawn dies with a big shot.

Maybe pop over to the cardmaking group.
I am sure there has been chat there about Lawn Fawn dies, and it is possible that one of the girls over there has both the Big Shot and Lawn Fawn dies, and would be able to tell you for sure if they work.

I own many Lawn Fawn dies and they work fine in the Big Shot. There are very few companies out there that don't have universal dies, meaning that they have to be used with a certain machine. If you get a Big Shot, Doreena, you won't have a problem using thin metal dies from different companies.

Sizzix Big Shot for sure

The only problem w/Sizzix is the many different plates they have, and the redundancy of the plates. It also irks me there is not a catalog of the plates, nor the sandwiches.

I got my Big Shot yesterday, but I was too tired to open it...
The box it came in was huge... I'm a bit concerned about the size now... LOL!
Oh well, too late!
I'm thinking I might open it in the next couple of days but I won't actually play w/ it until the weekend (which is why I'm not eager to open it). I'm hoping that this opens a whole new "Scrappy World" for me! Although I truly don't need another thing to be addicted to, LOL!

Congrats on the Big Shot purchase. After being an electronic die cutter for years, I finally took the plunge last summer. I am so glad I did, card making and stamping has opened up for me in a whole different way.
I always held back because the different configurations or "sandwiches" seemed overwhelming to learn. I was so happy to see Sizzix has attached laminated instructions (pictures of the dies and instructions) to the base plate with extra benefit of a built in shim.

I think Sizzix has made it super easy, in less than 10 minutes I had unboxed my machine, attached the handle and was die cutting. It came with all I needed to get started. Just remember the clear plates are suppose to make that cracking noise when they go through and yes they will have marks on them.
If you want some extra instruction I can't recommend Stephanie Bernard's you tube videos enough. She is fun to watch and informative.
FYI- I have been using Spellbinders, Echo Park, Sizzix, and Avery dies without any problems.

Looking forward to seeing your creations with your new toy! I am so excited for you!

• jaxxan Said:

Oh wow! Thank you Jill... I think you're more excited for me than I am... LOL!
Thanks so much for the info and for making me fell like maybe I didn't make a mistake ordering one!
Sometimes I make impulse purchases and I'm like "ugh...why'd I do that?!" but you just made me feel much better (as has everyone who has responded to my inquiry - so thanks everyone)!

I got my Big Shot two Mondays ago and finally opened it this weekend.
I also bought 1 set of dies.
I tried it and I like it!
I like how clean it cuts the image...
but can see it is going to be an expensive toy, LOL!

Question:
Do the clear cutting pads wear out quickly?
I noticed they sell them separately (as well as them coming w/ the machine).
I don't like the way the image your cutting shows up/is cut into the cutting pad as well and was wondering how others felt about that?

• jaxxan Said:

Thanks for mentioning the cracking and marks cuz that was scary, yikes! Thought I was breaking it!

I think we all have that feeling about the pads! They start out so pretty and within a few cuts look "ruined".
But that's what is suppose to happen, that is their purpose.
I use mine for a long time.
Keep rotating, flipping the plates and placing your dies in different areas, it will give you the longest life that way.

If you have a plastics store near you, like Tap Plastics, you can have one made for a lot less. Mine don't have the tapered or rounded ends. I only use them on the bottom non cutting side. I generally put the blade side up.
Flip the plates often, also end for end them when doing repetitive cuts with the same die.

Thanks for the tips!
I already bought 2 more dies, LOL!
But in my defense they were on sale for 50% off... so it would have been silly of me NOT to buy them!

Hey no justification! How do you use you machine if you don't have dies! I bought a bunch of nesting dies with basic shapes at first, biggest bang for the buck!

Of course it does become addicting. I love stamps that have matching dies.

The machine also does a very nice job of embossing.
You can also flatten Peeps, and bottle caps.
I hope your kids aren't looking at this.

• don1 Said:

My kids are too mature for that (14 and 21) I on the other hand may try it!

• don1 Said:

Are we talking the marshmallow variety??? If so it sounds like there is a good story to be told.

I'm sure that's what he meant...
Oh, Don....
Story Time please!

Jax, many years ago I was active on the Making Memories Magazine forum about the time Spellbinders was starting to push the Wizard die cut and embossing machine. There were a group of, employees of, and friends of, the Wizard. This group of "crazy ladies" even went so far as naming their Wizards.
There were 2 factions on the forum those who liked Peeps and those who didn't. It started with bottlecaps, then a holiday discussion about Peeps ensued and things got evil.
I really miss those ladies. My Wizard was named Stacey.

Hey you guys... I like shopping for Dies a little too much...

So far I've only actually purchased 2 sets but I have a nice wish list going on!

Just thought I'd let you know..
Okay, bye!

Yes Doreena, the dies are addictive, and I've not seen a 12 step for it. And you never seem to have the die you really need for this project ... fortunately there's a coupon for that.

• don1 Said:

Perfectly told! Thanks for the good laugh! I am not a peeps fan!

Used it!


Saturday - 05/14/16 By Doreena

A great page. A face like that ... why use makeup at all?

• don1 Said:

Awww...thanks! They don't call you "Don 1" for nothing!