What do you think of the Anna Griffin minc machine?

What do you think of the Anna Griffin minc machine that was introduced on HSN today? I'm not so sure about it. It includes a lot of extras, but if you really want to make the most of it, you need access to a laser printer. It seems to me like an extra step to create a foil cut-out using the minc (with special foil paper that works with toner), when you can simply use regular foil paper with a die or cutting machine. The special includes toner paper, but if you want more, you need to wait for them to become available, or make your own with a laser printer using a solid black background. It looks like an expensive proposition.

I looked at it, but it was the part about needing a laser printer that steered me away. I would have to use the minc an awful lot to make it worth the cost of the minc + a laser printer!

It looks pretty cool but I passed on it. I would love to play around with it a little bit though.

I wouldn't do enough foil or glitter to make it worth the cost or the extra work. I know it was HSN's "big deal", but I wish they would have concentrated a little less on it, and more on some of the other things. I ended up only buying a selection of Washi tape (which I desperately needed since I only have about 200 rolls already!) SIGH!!

I watched but got bored and fell asleep!
Didn't need the Explore, didn't want the Minc ( I think better for card makers than scrappers) and the organizational tote thingy just annoyed me!
"you can use it in your kitchen, you can use it for your make up, you can use it for your scrapping....blah, blah, blah-it annoyed me, maybe I was in a bad mood?!! at any rate, it put me to sleep! Too much fake enthusiasm, but I get that's their job!!
So my pocket book was safe this round!

Trish your not grumpy if it is who I think it is she makes you grumpy.
I missed last night, I remember the last all day show in the early hours (I am pacific coast) they had the most obnoxious person hosting. Young, excitable, ignorant and extremely fake enthusiasm. She clearly didn't craft and didn't know what would be important to crafters. All she would repeat is what a deal it was and the price. It was to the point of being insulting to anyone who crafted.

However I will say, I took a little pleasure in watching Anna Griffin take control of her time. The 'Hostess" looked like unnecessary set decoration.
Finally during prime time the regulars took over, huge difference when someone knows their audience and doesn't talk down to them.
But, yeah that woman/girl needs to go and who ever hired her needs to be fired.

As for the Minc I don't do glitter and foil that often where I would need a tool just for that. Especially if there are multipurpose tools that can do it as well.

I didn't watch any of the HSN videos yesterday, but just looked at what they had available. Quite some time ago I saw one of their videos with Martha Stewart. MS had no idea how to use the product she was showing. Luckily the show's hostess was an obvious crafter and pretty much took over. It was kind of funny :>)

I did buy it because I wanted to get into foiling on cards for years but did not want to shell out money for the expensive machine that was available at the time. I did not want the Heidi Swapp version because of the price so I used a laminator. The laminator did ok but it did not provide consistent coverage on larger images so I got the AG Minc. Perfect price and size. I already have a laser printer so...if I like it I will keep it. If not I can send it back. That is one reason why I their policies. I am excited for it.

The shows overall were boring. The last host was funny. Anna tried to talk but the host kept on talking...that was the highlight! There were a few items I wish I could have picked up, but it was not in the crafting budget.

I thought the minc was from Heidi Swapp- are there two different machines? I was out of town, so I missed the hsn shows (totally agree with getting annoyed at the hosts, though- I just fast forward through all the ones that get taped b/c I don't have the patience for the hosts- they all talk to much!).

If you search for a youtube, I saw where a gal used versamark ink stamping and then applied toner powder (yes you can buy this) to create her own "minc-able" prints that she then ran throught the minc machine. It was a rather detailed image of a rose. I really hoping the same thing can be achieved by using a little pressure with a hot iron & no steam. I bought the minc folder, some minc cards and foil to try this at home, but I haven't done it yet. If anyone has had any luck with it, please pmail me and let me know.

• scrappinmac Said:

They are both made by American Crafts. The 12" version is branded with Heidi Swapp and the smaller is branded with Anna Griffin. Same machine, but smaller size. I bought the 12"Heidi Swapp version and LOVE IT!!! It works as a traditional laminator as well.