Big Shot sandwich for Nestabilities embossing

I just got a Big Shot yesterday and would like to emboss using a Nestability die. Do I have to buy the two Spellbinders Embossing Mats or can I make a sandwich that will work properly using Sizzix stuff. I have the Sizzix multi-purpose platform, two cutting places, impressions pad, silicone rubber sheet and crease pad.

You can make a sandwich with Sizzix. I use a magnetic pad, cut from the over the counter sheets you buy for your printer, cut to size, for making frames. I've found it works real good for all of my cuts and embossing. Just helps the die stay in place. You may have to use a shim, paper folded, to get the correct amount of pressure, especially if you don't use a magnetic mat. Since every machine is a little different this may vary. I use a mouse pad I've cut to fit the plate size for embossing. I've also used the mat and plate from fiskars impressions to help make the sandwich.

There is a video by Wizard that explains the sandwich for different machines, but there's did not work for me. Here's what I use for the Big Kick:

Cutting:
Tab "1" facing up
Clear acrylic mat
Magnetic sheet, optional
Die
Paper
Shims as needed
Clear acrylic mat

Embossing:
Tab "2" facing up
Magnetic sheet, optional
Die
Paper
Cut to plate size mouse pad
Shims as needed
Acrylic sheet

P.S. I bought the embossing pads from Wizard and they are a nightmare. They're like square rubber bands that won't stay in place in the sandwich.

All that said, I think the best results are obtained with use of the actual Wizard machine. But, isn't that always the case, lol.

Thanks so much for the your very helpful "recipes" for sandwiches. The magnetic sheets sound particularly intriguing. I'm hoping they may help a bit with accurately placing a Nestability die for a window cutout and embossing it after it is cut.

I also appreciate the heads up on the Wizard embossing pads. I noticed that the Impressions embossing pad has a tendency to want to creep when I've used the Texturz plates which makes me wonder if it's the nature of the beast.

Absolutely, a magnetic sheet (cut to pad size) is just wonderful. You'll have no trouble putting windows in your cards, creating frames, and just keeping the dies from slipping. Plus, you can get several larger magnetic sheets for the price Wizard sells one for. It's the same material!

I use a plumbers mat/gasket that I got at home depot. It's in the faucet repair section and it's red/orange. Works fabulously, and doesn't slip a bit!

Thanks for the information Tiffany. I'll have to look for it.