help choosing an embossing machine

I looked at a few but I don't know what to consider when buying one. Which do you use? is it easy? how expensive are the accessories?

I have a Cuttlebug, the accessories are very affordable and easy to use.

I got the Sizzix Texture Boutique last year. It is inexpensive and easy to use. However, it is limited to just embossing. If you want to also cut die cuts, you can step up to the Cuttlebug for a few dollars more. I have since bought the Spellbinder Grand Callibur and the Sizzix Vagabond that have even more flexibility. You just need to determine what you want to do.

• Mia1979 Said:

ditto

I have the Sizzix Big Kick aka Big Shot. This is a very versatile, sturdy tool. You are able to dry emboss and die cut with this. Everything you need comes with it. Granted, you may want to purchase the extended platform and plates to do die cuts such as Tim Holtz' rosettes, but those are less than $20.

I was able to get mine at J's at 50% off, which made it very affordable.

• Rosita Said:

me, too
HI ROSITA!

I have the Grand Calibur,,,,,,,

it does an amazing job embossing, and has a larger embossing and cutting surface than either the big kick or the cuttlebug,,,,,

HOWEVER, it only cuts the wafer thin dies,,,,,not the thicker ones like the TH or Sizzix dies,,,,

so it depends on what (if anything) you want to cut in addition to embossing.

I have a hand crank big shot and do like it: but...if investing again and the TH Vagabond was available I'd go with that.

I have a Cuttlebug (50% off at Js) and MANY embossing folders...but darned if I've used one to emboss yet...sad, I know!!!

It's versatile in that it cuts many brands of dies, which I have used at least. Get the extension plates for doing longer projects when you see them 40-50% off and a Spellbinders embossing mat set too.

If I were not budget-bound I'd like to also have the Grand Calipur too, but IF you're only getting one machine, you'd be too limited with the Grand Calipur since as Holly says it'll only do the very thin dies (like Spellbinders). I want to get some Grand Impressablilties, but cannot justify getting the Grand Calipur just for that.

Does anyone know if you could make a decent impression with the Spellbinders Impressabilities using a Rolling Pin and putting lots of weight into it as you roll? Sorry, my Hillbilly Heritage is showing there...lol~

I just recently made this decision myself and I went for the Sizzix Big shot. I found mine on overstock.com. I came with the machine everything you need to get started and a bonus Die $69. They also had several embossing folders and dies at pretty low price. You can also use other brands of embossing folders and dies with it.