Spellbinders Platinum 6 (or Big Shot Foldaway)??

So...I decided to buy a die-cutting machine. I prefer manual so I don't have to bother with plugs. I was looking at the Big Shot Foldaway, but then looked more closely at the Spellbinders 6. I want to use flower dies and the background/border dies that look like stitching. I'd also really like to emboss backgrounds. I start looking for a machine and they are sold out, everywhere!! I can find the Big Shot Foldaway, but I think I prefer the Spellbinders 6. Are they coming out with a new one? What should I do? Wait for them to restock or just grab the Big Shot Foldaway? I just want to get one and done - for years. I hear Spellbinders customer service is great. Thoughts?

Hi Tricia, Amazon has stock on both of these machines.

Hello Dawna! Thanks for responding. I saw the Amazon stock but I'd MUCH rather buy here. Plus, this site had them for $40 less! They even included some tools and dies! But now are all sold out. So I'm really bummed about this. One thing I'm not sure about - is there something the Big Shot can do that the Spellbinders can't? Pretty sure I want the Spellbinders.

No, they will both do the same things, just different mfgs. I think the Spellbinders is a much more stable machine. I have the large format (8" opening) Spellbinder's and just love it! I think the large one is much less expensive on Amazon. Good luck to you.

Thanks Dawna! Yesterday I ended up grabbing the larger Spellbinders one at Hobby Lobby. Then I log onto this site today and see that the Platinum 6 is back in stock, and a bundle! But I already have the larger one so am trying to be happy with that. I'm looking for an envelope die that is just one cut and then I fold, not the kind where you cut multiple pieces to glue together. Know of any?

In the long run, you'll be glad you got the larger format, especially if you enjoy making larger 5x7 cards. Your best bet for envelopes is the We Are Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board. You can find it here: https://www.scrapbook.com/store/wr-71277-0.html Be careful when shopping for this as they make several different types of boards.

Hello - I have this board. But I'm tired of the constant score, punch, etc. I'm going to be making over 30 cards this Christmas, and with a die-cutting/embossing machine like the Spellbinders I was hoping I could make the envelopes a bit easier.

Hi Tricia, Unfortunately the only envelope dies I'm aware of do require you to cut three pieces and glue them together. Otherwise the dies would be so big, you wouldn't be able to get them through your die cutting machine. Even an A2 card die would have to be 11" x 8.5." That would be almost an inch wider than your large format Spellbinders. Because of the huge dimensions, I don't think they even make what your looking for. I realize that 30 cards is a lot of effort, but I'm thinking the punch board would be a lot less work than die cutting and gluing 3 pieces together. If you still want to try the 3 piece die cut, I recommend Anna Griffins gorgeous envelope dies. Unfortunately HSN doesn't have them in stock at the moment and they are likely to go quickly when they return to stock, so you will need to sign up for notifications if you would like them. Please note Anna does 5x7, 6x6 and slimline envelopes, no A2 size. If you're interested, you can find them here: https://www.hsn.com/products/anna-griffin-a7-5-x-7-decorative-envelope-dies/20089489

Yeah, I don't want to glue envelopes together. I've been making them with the punch board for years now. I usually send out mini slimlines, so was hoping for a die for that. Much smaller than an A2 envelope. I thought I saw a few too. Like Stamps for Life. I'm pretty sure they have one.

I really like to make my own, so I won't be buying the premade ones.

Is this a one-piece die? https://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/shapeabilities-amazing-paper-grace-becca-feeken-card-envelope-and-liner-set-etched-dies/

This person says it produces a 3.5 x 5 inch envelope. Perfect!

Alright, last post of the night. A few more:

Excellent, so glad you found what you were looking for. Sorry, I should have asked what size card you were making. Good luck and have fun!

Well, you did, but you said that it wouldn't work with an A2 envelope. Stamps of Life and Divinity both make 'em!

Hi Dawna, just wanted to say thanks. I decided you are right and the punch board is probably what I'll use again for this year's holiday cards. I have at least 30 to make. I know I could buy them, but I just love making my own. Maybe if I just make a few at a time throughout the year.

Your welcome Tricia, Sounds like you've got a great plan worked out. Have fun!

Thanks so much, it's great chatting with you!