Blank Canvas Arts and Crafts

Sizzix Originals

Scrapbooking is the form of art of some would say therapy!! Of preserving memories for the generations to come, by collating photographs and memorabilia and placing them together with their story in an album. Each page of an album can be simple, or these days many keen scrapbookers like to embellish their pages and each page becomes a piece of art.

One of scrapbookers favourite ways to embellish a scrapbook page is by adding creative titles and images. Since the invention of scrapbooking die cutting machines, scrapbook pages have taken on a new dimensions as die cuts can be now made from various forms of material and in an endless supply of wonderful designs.

There are two types of die cut machines on the market. The electronic versions like the Making Memories Slice, Provo Craft Cricut, Xyron Wishblade and the Pazzles. Then there are the manual versions, ie no electronics involved at all like the Sizzix BigKick/Big Shot, Provo Crafts Cuttlebug and Spellbinders Wizard.

The advantages of a manual die cutting machine, is that they are no where near the price of electronic die cutters, they are also more portable and more robust. Their biggest advantage though is the types of materials they will cut. They can cut much thicker materials compared to electronic cutters, like fabric, think sheet metal, cork etc, which is only a dream for owners of an electronic cutter. Their main disadvantages are that they have to be operated manually of course and you can only cut the one size of the cartridge available.

Although the electronic cutters sound fantastic, manual die cutters are still very popular and still have a place in today’s scrapbooking die cutting machine market due to their ability to cut through the toughest fabrics. The best of the manual cutting machines range available right now, would have to be the Sizzix BIGkick/ Big Shot (the same machine, just a different design). It is a fabulous machine that has come a long way since the Original Sizzix Machine came out many years ago and led the market to where it is today.

The Sizzix BigKick and Big Shot machines operate with a platform on which the die and paper is laid and when pressure is applied, the die with its sharp, pre cast design, cuts out paper or other types of materials. The new platform and various adaptors that are available, means that any die on the market can be used with the BigKick. This includes other brands, as well as the smaller Sidekick Sizzlits dies. All of the Sizzix range of dies ever made, can be used in this machine.

The BigKick and Big Shot die cutters also have a larger base than the original machine. This means you can put the larger dies in sideways to make cuts quicker. It also fits in larger sheets of paper and basically cut more out at once. A new range of larger dies, which make fantastic backgrounds, has also been created for the machine. Also, if you own a lot of smaller dies, you can now cut out multiple smaller die cuts at once.

One of the best new features of the Big Shot is the rolling mechanism. This is absolutely the best feature compared to the original machine. It means no more having to slide the large dies through in multiple sections, like the original Sizzix, to get the shape cut out. No slippages, or having part of the die cut but part not, due to not enough pressure. Also, it saves a lot of the muscle work that was required by the press down handle of the old machine. I just love the crunching sound it makes as it cuts!

The Big Shot can also cut the same thicker cardstock and materials that the original sizzix cuts, like cork, cardstock, multiple paper sheets, fabric, felt etc. So with the new wider base and rolling handle, it means you can churn out great letters, titles and images from an amazing range of materials which no electronic die cutter can do. So if you like texture and variety on your scrapbook pages, the Sizzix BigKick or Big Shot are the best in the market.

When it comes to Scrapbooking Die Cutting Machines, Jenny James has tried them all from the electronic to the manual. The Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutter is made tough and can be found at die-cutting-machines.com.

What’s the best way to store scrapbooking dies?

I have about 110 dies of different sizes and shapes (different brands, etc.) and I am trying to find an easy and inexpensive way to store them. I don’t want to spend a small fortune on the cases for them all (I’d rather spend my money on more dies!) I was just curious how others are storing their materials. I know many store the smaller ones in baseball card pages, but I am curious if the pages hold up to the weight of the dies, and what do you do with the larger ones like the sizzix bigz and originals? Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!

I got some good plastic school boxes for my thin die cuts. I got the better ones that snap close. Take some measurements with you when go shopping. For the long 12″ dies I got a great metal mesh container at Wal Mart. It is in the kitchen section. It’s use is for utensils. It is the perfect size for the long dies. Target has a fabric covered box that are the perfect size for them too. It has a lid that snaps close on it. It is in the area for closet organizers.
Sizzix has come out with new boxes for their dies.

It depends if you need storage for at home or to haul them around for crops.
The drawer in my desk is where I put my big Sizzix dies. My sister-in-law had wooden frames made to put on her wall to hold the bigger dies.

I think keeping your dies measurements with you is the key. When you come upon some good storage you will know if your dies will fit. Looking in the school supplies section of the store right now may come up with something for you

Sizzix Big Shot Express with Sizzix Originals

Sizzix Originals Dies *Holly, Tree, & Wreath* NIP $16.79

SIZZIX ORIGINALS, Dress-ups Puppy and Dress-ups Cowboy Outfit Set $14.50

SIZZIX ORIGINALS, Dress-ups Kitty and Dress-ups Girl Outfit Set $14.50

SIZZIX ORIGINALS, Dress-ups Bear and Dress-ups Sailor Outfit Set $14.50

SIZZIX ORIGINALS, Dress-ups Monkey and Dress-ups Baby Accessories Set $14.50

Sizzix Originals Die: 2 LEAVES – I combine shipping! $8.99

SIZZIX ORIGINALS, APRON & MITT DIE $10.00

SIZZIX ORIGINALS, COOKIES, COOKIE SHEET & SPATULA DIE $8.50

Sizzix Originals Die: DOG w/ BONE & DISH works with CuttleBug BigKick Vagabond $11.99

Sizzix Originals Die: SUNFLOWER FLOWER #2 fits CuttleBug BigKick Vagabond $11.99

Sizzix Originals PUZZLE MAKER #2 New 654992 NEW RELEASE $7.99

NEW Sizzix FLOWER LAYERS #2 large red originals die Fits Cuttlebug RETIRED HTF $7.10

Sizzix Originals HEARTS PRIMITIVE #2 New 654998 PRETTY! $7.99

Sizzix Originals Die Jewelry Die Cutting Template Medium Frame and Medallion $11.99

Sizzix Originals Die Christmas Collection Die Cutting Template Stocking 3 $11.99

Sizzix 655267 Accessory – Cutting Pad, Extended, 1 Pair $19.99 For die-cutting Bigz XL and Movers & Shapers Dies with the BIGkick and Big Shot, and Vagabond machines, use a pair of 6-1/4″ x 14-3/4″ Extended Cutting Pads. These thick acrylic Cutting Pads easily accommodate the extra-large format of Bigz XL and Mover & Shapers Dies. Available in packs of 2….

Sizzix Clear Stamps – Wish You Were Here $11.19 This Clear Stamp showcases the graceful style of Brenda Pinnick. Small and medium Acrylic Stamp Mounts are recommended for use with the designs on this Clear Stamp. The lined journaling blocks designed for use with Originals Die – Tags #2; #656051 and Originals Die – Tag, Flower; #656050. Sheet Size 11 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ x 1/8″…

Sizzix Butterfly # 1 small original 38-0230 Can be used with the Sizzix die cutting machine, Bigkick, Cuttlebug Machine or the Zip’e Mate die cutting systems….