Definitely a Sizzix

[SteveG]

I know they are heavy and not portable but I use mine all the time!

Mind you, I think I would buy a Big Shot if I had the money- they would take all my Sizzix dies as well as lots of others.

Ah well, I can dream can't I?

Helen

[Seahorse]

Ive never understood Sizzix, how you can change the shape you cut out, is that even right, I dont knwo, I get so confused.
I bet they are handy tho.

[SteveG]

A Sizzix works with dies. You buy them seperately and then put the die and the material to cut under the Sizzix on top of the cutting mat, then you pull the handle (like on a one armed bandit) all the way down and the shape on the die is cut out of the material underneath.
There are hundreds of different shapes and sizes and there are also embossing folders which instead of being cut out are embossed.
A Sizzix is fantastic!!!

Helen

[Seahorse]

No idea what a die is but I think I know what you mean.Ive stared at them long enough in shops to get the gist.
I can see a fortune being spent on all the different shapes.

[SteveG]

You are right, it is quite expensive to buy all the dies but what I tend to do is ask for them for presents- my family don't mind buying me craft stuff as they know I'll use it and the dies are a nice little present that don't cost too much- a set of four related shapes is roughly £14, individual dies are less, it is the alphabet sets that are very expensive although you can bag yourself a bargain now and then.

A die is like a pastry cutter covered in foam and when the pressure of the machine is put on the die by pulling the handle it forces the cutting edge out of the foam and it cuts through the material.

Helen

[Seahorse]

Hehe, Im the same.I had a birthday last week and all I could think of asking for were craftshop vouchers.

[swirlyarts]

Mind you, I think I would buy a Big Shot if I had the money- they would take all my Sizzix dies as well as lots of others.

Ah well, I can dream can't I?

Helen

If you know anyone who lives in America who has a Costco card you can get a Big Shot with a couple of dies for $54 which works out at about £30. Much cheaper than here and it shouldn't cost that much to send. If only I knew someone with a Costco card who lives in America - ah well I can dream too

[SteveG]

Well, that looks like thats our next holiday desination sorted !

[Shezza]

Sizzix, Wizard.....help I'm confused!

Well it started with a sizzix die cutter, but after doing some research, I quite like the idea of the Wizard or Big Shot. I guess I want the most versatile and one that will accept other brands of dies.

Anyone own a Wizard I hear they are very versatile for embossing, texturising, cutting and able to use bottle tops.

I read on this thread that embossing folders can be used on the original Sizzix, is that right. Can other makes of dies be used on the Sizzix too?

Any additional advice to whats already listed, would be very welcome......I'm so confused and can't wait to get started!

Robocraft sounds the business but Mmmm would have to do a lot of saving to purchase this in the UK.

[hannah_myers]

I've got a cuttlebug. Its not exactly light but small enough to travel with me. It takes a variety of different dies including sizzix, quickuts, cuttlebug, sizzlets etc.

I have to agree that buying many dies is expensive. I had a mad urge to get a machine that would use dies and spent quite a bit getting different dies etc. Though they're all useful and will no doubt be used.

[craftyjan]

you can use other make dies with the big shot you just have to buy adapters the small dies arent to pricey and you can pick them up on ebay large thickcut dies are quite pricey but once youve got them you can use them over and over again

[pixiedoodles]

I LOVE my sizzix, I have about 200 dies! Ive stopped card making now, but can't bring myself to sell it

[Ger]

I know what you mean Em I'm around the same they are fab!! I'm lucky enough to have a trade account with them which I was looking over tonight, I quite fancie that new black & pink shot theres nout wrong with my big kick I just love that new colour to bits!!!!!!!

[mandamoo]

re

i use sissix but my plastic sheets keep snapping , would be an expensive thing to replace but hubby has cut me some down at work (thank god for hubby)
as far as i know you can use other dies on it too