Showing posts with label Big Shot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Big Shot. Show all posts
Friday, 13 November 2015
Sizzix Competition
The Christmas Season is upon us and Sizzix is giving you a chance to win this fabulous prize? You can WIN the Big Shot™ Machine and a selection of festive dies including my snowflakes and Christmas trees, as well as other Christmas sentiment and more!
With this prize you can create wonderful holiday cards, decorations, wrapping paper, tree decorations and much more for your friends, family or yourself this Christmas.
To enter you need to click here and sign up on the Sizzix website (here)!
Prize
660200 Big Shot™ Machine
659999 Textured Impressions™ Embossing Folders 2PK - Yuletide Boulevard Set by BasicGrey®
659913 Thinlits™ Die Set 4PK - Christmas Trims #2 by Debi Potter
659914 Thinlits™ Die - From Our Home by Debi Potter
658622 Framelits™ Die Set 8PK w/Stamps - Snowflakes #2 by Paula Pascual
659002 Thinlits™ Die Set 5PK - Christmas Tree by Jen Long
660058 Thinlits™ Die Set 17PK - Holiday Words: Script by Tim Holtz®
659976 Thinlits™ Die - Ornament Tree by Paula Pascual
659978 Thinlits™ Die Set 9PK - Winter Borders & Rosette by Paula Pascual
659916 Thinlits™ Die - Merry Christmas by Debi Potter
By entering this competition you will automatically be signed up to the Sizzix.co.uk newsletter so you can be the first to hear the latest news, views and more! Closing date: Friday 27th November 2015 at 10am GMT.
Saturday, 31 October 2015
Big Shot Starter it 2013 Card Butterfly
Wednesday, 14 October 2015
Sizzix | Win a Big Shot Starter Kit
The new Big Shot Starter Kit has been released, now you have the chance to WIN one of your very own on the Sizzix website!
This kit is perfect for all experienced makers and those starting out in the creative world as it suits all abilities and has an abundance of project possibilities!
I love it but then I am biased as I designed the dies and embossing folder!
The Big Shot is allows you to use the Bigz steel blade dies which cut a variety of materials from paper, card, fabric, felt, cork (just to name a few) and the Starter kit comes with a selection of Dies, Embossing folder and a 5.5” x 6” paper!
Click here or on the photos for the link.
Closing date: Friday 6th November 2015 at 10am GMT. Good luck!
Saturday, 19 September 2015
Big Shot Starter kit | Back on | Available now
Good news, the standard Big Shot Starter Kit is back!
All the dies and the embossing folder are the same designs, but the two Sizzlits including the intricate butterfly have been transformed in to Thinlits and Framelits so it will be easier to use.
This is one of the cards that I made originally for the kit.
I cant wait to play again with the Big Shot Starter Kit.
Saturday, 22 August 2015
How to create a Letterpress effect with your Big Shot and Embossing Folders
I recorded this video long ago, but only just now I managed to sit down, edit and do the voice over. I am bad at video! Takes me ages!
Anyway, i hope it is clear (not sure that it is!)
This is what I used in the video:

(If you don't have the magnetic and have the multipurpose platform, you would still need it as the magnetic platform is the equivalent as tab 2 on the multipurpose.)
Friday, 3 July 2015
New video: A DIY solution to Adding extra permanent pressure to your dies
Another video with die cutting tips, this time about adding extra permanent pressure to certain dies or certain areas of the die so that you don't need shims.
You can do the same tape technique with wafer thin dies, just make sure that no sticky is exposed!
The sticky back plastic I used is this one:
Film Self-Adhesive Transparent Protector Fablon
It comes in several lengths. Of course, I chose the super sized one!
The dies I have used are:
The Butterfly from the
658300 Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit (Powder Blue & Teal)
Wednesday, 17 June 2015
Video en español: la espumilla!
El troquel que uso para este video es Sizzix Bigz Die w/Texture Fades - Layered Snowflake y la mariposa del kit de inicio 2013 Big Shot Starter Kit.
Friday, 12 June 2015
Another quick video: release foam for dies
Here is my latest quick video with some top tips for your die cutting!
After filming this video I found out that stix2 doesn't do it anymore. Alternatively, you could use the Self adhesive A4 Foam Sheets as I think it is 2mm thick as well.
The die I am using in the demo is the Sizzix Bigz Die w/Texture Fades - Layered Snowflake and the Butterfly is from the 2013 Big Shot Starter Kit.
(PS: still so much to learn about videos!)
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
Video with the new Sizzix accessories 2015
Just a quick video to explain briefly three of my favourite new 2015 Sizzix accessories for the Big Shot. Any questions, ask in the comments section! Thanks.
And you can use all three products on the three Big Shot machines:
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Video en español: Accesorios de Sizzix 2015
Si tenéis cualquier pregunta, podéis hacerla a través de los comentarios.
Y se pueden usar en cualquiera de las mĂ¡quinas Big Shot:
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Que Big Shot es para ti? La Big Shot, La Big Shot plus o la Big Shot Pro?
You can read this post in English here.
Desde que se lanzĂ³ la Big Shot Plus de Sizzix en Enero, me han ido preguntando todo tipo de gente del mundo de las manualidades sobre las diferencias entre las tres Big Shots, Big Shot clĂ¡sica, La Big Shot plus y la Big Shot Pro.
AquĂ tenĂ©is mi opiniĂ³n.
Soy muy afortunada. Me gano el pan trabajando a diario en esta industria de las manualidades del papel. Desde el 2006 me especializado en troqueles usando las diferentes maquinas que hay y ha habido en el mercado. Las he probado y usado casi todas.
Debido a mi relaciĂ³n profesional con Sizzix (fui empleada a tiempo completo de la compañĂa y ahora soy miembro de su Design Team y diseño troqueles para ellos como freelance) tengo el privilegio de tener las tres maquinas en casa.
Y sabéis que? Uso las tres casi a diario.
Cuando me preguntan que mĂ¡quina les recomiendo, no es fĂ¡cil de contestar simplemente. De la misma manera que no se recomendarĂa una moto, un descapotable o un 4 x 4 a todo el mundo, lo mismo es aplicable a las troqueladoras de Sizzix, depende de las necesidades o gustos de la persona que va a usarla. Cada una de las mĂ¡quinas tiene ventajas e inconvenientes.
Empezamos por las cosas en comĂºn:
Las tres mĂ¡quinas estĂ¡n diseñadas para que funcionen perfectamente con las cuatro tecnologĂas bĂ¡sicas que fabrica Sizzix: los troqueles con cuchilla de acero (Bigz), las texturadoras, los troqueles finos (Thinlits, Framelits...) y los troqueles de grabado quĂmico con base de plĂ¡stico (Sizzlits, Embosslits...). Debido a que los grosores son bastante estĂ¡ndar en el mundo de las manualidades, el 99% de los troqueles y texturadoras de otras marcas funcionaran en las maquinas Sizzix.
TambiĂ©n tienen en comĂºn las tres que son mĂ¡quinas que se basan en un sistema de plataformas, es decir que se tiene que ajustar la presiĂ³n adecuada para cada tipo de tecnologĂa usando las diferentes plataformas y bases de corte. Una de las razones por las que me enamore de la Big Shot clĂ¡sica cuando tuve la mĂa fue precisamente que Sizzix fue la primera compañĂa en tener ilustraciones en las plataformas que enseñan el orden para que tipo de troquel haciendo este proceso muy fĂ¡cil.
La Big Shot y la Big Shot Plus son prĂ¡cticamente idĂ©nticas en la altura de la boca (distancia entre el rodillo superior y el inferior). La Pro tiene una abertura mas alta que permite usar otro tipo de troqueles que estĂ¡n hechos para el consumo de profesionales. (Mas sobre esto al final.)
Las imĂ¡genes son de las mĂ¡quinas con los nuevos colores de 2015. Pero recordad que los colores son solo una cosa cosmĂ©tica ya que por dentro son idĂ©nticas. Otra nota, aquĂ hablo de las maquinas en sĂ, no hablo de Kits de Inicio, ya que eso es otro debate.
Os dire la verdad, despuĂ©s de cuatro años con la Pro, realmente pensaba que no tendrĂa ninguna necesidad de la Plus. Pero estaba equivocada!
Considero, sorprendentemente, que para cortar troqueles finos con mucho detalle y para texturizar A4 es la mejor. TambiĂ©n es la que ofrece un mecanismo que se siente como el mas suave y con menor esfuerzo, ademas de ser muy estable y seguro. Por ello, es la prefiero hoy por hoy usar mĂ¡s.
Desde que se lanzĂ³ la Big Shot Plus de Sizzix en Enero, me han ido preguntando todo tipo de gente del mundo de las manualidades sobre las diferencias entre las tres Big Shots, Big Shot clĂ¡sica, La Big Shot plus y la Big Shot Pro.
AquĂ tenĂ©is mi opiniĂ³n.
Soy muy afortunada. Me gano el pan trabajando a diario en esta industria de las manualidades del papel. Desde el 2006 me especializado en troqueles usando las diferentes maquinas que hay y ha habido en el mercado. Las he probado y usado casi todas.
Debido a mi relaciĂ³n profesional con Sizzix (fui empleada a tiempo completo de la compañĂa y ahora soy miembro de su Design Team y diseño troqueles para ellos como freelance) tengo el privilegio de tener las tres maquinas en casa.
Y sabéis que? Uso las tres casi a diario.
Cuando me preguntan que mĂ¡quina les recomiendo, no es fĂ¡cil de contestar simplemente. De la misma manera que no se recomendarĂa una moto, un descapotable o un 4 x 4 a todo el mundo, lo mismo es aplicable a las troqueladoras de Sizzix, depende de las necesidades o gustos de la persona que va a usarla. Cada una de las mĂ¡quinas tiene ventajas e inconvenientes.
Empezamos por las cosas en comĂºn:
Las tres mĂ¡quinas estĂ¡n diseñadas para que funcionen perfectamente con las cuatro tecnologĂas bĂ¡sicas que fabrica Sizzix: los troqueles con cuchilla de acero (Bigz), las texturadoras, los troqueles finos (Thinlits, Framelits...) y los troqueles de grabado quĂmico con base de plĂ¡stico (Sizzlits, Embosslits...). Debido a que los grosores son bastante estĂ¡ndar en el mundo de las manualidades, el 99% de los troqueles y texturadoras de otras marcas funcionaran en las maquinas Sizzix.
TambiĂ©n tienen en comĂºn las tres que son mĂ¡quinas que se basan en un sistema de plataformas, es decir que se tiene que ajustar la presiĂ³n adecuada para cada tipo de tecnologĂa usando las diferentes plataformas y bases de corte. Una de las razones por las que me enamore de la Big Shot clĂ¡sica cuando tuve la mĂa fue precisamente que Sizzix fue la primera compañĂa en tener ilustraciones en las plataformas que enseñan el orden para que tipo de troquel haciendo este proceso muy fĂ¡cil.
La Big Shot y la Big Shot Plus son prĂ¡cticamente idĂ©nticas en la altura de la boca (distancia entre el rodillo superior y el inferior). La Pro tiene una abertura mas alta que permite usar otro tipo de troqueles que estĂ¡n hechos para el consumo de profesionales. (Mas sobre esto al final.)
Las imĂ¡genes son de las mĂ¡quinas con los nuevos colores de 2015. Pero recordad que los colores son solo una cosa cosmĂ©tica ya que por dentro son idĂ©nticas. Otra nota, aquĂ hablo de las maquinas en sĂ, no hablo de Kits de Inicio, ya que eso es otro debate.
1. La BIG Shot (clĂ¡sica)
Apertura: 6 1/8" - 15.55 cm
Precio: 126,99€ PRVP (encontrada online por 89.90€)
Ventajas: bajo precio, ocupa poco espacio, fĂ¡cil de comprar en tienda fĂsica/online, fĂ¡cil de recogerla en un hueco
Inconvenientes: apertura limitada a 15cm, es de las tres Big Shots la menos estable al usarla (aunque comparada con las otras maquinas de este mismo tamaño es muy estable).
Perfecta para: los principiantes, las que se mueven mucho de lugar para hacer manualidades, adolescentes, cuando el espacio es muy limitado.
Creo que la Big Shot clĂ¡sica es una manera perfecta de empezar en el mundo del troquelaje. De su categorĂa (la de las seis pulgadas) es la lĂder del mercado y lleva siĂ©ndolo desde que saliĂ³ mas o menos ininterrumpidamente.
Lo cierto es que con ella podrĂ¡s hacer el 85% de lo que podrĂ¡s hacer con la Plus, ya que la mayorĂa de troqueles que existen en el mercado son de 6 o menos pulgadas al menos por un lado, es decir que podrĂ¡s usarlos en la clĂ¡sica. Es verdad que hay ciertos troqueles y tĂ©cnicas para los cuales son necesarios una maquina con mayor abertura, pero repito, solo un porcentaje bastante pequeño.
Aunque hoy por hoy es la mĂ¡quina que menos uso, no me desharĂa de ella, ya que es muy manejable y ocupa poco espacio relativo.
Apertura: 9" - 22 cm
Precio: 203,20€ PRVP (encontrada online por 145€)
Ventajas: tamaño A4, super stable, presiĂ³n perfecta para texturar A4.
Inconvenientes: precio (aunque la verdad me parece muy razonable), espacio.
Perfecta para: aquellos que les encanta troquelar, que les gusta hacer cajas, scrapbooking A4, grupos de manualidades, profesionales...
Os dire la verdad, despuĂ©s de cuatro años con la Pro, realmente pensaba que no tendrĂa ninguna necesidad de la Plus. Pero estaba equivocada!
Considero, sorprendentemente, que para cortar troqueles finos con mucho detalle y para texturizar A4 es la mejor. TambiĂ©n es la que ofrece un mecanismo que se siente como el mas suave y con menor esfuerzo, ademas de ser muy estable y seguro. Por ello, es la prefiero hoy por hoy usar mĂ¡s.
Aunque es bastante pesada (buena señal ya que indica que los mecanismos son de metal) no lo es tanto que de pereza moverla o que implique que llevarla de un lado al otro sea muy molesto.
En Marzo, tuve la oportunidad de conseguir una de las primeras Big Shot Plus para mi madre, muy aficionada a la costura pero poco a las manualidades del papel. Sin embargo, una vez que le enseñé como funciona, se ha vuelto una adicta! HabĂa usado en algĂºn momento mi Big Shot clĂ¡sica, pero no se enamoro como se ha enamorado de la Plus. Por ello creo que que la Plus tambiĂ©n es una buena opciĂ³n para las novatas si el precio y el espacio que ocupa no son un problema.
Apertura: 13" - 33 cm
Precio: 361,96€ PRVP + costes de envio
Durante los Ăºltimos cuatro años, la Big Shot Pro ha sido la maquina que me hubiera llevado a una isla desierta, la maquina que hubiera salvado de mi estudio... Para mi, una profesional del mundo de las manualidades que se especializa en troquelar, esta es la mĂ¡quina que he usado mĂ¡s, la que al estar siempre lista en mi mesa, ha sido a la que acudo primero. Parte de las razones para ello es porque esta siempre en la mesa (pesa demasiado para mi para moverla de un lado para otro) y ademas la tengo preparada de tal manera que puedo troquelar Thinlits o Bigz con mĂnimo esfuerzo (tengo la plataforma de 6x 13 siempre allĂ).
Mi Pro troquela los Thinlits con mucho detalle perfectamente, asà con texturiza las de tamaño standard perfectamente sin embargo las A4 no salen tan bien.
He mencionado mas arriba que la Pro es la Ăºnica de las tres que tiene una apertura mas alta (distancia entre el rodillo superior y el inferior) que permite el uso de troqueles creados para otras industrias como la de la educaciĂ³n o las de la imprenta clĂ¡sica que son hechos por encargo. Este tipo de troqueles son como los Bigz pero un poco mas gruesos, tienen todas sus ventajas, pero el mayor inconveniente es el precio. Son bastante mas caros que los Bigz!Por ello creo que este punto no es especialmente relevante para la mayorĂa de aficionados al scrap o al papel.
A 361,96€ (Precio Recomendado de Venta al Publico) cuesta mas de 200€ que la Plus por 4 pulgadas mĂ¡s. Signifan esa 4 pulgadas que puedes usar los troqueles Bigz de 13 pulgadas, sin embargo, con precio de 53€, puedes justificar el coste? Para alguien que vende sus proyectos para bodas o tipo Etsy? SĂ que creo que es justificable. Para alguien aficionado a las manualidades como hobby? creo que no, que la Plus es mejor opciĂ³n.
At £285 RRP ( though I have found it for as little as £225), it is over £100 more expensive than the PLUS and only about 4" wider. It means you can use the 13" Bigz dies, but at £42 each, how many of them are you going to buy and use enough to justify the cost of the machine? For people who make wedding stationery or sell their handmade projects? Worth every penny. For most crafters? No, I don't think so.
Al final, creo que lo que debes preguntarte es:
Disclaimer: Aunque mantengo una relaciĂ³n profesional con Sizzix, este no es un post sponsorizado por ellos ni nadie. Todas estas opiniones son mias y mias solas!
Precio: 361,96€ PRVP + costes de envio
Ventajas: apertura de 13 pulgadas = ahorras un montĂ³n de papel, increĂblemente estable, espacio para cositas debajo.
Inconvenientes: gran tamaño, peso, difĂcil de encontrar en tiendas, precio, no texturiza bien las texturadoras A4.
Perfecta para: aquellos que son profesionales con una habitaciĂ³n muy grande, para las que se dedican a hacer cosas para bodas, escuelas, tiendas, estudios compartidos pero con espacio fijo para la mĂ¡quina
Durante los Ăºltimos cuatro años, la Big Shot Pro ha sido la maquina que me hubiera llevado a una isla desierta, la maquina que hubiera salvado de mi estudio... Para mi, una profesional del mundo de las manualidades que se especializa en troquelar, esta es la mĂ¡quina que he usado mĂ¡s, la que al estar siempre lista en mi mesa, ha sido a la que acudo primero. Parte de las razones para ello es porque esta siempre en la mesa (pesa demasiado para mi para moverla de un lado para otro) y ademas la tengo preparada de tal manera que puedo troquelar Thinlits o Bigz con mĂnimo esfuerzo (tengo la plataforma de 6x 13 siempre allĂ).
Mi Pro troquela los Thinlits con mucho detalle perfectamente, asà con texturiza las de tamaño standard perfectamente sin embargo las A4 no salen tan bien.
He mencionado mas arriba que la Pro es la Ăºnica de las tres que tiene una apertura mas alta (distancia entre el rodillo superior y el inferior) que permite el uso de troqueles creados para otras industrias como la de la educaciĂ³n o las de la imprenta clĂ¡sica que son hechos por encargo. Este tipo de troqueles son como los Bigz pero un poco mas gruesos, tienen todas sus ventajas, pero el mayor inconveniente es el precio. Son bastante mas caros que los Bigz!Por ello creo que este punto no es especialmente relevante para la mayorĂa de aficionados al scrap o al papel.
A 361,96€ (Precio Recomendado de Venta al Publico) cuesta mas de 200€ que la Plus por 4 pulgadas mĂ¡s. Signifan esa 4 pulgadas que puedes usar los troqueles Bigz de 13 pulgadas, sin embargo, con precio de 53€, puedes justificar el coste? Para alguien que vende sus proyectos para bodas o tipo Etsy? SĂ que creo que es justificable. Para alguien aficionado a las manualidades como hobby? creo que no, que la Plus es mejor opciĂ³n.
At £285 RRP ( though I have found it for as little as £225), it is over £100 more expensive than the PLUS and only about 4" wider. It means you can use the 13" Bigz dies, but at £42 each, how many of them are you going to buy and use enough to justify the cost of the machine? For people who make wedding stationery or sell their handmade projects? Worth every penny. For most crafters? No, I don't think so.
Al final, creo que lo que debes preguntarte es:
- Para que quiero o necesito la mĂ¡quina?
- Tengo espacio para una maquina grande, o mediana o solo para una pequeña?
- Cuanto dinero me quiero/puedo gastarme?
En mi caso? Ahora mismo? Me encanta usar la Plus. Y si en duda, la que recomendarĂa es ir a por ella.
La verdad es que las tres son grandes mĂ¡quinas y cualquiera de ella serĂ¡n una gran adiciĂ³n a tu mundo de las manualidades. Pero la decision de cual necesitas de verdad es algo que solo tu puedes decir!
Disclaimer: Aunque mantengo una relaciĂ³n profesional con Sizzix, este no es un post sponsorizado por ellos ni nadie. Todas estas opiniones son mias y mias solas!
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Big Shot, Big Shot Plus or Big Shot Pro?
Este post esta traducido al español aquĂ.
Since the pre launch of the Big Shot Plus back in January, I have been inundated with questions from all sorts of crafters regarding both the Big Shot Plus and how it compares with the regular Big Shot and/or the Pro.
Well here are my thoughts.
I am lucky. Very lucky. My full time job is crafting and I specialised since 2006 in die cutting. I love die cutting, even when I am just playing, it is rare that I step away from die cutting. Because of my professional ongoing relationship with Sizzix - I am part of their European Design Team and licensed design for them, but I am a freelance - I get to have all three machines, the Big Shot, the Plus and the Pro.
And, you know what? I use all three of them almost everyday.
There is no easy answer for me to say which one I recommend, because I just don't recommend the same one to everyone, the same way that you wouldn't recommend to everyone to get a motorbike, a convertible car or a 4 x 4 car. They all have advantages and disadvantages.
All three of them are designed to work with the four consumer Sizzix technologies ie: wafer thin dies (Framelits and Thinlits), embossing folders, chemically etched plastic back dies (Sizzlits, Embosslits), and Bigz dies. This also means that, because the dies and folders thicknesses are pretty even across the craft industry, you will be able to use 99% of all the craft dies and folders out from different manufacturers with the Sizzix machines.
All three of them are platform based die cutting machines, meaning that you adjust the pressure by selecting the right sandwich of platforms and cutting plates to go through the opening. The Big Shot and the Plus are pretty much identical in the opening depth (meaning the distance between top and bottom roller), but the Pro is a bit deeper allowing for use of non craft industry based dies (more on this later).
(I am using the White and Grey new 2015 images, but just remember the colour is just a cosmetic thing, the inside of the teal one or the black and pink are identical. Also, I talk about the machine only, no starter kit as that is another whole debate!)
Since the pre launch of the Big Shot Plus back in January, I have been inundated with questions from all sorts of crafters regarding both the Big Shot Plus and how it compares with the regular Big Shot and/or the Pro.
Well here are my thoughts.
I am lucky. Very lucky. My full time job is crafting and I specialised since 2006 in die cutting. I love die cutting, even when I am just playing, it is rare that I step away from die cutting. Because of my professional ongoing relationship with Sizzix - I am part of their European Design Team and licensed design for them, but I am a freelance - I get to have all three machines, the Big Shot, the Plus and the Pro.
And, you know what? I use all three of them almost everyday.
There is no easy answer for me to say which one I recommend, because I just don't recommend the same one to everyone, the same way that you wouldn't recommend to everyone to get a motorbike, a convertible car or a 4 x 4 car. They all have advantages and disadvantages.
All three of them are designed to work with the four consumer Sizzix technologies ie: wafer thin dies (Framelits and Thinlits), embossing folders, chemically etched plastic back dies (Sizzlits, Embosslits), and Bigz dies. This also means that, because the dies and folders thicknesses are pretty even across the craft industry, you will be able to use 99% of all the craft dies and folders out from different manufacturers with the Sizzix machines.
All three of them are platform based die cutting machines, meaning that you adjust the pressure by selecting the right sandwich of platforms and cutting plates to go through the opening. The Big Shot and the Plus are pretty much identical in the opening depth (meaning the distance between top and bottom roller), but the Pro is a bit deeper allowing for use of non craft industry based dies (more on this later).
(I am using the White and Grey new 2015 images, but just remember the colour is just a cosmetic thing, the inside of the teal one or the black and pink are identical. Also, I talk about the machine only, no starter kit as that is another whole debate!)
1. The BIG Shot
Opening: 6 1/8"
Price: £99.99 RRP (found online for £65)
Advantages: Price, space, mobility, availability, storage
Disadvantages: limited size, some larger dies wont fit, is the less stable of all three (though the most stable of all of this size machines)
Perfect for: crafters on the move, newbies to die cutting, for teenagers, when space is limited.
Perfect starting point and, overall, you will be able to do with it 85% of what you can do with the bigger machines, as I would guess that 85% of the current (2015) dies and embossing folders in the market will fit through a opening that is 6" wide.
It is the one that I use the least now, however, I would not get rid of mine. Undoubtedly, it is the most portable and easy to store away.
Opening: 9"
Price: £160 RRP (found online for £118)
Advantages: A4 size, super stable, even pressure throughout perfect A4 embossing.
Disadvantages: price (really? £118 seems very reasonable!), storage.
Perfect for: serious crafters, people who like to make boxes and Home Decor, craft groups.
I will be honest, after four years with my Pro I did not think I would have any need for the Plus. Seriously. How wrong was I?
I find for intricate detailed dies and for embossing it is the best machine out of all three. Also, even though it is larger and heavier than the standard, still feels very portable.
Out of all of them, I feel is the smoothest operator, that requires less effort. for this reason I find it that is the one I tend to use more, it is the one that makes me happier to use.
PS: In March, I had the opportunity to get a Big Shot Plus Starter Kit for my mum. She was a complete papercraft novice and within hours of using it for the first time she was hooked. My mum is absolutely delighted with the machine. She had tried the regular once before and didn't fall in love, much prefers the Plus because of the stability issue and the fact that can make big enough boxes. For this reason I do think its also a good option for a beginner if the money is ok.
Opening: 13"
Price: £285 RRP (found online for £225)
For the last four years, this has been the machine I would have taken to a desert island. To me - as a professional crafter that specialises in die cutting - is the workhorse, the one that I first go to. Partly due to the fact that because takes so much space and it is so very heavy, it means that it is the one that is always on the table, ready to go. I have set it up with one of the 6" Big Shot platforms, so it takes little effort to die cut Bigz, emboss smaller folders or use Thinlits - yes, even the most intricate ones.
However, I do find that the A4 embossing folders do not emboss that well across, whether on the PLUS they work a treat.
I already mentioned above that the Pro is the only one of the line up that has a deeper mouth (distance between the top and bottom rollers) which allows for use of the All Star dies and other made to order steel rule dies, such as the ones used in the professional printing industry. This is something of a relative bonus, but since those dies are pretty pricey I believe is not relevant for most crafters.
At £285 RRP ( though I have found it for as little as £225), it is over £100 more expensive than the PLUS and only about 4" wider. It means you can use the 13" Bigz dies, but at £42 each, how many of them are you going to buy and use enough to justify the cost of the machine? For people who make wedding stationery or sell their handmade projects? Worth every penny. For most crafters? No, I don't think so.
Ultimately, I recommend to ask yourself:
The truth is all three machines are brilliant and will be a great addition to your crafting. But wether you need the largest or smallest or just the Plus is something that only you can answer!
Disclaimer: Though I have a professional relationship with Sizzix, this is NOT an sponsored post. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
Price: £285 RRP (found online for £225)
Advantages: 12 x 12 size = super saver of paper, incredibly stable, love the storage underneath.
Disadvantages: price, storage, embossing with an A4 folder is uneven, super heavy
Perfect for: professional crafters with dedicated large craft rooms, wedding stationery makers, shops, schools and craft groups with a dedicated all the time space (ie no moving around the machine too much.
For the last four years, this has been the machine I would have taken to a desert island. To me - as a professional crafter that specialises in die cutting - is the workhorse, the one that I first go to. Partly due to the fact that because takes so much space and it is so very heavy, it means that it is the one that is always on the table, ready to go. I have set it up with one of the 6" Big Shot platforms, so it takes little effort to die cut Bigz, emboss smaller folders or use Thinlits - yes, even the most intricate ones.
However, I do find that the A4 embossing folders do not emboss that well across, whether on the PLUS they work a treat.
I already mentioned above that the Pro is the only one of the line up that has a deeper mouth (distance between the top and bottom rollers) which allows for use of the All Star dies and other made to order steel rule dies, such as the ones used in the professional printing industry. This is something of a relative bonus, but since those dies are pretty pricey I believe is not relevant for most crafters.
At £285 RRP ( though I have found it for as little as £225), it is over £100 more expensive than the PLUS and only about 4" wider. It means you can use the 13" Bigz dies, but at £42 each, how many of them are you going to buy and use enough to justify the cost of the machine? For people who make wedding stationery or sell their handmade projects? Worth every penny. For most crafters? No, I don't think so.
Ultimately, I recommend to ask yourself:
- What do you need or want it for?
- Do you have space to store and use a large, medium or just the space for a small machine?
- How much money do you want to spend?
The truth is all three machines are brilliant and will be a great addition to your crafting. But wether you need the largest or smallest or just the Plus is something that only you can answer!
Disclaimer: Though I have a professional relationship with Sizzix, this is NOT an sponsored post. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
Sunday, 27 July 2014
The Heart Frame Tutorial
I usually take this frame that I made last year to my workshops and demos and always gets a lots of questions on how did I do it. The funny thing is that i took step by step photos while I was making it, but then I forgot where they were until today. So here it goes, the full tutorial. Enjoy!
I started with one of the cheapest Ikea frames. I die cut twelve hearts using the Bigz die from the Starter kit using white mountboard. I prefer mount board to chipboard because it has white edges and the top tecture is smoother so more things you can do to the top. Then I painted them all using Paperarsty's Fresco paints in an assortment of colour using foam pads to dab the colour in.
Once that paint was dry, I proceed to cover each one with a different medium to get different textures in. I used Crackle glaze, Glue & Seal...
Kroma crackle, Cosmic Shimmer glue... they will all give a different effect. If it was now, I would definitely try some of the new DecoArt mediums, like the Texture crackle.
Once those coats were dry, I coated them with a thin acrylic coat using Paperartsy's Nougat.
This are some of the effects I got. the one on the left is Kroma Crackle but not completely dry. The one on the right is the glue one.
Little by little the hearts were taking texture.
Once I was happy with the texture, I proceed to add embellishments and more die cuts. i used Teresa collins embellishments and the Big Shot Starter kit dies.
I painted and crackled the frame to make it all coordinating. Finally, I attached them to the plastic that comes with the frame. I like to suspend things on to the outside of the plastic so that it has more texture.
A few close ups. the papers on the back are also Terese Colllins.
And, again, the finished frame.
Messy stuff doesn't have to look messy and complicated, if you don't want to. You can make it as you like!
Monday, 10 March 2014
Die cutting projects using the Big Shot and Teresa Collins papers
Many times I complain that while I demonstrate I cant really create good samples. Well, last weekend while I was demonstrated for Tubo in Lisbon I actually did something that I was quite proud of for a change! Which is good as I wanted to leave samples behind for Patricia who is the organiser of the event.
Muchas veces me quejo de mi inhabilidad de crear proyectos que estén bien cuando estoy haciendo demostraciones. Bueno, pues la semana pasada cuando estuve demostrando lo nuevo de Sizzix para Tubo en Lisboa cree algunos proyectos de los que me quede contenta. Lo cual no esta mal ya que asi pude dejarlos en Lisboa con Patricia la organizadora del evento.
Of course as I was demonstrating the Big Shot and the latest releases from Sizzix, they all feature a bit or a lot of die cutting!
Por supuesto todas las creaciones tienen algo de Sizzix.
A simple layout using (as do all the projects) Teresa Collins papers and embellishments. All the pictures are of Patricia's children, Gorgeous family.
Un simple layout usando (como los demĂ¡s proyectos) papeles y demĂ¡s de Teresa Collins. Todas las fotos son de los hijos de Patricia. Son una familia de guapos!
One of the new Sizzix lines that will be released later on is the Life Made Simple, perfect for project life addicts.
Una de las nuevas colecciones de Sizzix se llama Life made simple que se va a lanzar dentro de unos meses, que esta diseñada para Project Life.

I love the base shape which is a Sizzix Tim Holtz Movers and shapers die called Cameo.
Me encanta el troquel que he usado para la base de esta tarjeta. Se llama Cameo Sizzix Tim Holtz Movers and Shapers.
And finally this box and Bow. The bow is an Eileen Hull bigz die, which means you can cut it with fabric.
Y finalmente la cajita. El lazo es un troquel de Eileen Hull. Como es un Bigz significa que puede cortar tela.
Por cierto, este año quiero cumplir un sueño: dar talleres en castellano y en mi tierra!
Asà que estoy intentado organizar talleres en tiendas de manualidades por toda España. Talleres de scrap, mini albums, home decor ... usando troqueles por supuesto!
Si tenéis alguna sugerencias comentad o mandadme un mensaje privado.
Ya os ire informando...
Saturday, 12 October 2013
Pan Pastels love
I love Pan Pastels since the day one of them landed on my hands. I have quite a few of them. But there were a few new ones that I didn't have till this morning:
And there they are - thanks to Nikky Hall and Pan Pastel UK. All six new luscious gorgeous metallic colors. Top left: light gold, silver, copper, pewter, bronze and rich gold.
They give this gorgeous metallic/pearlescent shimmer through out blending them nicely with the colours underneath.
They are more subtle than I expected, but I love that about them, it means that I can do more with them, I can mix them up with more colours and produce different effects. I am in love.
I am so glad I got my hands on them!
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