So I use a self healing mat in place of the plastic clear cutting plate and it has changed my life!!! No shims, no destroying and etching the plates (which I hate and replace often when that happens because it etches the paper) Anyway - when they warp - especially when you’re cutting multiple items like for my Christmas cards, you just put them in a 200 degree oven for 5 minutes and voila! Good as new!
I will have to try them with my Vagabond. I don't think they have them for this machine. I am super impressed with the thickness of the plates. It is one of the features Jennifer McGuire talked about; how much better the plates with Anna Griffin machines are. The Gemini on the other hand is terrible and I only keep it for the hot foil machine.
@@MADAboutCardsandCrafts I’ve bought one but haven’t used it yet. I knew I had to have an electronic machine because I’m having shoulder surgery soon and wouldn’t be able to use a manual machine. But I’m really excited to get started!!
I've had my mini Empress for over a year and I love it. I use Anna Griffin's recommendation and cut into the magnetic mat instead of into the clear plate. I make tons of cards for Christmas and I've only had to replace the magnetic mat. The clear plates have not warped at all, because of this. Cutting into the magnetic mat also helps bring out the embossing features in the dies. I hope to purchase the larger Empress next time it's on sale on HSN.
Thank you for the tutorial on this machine. I just bought one on HSN and am anxiously awaiting it’s arrival. The size along with the automatic function is why I decided to get it. From watching your video it also sounds super quiet. That magnet is amazing! I feel your pain with the removal of some of these dies from their packaging, I’ve actually had dies snap in half so I too wish they’d go a little lighter on the glue. Great video, appreciate all the tips! :)
Thank you for this review. I finally broke down and had to get one of these machines. The price was $130.00 brand new and it comes with the extended plates so I grabbed it! I didn't know what the measurement was for the entry for the plates and you put it on your vid. I appreciate your mistakes to. It made me laugh as I have had that hesitation about what just happened and why didn't it cut but also helpful to see the different ways to plate our dies and embossing folders.
Great review Marla 🥰 I am sorry, but I had to laugh with the xoxo, I have tried it to lol. It looks like a good machine ❤ thanks for sharing and happy crafting Hugs xx
Marla when I first purchased my Gemini, I would get so frustrated because it took me a while to get used to the machine and how you have to have the die facing up. LOL So I understand the pain! LOL The machine is very pretty and thank you for your honest review. I do not own any Anna Griffin products, although I am eyeing some of her card kits. I like that the machine is wide like you said and the slimline add on.
@@MADAboutCardsandCrafts thanks so much. I understand the Holtz 3D folders are substantially thicker and wonder if they fit/ how they work with the Empress Mini.
@@StephanieDiehl Here's how I made it work. I didn't use any of the cutting plates and sandwiched the magnetic mat, metal shim, embossing rubber mat and the embossing folder on top. It did bend my magnetic plate a tad, which I easily reshaped.
@@MADAboutCardsandCrafts thank you so much! I’m waiting for the folders to come in the mail and after I ordered them I thought OH NO they might not work or fit at all with the Empress Mini 🤦♀️ I appreciate your help, thanks again.
Thank you.i bought a machine for 300 pound.being a newbe didnt realise its bulky and dont cut right through 4 lots flowers like others show with a small hand machine..so im looking for a smaller one.good review how much is this one..all dies will work on this one.i agree a nice strong magnet one 🇬🇧
If you want a do it all machine, this is not it. If you want something that is convenient to use while crafting to cut dies quickly and efficiently, this is it. It has a small footprint. It will not work with 3D embossing folders, letter press products, or hot foiling. It is my most used product in my craft room.
Great review! I just sold my full size Gemini and am debating on getting the full size Empress or the Mini. Hearing the plates don’t warp is the big reason I’m interested in the Empress.
Thank you! I still have my Gemini for my hot foiling, but the mini fits the majority of my die cutting needs. Someone mentioned that HSN had a $20 coupon right now if you're ready to purchase.
My plates warp after using a few times. I do the flipping plates and still wraps. Very disappointed bc that’s what I had that they hardly warp. Plus her plates are so expensive compared to others.
I am ao sorry. Since posting this, I switched to always cutting into the magnetic mat, which has worked very well. Very minimal warping. I am still using the original plates, and this is my most used machine.
This may seem an unusual question but could you please give me some of the technical details of the machine. I want to purchase one of these but I need a transformer to be able to use it on the power supply in my country so need to know the details so I am sure it will work and none of the companies can give them to me. Could you please tell me the wattage and the voltage. There should be a label on the machine. If there is an amperage or amp that would be great also. Even if you could send me a picture of the label would be fantastic. I have injured my arm and am no longer able to use a manual machine. Many thanks
Hi there! Thank you for the informative review. Just to let your viewers know, currently on HSN they have a $20 off towards a purchase. I am looking at this machine to cut more intricate dies, just cranking up the handle on my spellbinders 2-3 times is tiring! Do other brand dies work well with this, too, or are you finding that only certain ones do? Thank you!
Thank you for that information. I have found a few dies that didn't cut well. Two important things I noticed 1. don't use any paper over 80 lbs for anything that is intricate and 2. use the shim. I did have a couple Greetery dies that I still needed to use my large die cutting machine on. For the most part, keeping those two things in mind it cut well.
Thanks, Jennifer. I need to create an updated video. After filming this I made that change to my sandwhich. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.
I am not at all happy with this machine. I have a Gemini Jr that doesn't seem to be cutting as sharp as it was so i bought this machine. I don't like how the plates separate and don't hold the paper tight to the die. It separates at the front as it feeds through and then at the back as it starts to feed. Smaller papers move around and even drop off as the sandwich comes out of the machine. I often have to hold the back and to keep the paper in place and grab the front and squeeze closed. Reversing it often causes shredding because the paper has moved off the die. I find I am constantly taping the papers down to keep the cardstock tight to the die. Also don't like pushing run and holding reverse until it finishes. I would not purchase the machine again. Especially at twice the cost of the Gemini. Very Very disappointed.
So I use a self healing mat in place of the plastic clear cutting plate and it has changed my life!!! No shims, no destroying and etching the plates (which I hate and replace often when that happens because it etches the paper) Anyway - when they warp - especially when you’re cutting multiple items like for my Christmas cards, you just put them in a 200 degree oven for 5 minutes and voila! Good as new!
I will have to try them with my Vagabond. I don't think they have them for this machine. I am super impressed with the thickness of the plates. It is one of the features Jennifer McGuire talked about; how much better the plates with Anna Griffin machines are. The Gemini on the other hand is terrible and I only keep it for the hot foil machine.
Thankyou and I love how you kept your problems in and honest about it all
Thank you
I came across your channel today and I really enjoyed this video. New subscriber!!
Thank you! I can tell you this die cutting machine is one of the best purchases I have made.
@@MADAboutCardsandCrafts I’ve bought one but haven’t used it yet. I knew I had to have an electronic machine because I’m having shoulder surgery soon and wouldn’t be able to use a manual machine. But I’m really excited to get started!!
I've had my mini Empress for over a year and I love it. I use Anna Griffin's recommendation and cut into the magnetic mat instead of into the clear plate. I make tons of cards for Christmas and I've only had to replace the magnetic mat. The clear plates have not warped at all, because of this. Cutting into the magnetic mat also helps bring out the embossing features in the dies. I hope to purchase the larger Empress next time it's on sale on HSN.
Thank you for your insight. I will keep that in mind. Especially for other mfg intricate dies.
Thank you for the tutorial on this machine. I just bought one on HSN and am anxiously awaiting it’s arrival. The size along with the automatic function is why I decided to get it. From watching your video it also sounds super quiet. That magnet is amazing! I feel your pain with the removal of some of these dies from their packaging, I’ve actually had dies snap in half so I too wish they’d go a little lighter on the glue. Great video, appreciate all the tips! :)
I hope you like it as much as I do. It is so convenient to use at my desk.
Thank you for this review. I finally broke down and had to get one of these machines. The price was $130.00 brand new and it comes with the extended plates so I grabbed it! I didn't know what the measurement was for the entry for the plates and you put it on your vid. I appreciate your mistakes to. It made me laugh as I have had that hesitation about what just happened and why didn't it cut but also helpful to see the different ways to plate our dies and embossing folders.
Thank you so much for watching. I still love my mini, it's a wonderful machine.
Great review Marla 🥰 I am sorry, but I had to laugh with the xoxo, I have tried it to lol. It looks like a good machine ❤ thanks for sharing and happy crafting Hugs xx
I was laughing when I watched the video back. Thanks for watching, Joan.
Very helpful thank you!
Thank you for stopping by to watch.
Marla when I first purchased my Gemini, I would get so frustrated because it took me a while to get used to the machine and how you have to have the die facing up. LOL So I understand the pain! LOL The machine is very pretty and thank you for your honest review. I do not own any Anna Griffin products, although I am eyeing some of her card kits. I like that the machine is wide like you said and the slimline add on.
Thanks, Helen. It was too priceless not to leave in!
Have you used any of the Tim Holtz 3D embossing folders with the Empress Mini? Crossing fingers you find they fit and emboss nice.
I have not used my 3d folders. I will try and get back to you soon.
@@MADAboutCardsandCrafts thanks so much. I understand the Holtz 3D folders are substantially thicker and wonder if they fit/ how they work with the Empress Mini.
@@StephanieDiehl Here's how I made it work. I didn't use any of the cutting plates and sandwiched the magnetic mat, metal shim, embossing rubber mat and the embossing folder on top. It did bend my magnetic plate a tad, which I easily reshaped.
@@MADAboutCardsandCrafts thank you so much! I’m waiting for the folders to come in the mail and after I ordered them I thought OH NO they might not work or fit at all with the Empress Mini 🤦♀️ I appreciate your help, thanks again.
Thank you.i bought a machine for 300 pound.being a newbe didnt realise its bulky and dont cut right through 4 lots flowers like others show with a small hand machine..so im looking for a smaller one.good review how much is this one..all dies will work on this one.i agree a nice strong magnet one 🇬🇧
If you want a do it all machine, this is not it. If you want something that is convenient to use while crafting to cut dies quickly and efficiently, this is it. It has a small footprint. It will not work with 3D embossing folders, letter press products, or hot foiling. It is my most used product in my craft room.
Can you create your own dies?
No, this machine is designed for use with metal dies on the market
Great review! I just sold my full size Gemini and am debating on getting the full size Empress or the Mini. Hearing the plates don’t warp is the big reason I’m interested in the Empress.
Thank you! I still have my Gemini for my hot foiling, but the mini fits the majority of my die cutting needs. Someone mentioned that HSN had a $20 coupon right now if you're ready to purchase.
My plates warp after using a few times. I do the flipping plates and still wraps. Very disappointed bc that’s what I had that they hardly warp. Plus her plates are so expensive compared to others.
I am ao sorry. Since posting this, I switched to always cutting into the magnetic mat, which has worked very well. Very minimal warping. I am still using the original plates, and this is my most used machine.
This may seem an unusual question but could you please give me some of the technical details of the machine. I want to purchase one of these but I need a transformer to be able to use it on the power supply in my country so need to know the details so I am sure it will work and none of the companies can give them to me. Could you please tell me the wattage and the voltage. There should be a label on the machine. If there is an amperage or amp that would be great also. Even if you could send me a picture of the label would be fantastic. I have injured my arm and am no longer able to use a manual machine. Many thanks
Current 0.8A, 110-120V-66Hz
@@MADAboutCardsandCrafts thank you very much
Lol always happens when making multiple copies or on camera
Hi there! Thank you for the informative review. Just to let your viewers know, currently on HSN they have a $20 off towards a purchase. I am looking at this machine to cut more intricate dies, just cranking up the handle on my spellbinders 2-3 times is tiring! Do other brand dies work well with this, too, or are you finding that only certain ones do? Thank you!
Thank you for that information. I have found a few dies that didn't cut well. Two important things I noticed 1. don't use any paper over 80 lbs for anything that is intricate and 2. use the shim. I did have a couple Greetery dies that I still needed to use my large die cutting machine on. For the most part, keeping those two things in mind it cut well.
So looking this a yr later..its $100+. MORE
It is so disappointing that product prices are reaching unaffordable levels.
LOL, paper was on magnetic plate and die on top
That is an option and the one I use most to get a great cut.
Cut into the magnetic mat and not the plate will save you sooooo much money and the result is perfect.
Thanks, Jennifer. I need to create an updated video. After filming this I made that change to my sandwhich. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.
I am not at all happy with this machine. I have a Gemini Jr that doesn't seem to be cutting as sharp as it was so i bought this machine. I don't like how the plates separate and don't hold the paper tight to the die. It separates at the front as it feeds through and then at the back as it starts to feed. Smaller papers move around and even drop off as the sandwich comes out of the machine. I often have to hold the back and to keep the paper in place and grab the front and squeeze closed. Reversing it often causes shredding because the paper has moved off the die. I find I am constantly taping the papers down to keep the cardstock tight to the die. Also don't like pushing run and holding reverse until it finishes. I would not purchase the machine again. Especially at twice the cost of the Gemini. Very Very disappointed.
Are you cutting into your magnetic plate?