Di called Sizzix a couple of months ago to find out if the old red sidekick was the same just different thickness plates to cut the wafer dies that weren't out when the original sidekick came out. It is the same, just need the aqua plates. I ordered 2 sets and it worked perfectly except on the 4th cut something inside the machine snapped and it will not pull the plates in. For anyone who has the red one- just get Aqua plates to cut the wafer dies. The shim for embossing is supposed to be available for purchase this month I believe.
Picked up a Sidekick at a Crop Mtg for $5 with all the plates and dies couple years ago. It is absolutely my go to machine. I find it perfect for my Pocket Printer 2x3's and it cuts great. I have a Cuddlebug and a Big Shot and I almost never use them. Love this little machine!! The new one is just like the old red one!
I have a Vagabond in the corner of my craft room, but I do lots of tiny die cuts (PTI Petit Places, etc.) and I love having my SideKick in arms reach. I love both for different reasons and uses.
Terrific review as always. I am really looking forward to the comparison. The minis are great in terms of small footprint, however, I'm not sure the convenience is worth the price. They'll certainly never replace my trusty Big Kick!
Just went to Scrapbook.com and ordered 3 sets of plates for only $15.26 shipping included. This will be real nice with the smaller dyes even if I have to shim them. I have to shim even with my large plates anyway. Thanks again been loving all your videos as they are very helpful.
I've been seeing more people using these little guys, and since my craft room is in the middle of a revamp, I thought this may be perfect instead of getting out the big shot. But watching the way you had to get it to work, I think my RA in my hands or when fibro is up this would be a painful challenge. I thought the cost was a little high too. I'll stick to my big shot for now. I do want to see the comparison, maybe the other is a bit easier. Thanks for the review Jenny 🙂
ChicFarmer59 I killed my big shot. I replaced it with a vagabond 2, and I LOVE it!!!!! My only comment is that I think it warps my cutting plates faster. My husband says I am wrong. He says I die cut more. My plates were lasting a little over a year. I think that 6 to 9 months will be it now. Please note that I make 6 to 8 hundred cards a year.
I️ have to add that possibly they made the roller opening smaller because I️ have the original sidekick and it will not cut thin dies with just the cutting plates. It was made more for the those sizzlit dies that have extra thickness already in them. I have made my own shims to work but that’s the only difference I see. It is great to have when you are cutting all those tiny dies from kits and you don’t have to get the big machine out for a 1/2”die.
Been waiting for this honest review which I thank you so much for. I am going to link this and the Altenew review to splitcoaststampers.com as someone was asking. I am so happy you are going to do the comparison. There are so many mini cutters and they may be space savers, but not cheap compared to the more useful Cuttlebug. Bigger, still portable, and more powerful. I am also concerned about the availability of the cutting pads especially with the Altenew mini. So, once again, thank you so much!! Lots to think about.
Rosetta, you and I are of the same mind. If cost is the main consideration, I'd go with the Cuttlebug in a heartbeat. but if size is your only concern, then I guess I like the Altenew better- that extra 1/2 an inch makes a difference.
CraftTestDummies I just posted link to both videos on SCS. I am also going to email the CEO of Blitsy.com, Katy for FYI! And of course, Happy New Year!
Hi to ease your concerns over cutting pads for the Sidekick....they are available at Scrapbook.com I just got done placing an order for myself. Hope this was helpful!! Have a Great day!!
Thanks for the great honest review. I like the fact that the cutting width of the Mini Blossom is 1/2" larger that the SK. However, I too am concerned that it doesn't have cutting plates to purchase separately...that and a couple of other flaws. Bottom line for me is that both machines have pros and cons so I've decided to wait until someone realizes these flaws and makes a mini die cutting machine that's perfect.
Nancy Lynn I ended up buying a Sidekick from Blitsy.com. I had an old red Sidekick that somehow disappeared🙄. But I thought and researched a lot. So, I decided to go with the Sizzix because of its reputation, strength of the product, Rim Holtz stands behind it and the fact that there are dies and embossing folders made just for it. More importantly, there are replaceable cutting pads. I also saw a TH-cam that discussed non-sizzix replacement pads from Quilledcreations.com that can be used in the red Sidekick and would cut thin dies. So, I had them untouched. Tried it with the Tim Holtz SideKick...perfect. One last thought. The width has not been a problem as I can use it with so many of my small thin dies. Cuts Spellbinders very well even with adhesive attached. Moreover, it is small and the suction is great. Fits anywhere. Once again, have to thank this review again and again!!
Great Demonstration. I do have the Tim Holtz Sidekick for small die cutting jobs you know 1 or 2 cuts instead of using my Vagabond......and I adhere mine to my craft table and it stays put until I've done all my cutting I've never had it budge in fact I just crank I don't even stabelize it......I use it allot...and it sits next to my Vagabond. I'm so glad he made it to match. Thanks so much for all you do and the way you do it!! YOU so ROCK!! Hi Jenny I am just wondering if maybe something is faulty with your Sidekick.....because it wouldn't stay down and you needed to stabilize it.....since this doesn't happen to me....so I hope Ranger watches your video and sends you another one. Love your product shares you do put everything thru it's paces and do one Super Outstanding Job!! Joan Smith
She had it suctioned to a craft mat, not a smooth, hard surface. Of course it would move. When it suctioned to the glass mat, no movement, it was the glass mat that was moving. 🤔
There is nothing wrong with the suction on this machine. It needs to be suctioned to a smooth, hard surface. Suctioning it to a craft mat was user error. 🤔
I have a question for you ?? I still have the original sidekick but I have the two plastic plates that you use to die cut... does his have the same? I couldn’t tell?
I bought this and honestly, I do not like it and I do not like how it looks. Which would you recommend, this one or the Altenew one? I am really thinking about buying the Altenew one. TFS!
Tbh, I think the smaller ones are just too limiting and kind of a waste of $$- is go with a cuttlebug instead, as you can cut more kinds of dies reliably.i personality have a sizzix I use daily as it’s the most stable.
![[UNCUT] The Loyal Pin ปิ่นภักดิ์ EP.4 (4/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/d3l5rxl5CVo/mqdefault.jpg)
It helps to know which way to turn the handle before you review the product. :) I have this sidekick and love it!
Di called Sizzix a couple of months ago to find out if the old red sidekick was the same just different thickness plates to cut the wafer dies that weren't out when the original sidekick came out. It is the same, just need the aqua plates. I ordered 2 sets and it worked perfectly except on the 4th cut something inside the machine snapped and it will not pull the plates in. For anyone who has the red one- just get Aqua plates to cut the wafer dies. The shim for embossing is supposed to be available for purchase this month I believe.
Picked up a Sidekick at a Crop Mtg for $5 with all the plates and dies couple years ago. It is absolutely my go to machine. I find it perfect for my Pocket Printer 2x3's and it cuts great. I have a Cuddlebug and a Big Shot and I almost never use them. Love this little machine!! The new one is just like the old red one!
I have a Vagabond in the corner of my craft room, but I do lots of tiny die cuts (PTI Petit Places, etc.) and I love having my SideKick in arms reach. I love both for different reasons and uses.
I think if I put some shelf liner under that glass mat it would make a world of difference!
My Big Shot sits out all the time so and I love it. no replacement needed. thanks for the honest review.
Terrific review as always. I am really looking forward to the comparison. The minis are great in terms of small footprint, however, I'm not sure the convenience is worth the price. They'll certainly never replace my trusty Big Kick!
Your review was great and needed. It’s hard to decide between all these baby machines
Just went to Scrapbook.com and ordered 3 sets of plates for only $15.26 shipping included. This will be real nice with the smaller dyes even if I have to shim them. I have to shim even with my large plates anyway. Thanks again been loving all your videos as they are very helpful.
I've been seeing more people using these little guys, and since my craft room is in the middle of a revamp, I thought this may be perfect instead of getting out the big shot. But watching the way you had to get it to work, I think my RA in my hands or when fibro is up this would be a painful challenge. I thought the cost was a little high too. I'll stick to my big shot for now. I do want to see the comparison, maybe the other is a bit easier. Thanks for the review Jenny 🙂
I think if I had pain I would buy the Tim Holtz Vagabond and let it do all the work for me.
ChicFarmer59 I killed my big shot. I replaced it with a vagabond 2, and I LOVE it!!!!! My only comment is that I think it warps my cutting plates faster. My husband says I am wrong. He says I die cut more. My plates were lasting a little over a year. I think that 6 to 9 months will be it now. Please note that I make 6 to 8 hundred cards a year.
I have arthritis and strongly recommend the Vagabond 2. It's wonderful!
Great video very informative 👍👍👍
I think this would be too small to be worth it for me. I got a Sizzix big shot for my birthday and I like it.
Very professional presentation...good job.
I️ have to add that possibly they made the roller opening smaller because I️ have the original sidekick and it will not cut thin dies with just the cutting plates. It was made more for the those sizzlit dies that have extra thickness already in them. I have made my own shims to work but that’s the only difference I see. It is great to have when you are cutting all those tiny dies from kits and you don’t have to get the big machine out for a 1/2”die.
Been waiting for this honest review which I thank you so much for. I am going to link this and the Altenew review to splitcoaststampers.com as someone was asking. I am so happy you are going to do the comparison. There are so many mini cutters and they may be space savers, but not cheap compared to the more useful Cuttlebug. Bigger, still portable, and more powerful. I am also concerned about the availability of the cutting pads especially with the Altenew mini. So, once again, thank you so much!! Lots to think about.
Rosetta, you and I are of the same mind. If cost is the main consideration, I'd go with the Cuttlebug in a heartbeat. but if size is your only concern, then I guess I like the Altenew better- that extra 1/2 an inch makes a difference.
CraftTestDummies I just posted link to both videos on SCS. I am also going to email the CEO of Blitsy.com, Katy for FYI! And of course, Happy New Year!
Hi to ease your concerns over cutting pads for the Sidekick....they are available at Scrapbook.com I just got done placing an order for myself. Hope this was helpful!! Have a Great day!!
Thanks for the great honest review. I like the fact that the cutting width of the Mini Blossom is 1/2" larger that the SK. However, I too am concerned that it doesn't have cutting plates to purchase separately...that and a couple of other flaws. Bottom line for me is that both machines have pros and cons so I've decided to wait until someone realizes these flaws and makes a mini die cutting machine that's perfect.
Nancy Lynn I ended up buying a Sidekick from Blitsy.com. I had an old red Sidekick that somehow disappeared🙄. But I thought and researched a lot. So, I decided to go with the Sizzix because of its reputation, strength of the product, Rim Holtz stands behind it and the fact that there are dies and embossing folders made just for it. More importantly, there are replaceable cutting pads. I also saw a TH-cam that discussed non-sizzix replacement pads from Quilledcreations.com that can be used in the red Sidekick and would cut thin dies. So, I had them untouched. Tried it with the Tim Holtz SideKick...perfect.
One last thought. The width has not been a problem as I can use it with so many of my small thin dies. Cuts Spellbinders very well even with adhesive attached. Moreover, it is small and the suction is great. Fits anywhere.
Once again, have to thank this review again and again!!
I have itand love it! Great when using small dies.
I wouldn't want the machine but the small plates for my big shot using the smaller dyes would be really nice to have. TFS
Great review. Thanks. I want one!!! I just do. So darn cute.
Thanks for this thorough review. I think I'll save my $$ for a better machine.
Thank you for your review. I got a diamond press and I think it was a waste of money. So guess I dnt need one of these either
Great Demonstration. I do have the Tim Holtz Sidekick for small die cutting jobs you know 1 or 2 cuts instead of using my Vagabond......and I adhere mine to my craft table and it stays put until I've done all my cutting I've never had it budge in fact I just crank I don't even stabelize it......I use it allot...and it sits next to my Vagabond. I'm so glad he made it to match. Thanks so much for all you do and the way you do it!! YOU so ROCK!!
Hi Jenny I am just wondering if maybe something is faulty with your Sidekick.....because it wouldn't stay down and you needed to stabilize it.....since this doesn't happen to me....so I hope Ranger watches your video and sends you another one. Love your product shares you do put everything thru it's paces and do one Super Outstanding Job!!
Joan Smith
She had it suctioned to a craft mat, not a smooth, hard surface. Of course it would move. When it suctioned to the glass mat, no movement, it was the glass mat that was moving. 🤔
Thanks Jenny!
Hi. How can I use the 13' long pads sizzix 654558 with this Sidekick? They ar to thin for this...
How to keep the suction so it stays put
There is nothing wrong with the suction on this machine. It needs to be suctioned to a smooth, hard surface. Suctioning it to a craft mat was user error. 🤔
I have a question for you ?? I still have the original sidekick but I have the two plastic plates that you use to die cut... does his have the same? I couldn’t tell?
Barbara Harrold yes, these are 2 plates that create the “sandwich.”
I bought this and honestly, I do not like it and I do not like how it looks. Which would you recommend, this one or the Altenew one? I am really thinking about buying the Altenew one. TFS!
Tbh, I think the smaller ones are just too limiting and kind of a waste of $$- is go with a cuttlebug instead, as you can cut more kinds of dies reliably.i personality have a sizzix I use daily as it’s the most stable.
It is cute but that's all I can give it. Too small to be practical and way too small to cost $50. Thanks for the demo!
Glad you did the tutorial....I'm not impressed with this product
Sorry Tim, so not worth 50.00
Looks like something for kids to use.
Waste of space and money I will just stick with my big shot