Cat's Crafty Corner no problem. Agreed. The initial cutting seems promising. I did some cutting after this video. It was promising but the plate warpage not sure. I’ll be doing more demos the next few weeks though.
Stephanie Taylor no problem. The plates warp too quickly and the magnetic mat does not last long. I now use the Grandcalibar plates. Of course that is not AG recommended, but it works much better in my opinion.
What concerns me, when you put it back through with the mat to emboss, it's on the side that it cuts correct? Doesn't it cut and damage the embossing mat? I too have the Gemini and yes it's loud, and I do love it. I also want the Empress, cuz it is quite.
ssharp11 no problem. If you can hold off buying it. So far its holding its own but I’ve only played twice. In the past I would have said Gemini hands down, but I really don’t think he quality control is there like it used to be. But this product is too new to tell.
poetspice yes I am going to wait to hear your feedback after more testing. Thanks so much for your complete and through reviews!!! I do use them. Hugs, Susan
Hello GF. It’s been a minute since I posted anything. I got a new job and I’ve been working my buns off! I am so impressed with your demonstration. You are quick and directly to the point, well thought out with loads of information! I’m impressed with the Empress! I’m going to want to get this machine now!! I will tell you something I found out from Anna herself, this will take the cuttlebug plates. The clear ones. So even though the Cuttlebug is discontinued, if you have old plates and died, you can use them in the empress. You just don’t need the big thick white platform
Managed to snag this on hsn for five flex pays and 20% off the beginning of this week (great pre Black Friday sale) and it came in 3 days. Played with it yesterday and it works like a dream even with heavy glitter card and mirror card with one pass. No "hanging chads" either. 😂😂 I got the Cuddlebug earlier this year and the Empress blows it completely out of the water. I don't have any Crafters Companion ones but I think I will probably go crazy getting dies now because using this machine is just SO satisfying. 😍😍 Mine hasn't sucked the sandwich in lopsided yet but I hold it until I'm sure it's got a secure hold before letting it go.
I enjoyed the demonstration. I am new and the different vocabularies accompanied by it associated actions needs a little clarification for me. Am I making sense?
Oh no, i have just got the Gemini Junior!!!! Pressing that button all the time would annoy me, but i like how quiet it is. Pro's and cons on both sides as far as i can see. Thanks for sharing this with us.
debbie parker I have all 3 Geminis, A Big Shot Plus, this, a Baby Blue, I had a Cuddlebug, a Cricut Air, and a Silhouette. I love die cutting! However, I’m still on the fence as to this machine. I did more cutting after this video. The Empress is holding its own so far. We shall see. I plan on doing more demos and a side by side comparison over the next months.
@@poetspice i have the larger Gemini, the junior, big shot and the grand callibar, die cutting is my fav thing to do. My husband would kill me if i got another one lol.
Jami I wanted to get this but my gown children happen to be here when HSN had craft day, lol 😆 my Gemini is still in box. I love craft gadgets they took remote and phones made watch half the day until 11:59 no purchases. Ok I'm babbling thanks for sharing love your videos.
Thanks for this video - I have a Big Shot & a Vagabond, but the motor or the battery has died so I'm looking to buy a new machine - Can U please tell us which is your favorite & why. It would help me so much. Thanks HUGS
MrsgoMez2012 no problem. I’m still testing this out. So far there are pros and cons. I will say it did cut an intricate snow flake die from China really well! That was impressive. I’ll do a final decision video once I’ve played with this a bit. I do plan on doing some more demos of various dies. 🤓
This was my first electronic machine and the main reason I bought it is because it is so much more quiet than the others that I have seen demonstrated. Then I recently bought the fabmatic??..I think is the name, because it was on sale and you know I had to have one for the Bigz dies...Fedex had great timing on the delivery...hubby was out...lol... Haven't tried the Fabmatic yet...hope it's not too loud. Hugs!
The weight of the paper depends on how intricate of a die. The more intricate, the more times you’ll have to run through. Really thin paper tends to not work well alone. Basically, you have to try it with your machine. Never use the precious paper first if you aren’t sure. Try paper you don’t really care about.
Fantastic demonstration! I think you’re going to be happy with this AG Empress it’s really good with all my Tattered Lace dies. However, even though the magnetic plate is strong it really doesn’t last any longer than the Gemini’s plates. 😒
Tina Costner I’m not really worried about where to get it. However, having to replace plates too often is not a plus for me. I die cut A CRAP TON🙀🙀🙀 so if these plates warp quickly, definitely not a keeper. So far I’m not over joyed at the plate longevity. I’ve not even really played with it as much as I would have if work was not as hectic as it has been the last couple weeks. The plates are already not performing as I’d hope. We shall see.
poetspice 👍🏻 that’s where I am with Gemini plates. No more than I used it the plates didn’t last long at all. Then when I wanted new plates I couldn’t find any. I did by the jr plates thinking they would do until I got new ones for the big machine but I can’t get them to work with it. Kinda frustrated. Ha! I did get the big plates to straighten out just by flipping them back and forth through the machine so now when I use them they warp on one side I run it through the machine and it flips and warps from the other side lol 😂
Lori Seabrook I’ve only played with this twice. Right now I’m not sure which is better. I’ll be doing more demos though. I also plan on doing a side by side comparison.
When you have a Free Moment ( LOL ) could you please demonstrate how to use the Empress for steel rule dies? I have destroyed some of my other machines trying to use those dies, and I don't want to do that to this one. Thank you so very much for helping us to craft smarter not harder with all of your videos.
@@poetspice Thank goodness I checked in with you first because I'm loving my machine and don't want to mess it up. You're the best ... thank you!!!!!!!!!
It has it's prons and cons. In my opinion is is not as good as the Gemini because the Gemini has more pressure. However, If this were at a lower price point and it came WITH the large plates instead of making it an extra purchase, it's not bad. I'm still on the fence as to if I'm going to keep it or not. I have until January 10th to make up my mind.
I immediately thought you should use the shim with the CC die to emboss b/c that's what you did with the cutting portion. Great demo! Thanks for telling us the differences with Gemini so that we could make an informed decision about which we wanted to buy.
Terry Rodriguez yeah. I’ve been die cutting a long time. Sometimes the fingers are quicker than the pokey tool/brush if the paper was cut well enough. I like to use that as a test to see how well the machine as cut the die. If they fall out with a touch, that’s a plus.
When I bought my Cuddlebug I read somewhere that if you put the dies in at an angle it cuts better, maybe that's built in to your new machine. Have fun playing.
Raleysmom Baker if you put straight edges yes it’s easier to cut. It’s not a built in feature, it was the machine not grabbing like it should. However, not a big deal for the small plates, but it could cause jamming with the big plates. Hopefully not going to be an issue.
Thank you for the info. Hope this machine works better than the Gemini. Hope your new baby is doing well. My oldest Ari has been fading fast since I was gone a bit for my surgery last month, won't be here much longer. Happy crafting.
I’m surprised when you emboss that since the cutting-edge is up that it doesn’t cut the rubber mat. Loving this machine, not a fan of the Gemini, it has to manny plates.
Rosies Crafty Classroom my Gemini jr is completely stuck. This is the second of their machines to do this on me. I decided to try the Empress because it can be returned by January 31. 🤓 That’s enough time for me to test it!🎉🎉🎉
Oh sorry to hear that, so holding the pause button for 10 long seconds didn’t work? Cause that worked for me when mine got stuck....bummer that it happened to you...Enjoy your Empress 😉💖
I don’t like that it comes with small plates... hence that wonky mess endless you use it sideways. So by the time you add larger plates too much money since I own a Gemini and Gemini Jr already. If I didn’t own a machine already would get this one.
Thank you. I know this is a much older video, but I found it extremely helpful.
So glad you got good results from your demo with such intricate dies. The quietness is one of the features that sold me on it.
BlackCatNoni yes. I do like the quiet. It’s also a smoother go through the machine.
I’ll have to see how it handles 110lb and 300gsm paper.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I LUVED listening & watching your video ❤
Thanks
Thank you for demonstrating the Crafters Companion dies.
Thank you For showing every aspect of the machine
Connie Woldstad no problem🤓
Super cool! I have to keep watching to see how it really works after a few uses. Thank you for sharing! 💖💖💖
Cat's Crafty Corner no problem.
Agreed. The initial cutting seems promising. I did some cutting after this video. It was promising but the plate warpage not sure. I’ll be doing more demos the next few weeks though.
great demo. ty. getting ready to unpack my brand new empress and check it out!
Thanks for the demo and love the dies you used
smurfie161 thanks darling
Wow,looks like it does a good job cutting intricate dies.
Thanks Jamie...your videos are very helpful and I would like to see more.
Latrisha Huckaby thanks!
Glad to help. I have some more demos planned for this.
My Yt focus next year is more demos as well.
Thank you!
Nice! Thank you
Thanks for sharing
I would love to know how it works with different companies embossing folders, especially the Crafter's Companion 3D embossing folders.
Awesome 👏
Very cool machine. I did not even know that she had a new one. Love it. Joyce
Lovethatpaper215 it came out in October, but I wasn’t impressed. But since hsn had extended returns until January 2019, I decided to try it🤓
Looking good...
How about testing the Crafters Companion 3D embossing folders. One of the comments on HSN from a customer was that it couldn't emboss these folders.
I like it l have to wait to get it I have the gemini and has never use it. Thanks for the tutorial enjoyed it
Earline Gordon you’re welcome.
Beautiful die. Loved the demo.
I love you!! You’re so funny 😂 I just order this today, I hope it works for me!! Thanks for an awesome video
Stephanie Taylor no problem.
The plates warp too quickly and the magnetic mat does not last long. I now use the Grandcalibar plates. Of course that is not AG recommended, but it works much better in my opinion.
What concerns me, when you put it back through with the mat to emboss, it's on the side that it cuts correct? Doesn't it cut and damage the embossing mat? I too have the Gemini and yes it's loud, and I do love it. I also want the Empress, cuz it is quite.
Oh I am so glad you are doing this demo. I was thinking about getting this machine. Wishing you a super week. Hugs Susan
ssharp11 no problem. If you can hold off buying it. So far its holding its own but I’ve only played twice. In the past I would have said Gemini hands down, but I really don’t think he quality control is there like it used to be. But this product is too new to tell.
poetspice yes I am going to wait to hear your feedback after more testing. Thanks so much for your complete and through reviews!!! I do use them. Hugs, Susan
WOW WOW WOW my dream machine. That die. The first one is stunning. XOXOX
Craft Creations I’m still deciding it I like it as much or better than my Gemini.
Not liking how quickly the plates are warping.
nice demo and nice machine! tfs
Hello GF. It’s been a minute since I posted anything. I got a new job and I’ve been working my buns off! I am so impressed with your demonstration. You are quick and directly to the point, well thought out with loads of information! I’m impressed with the Empress! I’m going to want to get this machine now!! I will tell you something I found out from Anna herself, this will take the cuttlebug plates. The clear ones. So even though the Cuttlebug is discontinued, if you have old plates and died, you can use them in the empress. You just don’t need the big thick white platform
Cheri Turner hi. Good luck on the new job! Hope it’s been better for you.
Thanks!!! I do like doing tuts.
Thank You So Much for doing these videos. They help a lot. I really never found videos from Anna.
Jan Campbell awesome! Glad to help🤓🤓
Managed to snag this on hsn for five flex pays and 20% off the beginning of this week (great pre Black Friday sale) and it came in 3 days. Played with it yesterday and it works like a dream even with heavy glitter card and mirror card with one pass. No "hanging chads" either. 😂😂 I got the Cuddlebug earlier this year and the Empress blows it completely out of the water. I don't have any Crafters Companion ones but I think I will probably go crazy getting dies now because using this machine is just SO satisfying. 😍😍 Mine hasn't sucked the sandwich in lopsided yet but I hold it until I'm sure it's got a secure hold before letting it go.
I enjoyed the demonstration. I am new and the different vocabularies accompanied by it associated actions needs a little clarification for me. Am I making sense?
Valerie Emmanuel thanks!
It can be confusing. You’ll have to ask specific questions though.
Oh no, i have just got the Gemini Junior!!!! Pressing that button all the time would annoy me, but i like how quiet it is. Pro's and cons on both sides as far as i can see. Thanks for sharing this with us.
debbie parker I have all 3 Geminis, A Big Shot Plus, this, a Baby Blue, I had a Cuddlebug, a Cricut Air, and a Silhouette. I love die cutting!
However, I’m still on the fence as to this machine. I did more cutting after this video. The Empress is holding its own so far. We shall see. I plan on doing more demos and a side by side comparison over the next months.
@@poetspice i have the larger Gemini, the junior, big shot and the grand callibar, die cutting is my fav thing to do. My husband would kill me if i got another one lol.
Jami I wanted to get this but my gown children happen to be here when HSN had craft day, lol 😆 my Gemini is still in box. I love craft gadgets they took remote and phones made watch half the day until 11:59 no purchases. Ok I'm babbling thanks for sharing love your videos.
Shari Miller 🤓🤓🤓🤓
Thanks for the demo, I just have a question. ...why do you have to lay the paper on top of the die. You can't change the order?
cdScrapdat the die blades have to touch the paper or it won’t cut.
@@poetspice I do know that. ..I guess my question wasn't clear, but thanks for responding.
Thanks for this video - I have a Big Shot & a Vagabond, but the motor or the battery has died so I'm looking to buy a new machine - Can U please tell us which is your favorite & why. It would help me so much. Thanks HUGS
MrsgoMez2012 no problem.
I’m still testing this out. So far there are pros and cons. I will say it did cut an intricate snow flake die from China really well! That was impressive.
I’ll do a final decision video once I’ve played with this a bit. I do plan on doing some more demos of various dies. 🤓
I’d really like to see how it cuts Aliexpress dies. Thanks for the demo
Bunny C I will do more demos with various dies. I did cut out a very intricate, large snowflake die from AliExpress. It cut it fabulously.
This was my first electronic machine and the main reason I bought it is because it is so much more quiet than the others that I have seen demonstrated. Then I recently bought the fabmatic??..I think is the name, because it was on sale and you know I had to have one for the Bigz dies...Fedex had great timing on the delivery...hubby was out...lol... Haven't tried the Fabmatic yet...hope it's not too loud. Hugs!
CrazyHorse Crafter I so like the quiet! The Gemini is definitely louder and not as smooth.
So I just picked this machine up... I am wondering what weight card stock is best to use with it... 65lbs? 110lb,? Or heavier?
The weight of the paper depends on how intricate of a die. The more intricate, the more times you’ll have to run through.
Really thin paper tends to not work well alone. Basically, you have to try it with your machine. Never use the precious paper first if you aren’t sure. Try paper you don’t really care about.
Which machine do you think it’s better empress or Gemini I have the Gemini but still in box haven’t even tried it since I got it in july
Terry Rodriguez too early to tell. In the past I would have said Gemini, but the quality control seems to be slipping.
Fantastic demonstration! I think you’re going to be happy with this AG Empress it’s really good with all my Tattered Lace dies. However, even though the magnetic plate is strong it really doesn’t last any longer than the Gemini’s plates. 😒
Rosemary Proefrock that doesn’t make me happy. The quick warping and such would be/are big negatives.
Question just got a new machine first time used the plate got a little warped is that normal?
Yes. All plates will warp. It’s due to the pressure of the machines.
Thank you!!!! I kinda think the benefit to AG machine is HSN is the only one that’s going to get it. Plates are easy to replace.
Tina Costner I’m not really worried about where to get it. However, having to replace plates too often is not a plus for me. I die cut A CRAP TON🙀🙀🙀 so if these plates warp quickly, definitely not a keeper. So far I’m not over joyed at the plate longevity. I’ve not even really played with it as much as I would have if work was not as hectic as it has been the last couple weeks. The plates are already not performing as I’d hope. We shall see.
poetspice 👍🏻 that’s where I am with Gemini plates. No more than I used it the plates didn’t last long at all. Then when I wanted new plates I couldn’t find any. I did by the jr plates thinking they would do until I got new ones for the big machine but I can’t get them to work with it. Kinda frustrated. Ha! I did get the big plates to straighten out just by flipping them back and forth through the machine so now when I use them they warp on one side I run it through the machine and it flips and warps from the other side lol 😂
You need to check out Tuesday Morning...some areas have been having the crafters companion dies and spellbinders dies at really good prices.
CrazyHorse Crafter TM is 45 minutes away. However, I already own the majority of Crafter’s C dies lol.
Does it use all cutting dies? I have hundreds!
Yes except steel ruled dies
TFS I have been thinking to get this one instead of the gemini what do you think Jaime I dont want to waste time and money?? TY
Lori Seabrook I’ve only played with this twice. Right now I’m not sure which is better. I’ll be doing more demos though. I also plan on doing a side by side comparison.
When you have a Free Moment ( LOL ) could you please demonstrate how to use the Empress for steel rule dies? I have destroyed some of my other machines trying to use those dies, and I don't want to do that to this one. Thank you so very much for helping us to craft smarter not harder with all of your videos.
Eileen Mikolayunas the Empress doesn’t cut steel ruled dies.
@@poetspice Thank goodness I checked in with you first because I'm loving my machine and don't want to mess it up. You're the best ... thank you!!!!!!!!!
You need the brush for the dies lol beautiful demo
Terry Rodriguez I have the Tool in 1. It’s my favorite tool for dies.
It's a beautiful looking machine and the frame die you cut out is stunning. Is it as good as the Gemini xxxx
It has it's prons and cons.
In my opinion is is not as good as the Gemini because the Gemini has more pressure. However, If this were at a lower price point and it came WITH the large plates instead of making it an extra purchase, it's not bad. I'm still on the fence as to if I'm going to keep it or not. I have until January 10th to make up my mind.
I will have an electric die cutter for my next purchase. I like this Empress, but am undecided between this and the Gemini. What’s your thought?
I immediately thought you should use the shim with the CC die to emboss b/c that's what you did with the cutting portion. Great demo! Thanks for telling us the differences with Gemini so that we could make an informed decision about which we wanted to buy.
Anna griffin plates are better quality then crafter companion. Crafters companion plates wrap easily.
Great demo.. tfs
scrappin4myboys thanks chick!!
scrappin4myboys thanks girly.
Ok I saw you poke it with nais and it can rip your cardstock but glad you have one
Terry Rodriguez yeah. I’ve been die cutting a long time. Sometimes the fingers are quicker than the pokey tool/brush if the paper was cut well enough. I like to use that as a test to see how well the machine as cut the die. If they fall out with a touch, that’s a plus.
When I bought my Cuddlebug I read somewhere that if you put the dies in at an angle it cuts better, maybe that's built in to your new machine. Have fun playing.
Raleysmom Baker if you put straight edges yes it’s easier to cut.
It’s not a built in feature, it was the machine not grabbing like it should. However, not a big deal for the small plates, but it could cause jamming with the big plates. Hopefully not going to be an issue.
Thank you for the info. Hope this machine works better than the Gemini. Hope your new baby is doing well. My oldest Ari has been fading fast since I was gone a bit for my surgery last month, won't be here much longer. Happy crafting.
I’m surprised when you emboss that since the cutting-edge is up that it doesn’t cut the rubber mat. Loving this machine, not a fan of the Gemini, it has to manny plates.
1 Crafty Gal unlike the Gemini embossing mat, the AG embossing mats are thick. The material is also different, definitely gives a much better emboss.
Ok, I must have missed why you went with the Empress, did you’re Gemini give up the ghost?? Thanks for sharing, Blessings
Rosies Crafty Classroom my Gemini jr is completely stuck. This is the second of their machines to do this on me. I decided to try the Empress because it can be returned by January 31. 🤓 That’s enough time for me to test it!🎉🎉🎉
Oh sorry to hear that, so holding the pause button for 10 long seconds didn’t work? Cause that worked for me when mine got stuck....bummer that it happened to you...Enjoy your Empress 😉💖
I don’t like that it comes with small plates... hence that wonky mess endless you use it sideways. So by the time you add larger plates too much money since I own a Gemini and Gemini Jr already. If I didn’t own a machine already would get this one.
Lisa Relova agreed.
I’m trying this to see. My enthusiasm for CC is decreasing.
If you put the plates it comes with in a little further before pressing run, it’s not a problem. It’s not once gone “wonky” for me.