Always place your dies sharp side down on top of the paper. Designate one clear plate as your cut plate and use that exclusively on the bottom. The other plate always goes on the top. That way you aren’t clouding up both plates. Also flip your plates as they will start to curl after a few uses.
Hi Melissa! Thank you so much for the tips! So the bottom cutting die I should flip over to use both sides? Just want to make sure I understood correctly. Thank you for watching
I would like to thank you so much for explaining this video. I was just embossing on my machine and the folder would not go through. I was scared thinking it would break. I decided to go on youtube and I picked several videos, but yours helped a great deal. I did what you did and it worked. Thank you
Yep, I was one of those saying you only need one plate on the 3D folder. Also spritz first with water and paper doesn’t crack. I love those little doily dies. They look great using coffee/tea or inked dyed tracing paper or vellum. I use those all the time.
You should mist the paper when you are embossing It will break down the fibers. 😀 have fun! I have the sizzix brush it falls apart. All the little bristles fall out.
Hi Dawn, Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely have to try misting the paper. I’ve heard mixed feelings about the brush. Still trying to figure what would be best or to just stick with my pokey tool Lol. P.S. I responded to your email. Thanks again!
What a cute video. It’s so fun to see people discover things for the first time. I’d suggest you watch scrapbooking made simple videos. Stacey has a couple of great videos explaining, in great detail, how to use your Sizzix die cutting machine. I learned a great deal from her videos. I think they are a few years old but still very accurate and excellent. Have fun with your machine!
Lovely tutorial on sizzix big shot. I use magnetic platform on my sizzix big shot fold away. As easy to keep dies still. Normal cracking snap sounds very normal. ❤😊 I travel with my sizzix fold away as easy to travel with as the storage is on both sides for tools and dies.
Lisa Horton in the UK has a wonderful collection of 3D embossing folders for flowers which she has recently launched. Beautiful results and lots of detail. She has a TH-cam channel which demo’s the folders with all her links for her supplies. You did a brilliant job with your filming, anything new is scary but you did great.👍🌿💚
Thank you so much for your kind words and for the suggesting Lisa Horton. I will definitely have to look for her channel and check out her embossing folders. They sound amazing. Thanks for watching 🤍
If you use a 3D embossing folder be careful not to place the hinge of the folder to close to the top edge of the plate. The pressure could break the hinge.
I like to use wax paper or pieces of a plastic bag between the die and card stock. It helps the really intricate cuts to pop out. I use the single advertising cards to use as shims if needed. Some have a coating that adds just the right amount of pressure.
Yes, the cracking sound is normal. I have my dies cut into the same cutting plate, keeping one plate clean from dies cutting into it. Hope that makes sense. Also dies with straight edges i try to put them at a slant on the plate saves on the pressure.
Hi Tonya! Yes, that makes total sense. Thanks so much for the tips. I’m going to have to keep those tips in mind when I use my machine. Thanks for watching
Just bought one and I will have it on October 7th. We are now September 14th. Also bought some dies from Temu and Amazon. Gee I just can't wait to use them. I wanted one for so long... Made myself a gift just to spoil myself. I am worth it Thanks for sharing your video! Greetings from Québec Canada
That is so great Dany! You are going to love it. I made it as a special gift to myself as well. We need to spoil ourselves every now and then. We definitely deserve it! Thanks so much for watching!
Hi Barbara! I keep getting mixed reviews on the brush. I’ll have to definitely look into it a little more. But thanks for the suggestion. I’m sure anything is better than the pokey tool, right?! Lol
I just baught the big shot and haven’t used it yet. I came across your video and it’s so GOOD!!! Love your excitement and discovery as you went along. The video quality is great and clear.
I was doin exact same thing you were doing. I was scared to put it through and it wouldn’t go through, but I finally worked it out with your help. Thank you
The best tip I’ve ever gotten for my Big Shot, is to always use one plate on the bottom to cut (into). You can flip that plate over if necessary, but never use your clean top plate as a cutting plate. Back in the day, everyone used to advise to rotate your plates over and over…costly mistake! Also, I purchased a magnetic pad (Amazon) that helps a ton with keeping the dies in place-especially the frames that you can use together or separate (once you separate the little connectors on the frames, it’s hard to line them back up to use them together), the magnetic pad will help keep the frames in the right position/straight. Hope you’re enjoying crafting with your Big Shot 😊
Hi Cindy! Thanks so much for the tips. Unfortunately in my video I am not careful which plate I use for the top and bottom, but I am now. Also, I will be looking into the magnetic pad. I think that would be so great. I see a lot of people using washi tape to keep their dies in place. But the magnetic pad is so much cooler. Thanks again! 🤍Maggie
@@SunsetCrafts You’re welcome 😊 I’m sure cutting into your top plate once or twice won’t hurt, it’s the constant rotating that’ll warp the acrylic plates pretty fast! Not sure how many varieties of the magnetic mats are available, but I use the black one with gold grid lines by Craftfirst. So far, I really like it (sure beats using painters tape lol) Oh yeah! I meant to say I enjoyed your video on making tags with your BigShot. I’ve got to get me some of those round, metal rimmed tags!! They all turned out awesome 😊
I have one of the big shots ordered. I am glad to see you use yours before I get mine then i will know how to use it when it comes. I can't wait to try it. MK
Hi Mary, so glad you found this video helpful. If you haven't already, please read the comments too. There are so many tips and tricks on how to use the big shot. I have learned so much! Thanks for watching
A tip I’ve heard also was when your dies have a straight edge to put them through not square, off tilter, so the machine doesn’t have as hard of a time going over the big hump and will only have a corner to jump onto, if that makes sense, sorry hard to explain in words. I’ve seen Tim holtz talk about it. Also if you wanted the sharper stitch lines on the first die set you needed to have the paper the opposite side down so they show up on the designed side ;). Also note that the dies have little weee “holes” that’s so you can use your poke tool to get the paper out when it’s stuck. I also got a rubber sheet layer with mine, you didn’t show one so maybe didn’t get one? You could use a mouse pad or couple/few layers of card stock to add thickness when needed too. For my embossing I only use 1 clear one with the plate and the folder and I use my rubber mat but mine are not Tim holtz folders all of them so they’re a tad thinner. There’s also a small roller that is designed for taking the paper out of the dies when there’s a bunch of holes, I need to buy one too, very cheap on temu. The dies pull apart easily with your hands and the metal pieces left behind don’t interfere with your next die cutting either until you get plyers to pull them off later. I’m editing this as I watch lol. I just started using mine this week too. It’s been so much fun!
Hi Knotty! Wow that’s a lot of information. I’m going to have to take notes. But all the tips are so so much appreciated. This is so very new to me and I’m so thankful to all of you for taking the time to share your tips and tricks for me. Thank you so much for watching 🤍
Oh, I must have missed these because it was before I found your channel :) Anyway, I have a Cricut, but hardly use it now since I got an OLD well-used Big Kick (I swear it is twice the size of yours) for $35 which was made by Sizzix back in the day. I wasn't sure I would use it much, and didn't, until Temu made getting dies affordable. When I bought it I got a bunch of embossing folders for $1 ea and they are instant gratification! I like the dotted swiss one, a large With Sympathy, and one (for guys) that looks like metal plate that I got from Temu. I need to learn how to blend my inks better with them before running them through - I mostly do white because of it. Oh, mine came with a magnetic plate which is handy when dealing with fussy bits. Gina K uses an embossing mat (?), yeah, I don't know either lol, I have an old large silicone mat that I'll cut into pieces to try it. I like the 3d ones but find them cost prohibitive, the regular ones work just fine. I liked the last die you had there, I have it too, but after cutting wondered why I didn't just use drywall tape haha! Oh, I have the rolly brush thing too, works a peach for me. Anyway, binge watching you, love your channel!
Hi Jean. Sounds like you definitely got your money’s worth on that machine. I need to look into the magnetic plate. That sounds like something handy to have. Thanks so much for sharing tips and watching me struggle with my machine. Lol 😂
I get most of my dies from Temu these days. The price is great and they work really well. I use a soft bristle toothbrush to help remove the little pieces of paper.. or drop the die on a hard surface works too. If you're using a 3D embossing folder, you only need one acrylic plate, regular embossing folders will need both plates. I have a Spellbinder's die cut machine, it works beautifully. My plates are scratched and cut up, but after 3 years they're still usable. I hope you continue to enjoy your new Sizzix... once you get past the learning curve it's lots of fun.😊
Hi Sharon! Thanks so much for your tips. I’ve been using my Big Shot quite a bit and I’m loving it. Still learning but it’s so much fun and a lot easier than trying to cut things out by hand. Thanks so much for watching
Thanks, Maggie. I am now emboldened to try mine. I knew about the imprints left on the plates and the cracking noises, ha ha. After watching multiple videos, I’ve gleaned some of the techniques like spritzing cardstock to break down the fibers. I have some really cool Tim Holtz dies and embossing folders that I’m dying to try. Some other brands too that are super cute. ❤️🌹
Hi Laurie, hopefully this was at least a little helpful. Got a little nervous a few times, but definitely worth trying. Which Tim Holtz dies are your faves? I’d love to know which to invest in. And thanks for the tips.
That’s funny. I was scared to death of my machine too at first. I have friends who wouldn’t have thought twice about it and just do it. How do they do that?!
I enjoyed watching your videos. I love my big shot. When I first got my big shot, I got extra plates for about $8 for a 2 pack. Now the price is between $12- $13 for a pair in my city. So glad I stocked up on them somewhat.
There is a brush roller thing that you roll against the holes and it pops them out. It’s probably quicker than poking each hole with your tool. I think if you turn it around the stitching will be on the right side of the image.
You will have alot less cracking if you angle your dies slightly. Especially straight edge dies. Always rotate your clear plates to hep with warping. Sharon Curtis & Jennifer McGuire ink have excellent tutorials. Highly recommend
Hi there...new to your group and not sure that any one else mentioned it but the little brush works fantastic on removing the little bits... I love it....Hugs, Dar
@@SunsetCrafts No problem... I imagine it is what you personally like. I tried both and I love the brush....You have to use the brush on the opposite side of the paper you cut or I imagine it would tear up the paper...I love what I've seen on your channel so far....hope it keeps growing....
The first time I tried a die cutting machine, which is my Big Shot, the snapping and cracking sound made me so nervous, but it’s normal. Also. It doesn’t *really* matter, but if you want the top plate to stay as clear as possible, make the blades of the die face down. Your bottom plate will look a mess after a year or so, but the top will be nice still.
Hi Jenifer! Yes, could you tell I was nervous?! So funny! So I’ve heard that it’s better to keep using the same plate to cut, so thank you! I’ll keep that in mind so that at least one still looks good.
Hi Maggie!! Lol I was nervous when I first used the machine also 😊 the cracking is normal. I have the brush, but sometimes it doesn't work that great. I just do what you were doing with the poke tool, but some dies can be alittle tedious.
Hi Diana! Can you tell I was nervous? Lol. I thought I was breaking the slabs. Too funny. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the brush too. Still trying to decide whether I want to buy it or not. Thanks Girl!
You can even use an old school toothbrush to remove the little pieces. Embossing is great, isn't. I had the same thing with the embossing folders, especially the thick ones 😝 If it's not paper through and through, it's going to break even if you spray it with water. Is my experience.
Hi Lucy! The toothbrush idea is genius! Definitely going to give that a try. I love the look of embossed papers, but yes I might have to be more mindful of what type of paper I use. Thanks so much for the tip.
You dont need the thin-let plate all the time, especially with thick dies and embossing folders, the instructions are on the plates. There are release holes on the back of the dies to get the paper off
If both plates become so badly marked , when cutting a white piece of card to make an aperture hole you will get the markings come through onto the card unfortunately ! So i use unwanted junk mail paper in between the plates to line it and this will help stop marks from the plates from transferring onto the white card . I have found this a big problem with the Sizzix Big Shot . But i do keep one plate for top use only , but it still gets badly marked .
Thank you so much Leanne, that is such a great tip! I appreciate you sharing. I have noticed that my bottom plate is starting to mark my papers, I don't mind it too much since I like the grunge look with texture, but it's a great tip when I don't want those markings to show. Thanks for watching! :) Maggie
Just a hint I didn’t read ALL the comments - just a little spritz with water on yr card helps prevent the paper cracking and there is a little sizzix roller thing with prongs on it that you rooll over to get the little bit if paper .and a post it note on the die that you can’t get the paper out of when u pull up the post it note up /out comes the paper. ❤
Hi Francesca! Thanks! Could you tell that made me a little nervous? That and the crackling noises it makes when cutting is what was putting me over the edge. Lol. Thanks for watching
Hi Suzy, it is a little tedious but the outcome is so worth it. Still trying to figure out the easiest way to remove all the tiny tidbits..Lol Thanks for watching
Hi, not sure if you mean cutting plates or embossing folders? If it is the cutting plates, here is an Amazon link: amzn.to/4arb5lP For embossing folders you can also find them on Amazon. Here is a link to my Amazon storefront where I share some of the embossing folders that I’ve purchased: www.amazon.com/shop/sunsetcraftsmore/list/FZRIC4MFXNOA I hope this helps. Thanks for watching
Hi Birgitte, I wish I could help. Could you use Google to check where you can purchase it? Don’t know if you have Amazon out there, I know they sell it on there too. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching from all the way in Denmark. It’s a pleasure to have you. ~Maggie
By the look at some of the comments posted it looks like there quite a few people who have experience with this machine. With that being said I am bran new to die cutting, and Par for the course for me I’m having a problem. I am following the instructions on the thick pad, I have placed my paper on a cutting pad, placed my metal die on top of my paper, and placed the 2nd cutting pad on top, just like the instructions say. Now here come my problem. As I roll everything through it stops going through as soon as the die starts to go through. No matter how much I try my handle just spins. I have tried pushing all the platforms through but nothing moves. Any suggestions, what am I doing wrong? I am not using die made by sizzix. The ones I got appear to be like the sizzix, thin metal. HELP PLEASE!
Hi Roberta, I’m trying to figure out what the problem is. I had to bring out my Big Shot to see what it could be. I know there should be 4 pieces to the machine. The thick standard platform - the thin die adapter and 2 cutting pads..top and bottom. I wonder if the die you are using might be thicker than most. Have you tried using the machine without the thin die adapter (the light green “Sizzix” pad)? Otherwise I’m not sure why else it won’t go through. Let me know if that helps. Thanks for watching
@@SunsetCrafts Thank you so much for getting back to me. No, I haven’t tried “removing “ any of the plates. I briefly entertained the thought, but being new wasn’t sure it would be ok. I’ll give it a try and let you know. The die that I’m using I got from Amazon. They don’t have a brand name to them, so perhaps as you said they could be a little thicker. They do appear to be of the same thickness that you were demonstrating and that I have seen other demonstrate, but I don’t know. Lime I said I am bran new to the die cut world so don’t have anything to compare to. Like I said I’ll try removing the one layer and get back to you with the results. Thank you once again for getting back to me.
@@SunsetCrafts I tried removing the one tray, but then nothing went through the machine. Just not thick enough. So I once age took the whole stack apart and rebuilt the sandwich. And this time it worked just like it should. Didn’t do anything different. So why it worked this time and not the 5,000 times I tried before is more than I can figure out 🤷🏼♀️. Thank you again for trying to help me out. I appreciate your suggestions and time.
I am having the same problem. Either my “sandwich” seems too thick to go through, or if I remove a plate it’s not thick enough to be cut. I’m so frustrated.
Read Instructions thats a 3-D FOLDER.....🤗😮 Go to Stacy at scrapbook made simple on TH-cam she has good INSTRUCTIONS on How to Use the Sizzix Big Shot 🤔
SHARP side always goes DOWN, also to protect cutting pads some ppl suggest using laminated piece above cutting dies. Another tip, to avoid cleaning tine pieces, put them through 3 times back and forth. 3D are much thicker, and I am glad they went thru also
Horrible, got my first cutting machine and and chose the Big Shot. The lowest price but still a lot of money to me. Plates won’t advance at all and tried pushing and still no success. I followed all the directions correctly. Reached out to Joann’s where I bought and they passed the buck to Sizzix. Called the phone number and you can’t reach anyone it just tells you to fill out a form online. Still no response from Sizzix. This is so frustrating and disappointing. Think twice before buying Sizzix!!!!!!
Hi Stacy, I’m so sorry you’ve had such a bad experience. I’m praying and crossing my fingers that mine works out ok. I’m really enjoying it right now. But thanks for the heads up.
Always place your dies sharp side down on top of the paper. Designate one clear plate as your cut plate and use that exclusively on the bottom. The other plate always goes on the top. That way you aren’t clouding up both plates. Also flip your plates as they will start to curl after a few uses.
Hi Melissa! Thank you so much for the tips! So the bottom cutting die I should flip over to use both sides? Just want to make sure I understood correctly. Thank you for watching
@SunsetCrafts yes flip the plates over to help prevent bowing of the plates
Thanks Kelly for the tip.
How to use embossing folder
Love how you showed all your „mistakes“ too. You did learn muc.. :).
That’s what my channel is all about. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching Sam!
I would like to thank you so much for explaining this video. I was just embossing on my machine and the folder would not go through. I was scared thinking it would break. I decided to go on youtube and I picked several videos, but yours helped a great deal. I did what you did and it worked. Thank you
Hi Annabella. I’m so glad this video helped. Thanks so much for watching
Yep, I was one of those saying you only need one plate on the 3D folder. Also spritz first with water and paper doesn’t crack. I love those little doily dies. They look great using coffee/tea or inked dyed tracing paper or vellum. I use those all the time.
Thanks Carol! I appreciate you watching
You should mist the paper when you are embossing It will break down the fibers. 😀 have fun! I have the sizzix brush it falls apart. All the little bristles fall out.
Hi Dawn, Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely have to try misting the paper. I’ve heard mixed feelings about the brush. Still trying to figure what would be best or to just stick with my pokey tool Lol.
P.S. I responded to your email. Thanks again!
I was yelling. Bless your heart. That would have been me. 🥰
Thanks for watching Renee
What a cute video. It’s so fun to see people discover things for the first time. I’d suggest you watch scrapbooking made simple videos. Stacey has a couple of great videos explaining, in great detail, how to use your Sizzix die cutting machine. I learned a great deal from her videos. I think they are a few years old but still very accurate and excellent. Have fun with your machine!
Hi Jeanne. Thanks so much for the tip. I’ll definitely look into it. I’ve been having a lot of fun with my machine so far. Thanks so much for watching
Lovely tutorial on sizzix big shot. I use magnetic platform on my sizzix big shot fold away. As easy to keep dies still. Normal cracking snap sounds very normal. ❤😊 I travel with my sizzix fold away as easy to travel with as the storage is on both sides for tools and dies.
Thanks for watching Stephanie
Well done. Use dryer sheets and the brush. Works well. Good luck. From Gloria
Thanks Gloria
Lisa Horton in the UK has a wonderful collection of 3D embossing folders for flowers which she has recently launched. Beautiful results and lots of detail. She has a TH-cam channel which demo’s the folders with all her links for her supplies. You did a brilliant job with your filming, anything new is scary but you did great.👍🌿💚
Thank you so much for your kind words and for the suggesting Lisa Horton. I will definitely have to look for her channel and check out her embossing folders. They sound amazing. Thanks for watching 🤍
If you use a 3D embossing folder be careful not to place the hinge of the folder to close to the top edge of the plate. The pressure could break the hinge.
Oh wow! Thanks for that tip Susan. I appreciate it. Thanks for watching 🤍
How would you position the folder Susan, perhaps diagonally? I’ve just bought a Big Shot Plus and haven’t tried embossing yet. Thanks for any help.
I love my big shot, it is the best and easiest to use.
I agree. I love mine too. Thanks for watching
That was fun! Thanks for the demo. I think this is what I want Santa to bring me❤
Hi Susan! It’s a great machine. I use mine all the time. Thanks so much for watching
I like to use wax paper or pieces of a plastic bag between the die and card stock. It helps the really intricate cuts to pop out. I use the single advertising cards to use as shims if needed. Some have a coating that adds just the right amount of pressure.
Hi Jo! Thanks for the tip. Haven’t heard that one yet. So cool. Thank you so much for watching!
I just ordered one that is being delivered tomorrow 🎉 I can’t wait to try it !! I also got a couple of the same dies you have. So fun !!
Hi Patti, I hope you’re having fun with your new machine. Thanks so much for watching
Yes, the cracking sound is normal. I have my dies cut into the same cutting plate, keeping one plate clean from dies cutting into it. Hope that makes sense. Also dies with straight edges i try to put them at a slant on the plate saves on the pressure.
Hi Tonya! Yes, that makes total sense. Thanks so much for the tips. I’m going to have to keep those tips in mind when I use my machine. Thanks for watching
I love it ! I’ll watch you first, I can’t wait. Yeah they have to improve something.
Thank you so much for watching!
Just bought one and I will have it on October 7th. We are now September 14th. Also bought some dies from Temu and Amazon. Gee I just can't wait to use them. I wanted one for so long... Made myself a gift just to spoil myself. I am worth it Thanks for sharing your video! Greetings from Québec Canada
That is so great Dany! You are going to love it. I made it as a special gift to myself as well. We need to spoil ourselves every now and then. We definitely deserve it! Thanks so much for watching!
I have the roller to remove the stuff from the die cuts and it works pretty well. It’s faster than a pokey tool.
Hi Barbara! I keep getting mixed reviews on the brush. I’ll have to definitely look into it a little more. But thanks for the suggestion. I’m sure anything is better than the pokey tool, right?! Lol
I just baught the big shot and haven’t used it yet. I came across your video and it’s so GOOD!!! Love your excitement and discovery as you went along. The video quality is great and clear.
Hi Liz, I'm really glad you found this video helpful. I had a lot of fun trying it out on camera. Thanks for watching
Great I have one right here in a box. Brand new ! I just ranito you! I have paper let’s go. Lucky me!
Oh Wow Deborah! That is so great! You are going to love it. I use mine all the time.
This reminds me of myself, trail and error.❤
That's the only way to learn. Thanks for watching Marian
I was doin exact same thing you were doing. I was scared to put it through and it wouldn’t go through, but I finally worked it out with your help. Thank you
So glad this video helped you Julie. Thanks for watching
The best tip I’ve ever gotten for my Big Shot, is to always use one plate on the bottom to cut (into). You can flip that plate over if necessary, but never use your clean top plate as a cutting plate. Back in the day, everyone used to advise to rotate your plates over and over…costly mistake! Also, I purchased a magnetic pad (Amazon) that helps a ton with keeping the dies in place-especially the frames that you can use together or separate (once you separate the little connectors on the frames, it’s hard to line them back up to use them together), the magnetic pad will help keep the frames in the right position/straight. Hope you’re enjoying crafting with your Big Shot 😊
Hi Cindy! Thanks so much for the tips. Unfortunately in my video I am not careful which plate I use for the top and bottom, but I am now. Also, I will be looking into the magnetic pad. I think that would be so great. I see a lot of people using washi tape to keep their dies in place. But the magnetic pad is so much cooler. Thanks again! 🤍Maggie
@@SunsetCrafts
You’re welcome 😊
I’m sure cutting into your top plate once or twice won’t hurt, it’s the constant rotating that’ll warp the acrylic plates pretty fast! Not sure how many varieties of the magnetic mats are available, but I use the black one with gold grid lines by Craftfirst. So far, I really like it (sure beats using painters tape lol)
Oh yeah! I meant to say I enjoyed your video on making tags with your BigShot. I’ve got to get me some of those round, metal rimmed tags!! They all turned out awesome 😊
Thanks Cindy. I’ll be sure to look up the magnetic mats. And thanks for watching my videos. I’m so happy you are enjoying them. 🤍Maggie
I have one of the big shots ordered. I am glad to see you use yours before I get mine then i will know how to use it when it comes. I can't wait to try it. MK
Hi Mary, so glad you found this video helpful. If you haven't already, please read the comments too. There are so many tips and tricks on how to use the big shot. I have learned so much! Thanks for watching
You are so humble
Thanks for watching Jacquie
A tip I’ve heard also was when your dies have a straight edge to put them through not square, off tilter, so the machine doesn’t have as hard of a time going over the big hump and will only have a corner to jump onto, if that makes sense, sorry hard to explain in words. I’ve seen Tim holtz talk about it. Also if you wanted the sharper stitch lines on the first die set you needed to have the paper the opposite side down so they show up on the designed side ;). Also note that the dies have little weee “holes” that’s so you can use your poke tool to get the paper out when it’s stuck. I also got a rubber sheet layer with mine, you didn’t show one so maybe didn’t get one? You could use a mouse pad or couple/few layers of card stock to add thickness when needed too. For my embossing I only use 1 clear one with the plate and the folder and I use my rubber mat but mine are not Tim holtz folders all of them so they’re a tad thinner.
There’s also a small roller that is designed for taking the paper out of the dies when there’s a bunch of holes, I need to buy one too, very cheap on temu.
The dies pull apart easily with your hands and the metal pieces left behind don’t interfere with your next die cutting either until you get plyers to pull them off later.
I’m editing this as I watch lol.
I just started using mine this week too. It’s been so much fun!
Hi Knotty! Wow that’s a lot of information. I’m going to have to take notes. But all the tips are so so much appreciated. This is so very new to me and I’m so thankful to all of you for taking the time to share your tips and tricks for me.
Thank you so much for watching 🤍
If you drop those doily dies onto a hard surface, sometimes most of the die and pieces will release.
No kidding? Definitely something to consider. Thanks again!
Oh, I must have missed these because it was before I found your channel :) Anyway, I have a Cricut, but hardly use it now since I got an OLD well-used Big Kick (I swear it is twice the size of yours) for $35 which was made by Sizzix back in the day. I wasn't sure I would use it much, and didn't, until Temu made getting dies affordable. When I bought it I got a bunch of embossing folders for $1 ea and they are instant gratification! I like the dotted swiss one, a large With Sympathy, and one (for guys) that looks like metal plate that I got from Temu. I need to learn how to blend my inks better with them before running them through - I mostly do white because of it. Oh, mine came with a magnetic plate which is handy when dealing with fussy bits. Gina K uses an embossing mat (?), yeah, I don't know either lol, I have an old large silicone mat that I'll cut into pieces to try it. I like the 3d ones but find them cost prohibitive, the regular ones work just fine. I liked the last die you had there, I have it too, but after cutting wondered why I didn't just use drywall tape haha! Oh, I have the rolly brush thing too, works a peach for me. Anyway, binge watching you, love your channel!
Hi Jean. Sounds like you definitely got your money’s worth on that machine. I need to look into the magnetic plate. That sounds like something handy to have. Thanks so much for sharing tips and watching me struggle with my machine. Lol 😂
I get most of my dies from Temu these days. The price is great and they work really well. I use a soft bristle toothbrush to help remove the little pieces of paper.. or drop the die on a hard surface works too. If you're using a 3D embossing folder, you only need one acrylic plate, regular embossing folders will need both plates. I have a Spellbinder's die cut machine, it works beautifully. My plates are scratched and cut up, but after 3 years they're still usable. I hope you continue to enjoy your new Sizzix... once you get past the learning curve it's lots of fun.😊
Hi Sharon! Thanks so much for your tips. I’ve been using my Big Shot quite a bit and I’m loving it. Still learning but it’s so much fun and a lot easier than trying to cut things out by hand. Thanks so much for watching
Thanks, Maggie. I am now emboldened to try mine. I knew about the imprints left on the plates and the cracking noises, ha ha. After watching multiple videos, I’ve gleaned some of the techniques like spritzing cardstock to break down the fibers. I have some really cool Tim Holtz dies and embossing folders that I’m dying to try. Some other brands too that are super cute. ❤️🌹
Hi Laurie, hopefully this was at least a little helpful. Got a little nervous a few times, but definitely worth trying. Which Tim Holtz dies are your faves? I’d love to know which to invest in.
And thanks for the tips.
That’s funny. I was scared to death of my machine too at first. I have friends who wouldn’t have thought twice about it and just do it. How do they do that?!
Hi Bernadine, I think once we put our nerves to the side and just go for it, it's easy peasy from there. Thanks for watching
I enjoyed watching your videos. I love my big shot. When I first got my big shot, I got extra plates for about $8 for a 2 pack. Now the price is between $12- $13 for a pair in my city. So glad I stocked up on them somewhat.
Hi Mary! Thank you so much for watching. I’m enjoying my Big Shot so much. Still trying to get used to it. But definitely loving it so far.
lol no I’m here going crazy saying I’m gonna do that! Omg! But it’s pretty
Thanks for watching Deborah
There is a brush roller thing that you roll against the holes and it pops them out. It’s probably quicker than poking each hole with your tool. I think if you turn it around the stitching will be on the right side of the image.
Thanks for watching Annette.
You can also tap the die on the table to release the holes
You will have alot less cracking if you angle your dies slightly. Especially straight edge dies. Always rotate your clear plates to hep with warping. Sharon Curtis & Jennifer McGuire ink have excellent tutorials. Highly recommend
Thanks for the tips Chris. I appreciate you watching
Hi there...new to your group and not sure that any one else mentioned it but the little brush works fantastic on removing the little bits... I love it....Hugs, Dar
Hey Dar, I’ve heard mixed reviews on the brush. I might have to invest in a good one. Thanks for sharing. ~Maggie
@@SunsetCrafts No problem... I imagine it is what you personally like. I tried both and I love the brush....You have to use the brush on the opposite side of the paper you cut or I imagine it would tear up the paper...I love what I've seen on your channel so far....hope it keeps growing....
Thanks Dar, that’s a great tip. I haven’t heard that tip yet. I’m so happy you are enjoying my content. That means so much. Thanks again for watching
The first time I tried a die cutting machine, which is my Big Shot, the snapping and cracking sound made me so nervous, but it’s normal. Also. It doesn’t *really* matter, but if you want the top plate to stay as clear as possible, make the blades of the die face down. Your bottom plate will look a mess after a year or so, but the top will be nice still.
Hi Jenifer! Yes, could you tell I was nervous?! So funny! So I’ve heard that it’s better to keep using the same plate to cut, so thank you! I’ll keep that in mind so that at least one still looks good.
Hi Maggie!! Lol I was nervous when I first used the machine also 😊 the cracking is normal. I have the brush, but sometimes it doesn't work that great. I just do what you were doing with the poke tool, but some dies can be alittle tedious.
Hi Diana! Can you tell I was nervous? Lol. I thought I was breaking the slabs. Too funny. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the brush too. Still trying to decide whether I want to buy it or not. Thanks Girl!
You can even use an old school toothbrush to remove the little pieces.
Embossing is great, isn't. I had the same thing with the embossing folders, especially the thick ones 😝 If it's not paper through and through, it's going to break even if you spray it with water. Is my experience.
Hi Lucy! The toothbrush idea is genius! Definitely going to give that a try. I love the look of embossed papers, but yes I might have to be more mindful of what type of paper I use. Thanks so much for the tip.
Also, with those kind of dies, if you just give it a spritz of water, it loosens the fibers up to bring the little pieces out
Thanks Annette
Embossing your paper can cause rips but if you lightly mist it with water it helps prevent that
Hi Jennifer. Thanks so much for the tip!
Oh and drop it on yr desk flat helps getting the little tiny bits
You dont need the thin-let plate all the time, especially with thick dies and embossing folders, the instructions are on the plates. There are release holes on the back of the dies to get the paper off
Thanks for the tips and thanks for watching
Thank you
thanks for watching Jacquie
You can tap the die on your tabletop to loosen it from the die always tap backside of die not cut side x
Thanks Julie! I’m sure that is going to help me out so much. Thanks for watching 🩵
If both plates become so badly marked , when cutting a white piece of card to make an aperture hole you will get the markings come through onto the card unfortunately ! So i use unwanted junk mail paper in between the plates to line it and this will help stop marks from the plates from transferring onto the white card . I have found this a big problem with the Sizzix Big Shot . But i do keep one plate for top use only , but it still gets badly marked .
Thank you so much Leanne, that is such a great tip! I appreciate you sharing. I have noticed that my bottom plate is starting to mark my papers, I don't mind it too much since I like the grunge look with texture, but it's a great tip when I don't want those markings to show. Thanks for watching! :) Maggie
I also enjoyed,❤🌴🇵🇷
Thanks so much for watching
Just a hint I didn’t read ALL the comments - just a little spritz with water on yr card helps prevent the paper cracking and there is a little sizzix roller thing with prongs on it that you rooll over to get the little bit if paper .and a post it note on the die that you can’t get the paper out of when u pull up the post it note up /out comes the paper. ❤
Thanks Rebecca for the tips
Hi, don’t worry about the trasparent plastic it’s normal that the die cut remain imprinted
Hi Francesca! Thanks! Could you tell that made me a little nervous? That and the crackling noises it makes when cutting is what was putting me over the edge. Lol.
Thanks for watching
Fun. A little tedious. Not sure if I have the patience for that
Hi Suzy, it is a little tedious but the outcome is so worth it. Still trying to figure out the easiest way to remove all the tiny tidbits..Lol
Thanks for watching
Lovley, would love to buy Dan i find it Here from Denmark
Hi Birgitte! Thank you so much for watching. I hope you can one in Denmark.
Please could you tell me where i could buy embossing plates for big shot machine.
Hi, not sure if you mean cutting plates or embossing folders? If it is the cutting plates, here is an Amazon link: amzn.to/4arb5lP
For embossing folders you can also find them on Amazon. Here is a link to my Amazon storefront where I share some of the embossing folders that I’ve purchased: www.amazon.com/shop/sunsetcraftsmore/list/FZRIC4MFXNOA
I hope this helps. Thanks for watching
if you spray it with water i helps with the embossing
Hi Rhonda! That’s a great tip! Thank you and thanks for watching 🩵
but if you later do not place it under heavy book or smth it can get funny shape
@cococho2767 Hi Coco, if it’s just a light spritz of water, the embossing process usually flattens it right out. I haven’t had any problems with it.
How to use the dizzies lollipop alphabet dies please?
Dizzies? Is that the brand name? I looked online and found Sizzix brand. Is that the one you are asking about?
Do you Know Where to buy Here from Denmark.. love it
Hi Birgitte, I wish I could help. Could you use Google to check where you can purchase it? Don’t know if you have Amazon out there, I know they sell it on there too. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching from all the way in Denmark. It’s a pleasure to have you. ~Maggie
@@SunsetCrafts thanks Sweetie i Gry.. lover alle u yt
By the look at some of the comments posted it looks like there quite a few people who have experience with this machine. With that being said I am bran new to die cutting, and Par for the course for me I’m having a problem. I am following the instructions on the thick pad, I have placed my paper on a cutting pad, placed my metal die on top of my paper, and placed the 2nd cutting pad on top, just like the instructions say. Now here come my problem. As I roll everything through it stops going through as soon as the die starts to go through. No matter how much I try my handle just spins. I have tried pushing all the platforms through but nothing moves. Any suggestions, what am I doing wrong? I am not using die made by sizzix. The ones I got appear to be like the sizzix, thin metal. HELP PLEASE!
Hi Roberta, I’m trying to figure out what the problem is. I had to bring out my Big Shot to see what it could be. I know there should be 4 pieces to the machine. The thick standard platform - the thin die adapter and 2 cutting pads..top and bottom. I wonder if the die you are using might be thicker than most. Have you tried using the machine without the thin die adapter (the light green “Sizzix” pad)? Otherwise I’m not sure why else it won’t go through. Let me know if that helps. Thanks for watching
@@SunsetCrafts Thank you so much for getting back to me. No, I haven’t tried “removing “ any of the plates. I briefly entertained the thought, but being new wasn’t sure it would be ok. I’ll give it a try and let you know. The die that I’m using I got from Amazon. They don’t have a brand name to them, so perhaps as you said they could be a little thicker. They do appear to be of the same thickness that you were demonstrating and that I have seen other demonstrate, but I don’t know. Lime I said I am bran new to the die cut world so don’t have anything to compare to. Like I said I’ll try removing the one layer and get back to you with the results. Thank you once again for getting back to me.
@@SunsetCrafts I tried removing the one tray, but then nothing went through the machine. Just not thick enough. So I once age took the whole stack apart and rebuilt the sandwich. And this time it worked just like it should. Didn’t do anything different. So why it worked this time and not the 5,000 times I tried before is more than I can figure out 🤷🏼♀️. Thank you again for trying to help me out. I appreciate your suggestions and time.
Oh wow…I’m so glad it worked out. That is so strange though right? Anyway, I hope you have fun with your machine.
I am having the same problem. Either my “sandwich” seems too thick to go through, or if I remove a plate it’s not thick enough to be cut. I’m so frustrated.
Read Instructions thats a 3-D FOLDER.....🤗😮
Go to Stacy at scrapbook made simple on TH-cam she has good INSTRUCTIONS on How to Use the Sizzix Big Shot 🤔
Thanks for the tip Aida! I’ll have to look her up. Thanks for watching 🤍
SHARP side always goes DOWN, also to protect cutting pads some ppl suggest using laminated piece above cutting dies. Another tip, to avoid cleaning tine pieces, put them through 3 times back and forth. 3D are much thicker, and I am glad they went thru also
Thanks for the tips Coco
Horrible, got my first cutting machine and and chose the Big Shot. The lowest price but still a lot of money to me. Plates won’t advance at all and tried pushing and still no success. I followed all the directions correctly. Reached out to Joann’s where I bought and they passed the buck to Sizzix. Called the phone number and you can’t reach anyone it just tells you to fill out a form online. Still no response from Sizzix. This is so frustrating and disappointing. Think twice before buying Sizzix!!!!!!
Hi Stacy, I’m so sorry you’ve had such a bad experience. I’m praying and crossing my fingers that mine works out ok. I’m really enjoying it right now. But thanks for the heads up.
@@SunsetCrafts I hope you have no problems. 😊
Thanks Staci ☺️
Stacy, you only use the plates as shims….if it is too thick it won’t go thru. Reduce the thickness.