You need to try the Anna Griffin Empress. Hands down the BEST die cutting machine out there! I sold my Gemini, about to sell my Gemini Go for ulta cheap because it’s so loud that no one around you can talk while it’s working & I have to run it back & forth to get it to cut through.),gave away all my hand cranks & bought the Anna Griffin on recommendation from a friend! Best advice ever! So simple to use. No trying to figure out a “sandwich”, very little warping of plates & really cutes through the delicate dies. About to invest in the Empress mini for crops.
I love my large Spellbinders Platinum Embossing & Die Cutting machine. And, because I don't have the space for more than one such machine, my Spellbinders works perfectly for me.
Quickutz!! Ha-ha! I still have one too with all the dies in their small binders. 🤣 I literally bought the big SU machine specifically for the 3D hybrid embossing folders too! It wasn't working well with my electronic Empress and my Gemini original and I am obsessed with the 3D folders, so I was completely vindicated and they come out SO GREAT with the SU machine. :-) (Sheila G)
Thanks for doing this; always interesting to hear what other people are using and why! I have the Gemini Junior as well as the older, full-size Gemini. You are right...they are noisy! Also, a lot of good pressure is great, but IMO, they have too much pressure for the cutting plates. The plates start warping almost the first time you use them! I still use them, but I use my Big Shot the most. BTW~The Stampin' Up machine is the same as the Spellbinders machine; just branded with SU logo.
Thank you for this informative tutorial. Your new and larger craft room really looks great and so nice for you to have a window. I love having a window; natural light!
Okay you broke out the big clunky one that looks like bolt cutters and I was like WHOOOOOOOOOOOOA that's ancient!!! I think I still have my old school red Sizzix somewhere and I think I kept the tags and frames only. No cranking -- just pressing. Oh... and a few alphas that are their thinlets wafer dies. (I can't remember what they're called). I should break them out and use them! Thanks for the review...
Not only do I still have the blue quickutz tool - I STILL use it for some of my titles as I love the fonts and sizes I have! LOL. I recently found in my closet an old stampin up - original BIG SHOT. Never even out of the box…my friend said it was the work horse of work horses and to start using it to play with…. I really love it but it’s bigggg. I can see the advantage of a small one to sit on your desk for sure!
Quickutz!?? Yep, had to have it , in PINK, matching binders to hold/organize all the Thinkutz, and YEP! STILL have ut in the Travel Tote😂🤦♀️ Glad you love having the Mini, it's my main go-to as well. And found a cute little carrier that's 99% perfect for it and all the plates. When my hands are really aching, I do power up my Evolution, but dang, it's loud too!
I have the Quikutz Handle and dies. I actually have double of some dies and the handle. Years ago I introduced my mother to Quikutz and we had some duplicate products. When she passed away I kept her craft stash. I do love the concept of Quickutz for scrapbooking.
Love your review and Desiree's input is invaluable! I have the Mini Stampin' Up! machine on my wish list and will probably "spoil" myself for Christmas. I have the electric Tim Holtz Sissix Switch - the big one - and it's fabulous for mass cutting, but it is slow - so I tend to hand crank more than I use it. It was interesting to hear that the Gemini Junior is slow too - and the noise is real on electric machines.
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I too have issues with arthritis in my hands and was looking at the Gemini, but now I think I will look at the Stampin Up one, as I too am a Demonstrator. This was so useful to me. Thanks
I have the original gemini and just got the gemini 2 and love love all the new features. Try getting it for 199 on prime day worth every penny quicker less noise.
I have a big shot which is what SU! used to sell, and using the die inside the embossing folders warps the folder pretty bad. 😬 still works fine though.
Good information. I have a Cuttlebug and a little mini (off brand) machine. I take the mini to crops with me, as well. I don’t think I have any 3D folders yet, so I’m not sure how they work in the Cuttlebug. All CTMH and SU dies I own, cut very nicely in both machines. Some off brand intricate dies don’t cut cleanly. I use bubble wrap under them to make them cut through. Once my Cuttlebug breaks, I will look into the SU model. ❤
Just a FYI for the Gemini, if you get the green plates for the Gemini along with the regular ones, you will no longer have warped plates when using the Gemini. Can’t help with the embossing folders though, I use my Big Shot Plus.
Thank you for this video. I have been going back and forth about getting a manual even though I have the electric. I have a sidekick and like it for quick cuts of smaller dies. Thank you Thank you
Thank you for this comparison. I also bought the Gemini Junior. I was amazed at how well it cut, but was very disappointed in the way it ate up the plates. I also have arthritis in my hands, and was excited to get an electric machine. I have a manual one (Spellbinders) as well, that gets far more use than the Gemini. I recently discovered the electric machine made by Anna Griffin. I purchased the mini electric machine and was so impressed that I ordered the full size one as well. She just came out with a newer version, but I don't know much about that one. If you ever desire another electric machine, I highly recommend looking into the Anna Griffin one.
I, too, still have the QuickKutz hand tool. I’d completely forgot about it. I’d like to recommend the Anna Griffin Empress and the new Empress Elite. Although a bit pricey, it’s fast, quiet and has a small footprint. Just about every die from every company goes through it too. For a smaller, even more efficient machine there’s the Empress Mini.
I was gifted the mini empress-love it, besides it takes some getting used to with the sandwich...and the 3D embossing folders do not work in it! Otherwise I love taking it to crops!
I live the intricut from Gina K. I hated having to mess with different sandwiches. Also, the diamond press marquise is my go to for anything that fits in it. I think n it's much overlooked.
Great information! I have the spellbinder and the Gemini II and the Tim Holtz sidekick ( my favorite) not very happy with the Gemini II. I’ve thinking about the small SU machine! 😊 Thanks for the review!
I have almost every Quickutz die and 2 handles. I still use the handle when I'm just cutting one or two dies. My primary machine is the Sizzix Foldaway, and I love the small footprint when closed!
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and started with SpellBinders Platinum 6. I had Gemini Jr it kept freezing up on my so I purchased Anna Griffin Empress machine.
I have both the Gemini and the Gemini Junior and I rarely, if ever, use them. They are heavy and noisy and I just prefer to hand crank. I have the Stampin Up Mini for taking to crops but my main machine is my Spellbinders Platinum XL which I love.
Thanks for the review. I also have the Gemini Jr. , as well as the Big Shot Plus (I thought bigger was better. lol). I love the Gemini Jr. agree about the noise but I can live with it. I have not used the 3 d embossing and dies in my machine so it is good information to know. I have had plates shoot through my machine and hit the wall ruining my drywall…I just put the bookshelf in front of it. It was a learning process. It is amazing how many die machines I have had. Back in the day, I had the sizzix red machine. I remember when they started coming out with the thinlits. And then the dies like we have now . Me thinking, do I really need them…of course I do. Enjoyed the video.
Thank you for this information. I have the Gemini Junior and have had issues with 3D folders as well, I've not tried my hybrid folders yet. Nice to know it's not an unusual problem. 😂
So helpful. Thank you. I have a spellbinder (not sure the number) and I basically can't get it to work with embossing folders. Probably something I am doing wrong but eventually I might try the Stampin Up machine. Happy Fall.
I still have my Quickkutz....😅 I'm using a Big Shot & having issues with 3D folders. I've been considering getting a new machine. Thanks for the info on how they compare.
I love my Sizzix Switch. But I recently bought a Platinum 6 to use for smaller dies. BTW, I have cut many Quikutz dies and fonts in my Sizzix Sidekick and they cut beautifully.
Yes I still have that really old die cutter. And yes you needed upper body strength. Thank you for comparing the die cutting machines. I have a big shot and went back to using it instead of my Gemini . I guess I like the control more with the big shot than with the Gemini. 💕💕💕
I am fairly new to all this card making and scrapbooking. I have been looking at die cutting machines and wonder what your thoughts are for a first time buyer between the small die cutting machine vs the larger one. Would it be better to buy the larger one right off the bat? Thank you
Welcome to this wonderful hobby! I would invest in the larger size with no hesitation. The smaller machine is nice but has its limits. I regularly use dies larger than 3.5” which require the full size machine. You also would not be able to use embossing folders in the smaller machine.
I am so glad you enjoy the videos! For my magnet board I began with a thin sheet of galvanized sheet metal and then adhered magnets to it. I’m waiting for my hubby to help me hang it in my new space. These are the magnets I adhered to the sheet metal - Magnet Valley 5 Magnetic Sheets of 8" x 10" Adhesive 60 mil Magnet Ultra Thick amzn.to/3OD6kN9
I have a Big Shot from when it was made by Ellison- super old! I love it. I use one of CTMH magnet sheets for a shim and it works, but I have been considering a spellbinders. I’m curious if anyone has used the Bira machine with the 3d embossing folders
I just bough a magnet sheet and I can't wait to try it out. Isn't the Bria machine the same as the CTMH machine? If so I have a few friends who use the CTMH version with the 3-D embossing folders and report it works well.
I have the Spellbinders Grand Calibur which is a great machine for the large dies but have been wanting a small machine for taking to crops or just to have next to me for small embellishments. Would appreciate recommendations! Also I’ve seen a sort of mini die cutting machine which would be great for alphas and numbers, does anyone know who makes them?
Hi Erin. I have the Close to my Heart machine. Do you know if that one works with the SU embossing/die cutting? Thank you for the informational video 😊
Yes I have 2 quickuts tools. 😂. Can’t seem to just toss them knowing I pd so much for them at one time ? ? What is your opinion on what to do with old cutters u don’t use anymore and won’t use anymore ?
Haha I am glad it is not just me. I have found the Quikutz dies can be used in a newer die cutting machine so at least they can be utilized. You'd probably have luck selling the cutter with the dies. I didn't think there'd be a market and just wasn't sure what to do with mine and why it is still taking up space in my craft room. My friend sold hers to someone just getting into the hobby.
I have the Big Shot that is sold by Stampin Up, it is older but still works great with all my dies. I also have the small Sizzix that I use to cut out small dies and I love it too!
The Gemini is junk I bought one & plates warped hugely bought the go power & emboss great machine plates are thick mouth is wide & electric the plates don't warp & I can do my dies & my embossing folders including my 3d ones
You need to try the Anna Griffin Empress. Hands down the BEST die cutting machine out there! I sold my Gemini, about to sell my Gemini Go for ulta cheap because it’s so loud that no one around you can talk while it’s working & I have to run it back & forth to get it to cut through.),gave away all my hand cranks & bought the Anna Griffin on recommendation from a friend! Best advice ever! So simple to use. No trying to figure out a “sandwich”, very little warping of plates & really cutes through the delicate dies. About to invest in the Empress mini for crops.
I love my large Spellbinders Platinum Embossing & Die Cutting machine. And, because I don't have the space for more than one such machine, my Spellbinders works perfectly for me.
I loved quickutz…still have the squeeze tool and the revolution with all the dies! Blast from the past
Quickutz!! Ha-ha! I still have one too with all the dies in their small binders. 🤣 I literally bought the big SU machine specifically for the 3D hybrid embossing folders too! It wasn't working well with my electronic Empress and my Gemini original and I am obsessed with the 3D folders, so I was completely vindicated and they come out SO GREAT with the SU machine. :-) (Sheila G)
Me too lol
Thanks for doing this; always interesting to hear what other people are using and why! I have the Gemini Junior as well as the older, full-size Gemini. You are right...they are noisy! Also, a lot of good pressure is great, but IMO, they have too much pressure for the cutting plates. The plates start warping almost the first time you use them! I still use them, but I use my Big Shot the most. BTW~The Stampin' Up machine is the same as the Spellbinders machine; just branded with SU logo.
I have the manual Big Shot at home and the sidekick I take to crops. I want the electric Switch. 😊
Thank you for this informative tutorial. Your new and larger craft room really looks great and so nice for you to have a window. I love having a window; natural light!
The natural light is so nice and being able to look out into the yard while working does wonders for my mental well-being.
Okay you broke out the big clunky one that looks like bolt cutters and I was like WHOOOOOOOOOOOOA that's ancient!!! I think I still have my old school red Sizzix somewhere and I think I kept the tags and frames only. No cranking -- just pressing. Oh... and a few alphas that are their thinlets wafer dies. (I can't remember what they're called). I should break them out and use them! Thanks for the review...
Not only do I still have the blue quickutz tool - I STILL use it for some of my titles as I love the fonts and sizes I have! LOL. I recently found in my closet an old stampin up - original BIG SHOT. Never even out of the box…my friend said it was the work horse of work horses and to start using it to play with…. I really love it but it’s bigggg. I can see the advantage of a small one to sit on your desk for sure!
Quickutz!?? Yep, had to have it , in PINK, matching binders to hold/organize all the Thinkutz, and YEP! STILL have ut in the Travel Tote😂🤦♀️
Glad you love having the Mini, it's my main go-to as well. And found a cute little carrier that's 99% perfect for it and all the plates.
When my hands are really aching, I do power up my Evolution, but dang, it's loud too!
I have the Quikutz Handle and dies. I actually have double of some dies and the handle. Years ago I introduced my mother to Quikutz and we had some duplicate products. When she passed away I kept her craft stash. I do love the concept of Quickutz for scrapbooking.
Love your review and Desiree's input is invaluable! I have the Mini Stampin' Up! machine on my wish list and will probably "spoil" myself for Christmas. I have the electric Tim Holtz Sissix Switch - the big one - and it's fabulous for mass cutting, but it is slow - so I tend to hand crank more than I use it. It was interesting to hear that the Gemini Junior is slow too - and the noise is real on electric machines.
Yes, the electric machines are loud! I hope your Christmas wish comes true and Santa brings that mini die cutting machine!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I too have issues with arthritis in my hands and was looking at the Gemini, but now I think I will look at the Stampin Up one, as I too am a Demonstrator. This was so useful to me. Thanks
I have the original gemini and just got the gemini 2 and love love all the new features. Try getting it for 199 on prime day worth every penny quicker less noise.
I have a big shot which is what SU! used to sell, and using the die inside the embossing folders warps the folder pretty bad. 😬 still works fine though.
Good information. I have a Cuttlebug and a little mini (off brand) machine. I take the mini to crops with me, as well. I don’t think I have any 3D folders yet, so I’m not sure how they work in the Cuttlebug. All CTMH and SU dies I own, cut very nicely in both machines. Some off brand intricate dies don’t cut cleanly. I use bubble wrap under them to make them cut through. Once my Cuttlebug breaks, I will look into the SU model. ❤
Just a FYI for the Gemini, if you get the green plates for the Gemini along with the regular ones, you will no longer have warped plates when using the Gemini. Can’t help with the embossing folders though, I use my Big Shot Plus.
Thank you for this video. I have been going back and forth about getting a manual even though I have the electric. I have a sidekick and like it for quick cuts of smaller dies.
Thank you Thank you
Thank you for this comparison. I also bought the Gemini Junior. I was amazed at how well it cut, but was very disappointed in the way it ate up the plates. I also have arthritis in my hands, and was excited to get an electric machine. I have a manual one (Spellbinders) as well, that gets far more use than the Gemini. I recently discovered the electric machine made by Anna Griffin. I purchased the mini electric machine and was so impressed that I ordered the full size one as well. She just came out with a newer version, but I don't know much about that one. If you ever desire another electric machine, I highly recommend looking into the Anna Griffin one.
I’ve been using a BigShot for about 15 years but recently purchased the SU mini and I love it for all the same reasons you do.
I, too, still have the QuickKutz hand tool. I’d completely forgot about it. I’d like to recommend the Anna Griffin Empress and the new Empress Elite. Although a bit pricey, it’s fast, quiet and has a small footprint. Just about every die from every company goes through it too. For a smaller, even more efficient machine there’s the Empress Mini.
I was gifted the mini empress-love it, besides it takes some getting used to with the sandwich...and the 3D embossing folders do not work in it! Otherwise I love taking it to crops!
I live the intricut from Gina K. I hated having to mess with different sandwiches. Also, the diamond press marquise is my go to for anything that fits in it. I think n it's much overlooked.
Love me Empress machines!
Great information! I have the spellbinder and the Gemini II and the Tim Holtz sidekick ( my favorite) not very happy with the Gemini II. I’ve thinking about the small SU machine! 😊 Thanks for the review!
What don't you like about the Gemini II?
I have the G. Go & G. Jr. & the Bigshot & Sidekick manual machines.
I got rid of my Quick Kutz machine but I kept all the dies. I have some fun alpha sets that I still use. Thanks for the great info you shared!
I have almost every Quickutz die and 2 handles. I still use the handle when I'm just cutting one or two dies. My primary machine is the Sizzix Foldaway, and I love the small footprint when closed!
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and started with SpellBinders Platinum 6. I had Gemini Jr it kept freezing up on my so I purchased Anna Griffin Empress machine.
I have both the Gemini and the Gemini Junior and I rarely, if ever, use them. They are heavy and noisy and I just prefer to hand crank. I have the Stampin Up Mini for taking to crops but my main machine is my Spellbinders Platinum XL which I love.
Thanks for the review. I also have the Gemini Jr. , as well as the Big Shot Plus (I thought bigger was better. lol). I love the Gemini Jr. agree about the noise but I can live with it. I have not used the 3 d embossing and dies in my machine so it is good information to know. I have had plates shoot through my machine and hit the wall ruining my drywall…I just put the bookshelf in front of it. It was a learning process. It is amazing how many die machines I have had. Back in the day, I had the sizzix red machine. I remember when they started coming out with the thinlits. And then the dies like we have now . Me thinking, do I really need them…of course I do. Enjoyed the video.
Thank you so much for your review! Great tips too.
I have an Empress and I still pull out my platinum 6 for embossing folders! It’s easier since they are all slightly different thicknesses
I love my squeeze tool... still use it all the time!!
Thank you for this information. I have the Gemini Junior and have had issues with 3D folders as well, I've not tried my hybrid folders yet. Nice to know it's not an unusual problem. 😂
So helpful. Thank you. I have a spellbinder (not sure the number) and I basically can't get it to work with embossing folders. Probably something I am doing wrong but eventually I might try the Stampin Up machine. Happy Fall.
I still have my Quickkutz....😅 I'm using a Big Shot & having issues with 3D folders. I've been considering getting a new machine. Thanks for the info on how they compare.
I love my Sizzix Switch. But I recently bought a Platinum 6 to use for smaller dies.
BTW, I have cut many Quikutz dies and fonts in my Sizzix Sidekick and they cut beautifully.
I love my Anna Griffin Empress machine I still have SpellBinders Platinum 6.😊
Yes I still have that really old die cutter. And yes you needed upper body strength. Thank you for comparing the die cutting machines. I have a big shot and went back to using it instead of my Gemini . I guess I like the control more with the big shot than with the Gemini. 💕💕💕
I am fairly new to all this card making and scrapbooking. I have been looking at die cutting machines and wonder what your thoughts are for a first time buyer between the small die cutting machine vs the larger one. Would it be better to buy the larger one right off the bat? Thank you
Welcome to this wonderful hobby! I would invest in the larger size with no hesitation. The smaller machine is nice but has its limits. I regularly use dies larger than 3.5” which require the full size machine. You also would not be able to use embossing folders in the smaller machine.
Love your videos. Unrelated to this one, where did you get the lArge magnetic board that you have your died on?
I am so glad you enjoy the videos! For my magnet board I began with a thin sheet of galvanized sheet metal and then adhered magnets to it. I’m waiting for my hubby to help me hang it in my new space. These are the magnets I adhered to the sheet metal - Magnet Valley 5 Magnetic Sheets of 8" x 10" Adhesive 60 mil Magnet Ultra Thick
amzn.to/3OD6kN9
I don’t like the Gemini because I lost my cord and I can’t get a replacement one 1:32
I still have my QuiKutz and occasionally use it still 😁
Nice! I have used some of the QuiKutz dies in my regular die cutting machine and they work great!
Very helpful information.
I have a Big Shot from when it was made by Ellison- super old! I love it. I use one of CTMH magnet sheets for a shim and it works, but I have been considering a spellbinders. I’m curious if anyone has used the Bira machine with the 3d embossing folders
I just bough a magnet sheet and I can't wait to try it out. Isn't the Bria machine the same as the CTMH machine? If so I have a few friends who use the CTMH version with the 3-D embossing folders and report it works well.
I have the Spellbinders Grand Calibur which is a great machine for the large dies but have been wanting a small machine for taking to crops or just to have next to me for small embellishments. Would appreciate recommendations! Also I’ve seen a sort of mini die cutting machine which would be great for alphas and numbers, does anyone know who makes them?
Erin, Does the SU machine have a magnetic plate? Can you use the Magic Mat that is magnetic with the SU machine? TIA
I have used the Magic plate and the Magnetic Mat with my SU machine with no issues.
Hi Debbie, I have not tried it but others are reporting you can use the magic mat.
@ thanks for the info, Erin
I have my blue QUICKUTZ too!! Why, I don’t know.
Haha, right? I don’t know why I have mine either 😂
I also have one still and I use it.
Hi Erin. I have the Close to my Heart machine. Do you know if that one works with the SU embossing/die cutting? Thank you for the informational video 😊
Yes they do
Hello, I have several friends who successfully use the ctmh machine with the SU embossing folders with dies.
@@CraftyConceptswithErin Thank you so much for the information...time to place my order 🙂
@@sherrishores4406 Thank you!
Yes I have 2 quickuts tools. 😂. Can’t seem to just toss them knowing I pd so much for them at one time ? ? What is your opinion on what to do with old cutters u don’t use anymore and won’t use anymore ?
Haha I am glad it is not just me. I have found the Quikutz dies can be used in a newer die cutting machine so at least they can be utilized. You'd probably have luck selling the cutter with the dies. I didn't think there'd be a market and just wasn't sure what to do with mine and why it is still taking up space in my craft room. My friend sold hers to someone just getting into the hobby.
@ I did know that but definitely haven’t thought about using them !! I guess I turn to the the newer or easier haha 🤣
I love my Big Shot but I have been giving serious thought to buying a smaller machine to sit on my desk.
I would never have thought to have bought one but now that I have it I do really appreciate it.
I still have my Quickutz too. 😂
I have the Big Shot that is sold by Stampin Up, it is older but still works great with all my dies. I also have the small Sizzix that I use to cut out small dies and I love it too!
I still have my quikkutz! 😂
Stampin Up’s machines are made by Spellbinders.
The Gemini is junk I bought one & plates warped hugely bought the go power & emboss great machine plates are thick mouth is wide & electric the plates don't warp & I can do my dies & my embossing folders including my 3d ones
Good to know, that will be helpful to others looking for an electric model 😃
I have all my machines from Sizzix. So ik can use my Bigz dies.