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Original poster

Pondering die cutters...

23 replies

DonkeyTeapot · 01/05/2012 21:34

Hello, I've been thinking recently about getting a die cutter, I've seen threads on here where a lot of people have recommended the Sizzix Big Shot. My question is about alphabet dies, are there different styles of alphabet available? How big are the letters?

At the moment I'm doing a lot of lettering that's about 6cm high and am wondering if I could save myself a whole lot of work drawing out the letters. I am making card templates so I only need to do each letter once but it's taking some time to get them just right, and it would be nice to have a choice of style too.

What websites are good for ordering dies?

Thank you!

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Original poster
DonkeyTeapot · 01/05/2012 21:44

Oh, and some more questions - if I order the die cutter, will it come with everything I need to get started (apart from dies) - I've seen folders, cutting pads, silicone things, what are they all for?

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teanosugar · 02/05/2012 16:38

I'm a die cutting novice!, I only bought it last week.
There is a Big Shot starter kit that has cutting pads, shim, dies, paper, dvd etc that in hobby craft etc is about £120.00 but I got brand new from eBay from a seller called Penco in the UK and it was £67.99 plus about £7.00 for carrier charges.
I havent had a go yet! I'm a bit confused by it all.

Original poster
DonkeyTeapot · 03/05/2012 22:27

Shim? I've never even heard of a shim! I saw the starter kit on Amazon but didn't order it, went for just the machine. Will see what comes with it. Thanks for your reply :)

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teanosugar · 03/05/2012 22:34

haha, neither do I - I just listed it off the box!!!
Maybe I'll take a look at this weekend if the weather is going to be a cold and crap as forecasted!.

RueDeWakening · 05/05/2012 21:35

Try this lady's Youtube tutorials for the Big Shot - I thought they were good, and explain things quite clearly.

The shim(s) make sure that the die is high enough up so that the pressure of the rollers cuts through whatever you're using (fabric, paper, etc).

I recommend 2nd hand dies on Ebay for added cheapness - can still mount up though, so watch out :o

teanosugar · 06/05/2012 11:56

OMG - I unpacked it all yesterday and had a go - how brilliant is it!!!!!!!!!!

Original poster
DonkeyTeapot · 06/05/2012 22:51

Ah, the shim is that thing with tab 1 and tab 2 on it? Thanks for the link Rue, very helpful to see how it's done, given how sparse the instructions are on the packaging!

I am just about to go on an ebay hunt for dies, but it's beginning to look like I can't get an alphabet the size I want, which was the main purpose for buying it - although there are a few other projects I'll be using it for so it will definitely get used :) Can't wait to try it out!

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VivaLeBeaver · 06/05/2012 23:02

I've got a cuttlebug. Am currently eyeing up alphabet dies. How do you find out how big the letters are? I've not found a website with that info yet. I'm liking the look of the cuttlebug baby face set.

I think cuttlebug curls and swirls alphabet is meant to be their biggest one, but again can't find any actual measurements. Cuttlebug dies should fit in a big shot I think.

RueDeWakening · 07/05/2012 00:27

There's a bloke on eBay who sells handmade dies for the big shot - I was going to ask him if he'd do commissions but I didn't need to in the end. Might be worth a try though if you're after a particular size alphabet?

Original poster
DonkeyTeapot · 07/05/2012 11:15

I've found some measurements on websites where they've been selling dies. Mostly though, I've seen people selling the cut out shapes on ebay, they normally give the letter size, and sometimes they list the alphabet name.

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teanosugar · 07/05/2012 16:54

RueDeWakening who is the guy who sells handmade dies for the Bigshot?

doormat · 07/05/2012 16:57

i got a bigshot from create and craft 4 yrs ago, for £50... it came with full monkey alphabet plus other dies and embossing folders....i am hoping to get back into it as the last 3 yrs i havent had the inspiration not creativity...x

doormat · 07/05/2012 16:58

ps the alphabet dies are around an inch and a half high (the monkey alphabet)

doormat · 07/05/2012 16:59

pps for larger dies would you consider the craft robo or name escapes me machine..something expressions...they can be very expensiv though..but worth it if you make alot of cards etc x

Original poster
DonkeyTeapot · 08/05/2012 09:28

I'll look into craft robo, thanks, haven't heard of that. I want it for cutting letters out of felt.

I emailed Sizzix asking if they could tell me which alphabets they make that are that size. They responded telling me to look at the individual specifications of all the alphabets. Really helpful, thanks Sizzix!

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RueDeWakening · 08/05/2012 18:21

Will dig out the link when I'm on the laptop later for you.

doormat · 08/05/2012 18:34

donkey think it is over £200 Shock..the price of craftiness lol ....soo expensive

Original poster
DonkeyTeapot · 08/05/2012 19:57

Yikes. Maybe not then. Y'know, drawing and cutting my letters by hand is starting to look a lot more appealing! At least then I can have what I want.

I just saw that Sizzix have the "Eclips" machine which lets you cut letters any size you want, but that's over £300, and only for paper.

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doormat · 08/05/2012 20:10

its an expensive hobby...i have thousands of pounds worth of card, paper cd roms etc that i havent touched in 3 yrs....hubby is making me a craft room in the hope it will inspire me...

RueDeWakening · 09/05/2012 19:41

Finally got a chance to post that link! The eBay shop is here.

Donkey - I have a craft room, I do spend a lot of time in it, but not all of it being crafty...my laptop currently lives there and is a big distraction! :o

Original poster
DonkeyTeapot · 11/05/2012 08:20

I have a craft room too, but it's a laptop free zone! I am very particular about it, as DP has a tendency to dump things in there. I even resent the small amount of space that he stores his decorating bits & pieces in.

There's also a gigantic piece of furniture with a radio built in (radiogram? Not sure), which was state-of-the-art in it's day, but it's day is long since passed and now it's just taking up valuable craft space!

Thanks for the link Rue, will check it out.

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doormat · 11/05/2012 08:24

really donkey...i find cd roms and other craft programs are really useful for designs and personallization of my cards....x

Original poster
DonkeyTeapot · 11/05/2012 11:57

I don't really make many cards any more, I do mostly textile crafts at the moment, but I do use the computer for inspiration and looking up techniques, when I can't be actually making things.

I try to ensure that I make best use of the available time - if I have some child-free time, I make sure I spend it sewing / knitting / crocheting etc, as I just can't do that with a nine month old around! I can look at internet stuff in between removing her from near the TV / dog's bowl / book case.

It's easy to lose hours looking at interesting things I'd like to try, or reading blogs for inspiration, but I figure I could be reading about doing the things I love, or I could actually be doing them.

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