Sizzix Big Shot

[namechange4now]

Hi All,

So after years of watching people using die cutting machines, and struggling to make things by hand, I have finally bit the bullet and forked out for one. MERRY CHRISTMAS ME!!

Before it is delivered (and I go at it like a child in a sweet shop) are there any hints or tips you can give me?

I would stay cool, be calm and read the instructions BUT as I am typing this the excitement is already consuming me and I can get very very impulsive! Possibly putting myself off the machine within 10 minutes of using it.

Don't fear the clunking, squeezing and creaking noises it will make.

You will have two clear cutting plates that are used. Put a dab of nail polish or a marker pen on the one that you will use on the bottom. Each time you use the machine, put the one that you've marked on the bottom but turn it around on each turn.

By doing this, when the cutting plates need replacing, you throw the bottom one with the nail polish dot on, replace that with the cutting plate on top then a brand new one. You are only replacing one plate at a time then instead of two.

Xcut dies work well on the machine too and are cheaper than Sizzix dies.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the machine! It's easy to use and each piece in the sandwich is labelled to show you which parts you need to put together to hold the different dies and embossing folders.

Thank you Emily.

I have seen a few of the Xcut dies online so thanks for the heads up and for saving me a bit of money only replacing one plate. It's still not here yet but I have come up with millions of ideas...and then forgot them already.

If you use heat transfer vinyl remember to cut the image the other way round

How's it going with the die cutter? Considering getting a die cutter (for me and/or a good friend) and wondering about how you find it?