Some Kinda Big Shot?

Sizzix Big SHot Die Cutting and Embossing Machine

This isn't some off-topic post about gangster movies, it's actually my most recent craft tool!  The Sizzix Big Shot is basically a mangle that either cuts a shape or embosses a pattern on paper or card.  I got mine from Hobbycraft for sale at £64.99, with an extra 15% off for joining their mailing list, bringing it to £55.24.  I also had a wee gift voucher for my birthday, so I've convinced myself that it was pretty much free!

Die-Cutting

A die is a metal sheet with ridges that cuts the card when pushed through the rollers.  It works in a similar way to a hole punch or shallow cookie cutter.  I'm pretty new to this lark, but it seems that dies can range from wafer thin, intricate versions which cut only one or two sheets, to bolder versions which can handle many sheets in one pass.

Until recently, I wasn't particularly interested in this function.  My Silhouette Cameo can cut bespoke and resized designs, whereas the Big Shot requires that I invest in lots of separate and restrictive dies.  What the Big Shot offers however, is speed.  I'm making my friend's wedding invitations and the repetitive task of cutting an intricate design in bulk would be much quicker with the Big Shot than the Silhouette Cameo.  I liken it to the speed of drawing a detailed sketch with a pencil versus stamping the same design.

EMbossing

The main reason why I bought Big Shot was for the ability to emboss or deboss designs onto paper and card is.  Metal dies can be converted to emboss rather than cut if a soft mat is used underneath.  Additionally, plastic or card embossing folders can be used.  The Silhouette Cameo can be used to make custom embossing folder which is great.  Kay over at Clever Someday has a great tutorial Easy and Cheep Custom Embossing Dies tutorial.

I've ordered the Xcut Herringbone Patten Embossing Folder but I think I'll be getting the Sizzix Lovely Lace embossing folder imminently!

Xcut Herringbone Patten Embossing Folder

Lovely Lace Embossing Folder 133737

Card made by Jenny Hayward from A Stamping Journey Blog using Lovely Lace Embossing Folder

Why I decided against the Silhouette Curio

When I heard that Silhouette were bringing out a new machine called Curio that can cut thicker materials including metal and perform embossing/debossing I was queuing up to buy one.  I was gutted however when I heard that it's cutting space was only 8.5 inches wide.  Further investigations revealed that there was no increase in downward cutting force, merely the clearance space.  The embossing and debossing results look similar to the Big Shot, but of course will be slower.  Initial reviews were quite unenthusiastic, so in the end, I decided that the price tag of £241 was just too high for the limited additional functionality offered.

I might yet be convinced on the Curio, but until then I'll get cranking with the Big Shot and report back on my progress soon :)