I don’t know about you but I love stamped images that have been cut out and layered on a card, journal or scrapbook. But sometimes when I’m fussy cutting (hand cutting) images with scissors, my hands shake. “The shakes” can be a real issue for me to the extent that I completely mess up delicately cut items. It is frustrating! At times I’d completely change a project just to avoid fussy cutting.
When Stampin’ Up! included the Sizzix BigShot die cutting machine in their Australian catalogue in 2010, my creative life changed forever! The Big Shot is a manual, multipurpose die-cutting system that you can use to quickly and easily create die-cut or embossed shapes, envelopes, tags, and 3D items.
This machine makes cutting an absolute breeze…
Five reasons I love the Big Shot
- It is easy to use. You just turn the handle and it works. Everyone from my friend’s 3 year old to 90+ year old Gladys (one of my class attendees) can use it.
- It is a superior quality product. Stampin’ Up! takes pride in their products and your big shot and accessories come with a Stampin’ Up! product guarantee. The quality of this product is higher than any other machine you will find in a craft store. If in the unlikely event, that you find a defect within 90 days of delivery, Stampin’ Up! will replace it or repair it. When you purchase the Big Shot by Stampin’ Up! through me you get a three year Stampin’ Up! warranty and personalized support to answer any questions you may have.
- It’s portable and you don’t need to plug it in. No searching for power plugs or extension cords. So you can take it on your camping getaway without having to worry whether you’ll be able to plug it in. You can even use it during a blackout (power outage). One of my Stamping friends says that anything with a plug equals work and cites examples of the vacuum cleaner, toaster and other appliances! No work here! Just opportunities to play.
- Texture… as you might have guessed I love adding texture to my projects so I LOVE the Textured Impression Embossing Folders. They help you transform plain or stamped card stock or patterned paper and even ribbon to a textured masterpiece. There a few other ways you can use the Big Shot to add texture and Interest to your projects but I’ll save those for another day.
- Versatility – this craft room hero cuts a variety of materials depending on the die you use. My Big Shot has cut tin, felt, chipboard, grunge board, fabric, felt, card stock, paper and foil – it is fantastic! It will completely revolutionise the way you look at your scraps and leftover supplies!
Stampin’ Up! has a whole range of stamps that have matching dies that perfectly cut out the stamped images and the “sandwich” recipes are on each page of the coordinating dies and folders – it takes all the guesswork out of using these products. Your Big Shot comes with a Big Shot Platform, a thin die adapter and Standard Cutting Pads. You will find all the platforms, dies and accessories on starting page 209 of your 2017-2018 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalogue.
Here’s a few of things, I’ve recently made with my Big Shot
As you can see pretty boxes, die cut images, intricate detailed or textured backgrounds are all possible with a big shot.
If you don’t have a Big Shot yet head over to my online store and say hello to your crafty friend… if you already own a big shot be sure to check out the Big Shot Accessories, Dies and Bundles.
