If you've never used the Sizzix Big Shot™ you don't know what fun you are missing! About a year ago, Stampin' Up! partnered with Sizzix to offer the Sizzix Big Shot™, a manual die-cutting machine. The Big Shot™ uses dies that can cut through a wide assortment of materials-up to 50 to be more precise, including cardstock, Designer Series papers, leather, fabric, plastic, chipboard and so on! This not only gives you unlimited possibilities for craft, stamping and scrapbooking projects but also home decor, fashion and jewelry projects! There are so many fun, creative things you can do with this machine. Here is the very first card (and one of my favorites) that I created last year using the SCALLOP CIRCLE BIGZ DIE with the Big Shot™: (click on images for enlargement and highlighted text for links)
This Designer Series Paper is retired now, but all the other products used are still available in Stampin' Up!'s current 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog.
The stamp set is Upsy Daisy (111710 $18.95). I used Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware (112454 $29.95) for the tag, Brocade Blue cardstock (101166 $5.50) which I ran through the Big Shot™ and stamped the image with Versamark Ink (102283 $7.50). I then colored in the details with various ink refills and a Blender Pen (102845 $9.95 for 3). I stamped the saying, attached the hardware and finished it off with Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon (109066 $6.95).
debbiestamps.com All Images ©Stampin' Up! 1990-2009
So what exactly is this machine, how does it work and what can it do? There are two types of dies that you can use with the Big Shot™:
1) Steel-ruled dies and,
2) Chemically Etched dies
Examples of Steel-ruled dies that Stampin' Up! offers are Bigz, Bigz Clear, Bigz XL, Originals and Movers & Shapers. These dies do not require the MultiPurpose Platform, but cutting pads are required. (the catalog tells you which dies require other products you need when you purchase them). This type of die can cut through many layers of materials such as Window Sheets, Decor Elements, Texture Cuts wood sheets, On Board Long Board etc.
Chemically Etched dies are used WITH cutting pads AND the MultiPurpose Platform. This type of die can cut through only one piece of cardstock, Designer Series Papers and other thinner materials at a time, but the designs can be more intricate and detailed images. Examples of this type of die that Stampin' Up! offers are Texturz Plates, Embosslits, Sizzlits, Decorative Strip, Textured Impressions.
Maybe you already own a die-cutting machine and are wondering if Stampin' Up!'s dies can be used with your machine? The beauty of the Big Shot™ is that it is compatible with any die made by any company, making it the most versatile die cutting machine on the market!
You may be wondering "So what can you make with the Big Shot™?" You can quickly and easily create die-cut or embossed shapes, envelopes, invitations, bags, tags, baskets, cards, scrapbook pages, home decor, jewelry, fabric embellishments and on and on...
If you can cut a material with your Craft & Rubber scissors, you can use it with the Big Shot™.
Here are a few more projects I made using Big Shot™: (click on images to enlarge)
This is a Flower Pot card first shown all together, then lifting up the card insert to reveal the message inside. The flowers and leaves were made with the Stampin' Up! Simple Flower Embosslits die (114514 $11.95)
debbiestamps.com All Images ©Stampin' Up! 1990-2009
This is what I made at Fall Fest back in September-at a demonstrator event sponsored by my upline Tina; Isn't she adorable? This cute bear was made with the Sizzix dies from Build-A-Bear Workshop® including the Stampin' Up! Bear (117977 $23.95) and Stampin' Up! Beary Essentials (117978 $23.95) dies, which just came out in the Holiday Mini Catalog. These are so much fun-for kids and adults alike!
debbiestamps.com All Images ©Stampin' Up! 1990-2009
This Holiday Card is one that we will be making at my upcoming Holiday Big Shot Class !
Here the Stampin' Up! Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder, offered in the Holiday Mini Catalog is used to make the background three-dimensional! (to view the catalog, click on the highlighted link and then click to download the PDF). It's hard to tell in this photo, but the ornament is shimmery-at class you will also learn how to do this cool technique, as well as learn how to use the Big Shot™.
debbiestamps.com All Images ©Stampin' Up! 1990-2009
So... what do you think? Are you ready to give the Big Shot™ a try? The best way to find out if this product is something you've just got to have, is to come to class and TRY IT! I know I fell in love with this product as soon as I had a chance to see what it can do and I could play with it! At Class, every attendee will make at least 6 projects using various materials...and will also receive a flyer listing the 50 materials that can be used with the Big Shot™!
Here's one more perk for you to come to class: if you purchase the Big Shot™ at class, I will credit $15 of your class fee towards your purchase making this class -almost Free!
Read details about this class and how to sign up in THIS POST. Earlybird fee paid by 10/21 saves you $3 off the regular price...
Do you want to come to class, but you can't make it on the dates the class is offered? (The class is held at my stamp studio in Hardyston, NJ). If you get a minimum of at least 6 friends to agree, all you have to do is contact me so we can coordinate a date, and I will bring this class to you! (CLASS TO GO is $25 per person after 10/21 or $22 if everyone prepays by 10/21. Prepayment is REQUIRED and no refund can be given if someone doesn't show, but that person will receive the class supplies she paid for.)
I know you will come to love the Big Shot™ as I do! If you would like to order the Big Shot™ or place an online order now, click HERE, then click on SHOP NOW under my contact information.
HAVE A GREAT STAMPIN' DAY!