question about sizzix die machines/cutters for you crafters/scrapbookers

[ConfusedMum]

heya,
could anybody tell me what sizzix die cutters are? or how you use them? i love love love the cute lil cut outs off them and was planning on buying one but i don't know what i'd need or how to make the cut outs, i keep hearing the words 'dies' and 'cutters' and from the sizzix cut outs i already have i don't see how a 'die' could be used in them? it just seems like stencils to me?
hopfuly somebody will know what i'm going on about! lol.
thank you in advance! :)
xXx

[Buenchico]

I admit I'm floundering a bit here because I'd never even heard of Sizzix but their US website led me to their UK supplier's site here:
http://www.ellisondesign.co.uk/index.php?main_ page=index&cPath=2

If you're close to Cambridgeshire, there's a product demonstration in Soham, next weekend:
http://www.ellisondesign.co.uk/index.php?main_ page=page&id=16&chapter=0

Otherwise, you might be able to get an idea of how the system works by looking through the product instructions, here:
http://www.ellisondesign.co.uk/index.php?main_ page=page&id=5&chapter=0

I'm sorry that this answer is a bit vague but I hope that something here will help.

Chris

[Jules001]

my specialist subject here :) There are lots of die cutting machines on the market at the moment. The big red Sizziz is being phased out and being replaced by the Ellison Big Shot (Ellison and Sizzix same company). You may find a bargain to be had if you don't mind an older machine, but be warned they are very heavy, they are fairly easy to use by pushing down on a handle. The Big Shot has a handle which you need to turn. Other machines include the Quickutz, Wizard and the DoubleDo. The QK is lighter and handheld, but may cause problems if you have any manual dexterity difficulties. There are newer machines which work like a die cutting machine, but work through the computer so you are not restricted to manufactured dies, other machines such as the Cricut (I think) and the Xyron cutter work through computerised books which allow you to select the size of each shape to be cut.
All of the non-computerised machines work on the same principle, you have to buy separate dies to cut out each shape which can add up to a tidy sum (believe me I am talking from experience). You place the die on the paper or card to be cut and feed the whole lot through the machine the force from the pressure of the rollers or the pressure block is enough for the metal parts of the die to cut through the card etc. The Sizzix and Ellison machines will cut through other materials as well as paper and card (thin veneer, foil, thin metal, fabric etc) The Sizzix sidekick and the Ellison Tag A Long are portable versions of these machines and will not cut other materials. I have loads of links to suppliers etc if you want the bext places to shop if you decide to buy one. Alternatively there are lots of sellers on EBay who sell the die cuts ready cut for you. Would you be using them for cards/scrapbooks or other uses, I may have other advice depending on what you plan to use it for,

[ConfusedMum]

well i would hopfully be using them on cards. i LOVE making cards absolutly love it - i've been buying craft items from ebay and hobby craft and even tescos and wilkinsons! :o shock horror i know LoL but my partner is getting pretty sick of my boxes of cards - i've over 100 cards, i just started to make them and never thought what i'd with them - he suggested i sell them but at �3 to make i'm sure nobody would want to buy them. i don't want to make money on them, i just want to make cards and i need to get the money i spent back to make more know what i mean lol so i thought if i had my own cutting machine i could keep on making my cards for a bit less! :D hope i make sense :\

xXx

[Jules001]

Hi there, I make and sell cards too, most of my cards I sell at �2.50,and I make a profit!. If yours are costing �3 to make, may I make some suggestions to help keep your costs down - firstly don't buy pre-packaged pre-scored cards and this is the most expensive way to buy. It is far cheaper to buy the card from somewhere like Craft Creations and cut and score, fold your own. Secondly I never spend too much on embellishments for the card, if I am selling for �2.50 the most I will spend on embellishments for one card is 50p. I always use good quality card and envelopes and rather than making in quantity, I only make cards that I would be happy to receive myself so I know I am never going to be rich doing this, but I do have a loyal customer base which is growing all the time and it's enough to keep me busy but I am not so overwhelmed by orders that it feels like a chore. You should try selling yours to family and friends, if you work see if you can take them in and put a box in the canteen, staffroom etc. Good luck it is a very addictive hobby as you are finding out! If you need anymore info just ask.

[ConfusedMum]

i've never heard of craft creations! i've spent around �400 on craft bits and bobs. i make cards that i like - not just stick bits on card because it's another card made i only make what i think looks nice. i'm a full time mum so i don't get a whole lot of time to make them - just the odd hours or when my baby is asleep really. i'd welcome any suggestions and tips!!! :D like i said i don't want to make a profit just want to make cards and have other people like them and want to give them :) i don't know many places of where to buy embellishments and toppers really so i'm gonna have a look around and see what i find! :D
you've been great help!
xXx

[Jules001]

Hi again

http://www.craftcreations.co.uk as I say I buy my card here you can get it cut to A4 size and then cut and score it to your own size, I also buy my envelopes and the clear polythene bags to display them in from here. It sounds like you are making some nice cards, ( believe me I have seen some awful handmade cards, people think it is just a case of sticking a few bits and bobs and making a fast profit) continue making cards that you like, that will show in your cards also let people know what you are doing and you might get a few orders and one order leads to another.

[Jules001]

part 2
this site is very good and the postage is very reasonable too http://www.clevercut.co.uk I make all sorts of cards, I particularly like rubber stamping although I do use die cuts, 3d decoupage and the very occasional quilling. I have found that if you buy anything with a specific craft title, you pay a premium for it, I see things with new eyes now, I don't know if you have heard of Magic Mesh but it is the same as Plasterers jointing tape which can be bought in a huge roll for about �5 whereas you would pay ��'s for a small piece from a craft shop - always happy to help :)