DATES TO REMEMBER

  • Current Host Code: ZP7ZP4SX
  • December 10: Last Day to sign up for November Paper Pumpkin Kit

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

The Big Shot!



BIG SHOT

There's a new big shot in town--the Sizzix Big Shot for Stampin' Up! The Big Shot is a sturdy manual die cutting machine used to die cut materials for use on crafts, home décor projects, and even clothing--it's a big deal! You'll love what the Big Shot machine, a 6-time winner of Creating Keepsakes Reader's Choice Award for best die cutting equipment and dies, can do for you.


Design your own custom pillow appliqués using the Tulipe Bigz die or make custom fabric flowers to embellish a quilt. From sewing to quilting to home décor, the Big Shot is the perfect tool for many types of crafting. Use our Stampin' Up! exclusive dies to create die cuts and stencils with our artwork and designs for all your craft needs.
Planning and preparing projects is fast and economical with the Big Shot machine. Cut out eight of the same chipboard letter or 20 scalloped pennants in just a few minutes. You'll be able to cut and score 3-D items in seconds. Or create embellishments for cards, scrapbook pages, or any other type of project by cutting multiple images at once.

The Big Shot works with ALL competitive dies, and the steel rule dies can cut through an impressive list of 50 different materials, including fabric, foil, and chipboard. It's important to note that there are different types of dies. Originals, Bigz, and Bigz XL dies- these steel ruled dies cut through virtually any material and multiple sheets of card stock and Designer Series paper. Sizzlets dies- these dies are small and detailed, often creating scored or perforated details. These dies cut through thin materials, and multiple sheets are not recommended.

1. What is the Big Shot?
The Big Shot is a manual die-cutting system that you can use for a number of projects and crafts. The simplicity of the Big Shot makes it a great addition to any one's crafting hobby.

2. How does the Big Shot work?
Using steel-ruled and chemically-etched dies, the Big Shot cuts out images by passing card stock and other materials through rollers that utilize pressure to cut through the materials. With just a couple turns of the handle, you'll be able to cut through a wide variety of materials. The Big Shot also comes with special cutting pads and a cutting platform that not only make the Big Shot safer and easier to use, but also lengthen the life of the product.

3. What are the different types of dies that you can use with the Big Shot?
Currently, the Big Shot utilizes two types of dies: Steel Rule and Chemically-Etched.

Steel Rule: When you think of steel rule dies, think of cookie cutters--they both work on the same principle. Steel rule dies are made by embedding an elongated razor blade into a hard wood base and then covering that blade with foam for safety. When the die is passed through the Big Shot, the foam is compressed and the blade punches through the material being cut. Because steel rule dies use a blade, you can cut more types of material as well as multiple layers of that material. Additionally, the cutting blades can also be designed with scoring blades to create fold lines.

Chemically Etched: Unlike steel rule dies, chemically etched dies can cut intricate designs. To create these dies, elaborate designs are etched into the metal using chemicals to burn away the unwanted metal. While these dies can create more intricate designs, they cannot cut as many types of materials nor can they cut multiple layers of material.

4. I have dies from other companies; can I use them with the Big Shot?
Yes, you can. The Big Shot is the most versatile die-cutting machine on the market today. Using the multi-purpose platform, you can use dies, embossing plates, and other products from a wide variety of sources.

5. I've heard that you can run multiple sheets of card stock through the Big Shot at the same time. How many can I run through at once?
Using the steel rule dies, you can run multiple sheets of card stock through the Big Shot. The number of sheets depends on the die being used. Simple shape dies--dies that do not have perforation or scoring--can cut through up to eight sheets of card stock at once. Dies that feature perforation or scoring or that are more detailed may not produce the exact cuts when cutting multiples. You'll want to experiment and see how many sheets you are comfortable passing through the Big Shot at once to get the desired effect. Chemically-etched dies should only be used to cut one sheet of card stock or paper at a time.

6. What materials can I cut with the Big Shot?
You can cut over 50 types of material using the Big Shot. A good rule of thumb is that if you can cut the material with your Craft & Rubber scissors, you can cut it with the Big Shot.

7. Why would I want the Big Shot?
You will love the Big Shot because
You can use the Big Shot to create projects quickly and easily.
You'll be able to cut out intricate designs, plus you can create multiple cut outs at the same time.
The Stampin' Up! Big Shot line features exclusive designs that can't be found anywhere else.
The Stampin' Up! Big Shot line opens up new possibilities for projects and hobbies.

8. Is the Big Shot exclusive to Stampin' Up!?
No, the Big Shot machine is not exclusive to Stampin' Up! However, the Big Shot produced for Stampin' Up! features a handle color as well as a beautiful logo that are not available on any other version of the Big Shot. In addition to the hundreds of dies already available through Sizzix, we've created dies exclusive to Stampin' Up! And, as we continue to develop this product line, you'll see more and more Stampin' Up! exclusive dies.

9. Who is Sizzix?
Sizzix is a brand owned and operated by Ellison, Inc. Since 1977, Ellison has manufactured and distributed professional die-cutting machines and dies largely for the crafting and educational fields. Recognizing the potential of die-cutting machines in the scrapbooking and paper-crafting industries, Ellison developed the Sizzix machine for home use. At the same time, Ellison launched the Sizzix brand. Known for innovation, product development, and commitment to high quality, Sizzix is the perfect partner to bring die cutting to Stampin' Up!'s demonstrators and their customers.

10. Will Stampin' Up! create more exclusive dies? When?
Stampin' Up! is known in the crafting industries for it's beautiful and innovative art. The Stampin' Up! Big Shot line will be no exception. Our introductory Big Shot line includes dies that coordinate beautifully with our current stamps and accessories. As our Big Shot product line continues to grow, you'll see additional exclusive designs released. Additionally, you'll see raw materials that you can use to cut in the Big Shot.

Whew! That's a lot of information! Please let me know if you have any questions!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Happy Anniversary to me!

August 21st is my 7 year Anniversary with Stampin' Up!

THANK YOU! to all of my customers!