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Help, I have a cricut machine, but I think I am really wanting a Big Shot What are the pros and cons? I really just do papercrafts and cards, not much scrapbooking. Any suggestions. Is it worth it?
God yeah!! I bought mine a few months back and i love it, it's my most used tool next to my stamps. I've not found any cons at all but then i've only had it a few months, fingers crossed there aren't any. Best money my DH spent lol.
Tizzy xxx
I can tell you that I had no real desire to own any die cut machine. To me they were just for scrapbookers. Last year when Stampin Up started to carry the Big Shot I broke down and bought mine and have NEVER regretted the purchase. I especially like the 3-D items I have created- banners, matchboxes, etc.
My poor Cricut has been gathering dust since my Big Shot arrived. I love it!!! I am obsessed with getting more dies. I would have to agree that it is the most used tool in my craft room as well.
I have a circuit, a Big Kick, and a Cuttlebug. I use the Cuttlebug the most. I like the size, the weight, and the small space it takes up. It also does brass stencils if you use foam mat. Space limits me from using the first two right now. They are still in the boxes. I also like the fact that the Cuttlebug has a suction to keep it from sliding around or having to hang onto it when you use it.
sam
I absolutely think it was my best investment. I love all the dies and textured impressions folders. I love the exclusive dies and such since their marriage (so to speak) with SU. There are so many things you can use it for - creating favors, gift boxes and bags, to embellishing cards and scrapbooks.
I first thought it was going to be another tool I purchased that collected dust. That has not been the case. It is really in constant use. I love it and have not regretted the purchase once.
If you can afford it - go for it - you will not be sorry!
Absolutely! Like others have said, it's my most-used tool. I don't put it away - it has earned a permanent spot on my table as I use it daily. If you own dies from other companies (ie Cuttlebug dies or embossing folders), they'll work in your Big Shot. It's easy to use & doesn't take a lot of room.
I'm right now deciding on it too. I actually have decided I do want it. Right now it is on sale at Joanns for $60 and the express is $101. This stuff doesn't go on sale enough for my taste so I'm trying to decide if I should be bad and get it while it is such a great price! I simply want it for the embossed backgrounds and the top note. If those are the only things I EVER use it for I will be thrilled.
I had a Cricut and ALL the goodies (rolling tote and EVERY accessory) plus 30 cartridges...I sold it all because I just didnt use it enough...I love my Bigshot and Cuttlebug.
blessings...
__________________ Amber Shaw
Last edited by sprtchick; 07-23-2009 at 07:52 AM..
Reason: Oh my goodness cant spell today...
I had the Cuttlebug for a long time and just had my DH buy me the big Kick kit through Costco for my birthday. I miss the smaller space the CB took and the suction but I like the cutting power and die options sooo much better than the CuttleBug. I'd say go for it, there is so much you can do with it for cards and gifts.
__________________ Sarah CAS Challenge Spring 2013 Design Team Member Visit my blog
robbitl....I would say that if you can purchase the machine in a store near you where you can use a coupon, then if that's what you want, do it. If you have to go via internet ordering, you will pay more.
If the BigShot is not available in your area stores, then go for the BIGkick. It is virtually the same machine just a different color and slightly different look but operates exactly the same.
If you want the stuff that Stampin' Up sells, then you can also use them too. Just check your local stores for the cutting pads and such before purchasing from Stampin' Up. Things are cheaper in the stores and you can use coupons too.
The BIGkick or BigShot are good for machine embossing and die cutting materials in addition to just paper. The Cricut or Expression is good for die cutting all the images you can find on the cartrides in various sizes with additional features too. Both are very different machines and great for what each do.
I had an electronic die cutting machine and sold it all to buy the Big Shot. I am a little biased, though. I love all the 3-d items you can make and I use the Texture plates on everything!
If it's in your budget, I would go for it. Have fun!
I own a Cuttlebug (love it) but have tried the Big Shot and think it's great too. I really like the larger dies that the Big Shot offers. The only thing holding me back from purchasing a Big Shot is how pricey these larger dies cost. Good Luck!
For the lon gest time I've resisted b uying it...I have the Cricut & the Cuttlebug... but now I'm wanting to buy it because of all the awesome Bigz XL dies SU is coming out with...and the fact that it will do chipboard easier, and other materials... I am going to get one this fall sometime.
This is probably a really stupid question but isn't the Big Shot from Stampin' Up or does another company make it? I have only been stampin for a couple of years and I am just now getting most of the supplies I really need to make descent cards..Thanks for any help!
__________________ "Friends don't let Friends Shop Alone!"
This is probably a really stupid question but isn't the Big Shot from Stampin' Up or does another company make it? I have only been stampin for a couple of years and I am just now getting most of the supplies I really need to make descent cards..Thanks for any help!
The Big Shot is made by Sizzix. Sizzix partnered with Stampin Up. You can get the Big Shot from many other places other that SU. INfact, the bext deal on it I have found right now is Jo Anns for 60$ with $5 shipping. SU does have exclusive dies and texture plates. HTH!
In my opinion, you "need" something like a Cuttlebug/Big Shot/Big Kick/Wizard/etc. in your craftroom to use with embossing folders/plates and Nestabilities. If you use one of those machines only for embossing & Nesties, I feel it's worth the investment. If you use it to cut shapes & letters and anything else, that's gravy.
The cutting pads for the Sizzix BigZ XL dies are too wide for a Cuttlebug. The dies fit, but the cutting pads are too wide. For this reason, and because I feel the Big Shot/Big Kick is sturdier and less tipsy, I prefer one of the Sizzix machines (BS/BK) to the Cuttlebug.
The Big Shot is made by Sizzix. Sizzix partnered with Stampin Up. You can get the Big Shot from many other places other that SU. INfact, the bext deal on it I have found right now is Jo Anns for 60$ with $5 shipping. SU does have exclusive dies and texture plates. HTH!
Thanks, that helps me out alot!!! Guess I will have to tell my husband this is what I want for my b-day!!!:p
__________________ "Friends don't let Friends Shop Alone!"
I have the Big Shot, a Cricut and a Bug and I use them all for different things
The BS is fab and I love SU's exclusive dies - I love the fact that you can run felt and other materials thru it...I love my Bug which is very portable for scrapbooking weekends and I can also use my sizzlits and bigz dies in it too...and I love my Cricut which I use mostly for alphas and paper dolls for scrapbooking and entertaining my little people...plus you can make windows in cardfronts using it too which I do alot...
Although I dont 'need' all of them, I use them - if I had to whittle it down I would keep my Cricut and my Big Shot - I love having an electronic machine and I also love having a manual one that I can use texturz plates and folders in and the ability to cut more than cardstock and papers...and the Big Shot would be the most useful to keep.
AARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! JUST got a Big Shot, Julie!!
I know! I just hate when that happens, too!
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But, wow -- this sounds fantastic ... I get the name but odd to say out loud.
I love my BS!!! But, the 12" format is very appealing, and if it's platform is as "universal" as they claim, then at least I wouldn't have to replace the dies I've already invested in--just the machine. And, I could get rid of the old original Xyron 850 I've been hanging onto all these years . . . Oooh, lolly! :cool:
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
I use mine all the time with Nestabilities and embossing folders. Don't buy the electric one, it's a waste of money. I make cards and no scrapbooking other than a small one of a trip we took to the Tetons. I collected the Nestabilities little by little, mostly through Hobby Lobby using a 40% off coupon. The basic shapes--oval, circle, square, rectangle-and the scalloped ones allow you to easily add flair to your design.
The Big Shot is made by Sizzix. Sizzix partnered with Stampin Up. You can get the Big Shot from many other places other that SU. INfact, the bext deal on it I have found right now is Jo Anns for 60$ with $5 shipping. SU does have exclusive dies and texture plates. HTH!
One thing to keep in mind when comparing the cost of getting your BS from SU vs from Joanns, etc., is that if you are also getting other SU dies and/or stamps adding the BS to order will generally bring your total up to the level to earn free hostess sets and other free merchandise which can offset the other stores coupon "savings". For example, if you get your BS from Joanns for $65, thats a $34 savings, but the value fo the SU hostess benefits if your order totals $150 (BS plus a few dies) is about $35!
One thing to keep in mind when comparing the cost of getting your BS from SU vs from Joanns, etc., is that if you are also getting other SU dies and/or stamps adding the BS to order will generally bring your total up to the level to earn free hostess sets and other free merchandise which can offset the other stores coupon "savings". For example, if you get your BS from Joanns for $65, thats a $34 savings, but the value fo the SU hostess benefits if your order totals $150 (BS plus a few dies) is about $35!
That is true. For me though, I always seem to come down to do I want to by 1 big thing and a few smaller? Or do I want to be able to get the majority of my wish list? So far I have opted for my wish list majority. I feel like I got a good deal. I was able to get the BS and a set of Nesties for $84 with $5 shipping.
I think ordering a BS through SU is a great idea to get the benefits, too!! My stupidity was that I had just placed a large enough order to get a level 2 (Asian Artistry!), and getting the BS at the same just didn't even cross my mind!!! Then yesterday at my demo's open house, I ordered some DP and could have added a few dies for benefits, but just didn't really feel I needed the benefits right now. Timing. All about timing sometimes isn't it?!
I'm glad to have at least gotten the BS at a discount. I just hope I really like it. All of the overwhelmingly positive remarks were a big influence in deciding to get it.
. . . I just hope I really like it. All of the overwhelmingly positive remarks were a big influence in deciding to get it.
I truly believe you will, Nancy.
I've had mine for nearly 3 years--it has been awesome for prepping for classes, so I can testify to it being quite a work-horse. ;)
I hope the Creatopia will be just as well built. If not, then I'm definitely sticking with my BS because durability is a key issue for me.
Some folks were balking at the $150 (?) MSRP of the Creatopia, but, when you consider the number of other machines AND their costs combined that this one would replace in one fell swoop, I think that's actually quite reasonable.
Lolly, but it sucks having to wait until September . . . argh! :rolleyes:
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Makes me wonder, Julie.... do you just jump right in with something really new, or will you hold off until "real people" have used it and pass on their experiences?
I'm wondering the same thing with the SU digital scrapping software . . . beta is beta, but in the real world people do things that the developers never considered LOL!! Been there, done that in publishing software applications.
The features of Creatopia sound really impressive!!
Makes me wonder, Julie.... do you just jump right in with something really new, or will you hold off until "real people" have used it and pass on their experiences?
LOL! I guess I'm one of the "real people". ;)
To be honest, I very rarely rely or buy anything based on other people's experiences. I typically do as much research as I can remotely, then if I'm satisfied with my preliminary findings, I jump right in, and do even more testing and experimenting.
When I bought my BS, I also bought the Cuttlebug, so I could examine them side by side. After I compared them, I kept the BS, and sold the CB to a friend; the BS gave me the performance I was after.
It's great that there are options available so we can each find the tools/machines that best fit our individual needs. :mrgreen:
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I'm wondering the same thing with the SU digital scrapping software . . . beta is beta, but in the real world people do things that the developers never considered LOL!! Been there, done that in publishing software applications.
The features of Creatopia sound really impressive!!
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Thank you for this thread. Lots of great advice. I was thinking the exact same question and everyone has truely answered/attested to the Big Shot.....
HOWEVER....I still have one question: SPACE!! Space is of essence here. I only have a very small workbench inside my hallway closet and can only fit something about the size of a Cuttlebug.....should I Squueeeeeeze in a Big Shot or just get a Bug which I KNOW will fit????
Thanks....
__________________ We cannot do great things, only small things with great love.
I'm really not the best person to answer, as mine is on it's way to me and I have no personal experience with a CB. BUT, I can say that I went with a BS because I knew it would beable to handle what I want to throw at it. I also know from using one at parties and stamp camps that I like the stability and the overall feel of the machine. So, I guess if you have any personal experience with either, that should help you decide. I don't recall any down sides to the BS. A friend of mine who has one keeps hers in her doctors bag when it's not in use. I hope any of that information helps you! Good Luck!
Thank you for this thread. Lots of great advice. I was thinking the exact same question and everyone has truely answered/attested to the Big Shot.....
HOWEVER....I still have one question: SPACE!! Space is of essence here. I only have a very small workbench inside my hallway closet and can only fit something about the size of a Cuttlebug.....should I Squueeeeeeze in a Big Shot or just get a Bug which I KNOW will fit????
Thanks....
I have what I consider a pretty limited space but not quite as small as yours . Space was a big consideration for me, too. But I measured where I keep my CB in a cabinet and moved some things around to accommodate the BS. My logic went kind of like this:
The CB is smaller because it can fold up. Because it has to fold up, it has the suction feet to give it more stability and is a bit top-heavy. Having a small work surface, too, the area has to be cleared before I can use the CB on it. If my work surface is being used, I have to use the CB on the hardwood floor but the suction doesn't stick there. Then it gets tippy. So... making storage space for the BS actually allows me to use a cutting machine when my work surface is being used.
I guess I'd ask, with a small workbench, will the CB suction feet work there and will you still have room to be in the middle of a project and pull it out to use it? If you end up having to use it on the floor like I do, you might also prefer the BS.
My Big Shot is on its way so I'll find out soon enough if I was happy with the decision and then my CB will go on to someone else.
Here's a link to my CB/BS storage. I just moved some things around and now the blue tins are upright and way over by the Copics. A few other items have been shifted around. I may even be able to use the BS right in the cabinet, otherwise, it's a short trip to the floor ;) !!
I'd still go with the Big Shot/Big Kick, even with limited space. It's flat on the bottom, so perhaps you can store it on top of something. Hang it on the wall. Something.
You won't regret choosing it. I've read dozens of posts where people have bought a BS/BK after buying a CB (maybe they keep both, but most give away/sell the CB), but very few people go out and buy a CB after owning a BS/BK. People may prefer the size of the CB, but they choose the BS/BK because it's a sturdier, less tipsy machine that can handle all the dies and cutting pads currently on the market. (The 12" dies coming out soon will need their own $350 machine, which is also coming out later this year). The Bigz XL cutting pads don't fit through a Cuttlebug.
ETA The $350 machine I mentioned is the Big Shot Pro, a 12" machine by Sizzix that sounds similar to the Creatopia by Xyron.
Help, Should I buy a Big Shot?
