Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
My husband surprised me with a Big Shot (guess all those hints paid off!) and now I am wondering what I should buy first to use with it. It came with the multipurpose platform and a pair of standard cutting pads. What else do I need? And what embossing folders, etc. do you recommend? I am a stay-at-home mom on a limited budget, so I'd like to get some of the "standard" folders and dies without breaking the bank. I have several coupons for Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Joann, so if you can recommend dies or folders that they carry, even better! (I also plan to order some from Stampin Up at the next workshop, but I'd like to start using my Big Shot this week.)
My first die sets were Labels 1 (Spellbinders) and basic circles and squares from Lifestyle Crafts. All are great for stamping or scrapbooking without investing in punches. I haven't been very impressed with the selection of embossing folders that I find at Michaels and AC Moore locally so I typically order online for a better selection. Sign up for Joann's online and you will get to see their special web sales. I find that I use the Swiss Dot embossing folder a lot. Enjoy your Big Shot!!
EF - Swiss Dots & D'Vine swirls are great. I also LOVE SU's Square Lattice. I use those 3 most of the time. I also love Birds & Swirls, herringbone and some of the winter/holiday ones.
For dies, I like that the Nesties come with multiple sizes in one package. I started with shapes (oval, circle) that I couldn't cut easily. I also use my Top Note die from SU all the time, and the butterfly embosslits.
__________________ Diana
*******
Save your drama for your llama.
Thanks! I forgot to ask if the Texturz Starter Kit is necessary? I know it comes with some special pads but didn't know if I would need them to use basic embossing folders and dies?
I agree with the OP regarding Swiss Dots and D'vine Swirls. There were some of the first ones I bought. Since they are some of the originals, I see them at Michael's/JoAnn so you could use a coupon. Also, since they were some of the first ones, they are cheaper than some of the newer ones. I use both of them also, to add texture/dimension - DS for snow, fur, feathery look, etc. SD-nubby texture to strawberries, etc. I have found both of these to be so versatile that I grab them all the time.
Good luck! Know you will enjoy you new crafting tool.
Thanks! I forgot to ask if the Texturz Starter Kit is necessary? I know it comes with some special pads but didn't know if I would need them to use basic embossing folders and dies?
You only need those with the Texturz plates. Because they are one-sided you need the pad and plastic piece to make your impression. Texturz plates don't make as deep an embossing since they are only pressing from one side not sandwiching the paper between the two halves as the embossing folder does. Once you have the starter equipment, they are a good buy but I don't find myself using them as often except for the Distressed plate which makes a wood grain.
I love the square lattice folder which also lends itself to a fun technique called inset or inlaid embossing. The other two folders I use the most are the polka dots and Vintage Wallpaper.
Of my smaller dies, I use the little leaves, Scribbles and Swirls, and Beautiful wings embosslit the most. I also like having buttons and layering flowers.
I don't have a lot of larger dies, but I love my Top Note die.
Have fun with your new toy.
The die cutting accessories got on 40% sale online at Joann.com all the time. The embossing folders are typically $2.99 on this sale. I love the cuttlebug folders.
If I could only order 1 die to start playing with, it would be the top note from SU!. There is also one called elegant layered card which looks like the top note but may be two dies. It's hard to find available but on sale that one would be really cool.
__________________ Rachel Schott
As my best friend says, "Stamping....it's cheaper than therapy" to which I add, "Not by much".
My mom was the proud recipient of my first handmade card. Cost $200.
My favorites are SU ones....I think the Top Note & 2 Tags dies are the most versatile. I love the Vintage Wallpaper and Square Lattice embossing folders. And the Sweet Button embosslit is very handy too.
SU's Fun Flower Die is one of my favorites......there is so many cool things you can do with it......I make flower pins out of wool felt, awesome cards, decorate boxes...etc...I know it's not a "basic" die....but, it sure is "fun"....
Questions from a Big Shot newbie
