While searching for the best embossing machine for cardstock, I came across the Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit, which includes some cardstock samples, an exclusive set of dies, and an embossing folder. Let's unbox this die-cutter, see what it is capable of, and share some useful Big Shot reviews.
Fond of paper crafting, I chose Big Shot die cutter over other brands because of multiple good reviews and after testing this machine at my friend's house. For myself, I decided to go with the Starter Kit because it includes some extras with the embossing machine and allows testing both embossing and die-cutting in different color options after unboxing it.
I still enjoy using my Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker, but adding a quick embossing feature to my paper crafts sounded so fantastic that I had to get a new Sizzix Big Shot for my workspace. So far, this new journey hasn't disappointed me.
Sizzix Big Shot
The staple machine built for paper crafting arrives in an elegant box. It states that this is Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit 666175 and displays what's inside and what you can potentially create using the included extras.
This Sizzix machine is not the only embossing and die-cut option the company offers. You can select the different openings and choose if you want or don't want your package to include cardstock, Thinlits die set, and an embossing folder, as the final price reflects which size and option you choose. The Starter Kit is usually about $30+ more expensive than the Big Shot only.
My manual die-cutter has a 6" opening (meaning it supports embossing folders and cardstock up to 6 inches wide), but you can find the Big Shot machine with a 2.5" or 9" opening or even go with an electric die-cutting and embossing machine by the same or a different brand.
Sizzix Big Shot machine supports embossing folders by multiple brands, Bigz™ dies, Thinlits die sets, and other exclusive dies.
Unboxing Big Shot Machine
The machine is nearly ready to use right out of the box. What's included inside the Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit 666175?
The package comes with:
- Big Shot die-cutting and embossing machine (manual);
- Instructions;
- Exclusive set of Thinlits dies (floral shapes, a bird, frames);
- One embossing folder (leaf pattern size A6);
- Sizzix Surfacez™ cardstock (core and opulent colors);
- One standard platform;
- Two cutting pads;
- Thin die adapter;
- A handle to your machine;
- Screw kit.
You receive 40 sheets of cardstock (sizes 6 x 6 inches) of various finishes, including matte, mirror, glitter, pearl, brushed metal, and textured. You also get 10 Thinlits dies to make a bird, flowers, a blossom branch, and frames.
The standard platform features a Sizzix logo and a QR code that takes you to videos about using your manual embossing and die-cutting machine. The platforms also feature picture-style instructions on applying different technologies.
Sizzix Big Shot seems to be an excellent starter for beginners and a nice addition to crafters' rooms because it gives you more options for making unique cards, scrapbooking albums, improving embellishments, creating home decor, making adorable gift boxes, and other cute paper crafts.
All you have to do to start using your Sizzix machine is assemble it by screwing the handle to the Big Shot. By the way, without the handle, this machine's size is 14 1/4 x 9 3/8 x 6 5/8 inches, and with the handle, its size is 14 1/4 x 12 3/8 x 6 5/8 inches. You can notice that the handle adds 3 inches to the overall width.
Sizzix Die-Cutter
The included Thinlits die sets allow you to make the first project out of cardstock, which also arrives in the Starter Kit. You can die-cut your first bird, flowers, floral pieces, and frames and use these cute embellishments to complete various projects.
Free your imagination and enjoy the process. Using a Sizzix die-cutter is very simple. You should unbox the package with 10 dies and remove them from the cardstock backing.
Each die is made of thin metal and glued to the cardstock, but eliminating these pieces is fast and easy.
To use the dies, you should place them (one at a time or all at once) on top of cardstock and sandwich this combo between the standard platform and three additional plates (I used two cutting pads and a thin die adapter). In other words, I used all the platforms that came with my Sizzix die-cutting machine.
Run this "sandwich" through the machine by rotating the handle, and you'll end up with one or multiple cut pieces that you can glue on anything you are currently crafting.
Big Shot Embossing Machine
It's a must to describe how to use embossing folders with this manual machine to make Big Shot reviews fuller. To be honest, I got my Sizzix Big Shot machine mainly for embossing because this feature allows turning any cardstock into a masterpiece within seconds.
The Sizzix embossing machine (Starter Kit version) includes one embossing folder for testing. It is a beautiful leaf pattern that can add cuteness to a floral paper card or another floral-style craft. Let's see how to use Sizzix Big Shot for embossing.
To emboss manually, you must create a "sandwich" with the Big Shot machine standard platform and one or two cutting pads (test because the number of pads used depends on how thick your embossing folder is). Remember to include the embossing folder (place a piece of cardstock inside). Run this "sandwich" through the embossing machine by manually rotating the handle, and you'll hear a "click" sound, which says you are successful. Add an extra cutting pad if the "sandwich" runs too easily through your Big Shot and doesn't click. If you cannot push the "sandwich" through your Sizzix machine, remove one of the pads or replace it with a thinner version.
The default embossing folder requires a standard platform and one cutting pad. However, I also tested one of my floral embossing folders to create a lovely dress print for a cardstock ballerina embellishment. It needed a standard platform and two cutting pads to succeed.
Testing different folders with your Big Shot embossing machine is necessary before working on your next crafting project. Some embossing folders create beautiful patterns without stretching the paper, but some folders (see an example of the tree bark) stretch cardstock and make it look unique.
Big Shot Reviews
Most reviews (including ours) prove that you can't make a mistake by choosing Big Shot over other machines. It is a sturdy build that will last years and years to your amazement.
The main Sizzix Big Shot troubleshooting you can come across is breaking the included screw as you assemble the handle. This screw is extra thin, and although it is metal, it breaks easily, leaving you to search for another option on how to hold the handle in place. You can try to glue it because removing the screw stuck inside the piece of metal is mission impossible.
The main cons of getting a Sizzix die-cutter and embossing machine are the high price of original dies and embossing folders. One folder costs about $10 or more, and a set of dies is offered at $15 or more. Additional platforms, cutting pads, and adapters are also expensive. On the pro side, you can use alternative dies and folders by other brands or no-names and collect a set of accessories that suit your project needs.
Cricut vs Sizzix
It is hard to compare Cricut vs Sizzix machines because they are created for similar yet different purposes. Sizzix is much faster to die-cut but is limited to your die sets. It also embosses, creating beautiful 3D and textured paper with lovely patterns. Cricut can deboss and die-cut based on thousands of designs available in Design Space (Cricut software), and you can find even more SVG files online. It has no limitations but requires time to cut paper electronically (and many other materials).