Big Shot 101 addresses FAQ's regarding the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine and
Stampin' Up!'s Sizzlits, Bigz and Bigz XL Dies. Except as noted, the information below
represents my "independent research" on how to use this little work
horse and the new dies.
I will update this information as I continue to learn and experiment with more products. Please check back for new ideas and tips. In addition, I have included my personal recommendations for using the new dies successfully in the Cuttlebug below.
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Click to download Stampin' Up!'s Big Shot Machine and Dies Brochure. Check out my Big Shot Gallery for samples and ideas.
Big Shot
Bigz XL Dies (for example, Pennant, Baskets & Blooms (featured) 6" x 13 7/8" x 5/8" thick)
Sandwich (starting from the bottom)
- Extended XL Acrylic Cutting Pad (6 1/8" x 1/8" x 14.5")
- Bigz XL Die face up
- Card Stock or Designer Series Paper
- Extended Acrylic Cutting Pad
TIP: I find it helpful to move the two acrylic plates slightly forward of the die (maybe an inch or so) so that they hit the roller first. The sandwich seems to grab better.
Bigz Dies (for example, Scallop Envelope, Top Note (featured), Pillow Box, 5.5" x 6" x 5/8" thick):
Sandwich (starting from the bottom)
- Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot)
- Bigz Die face up
- Card Stock or Designer Series paper
- Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot) or Premium Crease Pad (for deep etched score lines)
TIP: If you have any issues with the die cutting through part of the score lines, the Premium Crease Pad (Item No. 113476, $8.95) is an excellent solution. NOTE: The crease pad is too wide for a Cuttlebug.
My Tutorial: Bigz Scallop Envelope Die
Sizzlits (for example, Birds & Blooms). Dies are much thinner than the Bigz Dies)
Sandwich (starting from the bottom)
- Multipurpose Platform Tab 1
- Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot
- Sizzlits Die face up
- Card Stock or Designer Series paper
- Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot)
Embosslits Dies: Embosslits measure 2 1/4" x 2 1/2". They have both a positive and negative image that allows for simultaneous cutting and embossing. Click here for an Embosslit Tutorial.
Textured Impressions Dies or Cuttlebug Embossing Folders:
Sandwich (starting from the bottom)
- Multipurpose Platform Tab 1
- Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot)
- Cuttlebug embossing folder with card stock inserted
- Acrylic cutting pad (Big Shot)
Texturz Plates (6" x 1/16" x 8 1/6"): These leave a beautiful but softer finish than the Textured Impressions Dies. TIP: I mist mine with water first for the best (deepest) results. Allow to dry flat before adhering.
Sandwich (starting from the bottom)
- Multipurpose Platform Tab 1 (use "No Tab" for thicker cardstock)
- Texturz Plate facing up
- Card stock
- Texturz Silicone Rubber Mat (114615)
- Texturz Impressions Pad (114614)
Nestabilities: These are a little trickier since you want
to get the pressure just right to avoid any embossing on card stock you
only want to cut.
To Cut (starting from the bottom):
- Multipurpose Platform Tab 1
- 2 pieces thin card board and 1 piece card stock. TIP: This is where you can adjust a bit (more or less card stock, for example) for perfect pressure.
- Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot)
- Card Stock or Designer Series Paper
- Die face down
- Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot)
TIP: I flip the traditional order of the card stock and the die (face down vs. face up) so that you can stamp an image first and still align and see it when you cut. This avoids the extra step of a magnetic sheet or tape.
To Emboss (starting from the bottom)
- Multipurpose Platform Tab 1
- Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot)
- Die face up with card stock still in it from cutting steps above
- Tan polymer mat (same as used with the Cuttlebug)
- 1 piece thin card board TIP: This is where you can adjust a bit (more or less card stock, for example) for perfect pressure.
- Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot)
Cuttlebug
Texturz Plates.
Sandwich (starting from the bottom)
- Cuttlebug A Plate
- Texturz Plate facing Up
- Card Stock
- Texturz Silicone Rubber Mat (114615)
- Texturz Impressions Pad (114614)
Bigz XL Dies (for example, Baskets & Blooms, Pennant, 6" x 13 3/4" x 5/8" thick)
Note: The Extended Cutting Pads and Premium Crease Pad sold as accessories with the Big Shot are too wide for the Cuttlebug.
Sandwich (from the bottom)
- Cuttlebug B Plate
- Bigz XL Die face up
- Card Stock or Designer Series Paper
- Cuttlebug B Plate
TIP:
I find it helpful to move the two acrylic "B" plates slightly forward of
the die (maybe an inch or so) so that they hit the opening first. The
sandwich seems to grab better. Since these plates are shorter than the Extended Cutting Pads, your can't cut the entire length of the die. However, they work perfectly well in sections. The exception would be if the die (for example the Bag With Scallops) is longer than the cutting pads.
Bigz Dies (for example, Scallop Envelope, Top Note, Pillow Box, 5.5" x 6" x 5/8" thick, from the bottom)
- Cuttlebug B Plate
- Bigz Die Face Up
- Card stock or Designer Series Paper
- Cuttlebug B Plate
TIP: Score lines do not cut through (a good thing) but are not quite as defined as using the Big Shot (per above) with the Crease Pad.
TIP: For my suggestions on using Nestabilities in the Cuttlebug, please click here.
GENERAL TIPS
- Results and tension may vary a bit from machine to machine. Typically, simple adjustments by adding or removing a piece of card stock or two (acting as shims), will help create the right amount of pressure for your machine. You should feel some resistance and hear a few clicks as your roll your sandwich through. However, never force a sandwich through any machine. You risk breaking the machine, dies and plates.
- When adhering 3-D projects, use something stronger than Snail Adhesive if you want to avoid the dreaded "wardrobe failure." Sticky Strip or anything that offers a good bond is fine.
- Big Shot Multipurpose Platform is 6 1/4" wide, 5/8" high and 9 3/4" long. The standard Big Shot Acrylic Pads and Crease Pad are 6 1/8" wide, 1/8" thick and 8 7/8" long
- Scallop Envelope (Bigz Die) measures 3 1/4" x 2 1/2"--perfect for gift cards
- Pillow Box (Bigz Die) measures 3 3/4" x 2" x 5/8" (party or wedding favors, small snack box)
- The Extended Cutting Pads and Premium Crease Pad sold as accessories with the Big Shot are too wide for the Cuttlebug.
