Do I Need A Big Shot?

[debi0702]

Okay I have been into scrapbooking for years now. Just recently I have gotten into card making and love it!
About 6 months ago I bought a Cricut for my scrapbooking and have used it some. I have been watching demos and tutorials on some card making items (I mostly love using colored pencils and stamps).
What I have been surprised at is the number of tutorials that use items like the BIG SHOT to use die cuts for their stamping.
For those of you that make cards - is the Cricut not a viable alternative to the BIG SHOT? I have no problem buying one (what's one more scrap item? lol) but just thought my Cricut would have been of more use to me.
Also I do have an embossing machine so that isn't the issue.
Need some direction my friends!
Debbie

[jtax]

The short answer - yes, you need a Big Shot!

[debi0702]

Wow - guess that says it all!

Does Michael's sell them? Wonder if I can use a 40% off coupon on it if the do?

I have to say I am VERY disappointed that the Cricut is not a card making "friendly user machine".

But I am really stuck on card making and want to continue with it.

Thanks so much for the advice!

[Jana Z]

I got mine at Michael's and yes, I believe that you can use the 40% off coupons with them and all of the dies. Stampin Up also sells some great dies to use in it. I love my Big Kick (same as Big Shot). Hope that helps!

[debi0702]

Can you tell me what the difference (in your opinion) is from the Big Shot and the Big Kick?

[LMcAree]

If you can't find them at M's, check Amazon, I got a really great deal with free shipping!!! :mrgreen:

[Crafter 4 Life]

JoAnn also sells the Big Shot (black & pink) and the Big Kick (blue & black). Don't know if the red & white Big Kick is still sold. These have the same 'innards' and can do the same thing but just have different outer casings. You an use a coupon if you buy from Michael's and JoAnn. (these are the stores I am familiar with) Sometimes JoAnn has this machine for sale online (@ $60.00)with free shipping over $50. Have never seen the black & pink one in any of the JoAnn stores I frequent.

I also have a Cricut and use it mostly for card making. It just depends on the type of card you want to make at the time. Sometimes I want to have embossing on the card and sometimes I want a Cricut image or sometimes I use both so I do use both tool.

As far as if you NEED a Big Shot, only you know what your style is and if the Big Shot would be a tool you would use. Be aware that like the Cricut the $$$ doesn't end with the purchase of either of these items! There is ALWAYS a new die or embossing folder that you could use so!!!!! There are different companies making embossing folders and dies. There are stamp companies that now have dies that coordinate with their stamp sets-the list goes on and on.

[debi0702]

Yes like you said the list goes on and on.

I use a lot of stamping on my cards and am looking to make framing for my images etc. Not so much for the die cut items. I'm wondering if I am looking for mainly this purpose and have the Cricut for many things if I would be better of buying a couple of punches such as from stampin up and stamps to help with my cards.

I get sooooo confused and want to spend my money wisely (if you can with all these craft items on the market) and just want what I use it for to be worth it. I'm tending to now leaning toward the punches since that is the main reason for the Big Shot. I have an embossing (Sizzix) already.

I could spend hours looking at all this stuff!

[Jana Z]

I don't think there really is one. One was made by Ellison (I think!) and one by Sizzix. I think Sizzix bought Ellison, but they are essentially the same machine. The Big Shot comes in prettier designs/colours. LOL!

[debbie derocher]

Jana Z is right, there is no difference. I also make cards and was given a Cricut. If it wasn't given to me, I wouldn't have bought one. I love my Cuttlebug and Big Kick. The Big Kick can take the wider dies. Both can take the Spellbinders, and other thin dies. I work at Michaels and always lean people towards getting the Big Kick rather than the Cuttlebug. I think the Cricut is great for scrapbookers but not a necessity for cardmakers. I think the Cricut cartridges are expensive and you can't use coupons on it.

[Memphis1956]

Last Christmas when JoAnne's had the Cricut's on sale, I finally purchased one. I thought I would use mine a lot, but in reality, I use it very little. I use my Big Shot a lot more and as stated above you can use it with Spellbinders and other brands of embossing folders and dies.

[Janey]

I love both my punches and my big shot....punches are quicker, and after you stamp, it's easier to line up your message and punch ....but, boy.....that big shot....in my workshop we made beautiful cards and then made a pin from wool felt out of the flower die cut......it cuts thru so many things....even made garden markers with the same die cut out of metal flashing and pop (and beer) cans......I am hooked on the big shot....

[cat_woman]

Your cricut will come in handy for cardmaking if you decide to use to make "faux" nesties. Google "Penny Duncan" and you will find she has a lot of the nestie shape available in a lot of cutter machine file types that you can use on your cricut. You will also find that your cricut will replace a few hundred dollars worth of punches. I have a CraftRobo and I use mine all the time to cut my nestie shapes and a lot of die cut shapes for my cards. Your cutting machine is "card friendly". And, no, you really don't need a manual die cutting machine, but it is really nice to have if you want to use any of the pretty embossing folders. As a matter of fact, you can also use your cricut to make your own embossing folders. I prepared a tutorial a couple years ago that shows how to do on the CraftRobo but the concept is easily transferable to the Cricut. I'll have to take a look on my old external hard drive for the file, but I'll post the tutorial again.

[debi0702]

Wow I am both grateful and amazed at the knowledge and willingness to share "all". Thank you, thank you, thank you, a million times over. I am listening and "taking in" all of your wonderful thoughts and ideas! Keep them coming!!!

[horseygal]

If you have the extra to spend, YES, you need a Big Shot!
I love mine, even though I don't use it all the time.
If you can afford the Cricut cartridges, or you are a card/scrapbook instructor, YES. Otherwise, honestly you can live without either one. I have both, and the Cricut is great when I'm doing a class because I can program it to do, for example 20 circles, squares, or whatever shape I need, or even a whole page. Otherwise, I'd rather just buy letter stickers or chipboard as I need them, but if money is no problem, go for it!

I use my Cricut for shapes, mostly. You can buy punches as you need them otherwise.

So, it really comes down to what you are willing to spend. Cartridges are spendy and so are dies.

[sleepyinseattle]

It is worth every penny. I have tons of gadgets and doodads that I never ever use but not this. It is set up right next to me at all times

[SmurfBE]

The big shot can cut through chipboard and cork board and magnet sheets and lots of other stuff that we "need" in our craft. () I'm not sure the cricut can. ???

[TexasGrammy]

I LUV my Big Shot!
I do not sell them, or have any other reason to promote ... but the tool is a joy! ;)

[bound4london]

You say you have an embossing machine already---what is it? Is it a Cuttlebug? If so, you can use that for most everything that you can use
a Big Shot for.

A Cricut can be used for card making. Many crafters use it.

For instance here:


Best Cricut Ideas for Cricut Card Projects

Projects::Cards

I don't have one--yet--so I have Cricut envy thinking of all the neat things
I can do with it. You can cut all kinds of things to put on your cards.

[KoffeeKat]

I have an electronic cutter and a manual die cutter.

I love the look of nesties but have been experimenting with 'making my own' with the electronic cutter.

Some intricate shapes are better on the manual cutter, but I've saved a fair amount of $ by using the electronic one more often. I like the ability to resize (plus, I can make my own designs and just use them once without having to justify the cost).

The manual cutter is quicker, easier and more child friendly and I do like embossing folders.

If you already have an embossing machine, I'd say you don't NEED a Big Shot, but providing you bought enough dies, you would use it.

[stampin granny60]

I have the big shot and love it. I use it all the time. It has been a great tool for my workshops.

[bradley's_mom]

I want a Big Shot-I love some of the SU dies like the milk carton. I can see using that a lot for gifts.

[Holly Joy]

I bought my Big Shot last December when JoAnns had them on sale. I love it and I use it alot.

Holly

[merrymoo2]

I use my Big Shot every.single.day! Aside from my paper piercer, it's my most used tool

[jeannemlehrman]

I am a hobby su demonstrator and put off buying a big shot and the accessories until last October. My daughter really wanted us to make her wedding invitations and the big shot was the perfect tool. Her invitations, thank yous, and table favors were so elegant and fun to make. Use it lots now for cards and enjoy having it, jml

[Cleone]

Check Overstock.com too! I have a vagabon and I use it much more often than my Circut.

[lylacfey]

I make a lot of cards with my Cricut. I have noticed if you are more of a stamper than a die cutter fan then the manual machines seem to be better choice. I love my electronic cutters but when stamping I tend to reach for my manual cutter. I get in this mindset that I just don't want to fool with the mats, etc to cut out a flower when I am stamping. I have also noticed I really don't like messing with the Cricut Expressions when stamping. If I decide to cut something I reach for my Cricut Create.

Yes, I think the BigShot is a good idea. You can cut more than just paper with it. You can can cut everything from felt to balsa wood. Of course you can emboss. You can even use it to smash items.

A manual die cutter is a lot more versatile than an electronic cutter because you can do so much with it from quilting to jewelry.

I have the Cuttlebug and the Pink Black BigShot. I use my Cuttlebug for messy techniques and my Big Shot for textile and jewelry creations. I am picky like that, lol.

If I only had to pick one machine then the BigShot wins hands down.

[inkerzaway]

Speaking as primarily a card maker (vs scrapper) I have to say that when SU introduced the Big Shot as a catty item I wondered what in the world I needed it for since I am not a scrapper. BUT since I am a demonstrator and we now had a new product line I figured it should reserve judgement until I gave it a whirl. So, I tried it and I liked it, no.... I loved it. Eventually I discovered that I almost have a hard time making a card without out! lol! Yes, I love it! The diecutting, the embossing, the whole she-bang...haven't even really used a CuttleBug (never had an interest before the BS became available in the SU catty and steered clear for that reason) but I know a lot of people do get by using those vs the Big Shot, however I am glad to have the sturdier of the two machines.

As for the Cricut....a friend of mine offered to help me do some simple cutting of alpha letters for a wedding gift project I was doing last summer for each of my two older sons and their wives (both got married within 6 days of each other over a year ago...but that is another story!) and I wanted to personalize an album for each of them for their honeymoon photos. So, using decorative paper (not even anything thick!) she helped me cut out some alpha letters....what a pain! I think she was pretty familiar with her machine but it did not seem to be the least bit "user friendly" and watching her fuss with it to do the simplest of cutting on thin paper was enough to convince me that I do NOT need that machine. (for the project we cut out the letters in DSP and then again in a very thin cardboard...like the slightly stiffer backing for decorative paper packs so I could glue them together and put them on the front of the album). Combine that with the pricing of the cartridges and I was sold....I do not need a Cricut! lol! But I do love my Big Shot and use it for so many things that I really don't know how I ever stamped without it.

A lot of stores sell them for less with a coupon, free shipping, etc. so as an SU demonstrator I was very excited when the SU hostess benefits package changed this year so now my customers can choose a Big Shot as a "hostess half price item" and they too can get a 50% off and free shipping on a Big Shot! I know that all of us are always on the lookout for a good deal so that was exciting for me and many of my stamping friends who are now planning to upgrade fromtheir CB's by adding the BS to their collections.

So, I guess what I am saying is this...it's a great product and it doesn't matter where you get it, you will love it!

[debi0702]

I printed my 40% coupon for Michael's this morning and am heading there today to check it out. I did do some checking on line this morning - lowest I am seeing it - is $65 at Amazon. HOpeing to get a better deal with my coupon.

I am so very excited to find you all - as I spend hours going over tutorials and reading reviews on items - but this - you guys - are awesome. I can not express enough my gratitude to all of you for your help!

I am hoping that I can try to have my cricut be more useful for card making but with my main theme of my cards being stamped items - only frames and outlines is all I need - hence thinking the big shot will work better during those times. But then there are my scrapbooking weekends! lol

Now off to see if I can buy the BS at a good price today! I'll let you all know!

[live4stampin]

If you are a card-maker, you might look into the Close to my Heart Art Philosophy Cricut bundle. It includes the cartridge, 3 exclusive stamp sets, and 3 packs of chipboard die-cuts. The cartridge has over 700 images on it, plus tags, cards, fonts, labels, layers, lace, doilies, 3-D items, 3-D flowers, etc. The images in the stamp sets correspond with the cartridge, and so do the die-cut shapes. I use it all the time! I am a consultant, so I have clubs, workshops, open houses, etc. and love that it will cut multiple images. And you can cut from a 1/4" size all the way up to 11 3/4". Just my 2 cents!

Anne

[Stamptildawn1]

Well I own both :-) But that was before the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge came out. To be honest, I didn't use the big shot to its full potential because CTMH doesn't sell the dies and I like to make cards that also give my customers ideas....

Now that the Art Philosophy cartridge came out a ton of tutorials and you tube videos are starting to get posted with ideas. You could absolutely use the ideas with images from other cartridges so hopefully you'll get more inspiration on the cricut soon! (My youtube channel is Stamptildawn)

And many of the GREAT ideas posted using the big shot, can be done with images available on cricut cartridges. (but I do like being able to place a big die shape so that it goes up to a fold on a card, etc...etc... ) See....I own both. hahaha!

[EvaC]

Maybe someone already said this...I didnt read all the responses yet....yes, I love my Big Shot. I think the key, even though it is much more portable than the old sizzix...is to be able to have it out in your crafting space. Now that mine has a place where I can walk over and use it without having to drag it out...I use it all of the time.

[gamelodge]

One word!!! "Yes"

[GWTW Junkie]

TOTALLY! You will NOT regret it. I literally can hardly make a card anymore without it, and it has added lots of interest and different textures to my scrapbooking, too. If you'd like to look at some samples, my blog has a whole Big Shot category you might like--link in my sig.

[STAMPINGODDESS]

I find the word "need" to be so ugly and undesirable. While you may not need a Big Shot I would certain say that yes, you really WANT one!

I'm not a scrapbooker either, but when SU go the BS I ordered one so that I could demonstrate it at my workshops. Now I use it for almost all of my cards. I love, love, love, the textured looks you get with the embossing folders and really enjoy making all of the different boxes and containers.

[JoBear2]

It's been great reading everyone's posts as I am thinking of upgrading from a Cuttlebug to a Big Shot. I do have one question and I hope it's not a dumb one - but is the opening where you run things through bigger, ie: wider than a Cuttlebug? And if so, what is the actual measurement? I watched a video of someone using a Big Shot but I think it looked wider but it was a little hard to tell.

[piglady56]

Yes, I believe the opening is wider. I have a CB, but since I've recently become an SU demonstrator, I jumped onto the Big Shot. That way I can sell what I use!! lol

The other thing to think about is that some of BS dies can cut up to five sheets of paper. If you are making several cards, that would be a HUGE help. I've done four weddings (invitations, etc.) with the CB (only single sheets at a time)...and if I could have done 4 or 5 at a time, that woud have been so much better.

Good luck in your decision. I know I love my Big Shot---and the Top Note die!

[KalaKitty]

Every one needs a Big Shot ;)

[weims]

I bought a Circut when they were pretty new. Back then, I mainly scrapbook, so the adjustability was a nice feature. However, I'm cheap and buying more cartridges wasn't a priority. so it sits on the counter, used a couple of times a year. Two years ago, I got a Big Shot for Christmas. I use it All The Time. Rarely do I make a card that doesn't use it. I adore the embossing folders, and have a decent selection of dies that are very versatile.

[JoBear2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by piglady56

Yes, I believe the opening is wider. I have a CB, but since I've recently become an SU demonstrator, I jumped onto the Big Shot. That way I can sell what I use!! lol

The other thing to think about is that some of BS dies can cut up to five sheets of paper. If you are making several cards, that would be a HUGE help. I've done four weddings (invitations, etc.) with the CB (only single sheets at a time)...and if I could have done 4 or 5 at a time, that woud have been so much better.

Good luck in your decision. I know I love my Big Shot---and the Top Note die!

Thanks for your response - I really appreciate it. I've seen alot of cards where the cardmaker has used the Top Note die and they look so fab.