Cuttlebug FAQ

[amysings]

Congratulations on owning a Cuttlebug! You probably have lots of questions, so we tried to assemble most of the answers right here.

Here is a comparison of Big Shot and Cuttlebug from Julie HRR's marvelous blog.

Here is a fantastic resource on the "sandwiches" you can use for all different brands of dies and texture plates, as well as other media. Cat's Fantastic Sandwich Stack List This is the place to find out which dies you can use. (Hint: pretty much all of them. Some will require a few extra accessories.)

When you die cut, it will leave marks on your cutting plate. This is normal. Eventually, your cutting plate will wear out (Provo Craft says it will do about 500 cuts). Then you will need replacements. You should be able to get those at a Michael's, or ask the online retailer where you purchased your Bug.

Eventually, you may want to use brass templates or texture plates. You can use the homemade sandwich described in Cat's Sandwich chart, or you can purchase a Wizard Charm Kit or a BISK (Big Impressions Starter Kit). These kits contain thin, soft rubber sheets ("plates") that allow the embossing to occur with brass templates or texture plates. These kits are available at many of the online vendors listed below.

Vendors (this list cannot be complete *ever*, but this is a sampling)


Michael's and Joann's stores (not Joann.com)
They take coupons on the Cuttlebug, but you may have to explain that the Cuttlebug is NOT a Cricut product, just made by Provo Craft

Online Vendors recommended by SCS users:
Busy Bee Scrapbooking
http://busybeescrapbooking.com

Happy Scrappin' Scrapbooking
http://www.happyscrappinscrapbooking.com/

Paper Dreams Store
http://www.paperdreamsstore.com
(good selection, but the website does not notify you when things are out of stock)

Ellison
http://www.ellisondesign.com/
(a little higher priced, but have BISK and other somewhat unusual dies/plates)

Joann.com
http://www.joann.com
(often will not accept coupons on any die cut stuff, including Cuttlebug. does not always notify you that things are out of stock until much later.)

All That Scraps
http://www.allthatscraps.com/

[mspfd]

Thanks so much for all the information.
Thought I should mention that Mike's would not honor a 50% off coupon on a recent visit for a set of alphabets, even though I pointed out that the cuttlebug was a different product, etc. and there were no exculsions listed on the coupon. On the other hand, Joann's did honor one of their 40% off coupons for the same set w/o batting an eye. Policies must differ depending on the store.

[amysings]

Yes, lots of people have run into this problem. In this case, it pays to make a bit of a scene. Ask for the manager; ask to have the district manager called. In fact, their computers are programmed as to whether the coupon will work on individual items. In all cases, the computers have accepted coupons on Cuttlebug items. If you can just suggest that they try to see if the computer will accept it, you should get your discount!

Joann's *stores* will take the coupons. But Joann.com will not. Makes no sense, but there it is! :-)

Happy Cuttling!

[ckreege]

Does Joann stores take the Michaels coupon? or is there a special coupon for Joann's? and, is it 40% off? Thanks,
Cathy

[amysings]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckreege

Does Joann stores take the Michaels coupon? or is there a special coupon for Joann's? and, is it 40% off? Thanks,
Cathy

This varies according to your area stores. You can sign up for Joann flyers that contain coupons also. Ask at your local store.

[jm_donahoe]

Ok, since this thread is new and only 5 posts big, I will post here. I tried to find my answer elsewhere, but alas, I cannot read 3,111 posts! LOL

I am wondering if you can use the SU! brass dry emboss templates with this... I did see you can use brass templates with a homemade or bought foamy thingy, but I didn't see whether or not you can specifically use an SU! one... Thanks!

[amysings]

Yes. The drawback with the SU templates is that they aren't usually designed to be embossed "whole," YKWIM? They will emboss, but that doesn't mean it's a look you want. LOL

There are templates out there that are made to be an entire card front by themselves. Those work better. But then I'm not a visionary! Maybe everyone else can make it look great!

Ellen Hutson's blog is a good place to go for info on embossing these templates.
Simple Dreams: Cuttlebug Wizardry

[Shannon13]

Does anyone know of any Canadian online vendors for CB accessories?

Thanks!

[amysings]

Let me ask my Cuttlefriends. I know there are some. I believe Allthatscraps.com has good prices for shipping to Canada. I'll post back here later today.

[Shannon13]

I got pm'd an online source in CDN for supplies from Ontario.

I also came across Suzy H who is putting together a vendor list for all CDN retailers for all supplies which will help alot.

[amysings]

I: Vendor Updates

Archiver�s Stores stock Cuttlebug stuff also.

For Canadian Cuttlebug owners:

http://www.allthatscraps.com and
http://www.happyscrappinscrapbooking.com
will both ship to Canada.

http://www.scrappingreatdeals.com/Cuttlebug.htm
is a Canadian vendor


II: If you find that your Bug is losing suction, try putting it on a sheet of plexiglass. It really needs a smooth surface to attach, so if your counter/table is textured, you may need to find a smoother surface.

[auntie65]

Thought I'd let you know that as of Jan. 27 A.C. Moore is going to have the Cuttlebug as well. It's also on sale that day only as an introduction.

[SamanthaJDesigns]

Good maybe they'll carry more stock on embossing folder, etc. then M's is.

[rcmarroquin]

Does anyone know if Hobby Lobby carries it? I would hate to have to go across town to Michael's to get one.

[amysings]

You might want to call them--I haven't heard anybody say they could get Cuttlebug stuff there.

[The Gardener]

:(

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcmarroquin

Does anyone know if Hobby Lobby carries it? I would hate to have to go across town to Michael's to get one.

My local Hobby Lobby doesn't have the cuttlebug yet. :(

[Erica Fields]

I am in Arizona and near to one of the most recently opened HL's (I believe). It opened in late November. What a madhouse it was the first day. They had 40 to 50% off on EVERYTHING. I did damage to a credit card. I visit often cause it ain't just stamps. They do not have the CB, only the Cricut. I asked a manager why not and he said maybe after the CHA show. So call your periodically if you're too far to make the trip.

Erica (who is blessed to have a Michael's, Joanne's, Hobby Lobby and Recollections within 5 miles of her home...well maybe it's not exactly a blessing for my credit score).

[rcmarroquin]

MIL and I went to HL yesterday and they don't have one. We decided we'd wait til today for the Michael's coupon, but there wasn't a Michael's ad in the paper. Bummer.

[kiite2me]

For those in Utah, you can use Roberts 40-50% off coupons for the Cuttlebug. I purchased mine for 50% off. YAY! and I LOVE it!

[commited]

Hi Amysings: I am "not so new now" to SCS. I have been visiting alot of the forums and checking out the galleries. I have heard alot about the Cuttlebug. I went to "Provo"s website, and viewed their video clip on the cuttlebug. It did not answer all of my questions though. Like what are all those little plastic thingys, and plates, squares, die (what is that)? Is this how some people make cut outs of their stamps? Your input would be greatly appreciated. I was also thinking of visiting my local stores and checking out the product for myself prior to investing.

[amysings]

Quote:

Originally Posted by commited@bellsouth

Like what are all those little plastic thingys, and plates, squares, die (what is that)? Is this how some people make cut outs of their stamps? Your input would be greatly appreciated. I was also thinking of visiting my local stores and checking out the product for myself prior to investing.

I think the plastic things you see are the embossing folders. You put cardstock inside them, run them thru the roller press in the Cuttlebug, and the pattern is imprinted on the cardstock. Plates are the spacers and cutting surfaces that run through the Cuttlebug. Different types of dies (which have steel blades inside them to cut cardstock) will require different thicknesses of stacks to make them cut.

People use the Cuttlebug to emboss on cardstock and to cut through cardstock and other very thin materials. I think you may be thinking of some of the scalloped punches that people are using on their cards. Those are entirely different.

If you aren't familiar with die cut machines at all, you probably will want to see one in action. Then it should all make sense!

[commited]

Thanks Amy. I understand now. I think that will be my field trip this weekend. I will go and check it out at different locations. Hands on is always good. Your a dear for being patient and explaining. Thanks.

[dbaker3]

for all the great info...thinking about this purchase...

[sn0216]

[QUOTE=amysings]I think the plastic things you see are the embossing folders. You put cardstock inside them, run them thru the roller press in the Cuttlebug, and the pattern is imprinted on the cardstock. Plates are the spacers and cutting surfaces that run through the Cuttlebug. Different types of dies (which have steel blades inside them to cut cardstock) will require different thicknesses of stacks to make them cut.

I just got my cuttlebug and only have two embossing folders (waiting on shippment of rest) and could not for the life of me figure out how they cut through the paper thanks soo much for the info!~!

[buggainok]

Amy, thanks so much for this thread and all the helpful info. I am waiting impatiently for this Sunday's paper and a Michaels coupon so I can go buy my Cuttlebug!:grin:

I started off thinking I could just do the rolling pin trick with the embossing folders. It does work well, but is a whole lot of trouble. After I saw the video demo of how easy it is to just roll the embossing folders through the CB I was sold.

Plus, I don't have a die cut system and have been handcutting everything. Die cuts will be fun, too.

[The Gardener]

I'm fairly new to card making using all of the gadgets and neat things which are out on the market now although I've made my own cards for years. I bought a Cuttlebug with a Michael's 50% off coupon and just love it! It makes beautiful embossing patterns and the die cuts are perfect.

[amysings]

I just know you'll all love your Cuttlebug as much as I do! I learned so much from all the great Bug lovers here, it's nice to be able to share! Have fun!

[laciann]

What is the trick to using those old brass templates I have??? Anyone know?

[amysings]

Check Cat's Fantastic Sandwich Stack List --there are several options to try. Or you can buy the Big Impressions Starter Kit or the Wizard Charm Kit.

[Chef Mama]

I hadn't even considered getting one of these because I truly do not have money to spend on things that would just be fun for me right now. BUT, I'm getting a gift certificate & can choose where to use it (from a list). No craft stores are on it, but Amazon is & I can get one there from JoAnn's. It would be more expensive than using a coupon BUT, I wouldn't be paying for it.

So, questions here: Does the bug come with any of the embossing plates or die cuts to get you started? Or would I need to get some of those before i could use it?

Is there anything else you have to buy separately to use the machine?

What size paper will fit in the machine?

I saw them at M's today, but they didn't have one out of the box to look at.

Thanks!

[amysings]

It doesn't come with any embossing folders or dies, so you'll have to buy those extra. But you won't need anything else. It takes paper 6" wide.

Sometimes Joann's is taking those online coupons on Cuttlebug. It would be worth trying, just in case. Have fun!

[dolphinprncss03]

i am going to purchase my cuttlebug after having the circut since xmas and using it 2 times and selling it the other day to my g/f my other friend that works at michaels accounting mgr said that i can uses the 40% this sunday on it. it excludes the cricut SO LADIES PRESS THE ISSUE WITH THE MGR..oh and i also get 25% with her discount so i am going to get the cuts any suggestions what i want is the raised things not the cut outs...

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dolphinprncss03

i am going to purchase my cuttlebug after having the circut since xmas and using it 2 times and selling it the other day to my g/f my other friend that works at michaels accounting mgr said that i can uses the 40% this sunday on it. it excludes the cricut SO LADIES PRESS THE ISSUE WITH THE MGR..oh and i also get 25% with her discount so i am going to get the cuts any suggestions what i want is the raised things not the cut outs...

As far as the embossing folders go, Michaels does not seem to have a large selection of them, at least the one here does not. I got the D'Vine Swirl, which is a nice general background I think. I am a cat lover, so I got a pack with 4 different darling cat images.

The embossing folders are very reasonably priced, which makes it fun.

[amysings]

You'll get lots more suggestions if you post this in the Cuttlebugitis thread. The gals there will be moe than happy to tell you you need them all! :-)

[Magert40]

My DH just bought me a Cuttlebug for my birthday! (We actually got it together with my 50% off coupon at Joann's.) It cuts through card stock like a dream, but I tried cutting through light chipboard using a Sizzix Original and it broke the bottom B cutting pad in half and cracked it in several places. What did I do wrong? I read that it can cut through light chipboard and I have a bunch of Sizzix Originalsi want to use with it. Any suggestions? I have to go to Michaels tomorrow to get some replacement pads!!!!

[amysings]

Some of the original B plates were defective. You apparently got them! :-( Call Provo Craft and they will send you free replacements. But you probably will also want to buy some anyway, so you can have them right away. You didin't do anything wrong--keep trying! :-)

[cinkin]

Has anyone had luck using the CB with medium weight chipboard?

Cindy

[amysings]

Yes--I have cut medium weight coasters easily. The determining factor is your *dies*. Some--like Sizzix and Cuttlebug--will cut thick materials. Others--like Sizzlets--will not.

[cinkin]

Thanks for the reply...was that using both B plates with the medium chip board and CB dies?

[WendyBunny]

Got my bug at Michael's today using the 40% coupon and the cashier never batted an eyelash. I guess it depends on the store.