Bigz Basket & Bloom Die

[mariar]

I am thinking of purchasing the Basket and Blooms die since it is now on sale. I have a Big Shot. Do I need to purchase any extended cutting or crease pads to go with it? If I do need these, do they sell the extended size somewhere other than Stampin Up?

Thanks,

Maria

[row4d]

Yes, you must use extended cutting pads, and the crease pad is highly recommended because this die has score lines -- if you want to cut acetate with this die, you absolutely need the crease pad in order for the score lines to show up. I've seen both these items in stores before, but they're not always in stock.

[mariar]

Is this hard to put together? Is it worth getting?

[row4d]

As with any SAQ (some assembly required) die-cut, it does take a little bit of practice to get it right, but it's not difficult. My main tips would be to NOT fold along the score lines for the main part of the basket (makes it hard to get a nice, round basket if you do fold them), and to insert the bottom piece with the tabs pointing toward the bottom of the basket so that the finished piece looks like the bottom of a Dixie cup rather than a bowl -- make sense?

[mariar]

yeah, thanks!!

[row4d]

Oy, I'm a dork -- yes, I really do know my alphabet! :rolleyes:

Anyway, mariar, glad I could answer your question and I hope you enjoy using that die when it arrives!

[mariar]

I think DH will be getting it for me for Christmas....since I told him that is what I wanted and how to order it. Can't wait.

Thanks again.

[cullenwr]

I also just ordered this die. I would love to see some samples of these little baskets. Anyone care to share pics?

[Merveilleuse]

you actually DO NOT need the extended cutting plates, or the crease pad

although they do help, I used this die for almost a year without getting the extended plates. I have never used the crease pad.

I just put the die through twice, once on each end. I was cutting out pieces of paper to better fit the die pieces I needed anyway, so it wasn't a big deal.

I used these baskets to present the tea balls I gave to the guests at my sister's wedding shower. I will try to find photos when I get home tonight.

[row4d]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merveilleuse

you actually DO NOT need the extended cutting plates, or the crease pad

although they do help, I used this die for almost a year without getting the extended plates. I have never used the crease pad.

Each Big Shot is calibrated just a little bit differently, so while some folks don't need to use the crease pad, others will find that without it they end up cutting through the score lines. I've had it go both ways due to variables in materials -- on the same machine! Paper, being made up of nothing more than pressed wood fibers probably varies in thickness ever so slightly from sheet to sheet, and acetate won't score without the crease pad.

For me, there's always a convenience factor to consider. I really don't like to spend a lot of time on workarounds, so being able to cut in one pass rather than two is worth it to me over the life of the die! ;) Also makes me glad that I didn't get a Cuttlebug back when they were just starting to be all the rage, because it would make me nuts trying to use the Bigz XL dies with two extended strip plates, or by butting two CB plates end to end, or having to go out and find someplace to get pieces of acrylic cut to make custom plates!