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Nestabilities question
Hello enablers! I am interested in Nestabilities. I do not have a die cut machine, but do have a Cricut. Which die cut machine do you feel would be the best purchase to use with the Nestabilities (by ease and also price). THANKS!
I use the cuttlebug with my Nesties. I recommend purchasing them from Ellen Hutson's store. In my opinion, her prices are very comparable to other online places and her service and fast shipping is amazing! She also doesn't have a "waitlist" if she is out of the product... if you don't see it listed, she's out of it. Some websites allow you to order and THEN you find out they're out!
As for what sizes and shapes to order... that's really up to you. I personally have them all... circles, ovals, squares, rectangles, hearts, paisleys, & tags/labels. I love them all! The sizing is really hard to explain. The large and small are really the same size... it's the nesting that changes. For example, if you ordered both the large and small circles, the largest circle in the small set would fit inside the largest circle in the large set with a 1/8 inch border. If you only bought a set of large circles, you would have a 1/4 inch border. Nichole Heady has a really good description with pictures HERE. She also explains the compatability with other machines well HERE. Personally, I would save up money until you can afford to get both the small and large of a shape... that way you have more options for nesting the shapes. Did I enable you enough??? ;)
I've ordered my first set (ovals) from CutAtHome.com. With her 40% off coupon - I couldn't find a better deal. I plan to use my cuttlebug with these dies.
Spellbinders Nestabilitities are a universal die, so they can be used in any machine. Spellbinders' website has compatibility sandwiches for all machines, so you may want to take a look! HTH - and have fun with them!
__________________ ~ Jennifer Ellefson Created From Paper, a paper crafting blog
Although the Spellbinder's Nestabilities are universal and can be used in a number of different machines, it just makes sense to purchase the machine they were designed for - the Wizard. For that reason alone, you are going to get the best results with the Wizard without having to purchase extra pieces for the machine or try and work out a sandwich that may or may not give you the results you are looking for. Plus Spellbinders has a catalog full of some of the greatest dies you've ever seen and they all emboss.
As far as shapes to get, that's a personal choice. What is your style? If you are more traditional, I would get the ovals or circles. If your style is a bit less traditional, try the squares or rectangles. I've got them all and there is not any one that I would say is better than the next. I personally use the rectangles and squares more than the others, because my style is far from traditional. Plus, I don't use the scallops much. A little of that goes a long way for me. When considering the large or small, just remember that the size difference is minimal unless you are talking about the new large rectangles.
If I was just getting started, I would purchase them with a coupon from Cut at Home. It's hard to beat their price. It's a great way to build your collection without breaking the bank.
I use the Cut at Home % 40 of coupon they send out each month (1 per month), yes you must be patient, but it gets you all 4 sizes in one shape for $57 (appr). I tried 1 straight rectangle and 1 scalloped rectangle first, and wish I had all four sizes. It does take time to get them....long ship from China, but I must watch $ Papertrey has no S&H after $50.00 and have the Nesties
Also, I just have the Cuttle Bug. I read a GREAT TIP! Quilters will know what I'm talking about... you know those self healing cutting mats? If you purchase 2 small size mats they are the same thickness as the "B" plate for the Cuttle Bug. There is no scarring from the die cuts and they don't break. JoAnn's often has them at %50 off so they are $3 a piece, and I've used them lots, they work GREAT!
I really have been happy with the Big Kick/Big Shot. It cuts all the old Sizzix dies, all the new ones, and most of the competitors' dies. It also works great with most of the embossing plates/folders/dies out there.
You can get it with a coupon at Mike's or AC Moore or you can check out their website because they run some really great deals.
Just make sure you get a multipurpose platform with it, though I'm fairly certain the machine comes with it now.
I have Sizzix and Cuttlebug. I don't like the Sizzix because it doesn't cut even w/o shimming and the handle is too hard to push down. I can use all the dies I have for the Sizzix with the Cuttlebug by adjusting the plates. I have all the standard Nestibilities and use them all the time. I paid $300 for them which saved me $80 if I would have purchased them separately, and later purchased the hearts. The Cuttlebug is easy to use and put away, not too heavy, and versatile.
Also, I just have the Cuttle Bug. I read a GREAT TIP! Quilters will know what I'm talking about... you know those self healing cutting mats? If you purchase 2 small size mats they are the same thickness as the "B" plate for the Cuttle Bug. There is no scarring from the die cuts and they don't break. JoAnn's often has them at %50 off so they are $3 a piece, and I've used them lots, they work GREAT!
What a great idea...can you pls share what brand you got...that would save the trial and error on the thickness.
__________________ "I drive way too fast to worry about my cholesterol".
River City Rubber Works
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I just took the plunge! I bought the new Wizard machine coming out in a couple weeks plus the full circle set from Cut at Home! I signed up for the coupon and got a 40% code for the dies! I will have to wait a couple weeks because the new machine doesn't come out until June 20th AND the dies are on backorder. I am *so* not good at waiting!
That is what I would do if I had to do it all over again.
I wanted the first wizard came out but I was either un-employed or under-employed at the time. I decided on the Big Shot when it was offered at Costco so cheap.
I'm anxious to hear about the new Wizard!
Size doesn't matter to me (in the stamp room).
__________________ "I drive way too fast to worry about my cholesterol".
River City Rubber Works
Michelle, even though you have to wait for your Wizard and Nestabilities, I know you won't be sorry! It's great fun just to play with and discover all of the things it can do.
Thanks for the link to the video. I was so simple. I have a Cuttlebug and the Revolution and my first Nesties have shipped and are on their way. Whoo hoo!
My understanding is that the wizard may be easier to use with the nestabilities in that cuttlebug has a "recipe" you have to follow with the different adapters. If you are looking for nestabilities, 7 kids has them for $19.99 and free shipping on orders over $75. I think that may be the best price without a coupon, but I'm not 100% sure. www.7kidscollegefund.com
__________________ If you can't be a good example, be a dire warning.
-River City Rubber Works Stamp
Michele,
If the Nestabilities are your very first dies, I would recommend getting Spellbinders' Wizard machine for them, since their machine is what was designed to work best with the Nestabilities. Having used a Cuttlebug at first and now the Wizard, I can tell a HUGE difference in the embossing of my die cuts. This is due to the all metal construction and 3,000 lbs of pressure the Wizard exerts.
Cuttlebugs are not all metal construction and therefore, the pressure they exert can vary from machine to machine. In fact, I've heard of some people who can't get the usual sandwiches to work with their Spellbinders dies in the Cuttlebug.
Another factor is the plates for the Cuttlebug. Since they are acrylic, I broke more of them than I care to admit and that alone will run up the operating cost of a Cuttlebug.
The Wizard's mats are made of a self-healing material that is virtually unbreakable . . . I haven't broken one yet!
I hope that helps answer your die cutting machine question!
Also, I just have the Cuttle Bug. I read a GREAT TIP! Quilters will know what I'm talking about... you know those self healing cutting mats? If you purchase 2 small size mats they are the same thickness as the "B" plate for the Cuttle Bug. There is no scarring from the die cuts and they don't break. JoAnn's often has them at %50 off so they are $3 a piece, and I've used them lots, they work GREAT![/QUOTE]
Can you please explain this a little more? Are you talking about the small mats that are 1/8 inch or less thick? Is there a specific brand name you use? I am familiar with the larger Olfa and Dritz mats, but I have also seen smaller mats that are made to be used right next to your sewing machine. Please explain what brand you purchased and any other information that might be helpful. Also, do you use them in place of your B mat or in addition to your B mat? Thanks a bunch! This sounds like a great idea.
I have four different machines.
1. the current Wizard
2. Tag-A-Long
3. Cuttlebug
4. Quickutz hand tool for cutting.
Each serves a different purpose, but if I had to only have one it would be the Cuttlebug hands down.
The Wizard that I own will NOT cut other brands of dies. Part of the problem is that their cutting mats are not the same depth all the way through and the other part is that they just don't exert even pressure. So if you have limited funds, do NOT get the Wizard. New or not. You will be great with their product but not anyone elses.
The Tag-A-Long is great for the Sizzlets and other companies small dies. I really really like it.
The Quickutz hand tool is so hand for their little dies, but only for their dies.
The Cuttlebug is great. I have used it on every brand of die and only had to shim a very few. They have taken the good points of all the other machines and combined it in theirs. My vote is for the Cuttlebug, hands down.
We can all agree to disagree on which machine is best, that's just personal preference and product knowledge. It just seems strange that Spellbinders is the only company that has gone to the trouble of giving us the instructions to using these popular dies in other machines and other manufacturers' die in their machine. What other company do you know that will give you instructions on how to use the competition's products and not criticize them?
By the way, I have a Wizard and loved it. The day I bought it a friend and I tested it out with dies from other manufacturers. It works great! Check out the link below. It shows other dies being used in the Wizard.
Also, I just got my weekly newsletter from creativexpress.com. That is the Provocraft site. They have the Cuttlebugs on sale again for $35. I know that some of you out there have been wanting that machine and it's a great price.
As for me, I'll stick with the Wizard. There are so many great dies, besides Nestabilites (check out www.spellbinders.us), and there is so much you can do with the machine. This includes rolling and cutting polymer clay with your dies! Embossing with your dies. Stenciling with your dies. The possibilites are endless!
Whatever machine you own or buy...happy die cutting!
I just purchased 3 sets of Nestabilities from Stamping Cottage (scalloped circle, square and oval, small size). There are 5-6 dies in each package for $21.29 each. Are there larger sets where you get more in the set? I was under the impression these dies were really expensive.
I only got the small ones of each set. Are the large size dies big enough that they would nearly cover an entire A2 card front?
Michele,
If the Nestabilities are your very first dies, I would recommend getting Spellbinders' Wizard machine for them, since their machine is what was designed to work best with the Nestabilities. Having used a Cuttlebug at first and now the Wizard, I can tell a HUGE difference in the embossing of my die cuts. This is due to the all metal construction and 3,000 lbs of pressure the Wizard exerts.
Cuttlebugs are not all metal construction and therefore, the pressure they exert can vary from machine to machine. In fact, I've heard of some people who can't get the usual sandwiches to work with their Spellbinders dies in the Cuttlebug.
Another factor is the plates for the Cuttlebug. Since they are acrylic, I broke more of them than I care to admit and that alone will run up the operating cost of a Cuttlebug.
The Wizard's mats are made of a self-healing material that is virtually unbreakable . . . I haven't broken one yet!
I hope that helps answer your die cutting machine question!
I agree! I used to use my cuttlebug just for cutting until I needed something embossed. The Wizard works best wtih the Spellbinders dies. The difference is amazing! My Cuttlebug broke a month ago. Sooo glad I have my Wizard!
I just purchased Nestabilities and received them yesterday. After trying them for several hours, I feel the best machine for me is to use my BIGkick. It's a much sturdier machine than the Cuttlebug and I feel it does exert more pressure for cutting and embossing.
I think possibly the reason so many people are breaking their cutting pads in the Cuttlebug is they are putting too many layers through the machine.
I use the same process using the Nestabilities in my BIGkick as I do other brass dies for embossing. For cutting I just change from the flexible rubber Sizzix pad to the regular acrylic cutting pad for die cutting as usual.
I've had complete success with the methods I've used.
I do agree with StamperSharon saying that it's ideally best to really use the machine the dies/embossing items were originally designed for.
But in defense of everyone else, if you're willing to take the chance, it's worth a try to use other machines.
These are just my opinions, other people may/will differ.
I use the Cut at Home % 40 of coupon they send out each month (1 per month), yes you must be patient, but it gets you all 4 sizes in one shape for $57 (appr). I tried 1 straight rectangle and 1 scalloped rectangle first, and wish I had all four sizes. It does take time to get them....long ship from China, but I must watch $ Papertrey has no S&H after $50.00 and have the Nesties
Also, I just have the Cuttle Bug. I read a GREAT TIP! Quilters will know what I'm talking about... you know those self healing cutting mats? If you purchase 2 small size mats they are the same thickness as the "B" plate for the Cuttle Bug. There is no scarring from the die cuts and they don't break. JoAnn's often has them at %50 off so they are $3 a piece, and I've used them lots, they work GREAT!
I have been trying this and have a couple of questions. Do you use two quilters mats together to replace one B mat, or do you use each of the quilters mats to replace each of the B plates. I would really appreciate if you could explain this in detail. I like the idea of being able to cut out the dies without cutting into the B plate. Thanks for your help!
I have been trying this and have a couple of questions. Do you use two quilters mats together to replace one B mat, or do you use each of the quilters mats to replace each of the B plates. I would really appreciate if you could explain this in detail. I like the idea of being able to cut out the dies without cutting into the B plate. Thanks for your help!
Has anyone else tried this?
I'd like more info on this too - sounds like a great idea!
Nestabilities question
