Educate me, please! About This Page:

[Chrissi]

Any Sizzix users here?

I'm choking over the cost of these things, but the prospect of thousands of dollars spent on purchasing die-cuts over and over again may cure me of that. I see there's a large Sizzix die-cutter, a Sidekick, and some sort of punch thing with a mallet. I've also seen that one of the machines is compatible with embossing templates, but can't figure out which machine. It's really confusing. I don't have time to watch all those great craft shows on HGTV, so I've completely missed this on tv.

Anything you can tell me or teach me about them is helpful. Don't hold back. Assume I've never been down the Sizzix aisle in the craft store.

[graygables]

I have a regular Sizzix machine. I chose it b/c you can do so much MORE with it than the Sidekick or the Paddle Punch. There are adapters available, so I can use regular Sizzix, Sizzlets (the thin ones), embossing folders and even dies from other companies. I currently have 2 (one is Quickutz and one is Accucut) that I can use with my Sizzix machine. Buying dies can be addicting , so you have to choose wisely. I get a lot of mine on eBay where they are cheaper than retail and often have free shipping. Sometimes I order straight from Sizzix.com when they have a sale (just got some at 40% off) and Hobby Lobby puts them 1/3 off every so often, so that helps, too.

There are some groups out there that share dies, as in you send your paper, SASE, and a small gift (sticker sheet, cool paper scraps, etc) and they will cut what you need and you do the same for others. That way, you don't have to personally own all the dies (although that seems to be my goal! )

I haven't invested in an alphabet yet, I'm still trying to decide which one I want (and justify it!)

Here's the link to where I got my machine...it's a GREAT deal at $59.99 including some dies to get you started:

http://www.shopathometv.com/shopathome/n...=-34232&n=0

[Chrissi]

My first foray into Sizzix research led me to shopathometv.com, so I must be on the right track! Woo hoo! Still seems outrageous. I wasn't sure if Sizzix was something that only die-hard scrappers used or people who own scrapping stores would buy. But it looks like tons of fun!

Hmm...I wonder is there's a cursive/script die alphabet? DH is gonna kill me when he finds out what this thing costs!

[maggieworkman]

I would wait to use a Michaels 40% off coupon. Also, shopathometv.com has sales often. Don't pay full price for these.

Maggie

[graygables]

BTW, my shopathometv sizzix machine came with different dies, 2 of which I wasn't excited about so I sold them on eBay! My machine wound up costing $39.99! BTW, if you bought the machine and all those dies, it would be $107.96 from Sizzix. So, if you like the dies (or can unload them on eBay), it may be worth it to get it from shopathome.

[Chrissi]

[ QUOTE ]
I would wait to use a Michaels 40% off coupon. Also, shopathometv.com has sales often. Don't pay full price for these.

Maggie

[/ QUOTE ]

I have one propped up behind my keyboard right now.

[ QUOTE ]
BTW, my shopathometv sizzix machine came with different dies, 2 of which I wasn't excited about so I sold them on eBay! My machine wound up costing $39.99! BTW, if you bought the machine and all those dies, it would be $107.96 from Sizzix. So, if you like the dies (or can unload them on eBay), it may be worth it to get it from shopathome.

[/ QUOTE ]

I saw the one on shopathome's website with three free dies - none of which were dies I thought I'd use. It never occured to me that I could unload them on eBay. Thanks, you guys! This is great and so helpful!

[GATechGal]

I love my sizzix. Just got the sidekick, but I think I like my full size one better because you can use ALL the dies in it and use bigger size pieces of paper. That's the one thing I like better about the quickutz is that it's sort of like a hole punch in that you can use it on any size piece of paper.

[LBAK]

I also love my Sizzix and I invested in my lollipop alphabet which I got on ebay. I already have used it so many times and my 2 DD's love it as well. I did hide the cost from DH for a few days until I figured out how just the right way to tell him how much money I saved by buying off ebay, using the 40% off coupons etc.

[Mouseketeer]

I have the small Sidekick machine, since I mainly wanted it for the alphabets. There is a script font, which is one of my favorites. It is a smaller size alphabet, but I tend to like these better.

My sidekick machine and the first two alphabets I purchased, I was able to use 50% off coupons at Michaels. They don't run these very often, usually around holidays. I know some stores will match competitor coupons, so you may want to check in your area to see if anyone does that. I actually used 50% off coupons from Joanns at the Michaels store in Dallas.

I'm just afraid that most of the dies for the larger machine I wouldn't use very often. One of my local scrapbook stores has the larger machine with some die cuts and a couple of alphabets different from the ones I have. They offer a free crop day once a week, so that is an option when I want something different. Do any of the scrapbook stores by you offer crop rooms with die cut machines you can use?

It's a big expense, but I'm glad I made the investment.

Lynda

[LilMarcieMouse]

<font color="blue">We have the Sizzix and sidekick, I know the side kick has a Script Alphabet, I have it. </font>

[DyanKJ130]

I love my Sizzix!

I bought it at Michael's on sale. I only buy dies when they are on sale or when I have a coupon.

Many people at school have inquired about my bulletin boards...."Where did you get such a neat font?" So much cheaper than buying the pre-made 'punch-out' letters at the teacher's store!

Dyan

[Disneybound!]

I too have a sidekick, but was thinking of maybe getting a sizzix too, though I also usually do mostly letters, so maybe not. But our ACMoore's in this area, NC, take competitors coupons so I collect them all! Ruth

[wdwlovers]

Thanks for the education guys! And thanks for asking the question Chrissi. I'm not a Sizzix user myself, so this was enlightening.