2018 Gift Guide: Comparing Gemini FoilPress & Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil System

[@shortlandstreetfan]

I really miss Alexandra and pray that she and her children are doing well. God Bless you all x

[@renaewolford3270]

Thank you for this video especially; I've been on the fence regarding purchasing a foiling machine (I do own the small Mink one) and had not seen a comparison on these 2 machines. So I am definitely leaning toward the Gemini after watching this. Food for thought anyway. I appreciate your videos so much. Just found you in the past month. You are adorable to watch and listen to; keep them coming!

[@NancyLynn]

Hey Alexandra....as this comment is posted about 8 months after you made this video, I thought I should share what I learned with respect to foiling with the Gemini on fabric, like the leather you used in this video: Gemini has 2 different foils that are used when foiling: one has a purple tab on the foil packaging (and inner core of the roll of foil is white), which is used for foiling on cardstock, and the other has a pink tab on the foil packaging (and inner core of the roll of foil is kraft-colored) and is used for fabric, chipboard, etc (all the heavier materials which includes leather). I felt this was an important fact to mention so if anyone can attest to using the Gemini Foilpress to foil onto leather, I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts. I am in the final stages of making a decision, finally LOL. Thanks Alexandra, Greg, and Hannah!

[@sparkle5ms]

What about the couture creations gopress and foil machine. That came out a while ago before any of these machines and it works with any die cuting machine mostly. What do you think of that machine?

[@surgicaltechcrafter2169]

I just purchased glimmer foil at hobby lobby 40%off for 74.99 and am doing the kit of the month through spellbinders, thank you for your review

[@kristinevencel2898]

I haven’t compared machines, but I have the Glimmer machine and love it! The foiling is stunning. I don’t mind that it doesn’t talk to me, lol, and so far I haven’t found any difficulties with foiling. Thank you for the review. Didn’t even realize Gemini had a foiling machine.

[@NancyLynn]

You are awesome, Alexandra! Thank you for your honest review! I can't tell you how much I appreciate this because I am a crafter who, because of disability issues, am homebound so when I order online, and because I live in Canada, it is critical that when I buy something that I make an informed decision before proceeding, not to mention the added fees of customs and Canadian taxes. Here in Canada shipping is every expensive, particularly if ordering from the United States so if you have to return an item, it is cost prohibitive. I could not decide which machine to go with so you have helped me make the right decision, for me! I do realize that when comparing crafty items, particularly the more expensive ones, a lot of it just depends on one's needs and wants. Thanks again, Alexandra, and thanks to Hannah as well....oh and by the way, I'd love to know what a "British style roast dinner" is?

[@deborahanne9793]

Hi Nancy, The Gemini foil machine is on TSC in Canada on March 6th at 4:00 p.m.

[@NancyLynn]

@@deborahanne9793 Wow....thank you so much for the info Deborah....I'll be SURE to check it out!

[@deborahanne9793]

You are very welcome Nancy, I am in Canada as well, I understand what you are saying about thoroughly checking out items before purchasing. Happy crafting!

[@NancyLynn]

@@deborahanne9793 Thanks again, Deborah. I've never shopped from there before so going to check it out now. Much appreciation from London, Ontario, Canada!

[@deborahanne9793]

Wow, we are neighbours! I live in Goderich, Ontario.

[@JudithDev8]

Can you tell me if the Spellbinders glimmer plate which I have purchased will work in the Gemini cutting machine?🇬🇧

[@sashagardner5148]

I'd like to know also.

[@TosaNewsense]

I be the couture creations GoPress and Foil and have been able to use all sorts of hotfoil dies from all sorts of manufacturers.

[@anne-mariegaglio1461]

The main value of the Glimmer as well as the Gopress of couture creations are to be used with manual die cutting machines that we may all have. The Gemini foil press was made to fulfill the owner of Gemini cutting machines in which other foil machines were not entering. I have a Gopress and very happy with it and once I figured out how it is working with my bigshot, i became a happy crafter. The Glimmer is working the same way as the Gopress and you can use other hot foil dies too including the fool and cutting one.

[@nancyreynolds]

I appreciate your comparison of the products.

[@julieharden158]

Thanks for sharing this information, it’s always helpful x

[@mimwc]

Thanks for the review, very informative. The issue I have with the gemini is, it only works with the gemini cutting machine- to buy them both is pretty pricey. I already have a big shot, so that seems like a logical choice for me. Thanks. I think it would be helpful to give a price range for these systems so that folks understand the investment. Also I think for us is the US, the gemini doesn't come with an electrical plug that works? So you have to purchase an adaptor. thanks

[@cardsaremycanvas9065]

Thanks for the great and very honest review!

[@dwestermann1999]

Can you use the Gemini dies in the Spellbinders machine. I like that they cut and foil at the same time and I already brought the Spellbinders machine.

[@carolespain9423]

I have got hot foil and the gemini so I know how to use them a short demo using the dyes would be a great my be 10 or 15 mins to show some card ideas

[@helensalas7093]

Gracias por poner subtítulos en español

[@couthyquine]

I have the Gemini foil press and used it with the Gemini junior. Recently I upgraded to the Big Shot Switch machine which, unlike the Gemini, can accommodate all the dies I own - Bigz, large format thin dies, the whole shebang. The one thing I can’t work out is what sandwich I need for the Gemini foil press in the Switch. I think it should work, as the opening one the switch is large enough to accommodate it…. Have you done this yet? If I could have only one die cut machine it would be the Switch, and would save a lot of space. A lot of people have suggested I replace the Foilpress with the Glimmer, but the UK version has been out of stock for many months. Also, I have a Foilpress and it works! Buying a second hot foil machine seems a needless expense.

[@janetshaffer423]

Can you the Gemini hot foil press in the Spellbinders Platinum 5?

[@audregaer3281]

Sara recommended the multi media foil for natural materials such as leather and fabric. Was your leather real or faux and which foil did you use? She got fantastic results using the regular hot foil on faux leather when she presented on HSN. I have the Gemini. It is fun to play with but the creative mess seems to take up my whole workspace. I tried to do a thumbs up but my iPad or KZbin won’t let me. 😟

[@suesessions5736]

Can I use my glimmer hot foil plate to run through my Electric Gemini machine please

[@marilenigarcia6626]

Hi please help I have the Gemini foil press with the original Gemini die cutter machine . I’m using no extra shims and the top extender plate and it’s cutting through all my card stock and ruining my projects. Why is this happening

[@jilllangford3542]

Do you think I could use the large Gemini with the Gemini foil machine?

[@janetshaffer423]

Now it is 2021, and I cannot locate the gemini foil base plate..the part you plug the heat plate imto....What are the proper search terms to locate this Crafters Companion product?

[@racena2034]

love that you bought them both and neither is sponsored. super helpful. i don't understand why existing foils don't work? they are heat reactive as well, aren't they?

[@HedgehogHollow]

They rely on an adhesive agent that this system doesnt have like toner or adhesive where as these are purely based off heat and pressure

[@user-hh1bb9rs2q]

Great information. I have an issue with my Gemini foil press. The heating plate is starting to warp and bend up towards where the handle is located. Is this normal? Or do I have a defective plate?

[@franhain7699]

great video nice to know the pro and cons

[@beaborsato5209]

Does the spellbinders Glimmer fit it into the Gemini junior?

[@caroperez8]

Hi. Can I use the Gemini with the big shot plus machine?

[@krissyskreations]

Spellbinders have some foil and cut dies as well.

[@HedgehogHollow]

Good to know thanks, ill go check them out

[@1enfw]

Hello can someone help me? I use the sizzix big shot as my die machine. Can the Gemini be used with the big shot?

[@marilenigarcia6626]

Hi I have the Gemini foil press with the original Gemini die cutter. It is cutting through all my projects . I’m so frustrated can u help me

[@shirleydesrochers4947]

After heating the plates from either machine, can you put it through a sizzix cutting machine?

[@dwestermann1999]

Yes

[@knitkniter]

Thanks for the comparison. Have you tried interchanging the Glimmer and FoilPress foils?

[@HedgehogHollow]

yes and they all seem to interchange perfectly

[@nikibailey5241]

Can you use a kit and kaboodle Pro cut die cutting machine with the Gemini foil press. Thank you

[@wilmadavenport479]

Hey Alexandra, Can you tell me if you have tried to cut out your own die (with your cricut) and then use either of these foiling machines to cover the die cut? (For example, cutting out HAPPY BIRTHDAY in a nice fat font.) I just tried it with the Spellbinders and did not have any luck. Don't know if it was me or the machine. I would love to be able to do this and curious if you have performed this and noticed a difference between the two machines. Thanks.

[@TosaNewsense]

I would think that if you wanted to cover the entire surface of a die cut piece, without using an additional hot foil plate on top of the paper to transfer the design, you might have better luck coating the entire die cut with toner and running it through a minc machine (with minc type foils of course) or if you don’t have a machine like that, you would use any foil you own, and do a cold transfer using 2-way glue, gilding adhesive, the new deco foil duo transfer gel (which I have yet to try), double sided tape, etc. You can always transfer foils onto your die cuts using old school methods. Just make sure you rub the back of the foils well and completely to get the whole area transferred. This is why, when I want a shape completely covered in foil, I prefer coating an entire sheet of paper with toner (making all black copies onto cardstock at the copy center), cutting shapes next, and using my laminator to transfer minc foils. I love hotfoiling too but sometimes it’s not the best approach.

[@fionnawheatley9095]

Ps thanks for the review!

[@StampNStitch]

Have you tried the Sizzix Foldaway machine? I have a Cuttlebug, but my plates are starting to crack. I have limited space to craft and store. That is why I'm thinking about this machine. I'm just not sure or convinced by other KZbin videos. Is the Foldaway platform sturdy enough or should I consider another machine.

[@karenacevedo9853]

I’m not sure if you said whether or not the foil dies and the foils are interchangeable between the two different machines. Are they? Thank you...

[@dgmlmax]

Can the foil plates be used any other way besides in these machines?

[@TosaNewsense]

You can use them as stamps to create debossed effects, with or without ink.

[@sandrapaul4828]

Hello. I am wondering if I can use either of these 2 hot foil machine with my sizzix cutting machine. Doe I NEED to have the cutting machine of the same brand of the foil machine ? Thanks in advance for the answer

[@dollylabelle4101]

Does the Gemini Foil Press only work with the Gemini machine? I missed that, if you said it. Thank you!

[@ginamosleybivens3760]

Thank you for this great review***Will the Gemini foil press work with Sizzix Big Kick?

[@jacquir495]

Looks like I asked if works with big shot ...hope someone answers

[@monkeyheadbonkers9303]

I was hoping you could help me with something. I can't seem to find an answer anywhere. Did you try using the glimmer hot foil press dies with the gemini hot foil press? I purchased a bunch of sentiments but when I ran them thru the gemini, they press so deep and the foil seems to go every where but in the letters. Do I need to lose one of the plates since the glimmer foil press dies seem to be thicker then the crafters companion ones? Thank you!!!!

[@pamelasertich9850]

Thank you for that great review. Does anyone have an opinion on the foil application of the hot foil vs the other system with using a minc machine or laminator? I am not very happy with the way the foil adheres in the regular foil system

[@patpowell820]

I have a minc. I thought it foiled ok, but every time that I tried to use the glitter card, it would bunch up in the machine and ruin the carrier sheet. I never use it anymore. It's in a box someplace.

[@pamelasertich9850]

Pat Powell thank you so much

[@bonniebolen5739]

Will the Glimmer platform fit in the smaller spellbinder platinum?

[@Kackspack0815]

Do the foil-and-cut dies work on the Glimmer, too?

[@lorettariddel9176]

Can I use the Spellbinder Hlimmer in my Gemini machine?

[@priscillaold2606]

Does your Gemini foil unit start to heat before you press the start button? Mine does and I didn't think it should. Thanks.

[@HedgehogHollow]

Yes once you select low medium or high it starts to heat to that temperature; the timer is just making sure that the die is heated for the right amount of time, hope that helps

[@fionnawheatley9095]

Hi Alexandra- just wondering about the couture creations, which was the original of this system? Also can you use the couture creations foil with both? Their foil is the most affordable!

[@HedgehogHollow]

Yes all the thermal films for the heated systems are the same, they are jsut no the same as the ones we all use currently for the tacky or laminator methods

[@erinmckenzie-christensen6975]

I was also wondering about a review for the couture creations gopress and foil machine? Im interested because santa is bringing me one this year. I use a cut n boss machine which made by same company as gemini is came out earlier and i love it! I was just wondering if you have done a review of that machine also ? That said there are many videos on it which is probably what convinced me also the price! Great idea to use heat resistant acetate!!

[@MariaNyceDesigns]

Thank sweet young lady!

[@shonaaustin7894]

Thanks for the info on both machines. Aren't their others on the market also? Why did you choose these two?.

[@HedgehogHollow]

There are other, I chose these as they were from companies I have other items from

[@jacquir495]

Can I use the gemini with my big shot?

[@monicasosa4566]

Can the foil dies be interchanged?

[@deborahanne9793]

Good review! So you can use regular cutting dies in the Gemini Foil machine and them will foil the card? What about dies that make a background image, does Crafter's Companion sell these to foil? thank you.

[@HedgehogHollow]

Hi Deborah, yes you can foil with any die you have, the effect if just thinner than the specific foil dies; and they now do background foiling dies; I just ordered some for a video :-)

[@deborahanne9793]

Wonderful! I would love to see some cards that you make with the backgrounds in the video as well! Thank you!

[@1gallearning]

Very informative as I'm new crafting looking and listening to everything I can because I went about learning backwards. In my excitement I bought so much equipment without knowing how any of this stuff works as well as what works with what. I bought the Anna Griffin empress, a Gemini Go, a Cricut Maker, and loads of miscellaneous papers, dies, etc..... Do I need all this equipment? I don't know because I'm so overwhelmed I haven't used any of them yet. I wish I had a crafting buddy to teach me all about it all. Well my question to you is....can the Gemini FoilPress be used with a the Gemini Empress machine? I'm afraid of trying to put the foilpress plates thru the Empress for fear of breaking it before I ever use it. It's odd that I can't find an answer to this question. P.S. I've subscribed, thank you and I hope to learn much much more from you.

[@HedgehogHollow]

Hi Josefine, I dont know if you can use it in an empress; personally I love the gemini JR, I would trade the GO and the empress for the Junior in my opinion but its all personal preference; the other option is the new Quill that is coming out for the electronic cutters such as the Cricut Maker. I do have some Cricut tutorials on the channel too.

[@NancyLynn]

Hi Josephine....welcome to this wonderful paper crafting community. I've been on this journey for about 4 yrs and I wish I too had a crafting buddy to help me along the way and as well, not to spend money wastefully. What I can advise is to make sure you do your due diligence before buying anything else. As well, watch a ton of KZbin videos so that you can learn as much as you can, before purchasing anything else. Make notes as you go along and try to keep them organized, like in a binder, like say have separate tabs for dies, stamps, foils, adhesives, techniques, inks, how to, etc, etc. Remember as well that although you may have a lot of space now wherever you create, that the more you buy, the more space you will need, and believe me, it quickly adds up. I also found, and this is important, that the more stamps you have, the harder it is to choose what to create and the more confusing it gets. Use what you have now, before ordering anymore stamps because although this craft is amazing and also has health benefits, one of the drawbacks is that you can easily get addicted to overspending and THAT was my biggest mistake. Keep asking questions and keep learning because you do not need a ton of supplies to get started. Take care and have a wonderful journey!

[@T_Nice]

Hi, as a new Crafter, I was just wondering if you can please tell me if either of the foiling machines are compatible with the sizzix machines because I didn't have any plans on buying any other die cut machines?!❤

[@dwestermann1999]

The Spellbinders machine works with most die cut machines except the Cuttlebug.

[@savagetwin52]

Hi Alexandra! I was just wondering if U could use the Gemini plates in the Spellbinders Glimmer Foil? Your video, as usual, was very informative.

[@HedgehogHollow]

Yes the plates themselves are completely interchangeable as are the foils.

[@savagetwin52]

@@HedgehogHollow TU for urquick response❤❤❤

[@NancyLynn]

@@HedgehogHollow Are you referring to the various dies (not really dies bc they don't cut, well at least wrt the SB glimmer machine) or shall I say press plates with the images/words on them?

[@shirleydesrochers4947]

I use a laminator for foil. Can the hot foil dies work with a laminator?

[@kimmiecheeks10]

No. You cant send the dies through a laminater. They're too thick.

[@Saintly2]

Have you tried Gopress & Foil? I’m curious as to how it compares.

[@HedgehogHollow]

I have not, I researched and decided to buy these two to compare; having seen them all and read lots of reviews I decided the GoPress wasn't a good fit for me

[@Saintly2]

Ok, thank you. 😊

[@patpowell820]

There are other videos that compare the different types of foiling machines and the types of dies that can be foiled here on KZbin.

[@pamelaheck8105]

I am on my third set of plates to my gemini machine . The pressure seems to be to much they curve or buckel up on me. I tried leaving the plastic slim out but then it doesn't cut. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@HedgehogHollow]

They curve on me too, I have sen videos where people use self healing mats but even when curved they cut fine and dont damage my dies

[@barbarab8942]

Hi, I saw a video where they used the self healing cutting mats in place of the plates and it seemed to work perfect!

[@tolebearlucy6936]

Can you emboss or Deboss without using foil just to have an impression?

[@TosaNewsense]

Yes. And you can use ink instead of foil also to do letterpress with the hot foil machine. You just don’t heat it up beforehand! That’s important 😉

[@ermimac25]

Great comparison, thanks! Any idea why the Gemini is so much more expensive than the Spellbinders? With the cheapest price I can find on both, the Gemini is almost twice as expensive! I would love to get the Gemini, but can’t justify the almost $70 more for almost the exact same thing.

[@HedgehogHollow]

It is more pricey, but the HSN bundle came with alot more 'stuff' than the glimmer so I think thats the increase mainly but also in my opinon its a better quality product also; I got 5 or six dies, extra foil, plates etc in the bundle, hope that helps!

[@suemanners1412]

Can I use Todo foil dies with the Gemini foil machine

[@TosaNewsense]

Yes. I have a bunch of todo dies and they work great

[@heartofcraftuk]

@hedgehoghollow Please help before I tear my hair out... I have the Glimmer foil and a Big Shot. I bought some Gemini and Picket Fence foiling dies...But I can't get the shims right, it either doesn't pick up or foils everything everywhere... do you have any tips please please! Thank you so much.

[@HedgehogHollow]

Hi Emma, I check on the spellbinders website and they say its compatible with the big shot; I cant drop a link here but if you google using glimmer hot foil system in the big shot its one of the top links theres a spellbinders blog post that comes up; if you are still having issues pop them an email i have found them to be super helpful

[@heartofcraftuk]

@@HedgehogHollow That's why I think it might be the dies. The spellbinders dies work ok (mostly, it struggles with small dies), but not with the Gemini or Picket Fence dies... since you own both systems I wondered if you'd tried the Gemini dies in the Glimmer and got them to work? Thank you SO much

[@cdaitch]

@@heartofcraftuk Did you ever figure this out? I just bought a Glimmer (using in a Big Shot) and it's working great, however I really want some of the Gemini plates, but only if they will work as well... now I'm nervous to order any to try!

[@nessabridge5019]

Will both work with Big Shot machine?

[@HedgehogHollow]

Yes I have a vagabond and it ran through fin I just had to adjust shims

[@pollyweinmann5082]

What about coture creations Go Press and Foil machine?

[@HedgehogHollow]

Hi Polly, I had looked into various machines and had decided to purchase these two as they fitted with what i already had

[@pattsyorsburn2471]

Thank you for the information, I been looking at the Gemini foilPress Machine, and wasn't for sure which to get, now I know. I just bought the gemini now I looking for the Crafters Companion Glass Mat, and it's sold out, and don't know when they will get it back in, but I would like to have it as well. Thank you again. Patt from Oklahoma

[@HedgehogHollow]

Hi Pattsy, thanks so stopping by, i'm glad we could help; have you seen the tonic glass mat? We also have . video on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXeUeoahrbCre9E tonic also do a light colored glass mat amzn.to/2Lw1O16

[@TheDelightfulCrafter]

So, can the foilpress be used in anything other than the Gemini.. Or do you have to have the Gemini to use the FoilPress?

[@HedgehogHollow]

No you can use it in other machines; you would have to make up your sandwich to your machines needs with plates and shims but i tried it in my vagabond and it worked just fine

[@TheDelightfulCrafter]

@@HedgehogHollow , thank you so much for the quick reply... I have the Gemini.. But, I enjoy my other machines more.. And I like the ability of not being limited to one machine, if that makes sense. Again, thank you. LOVE your channel.. Crafty Hugz!

[@TheDelightfulCrafter]

@@HedgehogHollow , one more question. are the dies interchangeable? Can I use the Spellbinders dies in the Gemini, and vice versa? Sorry for all the questions.. But, was about to buy the Glimmer.. and am not sure now.

[@HedgehogHollow]

Yes completely interchangeable, and you can use the glimmer in the gemini too; its on sale with a free gift at the moment too; it keeps deleting my link so im going to split it up ( shrsl. com / 1c500 )

[@patpowell820]

Sara said that only the Todo hot foil dies cannot be used on the Gemini foil press. She said that they are too thick and will damage the Gemini & Gemini Jr.

[@ashwyness]

Great review! I have the Spellbinders machine, and I do love it. I'm wondering if the Gemini plates and the Couture Creations plates all will work on any machine?

[@HedgehogHollow]

As with any plates they all work in all machines its just playing with shims; but you can use the gemini dies in your spellbinders machine and yes the foipress works in the platinum, we tried in in hannahs it just needed a metal shim

[@ashwyness]

Thank you

[@aquilegia4ev3r]

Spellbinders all the way, far better than Gemini in my opinion.

[@TosaNewsense]

I’m a Spellbinders girl too! Fantastic workmanship and even better customer service! I bought the Anna Griffin GoPress years before the Glimmer was introduced, but if I hadn’t, I would pick the Spellbinders machines each and every time!

[@annamarianenortas4859]

You rock love watching you Thanks you