Alternate Cutting Mat for Gemini

inkallusions.blogspot.com
In this video I share how I cut my Dritz cutting mat to use with the Gemini Die Cutting Machine to help preserve your cutting plates. I chose to demonstrate on an intricate die with the least possible amount of pressure.
Thanks for watching.

[@retaretro1607]

Hi thank you so much for explaining the sandwich to us. Have just tried it with fantastic results. Another tip for you. I have the large Gemini and to help with the mats, I store my machine standing on top of the plates with the metal shim on top, the weight of the Gemini helps to flatten them. Stay safe and positive everyone. Sending love to all our U.S. cousins from here in the U.K. x

[@bethbenson1931]

I bought a Gemini at a thrift store. It had all the plates, but one of the cutting plates was horribly bowed. When I put it back in the box, I did the same thing you did and put the bowed plate under the Gemini. Checked it the other day and the bowed plate looks much better. That machine is heavy! 😊

[@lizzy2161]

Thank you for this! Just bought a Gemini and was so disappointed that the cutting plate was ruined (despite following all the instructions) within a week. Ordering a self-seal mat from Amazon today!

[@Rebecca-wf5mu]

Veronica, I am so glad I found your lab. You have a new friend in me!

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

Thank you Rebecca and welcome.

[@tarabeard]

Thank you! I am SO frustrated with buying mats that warp in the first few cuts. It’s a money making gimmick on the seller’s part. 😔

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

I agree Tara. Now that I know better, I will definitely try to find alternatives by using thicker mats which are also available for better cutting sandwiches. Happy Crafting.

[@ghadeermohamed2258]

That's really helpful thank you ♥️

[@ingrid2543]

Good idea!

[@hersheyqueenlisa]

Nice video! I’m going to try this! Just a suggestion…take one your son’s often used things and hold it for trade until he returns the ruler to you.

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

Fantastic Idea. Thanks!!!

[@anjanettealdridge8911]

HELP!!! I've move recently and can't find any of my shims do you have any recommendations on where to get the best price to replace all the shims or a hack so I don't have to buy all the Gemini full size ones? I'm definitely going to go cut up one of my self healing mats and I've already bought the new 2 sided cutting shim. Thanks🤗

[@lindataylor566]

I use a Dollar Tree cutting mats in my Sizzix Big Kick die cutting machine. It is a gamer changer.

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

Is it a craft cutting mat or one from the kitchen.. Mine only has the small craft cutting mat. Thanks for the tip.

[@pamelaann7393]

Hey Vee !!!

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

Hey Pam!!!

[@ThankfulNanaDiane]

Is the self-healing mat you used the same thickness as a cutting plate or the plastic shim? Also, I’m wondering if a magnetic vent cover (lots of people use these to store dies on) can be cut to size & used in place of the magnetic shim that comes with the Gemini Jr. Thanks! 😊

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

Hi Grandma. I took a look and they are about the same thickness as the plastic shim. The shim is 3mm and my mat is about 2.5 mm or just a hair short of 3. Hope this information helps. I didn’t measure the thickness of the magnetic shim. I’m sure it can be found online. Hope this information helps.

[@ThankfulNanaDiane]

@@TheCoutureCrafter Yes, this is helpful! Thank you! Cheaper alternatives to the various cutting mats & plates are welcome! The magnetic shim looks about the same thickness of the magnetic vent cover. When the magnetic shim needs replacing, I’ll experiment. Thanks again! 😊❤️

[@ArtWars314]

where did you get this really beautiful rose gold gemini and how much for? Since this video has been made, how is this diy mat holding up? Thx for sharing♥☻☺

[@brendajones7756]

HSN had them on one of their Craft day specials.

[@kathymurach5125]

do you use the self healing mat for the magnetic or plastic shim

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

Hello Kathy, I used the magnetic shim with the intricate die. Did not need the metal or plastic shim for this one as the thickness of the mat compensated. Not sure if I have the sku for that mat, but I will try to see if I can find it and update this post. TFW.

[@kathymurach5125]

Ty

[@LYoung-op5ub]

My mats are so warped and cut they I almost can’t get them through the machine. Will have to buy new ones. Do you still use the clear mats, in addition to see self healing mats. The self healing mats never go through. Any other hacks would be appreciated.

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

I adjust my sandwich. I don't use the magnetic, metal or shims with the self healing mat. i haven't had a problem with them cutting.

[@LYoung-op5ub]

Yes, mine are worst maybe because I use the multi media dies, not any of the thin dies???

[@kathymurach5125]

can you provide the item number for the mat or where you got it from? Thank you

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

I found my mat at Tuesday Morning.

[@junegoodwin9345]

Where can I buy the plastic shams I am actually new address thank you

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

You can order directly from Crater's Companion USA or from HSN. They should have come with the machine when your purchased it. I bought my self-healing mat at Tuesday Morning. I have some really nice Olfa and Helix ones from my quilting days, but didn't want to cut into them. good luck.

[@narcydishon8389]

I’ve had the magnetic sheet warp. Has anyone else had that problem?

[@Pebblesmas]

they say, heat it up with a heat tool on a flat surfice , Just Read that

[@kathymurach5125]

where did you get the mat from?

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

Hi Kathy. I purchased mine from Tuesday Morning.

[@cindykromholtz1176]

my mat actually cracked all the way through and i have not used it much. i'm so frustrated. the top plate that is cracked has also warped my magnetic shim. so you know anything about that happening? thanks

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

Cindy I am sorry that happened to you. The only thing I can think of is that you might have used a mixed media die and therefore the wrong sandwich combination. Those MM dies have extra deep cutting edges and can do a number on your plates. Have you tried a warm iron on your magnetic shim? Use a towel to protect your iron, shim and the pressing surface. I place mine under heavy books after using. Good luck.

[@Pebblesmas]

YOU Can tape the cracker plates with packing tape

[@cindykromholtz1176]

@@Pebblesmas thanks i might try that

[@cindykromholtz1176]

@@TheCoutureCrafter it was anna griffin dies. i do love her dies but there are lots of others to buy. thanks though

[@TheCoutureCrafter]

@@Pebblesmas i did that to my 12 year old Cuttlebug plate and I was able to get a few more cranks. I finally had to retire it. Thankfully, I'd purchased replacement plates years ago as they no longer manufacture them. Bummer as I adore my Bug.