DEMO- Anna Griffin Jacket dies & Empress die cutting machine

[@cherylparks-caffee3476]

I have not had one single problem cutting the exact same dies you cut. But - the only difference was that I followed the documentation that came with my Empress. You have to use the metal shim when you cut those intricate dies, and when you do, they cut in 1 pass. Works every time with mine!

[@augustakonor6322]

The Gemini cuts the jacket dies in one pass, it just doesn’t emboss without tearing the embossing mat. Love the Gemini for cutting but not embossing. Tfs.

[@poetspice]

Augusta Konor Embossing a die on the Gemini is a trial sometimes.

[@TheGrandmashand]

I really like using AG Empress to cut and emboss her dies and other THIN dies. It’s the best for embossing her dies and thin dies, like the world of difference!

[@poetspice]

Rosemary Proefrock I’ve cut thin does with this. As long as the paper is relatively thin it worked ok. However, at this point the Gemini is still nudging our this machine. This Empress may be going back. I still have 2 months to play with it.

[@gonefishing3644]

When I am using an intricate die that does not completely cut through the fancy cardstock I am using, I try again with a fresh piece of card stock plus a piece of computer paper or thin white cardstock. That extra piece of paper works as a thin shim and is usually enough force the die to cut through the fancy card stock. This is technique is especially useful with foiled cardstock. And then I just emboss as usual without the paper shim.

[@moniquevann9950]

Question Can other dies be used with this machine 🌹 just got one for my BIRTHDAY

[@wjiharris]

Poetspice, thanks for the demo! I suspect you needed a metal shim to cut that intricate die. It should have been provided with the machine. I absolutely love that the Empress is quiet. However, your demo sold me on putting up with the noisier Gemini Jr. It has better pressure. It also holds the completed plate sandwich until you’re ready to remove it.

[@CraftsBayou]

So I'm guessing it's a matter of using the metal shim for more intricate ones on the Empress, but I'm super bummed because I really want to stick to just my Gemini, and my Big Shot for steel rule. Have you heard of any embossing solution for cut and embossing AG dies on a Gemini? =(

[@poetspice]

CraftsBayou I did a video a while ago using AG dies on a Gemini. You just can’t use the Gemini embossing mat. If you use AG and want to emboss it, you have to use an AG embossing mat. As for metal shim- yes it helps. On the other hand, this paper is was heavy UK paper.

[@CraftsBayou]

@@poetspice OOh, ok, I'll get on that! Thanks!

[@TheGrandmashand]

TFS your demo on the AG Empress and her dies. I used 110lb card stock and it cut perfectly. However, by her dies being so thick they should cut through 300lb card stock like butter! I didn’t purchase the large plates set for $60 I bought AG large magnetic plate and used the my large Gemini plates and it works great! I really like using AG Empress on her dies and this die to cut and emboss. If you’re going to use other brands dies try using her medal shim.

[@poetspice]

Yes. It should have cut 300gsm since it was her die and I embossed it as well so there should have been no problem. I’ve cut intricate dies out of 300gsm on the Gemini no problem.

[@angelaserendipityarts5294]

Thanks for sharing hugs

[@poetspice]

Angela Velazquez no problem.

[@LynnGalvanHippie-Chick]

where do you buy the plates? Im still searching

[@jeanheming]

since it didnt cut thru with one pass , why didnt you try the metal plate to see if that worked rather then the ebossing mat?? just curious because I have this machine in my cart to buy....I had bought the gemini Jr. and was dissapoined how it cut and sent it back!! I have noo problems withmy gemini go...

[@Pypoole]

Just wondering, can you use any embossing folder? Or does it have to be Anna Griffin’s?

[@poetspice]

You can use most folders. However, be careful with 3d folders that are NOT AG.

[@lemondropmemories]

I wonder if you need to use the shim on more intricate dies?

[@donnav645]

Great demo Jamie!!!! Thank you

[@nalenkasims]

Thanks for your speedy response. Great review and I agree that the large machine should have come with large plates, logically to me at least, the small plates should have been the ones extra. I hope she watches your video and improves the machine for the next release. Thanks for the review.

[@poetspice]

Nalenka Sims no problem. Glad to help. I doubt any of these companies watch my channel. If they did I should be getting discount coupons and free product!🤓🤓🤓

[@supremecaldwell375]

I really enjoyed this video. I was wondering if it was just me. I’m finding that I prefer my Gemini family (I have the “Sr”, “Jr”, and the Go) for these dies. Once I figured out a good sandwich to use with the AG dies, I was in heaven. I could be wrong but I like the pressure of the Gemini more. I wanna give the Empress another try since it’s the debut but right now I’m not s excited. I like to cut with my dies upside down as well but I tried that with an AG die in this machine and it cut DEEPLY into my magnetic mat! My top A plate looks more worn than both my Cuttlebug and Gemini plates after one day! I became quite annoyed with constantly having to press the run button too. Not to be a total naysayer, I love the quietness and the fact that you can use the Cuttlebug plates too. I don’t have to create a special sandwich either. It’s the same configuration as with the Cuttlebug. The magnetic plate is SUPER strong on both sides too. Anna’s dies are much thicker so may need a little more pressure. I’m having a hard time cutting some of her dies in the Empress. I love Anna but I’m not sure about this first version of the Empress. I’m gonna give it another week.

[@poetspice]

Supreme Caldwell I’m in the fence. I love the quiet. I love the smooth slide of the plates. Don’t like the button. The pressure is not as strong as a Gemini. Do not like that the. If plates were an upsale. I’m not overly impressed by this machine. On the other hand I’m so fed up with Crafter’s Companion and HSN combo.

[@cali7815ca]

THANK YOU POETSPICE for showing the POSITIONS OF THE PLATES!!! Great review, loved your honest opinions. That lux paper cracks too much!! 5 thumbs up...

[@poetspice]

CeeCee J no problem. Not sure what you mean, but this paper is HunkyDory Adorable Scorable so it’s not supposed to crack when scores and cuts. However, it did a little here so not overly pleased by that.

[@cynthiaweinreich9585]

You forgot to put the metal shim with the intricate die it cuts perfectly when it's done correctly, I love mine

[@poetspice]

cynthia weinreich I didn’t forget. I purposely left it out because the claim was the machine would cut her dies in 1 pass. The metal Shim was supposed to be used for other brands’ dies. This was the claim on HSN during demos. Therefore, I wanted to test this.

[@wig4usc]

I heard on her demo, which there have multiple demos, that the metal shim was for other brands OR for more of the detailed dies. You ran it back through with the embossing mat, which we all knew wouldn’t make it cut better. I’m adding my two cents because I think some are getting the wrong idea about the Empress. I’ve had multiple electronic die cutting machines, and this is the only one quiet enough to use when my fam is sleeping. Not once, literally, has it not completely and cleaning cut through a die. Enjoy!

[@agneswebb3072]

Hi Jamie i am glad i saw this video bc now i will NOT buy anna s machine but i will buy the gemini! hugs boots

[@poetspice]

Agnes Webb yeah if I could only have one machine, it wouldn’t be the Empress.

[@deborahrosenow7131]

I can’t wait too see if the Empress grows on you or if you send it back. Please keep us up to date. BTW I love all your videos and faithfully look forward to seeing each one. Deborah

[@poetspice]

Deborah Rosenow aww thank you! I’m glad you’re watching. I don’t know. I’m still deciding. If it had been cheaper I probably would keep it. Right now I’m still on the fence. I’m glad I still have 2 months to play. 🤓

[@connieeneix3891]

That’s why it comes with a metal shim. For the intricate dies. Why don’t you try that next time.

[@poetspice]

Connie Eneix see previous comments

[@cali7815ca]

The Ornate die had to make 2 passes; i should have done one cut pass and one emboss pass, and it would have been good. I will try that tonight.

[@poetspice]

CeeCee J it might but her whole claim was 1 pass cutting. And since I also embossed it, the die should have cut better. As these are her dies, there shouldn’t have been a problem.

[@Taitcreates639]

Interesting how it wouldn't cut on its own machine. Those jacket dies however are beautiful. Great demo. TYFS. Luv n Hugs.

[@603kimcrafts9]

I'm still in the Big Shot hand crank camp. Do you feel like the electric machines provide advantages other than perhaps speed? These dies are gorgeous by the way.

[@poetspice]

603kim Crafts yes! Electronic machines have more pressure than you can hand crank with. I still have my Big Shot Plus crank machine even though I mainly cut large dies and steel rules dies on it.

[@603kimcrafts9]

poetspice That’s interesting. My Big Shot is really old, but I do have a fairly new plus machine. I’m glad that I asked you! Thank you.

[@crazyhorsecrafter9073]

Did you get a metal shim with your large plate set? I think you have to buy a special spacer plate for the large gemini to make the small plate work in it...sensors inside the large machine...maybe sensors are the reason for the run button on the Empress???...just a thought. Hugs! crafty friend!

[@poetspice]

CrazyHorse Crafter yes there is a large metal shim in the pack. You don’t need a spacer plate for the Gemini. Yes, the run button is to engage the plates on the Empress but it’s annoying to have to push the button all the time when you don’t have to on a Gemini.

[@tinacostner3069]

Thank you 😊

[@sistersun1954]

Hey, Greetings, @poetspice! Have you tried running this ornate and intricate die through the Gemini with paper? You may have said so in the video, but I don't recall it. (and full transparency, I have difficulty hearing/distinguishing many words in these videos...) . I ask because the die may be at fault here or may need to be cut at an angle, or as many have already suggested, need shimming. I have used the bejeezus out of my magnetic mat, even after flipping and turning as recommended; it still works, but I'm planning for a replacement in the near future. I find, after exhaustive use of this machine since I received it last month, that Miss Anna hadn't considered all things before bringing this machine (which I personally •love• for a variety of reasons) to market. So I've had to work out my own happy endings for things like "normal" thick, 3D embossing folders (from Sizzix, WRMK, Stampin' UP!, Spellbinders, et al - which the AG brand certainly are NOT) and her own Mix & Match embossing folders --- and because I also own the full-size Gemini, I use a combination of the AG Empress and Gemini plates as needed. The Gemini plates are a similar thickness, but lack the width of the AG Empress plates, so I have to take care with placement, however, that plastic shim from the Gemini works a charm for my thicker folders. Now, because I am lazy, I also find that using the metal shim and 1 or 2 thin paper shims both cuts and embosses the AG dies. That's a hack I used after I found that trying to place the paper back into the die after cutting resulted in over cutting on some of the edges of the die cuts in places ('cause that magnetic mat is *hella strong*, though peeling it back from the die instead of trying to pull the die off works best for me, sort of like peeling back the cricut cutting mats...). I'm happy with my hack....and my machine. I''m really glad you get to work with it for a couple months, and because you are pretty vocal on YT, you might post your findings on the AG Facebook page, so others know what is going on, 'cause most things aren't perfect in the 1.0 version. I don't play with FaceBook, so I'm not invited to that party. TFS and Enjoy your playtime!

[@deborahrosenow7131]

Sister Sun, thank you for your additional feedback on what has worked for you with the AG machine. I have a quick question...if you were to choose between the two machines, AG and Gemini, which one would you buy? I don’t own either and want to buy only one but have been trying to decide....you input was very valuable and thought maybe you would have feedback for me. Thank you, Deborah

[@sistersun1954]

Deborah Rosenow Oh, Deborah Rosenow, you’re asking the woman who has to have •all• the die cutting & embossing things to make a choice? If that was actually even possible for me, I’d have stopped collecting back at the Big Shot & Grand Calibur! However, my reality is that I use the Empress every day, and I •want to use it•! It’s a mix of practical usage and aesthetics for me; I really love the look of the Empress, find it takes the exact footprint of the Cuttlebug, whose space it has commandeered, love that it cuts off immediately after spitting those plates out, I don’t mind at all having to push the “run” button (thought I would, but it’s not been an issue for me), I love the fact that it’s sound does not grate on my nerves & I like that it shuts down after a few minutes because I always forget... I had too many issues cutting AG died in my Gemini, so I’m very pleased so far that AG Empress cuts everything •I currently • own- an even split between Spellbinders, Anna Griffin & Crafters Companion dies with a smattering of other companies’ dies and embossing folders. Now I don’t have those large jacket dies (¡qué lastima ! I’m really going to keep my eyes open for re-stocking on HSN) so I don't know if they'd cut cleanly or not. My machines live happily in different rooms so there’s no craft envy. I would never choose between them, but your mileage may vary. I’d make a choice based on the type of things I do currently or aspire to cut/emboss, machine availability & cost. Good luck and happy crafting!

[@poetspice]

Sister Sun hi. No I did not run this die through the Gemini. However, I have run her other intricate dies through with this paper weight. Overall, at this point I’m not impressed by this machine. It’s ok. However, the Gemini still does better jobs. I haven’t decided if I’m keeping this, but I have 2 months to play so I shall keep testing it🤓

[@deborahrosenow7131]

Sister Sun, thank you so very much for your thoughts as I am so dang torn on my decision. I have 80% of anna’s Items but some of the extrinsic items I find I just don’t use after the novelty of the newness wears off. My poor hands are so over hand cranking my die cutting big shot. You are my new crafting hero with all your die cutting machines...lol. Again, thank you for your thoughts on both machines. Crafty hugs, Deborah

[@danadriscoll7926]

Sister Sun you crack me up! You sound like you have a degree in die cutting, lol!

[@BeeCreativeWithPaper]

Love your videos! I have the Gemini and love it, but wanted something smaller (that uses the smaller plates) when I'm only cutting with small dies, and was on the fence for the Empress. I ended up going with the Gemini Jr because I love the pressure and doggone it, I just caved in on the Gemini foil system. Plus, they put it on sale. 🙈I just wish they would create a 'hard magnetic plate' so that we could face dies down (like for stamped images)...and skip the 'tape' like on our Sizzix machines. I read other comments about using the metal shim, and I think you were right about NOT using them. I worry if it would've jammed your machine. Like you said, 'one pass ' cutting should've definitely applied to using her dies...especially if you followed the right sandwich. Thanks again for sharing your honest reviews. I live my 'Dies to die for' dreams through your videos!😱😍😂 ~Evie 😊

[@poetspice]

JustPaper AndBling on my Gemini I Cut did face down all the time. Plate paper die plastic rubber or magnetic then plate. Yeah this machine is t that impressive.

[@wig4usc]

Just conforming that the jacket dies DO cut in one pass when following the Empress documentation. I have had zero issue cutting even more intricate dies than the jackets, and the jackets themselves, using and A plate, metal shim, magnet plate, paper, and another A plate!

[@craftystash8667]

Thanks for the info...does that large plate set not come with a metal shim? Might have cut better with the shim...but then again why should you need it... disappointed Anna Griffin!

[@ssharp11]

Great demonstration. Thank you. I so appreciate this real time review. Does the AG intricate die cut with a manual die cutting machine? I think the die is beautiful but only have a Big Shot - manual machine. I agree having to pay extra $60 for the large plates and magnetic sheet is really expensive but Perhaps that is normal added expense ??? I will continue to watch your reviews. Thank you again. Wishing you a super week. Hugs Susan

[@poetspice]

ssharp11 thanks I don’t remember how wide the mouth on the Big Shot is. I have a Big Shot Plus which is over 8 inches wide. The die is 7 inches wide and 10 inches long. No. Typically you get the size plates to match your machine. With the big Gemini I got big plates. Etc. so having to pay $60 for large plates is an added expense.

[@ssharp11]

poetspice thanks for advising. My Big Shot could not handle that width of die. Also I appreciate the info on the large plates. It was one of the reasons I did not order the Empress machine. I will continue to wait to purchase. Thank you.

[@maryjaneblahnik5767]

Thanks for the Demo. I will stick with my Cuttlebug and Gemini.

[@poetspice]

Mary Jane Blahnik 🤓

[@debbiemartelli6106]

Would it have cut through if you run it twice? I find I have to run things 2 and 3 times with the Gemini Jr. on thinner paper.

[@poetspice]

Debbie Martelli perhaps. However, her claim was that the Empress was 1 pass cutting. And since I actually also embossed it, that was 2 passes so there shouldn’t have been an issue. If it were a different company’s thin metal die then maybe my expectation would be lower.

[@luv2craftcards]

The big plates didn't come with the metal plate?

[@poetspice]

luv2craftcards yes. However, the claim was 1 pass with the magnetic mat for her dies and the metal shim for other brands. So I tested this.

[@cali7815ca]

If you angel the die a bit, no much clunking.. Where did you get that 300GSM paper?

[@poetspice]

CeeCee J Hunky Dory paper from UK

[@BlackCatNoni]

I think your sandwich for those should be Base A, Magnetic, die, paper, metal shim, top plate. I saw that earlier today when Anna was demonstrating those dies at her Create event.

[@ranabluu]

Thanks for sharing. Maybe the die will cut with a lighter weight.

[@envykiko]

Left-Handed Crafter I tried mine with a lighter weight paper and it still didn’t cut right! It tore the paper and then was stuck in the fir! So, I’m not sure what the problem is with this die. It’s a beautiful die but a pain to deal with!

[@ranabluu]

@@envykiko oh no that isn't good at all. I guess it would be a good idea to say something about the die on her Facebook page or HSN.

[@scrappin4myboys]

great demo. That does suck that you have to buy the large plates separately and for $60 at that.. thats just ridiculous. Its kind of like when the Spellbinders Platinum first came out it only came with the small plates also but $60 when its already a $200+ machine ppfftt AG needs to sit down with that. lol.. Glad you are enjoying it tho, get your craft on girl!

[@poetspice]

scrappin4myboys thanks Girl! So not happy about the up sale plates. That’s just ridiculous. However, I wanted to try the whole thing out. I’m still not totally sold. There are a few things I like better, but not so much to keep it. Sending it back is still a serious option.

[@wig4usc]

You didn’t need to buy them if you weren’t buying the jacket dies. So far, those are the only dies she sells that needs a bigger plate. Most companies out there have a longer/bigger version for additional purchase.

[@raggedyanna6-Missy]

Love the demo I do have to say that Anna Griffin doesn’t work with that weight of cardstock? That’s a uk thing? Anyway love your videos!! Oh and she did say metal shim for intricate dies maybe that would have helped? Just guessing lol

[@StephsSparkleCrafts]

hey girl, great video.

[@ruthmanor70]

Paper must have been too thick for that intricate die.

[@wendysharon5798]

Would have been nice to see you folding the jacket die instead of cleaning off the bits in your plates and mat. But I appreciate the honest demo info.

[@FunPaperArt]

I love the rose dies! Tyfs! 🤗🌹💕❤️

[@Suehuskins]

I save all the political post cards I got in the mail and run them thru as a shim with pleasure!! Thanks

[@kimberlyjones6476]

SueHuskins 😂😂😂

[@stljh6833]

What a good idea!!!

[@chuckmedeiros9881]

Which do you prefer the empress or the gemini

[@danadriscoll7926]

Wow you are the fastest die cutter in the east? I think that’s where you live. Anyhow, that music has got to go girl! My migraine is up a few more points, lol. Im not impressed w the Empress & the jacket dies. You get an A for effort though. Enjoy your holiday! Give cheeto some turkey, lol

[@envykiko]

I wanted to love this but I am thinking about returning it! Not that impressed with it! 🤔

[@poetspice]

KiKO agreed. Overall it’s not impressive. There are some aspects that are quite annoying.

[@envykiko]

@@poetspice Yeah, for all of that I will stick with my CuddleBug! I only got it because I thought it would be less of a hassle and I don't want a Gemini! maybe next go-round! the dies are gorgeous though!

[@cali7815ca]

Static on this machine is HORRIBLE!!

[@poetspice]

CeeCee J yes the static is crazy.