DIY Magnetic Platform

[@lyllydd]

Love those vent covers for die storage, too. I back them with thin chipboard like a cereal box. I make pouches using Dollar Tree clear poly envelopes and slide my magnet sheets with the dies right in.

[@lasinmt106]

Just bought one of these RED machines because my aphabet Sizzix sets cartridges were warping in the roller embosser/die cut machines. I also bought the magnetic converter which was new + a spare white new base cutting plate. I've been watching all your videos on using this machine & thank you so much for your tutorials they are very helpful. I am a little confused today about why you would first cut your thin dies with either machine press or roller then run again with a silicone mat? When ever I've used any style of light to even heavy embossing that's a thin cutting but dual emboss die I only need to run it with a cutting plate to get the embossed effect and good cut too. Maybe I'll try a double run with both my roller and press machines and run one die through that also does some embossing alone to cut. Then run again to cut then rerun with the silicone plate so I have two by the very same die and same machine cut outs to compare side by side the results. Fascinating though all of this. I'm a bit late to the hobby. Luv your name....another Leslie here & not to insult but maybe about the same age group so enjoy your enthusiasm.

[@StamperKirsten]

I used 1 1/2" wide heavy duty double stick tape and attached the magnet sheet to an extra platform. I tape together enough shims to create the necessary thickness to make one die platform. I have to replace the magnet sheet every couple of months because it does develop cuts in the magnet over time. You do have to remember to place the die cutting side up and facing your plate!

[@bperkins684]

It's 2022 and your video just helped me a lot! Thank you.

[@dawneaschollmeyer9162]

Okay, I take 8X11 chipboard or cardboard and cut the magnet sheet, you will have left overs and the sheet will fit in a sheet protector. 3 left overs will make a sheet on their own. Then I stand them up in a magazine rack and I organize the dies. I take a circle label and number the page protectors, then take pictures to cataloged the dies. Or you can photo copy and then put the page in a binder. This idea I gave you is for storage only. I like this idea it is great for what she is doing. 09/28/2022

[@Metqa]

You are so helpful. I'd heard about getting magnet sheets, from places like Dollar Tree, but My store is always different from others. Getting the heat register covers is brilliant because that is a regularly sold product. You solved my sourcing problem and I don't have to go online and order it and way who knows how long for it to arrive. My Sizzix Sidekick is arriving tomorrow and I'm so excited to get started. My dies are coming from overseas, so I have a month of practicing your great suggestions before the fancy dies arrive. I love your calm demeanor and genuine enthusiasm at the results and when things go wrong. I like the real person host, cause I'm not perfect and I feel like you are teaching me with actual experience and not editing out the difficult bits!

[@carolhaase717]

Thank you for doing all the work! I'm learning a lot and saving money.

[@sandywest4299]

ty so much for your video. i am new to this die cutting. i bought a cutterbug a few days ago and then found out they are discontinued. sheesh. i hope it works and there are plates. do you know a good place to buy the plates. i wonder if i special order plates in the measurements of A B C plates....you are too cute and i love all the examples that you gave. cant wait to get to cutting my own. making cards etc for farmers market to sell . be safe and blessed

[@miabehrens5229]

I will try this, as in Australia the magnetic platform is ridiculous expensive. However the sheets are too expensive to use as die storage. They around 5.00 each. But still good for platform as this is 70.00 + dollars. Thanks heaps for sharing.

[@kylieb4836]

Life can be cruel - Rest In Peace Leslie - your creativity and humour are so very missed. xx

[@judymcintire7095]

Off to Lowes. Thanks. Hope you're feeling well. You look great!

[@bridgetjones8339]

Great idea. Thx so much!

[@deedeeriggs]

Thanks for sharing. I have looked for those magnetic vent covers before and had the worst time finding them, so maybe I'll go hunt for them some more. Thanks

[@lbchristensen8732]

great video. its funny how you use them for a magnetic sheet, when I use them to hold my die instead o leaveing them in the case I put them in a file. but im going to have to try this. thank you

[@mintea2779]

For those of us in the UK, you can also use the magnetic learner "L" plates.

[@Iamhome365]

Oh that's brilliant thanks!

[@kimberlywalker1015]

I'm very inpressed....I have some dies that I'm having a very hard time getting them to cut...I'm going to try this process and, I will let you know how it turned out.🙂

[@stmpgrl]

I use the vent covers to store my dies on, but didn't think to use them as a magnetic platform - great idea! TFS! Paige

[@messageinafold]

+stmpgrl With the left over vent covers I think I will get into my stash of wafer thin dies and get them sorted....before they get bent out of shape and beyond repair :/ Thank you for watching the video and leaving a comment, Paige.

[@angelashorterivey]

Leslie Bockenstette where did you get the silicone mats? I enjoyed you direct to the point maker stle😀

[@tachar]

Brilliant !!!!!!! gotta get me a package of these........ I too have been bitten by the Tuesday morning bug ........ have a growing collection of thin dies Woo Hoo :) Not to mention some other really cool items on clearance plus when I went it had an additional 25% off the clearance price marked so it was a good trip :) Thanks for sharing.. Big hugs

[@messageinafold]

+Shelly M I have been to Tuesday Morning only two other times. I didn't know they had additional 25% off days. Staying away from all these glorious shopping opportunities has really put a crimp in my style.....if I ever had a style to crimp :D LOL Love you my friend.

[@grendelia1]

Hello Leslie thanks for the idea in using the vent covers. Just went to Home Depot and bought me two packs. Will try if the Cricut Expression will cut it

[@messageinafold]

+grendelia jimenez I would really like to know if the Cricut will cut the magnetic sheets!!! I don't even use mine so I would not have a clue what the settings would be. Those vent covers are really awesome! I used them on my Spellbinder die sets to keep those little rascals from running away all the time :D LOL

[@busdr2]

I have used these for years . Cut to size in ring binder and store my dies on them .

[@flbrenda]

I use those magnetic vent covers with my Cuttlebug, too. They work great

[@messageinafold]

+flbrenda That is awesome news! Works with the Cuttlebug, too. So you knew this before I did and I thought I was such a smarty pants :-( LOL Leslie

[@flbrenda]

+Leslie Bockenstette When I fist got my Cuttlebug I had the idea to use the magnets that come with the phone book to stick my little thin dies, until I learned about the vent covers watching a video on youtube about two years ago.

[@messageinafold]

Dang and drat :/ I wasn't the first to think of it :/ LOL I wonder if I can find the video you speak of, watch it and give credit where it is due. Thank you for letting me know this. Your phone book company gave out magnets? Lucky duck! Ours just started putting them in plastic sleeves....and leaving them at my back door where I don't find them for weeks. LOL

[@flbrenda]

+Leslie Bockenstette I have watched so many videos that I can't tell where the idea came from, but it was probably mentioned together with other tips for using the Cuttlebug, not an specific video about a magnetic platform like yours. And yes, I get nice square 4x4 advertising magnets with my phone books that are well used in my craft room :D

[@messageinafold]

Sorry if I caused you to think that I wanted YOU to find the video on the magnetic vent covers. Not what I meant. I can relate to watching a bajillion videos and getting them all mixed up in your head...too much of a good thing :D LOL

[@marlisetp]

Thanks. Wonder if they carry vent covers at Walmart, where I'm going Friday (first time in a decade). Also learned more about shims, which I guess everyone else is too sophisticated to use these days. Good on you, Leslie!

[@isabeljohnston5020]

That old red machine doesn’t have rollers, it’s a press! First time I’ve seen it working, I’ve just seen photographs of it. How old is it?

[@WendysCraftDen]

Hi Leslie. Thank you for this video or is it tutorial i never know what to say. I have only been in the world of die cutting since my lovely neighbour introduced me to it 3 years ago I had never heard of it before then even though i was a card maker, I used to stamp. My hubby bought me a Big Shot on our anniversary in November. WOW is that what they used to look like? I am glad they are more user friendly. Hugs xxxx

[@janetmuir6011]

Once again a wonderful inspired video. Thank you.

[@Marie0350]

LOL !. Glad to see that U're using your little Sidekick because I was ready to throw mine out because it all of a sudden do not wanna cut with ANYTHING (kinda die)

[@jonewth6387]

Thank you for this brilliant suggestion. You are so lucky living in USA being able to access such a huge range of scrapbooking paper etc and things like this so cheap. We don’t have magnetic vent covers here 😢

[@vickicervantes1817]

have you checked at a hardware store for any magnetic items? I would ask a store clerk of any product at that store. : ) Hope my spelling is good I'm typing in the dark so the light don't wake my husband up.

[@moniquevanderbyl5403]

Good job, well done.

[@aprilwood1244]

Hello Leslie, Thank you so much for this video. I want to try those magnetic sheets, too. But I'm wondering if you put the paper between the magnetic strip and the die, if the strip wouldn't hold your paper in place, too. Then maybe your paper wouldn't slip around. I'm gonna try it myself once I get some magnetic strips. Curious to hear your opinion. Thanks, again! Love, April

[@messageinafold]

Thank you, April for your question. The magnetic strip will hold the die and the paper...with the die on the top sandwich. There is an odd process to go through when using the Spellbinder dies. I don't think they come with the instructions in the packets any longer. To cut the die is supposed to be cutting side down on the magnetic pad. To make the embossed edges the die has to be cutting side up with the silicone pad to press the die cut into the die for the image. I appreciate you taking the time to watch my video and leave your great comment. I hope you enjoy using the magnetic sheets from the hardware store :D Hugs - Leslie

[@erichards4402]

Thank you for saving me about 70 dollars ! I already have the heat register covers i will use them on my big shot !!

[@QuiltingConnieB]

Wow great video thanks for sharing my Tuesday morning didn't have a hole lot of dies to chose from always like watching

[@messageinafold]

+QuiltingConnieB Thank you, Connie, for watching the video and leaving a comment. Boo on Tuesday Morning for not having the dies in your stores :-( Leslie

[@beyondmemine]

Hola Leslie! Muchas gracias por el video, voy a intentarlo! Hi from México!

[@messageinafold]

Hola, Haideelum! Gracias por ver mi video acerca de las máquinas de troquelado y dejando sus comentarios tipo que. No hablo o leo, español y estoy haciendo esto a través de Google Translate. Agradezco que me deja saber que podía ayudarle. Leslie

[@barbaratroxell6682]

oh I just ordered my magnetic plate may have to send back. thanks leslie

[@messageinafold]

Keep magnetic plate :D The magnetic vent covers tend to warp and get marked up by the die cutting process. The magnetic plate will also but it has the strong support of the acrylic piece. It will end up with "dead spots" too. I found that out when I used the plate during a card making group I had an opportunity to be part of. Hugs - Leslie

[@barbaratroxell6682]

I received the plate and I love it . Thanks for your reply ;love to you

[@debbiecoombs2949]

Keeping your platform was a good idea since she was cutting the die on the magnet sheet blade side up, whereas with the magnet platform the paper goes between the plate and die with the cutting blades toward your paper so that your paper is held in place. Sandwich is magnet platform, plate, paper, die,( blade side down) plate

[@lisak3159]

Newbie here... What's the purpose of the magnet sheet/platform? Is it just to hold the die in place? Does it have anything to do with system converter? Thx.

[@karenwoolsey6430]

I use the magnetic sheets to store my dies, in a binder. I have so many I need more shelves.lol

[@messageinafold]

Thank you, Karen. WOW! You must have a ton of dies! I'll be knocking on your door in about 10 minutes! :D LOL Hug s- Leslie

[@pdelmercado]

Awesome idea. Thank you for saving me $30+ for a magnetic platform.

[@janetcozens4623]

Wow Wow Leslie you are just Amazing (huggs n smiles) xxxxxxx

[@lzrd8460]

What a GREAT idea. I hate paying so much for all the stuff ya just gotta have when you buy one of these machines. I have a Cuttlebug and have just ordered some die cuts for the first time. Would these mag. covers work with my machine? And what is the silicone thing you do after the cutting for? What can I use for the silicone pad? I live in Europe so need to find something compatible here if it's necessary. Thanks so much - loved your video.

[@leonorasimons8681]

Hi Leslie great video but made me lol how u kept forgetting to flip the dies once u had cut them, so the embossing would be on the right side! Also once u have cut the die u can lose the magnetic sheet and just use your embossing mat as the paper/card will then be "sticking" to your die from the cutting pressure. Love your videos Leslie, so informative and fun at the same time! New subbie!

[@messageinafold]

Thank you, Lenora, for watching my video on the DIY Magnetic Platform thing. Thank you so much for the tip on using this properly. I don't use the Original nor the Big Shot with the thin dies so I make a million mistakes. Guess I better get it figured out, huh?! :D LOL I appreciate you very much. Leslie

[@Taitcreates639]

Way to go Leslie

[@Scorpiomary]

I miss you May God bless you and your family

[@brendameadows4938]

Has anyone tried this with a manual die cutter the Spellbinders 6.0 machine? I wonder HOW you would sandwich the plates

[@alisonhansford512]

Are you also using a system converter on your original machine? I'm trying to find an alternative since they seem to have been discontinued.

[@kristineellis2204]

So glad I found your video! I was hoping there was a cheaper option! Thank you so much! Also, you seem like a super fun person. 😊

[@elsieblakley2381]

Very pretty

[@TheTinybubbles1]

I have 2 sidekick cant get either to work for me followed instructions plates wont go through any advice

[@lisettevial2629]

What is the purpose of the silicone pad? Loved your video, so "natural" not like those ladies who make it sound so easy when it's not :). Wtg Leslie!

[@lindataylor863]

Hi Lisette. The silicone pad is used when embossing is wanted. It squishes into the die and pushes the paper so the marks in the die will be imprinted. Of course, you have to have a die that has the necessary marks for embossing!

[@lisettevial2629]

Thank you Linda!

[@elsieblakley2381]

You are so funny. I really enjoyed your work

[@dyane1869]

You are so funny to watch. Lov your tips. Thank you:)

[@messageinafold]

Thank you, Dyane, for taking the time to watch one of my videos and leave your kind comment. I appreciate you. Leslie

[@TiflydesignsBlogspot]

Cool idea. TFS Skeeta

[@messageinafold]

+TiflyDesigns Thank you for watching my video and leaving a comment. Leslie

[@vickicervantes1817]

Thank You so much for the info. I'm going to go buy me some today : )

[@ApenasCriativa]

Where i can buy?

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Good tutorial.

[@marthamurphy3913]

It's too bad you can't put the paper between the die and the magnetic mat, so you wouldn't have to tape the paper. Also, if you put a piece of paper on top of the silicone sheet, it won't stick to the machine. Since the magnetic sheets are cheap, can you stack them up instead of using a shim? Thanks. This is a helpful video.

[@beverlyhobbs2230]

What thickness is the clear plate to use on the old sizzix

[@SuzieBender]

Hi Leslie! I have I have the Sidekick and the BigShot can you tell m why you use the silicone and run it through again after you've already cut it out?

[@messageinafold]

+Suzie Bender The Silicone Mat is used with Spellbinder dies....and other dies that leave an embossed impression. The mat sinks into the die to create the border or the marks that don't show just using the cutting plates. The first time through the machines is using the die cut itself. The second time through is for the embossing part, or the enhancement. It sometimes helps to spritz your paper, lightly, with water before you do the die cut and using the Silicone Mat. Thank you for leaving a comment on my video. I appreciate you. Leslie

[@SuzieBender]

+Leslie Bockenstette oh ok, I have the silicone plate, I got it in a lot of used supplies I bought on eBay, but didn't know what it was for exactly. Thank You! :) I've seen loads of tutorials but never saw anyone use it before! Well a lot of tutorials cut out a lot of the video. It's nice to see the whole possess! :) Thanks Leslie! :)

[@grendelia1]

Good Morning Leslie, I love this video I have been looking to buy magnetic sheets and I found some but did not want to pay $40 per sheet. I want them to stick my shapes for the children on the wipe board thank you so mush for this great idea and I will also use them for my machines. PS have you tried them if they cute in the cricut machines? Just asking

[@messageinafold]

+grendelia jimenez Good morning, Grendelia. I'm happy to learn that I may have given you an option for your wipe board to display the children's shapes. I don't know how big your board is but maybe these larger sizes of magnetic sheets will work for you. I'm sure you will need to use a good adhesive on the white side to make them stick to your board. As to using them in the Cricut....well I do have one of the original Cricuts but don't use it very often so I am of no help to you whatsoever. I may have to experiment further :D Thank you for watching my video and leaving a comment. Leslie

[@grendelia1]

Thanks Leslie for your reply have a wonderful day

[@bellnorton4453]

Thank you so much, watched again. I tried the magnets but not figured out the shims yet. Big I shall persevere. Have a great week. From Granny

[@AlaskaCraftyGalVictoria]

Love watching your videos!!!!! You have the greatest tips and tricks! Quick question for you? Can you run your 12" boarder and title die through your original sizzix or do you have to put it through the sidekick? It seems to me that the sidekick is kind of a hassle? just curious. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos and respond to us :) your a joy to watch! I just discovered you and subscribed.

[@Spicifiy1]

THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO. You are sooOOo FUN! Are your shims chipboard? But hey, my partner got 2 of those handy little Sidekicks at a junk store for $2.99 ea (maybe even w/40% off) but they had no plates, so I got some on Amazon but they were only to run sizzlits. If anyone 's interested, I saw a Sidekick at Tuesday Morning about a month ago for $19. I got some of those deco-strip plates at Tuesday AM last year but they're buried somewhere under a ton of utter JUNK. A couple of weeks ago, I ran into a video by "happy wife" who showed some Quilled Creations Base/Cutting plates that will cut thinlits in the Sidekick! I got one set on Amazon for $8.00 but then found some on eBay for $5.28. I might buy 2 more sets on eBay because Sizzix has RETIRED all things Sidekick because they're gonna introduce a new version this fall.

[@bellnorton4453]

What is the silicone mat used for?

[@lyndasoar4345]

Silicone mat is for embossing...it pushes the paper into the die... Silicone "squishes"(is more flexible).... As opposed to the rigid shims, which give the 'die's raised cutting edges' a hard surface to cut against... :))

[@meaghanlarsen1618]

Mercy Sakes 🥰🤣

[@marianspurling9824]

Why do you run these papers through twice?

[@tonihall7810]

R I p lovely lady. You are sadly missed

[@vickirivera1052]

That is sad. Sorry

[@kimstamness7660]

Hi Leslie. I got the same magnetic sheets you have, they do not work with my big shot. I do get them to go through, but the machine feels like it going to break. I really have to force it. Their the exact same sheets. Is there any way I can make them work? I don't want to breakt my big shot. Thanks.

[@messageinafold]

The Big Shots are calibrated differently on each machine.....crazy I know. Have you tried leaving off the top acrylic piece and using a piece of cardboard or chipboard instead. I've found that some things I try to do with my machines need a bit of adjusting to the layers. Makes me nuts to figure out the shimming but just think of it as "Research" LOL. Leslie

[@KrystalsDesigns]

THANKSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!

[@messageinafold]

+Krystal D You are very WELCOME :D LOL Leslie

[@bonnie4526]

what is that little red tool

[@messageinafold]

Thank you, Bonnie, for watching my video and I appreciate your comment. The little red tool is a Sizzix Side Kick. I don't know if you can find one any longer. Possibly eBay, thrift stores, or yard sales. That little machine takes only the thin, narrow, dies. The little clam shell thinlet dies can be used in it also. Leslie

[@bonnie4526]

That is so cute I never saw one thank you

[@michelerhoads8260]

Hi Leslie. Im new at the die/embossing thing. I just started to learn about the Cuttlebug and have done several cards. I love messing with it. Then I discovered DIES. Im excited to learn more about them. Even better with my search on how to use them, I found your wonderful site and how to use the magnetic sheets. Now Im wondering if I can use that hint on my cuttlebug machine? I have so many more questions but this is one I'd like to know. Thanks for a terrific video..You're a HOOT!

[@messageinafold]

Thank you, Michelle, for taking the time to watch my video and leave your wonderful comment. I feel your enthusiasm right through your words and it is contagious! To answer your question, yes you can use the magnetic vent covers on your Cuttlebug. You will have to figure out the shimming since I do not own that die cutting machine. The Cuttlebug has the "A, B & C" plates where the Sizzix only has the two clear acrylic plates for the "sandwich". The dies will not cut through the magnetic sheet and ruin your machine. If anything, your machine will be REALLY HARD to crank if the sandwiches are too thick. That is the same with the Sizzix. Experiment without freaking out :D . I would like to recommend you watch videos by Gina K or Stamp TV. She uses the Cuttlebug exclusively. She uses a bit of tape to keep the thin dies on her acrylic plate layers and she has beautiful results. I'll find a link for you to begin watching one of her videos. Reverse Nestabilities: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZXSlYStobesd80 Enjoy your card making and die cutting! Once again, thank you for watching my video. Leslie

[@michelerhoads8260]

Thanks so much Leslie. I probably watched her video and a few more! I'll watch again to get refreshed.😊Thanks again for the prompt and your help.

[@craftylittlerthings]

michele rhoads (

[@DeeLightfulCo]

Cutting should always be cut "cown" because your ressure is coming from the top and you want to "push" the blade down in the paper. I think you should put that old Sizzix on a shelf and rememberit fondly - too hard to use and the magnetic plate didn't help :)Glad for new products..dee

[@messageinafold]

+DeeLightful Co Thank you for the tip. I appreciate you watching the video and leaving a comment. Leslie

[@flbrenda]

+DeeLightful Co I diecut facing up, too. My dies get warped and the plates too if I do "face down"

[@WendysCraftDen]

Hi I have also heard that. I am new to die cutting so I keep looking for tips especially if my mats last a while. My hubby bought me a Sizzix Big Shot for our wedding aniversary in November and i have already worn out 4 plates by cutting down. Its going to be a new set of plates today and try this way. Hope they last longer xxx

[@dianecarista624]

Oklahoma here

[@bosco1234]

Want to ask, if there's any place that can customise the magnetic die cut template? Am actually looking to cut 8 x standard passport photo size (35mm x 45mm ) from 4R photo paper (4 x 6 inches). I have my print template ready. Googling just doesn't bring me anywhere.... am from Singapore. An advance THANK YOU for comments to help direct me to the right place :)

[@messageinafold]

Bosco, first of all, let me thank you for watching one of my videos and leaving a comment. I think your question is: finding a die that will cut through photo paper and be of a particular size to accommodate passport photos or the small photos. Being from Singapore, I'm not familiar with what paper crafting tools and supplies are available to you. I would suggest looking into Spellbinders graduated dies. Spellbinders creates many different kinds of graduated dies - rectangle, square, round, oval. You may have to find them on eBay or an equivalent near you. That is the best advice I can come up with for you. As for having a customized die created, I don't have any idea who you would reach out to for that. Sorry that I am not of much help to you. Hope you do find a solution to your problem. Leslie

[@debradominguez2594]

lol, hard ware department sweetie.

[@MakeUpSleuth84]

I just bought my first Sizzix today so I'm trying to learn. Why do you go through a second time with the silicone mat?

[@leonorasimons8681]

Hi Leslie great video but made me lol how u kept forgetting to flip the dies once u had cut them, so the embossing would be on the right side! Also once u have cut the die u can lose the magnetic sheet and just use your embossing mat as the paper/card will then be "sticking" to your die from the cutting pressure. Love your videos Leslie, so informative and fun at the same time! New subbie!