A Beginners Guide to the Sizzix Big Shot Die-cutting machine | how to use different dies/folders

[@didididi4613]

Helpful hint: I taped my wrench to the bottom of my machine so I'll be able to find it when I need it. Thank you, Sharon, for your very instructive video!

[@sharoncurtis]

That's a very good idea!

[@steveevans5144]

Great Idea 👌

[@kocobee]

Thank you for the helpful hint!

[@stacy18]

Great idea sister ❤❤❤ I've just done that as I have just received mine tday ❤ genius xxx

[@joannclupper7902]

Received delivery of my machine today, opened it up, looked at all of the pieces and was daunted to the point where I got a little depressed. Once I found your video and viewed it, life had sunshine again. Thank you so very much for your explanations and tips. I am looking forward to beginning some projects now that you have eased my mind.

[@sharoncurtis]

Oh I'm glad it was helpful!

[@lisajackson9398]

Thank you, Sharon, for helping me feel more comfortable about the right way to use my Big Shot. It's very generous of you to share your time and talent to help us beginner crafters:)

[@rauljordan5759]

sorry to be offtopic but does someone know of a tool to log back into an instagram account..? I was stupid lost the login password. I love any assistance you can offer me.

[@alisoncollins5625]

I have just found time to craft again after 20 years and am thrilled with your great review on how to use my Big Shot and all the accessories that have been stored for soooo long. Thank you!

[@denisetrainor8029]

Best tutorial yet, thank you. I’m new to crafting and have just bought the Big Shot but was confused about the plates I might need. I’ve tried looking at loads of others but none were as in depth and clear as yours.

[@aleksandrsizov5844]

Thank you for your tutorial, it was very helpful. You have mentioned craft metal, as material for embroidery...would you show more how does it work? Thank you in advance...

[@dbbrbc]

I wish I had seen this 4 weeks ago!! I do appreciate your time and your willingness to share your knowledge!! Thank you!!

[@kelh3012]

Thanks Sharon! Wonderful informative tutorial!! I’ve been wanting to get one of these and couldn’t decide which machine l should get and then saw that there was a plus big shot, and now I have decided to just get the big shot. I think that will work great for me. I think all of the information that you gave was wonderful, the little tips like spraying your paper before you use the deeper embossing piece, being careful to not use thicker off brand dies in the machine, were above & beyond helpful 😊. Kel

[@connectionoflivesandinterests]

*I just posted a video of how to use die cuts without a machine. You are the award winning teacher I say for teaching us in a way it's not scary or overwhelming. I know now "if" I can ever afford one I will get this. It's simple & basic like you said. You are by far the Best Teacher for this. I'm going start a play list Best tutorials for crafting & this one my dear will be the First one I add. Thank you So Very Much!!! I'm subscribing to your channel & hitting the Bell as well. I look forward to learning more from you!!! 🤗🤗🤗* Sharon in SC

[@vickyjones3426]

Thank god I found your video, made it so much easier to follow. I’m brand new to any of this so it helped so much, thank you 😘

[@emmkaa2099]

Sharon, hi 🙋. I just opened the box from Amazon that had my brand new Big Shot machine and I'm very excited to play with it. I don't have any die cuts, only a few embossing folders that I used a couple times before by getting the paper wet, putting it in the folder, then sandwiching the folder between a scrap piece of carpet and a piece of lumber, and jumping up and down on it. It actually kinda worked but wore me out, so I saved my pennies and got a machine. Now with your help I feel like I can skip the aerobics and just turn a little handle and make wonderful things. My knees thank you. With love and gratitude from the southern California desert, MK ♥️☀️🌵

[@irisbradley8777]

Thank you so much. This has been so helpful! I’m not great with machines, but really feel much more confident now. Good to hear how long lasting the Sizzix materials are! Happy crafting!

[@veronicamassey532]

Thanks Sharon, I bought a big shot yesterday and I'm always afraid I will damage stuff that's new to me so your tutorial was just what I needed.

[@trevahillyard2307]

Very informative video. I haven’t bought a die cutting machine yet. Your video has been the best for me. THANK YOU

[@c.9908]

Dear Ms. Curtis - I am a long time "mixed-media" worker...I mostly repurpose paper, all types of paper - but I also work with wood, acrylic paint, learning about watercolor, failed out at pastels and Gel pad, and I love sculpey clay w/ accompanying pasta machine!! I have been dancing around Cricut and Sizzix for almost EIGHT YEARS.........paralyzed by seemingly complicated directions and wondering quietly late at night if, by getting one of these, I would become a "crafter" and not an "artist".............THEN CAME YOU. First off, your voice is soothing, calming, instructive, encouraging....AND you somehow manage to answer every question a viewer might have BEFORE they have time to ask/think it. Remarkable. I am going to order the Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting machine, most likely after pondering on this decision for another week or two. Just as an unimportant aside, I lived in London from 1973-1983, got my "O" and "A" Levels...it was a crazy time to be an American in an all-girl, C of E, day school...... but I learned mountains more than I would have in a comparable time in an American high school. ANY WAY many many many thanks Ms. Curtis. My name is Caroline and I am a "die-hard" (slightly in joke) fan of yours.

[@sharoncurtis]

Thanks Caroline for your lovely message! I'm glad I've helped you decide to get a Big Shot. haha, I totally understand the 'crafter' and 'artist' thing, I was the same before I started paper crafting, I thought that stamping images instead of drawing them was somehow cheating. Now I realise that the same rules apply, and to be a good 'crafter' you still need to understand composition and colours, so really, it's just the same, but using die cuts and stamps makes it quicker and easier.

[@lynneswanson5803]

Hi Sharon, I’m a new year and just purchased a big shot. Thankyou so much for your video which explained the process so much more easily than any other site I’ve looked at. I received some freebie dies with my machine and I’ve just tried them out with your instructions and hooray!! I’m now going to purchase some dies to really improve my crafting. Lynne (Northeast England) xx 💐💕

[@suzanneboschen7427]

Thank you so much for this video! I am a beginner and I just bought this machine. Until I saw this wonderful video I was just staring at the machine. Now I can’t wait to get started!!

[@majorel682]

Please how much have you buy the machine tks

[@tinabillingham]

I'm so glad I came across this. I bought my 11 year old daughter a big shot plus for Christmas she really wanted one. This has been a god send to watch. Thankyou 😊👍

[@sharoncurtis]

Glad it was useful!

[@janemurphy9541]

The big shot is the best of all cutting machines. Wish they would make more of the bigs steel dies. Can’t beat them.

[@ivodellkelly3831]

Thank you so much have had big shot for ages but just went to garage sale and got near new one plus box of alphabet dies 25 dollars yippee excited love your video you have given more information than I have ever had once again thank you lovely lady

[@patriciawatts-no7oz]

Hello From New Zealand Sharon, I had viewed this video of your a couple of years ago, but I watched it again today as a brush up for me as it has been awhile since I have used my Big Shot, and I truly found it extremely helpful for me, and I wanted to thank you so much for that Sharon. You give excellent presentations in all of your videos and I always learn so much from you. But this was just perfect to view this one on the Big Shot again. My craft room is so cluttered up as I have not used it in a long time due to some health issues and having to get up and down the stairs to get to my craft room, so my next project is re-organizing the room to try to make a bit more space. It is not a big room at all but I have accumulated some things over the years, so I hope to get it all sorted out soon so I can start to play again. My husband keeps reminding me how old I am getting and that I might not have that many years yet left to craft. I am 79 years this December but I am confidant that I will be able to keep going awhile yet to prove him wrong. Ha! Well thank you so much again Sharon. I so appreciated viewing your lovely video today. Take care! Be well, be safe, and be HAPPY! Cheers from Patti in windy Wellington, New Zealand😊

[@sharoncurtis]

thank you!

[@tempodocs00100]

Craft away, girl! And don't look back. 😅

[@ladyameliecharlotte]

Thank you for clarifying what we can do with the 'basic' machine. This is the best video that I've seen at the end of a long day looking at Big Shot videos :D

[@mariefranceartdesign]

Just got a Sizzix for my birthday and glad I found your video. Super helpful! Thank you! Now time to fall down the rabbit hole of dies + folders! 😂

[@reginataddy7475]

This video was PERFECT! I just got my big shot yesterday for my birthday and I was completely confused how to use it. Your video helped tremendously! Thank you so much! ❤

[@cathismith2624]

I have just started crafting again after 20 years...... but there are so many changes that I feel like I'm in some kind of alternate reality!!! Thanks so much for this video. It all makes a bit more sense now - although there are still a lot of things that I have no idea how to do!

[@samanthacasey5382]

Thank you for taking time to make this video.....after the last 2-3 years of only having a sidekick and only being able to use smaller does, I've finally made the plunge and purchased this machine..... your video helped me to know how to use it properly!!!! Very helpful....thanks again!!! ❤️❤️

[@lucyc]

Thank you, Sharon...I've had my Big Kick for about a year and a half and this helps me understand more of what I can do with it. There are 2 things I'm still unsure about and hope you can answer/show sometime: 1) Using cutting dies to emboss and 2) Using foil sheets with dies. I've heard about both of those but don't know how to do either. Thanks again...your demonstrations and explanations are super helpful!

[@maryparavati8814]

Sharon thank you for you video, it was clear conscience and helpful. I purchased a Big Shot Sizzix on sale last year I purchased and the first time I used it (I had no idea what I was doing) the die cut into my cutting pad. I was sad and thought I wasn't using it correctly. I haven't used it since that first time. I see that yours has several marks on it as well. After you video, I will be courageous and attempt it again. Thank you,

[@h.d.2630]

Thanks for this! I've just purchased a Big Shot and it's incredibly helpful to see how each of the items are stacked. I didn't understand how all the plates were used and your video made it easy!

[@rhondasparkes8069]

As I sit here waiting for the delivery of my first ever Big Shot, I am most impressed by your informative video. The information you have shared will help immensely with my newbie jitters. Let’s hope the delivery that I was told would arrive today gets here soon 😜. Such a first world problem 💋

[@sharoncurtis]

Thanks for watching!

[@candaceroni265]

Been a few years since I had the opportunity to craft, and was completely lost. Thanks for clarification and instruction with your video. Best!

[@sarahlawrence677]

Thank you for this beginners guide Sharon! It was really clear and now I can't wait to get started!

[@agnescallow5324]

Wow what a fabulous tutorial !!! Thank you so much, I was wondering which die cutting machine to purchase and with your tutorial it’s just made my mind up. I’m now off to purchase a Big Shot 😀

[@lesleytreloarpersonal]

THANK YOU Sharon perfect presentation for me who is about to buy one and was totally confused until I found your video!

[@ajourneymaryb]

Thank you for your simple instructions thank I could understand and confirm I did it correctly for my first ever cut with my new sizzix, but one thing you didn't say but I could see in your clear plates is the cuts from your dies. That's what I needed to know. My first die cut is now for ever in those plates. Which made me sad and thought I did it wrong but seeing your video I did not and I found hopefully away to prevent it from happing again. Had I used it the first time my clear plates would not have permanent cuts in them. Live and learn. So thank you I did learn a lot from your video (ones on the plates not as clear as they could be) thank you again for your video.

[@merryzavala3362]

I recieved the Big Shot Plus as a Christmas present from my husband. I tried to follow the directions on the package, which I found very confusing. I loaded a thin cut along with the foam block. I was quite alarmed that the cutting surface was marred with my first cut. I thought I had ruined it and that made me and my husband apprehensive. But this in turn triggered me to look for a tutorial. Thank you so much for your clear instruction. I can see the cutting boards in the video are scratched, so it must be normal. It was very helpful to learn how to use my machine.

[@denisebrown4933]

Thank you for this. Got one for Christmas and really wanted to watch someone use it. 🌹

[@hopemitchell802]

I have one of the dies similar to the butterfly die that I have forgotten how to use. This was so helpful. Thanks so much.

[@ayeshahmed7]

Oh Sharon May God bless you for this video. I was totally confused because I started crafting in 2017 n have never seen any die other than wafer thin ones so the instructions on the machines kinda confused me as to what things I own and what I should be doing with them. Very informative video. Love 💕

[@Wal48]

Excellent run through of how and why. I haven’t ever used a die-cutter but am thinking of getting one and this was very informative!

[@samantha4130]

I’ve been crafting all my life and I’ve always not really been fussed about a die machine but lately I’m considering it. This was a great video. Thank you! I think I’ve made up my mind to finally get this one!

[@annefrewin3847]

Hi Sharon, I have recently bought a Big Shot and when i got it out of the box I had no idea what to do with it! So thank you for your video, this has really helped me on my way. I'm now looking forward to using my machine and will definitely be watching more of your videos

[@cindiarteglier9641]

I just bought a Sizzix and I was feeling a bit lost about the sandwiching etc. This video was very helpful. Thank you!

[@sharoncurtis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shexxhay]

This was so helpful. Thinking about getting one of these and I think you’ve sold it to me! Thanks

[@cathyellis9276]

I recently bought a Big Shot and needed a beginners lesson - this was perfect! Thank you so much!

[@sharoncurtis]

Glad it was useful!

[@kyang5895]

Thank you so much for such a helpful tutorial. I am returning to scrapbooking after a considerable break and so many things have changed . I feel like a complete beginner!

[@carolinejones7273]

thank you for helping me the big shot is my first dye cutting machine and i've been using it quite a bit but i was a bit confused with 3d embossing folders, your demonstration has answered all my questions

[@marydiebold4417]

So helpful! Just bought a Big Shot. I love it already! Thank you for being so informative

[@josephinefarkashazi2019]

Thank you so much Sharon. I am new to cardmaking. I do have a big shot, but didn't quite know the ins and outs of it all. You have a lovely voice and your tuition was at a very good pace for understanding it all. I'm so pleased for all the basics. You certainly have good knowledge of sizzix. Very best wishes. Do you have other tutorials? Jo xx

[@whisperingspiritstudio]

I just acquired a Sizzix Big Shot. Excited to start using. Your tutorial on ‘how to’ for beginners was very helpful. Thank you!

[@marusnak1113]

Sharon, thank you very much for this comprehensive 'unboxing'. You offered so many tips that were not included in some of the other introductory videos, and I appreciate your sharing of knowledge about the machine and its traits.

[@marienicpon7508]

Thank you Sharon for this informative tutorial. My Big Shot has been sitting in the box for about a momth. I will give it a go tomorrow. Thanks again and a new subscriber.

[@sharoncurtis]

Glad it was helpful, and thanks for subscribing!

[@missbeehavenagn2day]

Got my first machine today and thank you sooooo much because you have help me to use it . Thank you!!!!

[@a_silver_wolf6028]

Thank you for this fantastic video. My partner bought me the Big Shot for my birthday and this video has been really helpful. Also reassuring to see the marks the dies have made in your plates. I was a bit worried after the first use of a thinlet and Bigz I got in the starter kit! Also, if I may, you have a lovely voice. It’s a joy to watch your videos. Very clear and helpful 😊

[@williamcarbone4198]

We just purchased a new Sissx and your video was very informative. Thank you for taking the time.

[@bevett1]

Nice clear instructions with demos. Very good video for beginners. Thanks

[@sharoncurtis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deloresangus7117]

Very helpful for a newbie to the Bog Shot. Thank you.

[@heidigrozier4401]

Thank you for your video. Am thinking of buying a Big Shot machine and this has answered my questions and now I can move forward in purchasing one.

[@lynnstacey9590]

Thank you. Really helpful. I bought my machine a few years ago and have never used it because I didn't know what I was doing. Your video was very clear. I'm going to give it a go now.

[@TheImageaddict]

Thank you so much. Just got mine and it’s sitting on my desk glowering at me - I’m now brave enough to give it a go!

[@sharoncurtis]

Have fun!

[@Maggita2015]

These tutorials is very helpful. Thank you so much for showing how to use the dies!! 💞😊

[@MaureenMason-v3e]

Hi Sharon, thank you for your video. I have just purchased a Big Shot Plus, never done crafting with a machine before so am interested to learn as much as I can. Great job with explaining and demonstrating the pieces. It helps a lot! I hope to watch more of your videos to learn more.

[@jansfield5314]

Once I got used to using my Big Shot I was hooked, I wouldn't be without it! It is indispensable!

[@lindaallen3916]

Do you have trouble cutting out intricate dies x

[@paulastrong7571]

Sharon, I just brought my Big Shot up from the basement after collecting dust for a very long time. I've had it for a long time and thought that there weren't dies or whatever to use with it. I'm so glad that I Googled and came up with your KZbin channel. I've learned so much more than I ever known what to do with it in your video! Thank you! I'll be watching for more and check out your other sites!

[@lilaspears1734]

Just got a Sizzix Big Shot for Christmas. Your video was super helpful! Thank you so much. :)

[@bobbieschoss9782]

Thank you SO much! I am a watercolorist so this is all new to me…you took the confusion out of the process.

[@sharoncurtis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindademchik7299]

I just got the big shot for my birthday, you’re video is so helpful to a beginner, thank you

[@lesleyannemacdonald401]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I have been looking at die cutting for a while and this tutorial helped me make the decision to buy the Sizzix. Thanks again for sharing.

[@dragonflyneb8212]

I am so glad you shared the last one i have the sizzix little red machine and a bunch of the red die cuts that i thought i would not be able to use thank you that makes me very happy!

[@irenebruce7592]

Thank you so much for your instructions just bought big shot today & excited to get started been crafting & making cards for 20 years but never got round to buying big shot will be following your clear instructions well done. X

[@RoseSky23]

Thanks Sharon, this video was so helpful. I’m brand new to using these machines and your video answered all my questions 😊

[@sallygreenhead9708]

Hello Sharon I’ve just bought a second hand Big Shot, the black and pink version. I’m new to Sizzix and found your tutorial very helpful, thank you so much Sally :-)

[@paulastrong7571]

I have the pink and black one too!

[@sallygreenhead9708]

Paula Strong aren’t they fab x

[@teresaryan2019]

Thank you, best tutorial on the Big Shot yet!!

[@sharoncurtis]

Thank you!

[@oneinap1llion]

You've convinced me........great video Sharon, have subscribed and look forward to learning and making lots

[@tinasmith8791]

Thank you for this video! You did a great job examining everything about the Sizzix machine! I now know that I want one!!

[@sharoncurtis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michelleadamchak1330]

Thank you kindly for this demo. I'm getting on for Christmas and I wanted to make sure I have everything I need to use it.

[@elainebates6967]

This was very helpful. I have made a few mistakes and hope I have not damaged my machine. Lots of Love, Light and Laughter Forever!

[@WoodstockWitchQueen]

Very informative. I'm new to die cutting and this really helped me. Good to know all the names of the different bits 'n' pieces! Thanks 😃

[@hopedoede7121]

Thank you so much. I can't wait to try my big shot now! And I love how you showed how to use with the old sizzix dyes. I was given the old red handled heavy one with a shoe box of dyes big and small. I thought and was so worried I could only use them on the old machine. Thank you🎉 thank you! You have widen my big shot dyes assortment 🎉❤

[@lorrainemontgomery6034]

Fabulous tutorial. Great information made easy for my tiny mind. Cant wait to get started now. Many thanks

[@ThePOOKIE319]

Never heard of this. Found one at the Goodwill for $4.99 Did not get it, buy now that you have answered my questions I will be going back for it!!!! 😮😮😮 Ty for sharing😊

[@cindytartt4048]

Wow? $4 for a whole machine ?? 😮

[@tempodocs00100]

Was it still available? Hope so. 👍

[@marjoriepark1198]

Thank you Sharon for a comprehensive explanation of how to sandwich the various applications of the plates of Sizzix big shot. I am a fusion paper artist who makes a lot of one of kind custom cards. I have agonized over which machine I would buy and settled on the sizzix brand and the big shot. I mainly was looking for some textured backgounds, die cut borders to enhance my other techniques with quilling, painting etc. THANKS AGAIN. Marjorie from Georgia US

[@sharoncurtis]

Thanks Marjorie xxx

[@dawnmulder3540]

So informative! Thank you! I can’t wait to start!

[@nealiperkins0596]

Thank You for sharing Your TIME and Talents with us it was “ Very Helpful “!!!

[@marinicolson5950]

Thank you for this guide. I’m new to cutting and embossing dies, so it’s really helped clarify how it all works when deciding on a machine to buy.

[@patriciaclark54]

Thank you for your education on your big shot. I have never seen this before; however I didn't know or didn't know it was around. I feel like I am very interested in this. I have been doing crafts for a few years; however again we have a Hobby lobby and a Michaels crafts store, but never thought about anything like this. I like it.

[@alaniz1992]

Absolutely amazing & informative video, Thank you so much! I just purchased a sizzix big shot today for one specific 300gsm glitter cardstock snowflake design that I’ve been having issues with on my cameo machine (blade wasn’t cutting through all the way anymore and I use these snowflakes in my shop for banners 😫) I made my first test cut on the sizzix with a small label die and I was amazed but I was also super confused and overwhelmed with all the different tools, types of dies, pads and options there seemed to be. You’ve really narrowed it down for me and I feel much more comfortable with everything now. Thanks so much again I’d love you see more!

[@ginnyr5571]

Thank you so much for this really helpful video. I inherited a Sizzix Big Shot but have been worried about breaking it by doing something wrong. Your clear explanation has given me confidence to have a go! Really grateful! 😀🌸

[@lindaschneider4904]

Thank you so much. My Big Shot is arriving today.

[@lorib5769]

Thank you very much for this video. I just bought one of these 2nd hand and it came with all kinds of things and didn't have any directions - I now know what these things are and how to use them ! :)

[@sharoncurtis]

Glad I could help!

[@elainemonument8488]

This is such a helpful video - thank you! I'm a beginner card maker and I'm trying to decide on a die cutting machine and if I should go for 6inch or 9inch - your video has convinced me a 6inch would be perfect for what I want to do.

[@sharoncurtis]

glad it helped!

[@judypeterson1641]

Thank you so much. I recently purchased some dyes of the older dyes at an auction and wasn't sure how to use them. Also thanks for the water tip. Your 3D folder looks amazing

[@pattiray8542]

Thank you, Sharon! Very clear tutorial ❤️

[@samworgl]

Thank you so much for a very informative video. I just bought myself the big shot plus on C&C. Looking forward to using it.

[@carolouimet2851]

ty so much Sharon now i can finliy use my big shot your video is the best i have found keep using them ty

[@wgar4207]

I’m new to Sizzix and your tutorial was so helpful. Thank you for sharing it.

[@markiecrossmandixon7343]

Thank you so much! I received one as a gift and it has been just sitting, because i don't know what to do with it. Ordering things now!

[@elizabethgaray227]

great tip, i just bought this cutting machine and was looking for a tutorial. thanks

[@joannepeyton1654]

Hi Sharon: Very helpful video! I just acquired a Sizzix Big Shot from a neighbor. Even with the pictures, wasn’t quite sure the right way to use my embossing folders. Mystery solved thanks to you. It also came with an extended platform. Have not figured out the advantage for it being so long. Maybe you could help with that. Thank you for sharing. 💜😎🇺🇸

[@Julie2008191]

Thank for sharing this Beginners guide about the Big shot!

[@lndlcy]

Thank you for your helpful tutorial. I was interested in the cardboard hearts when you revealed the inside of the cardboard. Could you do a tutorial on what you do with the inks and show us how it looks as it sounds such a great idea but I am a complete newby needing all the help ideas techniques I can gather please