Hello Fellow Stampers :-)
Happy Hump Day :-) Are you having as busy of a week as I am? I was flat out exhausted last night and went to bed pretty early. Thus, I didn't get the post done for this morning the way I wanted. I did want to put together an "Ask Wendy Wednesdays" post for you though -- I'm having fun doing this :-)
One of the most common questions I'm asked is what is the difference between all our dies and accessories for the Big Shot -- well, that is an Excellent question! There are several different types of dies we use with the Big Shot, and they do indeed each have their own purpose, while doing very similar things. The Big Shot is manufactured by Sissix, as are many, if not most, of the accessories that we use with this tool. Stampin' Up! has partnered with Sissix to have product that is made specifically for Stampin' Up! and carries our Logo. As such, you will not find our dies and embossing folders anywhere else. These are designed and made by Sissix specifically for Stampin' Up!'s product line. When you look at the labeling for these products when they arrive at your door, you will see both the Sissix and the Stampin' Up! logos on the label - it will often say "Sissix Big Shot for Stampin' Up!"
Let's explore :-)
The Big Shot is one of the most frequently used tools in my Studio -- I use it almost every single design I create. The reason is there are so many accessories that Stampin' Up! has designed for us to use with this tool, that it really is a Fabulous way to create cards, 3D projects, gifts, the list goes on and on. The accessory designators however, can be confusing to folks, so let's take a look at each one in turn and what it does.
- TIEF. What exactly does TIEF stand for? You see it everywhere ;-) Simple -- Textured Impressions Embossing Folder! (TIEF). This is one of the most versatile and frequently used of all the accessories. You can dry emboss, apply ink and make a design, all sort of ideas! If you explore the "world wide web" you will find many techniques to use with your TIEFs ;-) We carry a wide range of TIEFs, and have new releases with each catalog release as well.
**NOTE: We also sell a smaller Tool called the Texture Boutique that is ONLY for use with the TIEFs. It is lightweight and easy to carry around with you when traveling or going to an event. Remember -- it only works with the TIEFs.
- Embosslits. Embosslits are like a little "folder" that cuts a shape and embosses all at the same time.
Here is an example of an embosslit -- one of my favorites actually (the Beautiful Wings embosslit). When you lay your paper and close the "folder" around it, run it through the Big Shot, and open it, you will have pieces that are cut out for you and embossed with a texture as well.
- Framelits. We have a number of varieties of steel dies; let's start with the framelits collections. Framelits are named such because that's exactly what they do -- they frame an image or sentiment and allow you to cut it out in that shape. Many of our new stamp sets have framelit sets created specifically to frame and cut out the image. Our various framelit sets (e.g., window, label, deco, circle, square, etc.), are created to frame your artwork and cut it out in the shape.
This is a sample created with the Circles framelits -- a sentiment is stamped, and then "framed" and cut in a circular shape. The new 2015 Spring Occasions Catalog offers several new Framelit sets including the Balloon framelits which coordinate with the stamped images in the Celebrate Today stamp set, and Handpicked framelits which coordinate with the new From the Garden stamp set.
- Thinlets. Thinlets are a little bit different from framelits in that they create a shape unto themselves -- stand alone so to speak. They are not for "framing" something and cutting it out; but for creating a specific shape or "artwork" and use in conjunction with other elements on your design.
Here are some samples of Thinlets -- thinlets can be very intricate such as our Darling Doily or the new Butterflies. Using wax paper and dryer sheets can help you cut these out with ease. The 2015 Spring Occasions catalog offers several new Thinlets dies including the Mini Treat Bag Thinlet - which is a good example of a Thinlet which creates a 3D project.
Now, although the new Butterflies set is called a "Thinlets" die set -- do not be confused; there is actually one die in here that is a "framelit" -- why? Because it "frames" and cuts out one of the images in the new Butterfly Basics stamp set -- check it out :)
- Edgelits. Now, as though that's not all confusing enough, guess what, there are "Edgelits" too. Edgelits do exactly what their name says they do -- they put a pretty "edge" on your paper.
This set is the Finishing Touches Edgelits.
- Steel Cut Dies. Steel cut dies basically are their own "base" and have the sharp cutting edge set down inside. They can cut multiple pieces of cardstock at once, and are similar to a "thinlet" in that they cut shapes that can be used in layering or for 3D projects.
The die on the left is Spiral Flower Originals steel cut die. This shape helps you create a beautiful spiral flower. The die on the right also has its cutting blade set inside the "base" but this is a Sizzlit and is very thin in shape and size compared to a regular "bigz" or "originalz" die.
These are just a few examples of the different categories of dies we carry and use with the Big Shot. I hope this has been helpful to you all today. I offer Big Shot training for all my local customers. And as always, I'm only an email away with any questions you may have -- [email protected]. I love answering your questions and would love to showcase your question on my next "Ask Wendy Wednesdays." So drop me those questions via email and who knows -- maybe your question will be the next feature ;-)
Until Next Time . . .
The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!
