Advantages of having a Sizzix if you already have the Cricuts?

[lovingthemouse]

I do have both Cricuts, but a friend gave me a number of Sizzix dies in a huge box of scrapbooking materials. I do not own a Sizzix, and wondered if there is a good reason to buy one or just give the dies to someone who does own one? Thanks.

 

[jacksmomma]

I do not think I would use one, but that is just me.

 

[Mom-to-2-Princesses]

I have the Cuttlebug which is similar to the Sizzix. I had the Cuttlebug before I got my Silhouette cutting machine (like a cricut).

I will admit to not using the cutting dies as much, but I love using my Cuttlebug for the embossing folders. The sizzix dies and cuttlebug dies are interchangeable. If she gave you some embossing folders (kind of a clear plastic two sided thing) then I would use my JoAnn/Michaels/etc coupon and get a machine.

What other fun stuff was in the big box? You must of been thrilled to get a box of goodies!

 

[morgansmom2000]

I use the Sizzix dies with my girl scouts. We use them in the Cuttlebug, because I think it is safer, but they aren't playing with any electronic device that they may ruin

 

[SharonLovesMickey]

I agree with pp that the best purpose for a Sizzix right now is for the embossing folders. I have used my sizzix recently for a few things, one of which was punching out photos in a circle shape. It was easier than trying to align a photo on the cricut and cutting it. Sometimes if I am doing only one little thing or just need a shape for something I use the sizzix. The sizzix is also great if you are cutting things that fold. For example, I have a file folder die for the sizzix that punches and adds the crease so you can easily fold. I think that is valuable, but if you are going to cut Hello Kitty, for example, I would just get a cricut cartridge instead of the sizzix dies. So, it really depends on what you think you might use it for. I have found that I use it a lot for embossing.

 

[lovingthemouse]

The entire topic came about because in the surprise "goody box" ,which is the size of a box where 8 reams of paper are stored, there must have been over $400. worth of embellishments for scrapping: borders of all kinds, rub-ons, alphabets, stickers of all sizes and shapes; mats and a case of Sizzix alphabet letters, numbers, punctuations etc... There were also plastic cases with shapes, designs -called Sizzix originals. There were 10 plastic cases besides the alphabet case. She told me they came into a swap shop near her home (I need to find this place).

The embellishments I will be sure to use, can also bring them into my classoom - but the Sizzix stuff, I am not so sure about. Seems that I have more than enough already without the cost of a Sizzix. That's why i was looking for input. I love my Cricuts. Think that i can probably find an owner for the Sizzix cuts. Thank you for all your comments, I appreciate it.

 

[PrincessNancy96]

I use my sizzix still!!! It allows me to let me kids help me out (especially my little guy) I only let my older ones use my bug..and that is w/ strict mommy supervision! LOL

 

[calanniebu]

The sizzix also cuts through chipboard and fabric like butter. I know you "can" do that on the cricut but it's a PIA. I don't plan on ever getting rid of my sizzix for that reason alone.

 

[morgansmom2000]

That is true. It works like a charm on chipboard!

 

[LindaBabe]

Will Sizzix dies work in a revolution (quickutz) or are they too thick?

 

[party of 3]

i LOVE my sizzix. still. it was my first machine and i just love it. I still by the dies. i know that some of what i buy i can create on the cricut, but i just love my dies. call my crazy.

 

[pjlla]

The entire topic came about because in the surprise "goody box" ,which is the size of a box where 8 reams of paper are stored, there must have been over $400. worth of embellishments for scrapping: borders of all kinds, rub-ons, alphabets, stickers of all sizes and shapes; mats and a case of Sizzix alphabet letters, numbers, punctuations etc... There were also plastic cases with shapes, designs -called Sizzix originals. There were 10 plastic cases besides the alphabet case. She told me they came into a swap shop near her home (I need to find this place).

The embellishments I will be sure to use, can also bring them into my classoom - but the Sizzix stuff, I am not so sure about. Seems that I have more than enough already without the cost of a Sizzix. That's why i was looking for input. I love my Cricuts. Think that i can probably find an owner for the Sizzix cuts. Thank you for all your comments, I appreciate it.

If you work at a school, there is a good chance that the school owns an Ellison machine (the commercial version of a Sizzix). Most of the regular Sizzix dies (the originals) should fit in the Ellison machine.... but the Sizzelets (the smaller, flatter alphabet dies and such) may not. If the school doesn't have it, maybe the PTA does? Or the art department??

You could probably pick up an original Sizzix machine on Ebay or Craigslist (beware though... the original machine is very heavy and would be costly to ship). I'm sure that people are getting rid of them as they get Cricuts and such. If you have some dies there that you would really like to use, it may be worth taking a look around for a used machine. Otherwise, I guess you could just sell them yourself or give them away to someone else.

I still have my original Sizzix machine and about 8 alphabets plus about 25 original shape dies. I don't usually buy more dies, since I own a Cricut now, but I still use my Sizzix regularly. In fact, I made an entire long title last night with my "playground" alphabet. Sure, it took longer than it would have with the Cricut, but I like the font and it worked for my layout, so I took the time. Plus it uses less paper then the Cricut and I only had a bit of this paper left to make my title, so I couldn't afford a screw-up... and I have frequent screw-ups with my Cricut (although I LOVE it).

I just noticed you are in MA. If you were closer to me, I could loan you my machine! I am going to visit my parents in Sturbridge this week. Are you anywhere near there?? .....................P

 

[morgansmom2000]

Will you be at Lisa's crop on the 9th? I can bring my machine that day, if you'd like.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hi Jen - I think the dies may have a new home by then - at my former school, there is an Ellison machine, and these wil fit it perfectly. I know the teachers there will enoy them a lot. My present school ordered a Cricut Expression after they watched the bulletin boards with all my displays made on the Expression. How lucky could I get - happy people all around?
As for the 9th, I will try and get to Lisa's. In the past I said yes, and then had family responsibilities which took precedence. I sure will try!!! See you all then. Caroline

 

[morgansmom2000]

That's great Caroline, I'm sure they will enjoy the dies! I hope to see you there!

 

[logan&tylersmama]

Caroline --- I use the sizzix with my guys all the time --- they love them --- They like to pick out the dies and make a ton of things with them.
I am doing scrapbooking classes at work now and we use them alot -- they are heavy but stand up well to alot of use. I use them through my cuttlebug --- saves me from bringing my cricut to work.
We also use soad cans to cut some of the dies and make different decorations. LOTS OF FUN!!!
Jennifer