Big Shot Sandwiches!

No. You can't make a sandwich using the Big Shot! And Nope, you can't eat the Big Shot!

I have been using my Big Shot a bunch lately to make all sorts of different projects, which requires different "sandwiches" for each thing. The "sandwiches" are the layers of cutting plates, multipurpose platform, silicone rubber mats, cardstock shims, etc. that are layered together to make allow the Big Shot to cut most effectively. I needed a place for these sandwiches to stay centrally located. Then it just occurred to me that you might need a "sandwich source" too!

I was asked the question the other day: "Do you use the Big Shot more than your Cricut?" The answer is absolutely!! Using the Cricut was wasteful and stressful for me. I never knew exactly what size to make something, so I would have to make 3 or 4 of them. I just don't use it anymore. I haven't used it since I got my Big Shot. Cricut's are great, and there are many uses for them too. It just is not my personal favorite.

The Big Shot takes all the guess work out of a project! I know exactly what I am going to get, and I can cut 4 times as much in the same amount of time.

Today's post is full of Hot Tips for you! These are the various methods of creating the sandwiches for the different dies you may have. These sandwiches will work for the Big Shot, and in some cases, the Cuttlebug too. Remember many of the dies, texture plates, and embossing folders that Stampin' Up! sells for the Big Shot will work on the Cuttlebug too! Visa versa you can use some of the "other dies" in the Big Shot too!

As I discussed yesterday, there are many different materials that the Big Shot dies will cut, including cardstock, chipboard, thin plastic (like notebook covers), and fabric!

The dies I will be referring to are the ones that Stampin' Up! offers. I, personally, know these dies are very high quality!

• Originals, Bigz, and Bigz XL dies are steel ruled dies, which can cut through virtually any material and multiple sheets of card stock and Designer Series paper. See the complete list of materials that you can cut on this post. These are great for creating multiples of a project very quickly!
• Sizzlits dies are small and detailed metal dies that sometimes have impressions for creating an embossed or perforated texture on cardstock. These dies will only cut through thin materials, such as cardstock, paper, and very thin fabrics. You should not use multiple layers with these dies!
• In general, you will turn the handle slightly with slight pressure to start the sandwich through the opening of the Big Shot and continue turning the handle until the sandwich comes out the other side.

The “Sandwiches”:

This information was obtained from a great source! Thanks Karen! This is how you layer your platforms, plates, dies and paper when using your Big Shot.

For each sandwich, you will lay down each layer in the order listed; in other words, the first thing listed is actually the bottom of the sandwich.

Originals Dies:

• Standard Cutting Pad
• Originals die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Standard Cutting Pad

BIGZ Dies:

• Standard Cutting Pad
• BIGZ die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Standard Cutting Pad

BIGZ Clear Dies:

Clear dies allow you to see where you are positioning the die for your project.

• Standard Cutting Pad
• BIGZ Clear die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Standard Cutting Pad

BIGZ XL Dies:

These dies require the Extended Cutting Pads. You will not use the Standard Cutting Pads for these dies.

• Extended Cutting Pad
• BIGZ XL die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Extended Cutting Pad

BIGZ XL dies with score marks:

There are BIGZ XL dies that press in some score lines to create bags, boxes, and more. Note the change to the sandwich below, and do not use more than one piece of cardstock with this sandwich.

• Extended Cutting Pad
• BIGZ XL (foam side up)
• Spritz paper or cardstock with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression, if desired.
• Paper (face up)
• One or two shims (see note below)
• Extended Premium Crease Pad

Sizzlits Decorative Strip Dies:

These dies measure 2-1/4″ x 12″. Use them with Extended Spacer Platform and Decorative Strip Cutting Pads. These dies are not recommended for use with more than one layer of paper.

• Extended Spacer Platform
• Decorative Strip Cutting Pad
• Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Decorative Strip Cutting Pad

Sizzlits Dies:

These dies measure 2-1/4″ x 2-1/2″ and are chemically etched dies for cutting through single layers of card stock and Designer Series paper. Use them with Standard Cutting Pads and Multipurpose Platform.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Standard Cutting Pad
• Sizzlits Die (foam side up)
• paper
• Standard Cutting Pad

Embosslits Dies:

These dies are chemically etched and create an embossed texture in the shape that is cut out. Embosslits cut through card stock and Designer Series Paper. Use them with Standard Cutting pads and the Multipurpose Platform.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Standard Cutting Pad
• Spritz paper or cardstock with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression.
• Embosslit die with the paper inside (The dies close like a book, and there is a mark on the die stating which side should face up)
• Shim if desired
• Standard Cutting Pad

Textured Impressions Embossing Folders:

These plastic folders will create a texture on your Designer Series Paper or cardtsock (one layer at a time). Use them with the Standard Cutting pads and the Multipurpose Platform.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Standard Cutting Pad
• Spritz paper or cardstock with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression.
• Textured Impressions Embossing folder with the paper inside and closed like a book. Decide if you want the impression to be debossed (recessed texture) or embossed (raised texture) and place the appropriate side face up.
• Shim if desired
• Standard Cutting Pad

Texturtz Plates:

These create subtle patterns and designs on Designer Series Paper or cardstock creating a stunning embossed background. Each plate is double-sided. Use with the Multipurpose Platform, Impressions Pad and Silicone Rubber.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Spritz paper with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression, if desired
• Texture plate (face up)
• Paper (face up)
• Silicone Rubber mat
• Shim if desired
• Impressions Pad

Shims:

There are times when one sandwich is perfect for one Big Shot and not quite perfect for another. If you cut out the shape and it is still attached, trim it with scissors and add a shim the next time you cut that die. Other times you may need a shim include when you are using an embossing die or scoring die. The shim will increase the pressure as the dies rolls through the Big Shot and deepen the impression. Remember, spritzing the paper with alcohol or water will also deepen the impression for more dramatic results.

Things to use as shims: Use these interchangeably depending on the amount of pressure needed.

• a piece of cardstock
• a piece of thin chipboard, such as poster board
• a piece of the thin chipboard that comes with the dies
• If more pressure is needed add a second piece of cardstock or chipboard.

Note: Rolling the sandwich through the Big Shot shouldn't be a struggle to do. If it is hard to turn the handle, you have too much shim. Creating too much pressure can affect the die itself.

Hope this helps you out some! Thanks for stopping by!