Chart for Assorted Dies & Sizzix Multipurpose Platform

Quite a while back I wrote up an entry about the Big Shot and multipurpose platform (MPP) called Big Shot Basics. I'd said that I love the MPP because it makes using all of the dies, folders, texture plates etc. so easy. It's tabbed and the instructions are printed right on each tab, with helpful illustrations, no less! After reading the comments made concerning that blog entry, the only other nifty addition would have been if Sizzix had specified just which other dies etc could be used with each tab. I'd written that up in the body of that post, but I decided that it'd be easier if that information was put in chart form.

Here's where you can now find a chart: Dies & Sizzix Multipurpose Platform

This is a pdf file, so you'll need Adobe Reader (can be downloaded for free) or some other application that will let you open and read pdf files. If you want to print it out, it's best to print it in landscape.

I've tried to include most of the more commonly used manufacturers' dies etc. If I've missed one (or more--Yikes!) feel free to let me know. I think there is only one place where my chart differs from what's recommended on the MPP and that's when using the Cuttlebug embossing folders. I tend to use No Tabs because I get a crisply embossed image with less likelihood of tearing the card stock or getting extra creases. I think that Tab 1 is what's actually recommended. I added that in the notes.

I didn't include any of my tips, tricks, or tweaks on this chart. If I've done some experimenting or tweaking, the post can be found in my sidebar in the Tutorials and Info for the Big Shot and Cuttlebug menu. I'll be adding this post to that menu shortly. :-)

double 'bossing revisited

Last night a discussion reminded me of something that I'd been meaning to try--embossing over a large folder design with a smaller one. My plan originally had been to use Cuttlebug folders, but as I looked at them, I wasn't finding smaller designs that were appealing to me. At least not today. :-)

That was when it came to me--Simple Impressions folders! Remember those? They're the embossing folders by Sizzix that no one uses anymore because everyone's been so thrilled with the plastic embossing folders. Hey, it's true for me! Took me a while to find them. But I have a bunch of these from when Sizzix was clearing them out and they were just what I was looking for. Great!

Now, the approach. At first I thought I'd simply double Cutt..., er, double emboss. ;-) The images looked too busy though. I wanted something more simple. I decided to double 'boss instead. The background would be debossed and the smaller Sizzix image embossed after.


This card was debossed with a Sizzix textured impressions A2 size folder, then embossed with a Sizzix simple impressions image. The border was made using the Martha Stewart scalloped dots edge punch. I started to reach for my chalks, but then decided to leave things plain.


This is another A2 size Sizzix textured impressions folder debossing. I then embossed with the Sizzix simple impressions star image. I used the Martha Stewart Stars edge punch for this border.


And I wouldn't want to shun my Cuttlebug folders completely (LOL!), so this is a debossed Cuttlebug background with the Sizzix roses image embossed on it. The Martha Stewart mini hearts edge punch was used for the border this time.

All of the stamps used for these cards are by Hero Arts. The inks were all Memento dye inks.

I really liked the way these turned out. The double 'bossing gives more depth to the images without adding bulk. I was concerned at first that the part of the stencil around the images might flatten out the debossing too much, but I think it worked out fine. It helps ease the transition between the debossed and embossed aspects of the card.

So, nothing fancy this time and no tools to brainstorm. Just wanted to remind you that those Sizzix Simple Impressions folders can still have a place in all of this fun 'bossing. :-)

Sizzix sunflower impression

The man in the brown truck delivered something fun here today. It was my Sizzix sunflower simple impressions folder. I had to try this out right away. Here are a couple of cards that I made with it.


This first one is just the embossed sunflower colored with chalk and then mounted on the cardfront with photo corners. The sentiment is by Great Impressions.


For this second card, I embossed a coin envelope and mounted it on cardstock that I'd run through my Big Shot inside a Cuttlebug embossing folder. I tried to bring out the embossing my rubbing my charcoal Cats eye ink pad over the raised images. This sentiment is also by Great Impressions.

Sadly, these are about the only sunshine around here today. It's raining and due to change over to snow later. Oh joy! ;-)