User Guide: Paper Die Cutter and Embosser - Sizzix BIGkick

Description

The Sizzix BIGkick is a craft die cutter and embosser. You can use it to cut or emboss a variety of materials for your craft projects, including card marking, scrapbooking, and more.


What We Provide - Makerspace Equipment & Materials

Makerspace equipment is free to use, but there is a cost for project materials and items. We provide the following:

  • Sizzix BIGkick
  • Compatible dies and embossing folders
  • Multipurpose Platform or Extended Multipurpose Platform
  • Limited materials for sale (cash only). Material availability is not guaranteed; prices are subject to change. We encourage you to bring in your own materials to create your projects.
    - Cardstock paper: 5¢/sheet
    - Paper: 5¢/sheet
    - Transfer tape (if purchased separately from vinyl): 2¢/inch (max cut length of 5 feet/60 inches)
    - Vinyl (iron-on/heat transfer vinyl/HTV - black and white colors only): 65¢/sheet (12" x 10" sheet)
    - Vinyl (indoor/removable): 10¢/inch (transfer tape included, max cut length of 5 feet/60 inches)


What You Must Bring - Materials & Items

To use this equipment, you must bring the following:


Learn

Print Guides:
- Sizzix BIGkick Instructions

Websites:
- Sizzix - New to This
- Scrapbook.com - Top Die Cutting Questions & Answers
- Scrapbook.com - The Everyday Guide To Buying Dies
- Sizzix Frequently Asked Questions
- Sizzix Die & Folder Compatibility Chart
- Sizzix Material Compatibility Table

Videos:
- Sizzix Videos
- How to Use the Big Shot Machine w/Multipurpose Platform - Sizzix (Also applies to BIGkick)
- How to Use Sizzlits and Embosslits Dies - Sizzix

In-Person - Book-A-Maker Appointment:
- Book-A-Maker appointments are one-on-one sessions to learn how to use a specific piece of Makerspace equipment. After your appointment, you'll have the knowledge and experience necessary to independently work on our equipment during Makerspace Open Use Hours.
- Book-A-Maker Appointments are open to Bloomingdale Public Library cardholders only. To make an appointment, fill out the online form. SAME DAY OR NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE. Please allow at least 2 business days for a reply.
- If you're unable to make your appointment, please email or call the staff member who contacted you. If you have multiple broken appointments without notice, staff will not accommodate future Book-A-Maker requests.


Tips

The following tips are from the Sizzix FAQ Page:

  • Sizzix Die and Embossing Folder List
  • When using the Sizzix, a cracking sound is normal. When the Sizzix applies pressure to the cutting pads and die, there will often be a cracking sound.
  • To extend the use of the cutting pads, make sure you flip the pads with each use to ensure even wear and tear. Also, be sure to use the entire surface of the pad instead of placing your dies in the same spot with each use.
  • You will always make a die cutting "sandwich" when you cut. A sandwich is a combination of the platform, cutting pads, die/embosser, and material. Depending on the die, your sandwich will be one of these two options:

1) Starting from the bottom:
- Multipurpose Platform (tab number will vary by die/embosser used)
- Cutting Pad
- Die (sharp/cutting side up)
- Material to Cut
- Cutting Pad

2) Starting from the bottom:
- Cutting Pad
- Die (sharp/cutting side up)
- Material to Cut
- Cutting Pad

See the Sizzix BIGkick Instructions for illustrations of the sandwiches based on die type.