Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit

This item requires VERY minor assembly, and can be used within a minute or two of taking it out of the box. The starter kit gives several different kinds of dies (original, Sizzlettes, etc.), to give you a good idea of how each style works with the machine. All instructions are literally a part of the machine, so even if you forgot how to use a certain type of die, the information will be right there in front of you. The crank handle takes VERY little effort to turn, so if you feel any type of major resistance, you may be doing something incorrectly. Just stop and recheck the directions to make sure you have the proper "page" open.Also, some dies contain more than one item or, in the case of alphabets, letters or numbers. To reduce waste of the all too expensive cardstock (or other material being cut), simply use a piece of paper that is just slightly larger than the item or character that you want to cut, there is no need to cover the entire die with paper if you are not using everything on the entire die, or want different items on a certain die cut out in paper colors or materials that are different from one another.I've been using Sizzix products for almost 20 years now, and the first dies I bought still cut just as well as the brand news ones that I bought yesterday. I've never had a Sizzix item break or malfunction. This is a quality package and a very good deal. It should serve you for many, many projects and purposes for years and years to come.The only negative I have ever found is that the prices can be a bit high, but in the end it is worth it, when you realize that every item is a lifetime investment.

The big shot machine by itself is good. However the accessories, in particular the cutting pads are of inferior quality, they warped so badly after about 4 cuts that the die could not sit on them. I contacted the seller and was promised a replacement but they never followed up. I have since bough new ones from Sizzix.

This machine is amazing. I am so happy I bought it. It makes crafts with my children and my business 100 times easier. It is so simple to use that I can let my 3 year old cut shapes without worrying about him cutting himself or using "safety" scissors that would not cut through half of our craft materials. This thing cuts plastic, paper, cardboard, fabric, anything I need for my crafts. And it cuts any shape. I can cut whole boxes to glue together. many sizes of hearts, tags, frames, and so on. Mine came with a die cut machine, handle, about 20 die cut shapes, some card stock, a platform, and 2 pieces of I believe acrylic cutting pad. All I had to do was lay the platform on the machine, put a piece of cutting pad on top, put my die cut shape on top, a piece of card stock on top of that and finally the other piece of cutting pad. Then, you just turn the arm in a circle and it cuts the shape out as it moves through the machine. It is very simple, very fun, and time saving. This is going to make my business so much better because my scissor cut hearts and circles usually took a few more tries - A waste of time and paper. I highly recommend this machine to all artists and people who love to craft.

Love it, love it, love it! I researched all the die cutting and embossing machines (Grand Caliber, Cuttlebug, etc) and found the best reviews of the Big Shot. It is wonderful, does everything I need, and I'm hooked! It is the perfect size for my projects, and it is easy to learn and to use. Embosses great, die cuts great, almost any accessories you can buy will fit in it. The starter kit is nice so as soon as you get it, you can use it right away. You can start learning to use it and creating projects as soon as you open the box. This is the die cutting/embossing machine you want!

I had been wanting a die-cutting and embossing machine for a very long time. After checking out all my options, I decided on the Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit. I am very pleased with the quality, price and functionality of the product. The machine is very sturdy, the instructions are easy to follow, and it includes all the basic items you need to start creating. I definitely recommend it.

Great starter kit!

I like the machine but I am not happy with the tray that holds your folders. The screws that hinge the different mats to the tray are already poping out after only about 5 uses!!! And the screw right next to it is starting to fall out too!!! And one of the embosslits does not cut through any size paper! Very disappointed!!!!

Awesome product! I love everything that came in this kit. This kit really has everything you need to get started. I love that the Big Shot will work with everything from full sized (thick) dies to the thinlets and embossing folders. I find that it is easy to use and the options are endless.