Craft tool must-have!

I have a lot of craft tools that I've accumulated through the years. I have a sticker machine, a laminator, several punches, paper trimmer, envelope maker and two die-cut machines. But if I had to give it all up and just have one. It will be the Sizzix manual die-cut machine: The Big Shot.

I don't have a name for her but she's my trusty crafting companion. It's because of her that I can make lovely craft things. Here are a few examples:

The banner was pre-made but the letters were hand-cranked by me using large dies per letter-similar to the ones that teachers use in school - huge foam dies.

This butterfly card was made possible because of thin steel dies. Punches would not have worked because of the intricate details of the butterfly wings. 

I mentioned earlier that I have two die-cut machines. The other one that I have is a Cricut electronic one. That one has stayed in its box, unused still, but I do plan to use them for digital files. It takes a bit more planning to use electronic cutters- electricity, cutting mat, spatula (to scrape off the finished product) and setting up my computer to do the formatting. With the big shot, you just take out your paper, the die and the "sandwich" makings and you crank the machine yourself. When I mention "sandwich" I refer to the accessories that come with the machine like the acrylic pads and platform so that the die can go through the machine to cut the paper. 

If you have questions about dies and what it can do, leave me a comment!