The Inky Flamingo | Stamp with Jen Vitek

Happy Thursday! First the updates. As I mentioned earlier, I plan to increase content here on the blog. You can expect to see this happening in June. For the rest of May I want to plan out some content, and will be traveling to see family next week.

Today I finally found a stamp I had missing for at least a week! It is a small birthday stamp from a past Paper Pumpkin set, but I really like how clear it stamps the word ‘birthday’ and didn’t want to lose it permanently. It wasn’t in the last place I looked, but it definitely was in an area I had looked in before. We often say here “matter can neither be created nor destroyed”, and it can sure drive you crazy when you can’t find something!

For the product review, I wanted to talk about the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machines. This is not a “how to use it” review, but more of a comparison post between the two different sizes.

©Stampin’ Up!

When I first signed on as a demonstrator, I wasn’t convinced that I needed one of these machines. I had a smaller embossing machine by Sizzix, and for what I used it for, it served me well. In the past I had purchased embossing folders from Stampin’ Up! and they worked fine in this machine. I decided to wait and see, and in the meantime I ordered an embossing folder on the website, as it was on clearance.

After I received it in the mail, however, it didn’t fit my machine. And I came to realize that most of the embossing folders Stampin’ Up! sells were too big to fit inside this machine. I knew I needed to upgrade.

But which machine? The size and price point of the mini machine appealed to me, but it offered limited functionality due to its size. In the end, I purchased the bigger machine, because I liked that I could use any product that Stampin’ Up! sells in it. (The mini is limited to dies and embossing folders 3.5 inches or smaller)

I happily used it for several months but recently purchased the Boho Blue Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine when it became available early for demonstrators. I absolutely love it! I have limited space so I really need to be aware of what I bring in to my crafting area. The mini machine is lightweight, and can easily sit on my desk and not take up a lot of room. Out of all my dies, only 1 die does not fit, and that particular one coordinates with an embossing folder, so it makes sense that it’s bigger. I really like the ease and functionality of the smaller machine.

In the beginning it was definitely an either/or decision, but you also need to look at usability, and sometimes both versions of a product fill different needs.

The embossing folders can be found here and on pages 168-169 of the catalog. Die machines are displayed on pages 152-153, and you can see all the dies available here and on pages 155 -167. There are currently only three machines available: the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss in white, and the mini in white and boho blue.

Don’t have a catalog? Request one here.

Bottom line: The bigger machine is best if you want a machine that will do it all. If you rarely use embossing folders, and want it only for dies, I recommend the mini.

Post in the comments your experience with either one of these machines, and which one you think is best.

Happy cutting and embossing!

Jen