Following on from Natalies Introduction to Die Cutting post on Monday, today I am going to show how to use Sizzix Big Z Dies, with Cuttlebug and Big Shot Machines, as these dies are much thicker than normal dies they are handled in a different way, and should NEVER be used with A Grand Calibur machine.
Cuttlebug
When using Big Z Dies with the Cuttlebug your sandwich will be made up
with
From the bottom layer up ...
PLATE B
DIE - FOAM CUTTING SIDE TO THE TOP
PIECE OF CARDSTOCK
PLATE B
Run the 'sandwich' through your die by turning the handle.
The sharp eyed amongst you will notice that Natalie has her cutting Plate on the bottom and I use mine on the Top there is no right or wrong way as long as you always keep One B PLATE as a CUTTING PLATE and ONE B & C PLATE AS BASE PLATES, this means that your base plate will always be smooth and clean giving a pristine finish to your die cut.
Your Cutting Plate will end up looking like mine below, this is quite normal, but do make sure you always keep the plate the same way up, i.e. as in picture with the label at the top, if you turn plate upside down it could shatter when running it through the machine, I have learnt this by personal experience 
.
.
Replacement Plates are sold in pairs and are available from J & C Creations
Big Shot
To cut Big Z Dies with your Big Shot you will not need the Multi Purpose Platform that comes with your Machine. Your sandwich will be made up with:
STANDARD CLEAR CUTTING PAD
DIE – FOAM CUTTING SIDE UP
STANDARD CUTTING PLATE
Run the 'sandwich' through your die by turning the handle.
The Cutting Plates are sold as a pair and are available from J & C Creations
It is also Possible to use both Cuttlebug and Big Shot to cut Sizzix Decorative Strip Dies, with the appropriate extended plates
I am using the Sizzix Festive Greenery Border Strip, the extended plates for both Big Shot and Cuttlebug can also be bought from J & C Creations.
For the Cuttlebug you will need an Extender Spacer A Plate, and a Pair of Extender Cutting B Plates,
Your sandwich will be :
EXTENDER A PLATE
EXTENDER B PLATE
DIE CUTTING SIDE UP
CARD
EXTENDER B PLATE
The Sandwich for a Big Shot is
DECORATIVE STRIP DIE – FOAM CUTTING SIDE UP
I know that storage of Dies and embossing folders can be a real problem but here at J & C Creations we have a fabulous neat solution for you, check out the Embossing Folder and Die Storage Case, and at only £15.00n a fabulous way to keep all your dies in one place, why not treat yourself to a couple
Happy Crafting
Jacs xx
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