Gemini Jr.
The Gemini Jr. die cutter is an excellent electric machine! It cuts and embosses and comes with 2 clear plastic cutting plates, 1 plastic shim, 1 metal shim, 1 magnetic shim, rubber mat and some dies to get you started. It’s great for those intricate dies that can be tricky to cut.
The great feature is that it’s an electric machine so you don’t need to turn a dial and that’s great if you suffer from pain or arthritis. You just put your sandwich together and feed it through the machine. This machine is smaller than the regular Gemini Die cutting machine.
Pros:
- Electric machine, no manual dialing
- Cuts intricate dies cleanly
- Not very noisy
- Doesn’t take up a lot of room
- Great size for cardmakers
- It’s a pretty machine! (and there’s also a pink version at Scrapbook.com)!
Cons:
- Like all other machines, it’s an investment, but it will pay for itself over time
- The frosted shim and cutting plates will warp as well as the magnetic shim, to combat that I started buying Crafter Companion’s double-sided plates. These are designed to cut double-sided dies and I use them with the clear cutting plates without the plastic shim nor the magnetic shim and these double-sided die shims are perfect! I also make sure to flip my plates so as to keep them from warping so quickly.
Be sure to read my post on the Gemini Jr., for more info!
Where to Purchase:
UPDATE: The Gemini just got an upgrade! Introducing the Gemini II Die Cutting Machine!
About the Gemini II machine (taken from Crafter’s Companion website):
This brand-new die cutting machine performs faster and quieter than previous electronic models in the Gemini family. It brings new and unique features and updated functions while offering the same power, precision, and performance as the original Gemini. This unparalleled cutting power means you can cut intricate designs for papercraft, multimedia, and sewing projects in seconds. It also comes with a built-in shelf and storage compartments ensure that all of your craft tools.
Where to Purchase:
- Crafter’s Companion
- Scrapbook.com ~ grab the Gemini Jr. pink version here
- Amazon
To Use: The sandwich is pretty simple in order to use this machine, you typically put down in this order:
cutting plate
your cardstock paper
die with the cutting side face down
cutting plate
Then send this sandwich through the machine.
The sandwich for embossing is:
cutting plate
embossing folder with cardstock inside
embossing pad
NOTE: you may need to experiment when you get your machine if you have to adjust your sandwich when die cutting or embossing
Sizzix Sidekick Die Cutter
This little baby may be small but packs a big punch! I LOVE it for die cutting small dies and because it’s small, it doesn’t hurt my hands to use. It’s a great travel companion as well and it cuts so well.
It comes with 2 cutting plates, embossing pad, embossing folders, and some dies to get started!
Pros:
- Great price point
- Cuts dies wonderfully
- Embosses as well
- Small and convenient
- Not too hard on the hands to use
- Magnetic bottom that locks in place and doesn’t shift as you use it
- Plates have not warped
- Embossing Pad is meant to be used on both sides
Cons:
- Small so it won’t die cut larger dies
- Also works best with thinlet dies
- The embossing pad can wear out and need to be replaced