I have a big shot and I used to have trouble with the plates warping until I saw a video someone posted on how to keep that from happening. It REALLY works! She said to use a new plate on the bottom and when you put your paper with the die to be cut on, put it upside down so the cutting blades are facing up, then cut. The top plate will warp a little but when it starts humping a little I just flip it over. The bottom plate stays like new. When the top one needs to be replaced, which isn't very often because I've been using the same top plate (and bottom one) since I heard this which was over a year ago, that's when I will switch the bottom plate with a new one. and rotate. I wish I could remember the origin of the video with this idea. But it really works. Turning the die facing up instead of down against the bottom plate is the secret. And as much as I would like to try other cutting machines, I really can't afford to. So I'm glad this works for me.

I was considering getting a cutting machine and decided to research them. I barely made it out of that internet rabbit hole alive! LoL Thanks for simplifying things for me. 👍🏾

@Bella-pe9ql

3 жыл бұрын

OMG...I’m just heading down that rabbit hole and this video is beyond perfect for me.

@jeanninesheeser5422

3 жыл бұрын

Me too! After much thought, went with the Spellbinders and will wait for a great price on HSN since I just missed one, to get the Empress for when I do multiple projects.

@cathym1092

3 жыл бұрын

I was disappointed with the machine that I have had for two years and considered getting another. The timing of this video was perfect for me. The evaluations Jennifer has done were insightful and well presented. I appreciated the mention of a sale price as well. I just ordered the Platinum 6 based upon her advice. I think that it is most important to use the links she provides as this is how she is compensated for the fine service she provides us. Keep up the great work, Jennifer!

@thehoys9412

3 жыл бұрын

@@jeanninesheeser5422 Hi Jeannine - I'm confused. You bought the Spellbinders or the Empress? I'm trying to decide on a manual and this video has been SO helpful. Thanks!

Jennifer, I can't add to the many praises you already received, but seeing an email or video from you in my feed is like dessert to my day! You constantly amaze me with your attention to detail and I always wonder how in the world you know what to create with all the different stamp and die sets you feature. And your reviews and personal recommendations are so valuable to so many of us crafters. I am so thankful for your talent.

@jennifermcguireink

3 жыл бұрын

thank you. this means a lot. you have no idea.

I apprectiate your videos so much. Recently the Empress was on a great sale with free shipping and I decided to buy it as it becomes physically more difficult for me to use my manual machine. I'm looking forward to it's arrival and being able to continue to craft as it brings me joy. Thank you

@juliesmith3857

5 ай бұрын

Me too. I love my new Empress

Instead of tearing pages from the instruction book, I make a photocopy of the pages I need then laminate the copy, punch a hole in the corner, add a ring and keep the pages I want, next to each machine that it matches. This way I still have the original book which I file away in case I need to make another photocopy in the future.

Jennifer you are a saint. Some of the comments are rude but you are so patient, polite and respectful.

I absolutely love my Mini Empress I have had about a year. So glad to hear you recommend the full size!

I recently needed to purchase the plates for the Empress. The person I reached in customer service at Anna Griffin said they were out of stock and wouldn't be back for several months. She took my name and phone number and promised to call when they were available. I really didn't think I would hear back from her, but two months later I got a call from her that they were in and I could place my order. Needless to day, I am impressed that she did follow through with a personal call to me. I'd say Anna Griffin's customer service is the best ever!

@janetaldridge2248

3 жыл бұрын

I would love to know how thick the cutting plates are for the Empress. It looks like they are 4mm (instead of Gemini's 3mm) but I'm hoping that they are 5mm for no warping. Thanks so very much!

I did not know the tan mat or metal shim even existed and you say crafters have used it for years! I learn something from you every time! Thank you for your dedication to us, as consumers.

So much useful information! Have been considering a Platinum 6 for some time and you have just convinced me to place my order.

Thankyou so much for all your time and hard work researching these products to help us in our crafting. You really are an amazing lady

Jennifer, you are such an asset to the crafting community. Thanks for the investment you make that benefits all of us crafty peeps!

Jennifer you are an absolute treasure and I so appreciate all the research you do for us. This was as usual a very comprehensive tutorial. 💕

So grateful for your diligence and generosity. I just got a Gemini Junior on sale and haven’t unboxed it yet, so your videos are right on time. Thank you! 😊

Thank you so much for a comprehensive video, Jennifer. Thanks for your advice and the time that you had put into it. I love all your videos and can’t help but watch it as soon as I get a chance. It is always very informative and joyful. 💕

I appreciate all the thought and consideration you put into these things. It is truly helpful. Thank you!

Thanks for the recommendation, Jennifer. I just treated myself to the Empress and bought extra cutting plates. Cant wait to use it!

Thank you for all your research and testing. I had not heard of the AG Empress before. I’m very impressed with your review. Plan to purchase soon.

Jennifer, this was fantastic. Thank you for making the investment and for taking the time to test each one of these machines and to share your finding. Extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.

I LOVE MY EMPRESS! I bought mine at HSN It was on 6 interest free payments Thanks for the video- it’s good to learn more about what is out there

I'm glad to see your results. I have an Empress, and I love it.

Your hard work is much appreciated! You never seize to amaze me on how patiently you explain everything. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

I love my Gemini Junior. Have had mine since it first came out. I do however love Anna Griffin products as well. Thanks Jennifer for all the time and effort. I look forward to your videos. Keep them coming.

Thank you so much, as always, for a wonderful video. I appreciate all the time you put into helping crafters do their best. I do have the Spellbinders Platinum 6 and The Empress. I love them both and was so glad to hear they are two of your favorites too. Thanks for your recommendations on the sandwich layers you use.

Another stellar, info packed video! THANK YOU! Your integrity is your best business asset and the hours of dedicated service (and record keeping!) is truly and deeply appreciated. The crafting word, and card making world especially is so brightened by your presence. Again, THANK YOU!!!

Thank you so much for all the time and hard work you put into these recommendations for us. I had been eyeing the Platinum 6 for about a year. After watching this video, I ordered one along with the glimmer foil. I have never been totally happy with my Gemini Jr. I even had a cutting plate break. Today I ordered the Empress. It is so much easier to use and I can't wait for my new toys to arrive. Thanks again!

I have the large Empress and the mini and I love them both! I bought them as soon as they came out so I have had them for quite a while. They work great even on the intricate dies. The sandwich is really simple and I always get great results. I was really impressed with the pressure of this machine on embossing folders, it takes them to a whole new level of detail.

Your timing with this video is perfect...for me! I am new to card marking and ready to purchase a die cutting machine. Honestly, I have been struggling for a couple of months trying to make a decision on which machine to buy, and your video confirmed that the Spellbinders is the one for me. Thank you so, so much!

Thank you Jennifer, Your endorsement helped me make my Decision to purchase an empress machine . I totally love it.

Thank you for always giving detailed, unbiased reviews and tips! I originally was going to buy the Gemini but now just purchased the Empress!

Your reviews are always very much appreciated. 🌷I used a little cuddlebug for many years before I got a full size Gemini machine. I still go for my little cuddlebug but have been very grateful to have the Gemini since I recently injured my shoulder and can’t really crank the cuddlebug right now. 🙄The Empress looks wonderful!

Perfect timing . I just purchased the empress after second vagabond 2 stopped working the switch broke on both. Your video reassured me that I made a good purchase.

I have had the empress since it was released and love it. I use a lot of Anna's dies which are very intricate and never had a problem.

@shelleyfrizelis7616

3 жыл бұрын

how long has it been released?

What a phenomenal and thorough review! Thank you so much for the time and money you spent putting this together, Jennifer ❤️

Thank you Jennifer I have the Empress machine and was having trouble stacking my plates with Altenew thicker embossing folders. Watching this video showed me I didn't have to use both A plates. I'm a beginner and using the instruction manual really had me concerned and confused. Thank you again so much. I'm disable and the electric machine is easier for me.

Excellent tutorial & review. I own the Large Gemini and the Empress Mini and love both. I also own a Sizzix Big Shot electric for cutting steel rule thick dies and it works great too. Can’t use manual machines much anymore because of arthritis in my hands. Thanks for your valuable information.

love that sandwich taped together. I just ordered extra mats so I can have one ready for dies and folders

I have been wanting an electric die cutting machine for a while now. Thanks to your informative video I took the plunge. Didn’t know about the AG machine but you sold me on in!Thanks for all you doing to bring inspiration and information and simplicity to card making and paper crafting!

@nicolasimone9059

3 жыл бұрын

I wish I had known about the Empress before. I bought the Gemini Christmas and the plates are just too problematic for me. Hope you enjoy your Empress.

I have both the genini and the empress. I prefer the empress over the Gemini. The sandwiches just seem to easier to remember for me. I do love the idea of tapeing the gemini plates together. I'll have to try that. Thanks for another great video.

Such an EXCELLENT informative video, Jennifer! I can't tell you how much I value your opinion because I ALWAYS KNOW it is the truth. For one who is homebound and can only shop online, that is critical because I know if I order something (and don't have to worry about the additional cost of return), the quality is there'! Deeply grateful, dear. (a Canadian fan)

I have had both sizes Empress machines and I love them. They have never failed me.

I got my Empress 2 years ago and it’s a little workhorse! I got it through HSN and the nice thing was I could make no interest monthly payments. It was worth it. Thank you for your review!

@angelprice3813

3 жыл бұрын

Same here! I'm so happy to finally see one of my favorite crafters singing its praises! I was new to die-cutting and really warped my plates, so I just ordered more using Jennifer's affiliate link to AG.

@jennifermcguireink

3 жыл бұрын

i appreciate you using my link but i don't affiliate with anna griffin. i just really love the product :)

@debrapascoe2806

3 жыл бұрын

Me too

@Jennifer McGuire Ink. I just got my Empress about an hour ago. OH MY WORD!! I am in HEAVEN! It cuts like a dream. I can 't begin to thank you enough for your honest review of this machine. I can see I am going to love die cutting again. Thanks for your inspiration!

Thanks for this video. Very informative. I have the original Gemini (full size) and also found it has too many mats/ plates to deal with, so I use a clear bottom plate, a self healing mat, paper, die face down, clear cutting plate & it works really well.

Im so happy I found this on youtube today since Im thinking of getting a new cutting machine. Thank you so much for your info.

Thanks for this excellent review! I have an Empress and love her. Instead of getting the mini, I grabbed the mini plates and use in my regular size machine. Wow. So fast! The black magnetic mat is a newer version, and is more durable in my opinion! I do think the HSN option to purchase is so nice for some as they often offer extended payments.

Thank you for such thorough info. This is very helpful, Jennifer and much appreciated!

Thank you so much for this exhaustive explanation, it’s truly invaluable for people like me looking to jump into die cutting. I’ve always been in awe how beautiful cards become with some added die cutting but I’ve been overwhelmed with the choices and starting point. I’m now educated on my choice of purchase and feel a lot less insecure about the process. I can’t wait to add die cut images into my paintings! Happy new year Jennifer, I hope 2022 is full of all the good stuff for you!

Taping the Gemini plates together works WONDERFULLY! I’ve been doing that for over a year with amazing results and my plates are still like new. Thanks for that tip and for this new video too.

@jessicabarber1018

3 жыл бұрын

did you also CUT the magnetic shim? I just ordered new ones and thinking of whether to do this. . . .

Great informative video. I just purchased an Empress last week from HSN very excited to use it. My manual cutter is a big shot. Thank you for the information

I have all three of those machines in the large and medium sizes. I also have the mini in the Gemini and empress machines. I use all of them! I did buy the empress and Geminis through HSN. I do like the plates of the empress machine the best. I’ve used the spellbinders machine for years. I have machines upstairs and downstairs so it kind of depends where I am crafting as to what machine I use. Excellent video Jennifer as always.

I started making cards about 6 years ago after I retired. I bought a Sizzix Big Shot. It was wonderful at first but within a few months, I had to use shims to get even a basic cut. And I had to run it through several times. I bought another Big Shot, and the same thing happened. Then I bought a Spellbinder’s platinum in the larger size. I didn’t have to replace plates as often, and I didn’t have to add any shims over time to get basic cuts. I’m a Stampin Up hobby demonstrator, and I did buy their Stampin’ Up Cut and Emboss machine. It is so much like the Spellbinders that I’m assuming it’s made by the same company. I love it! I really enjoy your videos!

Thank you so much for this video! I just bought an empress and have been using a spellbinders sapphire for years...

I bought the Spellbinder Platinum 6 based on your review and I love it. Thank you for your very thorough research and trials.

I have the Empress and the mini and love them both. I heard somewhere that one couldn't use 3D embossing folders but.... I figured out the same sandwich you showed :). It works beautifly!! Love, love, love!

I have the red grand caliber for my larger dies. I had no luck with my gemini. The plates kept getting stuck in the two i had but now have the workhorse, sizzix big shot and mine is electric. I love it. I keep my plates in my machine midway in to keep them more straight when i go to use them and always keep one as the base. It just helps me.

Thank you for such a comprehensive review of cutting machines. I am still using my old Cricut cuttlebug and will continue as long as it working, but when it finally gives up, I will look forward to viewing your most recent review. You are so professional in your presentations!!!

@jennifermcguireink

3 жыл бұрын

stick with it if it still works! :)

I have the Big Shot and my plates constantly warp even with flipping the top plate every time so I can’t wait for the next video! If the Big shot is prone to warping, I’ll switch to Spell Binders. Thank you for all your work and help!

Jennifer thank you so much for the time and effort you put into these videos. My hand machine broke after 12 years of use but had not ordered a replacement. Why.....so much info to review, which takes hours and hours. Since I totally trust your reviews I now have a new Spellbinders 6 on the way to me AND at the sale price!!! Thank you again. You are appreciated. P.S. I always always appreciate the total lack of negativity in everything you post!

I recently purchased the Empress since due to carpal tunnel I can’t use a hand crank one. Your video has assured I made the right choice. I only wish I could use the Spellbinders Glimmer Foil with it.

As I keep the instructions but generally lose them I make basic graphic diagrams for each sandwich, print them on a clear sticky label and attach the label directly to the macchine that way the settings are easily visible where and when I need them. I have an 8 year old electric die cutter which I don't use often so having the settings on the machine is a great help.

I love the empress machine. Thank u for showing us this video. Very thorough.

I'm always so amazed at the amount of work you do for your viewers. I've been trying to figure out which machine to replace my old Cuttlebug with, so this was super helpful! Thank you for your hard work!

I have the larger & mini Empress machines, located in different places in my craft room. They are far superior to previous electronic machines, I've owned. Anna Griffin actually recommends placing the dies face down on the magnetic plate, which is what I do, but it's all in preference. Great video!

I love my Empress! I bought it on HSN over a year ago

Great sale at Spellbinders! Now it's decision time! Your videos have helped me so much since I started card making! I often tell people to check your videos out. Thank you so very much for all you do for this industry!

I had a Big Shot for over 10 years but wanted a bigger machine. The Big Shot Plus takes up too much room so I opted for the Platinum & I'm so glad I did. It cuts brilliantly & folds up when not in use. I got mine on Ebay for £100 new so had a bargain too! Love your videos & thank you for sharing your hints & tips to get the best out of our machines xx

You are amazing!! I appreciate all of the time and effort you put into helping us craft better! 🙂

I purchased the Empress over a year ago. I am happy that you validated my choice. You do so much more crafting than I do so it is good to know the machine performs well over time. Thanks so much for your honest assessment of products not to mention I love seeing the cards you create.

@angelaseaton9989

3 жыл бұрын

Good evening, I purchased the Gemini, mini Gemini and the Gemini Pro. I also have the Empress. I can tell you since I got the regular Gemini machine when it launched several years ago, it’s more powerful than the Empress. However, the plates for the Empress are more durable. I’ve replaced my regular Gemini plates 4 or 5 times, I lost count. The Empress, I’m still using my original plates. This video is very useful. The Gemini plates have been improved. They needed to because plates get expensive. Thank you for such a helpful and professional video. I’m very satisfied with ALL my machines. My hubby has banned me from buying any more. Lol lol but that doesn’t work. Happy crafting.

@alisoncrook9388

3 жыл бұрын

Hi can you use any die with the empress,

@jennifermcguireink

3 жыл бұрын

You can use any thin wafer dies.

@49lucky

2 жыл бұрын

Just bought one. But I have all the toys. Can't help it 😂😂😂

Whoo-hoo! The Anna Griffin Empress made the top 3. I’ve been using it for over a year now and absolutely love it!

I’ve had the Empress for 2 years love it!

@alisoncrook9388

3 жыл бұрын

Hi can you use other dies in the empress I have lots of different ones and not sure if they will work in the empress

Thank you so much for all the great info on die cutting machines and how to use them. This information helped me decide which electric machine would be right for me and I added it to my Christmas wish list. This Empress is what my precious husband purchased for me. Thank Jennifer for you efforts testing and sharing with us.

Thank you so much for your machine reviews. Totally agree with your Empress review. Love my machine. Looking for a smaller machine for crops. So happy you recommend the Gemini Jr. Next purchase. ❤️

I made my own self healing cutting mats after watching the SBC demos. I had picked up a 12x8 clear gridded mat about a year ago and just now cut it in half with a box cutter. It really works great and the clear mat is great because you can see through them just like cutting plates! I use a SB-P6

I just received the Empress because it was on sale o the last HSN craft show and I’m looking forward to using it.

@littleturtlescraftcornerme257

3 жыл бұрын

Your going to love it. Supper simple. I have one Hack for you, if you put it on a lazy Suzan like the totally tiffany rotating design board for me this was a game changer. ck out my fb page to see demo. enjoy your new toy.

@jeanninesheeser5422

3 жыл бұрын

Didn't purchase it then because I was still researching machines. I ordered the Spellbinders yesterday and will wait until HSN has a deal on the Empress. Lucky you!

@shirleycourtney1138

3 жыл бұрын

I LOVE it & you rarely hear about it.

Thank you for this helpful video, for your one year long effort and clear and focused information.

I spent the last 2 weeks investigating new machines. You made it so much easier! Thank you so much. My poor Grand Caliber is 30 years old and tired. You are appreciated 💛!

@janeforever

3 жыл бұрын

Glad I'm not the only one still using Grand Caliber. My budget doesn't allow for any upgrade, sadly.

@michelea9142

3 жыл бұрын

@@janeforever I got the spellbinders platinum 6 online joanns this morning for $84. with free shipping. Had gift card from brithday.

@selwonk4

3 жыл бұрын

Yay fellow Grand Calibur fans! I bought a second on clearance a couple of months back. Wish the rest of the industry would use the plate style of the Grand Calibur

Very interesting and informative Jennifer. Thankyou for taking so much trouble to do this and share it. Appreciated.

Thanks for the great information! I purchased a Platinum and will get the Empress when itis on sale at HSN. Just missed a great sale price, but I was still reviewing machines. I really appreciate all the information you share with us! Thanks again1

The Empress machine is the one I purchased a year or so ago, after watching many videos on electronic machines. It seemed to be the quietest one and it does a remarkable job every time. Nice to see the part about the non warping of the plates. I haven't used it near as much as you have (I still use my hand crank ones the most). I should take it easy on myself and use it more :) Thank you for a great video and your honest opinion on the different machines.

I have had my Gemini Jr about 5 years (can't believe it has been that long!). I have tried several manual machines, even ones that can be adjusted, but I find myself reaching for the Gemini most of the time because it is fuss free and seems to cut through any cardstock with any die I have tried easily. I will cut my magnetic plate down and tape the three plates together to help the warping!!! What a great idea. I am pondering the larger Gemini but this little Gemini Jr is a wonderful workhorse and I strongly recommend it, like Jennifer does. And as I said, it's at least 5 years old and still going strong!

I just ordered the Empress from HSN! I have a Big Kick manual from back in the day and it works pretty good but the plates warp so easily. Your video sold me on the Empress. Cannot wait to get it!

I have had the Empress and the mini one from Anna Griffin for years! I love them because they are so beautiful in gold and because they are very quiet! I also make it a point to put my dies face down on the magnet to keep both cutting plates clean and without warping! Love, love this product! I used to have the Spellbinders as well which I sold but it was very nice.

@susanfrost1150

3 жыл бұрын

Doesn't that cut the magnetic plate?

@yvonnealvizo

2 жыл бұрын

Donna, I just purchased the Empress and I have seen Anna and others die cut into the magnetic plate, but the directions indicate cutting into the A plate just as demoed in this video. How long does your magnetic plate last when cutting into it and how often do you die cut? Your response will be greatly appreciated.🙋🏻‍♀️💜

Hello Jennifer! Awesome video and much needed for me, I have been thinking about purchasing an electric die cutting machine because I use the a manual one. I have arthritis and I do a lot of die cutting but I so enjoy it. This video has helped me decide that I need to take a leap and have an electric one to. Thanks so much for the fabulous tips on using and caring for these machines. Hope you have a beautiful week, take care!

Thanks for an awesome video. I have been going back and forth deciding whether I should get a die cutting machine or not. thanks for getting to the point, not making viewers listen to a bunch of pointless dialogue, not making viewers stare at a face vs actual die cut equipment. This made me want to actually subscribe to your channel because it was actually useful.

I have two of the machines mentioned. Thank you so much for all the great tips!

Thank you for such an instructive and reliable video! This is so helpful! ♥️

Thank you so much for this information. I have a cuttlebug that I have loved for over 10 years. The poor thing has given me so much and I have loved it. I'm afraid that the handle will fall off any day now so I started looking online and I was overwhelmed when I found your video. I just ordered the gemini junior because the Ann Griffin one was such a pain to get. Thank you again for giving me just plain information that I can use. Just like your other videos. You have such a talent. Blessings to you and yours always.

Thanks so much for this helpful video Jennifer. I recently had to go to an electronic machine,due to arthritis in my hands. I bought the Gemini Junior,and so far it's going ok. I'm trying to use a cutting mat instead of the bottom cutting plate.Sometimes I need to add a shim to get the right thickness of sandwich.

Wow! Great info! TYSM! Exactly what I’ve been looking for as a newbie to card, embossing, die cutting! Much gratitude!

Thanks so much for sharing your ideas and experience with these machines, appreciate your expertise!👍😊

Thanks so much. I am interested in the Empress machine and now I can make a more informed decision. Appreciate you 💕

Thanks for this comparison and detailed information on how to use those machines. Helps me a lot with what you can do with it and with what I want

Dear Jennifer, Thank you very much for your review. I purchased the Empress Mini from Home Shopping Network. I decided on the mini because it is cheaper and smaller for storing. I am keeping my Cuttlebug for bigger dies. Thanks for all of your intricate cards demos and beautiful colors and designs!

Today I purchased the Spellbinders Platinum and it is great fun! Thank you for such a great review and instructional video.

Thank you for the honest review, it's much needed in this industry. I just purchased the limited edition Spellbinders Platinum 6, althoughh my Sizzix Big Shot is over 10 years old and going strong.

I commented 3 yrs ago that I just couldn’t afford the Empress, but my Big Shot was really needing to be replaced so I saved my money and bought it. I love it and thank you for your great advice! You’re awesome ❤

Excellent information.Thank you Jennifer.

Oh Jennifer what a wonderful reviewer you are. I owned the platinum 6, but have been looking for a good electric machine. I immediately bought the empress on Hsn after your review. Can’t wait til it arrives. Will check back in when it comes. Your tips and ideas are a true life safer.

I love the Empress. I originally bought it because it is a square design and fit on my desk. The Gemini was more rounded. I know not the best way to buy anything. I also liked that it had a handle and came with all the plates to get started. I also have the Diamond Press Margue love this one for smaller die cutting since its not to complicated with die or embossing folders configuration. Great video. thanks