It's been awhile, but the sweet sixteen that I was helping with is finally over. There was a lot of cutting, I went through several Cricut and Silhouette cutting mats. It was my nieces birthday party so I was glad to help. Crazy me, I didn't take pictures like I normally do, of the stuff I'm working on. I'm going to ask my sister to send me a couple, and will try to remember to post them later.
Now onto the topic at hand the Diamond Press by Crafter's Companion. If any of you watched HSN's craft day back on January 26th then you know what I'm talking about. Just in case you missed it here's a picture.
This apparently was the world launch, and HSN sold them with two different options, single ship or auto-ship. I think single ship may still be available just not for the same price as on the 26th. I'll explain single and auto-ship a little bit later. As you can see the bundle they sold came with the machine, cutting dies, stamps and one ink pad.
Okay, so let's talk about the machine. I LOVE IT. I know that does not really give you any details, so let me further explain.
First, the foot print of the machine is very small, I can leave it on my work surface and still have room to create. Because it's not a very large machine, it's perfect for putting in a regular tote bag, or craft bag and taking to crops or just another room to work. The size also means that your not weighed down with this machine in hand. So this is definitely a plus.
Second, it is so much better to be able to cut the little dies that you may use to decorate a project without having to takeout and clear room for a bunch of pieces. Now that's not to say that the Cuttlebug's, Evolution's et al of the world, don't have a good seat at the table because they do. However, think about all the times you just want to cut a little banner, oval or word die. Did you really want to break out the platforms and the mats or plates? Did you really want to fire up the Explore or Silhouette in order to cut one little piece? Say it with me, the answer is NO! You didn't! That's why I'm going to enjoy this little machine. It doesn't take the place of the stuff that you already have, but it will allow you to use what you got more often (you know you have small thin dies you don't use because it's to much work).
Third, the embossing. Again no extra plates, just take your embossing folder and the paper you want to emboss and run it through the machine. The folders that came with the bundle give a good impression, plus on that day they had additional folders you could buy (I bought them). If you have folders from other companies that will fit through the opening then I think they will work with this machine.
Third, the embossing. Again no extra plates, just take your embossing folder and the paper you want to emboss and run it through the machine. The folders that came with the bundle give a good impression, plus on that day they had additional folders you could buy (I bought them). If you have folders from other companies that will fit through the opening then I think they will work with this machine.
Now time for the cons, which this machine does have, just not enough to make me not love the concept.
The biggest con is that it does not appear to have a great deal of suction. I placed the machine on several flat surfaces even pushed down on the top and the pulled down the handle. This made the machine suck onto the table, but not really tight. Bottom line is your still going to have to hold onto the machine while cranking the handle. So to me they exaggerated the suction hold, while presenting the machine.
Now let's talk about the cutting folder. In keeping with the machines ability to die cut thin dies, you don't have to worry about one plate being thicker than then other or whether you need a shim. Now that part is definitely what throws this little machine in to the Love It category (so why did I place this under con? ).
But alas there is a con to these cutting folders. If you use this machine often to die cut, you are going to go through those folders like hot cakes. Now I've only had the machine for 1.5 days, and the folder is seeming a little worse for wear. It's real lucky that the bundle came with a A & B cutting folder. One being longer than the other. The directions say to switch sides and I have folded the folder one way and then the other. But the folder has truly taken a beaten, and another small folder will be needed soon. So, if this is your only die cutting tool, your going to go through a lot of those cutting folders. According to the instructions it's time to stat using a new one when your dies appear to no longer cut. If you got the auto-ship you'll get a cutting folder in each shipment. Also it looks like if you bought any of the companion dies (I got the nesting dies) a cutting folder comes with the item. I was lucky enough to buy the replacement or extra folders when they were in stock, I don't think those items are available to purchase anywhere else. If they are please let me know.
But alas there is a con to these cutting folders. If you use this machine often to die cut, you are going to go through those folders like hot cakes. Now I've only had the machine for 1.5 days, and the folder is seeming a little worse for wear. It's real lucky that the bundle came with a A & B cutting folder. One being longer than the other. The directions say to switch sides and I have folded the folder one way and then the other. But the folder has truly taken a beaten, and another small folder will be needed soon. So, if this is your only die cutting tool, your going to go through a lot of those cutting folders. According to the instructions it's time to stat using a new one when your dies appear to no longer cut. If you got the auto-ship you'll get a cutting folder in each shipment. Also it looks like if you bought any of the companion dies (I got the nesting dies) a cutting folder comes with the item. I was lucky enough to buy the replacement or extra folders when they were in stock, I don't think those items are available to purchase anywhere else. If they are please let me know.
Now HSN did have additional dies, cutting folders, embossing folders and a storage folder that were additional items that you could purchase. Most of those additional items sold out on the 26th, so you'll have to wait to see when they get them back in stock, I mentioned earlier something about auto or single ship. HSN sometimes offers additional items through an auto-ship option. This means that the items are released certain times during the year and you are automatically billed and the item is mailed to you unless you cancel or delay the shipment. The single ship is when you just get the original item ordered with nothing additional coming in the mail.
I know this was a long post on a little machine. I will keep you updated on how it continues to work. Let me know if you got one of these machine bundles and what you think about it.
HAPPY CRAFTING
LEGALBEAGLEPANDA
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