I made this exactly as shown and it works great! I even used the platform that came with my Vagabond 2 and it cuts like butter. Thank you for this DIY hack!
I'm SO happy it worked for you...YAY!!!! I love my Vagabond 2...it's such a great tool and so easy to use. I like how fast it is, and how I can reverse it to back things out so it cuts double...not sure I'd love another electric machine as much...How about you? Sandy
I have been using the self healing mats for awhile now and love it. BUT I love the tip on the cutting mats from the dollar store as a shim. Never thought of that. Great idea!!! Glad to see another crafter experimenting with different ways to get around the outrageously priced replacement plates that warp and don’t last. 😉 I also use the Sizzix Precision Plates in the Gemini and they also work great! More expensive alternative than the self healing mats, but still a very good option.
Thanks for the idea. I have a Vagabond and love it because it still allows me to use the old thick dies and the thin ones...I'm always on the lookout for ways for viewers to save money...Loved hearing from you. Sandy
Thank you so much for this video! I bought a cuttlebug years ago and just now using it. I didn’t know I would need more plates that it came with in order to cut thin dies. I almost put it back away, then stumbled across this vid. I actually have all the supplies you mentioned! You saved me from giving up on die cutting again! THANK YOU!! ❤❤❤
So happy I could help. I know they discontinued the Cuttlebug, but if you keep one of your plastic plates as your top plate and always make your "sandwich" in this order, you should be fine with your plates for as long as you use the machine. Top plate the plastic one that came with it, below that the die, below that, the paper, then the plate we made in the video. Since using the plate I made, I haven't had to replace my top plate as it hasn't warped, like it did when I used their bottom plate or get cut because I always cut through the bottom plate. And if you do get any warping with your top plate, simply flip it over and run it through your die cutting machine, and it should flatten back out. Happy die cutting! Sandy
Omg Sandy I have my first ever die cut machine arriving today! I’m soooo excited! Eek! I’m hoping to make a video today 💕 much love and breathe easy hun x
I'm SO excited for you...what kind of machine did you get...hope it's electric, as the manual ones are so hard to crank...Can't wait to hear all about it....Sandy
Crafting For Almost Everyone it’s a manual lol I went for the cheapest bigger one I could find. I’m in UK and got the Hobbycraft one for £50 and then got 15% off as first time customer 😊 I felt too guilty buying myself something like that, I’m a disabled single mum so money’s always been very tight. My son gave me the go ahead to buy it. This week I’ve developed cellulitis, that’s what a lot of people don’t understand with RA it’s not just the joints. Our whole bodies seem to malfunction with it, up till recently I thought I had RA lung disease but they say it’s not that now which is a relief but the lung issues are still there sadly. I never had lung issues before I was diagnosed with RA x
@@MammaCass Sorry to hear your lungs are still giving you issues and wish they didn't...I have a girlfriend with RA that has an issue with breathing, and the doctors have to stretch the tubes leading to her lungs to help her breathe. RA can be a really serious disease for the entire body, and when I got diagnosed, Rich and I thought it meant that we would need to rub Ben-Gay on my joints and everything would be OK....we were so naive, but lucky we didn't know what was coming, otherwise I'm not sure either of us would have made it through 11 surgeries, a halo, an infected artificial knee and all of the other surprises along the way. I'm sorry to hear about the cellulitis and hope they get that under control soon...and I hope you're staying away from crowds, as Corona is not good for people with limited immune like us....I really hope you can use the die cutting machine you got....or that your son can crank it for you...Sandy
Crafting For Almost Everyone thank you sandy I stay away from crowds unless have a hospital appointment but the teenagers are still in school and that how I catch most my bugs every year. I’ll be fighting hard and hoping you all get thru this too. Much love and breathe easy hun. I have a Facebook page “rheumatoid arthritis and lung disease” if your friend may find it helpful xx
@@MammaCass I just got diagnosed with RA via blood test. I’m doing some research on it and am SHOCKED at how many of the weird little things going on with me are due to the RA! Explains a LOT!
So glad you liked the idea. I have been using the same cutting plates since I made this video and my top plate is still perfect, and the blue one I cut to fit, also in great shape. It's the best thing I've ever done to save money....Hope you agree...Sandy
I Absolutely Love this Idea! It would have been nice if they came out with one but the cost of that would be high. I Love DIY videos. I have seen where people make 2 so if you are doing a lot of cutting it gives the mat a chance to heal.Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Aren’t these self healing mats a WONDER? Recollections also has a self-healing mat that is pink on one side and white on the other, which I can only find locally at Michaels, that is exactly 3/8 inch thickness; the same as the Big Shot cutting plates and doesn’t need any shims with basics dies. I use it on both my regular Big Shot’s magnetic platform and with my Big Shot Pro. The paper in the cut lines still need to be cleaned out from time to time just like in the cutting plates. So glad you could make yours work, as they do save frustration and money. But give the Recollections mat a try if you can find it. It is difficult to cut to size as well, but well worth it. Thank you for sharing your discovery!
Thanks for the tip. I'm hoping I won't have to buy another cutting plate, as I've been using this one for several months and it's still in great shape...no warping, and minimal cut marks...YAY!!
Thanks...I hope the self healing mat lives up to "self healing" but like all things, it probably won't live up to its hype...thanks for letting me know, as I'm not a seamstress, and failed home ec in 7th grade because I couldn't sew a tablecloth and matching napkins...how hard could that have been?
If you soak yourself healing mats in room temperature water for about an hour, it rehydrates them and gives them new life. If your mat is too far gone it might be too late but I do mine every few months when I notice the cuts aren't healing as quickly and I haven't had to buy a new mat in years 😉
Great tip my cutting plates are getting very bad ,so I'm going to give this a try .I have a few mats I pick them up when they are on offer. Hugs from the UK.
Hope yours cut as easily as mine...and that your euro store sells the cheap cutting mats like our Dollar Tree, because they make a great shim......Let me know how yours works out...Sandy
I bought my healing mat at Hobby Lobby too but my mat is a little thicker and so far i haven't used a shim but I have the Gemini machine....thanks for the video Sandy.
The Gemini machine is great because it doesn't require that thick plate that all of the hand crank machines (and my Vagabond) use....So glad you didn't have to do the shim....I'm glad you could share your tip as well....Sandy
@@craftingforalmosteveryone , hiya just bought this little dream but the cutting mats are bent after a few time of use , hope you can help out with this.
@@janethird1173 I always cut with the die facing down and putting this below it. I've been using mine since I made the video and mine isn't bent at all. What type of machine are you using? I have a Vagabond..maybe it's the machine that's causing it to bend.
@@janethird1173 I always cut with the die facing down and putting this below it. I've been using mine since I made the video and mine isn't bent at all. What type of machine are you using? I have a Vagabond..maybe it's the machine that's causing it to bend. If you're using a Gemini or similar machine that doesn't have the thick plate under this plate, that would definitely cause it to warp. If that's the case, I doubt you'll find anything that will stop it from warping, as you need the thick plate that comes with using a Vagabond or similar machine.. Sorry.
Hey, Sandy, This video is so informative! I also appreciated what dies you used for earrings. I like them so so much I’ve got to find the video where u make them!! I might have to pick up a mat from Hobby Lobby too. I have been using my desk size self healing mat and it looks pretty knarley . My 38 inch mat was from WalMart. I think it was about $30.00, a few years ago. They are probably a little more expensive now.
The earring video link: ua-cam.com/video/a2DInjAShpg/v-deo.html My HL mat was under $5 and so easy to cut (according to Rich, haha) If you scrub your desk size self healing mat exactly like I did and then put it in your bathtub in room temp or cold water overnight, it should look brand new in the morning. I didn't put mine in a sink or tub because of the DT chopping mat that I stuck to the bottom, as I was afraid it would come off...Also, since I cut the sides of my self healing mat, I was afraid the water would get inside and ruin it....Hope this helped....Shouldn't need to buy a new mat as your $30 should last a lifetime with "refreshing it"..
Thank you for the information on how refresh my desk size mat. I didn’t even think bout ping that. I crack myself up sometimes, I think so literally as it didn’t enter my mind that this cleaning/refreshing would work on my mat! 🤪I’ll do it and let you know how it works out! Thank you also or the video link to you making he earrings on! You’re the best, Sandy! Always so helpful! You are appreciated a, 😸
Thanks for the hack. I was going to buy the new Scrapbook.com mat, but they were out of stock. Your hack was made of all the things that I already own, so I was able to make it and use it today.
I’m so impressed, I’m in UK so we have different kinds of products. Please could you tell me how thick the sewing mat is and then I can go and find something similar. Cutting mats are the most aggravating things ever 😂
The sewing mats are all different thicknesses. If I was you, I'd measure your plastic plate width and then find one that's closest in size to your particular plate and if you can't find one that's as thick as your plate, then find something like the thin cutting mat I used, to glue to your new "plate" to make it thick enough. If you can't find something like the plastic shim I used, you can always use chipboard. I wouldn't use paper, as it will get too much wear and tear. Since I made my first replacement in 2020, it's still works great. I always make my sandwich like this so my top plate always looks great. On the top, I put the plastic plate that came with the machine, then the die I'm cutting with, then the paper I'm cutting through, then the new plate we just made with the shim underneath so your die is cutting onto the self healing cutting mat. Hope that helped...So glad you sent me a note, and hope all is well there. Sandy
I didn't know they discontinued the Cuttlebug...It's probably because so many people are going to the electric machines..I had a Cuttlebug when I started crafting and couldn't crank it at all. Rich had to do the cranking, and when I found the Vagabond (electric from Tim Holtz) I was in love...best money I've ever spent... As for the plates for the Cuttlebug, if it's the regular ones that come in a two-pack, those are standard for most machines, and I think if you bought any replacement plates for a big shot, they should work for your Cuttlebug, and most places will take back crafty things if they don't work for you...just my two cents on it....That way, you'd always have a newer top plate at least....Sandy
Think we all might have to start carrying calipers (a device that measures thickness) in our purses so that we can decide if a cutting mat is the right thickness before we buy it. 😃
I've done this with a couple of different brands, and both were thinner than our plates..I'm not good at being prepared, but you could measure your plates and every craft store carries rulers with metric measurements, and those would work too...If you have calipers on hand, I'm impressed...and depending on your age, this reference might be lost on you, but you'd be great on Let's Make a Deal if you could whip calipers out of your purse....
So smart. I just found a sewing cutting plate at the Dollar Tree and will see if it fits in my die cutting machine as it's cheaper than the one I used...but with that being said, I'm still using the one I made in that video and cut on it a lot, and it's still going strong...Thanks for your tip...Sandy
Great hack Sandy! I was thinking about doing the same when I need to replace my plates (might be a while since I have like 12 extra plates at the moment). I use my cricut maker for cutting most of the time so my plates tend to last a really long time since I don't use my big shot a lot.
I have seen the Cricut's changing every year or so, and always am glad I never bought one, because I know if I had, I'd be upgrading with every new change...and now they make a mini one...Cool idea...
It worked great and it's been over a year and it's still going strong. I've never had the normal plates last like this...And, if you always cut onto the plate you created with this video, your other plate will continue to look perfect, with no cuts. I can't recommend this enough....Sandy
Here's the mat I bought at Hobby Lobby. I can't give you the thickness as now it's been run through my machine so many times, I'm sure it's not the same as when I bought it. tinyurl.com/2fh9uyz3 These self healing cutting mats are so cheap and mine's still going strong as I'm still using the one I made in the video. I hope you can find the thickness on the Hobby Lobby link...Sandy
I hope it works for you. I found that with tear tape between the Dollar Tree mat and the Sew-Ology one, it made the cutting plate thick enough, and the Dollar Tree mat was so easy to cut with Tim Holtz scissors..Rich said the Sew-Ology mat was simple to cut as well...go figure...I thought it would be tricky since it's made to be impervious to cuts... Let me know if this works for you...
Crafting For Almost Everyone will do Sandy. I have the cuttlebug which I got secondhand and getting plates for it is difficult so this would help me out bi time.
Hello, this is a nice tip. I was wondering if maybe you had any ideas for the other plates needed for cuttlebug. My sister in law gave me a cuttlebug with no plates. I'm having a difficult time finding them as they are terribly expensive from resellers. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for sharing.
Have you tried buying another brand's plates, as I thought they were interchangeable? Also, there's a site called splitcoast stampers where a lot of crafters use it to find things like this reasonably from others. here's a video I made...about 10:54 minutes it tells you how to navigate splitcoast stampers, as it can be kind of tricky to figure out. ua-cam.com/video/TKv3tp_Ba9M/v-deo.html Good luck..Sandy
I've never heard of a magnetic one, but it should. all you're going for is the self-healing aspect, and a size that fits on your plate. Just so you know, I'm still using it and it hasn't warped or come apart from the backing I put on it....Sandy
There are no self healing magnetic mats that I’m aware of. The mat she used is a self healing mat and they are made by a variety of companies in different colors and vary in thickness. Anna Griffin makes a magnetic mat that you can cut into, but it isn’t self healing. However it holds up really well and lasts a long time. Hope this helps.
So glad you like it. I have been using this plate since I made the video and it still works like a charm. I can't recommend it enough..and the cutting mat from Dollar Tree is still stuck to the bottom to make it a little thicker to run through my Vagabond...Sandy
I hope you'll let me know how it works for you...Great minds think alike...one shim might not work over time, if the compression of the machine squeezes it enough, so maybe we'll need the second shim....glad I have it, just in case..
You could use the same plate as the bottom, but you need to make sure that they are thick enough but not too thick to go through the machine safely. If you have one plate, at least you know it's the right thickness....hope that gave you an idea...Sandy
Since I made this replacement, it hasn't warped, and I don't know if I'll ever have to replace it like the plastic ones...I hated how the plastic ones had so many cuts in them and looked terrible, and using this one, I don't really see the cuts, I'm sure they're there, but I don't notice them like with the old ones. Great tip with your Vagabond, but sadly, I can't lift mine...
It depends on how thick the plates are that you use for the machine. If you use a ruler with mm and cm on it, measure the thickness of one of your sidekick plates then take the measurement and the ruler to your local craft store and measure the thickness of the cutting plate you find and that will tell you if it will work or not. The reason you want to use the mm cm side of a ruler is the measurements are smaller, as would be the thickness of a plate, and you'll get a more accurate measurement than if you'd use inches where the smallest measurement would be 1/8th of an inch and you might need an odd thickness measurement...hope it does work for yours as I'm still using the plate I made in this video...Sandy
I sure did. Here's earrings ua-cam.com/video/a2DInjAShpg/v-deo.html and here's a card ua-cam.com/video/9oLre8KbHrQ/v-deo.html I hope you come up with ways to use your dies..I really enjoyed playing with them. I'd love to see a photo of the things you make with them..saundralparker@yahoo.com Sandy
I hope it works for you as well. I had a quilter tell me that the self healing cutting mats don't last forever, but I'm hoping it lasts a lot longer than my current cutting plates...and the price is still cheaper when you consider that a pair of plates are around $10, and I bought the cutting mat at Hobby Lobby for $3 after the 40% off, plus $1 for the Dollar Tree cutting mats...I'll let viewers know how long this lasts...Sandy
I'm still using the original one of these I made in 2020 and have only added additional shims of the cutting mats from DT as the whole thing gets a little thinner after using it over a long time. I think you'll be happy with this..mine didn't warp and neither has the top plate. I always make the same plate with this on the bottom, then paper, then the die then the original plastic plate...hope this additional info helps...Sandy
@craftingforalmosteveryone awesome thank you. I die cut once and it left a mark on the new plate. That's why I figured you all would have a way to protect those pads (or whatever they're called).
It will make marks on this new "plate" but it won't hurt it because it's made for cutting into with rotary blades etc. I always make sure the side facing up is the blue one and on the bottom is the plastic mat that is basically the shim. Hope that helped. Sandy
So glad to help....I love finding ways to save money too, and especially when it involves not having to keep buying the same product over and over again like this one.....Hope you give it a try...Sandy
@@nancern53 Thank you so much...I really appreciate it. There's another small set I have that's from the small die of the month club and it's smaller and larger dies for sentiments. Are you familiar with it? I use it all the time but don't know the name of that set either.
It was so simple and I really like it....Hope you give it a whirl....Has Coronavirus impacted the animal center for spaying/neutering? I hope you're well...
I tried the cutting mat before with different shim, but it didn't work. Thanks for the tip on the DT mats. Maybe it'll work with my manual machine. Those dies you used look similar to ones I've seen on Spellbinders. The ones on SB can be used individually or layered. They look really pretty layered with different colored cardstock. Hugs from gg
I hope the DT mats add enough thickness to your cutting plates to make it work. I was surprised how much of a difference the tear tape added in the thickness...Although I am glad that I cut two DT layers, in case later the machine squeezes it enough that I need a second shim....Let me know if it works. I hope all is well with you. Our state and Ohio both seem to be in a state of panic, and I'm hoping they aren't acting too prematurely, because we might end up going through this all over again if they timed it wrong...and we have no cases within the three or four counties surrounding me, which is lucky..I have a dental appointment tomorrow and then Rich and I are hanging at home until the governor gives us the OK to go out. They've officially closed all "non-essential" businesses, including the malls, and are limiting groups of people to under 10. That would mean that most people shouldn't celebrate holidays if they have a family of over 10...this is getting scary...
@@craftingforalmosteveryone Hey Sandy, you guys take precautions. Quite a few cases in my area, 3 about a mile away. Everything closing here, even the libraries. This is a difficult time for everyone. I think we all might have to hunker down longer. Time will tell. I find the CDC to be a good resource and check their updates daily. Last I heard. WV had no cases. I was out for groceries 4 days ago and it was crazy then. Check and make sure you have everything especially your meds. The Girl Scouts always taught us to be prepared. Hopefully I'll be able to go to DT and try out your tip one of these days. It's nice of you and Rebecca to keep us entertained. Plan to catch up on YT tonight. Be safe. Be well. Hugs from gg
I've used this plate since making the video and it's still working great. I can't tell you how many of the other plates I would have gone through in the same amount of time. Glad you liked it and hope you give it a try. Sandy
I made this exactly as shown and it works great! I even used the platform that came with my Vagabond 2 and it cuts like butter. Thank you for this DIY hack!
I'm SO happy it worked for you...YAY!!!! I love my Vagabond 2...it's such a great tool and so easy to use. I like how fast it is, and how I can reverse it to back things out so it cuts double...not sure I'd love another electric machine as much...How about you? Sandy
I have been using the self healing mats for awhile now and love it. BUT I love the tip on the cutting mats from the dollar store as a shim. Never thought of that. Great idea!!! Glad to see another crafter experimenting with different ways to get around the outrageously priced replacement plates that warp and don’t last. 😉 I also use the Sizzix Precision Plates in the Gemini and they also work great! More expensive alternative than the self healing mats, but still a very good option.
Thanks for the idea. I have a Vagabond and love it because it still allows me to use the old thick dies and the thin ones...I'm always on the lookout for ways for viewers to save money...Loved hearing from you. Sandy
Thank you so much for this video! I bought a cuttlebug years ago and just now using it. I didn’t know I would need more plates that it came with in order to cut thin dies. I almost put it back away, then stumbled across this vid. I actually have all the supplies you mentioned! You saved me from giving up on die cutting again! THANK YOU!! ❤❤❤
So happy I could help. I know they discontinued the Cuttlebug, but if you keep one of your plastic plates as your top plate and always make your "sandwich" in this order, you should be fine with your plates for as long as you use the machine. Top plate the plastic one that came with it, below that the die, below that, the paper, then the plate we made in the video. Since using the plate I made, I haven't had to replace my top plate as it hasn't warped, like it did when I used their bottom plate or get cut because I always cut through the bottom plate. And if you do get any warping with your top plate, simply flip it over and run it through your die cutting machine, and it should flatten back out. Happy die cutting! Sandy
@@craftingforalmosteveryone I used that exact sandwich last night and it worked BEAUTIFULLY! Thank you again!
@@Jennyhicks33 So glad it worked for you too..
Omg Sandy I have my first ever die cut machine arriving today! I’m soooo excited! Eek! I’m hoping to make a video today 💕 much love and breathe easy hun x
I'm SO excited for you...what kind of machine did you get...hope it's electric, as the manual ones are so hard to crank...Can't wait to hear all about it....Sandy
Crafting For Almost Everyone it’s a manual lol I went for the cheapest bigger one I could find. I’m in UK and got the Hobbycraft one for £50 and then got 15% off as first time customer 😊 I felt too guilty buying myself something like that, I’m a disabled single mum so money’s always been very tight. My son gave me the go ahead to buy it. This week I’ve developed cellulitis, that’s what a lot of people don’t understand with RA it’s not just the joints. Our whole bodies seem to malfunction with it, up till recently I thought I had RA lung disease but they say it’s not that now which is a relief but the lung issues are still there sadly. I never had lung issues before I was diagnosed with RA x
@@MammaCass Sorry to hear your lungs are still giving you issues and wish they didn't...I have a girlfriend with RA that has an issue with breathing, and the doctors have to stretch the tubes leading to her lungs to help her breathe. RA can be a really serious disease for the entire body, and when I got diagnosed, Rich and I thought it meant that we would need to rub Ben-Gay on my joints and everything would be OK....we were so naive, but lucky we didn't know what was coming, otherwise I'm not sure either of us would have made it through 11 surgeries, a halo, an infected artificial knee and all of the other surprises along the way. I'm sorry to hear about the cellulitis and hope they get that under control soon...and I hope you're staying away from crowds, as Corona is not good for people with limited immune like us....I really hope you can use the die cutting machine you got....or that your son can crank it for you...Sandy
Crafting For Almost Everyone thank you sandy I stay away from crowds unless have a hospital appointment but the teenagers are still in school and that how I catch most my bugs every year. I’ll be fighting hard and hoping you all get thru this too. Much love and breathe easy hun. I have a Facebook page “rheumatoid arthritis and lung disease” if your friend may find it helpful xx
@@MammaCass I just got diagnosed with RA via blood test. I’m doing some research on it and am SHOCKED at how many of the weird little things going on with me are due to the RA! Explains a LOT!
What an amazing difference between the cutting plates and the cutting mat. Brilliant idea! And the remnants are adorable. Thank you for this video.
So glad you liked the idea. I have been using the same cutting plates since I made this video and my top plate is still perfect, and the blue one I cut to fit, also in great shape. It's the best thing I've ever done to save money....Hope you agree...Sandy
I Absolutely Love this Idea! It would have been nice if they came out with one but the cost of that would be high. I Love DIY videos. I have seen where people make 2 so if you are doing a lot of cutting it gives the mat a chance to heal.Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Glad to help and hope you give it a try. It was so easy to cut both the self healing cutting mat and the Dollar Tree mats....
Aren’t these self healing mats a WONDER? Recollections also has a self-healing mat that is pink on one side and white on the other, which I can only find locally at Michaels, that is exactly 3/8 inch thickness; the same as the Big Shot cutting plates and doesn’t need any shims with basics dies. I use it on both my regular Big Shot’s magnetic platform and with my Big Shot Pro. The paper in the cut lines still need to be cleaned out from time to time just like in the cutting plates. So glad you could make yours work, as they do save frustration and money. But give the Recollections mat a try if you can find it. It is difficult to cut to size as well, but well worth it. Thank you for sharing your discovery!
Thanks for the tip. I'm hoping I won't have to buy another cutting plate, as I've been using this one for several months and it's still in great shape...no warping, and minimal cut marks...YAY!!
I do quilting. After years your self healing mat will wear out. But the cutting plates wear out quicker. Looks good.
Thanks...I hope the self healing mat lives up to "self healing" but like all things, it probably won't live up to its hype...thanks for letting me know, as I'm not a seamstress, and failed home ec in 7th grade because I couldn't sew a tablecloth and matching napkins...how hard could that have been?
@@TruthIsFreedom7777 You have to wonder why some of these people chose to teach, don't you?
If you soak yourself healing mats in room temperature water for about an hour, it rehydrates them and gives them new life. If your mat is too far gone it might be too late but I do mine every few months when I notice the cuts aren't healing as quickly and I haven't had to buy a new mat in years 😉
Great tip my cutting plates are getting very bad ,so I'm going to give this a try .I have a few mats I pick them up when they are on offer. Hugs from the UK.
Hope yours cut as easily as mine...and that your euro store sells the cheap cutting mats like our Dollar Tree, because they make a great shim......Let me know how yours works out...Sandy
I bought my healing mat at Hobby Lobby too but my mat is a little thicker and so far i haven't used a shim but I have the Gemini machine....thanks for the video Sandy.
The Gemini machine is great because it doesn't require that thick plate that all of the hand crank machines (and my Vagabond) use....So glad you didn't have to do the shim....I'm glad you could share your tip as well....Sandy
@@craftingforalmosteveryone , hiya just bought this little dream but the cutting mats are bent after a few time of use , hope you can help out with this.
@@janethird1173 I always cut with the die facing down and putting this below it. I've been using mine since I made the video and mine isn't bent at all. What type of machine are you using? I have a Vagabond..maybe it's the machine that's causing it to bend.
@@janethird1173 I always cut with the die facing down and putting this below it. I've been using mine since I made the video and mine isn't bent at all. What type of machine are you using? I have a Vagabond..maybe it's the machine that's causing it to bend. If you're using a Gemini or similar machine that doesn't have the thick plate under this plate, that would definitely cause it to warp. If that's the case, I doubt you'll find anything that will stop it from warping, as you need the thick plate that comes with using a Vagabond or similar machine.. Sorry.
Hey, Sandy, This video is so informative! I also appreciated what dies you used for earrings. I like them so so much I’ve got to find the video where u make them!! I might have to pick up a mat from Hobby Lobby too. I have been using my desk size self healing mat and it looks pretty knarley . My 38 inch mat was from WalMart. I think it was about $30.00, a few years ago. They are probably a little more expensive now.
The earring video link: ua-cam.com/video/a2DInjAShpg/v-deo.html My HL mat was under $5 and so easy to cut (according to Rich, haha) If you scrub your desk size self healing mat exactly like I did and then put it in your bathtub in room temp or cold water overnight, it should look brand new in the morning. I didn't put mine in a sink or tub because of the DT chopping mat that I stuck to the bottom, as I was afraid it would come off...Also, since I cut the sides of my self healing mat, I was afraid the water would get inside and ruin it....Hope this helped....Shouldn't need to buy a new mat as your $30 should last a lifetime with "refreshing it"..
Thank you for the information on how refresh my desk size mat. I didn’t even think bout ping that. I crack myself up sometimes, I think so literally as it didn’t enter my mind that this cleaning/refreshing would work on my mat! 🤪I’ll do it and let you know how it works out! Thank you also or the video link to you making he earrings on! You’re the best, Sandy! Always so helpful! You are appreciated a, 😸
Thanks for the hack. I was going to buy the new Scrapbook.com mat, but they were out of stock. Your hack was made of all the things that I already own, so I was able to make it and use it today.
I've been using mine since the video and it still works like a charm...hope it works the same for you..Sandy
I’m so impressed, I’m in UK so we have different kinds of products. Please could you tell me how thick the sewing mat is and then I can go and find something similar. Cutting mats are the most aggravating things ever 😂
The sewing mats are all different thicknesses. If I was you, I'd measure your plastic plate width and then find one that's closest in size to your particular plate and if you can't find one that's as thick as your plate, then find something like the thin cutting mat I used, to glue to your new "plate" to make it thick enough. If you can't find something like the plastic shim I used, you can always use chipboard. I wouldn't use paper, as it will get too much wear and tear.
Since I made my first replacement in 2020, it's still works great. I always make my sandwich like this so my top plate always looks great. On the top, I put the plastic plate that came with the machine, then the die I'm cutting with, then the paper I'm cutting through, then the new plate we just made with the shim underneath so your die is cutting onto the self healing cutting mat. Hope that helped...So glad you sent me a note, and hope all is well there. Sandy
Thank you 😊
I have a Cuttlebug and they have discontinued this machine as well as the plates, so I'm going to look into your suggestion! Thanks!
I didn't know they discontinued the Cuttlebug...It's probably because so many people are going to the electric machines..I had a Cuttlebug when I started crafting and couldn't crank it at all. Rich had to do the cranking, and when I found the Vagabond (electric from Tim Holtz) I was in love...best money I've ever spent... As for the plates for the Cuttlebug, if it's the regular ones that come in a two-pack, those are standard for most machines, and I think if you bought any replacement plates for a big shot, they should work for your Cuttlebug, and most places will take back crafty things if they don't work for you...just my two cents on it....That way, you'd always have a newer top plate at least....Sandy
@@craftingforalmosteveryone Thank you, Sandy. I will look into this. Hopefully they will work!
Recollections 8x11 self-healing mat works perfectly in the Spellbinders Platinum...
Thanks for the tip..My Vagabond has the smaller size platform like the original Big Shot.
Think we all might have to start carrying calipers (a device that measures thickness) in our purses so that we can decide if a cutting mat is the right thickness before we buy it. 😃
I've done this with a couple of different brands, and both were thinner than our plates..I'm not good at being prepared, but you could measure your plates and every craft store carries rulers with metric measurements, and those would work too...If you have calipers on hand, I'm impressed...and depending on your age, this reference might be lost on you, but you'd be great on Let's Make a Deal if you could whip calipers out of your purse....
One of my plates broke. For a quick fix I took a plastic clip board and cut with a hot knife. It worked great..
So smart. I just found a sewing cutting plate at the Dollar Tree and will see if it fits in my die cutting machine as it's cheaper than the one I used...but with that being said, I'm still using the one I made in that video and cut on it a lot, and it's still going strong...Thanks for your tip...Sandy
Great hack Sandy! I was thinking about doing the same when I need to replace my plates (might be a while since I have like 12 extra plates at the moment). I use my cricut maker for cutting most of the time so my plates tend to last a really long time since I don't use my big shot a lot.
I have seen the Cricut's changing every year or so, and always am glad I never bought one, because I know if I had, I'd be upgrading with every new change...and now they make a mini one...Cool idea...
Hello from Illinois, new subscriber. Thanks for sharing this tip
It worked great and it's been over a year and it's still going strong. I've never had the normal plates last like this...And, if you always cut onto the plate you created with this video, your other plate will continue to look perfect, with no cuts. I can't recommend this enough....Sandy
Thanks for subscribing...I hope you find some of my other videos helpful...Sandy
Miss Sandy, this is BRILLIANT! What was the thickness on that cutting mat you geniusly repurposed?! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Here's the mat I bought at Hobby Lobby. I can't give you the thickness as now it's been run through my machine so many times, I'm sure it's not the same as when I bought it. tinyurl.com/2fh9uyz3 These self healing cutting mats are so cheap and mine's still going strong as I'm still using the one I made in the video. I hope you can find the thickness on the Hobby Lobby link...Sandy
Thank you sandy, I too tried the cutting mat and it didn’t work. Will give this a go
I hope it works for you. I found that with tear tape between the Dollar Tree mat and the Sew-Ology one, it made the cutting plate thick enough, and the Dollar Tree mat was so easy to cut with Tim Holtz scissors..Rich said the Sew-Ology mat was simple to cut as well...go figure...I thought it would be tricky since it's made to be impervious to cuts... Let me know if this works for you...
Crafting For Almost Everyone will do Sandy. I have the cuttlebug which I got secondhand and getting plates for it is difficult so this would help me out bi time.
Hello, this is a nice tip. I was wondering if maybe you had any ideas for the other plates needed for cuttlebug. My sister in law gave me a cuttlebug with no plates. I'm having a difficult time finding them as they are terribly expensive from resellers. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for sharing.
Have you tried buying another brand's plates, as I thought they were interchangeable? Also, there's a site called splitcoast stampers where a lot of crafters use it to find things like this reasonably from others. here's a video I made...about 10:54 minutes it tells you how to navigate splitcoast stampers, as it can be kind of tricky to figure out. ua-cam.com/video/TKv3tp_Ba9M/v-deo.html Good luck..Sandy
I love this idea. Thank you for sharing it. Will a magnetic self healing mat work?
I've never heard of a magnetic one, but it should. all you're going for is the self-healing aspect, and a size that fits on your plate. Just so you know, I'm still using it and it hasn't warped or come apart from the backing I put on it....Sandy
Crafting For Almost Everyone - thank you. It’s in my cart 🙂
There are no self healing magnetic mats that I’m aware of. The mat she used is a self healing mat and they are made by a variety of companies in different colors and vary in thickness. Anna Griffin makes a magnetic mat that you can cut into, but it isn’t self healing. However it holds up really well and lasts a long time. Hope this helps.
The greatest hack. Thank You.
So glad you like it. I have been using this plate since I made the video and it still works like a charm. I can't recommend it enough..and the cutting mat from Dollar Tree is still stuck to the bottom to make it a little thicker to run through my Vagabond...Sandy
Lol I was thinking try it out after you tape one piece on..you heard me..lol I'll have to try this....thanks for the tip!!!
I hope you'll let me know how it works for you...Great minds think alike...one shim might not work over time, if the compression of the machine squeezes it enough, so maybe we'll need the second shim....glad I have it, just in case..
Is there also a hack for the top cutting plate if you don't have one?
You could use the same plate as the bottom, but you need to make sure that they are thick enough but not too thick to go through the machine safely. If you have one plate, at least you know it's the right thickness....hope that gave you an idea...Sandy
I store my cutting plates under my vaga bond when not in use. The weight of the vaga bond helps keep them much less warped.
Since I made this replacement, it hasn't warped, and I don't know if I'll ever have to replace it like the plastic ones...I hated how the plastic ones had so many cuts in them and looked terrible, and using this one, I don't really see the cuts, I'm sure they're there, but I don't notice them like with the old ones. Great tip with your Vagabond, but sadly, I can't lift mine...
@@craftingforalmosteveryone Good tips. Thank you. I’m sorry you can’t lift yours, it truly is heavy. Happy crafting
Do you think this will work with the little ‘Sidekick’ machine?
It depends on how thick the plates are that you use for the machine. If you use a ruler with mm and cm on it, measure the thickness of one of your sidekick plates then take the measurement and the ruler to your local craft store and measure the thickness of the cutting plate you find and that will tell you if it will work or not. The reason you want to use the mm cm side of a ruler is the measurements are smaller, as would be the thickness of a plate, and you'll get a more accurate measurement than if you'd use inches where the smallest measurement would be 1/8th of an inch and you might need an odd thickness measurement...hope it does work for yours as I'm still using the plate I made in this video...Sandy
@@craftingforalmosteveryone I will do that. Thank you so much for the detailed answer Sandy.
What a great idea! Tha so much, Sandy. 😊
Hope you can give it a try as well. Sandy
FANTASTIC IDEA!😀🇺🇸😀
Mine is still working great after all this time..I can't recommend this enough...Sandy
I have that die you used and I'm wondering if you ended up using them for earrings or any other projects you've done using that die.
I sure did. Here's earrings ua-cam.com/video/a2DInjAShpg/v-deo.html and here's a card ua-cam.com/video/9oLre8KbHrQ/v-deo.html I hope you come up with ways to use your dies..I really enjoyed playing with them. I'd love to see a photo of the things you make with them..saundralparker@yahoo.com Sandy
Thank you for this
Amazing tip 💕
Glad to help, and hope you give this a try...should save us some aggravation...and money...Sandy
Thank you for sharing I love it merry Christmas
I have to say, I've been using this for months and it's still going strong...no warping and no replacements needed..yay..
Wow! Incredible idea!
I hope it works for you as well. I had a quilter tell me that the self healing cutting mats don't last forever, but I'm hoping it lasts a lot longer than my current cutting plates...and the price is still cheaper when you consider that a pair of plates are around $10, and I bought the cutting mat at Hobby Lobby for $3 after the 40% off, plus $1 for the Dollar Tree cutting mats...I'll let viewers know how long this lasts...Sandy
Great idea!
I'm glad you like the idea...I'm doing an update on this video today to show you how to refresh these mats...Hope you'll check it out.
I'm trying out my worn out cricut mats and the cutting mats from Dollar Tree.
I'm still using the original one of these I made in 2020 and have only added additional shims of the cutting mats from DT as the whole thing gets a little thinner after using it over a long time. I think you'll be happy with this..mine didn't warp and neither has the top plate. I always make the same plate with this on the bottom, then paper, then the die then the original plastic plate...hope this additional info helps...Sandy
@craftingforalmosteveryone awesome thank you. I die cut once and it left a mark on the new plate. That's why I figured you all would have a way to protect those pads (or whatever they're called).
It will make marks on this new "plate" but it won't hurt it because it's made for cutting into with rotary blades etc. I always make sure the side facing up is the blue one and on the bottom is the plastic mat that is basically the shim. Hope that helped. Sandy
Is there a way to put the sandwich printed on the screen. Everyone talks through it so fast,please
The sandwich for your machine varies from machine to machine. Please tell me the machine you have and I'll walk you through it.
Thank you so much,thisthis is awesome.love saving money
So glad to help....I love finding ways to save money too, and especially when it involves not having to keep buying the same product over and over again like this one.....Hope you give it a try...Sandy
I think the dies are spellbinders from their small die of the month club. I have them
I'd love to know the name of them and if someone could purchase them outright, as I've had viewers ask me their name....Sandy
@@craftingforalmosteveryone it’s called Kaleidoscope Trio from spellbinder ( June 2019 small die of the month)
@@nancern53 Thank you so much...I really appreciate it. There's another small set I have that's from the small die of the month club and it's smaller and larger dies for sentiments. Are you familiar with it? I use it all the time but don't know the name of that set either.
@@craftingforalmosteveryone no, sorry, I don’t know that one.
Love this reel :D
So glad to help.
You are one smart gal! Thanks for the hot tip!
It was so simple and I really like it....Hope you give it a whirl....Has Coronavirus impacted the animal center for spaying/neutering? I hope you're well...
Crafting For Almost Everyone Yes. We are closed until at least April 5. Maybe longer.
@@UR22NOZ Thanks for the update..you need the time to rest.
You are so inventive great idea tfs
Thanks Cathy, I hope you give this a try...
I tried the cutting mat before with different shim, but it didn't work. Thanks for the tip on the DT mats. Maybe it'll work with my manual machine. Those dies you used look similar to ones I've seen on Spellbinders. The ones on SB can be used individually or layered. They look really pretty layered with different colored cardstock. Hugs from gg
I hope the DT mats add enough thickness to your cutting plates to make it work. I was surprised how much of a difference the tear tape added in the thickness...Although I am glad that I cut two DT layers, in case later the machine squeezes it enough that I need a second shim....Let me know if it works. I hope all is well with you. Our state and Ohio both seem to be in a state of panic, and I'm hoping they aren't acting too prematurely, because we might end up going through this all over again if they timed it wrong...and we have no cases within the three or four counties surrounding me, which is lucky..I have a dental appointment tomorrow and then Rich and I are hanging at home until the governor gives us the OK to go out. They've officially closed all "non-essential" businesses, including the malls, and are limiting groups of people to under 10. That would mean that most people shouldn't celebrate holidays if they have a family of over 10...this is getting scary...
@@craftingforalmosteveryone
Hey Sandy, you guys take precautions. Quite a few cases in my area, 3 about a mile away. Everything closing here, even the libraries. This is a difficult time for everyone. I think we all might have to hunker down longer. Time will tell. I find the CDC to be a good resource and check their updates daily. Last I heard. WV had no cases. I was out for groceries 4 days ago and it was crazy then. Check and make sure you have everything especially your meds. The Girl Scouts always taught us to be prepared. Hopefully I'll be able to go to DT and try out your tip one of these days. It's nice of you and Rebecca to keep us entertained. Plan to catch up on YT tonight. Be safe. Be well. Hugs from gg
Great tip tfs 🤗🤗🤗
Glad to share, and hope it helped....Sandy
Good....so helpful
I've used this plate since making the video and it's still working great. I can't tell you how many of the other plates I would have gone through in the same amount of time. Glad you liked it and hope you give it a try. Sandy
Awesome
I am still using this cutting plate and am thrilled with how well it's holding up, and, it's not warping like the plastic ones do...YAY
💚
Thanks so much...if you do this, you'll never regret it. I'm still using these plates and they work great.
very cool. =)
Thanks Phoebe....Sandy
You're welcome. =)
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