Love this thanks, another tip I recently tried is putting my warped plates in to very hot water then as the start to relax the curve I take out and place something heavy on them to make them flat again lol. Works for me so far!
I’ve tried this and I love how it works. I was getting very frustrated with the die plates, especially for the Gemini Jr. Not only do they not last very long but they curl up which makes them very difficult to work with. I think this will help that problem as well. Thank you.
Hi, Dana:) I came up with a similar solution and I asked myself what the designers of all these companies are thinking. They should have figured this out in the very beginning. I always alter different devices myself as do many others too and I often think why they didn`t make certain things better or easier to use since all this stuff is so expensive. Friendly greetings from sunny Slovenia, Josi :)))
I purchased a larger mat and my husband used a jigsaw to cut it into 4 pieces to fit. I use the regular sandwich but leave out the plastic shim. The cutting mat does warp so I turn it over to cut into it on both sides.
You are a lifesaver, my Gemini Junior plates were in a real state, I have the full-size machine but like to use the junior plates as they are easier to handle. I was going to treat myself to new plates but here in the UK they seemed to be out of stock everywhere. After watching your video and the BibleScraps one where they used Sissix plates I ordered a self heal mat and the Sissix plates (for the combined price of one Gemini Junior plate and got a perfect cut first time. Not only that but my magnetic mat is so indented everywhere that I was getting pit marks in my die cuts. My mirri sentiment is perfect not even a hint of a mark on it!! Thank you!
Thank you for this. I am a novice crafter and i have a small machine I don’t use it at all now because of the warped plates. Your tip is an incentive to dust it off. 😁
I'm glad I came across your video!! I have a Gemini and my plates are a mess.....but now I know the trick of using cutting mats to save any more damage. Thank you so much.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💕💕❤️😍😍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Yes, this method does work for the Big Shot too! I have a gorgeous snowflake die that is very intricate, so I used it to try out this new layering technique with a self-healing cutting mat. The die cut out very well. This worked for my Big Shot: first layer was the Multipurpose platform that came with the Big Shot, on tab 1; then I used a piece of chipboard with the self-healing mat on top; then a piece of card stock with the die facing down in top of it; a piece of copy paper folded in half; a metal shim (since I couldn't find my plastic shim); and a clear cutting mat. It all cranked through fairly easily. Thank you so much for all of these cutting tips! I saw your video at a perfect time since I was just getting ready to start making my Christmas cards for next year, yes, in March!
Thanks so much for this video. I bought my Big Shot on June 6th 2024 and I've already gone through 4 sets of plates EVEN using the metal shim. I have to try this YESTERDAY. Thank you so much
Yes!!! So grateful you shared this information, I have a magnetic cutting plate I was going to try. I’ll let you know if that works as well. Blessings & Hugs!!!
Fantastic idea! I hope all the manufacturers get a hold of this idea. That’s what being creative does, finds new ways of doing things therefore products get better and better. I wonder if this will work with my big shot? Nothing ventured nothing gained, my mama always said! Lol
After seeing people use the selfhealing cutting mat, I got one on amazon..have been using it about 2 weeks and now it's also bowed....but it did save the clear plates. Might have to buy more - need to keep my eyes at for any sales on the mats since they are close to the same price... Thanks for the video
@@jennifertrower9919 correct, and I have cut mine down. I was more excited that some people are saying you can get a self healing mat for just a dollar! If my Dollar Tree ever gets them in I am going to buy a bunch!!
On the Big Shot when using the green self healing mat do you take away the bottom clear cutting plate that would normally get cut into? If you don't, isn't the sandwich going to be way too thick and stop your machine from accepting it? TY for your time!! 😀🌺
Hi Dana, greetings from Australia. Thank you so much for this very helpful video. I use a self healing mat in my Big Shot too. I am about to get a Gemini and will follow your advice for cutting and embossing.
Hey Dana, this is very helpful! I just bought one of these and it's still sitting in the box! Also, I love that you call it a Pokey Tool. Ha! I do, too!
I also use this method with my big shot. It does not only keep your plates as good as new but although your dies...because they stay sharp...with cutting into plastic the die cut quality decreases over time
Thank you so much for sharing this. I just bought a cutting machine and didn't want to mess up my plates. The cutting mat idea worked like a charm, I am happy as a lark now. It took a while to figure out the sandwich for my machine but, I got it. Thanks again.
I'm so glad I found this video. I need to replace my cutting plates anyways but would love to get new ones so I will have pretty ones again. This video was very helpful. Any Self healing mat will work with this method? Thanks.
@@DanaJoy I ended up buying the same you have. I have the larger size gemini and figured it doesn't need to go all the way up to the edge. since my plates were warped I bought new cut pad as well. I figured I start fresh with this new technique. than you so much for all this info. you may have saved me a lot of $$
Thanks for sharing!! Saw your video some time ago and I don’t know why or how; I forgot about it. Thanks to Biblescraps (she) recommended your video recently and I revisited! Only then did I remember. I am one of the lucky ones to still have my spellbinders cutting plates and will be experimenting using them too. Thanks again.
Hey Dana! As I find myself needing to change out my plates I decided to watch this LOL my problem is WARPING OMG my machine sounds worse than my old joints when I get up in the morning! What prevents that?
Dana - I know this is an older video, but do you remember where you purchased your mat for the Gemini jr? All the traditional cutting plates are out of stock and I don't want to be stuck without some kind of cutting plate!
Can you give me the name of the company that the intricut cut at beginning of video came from? Sounded like Summer something? Thanks, love it & would like to find the company. Love the video, thanks!
Awesome work i just loved your idea but i have a spellbinder platinum 6 machine and i just down find the exact self healing mat for that ? Could you help me out with that please. Thank you so much waiting for your ans.
I'm not sure what kind of mat will work with the platinum machine. I think it's going to be trial and error to find the right one. Sorry I couldn't help you!
I have used the Olfa mat for alot of years -- I am a maker of clothes quilt, as well as anything else that comes up -- I don't remember these mats being inexpensive, but I suppose if you have a 40% off coupon....
Thank you, I also heard to use the spellbinder metal plate in place of a clear plate. Going to try yours first cause I am tired of replacing my plates all of the time. Tyfs. Hugs!
Charlene. Just received the grand calibur junior mat, miracles. Used g.c. Mat on bottom, cardstock and Gemini clear plate on top.perfect. The GC mat available in australia
I went through four cutting plates this Xmas, contacted Sizzix & they said the same old thing , which doesn’t work, so your video sounds good, thanks..I don’t no what’s wrong with this companies, they make great machines but poor quality extras..
i used this exact sandwich on my brand new Gemini Jr. Got nice cuts & clean plates. However, the bottom plate and the Olfa mat warped on the FIRST run through. not sure what to do!???
Judy Cosler I’m experiencing that too. I made a comment to this post about my self-healing mat is curling and has die cut marks on it. So pretty much the damage goes to the self-healing mat and not the clear plastic. I’m still waiting for a response to see if this is true or am I sandwiching the orders incorrectly.
On the2nd example you cut into your spellbinder mat and not the clear plate with the mat. Just a bit confused on that. But I do like the idea of using the green mat if it won’t damage my machine! Thanks!!! 💖
Terri Conrad yes I did cut into the spellbinders plate. This plate is super study and won’t crack. It doesn’t bow either so I don’t mind cutting into it.
Hi Dana...so I tried this and the machine wouldn’t let it go through. I thought I had broken it. I went back to the recommended sandwich and it was fine. Maybe I did something wrong? I used a piece of typing paper folded in half. Scary moment for me!! 🤷♀️😳
OMG doesn’t anyone read the other comments? That’s the first thing I do if I have a question. Dana has had to answer the same question 100 times! It’s a 5x7 Olfa mat from Joann. That’s in the sewing department!
I'm a new subbie, and I love your tip! I have a Revolution magnetic plate (or Evolution...can't remember which)...will that work? I don't know if I should try it or not
Buy a larger cutting mat and cut it down to size. Olfa (the ones shown here) are the best quality. Cheaper ones will warp and become distorted, I know because I have the large Gemini too and have tried several mats. Also, be sure and turn your plates, shims and mats frequently to help preventing the curved warping.
I've had my Fiskars mat for a long time . I think I got it when Fiskars made cutting templates. I was just at Michael's yesterday and looked at cutting mats. The had a small one that looks like it will go through the Gemini Jr., Cuttlebug, or any other 6 inch machine. Even the large Gemini, it just won't be as large as the Gemini mats.
They can be washed with warm soapy water, if they're needing a restick buy a product called alleens tack it over and over. Dilute half and half with water. ( 1tbsp water, 1tbsp of the glue) tape off the parts the roller would touch, and give it a thin coat of the solution. I've been using the same mats for 10 yrs.
Also, how is your Gemini Jr. holding up since you started using the cutting mat? Curious, as I am about to purchase one now. BTW awesome video, very helpful and to the point🙂
Thank you for this. May I ask: So you do not use the magnetic shim? If anyone could give me some tips, it would be much appreciated. Happy crafting everyone!
Does your green cutting mat warp? I’ve been doing this for a few days and my green cutting mat is warping. I’ve even taken out the white or frosted, plastic mat that came with the machine. Any ideas?
What a fantastic idea! Is there a specific thickness for your self-heal mat? I have some very thin A3 mats from Aldi (UK). Mine is the large Gemini, so I would need to get an A4 self heal mat.
@@DanaJoy Thank you. In the UK there appears to be a variety of thicknesses depending on the store you go to. Cheap budget stores have thinner mats. Lol. x
you are a genius! Now watch all the vendors will make these for their machines saying its there idea! You have saved so much money from replacing those plastic sheets!!!!
I just purchased the junior love the machine but I dont understand why it sometimes stops cutting after 5/6 times or the sensor is off it's not hot it just doesn't catch😕 but thanks for the tip
I had the same thing happen to my regular Gemini, it was working fine and then I plug it up and it won't fed. I contacted customer service and they send me a new one.
This machine seems great but i won't get one because i have a lot of bigz dies and from what i understand, it's not compatible with them. I have several die cutting machines and my We r Memory Keepers Evolution Advance uses self healing cutting mats. It's my favorite and the one i use the most.
I purchased a plate for the double sided dies, and have asked on Facebook as well as CC web site to see if these can be used for the regular one sided dies... never had a reply. The double sided plate is still in the envelope, over 6 months now.. at some point I will try it out and report my findings.
I guess I'm just a big chicken and don't want to try this in my big Gemini, but I'm anxious to try this in my Big Shot and save those cutting plates. Maybe I'll eventually get braver with my big Gemini, but will have to get the proper size self healing mat first. I gather it should be about the size of the cutting plates for the larger Gemini?
Hi Dana, thanks for this tip! :) Question - does the self-healing cutting mat add unnecessary thickness? I have a Vagabond and am wondering if I need to change things up so it will fit? Or do you use the cutting mat INSTEAD of the bottom plate?
Love this thanks, another tip I recently tried is putting my warped plates in to very hot water then as the start to relax the curve I take out and place something heavy on them to make them flat again lol. Works for me so far!
Great tip!
Omg I can't wait to try this. I broke a cutting plate today so can't wait to try this method when I get a new plate.
OMG. I’ll be trying this next time I use my Gemini. TYFS!
I’ve tried this and I love how it works. I was getting very frustrated with the die plates, especially for the Gemini Jr. Not only do they not last very long but they curl up which makes them very difficult to work with. I think this will help that problem as well. Thank you.
Hi, Dana:) I came up with a similar solution and I asked myself what the designers of all these companies are thinking. They should have figured this out in the very beginning. I always alter different devices myself as do many others too and I often think why they didn`t make certain things better or easier to use since all this stuff is so expensive. Friendly greetings from sunny Slovenia, Josi :)))
You’re not $eriously a$king why a company would want to keep you buying their overpriced acce$$orie$ over and over and over? 🤔🤗
I purchased a larger mat and my husband used a jigsaw to cut it into 4 pieces to fit. I use the regular sandwich but leave out the plastic shim. The cutting mat does warp so I turn it over to cut into it on both sides.
You are a lifesaver, my Gemini Junior plates were in a real state, I have the full-size machine but like to use the junior plates as they are easier to handle. I was going to treat myself to new plates but here in the UK they seemed to be out of stock everywhere. After watching your video and the BibleScraps one where they used Sissix plates I ordered a self heal mat and the Sissix plates (for the combined price of one Gemini Junior plate and got a perfect cut first time. Not only that but my magnetic mat is so indented everywhere that I was getting pit marks in my die cuts. My mirri sentiment is perfect not even a hint of a mark on it!! Thank you!
Hi Susan are you still using this sandwich please?
Love your tip on plates for Gemini ❤❤❤❤
Thank you Martha!!
Thank you for this. I am a novice crafter and i have a small machine I don’t use it at all now because of the warped plates. Your tip is an incentive to dust it off. 😁
Yep! Done this for awhile. I like the little self healing mat from Hobby Lobby. Super inexpensive and works great.
Me too
@Melissa please share the information of the mat you use
@@ThisIsMeTinnaMarie I don’t know the name. It’s teal colored and in sewing section of Hobby Lobby.
@melissa Craig thank you for responding
What size mat do you use? A5?
I'm glad I came across your video!! I have a Gemini and my plates are a mess.....but now I know the trick of using cutting mats to save any more damage. Thank you so much.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💕💕❤️😍😍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
I use my Gemini Jr cutting pad and one clear plate on top...exclusively! They do not warp...ever! Gotta try the self healing cutting mat. Thanks Dana.
Yes, this method does work for the Big Shot too! I have a gorgeous snowflake die that is very intricate, so I used it to try out this new layering technique with a self-healing cutting mat. The die cut out very well. This worked for my Big Shot: first layer was the Multipurpose platform that came with the Big Shot, on tab 1; then I used a piece of chipboard with the self-healing mat on top; then a piece of card stock with the die facing down in top of it; a piece of copy paper folded in half; a metal shim (since I couldn't find my plastic shim); and a clear cutting mat. It all cranked through fairly easily.
Thank you so much for all of these cutting tips! I saw your video at a perfect time since I was just getting ready to start making my Christmas cards for next year, yes, in March!
Tfs the details! I'm making little soaps for my family who help me with my daughter. Gotta get ahead right lol!!
Thanks so much for this video. I bought my Big Shot on June 6th 2024 and I've already gone through 4 sets of plates EVEN using the metal shim. I have to try this YESTERDAY.
Thank you so much
Yes!!! So grateful you shared this information, I have a magnetic cutting plate I was going to try. I’ll let you know if that works as well. Blessings & Hugs!!!
Fantastic idea! I hope all the manufacturers get a hold of this idea. That’s what being creative does, finds new ways of doing things therefore products get better and better. I wonder if this will work with my big shot? Nothing ventured nothing gained, my mama always said! Lol
After seeing people use the selfhealing cutting mat, I got one on amazon..have been using it about 2 weeks and now it's also bowed....but it did save the clear plates. Might have to buy more - need to keep my eyes at for any sales on the mats since they are close to the same price... Thanks for the video
4551mac you can heat your mat with your heat tool to get the warping out. 😉
Same thing happened to me. Both my cutting plates and self healing cutting mats warped. Sad....
I haven’t found them at mine but some people are finding 6x8 inch cutting mats at Dollar Tree.
@@lc1035 you can cut it to correct size with scissors
@@jennifertrower9919 correct, and I have cut mine down. I was more excited that some people are saying you can get a self healing mat for just a dollar! If my Dollar Tree ever gets them in I am going to buy a bunch!!
Excellent thank you for doing such a good job of explaining this thoroughly without rambling- I actually got through the entire video! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you for sharing great tip
Great idea will it also work with the Accuquilt Go Cutters
Awesome video. I love the Gemini but the warp on the plates is horrible. I will be doing this from now on. Thank You
works on the big shot too!
Thank you! I was looking for that answer:)
On the Big Shot when using the green self healing mat do you take away the bottom clear cutting plate that would normally get cut into? If you don't, isn't the sandwich going to be way too thick and stop your machine from accepting it? TY for your time!! 😀🌺
Hi Dana, greetings from Australia. Thank you so much for this very helpful video. I use a self healing mat in my Big Shot too. I am about to get a Gemini and will follow your advice for cutting and embossing.
Hello 👋🏽 so glad you came across my video. Have a great time crafting.
Hey Dana, this is very helpful! I just bought one of these and it's still sitting in the box! Also, I love that you call it a Pokey Tool. Ha! I do, too!
LMBO I can’t see it any other way but a pokey tool. 😂
Thank you for the information about self healing cutting mat. Please can you tell me is I can use the self healing mat with my e-Bosser? Thank you 🙏🏼
I've never heard of an e-Bosser so I'm not sure.
Where did your plates come from? Do you know if you if you can use the Gemini jr. Cutting plates etc with the larger Gemini machine?
Do u possibly have a hack for the double sided dies?
I’m not sure what a double sided die is.
Thank you! I don’t know why the plates are not made of self healing material!
You know ? I LOVE YOU..... Your tip is FANTASTIC.
Wow! My mind is blown! Thank you for the information!!!
I also use this method with my big shot. It does not only keep your plates as good as new but although your dies...because they stay sharp...with cutting into plastic the die cut quality decreases over time
I bought this cutting plate at Joans and feel like you, it works great.
Wow thanks I just got the Gemini for my birthday yesterday 3rd of August and I haven't used it yet so I will definitely try that thanks xxxx
Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing this helpful tip! This is going under my favorites. Thumbs up, and thanks again. Beth
Marvelous tip! How thick is the self-healing mat?
Thank you so much for sharing this. I just bought a cutting machine and didn't want to mess up my plates. The cutting mat idea worked like a charm, I am happy as a lark now. It took a while to figure out the sandwich for my machine but, I got it. Thanks again.
This is the BEST TOP TIP I have seen! Thanks so much.....gonna give it a go!
Sylvia Chapman awww thanks Sylvia ☺️
I'm so glad I found this video. I need to replace my cutting plates anyways but would love to get new ones so I will have pretty ones again. This video was very helpful. Any Self healing mat will work with this method? Thanks.
Amy Hoang I can only recommend the Olfa one I used in the video. I haven’t really tried any other one. I got mine from Joanns.
@@DanaJoy I ended up buying the same you have. I have the larger size gemini and figured it doesn't need to go all the way up to the edge. since my plates were warped I bought new cut pad as well. I figured I start fresh with this new technique. than you so much for all this info. you may have saved me a lot of $$
Thanks for sharing!! Saw your video some time ago and I don’t know why or how; I forgot about it. Thanks to Biblescraps (she) recommended your video recently and I revisited! Only then did I remember. I am one of the lucky ones to still have my spellbinders cutting plates and will be experimenting using them too. Thanks again.
Hey Dana! As I find myself needing to change out my plates I decided to watch this LOL my problem is WARPING OMG my machine sounds worse than my old joints when I get up in the morning! What prevents that?
Love that the colors are non traditional !
Dana - I know this is an older video, but do you remember where you purchased your mat for the Gemini jr? All the traditional cutting plates are out of stock and I don't want to be stuck without some kind of cutting plate!
I purchased it from Joann Fabrics.
Great job and tips! I was researching die cutting tools and came across your video. :)
Brilliant. You are very innovative. Fantastic idea to keep plates new. Thanks for sharing.
Can you give me the name of the company that the intricut cut at beginning of video came from? Sounded like Summer something? Thanks, love it & would like to find the company. Love the video, thanks!
James Rodowca it’s called Deco Heart and it’s from Simon Says Stamp.
Awesome work i just loved your idea but i have a spellbinder platinum 6 machine and i just down find the exact self healing mat for that ? Could you help me out with that please. Thank you so much waiting for your ans.
I'm not sure what kind of mat will work with the platinum machine. I think it's going to be trial and error to find the right one. Sorry I couldn't help you!
Thanks very much for this great tip - Definitely going to go find a self healing mat to fit my Gemini Jr.
I have used the Olfa mat for alot of years -- I am a maker of clothes quilt, as well as anything else that comes up -- I don't remember these mats being inexpensive, but I suppose if you have a 40% off coupon....
Their are many self healing mats can you please tell me or share the link which to buy.. Thank you so much
Thank you, I also heard to use the spellbinder metal plate in place of a clear plate. Going to try yours first cause I am tired of replacing my plates all of the time. Tyfs. Hugs!
Charlene. Just received the grand calibur junior mat, miracles. Used g.c. Mat on bottom, cardstock and Gemini clear plate on top.perfect. The GC mat available in australia
Carlene Brinsmead which GC may r u referring to? I wud like to buy one n use it as well. Thanks!🌷
I went through four cutting plates this Xmas, contacted Sizzix & they said the same old thing , which doesn’t work, so your video sounds good, thanks..I don’t no what’s wrong with this companies, they make great machines but poor quality extras..
Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Great !! thanks for this precious piece of information .
May i know the thickness of your self healing mat and brand name please .
It's called an OLFA rotary mat. The size is 6x8 inches. I bought mine from Amazon.
Going to try in large Gemini. Thanks for sharing.
Hello. How did you get on please?
I've heard this. I'm hoping it works.
You have just saved us bunches of money which we can use on more craft items. Thank you for this.
i used this exact sandwich on my brand new Gemini Jr. Got nice cuts & clean plates. However, the bottom plate and the Olfa mat warped on the FIRST run through. not sure what to do!???
Judy Cosler I’m experiencing that too. I made a comment to this post about my self-healing mat is curling and has die cut marks on it. So pretty much the damage goes to the self-healing mat and not the clear plastic. I’m still waiting for a response to see if this is true or am I sandwiching the orders incorrectly.
My machine is cutting into the self healing mats too. Cuts every plate, but the fabric.
On the2nd example you cut into your spellbinder mat and not the clear plate with the mat. Just a bit confused on that. But I do like the idea of using the green mat if it won’t damage my machine! Thanks!!! 💖
Terri Conrad yes I did cut into the spellbinders plate. This plate is super study and won’t crack. It doesn’t bow either so I don’t mind cutting into it.
Hi Dana...so I tried this and the machine wouldn’t let it go through. I thought I had broken it. I went back to the recommended sandwich and it was fine. Maybe I did something wrong? I used a piece of typing paper folded in half. Scary moment for me!! 🤷♀️😳
Terri Conrad ummm not sure why that happened. If it didn’t work for you I would suggest you use what works in your machine.
Your video is super high quality. It looks amazing. What camera do you use? Thanks for the tip, too.
OMG doesn’t anyone read the other comments? That’s the first thing I do if I have a question. Dana has had to answer the same question 100 times! It’s a 5x7 Olfa mat from Joann. That’s in the sewing department!
thank you!
Madison UTube the mat size is actually 6x8 not 5x7.
Hi Dana, love to hear/see an update on using your mats...
I would love an update
I'm a new subbie, and I love your tip! I have a Revolution magnetic plate (or Evolution...can't remember which)...will that work? I don't know if I should try it or not
I have the larger Gemini. I want to try this. Wish the companies would make one to fit their machines.
Buy a larger cutting mat and cut it down to size. Olfa (the ones shown here) are the best quality. Cheaper ones will warp and become distorted, I know because I have the large Gemini too and have tried several mats. Also, be sure and turn your plates, shims and mats frequently to help preventing the curved warping.
Thanks. I have a smaller Fiskars one that may not need cut. Do you think my magnetic self healing mat would work? I have a WRMK one.
Where did you get your cutting mat?
I've had my Fiskars mat for a long time . I think I got it when Fiskars made cutting templates. I was just at Michael's yesterday and looked at cutting mats. The had a small one that looks like it will go through the Gemini Jr., Cuttlebug, or any other 6 inch machine. Even the large Gemini, it just won't be as large as the Gemini mats.
How is your machine doing with the cutting mat?
Thank you ! Thank you! Thank you! Hugs and blessings.
I don’t have the Gemini Jr. Will the self healing mats work in the regular Gemini as well? Thanks for the great tip!
W. Alycia B I’m sorry I’m not sure. I would say give it a try but remember you will void your warranty if something happens. 😉
This is brilliant! Perfect timing too because I need to replace my mat and magnetic shim. Thank you, Dana!
Oh I wish you had a similar tip for circuit explore air machines. Their cutting mats become useless pretty quickly and so expensive to replace
They can be washed with warm soapy water, if they're needing a restick buy a product called alleens tack it over and over. Dilute half and half with water. ( 1tbsp water, 1tbsp of the glue) tape off the parts the roller would touch, and give it a thin coat of the solution.
I've been using the same mats for 10 yrs.
Also, how is your Gemini Jr. holding up since you started using the cutting mat? Curious, as I am about to purchase one now. BTW awesome video, very helpful and to the point🙂
Truth Lover I’m still using the green cutting mats and have not had any problems with my machine. Have fun creating.
Awesome! Mine is on the way!
The evolution advance cutting machine uses these kind of plates (self healing mat material) and they lasted a very long time.
Thank you. Maybe I could take a look at the cost of their plates and see if they fit the Gemini. :)
Yes! They are gray and extended length - called Magnetic Mat B. They warp really easily though and almost stretched out in the middle.
what is the thickness of that self healing cutting mat? can you use any brand? are they all the same thickness? Thank you
Thank you for this. May I ask: So you do not use the magnetic shim? If anyone could give me some tips, it would be much appreciated. Happy crafting everyone!
No I do not use a metal shim.
Sounds like a great idea. I have searched for the cutting mat to fit machine. I found one 6 x 8 and it is too wide. Did you have to cut the mat?
Jan G I did not. If your had is too big, maybe cut it down to fit the width and length of your plate.
Dana Joy I cut down the pads but I am still in search of the correct size. I also think I may have the wrong thickness. Thank you for your reply.
Jan G I got mine from Joann Fabrics.
Will this work on the Gemini Go? I think it's a little smaller than the Gemini Jr.
I’m not sure since I only have this style of the Gemini.
You do not use the magnetic matt at all?
Thank you great suggestion, trying it now.
Can you use the Spellbinders cutting pad used in your video in a Big Shot machine?
I'm not sure!
Wonderful. Thank you Dana
hi I didn't realize the scrap paper was so important.. Is the Cutting mat supposed to warp?
Thanks You For This Great Tip.👏👏 I Am On My Second Set Of
Gemini Jr Plates. New subscriber
will this work on the bigger gemini cutting machine when cutting fabric
I’ll be getting a Gemini jr for Christmas what’s the size of the mat and where can I get it??? Thank you
Does your green cutting mat warp? I’ve been doing this for a few days and my green cutting mat is warping. I’ve even taken out the white or frosted, plastic mat that came with the machine. Any ideas?
my Olfa mat & the bottom Gemini jr plate both warped first time through on my brand new G Jr machine!
What a fantastic idea! Is there a specific thickness for your self-heal mat?
I have some very thin A3 mats from Aldi (UK). Mine is the large Gemini, so I would need to get an A4 self heal mat.
ArtEBee I can only speak for this the mats I use since it’s US thickness. It’s the “standard” thickness I have found in US cutting mats.
@@spiritjunkie1913 Thank you x
@@DanaJoy Thank you. In the UK there appears to be a variety of thicknesses depending on the store you go to. Cheap budget stores have thinner mats. Lol. x
Hi did you try the self healing mats please? I'm in the UK and have a 2nd hand gemini on the way. Thanks
What size is the mat that you Use? Thank you.
It's called aon OLFA rotary mat. The size is 6x8 inches. I bought mine from Amazon.
Is an a5 mat the right size?
Thank you! I appreciate this! I hate having to order new cutting plates!😻 ~ Katz I use my hubby’s iPad to watch videos
*VERY GOOD VIDEO*
The manufacturers design things to wear out. They make money when the customer has to replace items. Good video, thanks
Thank you
Thank you Dana! I am excited to utilize your money saving tip! Happy Holidays!
Interested - is this process still working for you??
I am new to gemini, and have 1 question, how do u do embossing with this plates
You will need to purchase the tan embossing mat to emboss.
@@DanaJoy there is no video of? 😁
you are a genius! Now watch all the vendors will make these for their machines saying its there idea! You have saved so much money from replacing those plastic sheets!!!!
Nancy McCleary aww thanks. Just passing on some good info to save us some crafting money.
Do you ever have a need for the Go Tote bag from Crafters Companion?
I’m considering buying the machine and the bag. Thanks for your help!
Truth Lover I haven’t traveled with this item so I have not purchased travel bag.
I just purchased the junior love the machine but I dont understand why it sometimes stops cutting after 5/6 times or the sensor is off it's not hot it just doesn't catch😕 but thanks for the tip
Maybe contacting the company can help. Reach out to their customer service.
I had the same thing happen to my regular Gemini, it was working fine and then I plug it up and it won't fed. I contacted customer service and they send me a new one.
This machine seems great but i won't get one because i have a lot of bigz dies and from what i understand, it's not compatible with them. I have several die cutting machines and my We r Memory Keepers Evolution Advance uses self healing cutting mats. It's my favorite and the one i use the most.
Where did you get the self healing cutting pad used in this video? It appears to be the perfect size.
Rebecca Brown I purchased it from Joann’s Fabric.
Have you tried the CC intricate dies? The larger ones? How did they do using this method?
I purchased a plate for the double sided dies, and have asked on Facebook as well as CC web site to see if these can be used for the regular one sided dies... never had a reply. The double sided plate is still in the envelope, over 6 months now.. at some point I will try it out and report my findings.
Great info! Thanks, Joy.
I guess I'm just a big chicken and don't want to try this in my big Gemini, but I'm anxious to try this in my Big Shot and save those cutting plates. Maybe I'll eventually get braver with my big Gemini, but will have to get the proper size self healing mat first. I gather it should be about the size of the cutting plates for the larger Gemini?
Hi Dana, thanks for this tip! :) Question - does the self-healing cutting mat add unnecessary thickness? I have a Vagabond and am wondering if I need to change things up so it will fit? Or do you use the cutting mat INSTEAD of the bottom plate?
I’m just using it instead of the plate. Not sure about the thickness concern in a Vagbond. Thanks for watching.
@@DanaJoy Thanks for answering. :)
Dana this is awesome news for replacing the plates. Where did you purchase the self healing mat??? Thanks! :)