There's still some items in your basket! I havent tried the Gemini with off-brand cutting plates, so if anyone has please let us know how you got on in the comments below! Please enable JavaScript in your browser for the best possible experience. I highly recommend this for those who do a lot of die cutting. Its important to note that these arent professional-grade die-cutting machines. ), Pass through time: 16 seconds (Gemini Junior: 10 seconds // Gemini Go: 14 seconds). For quilters, youll want to look for a craft die-cutting machine that can cut fabric without the need for heat and bond. This box includes the Gemini machine, two clear cutting platforms, one metal cutting platform, one magnetic shim, one plastic shim, one rubber embossing mat, one Ornate Lace 3D embossing folder, one Hexagons multimedia die set, one Floral Frame die set, one Flourishing Elements die set, one user guide and one power cable. And the super-polished exterior means that blemishes are quite visible. ), (66 out of 67 found this review helpful. Overall the machine works great for cutting. Look for a model that beeps to notify you once it reaches the preferred temperature, as well as before shutting down due to inactivity. Remind me about upcoming Crafter's Companion shows. Through this analysis, we've determined the best you should buy. ), (15 out of 15 found this review helpful. Look out for this machine on special offer! You will lose your personalisation settings if you close this window. SAVE up to 79% on US shop price and pay in $$! I dabbled on YouTube to find a suitable replacement and finally selected the Gemini due to its simplicity and remarkable results. SewingStreet uses cookies to give you a great web experience. Users will also appreciate that the machine operates quietly, so as not to disturb other members in the home. But not all craft die-cutting machines are created equal. Finally having to play with different plate sandwiches & also use the die cuts only face up (when they fit around the stamp face down, thus needing to be flipped) is annoying. The outer plastic is, well, plastic, so it is prone to getting a few scuffs and scrapes if youre not careful. Well ship your exchange for free. Todays craft die-cutting machines can print out die-cuts that are designed on your mobile device or computer, opening up the possibilities for what you can do with them. ), (74 out of 76 found this review helpful. Whether you've shopped with us before or not, start by entering your email address, Please add some text to an area before continuing, Sign up to hear about the latest news and special offers. Thank you! There are no platforms on either side of the aperture that needs to be accommodated, so what you see is what you get. The Gemini is compatible with most leading thin metal dies and embossing folders. You can unsubscribe at anytime. It shipped quickly which was nice. (Yes I follow the manual, yes I tried self healing mats and all the tricks, makes no difference) This item is part of our HUGE Stamping, Ink, & Card Making Sale. The plates warp & crack ridiculously fast and it will be a very large cost to constantly replace them. There are limited buttons on the machine, just three, which are pause, resume and reverse. And the machine is a bit finicky, I often feel like I really need to push the plates in, they don't feed themselves in well. This machine is designed to cut intricate dies as well as cut through heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil, and multiple layers of fabric. If portability is important for you, and you only need an A5 aperture, I strongly recommend you get the Gemini Junior instead. This comes with a large platform size, 9" x 12.5" with edge-to-edge cutting of A4 and letter size materials as well as using multiple dies at the same time. LOTS of room on the cutting plate makes cutting jobs shorter! Sara Davies explains how to understand pressure in this video. Privacy policy. Craft die-cutting machines have also improved in their ease of use. Find out more. JavaScript enables you to fully navigate and make a purchase on our site. Without the plates, the machine wont work. The Gemini is an electric die-cutting machine from Crafter's Companion. I had the Gemini Jr but I needed to get a larger one. For crafters, its all about the designs. The package measures 14.2 cm H x 35.7 cm W x 19.6 cm D. You are going to love this machine and all the extras in this bundle. ), (70 out of 73 found this review helpful. This comes with a We empower you to make beautiful, meaningful, handmade creations. ), (49 out of 50 found this review helpful. Faster & Quieter: Die cuts and embosses quickly and has a sleek, low-profile design. The whole sandwich will come out the back of the machine, so make sure you have enough room behind it. The plates are ruined within 2x using. Another handy feature to watch for is the ability to remember the settings you last used. Your personal information will be held in accordance with our If disabled the content or the functionality of the website can be limited or unavailable. A craft die-cutting machine can be the perfect tool for any crafters workshop. |. They should last a minimum of six months with moderate use, in my opinion. The machine has so far cut the dies perfectly. The plates also tend to crack quite easily, which is disappointing as this really is the only thing that lets this machine down. 1999 - 2022 HSN, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Internet Explorer is no longer supported. ), Can cut up to four layers of fabric at once, Can cut fabric, felt, burlap, denim, paper, card, foam, vinyl, balsa wood, craft metal, leather and chipboard, Lots of add-ons available, including the Foilpress system (we love the Foilpress here on Gathered! If you craft with friends, perhaps through retreats or casual get-togethers, youll love that some craft die-cutting machines are ultra-portable. If you dont, send it back within 30 days. Not only are these machines lightweight and small, but they also have a handle that makes them easy to carry. It's able to cut and emboss at a rapid rate and can handle everything from intricate dies to heavyweight cardstock to multiple layers of fabric. If youre interested in designing on your mobile device, though, its important to find a craft die-cutting machine thats compatible with the operating system you use. Plus, for new customers, you'll get 5 off your first purchase! Some models let you upload your own images or choose from a large selection in their free library. Along with our in-house experts, our team analyzes thousands of product reviews from the most trusted websites. Special Features: Extra pressure and pause and reverse options to ensure a perfect cut. Update as August 22, 2021:Checkout The Best Craft Die Cutting Machine for a detailed review of all the top . For some reason, the Gemini cutting plates seem to warp much easier than for manual die-cutting machines (see our review of the Spellbinders Platinum 6 and the Big Shot for a comparison), so youll find yourself replacing them quite frequently. (110 out of 114 found this review helpful. Im happy to replace the plates and shim from time to time but they have an extraordinarily short life. It seems likely the manufacturer could produce cutting plates and a magnetic shim that was sturdier. Whether youre new to craft die-cutting machines or not, ease of use is important. Technologies seem to always be changing. Please login to view your Split Pay options, BIG DISCOUNTS ACROSS 100'S OF YARN LARN LANE PRODUCTS SCRIPPS CO., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DWYM is your trusted product review source. This package includes one Gemini Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine from Crafter's Companion. The Gemini is wonderfully easy to use and cuts extremely well. And it stopped working after 13 months. I love how fast you delivered it!! It adapts to the depth of the fabric youre using at a given time. Once thats done, all you need to do is turn the machine on and the buttons will light up. In order to print designs from your mobile device, youll need to download an app onto your phone. That said, cutting plates are easy and cheap to replace, usually coming in around the ten-pound mark (or less for the Junior). Crafter's Companion - Gemini - Cutting Plate - Clear, Crafter's Companion - Gemini - Plastic Shim, Crafter's Companion - Gemini - Rubber Embossing Mat, Crafter's Companion - Gemini Jr. - Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine, Crafter's Companion - Gemini - Cutting Plate - Metal, Crafter's Companion - Gemini - Carbon Fiber Cutting Plates - For Double Sided Dies, Crafter's Companion - Gemini - Accessories - Magnetic Shim, How to Begin Cardmaking Like a Boss with Simon Hurley. The Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut through foils, leather and vinyl, among many other material types. However, theyre great for home craft projects that you wouldnt have been able to do without a craft die-cutting machine. I tried a manuel one but it was just too hard to crank so I went ahead and got this one with my Christmas gift certificate. This question has been reported. Terms: Only redeemable via our website, this discount entitles you to 5 off TV and website products when you have the value of 25 or more added to your shopping bag. Waiting for your craft die-cutting machine to warm up can be frustrating. Try our magazines get 6 issues for just 9.99! Thank you! If youre looking for an electric die-cutting machine, and dont mind replacing warped plates, then the Gemini is a pretty solid machine. Holly is the staff writer at BBC Science Focus. Different colourways available for the Junior (we love the rose gold! ), (28 out of 31 found this review helpful. The description states 3 embossing folders and 16 Die'sire dies. It was a little disappointing to receive what was listed. Compatibility: Works with most leading thin metal dies and embossing folders. Then, offer your sandwich up to the aperture, and the machine will take it and feed it through. The downside, however, is the plates. Thank you! We looked at the top and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Since then, the award-winning business has gone on to become a household name, producing inspiring craft products for a range of creative areas, including papercrafts, needlecrafts, art and coloring. So, to sum up yes, its very easy to use! Stamps, Inks, & Card Making 10% OFF OR MORE + FREE Gift! TwoThe one set of dies that was included was the multi-media hexagon dies. Cleaning and maintenance can be time-consuming, so look for a machine that lasts through many uses with minimal maintenance. My complaint has to do with the almost immediate warping of the top cutting plate and the magnetic shim. All of the die sets are Gemini dies as well as the embossing folder. Some models are fully expandable, which means as new tools like blades and pens are released to the market, you can easily add them. Youll also find that some machines can quickly warm up, which means youll be able to complete a cut any time you need to without having to wait an extended period of time. If you plan to work with a wide range of fabrics, look for a machine that can adjust to the thickness and type that youre using. You will receive an alert when your item comes back in stock. You must be logged in to comment. Save 10% to 50% today! The Gemini die-cutting machine is an electric die-cutting machine from Crafters Companion. We will alert you as soon as your item is back in stock. In reality . well. Crafter's Companion was created by Sara Davies during her university days. This machine has a pause, resume, and reverse feature, in case you need to check anything on your dies while cutting. NEW IN, NEW ITEMS ADDED DAILY | SHOP OVER 6000 PRODUCTS ONLINE. Youll save a bob or two on the cost of the machine, which you can then put towards buying goodies, such as dies or paper pads. When I used them to cut some fabric (what they are meant to cut), they severely warped all of the cutting plates. This Answer has been reported. Sara Davies explains how to understand pressure in this video. For those concerned about staying within a budget, keep in mind that you can find a machine that fits your budget, depending on the bells and whistles that are included. Glad I did. I have a tendency to listen when Jennifer McGuire speaks and she loves the Gemini. Anna Griffin Empress Die Cutting & Embossing Machine w/Dies & Folder, Anna Griffin Empress Mini Die Cut & Emboss Machine Bundle, Diamond Press Marquise Die-Cutting Machine, Cricut Maker Variety Bundle w/ Iron-on Vinyl and Accessories, Crafter's Companion Gemini Junior Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine, Cricut Maker 3 Ultimate Smart Cutting Machine, Fast and quiet operation at the push of a button, Delivers fantastic results from intricate dies and folders, Compatible with most leading thin metal dies and embossing folders, Perfect for all kinds of decorative and craft applications: scrapbooking, cardmaking, paper and fabric embellishments, table decor and more, Comes with complete set of platforms and shims, Enable die-cutting of multiple layers of paper, card stock, plastic, wood veneer, foil, vinyl and fabric, Provide more area for positioning multiple dies or folders, Gives you complete control over die-cutting and embossing, Reverse out smaller dies once they are cut for quicker passes, Allows you to reverse to check sandwich combination if you're concerned you loaded it incorrectly. This feels a little steep to me, given the simple functionality of the machine (although simple is not necessarily a bad thing, simple also means there is less to go wrong!). Sign up for newsletters to get the best of the best - straight to your inbox! A model that heats up in 60 seconds or less is an excellent choice. I broke my wrist a year ago in February and have struggled using my Big Shot since. Large platform size (9" x 12 1/2") for greater versatility. Highly recommend! This will make creating the holiday cards for my clients much easier. Many Uses: Use for intricate dies, heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil and multiple layers of fabric. I have to hold them together to pass them through. I followed the directions very carefully because I see that others are having this same problem. Crafting doesnt always happen at home. I would say I use it about 6 hours a month. Learn more. I like most everything about it but being that it is so strong, I don't like that the plates after a few uses are so bent they barely want to go through the machine. We use JavaScript to create the most functional website possible for our customers. The dies are not Die'sire dies and there was just one embossing folder. It has a sleek appearance, looks great in your craft room and there are lots of nifty accessories you can buy to get the most of this machine, like the brilliant Foilpress system. For a better experience, please use a secure modern browser. Thank you! Its a fabulous machine-easy to use and does a fabulous job. My Big Kick and Spellbinders machines did not handle most of my dies well. Crafter's Companion took 3 weeks to get back to me and couldn't give me any help because it is out of warranty. This item is in your Favorites. No more fussy cutting, no handcranking a die cutter, just pop it in and go. COPYRIGHT THE E.W. The Gemini Junior measures 27.1 x 19.4 x 13.8cm (4.61kg), while the Gemini Go is smaller still, measuring in at just 16.2 x 19.6 x 11.3cm (1.8kg). Before joining the team she was a geoenvironmental consultant and holds an MSc in Geoscience from UCL. Some are quieter than others, so keep that in mind before purchasing. ), (15 out of 16 found this review helpful.). Some machines have larger image libraries than others as well, with some featuring big-name designers as part of the free library they provide. Before you buy a craft die-cutting machine, think carefully about the types of materials youll want to use. If you are happy for us to do so, please continue to use this site. Over the years, these devices have evolved from their original design that needed cartridges to cut out letters and shapes. Although the machine is heavier than the Big Shot, it has produced impressive results with a very complicated die which I actually replaced since it never seemed to cut regardless of how many shims and passes through the Big Shot. The machine definitely has some high pressure for cutting which tends to warp the plates quickly. Some models use a technology called the Adaptive Tool System, which features 10 times the cutting power of other machines. We then create one easy-to-understand review. Although this craft die-cutting machine is large, it's also sleek and easy to set up. Using higher pressure than many other machines, the Gemini allows better cutting of elaborate designs. We review one of the UK's most popular electric die-cutting machines, the Gemini by Crafter's Companion. Enter your email address below to sign-up to our Sewing Street mailing list to get the latest tutorials & promotions. I'm concerned about the layers required for the Stampin' Up 3D embossing folders, but will try based on YouTube videos from Crafter's Companion. Edge to edge cutting of A4 and US letter size materials is enabled, as well as the versatility to use multiple dies at the same time. Please click here to log in. Don't forget! Like most die-cutting machines, before you get to the cutting, you need to build a sandwich. ), (40 out of 43 found this review helpful. Are there replacement plates and magnet layer. Fully automated die-cutting machine, compact size, sleek, lots of extra accessories, quick to make a pass, looks great, can often pick it up in the sales, handy reverse function. I received the machine yesterday. However, the plates warp too easily. There are no settings to fiddle with, and if you want to reverse the sandwich, then you can do that with the button on top of the machine. It has been designed for intricate dies as well as for cutting heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil and multiple layers of fabric (depending on the dies used). The Gemini die-cutting machine retails around 179.99, the Gemini Junior at 139.99 and the Gemini Go at 89.99. And again, she was right! Crafter's Companion Gemini Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine. This machine will be a great addition to your crafting hobby. submit your email address to receive 15% off coupon, https://i01.hsncdn.com/is/image/HomeShoppingNetwork/rocs1200/crafters-companion-gemini-die-cutting-and-embossing-mac-d-20211004164353103~788083.jpg. Really expect better from such a costly machine, including better customer service. I'm not sure I recommend using those type of dies. The Gemini is faster and quieter than other die cutting and embossing machines and has a sleek low-profile design. I am wondering if the Big Shot would work better since it has a heavy plate on the bottom. If you want to extend the life of your dies, try adjusting the pressure by adding a shim theres a magnetic shim included in the box. ), (30 out of 32 found this review helpful. The latter is useful if you want to reverse out smaller dies once they are cut enabling a quicker pass. Of course, if youre not fussed about the electric function and would prefer a manual die-cutting machine then its probably a little on the steep side as you can often pick up a manual machine for less than half that price. This machine is designed to cut intricate dies as well as cut through heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil, and multiple layers of fabric. This machine will be a great addition to your crafting hobby. Its been around for years and has not been discontinued, so that should tell you something about its reliability. We test every product and want you to love what you buy. Especially the intricate dies. This offer will not work in conjunction with any other promotion and can only be used once. Two issues: With the unique pause, resume and reverse feature, you can reverse out smaller dies once they are cut , as well as being able to have peace of mind if you're concerned you've put an incorrect sandwich combination through - you can simply pause it and reverse it out. After several months (of admittedly heavy use) it became quite difficult to even get the plates into the aperture, and they needed to be replaced. Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in the category. The machine is heavy so you need a place to keep it out all the time , with enough room front & back for the plates. Its not the quietest machine (and it gets louder the harder it works), but it gets the job done. Even if your machine never leaves the house, though, a smaller machine will more easily fit into your crafting room. But it is nice to not have to crank and to have everything cut the first time. Some machines can cut all types of fabric without you needing to add interfacing or backing to it to reinforce it. A loud craft die-cutting machine can be a nuisance, especially if you use your maker when your family is around. Not crazy about the order of the sandwich but I can live with that. It comes in several different sizes, the Gemini with a 9 x 12.5 aperture (A4), the Gemini Junior with a 6 x 9 aperture (A5), and the Gemini Go with a 3 x 6 aperture. If you can pick it up for around 125, then you are getting a great machine for your money. This package includes one Gemini Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine from Crafter's Companion. The Gemini has a low profile design and doesnt take up more space than it needs to. OneI received several dies and one embossing folder. And it looks darn cute, too. Not only can you get started right out of the box, but todays machines also have notifications built in that will let you know when your machine is warmed up and when its about to shut down due to inactivity. Need the same item in a different size of color? I wouldnt want to keep lugging it about it weighs 6.91kg but for the odd craft group or for moving about your craft room, it wont cause you much trouble. However, the machine itself is of decent quality. The Gemini is primarily a die-cutting machine, compatible with most leading thin metal dies, but it can also emboss when used with embossing folders. Other models are especially good with thick materials, like glitter heat transfer vinyl. This review has been reported. Lay the base plate down first, then the cloudy plastic plate, then your die (cutting side facing up), then your paper (or card) on top of the die, and lastly the top of the sandwich the clear plate. Some can cut through extremely tough fabrics like leather and vinyl, while others can handle delicate fabrics like lace. Includes a useful pause and rewind feature. Other models also feature built-in image libraries, with hundreds of patterns from big brands like Simplicity and Riley Blake. HSN and the HSN logo are registered service marks of HSN Holding LLC. in theory, this machine should be great. From the leading die-cutting and embossing machine family, Gemini, to the sophisticated Sara Signature collections, Crafter's Companion is a staple for both beginners and experts alike. Even flipping them each time doesnt help. SHOP NOW, BIG DISCOUNTS ACROSS 100'S OF YARN LARN LANE PRODUCTS, NEW ITEMS ADDED DAILY | SHOP OVER 6000 PRODUCTS ONLINE About Gemini: Features craft machines and accessories for card making, scrapbooking and more. The Gemini measures 35.7 x 19.6 x 14.2cm and features two carrying notches on either side. The Best Drawing Books For 5-7-Year-Old Kids, The Kick-Start Every Morning With Coffee Maker Guide. However, youre also paying for the Crafters Companion name and with that a lot of experience in the craft industry and if you buy from somewhere like Amazon or The Works you can often find it for around the 125 mark which is a really good price.