As a professional crafter I am a heavy die cutter… I use that handle of my die cutting machine so many times during the day and my arm already has issues … so it was about time to upgrade on an electronic die cutting machine.
Today I am going to unbox my new Gemini by Crafter’s Companion and share my first impressions, pros and things to consider if you want to buy it.
Check out the video below or at my YouTube channel
Below each of the Gemini models you can find links to both USA and UK shops. Affiliate links used at no extra cost to you.
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I love my Gemini … I have all three sizes ! My “go” goes with me to crops – but only cuts little size dies. Great investments for any craft room. Thanks for the video
I am seriously thinking about maybe a ‘Go’ machine for my birthday, I know I can live without it but I am like you and do such a lot of die cutting I am thinking it will be worth the investment. I adore my Junior and use it every day!
Thanks for your honest review of the Gemini. I have a Sizzix Bigshot and a Mini Blossom so am not looking to buy a machine at this time, however, it is good to see what good machines are available. The ability to press a button instead of turning the handle does sound good to me though!
Question: Will you still use your other big die cutting machine which if I remember from your videos is a Bigshot?
Appreciate the review. You answered some questions I’ve had about the machine. I use my dining room table to craft at so I need a machine to easily take out and put away. This machine wouldn’t work for me right now. What is attractive to me about the Gemini (and I didn’t know this before your video) is that it has such a large platform so many dies can be run through at the same time and one doesn’t need to cut paper to fit the 6″ wide space on the BigShot. I do have a request of sorts but it’s not exactly for A product review. I sometimes like/need to make boxes of various sizes for different projects. Sometimes I need a box for a card that has a lot of dimension and sometimes a small box for a shadowbox-type mixed media project. Is there a product you might recommend to make different sized boxes? Thank you, Vicky
Thanks for this great review.
This was a very helpful review, Vicky. I’ve been watching Crafter’s Companion demo this machine on HSN for years, but it’s great to get feedback on it from someone not affiliated with the company. I will be seriously considering the Gemini since my favorite dies are really intricate and it seems that the pressure this machine has will handle them with no problem. Thank you for the unboxing!
Vicky, Thank you for the review of this product. Is the Big Shot Express (i.e., the electric machine) available in Greece? I have had one for over 15 years and find it perfect for my die cutting which has increased over the years. I, too, have the Crafter’s Companion embossing folder you demonstrated, and the Big Shot takes a special shim of 3 sheets of 300 weight card stock to produce superb results. The big negative of the Gemini for me is its weight and the fact that it will not accommodate BigZ dies. Always good to learn about these other products though.
Thanks for the great review Vicky.
I have a Vagabond, witch is also a electric machine and I am still very glad with it.
I also have worked with the Big Shot express and that is also a great electric machine and is made, just like the Vagabond, by Sizzix. And both machines allow me to use my Bigz dies.
I have worked with the A4 machine that Crafter’s Companion had earlier and although I did a lot of die cutting at that time, I noticed at one point that I almost never used the entire A4 plate when cutting. I would also no longer buy a machine that has A4 plates, you use it too little but you pay for the big size. So I will only say by this, think ahead before you buy a machine, especially if you are not a professional crafter.
This was a very helpful review, I would really love to purchase this big cutting machine. Glad to know that it does not support the Bigz dies, but I often want to diecut on a bigger piece of paper than the smaller machines can accomodate, so I would love this one!