New Cricut JOY mini CRICUT

I just saw the new mini Cricut and am in LOVE !!! (It goes on sale March 1st) As soon as I can get my hands on one I will be more likely to include Cricut projects for my card class to try since it is so portable. I just wish that Cricut had participated in CREATIVATION 2020 so I could have gotten a peek and included it in my budget before spending money on other things not as important. I also would have loved to meet Melody Lane and Ashish Arora in person. Use this link to get a look:
 https://cricut.com/en_us/machines/cricut-joy.html

Tim Holtz at CREATIVATION 2020

THERE'S AN EXCITING NEW ELECTRIC EMBOSSING MACHINE

     Somehow I missed seeing it on display at CREATIVATION 2020, but I noticed it advertised after I got home. It is made by SIZZIX and is called the BIG SHOT SWITCH. What makes it so exciting is that you only need basic plates. Unlike other electronic and hand-cranked models, the SWITCH is able to sense the height of the sandwich and apply the appropriate pressure. The BIG SHOT SWITCH sells for $259.00 which is a bit steep, but, if this would be your first and only purchase of a die-cutting and embossing machine I would say it would be well worth the price.

     Unfortunately for me, I already own four embossing machines. I carefully researched my first purchase when I began card making several years ago and purchased the Evolution Advanced. I chose that one because it accepts a wide variety of dies and embossing folders and has the option of an electric motor.

     Next, I added the Sizzix Big Shot Plus because it accepts up to 9inch dies and larger embossing folders. However, it is not as portable as the Evolution Advanced which folds closed.

     My third machine is the Cricut Cuttle Bug, which I inherited from my sister who stopped crafting, I really like this machine for its portability and relative ease of use. And it handles Anna Griffin dies and embossing folders beautifully. ( I have lots)

     And, finally, I recently bought the Tim Holtz Voyager 2 because I love the Heartfelt Creations products and noticed that they use that machine exclusively.

      I will say that, since I often need to transport my gear to classes that I teach, the Cuttlebug is my go-to machine. So if I were buying my first and, hopefully, only, machine I would have to consider how and where I would be using it. Having not actually seen the Big Shot Switch I don't know about the size and weight of it or if it comes with any kind of carry case. I will be watching carefully to see If this is an item I will be aspiring to in the future. (just kidding. I know I want it now, but can't justify buying)

     If you want to see it in action check it out on youtube