sizzix vs zip-e-mate

[SCRAPPIN' MOM]

I need to cut out hundreds of letters for Vacation Bible School. Has anyone used both Sizzix and Zip-E-Mate and know pros/cons to both? (We will be attaching the letters to craft foam and I don't think rubber stamping will show up)

I will also take any other suggestions for getting small letters onto craft foam.
We are making pennants and sun visors.
Thanks!

[Soni B]

Myself I think accucut and sissix both have nice letter dies...check and see who has them my favorite scrapbooking store lets us use them on Monday free all day along with all her supplies in her back room... if you can do that go play and get them all done...

[allamericanstampers]

I have a sizzix but no letter dies...sorry! The machine is pretty heavy so I don't pull it out as often as I should.

But, just an FYI! I have bought foam letter stamps...Michaels has a whole set for about $3.95. Then you could use acrylic paint on these. I have used them for my scrapbooking pages and love it.

Good luck! Either way, sounds like a lot of work! :o)

[sunfrogpete]

I had both systems for a while. I have since sold my Sizzix and stuck with the Zip-e-mate. I just use it for my own little stampin projects.

Will you be using SU card stock or card stock of similar weight, if so, then stick with the sizzix. While I love the zipemate, it does have a hard time cutting the SU cardstock. Gotta love the quality SU gives us. So you would only be able to do 1 layer at a time with the zipemate. THe sizzix could do about 2 at time without problems.

Also, what dies will you be using, sizzlits or standard steel rule dies. The Steel Rule dies cut throught SU cardstock much better than the sizzlits. The sizzlits will do it, but I have to work a little bit more for them.

Now, if you aren't using SU cardstock, I think both machines will work out great. I just wanted to let you know my experiences with both of them.

hope that helps a little.

[SCRAPPIN' MOM]

Thank you so much for your info. This is VERY helpful. And, yes, I will be using SU cardstock. For some reason I was stressing over this decision. I guess I know that I will only be able to get one and it sounds like standard steel one is the one to get.

[love2Bcreative]

I have a Sizzix machine, and some of the letter dies. I love it! You can use Fun Foam (in place of paper) and cut the letters directly out of the FF using the Sizzix machine!!!!! We did that recently for a kids project!! FUN!