Reported by Susan Reidy
When it comes to die cutting, I’ve tried it all — the old school lever Sizzix machine, a Quickutz Squeeze, a Sizzix Sidekick, a Cricut and a Big Shot.
Now, I finally have the machine that can do it all — Tim Holtz Vagabond by Sizzix. Unlike my other die-based machines, this baby is electric. There’s no squeezing, cranking, pushing, cursing, etc., just a simple push of a button and it cuts or embosses.
Photo from Sizzix.com.
And because it has a super strong motor, it can handle lots of materials — chipboard, Grungeboard, fabric, felt, vinyl, patterned paper and more. I found in my testing that I had the best results with the original dies when it came to thicker material.
The Vagabond comes with everything you need to get started, the machine, two cutting pads (which eventually need to be replaced), platform and removable shim.
The shim is a thin piece of plastic that you use with thin dies like Sizzlits with thin materials like cardstock or patterned paper.
It attaches to the platform with these handy clips.
I’m glad this is included in the box vs. something that you have to buy separately. I found it to be rather handy. By the way, the directions on when to use/not use the shim are on the shim itself, so it’s easy to figure out what you need, no scrambling for the instruction manual.
Sizzix also sent me some cool dies to work with. Including this so very handy and useful Tim Holtz Alterations Tiny Tabs and Tags Die.
This super cool Tim Holtz Alterations On the Edge On the Fence die cut. It will add a decorative edge to your projects, or you can cut off the bottom of your material and have a fence die cut.
And my personal favorite, the Fringed Flower Die, which will be available starting in July, according to the Sizzix web site.
Photo from Sizzix.com
The Vagabond looks as cool as it functions. What else would you expect from Tim Holtz? It looks just like an old-fashioned suitcase that has been around the world a few times, complete with id tag and carrying handle. You can also add these cool, vintage looking stickers to the exterior. (I’m holding onto mine for another project).
Photo from Sizzix.com.
All of the utilitarian parts are cleverly disguised as part of the suitcase. The power cord is tucked away in its own hidey hole.
Here is the Vagabond closed.
Just slide this latch.
And down come the wings. This is where you feed in your die sandwich for cutting/embossing.
Here are the directional buttons — just slide it in the direction you want your sandwich to move. Press down on the power button to move it through the machine. The motor only moves when you’re holding the power button down.
Since it does have a motor, there is some noise when it’s operating, but I didn’t think it was too loud. At 14 pounds, it’s also heavier than other Sizzix machines including the Big Kick which weighs 7.7 pounds and the Big Shot which is 7.5 pounds. I don’t plan on moving mine around too much, so that wasn’t an issue for me.
As for operation, I think the Vagabond is super simple to use. There’s no A, B, C, or X, Y and Z plates. You just decide if you need the platform (for thin dies and embossing folders) and if you need the shim (cutting thin materials with thin dies).
Here’s my die sandwich with a traditional Sizzix die.
Slide the sandwich into the machine and squeeze the sides of the guides to make sure everything is aligned.
Decide which way you want it to move and hold the power button while you give the sandwich a little nudge. When your die comes out the other side, let go of the power button.
I really liked the directional button for a few reasons. First, it made it super easy to run something through twice. No need to remove the whole sandwich, just flip the direction button and go. It also alleviates problem I also seem to have with the Big Shot — which way to turn the handle.
So what can the Vagabond die cut? If you’re using a traditional, thick Sizzix die, the answer is just about anything. I started with this Die Cuts with View chipboard, which is basically chipboard sandwiched between two pieces of white cardstock. This stuff is seriously thick.
I ran it through with the tag die. It cut beautifully, everything had a crisp edge, even the tiny circles.
It also cut right through some embossed Grunge Board.
And corrugated cardboard.
I moved to softer materials including fabric, wool felt and craft felt. Both types of felt cut perfectly, including the tiny circle in the middle of each flower piece.
Here’s the wool felt.
And the craft felt.
I had so much fun cutting all these flowers. I love this die because there are so many possibilities for making flowers, you can mix materials or keep them all the same. You just attach the layers together with a brad, eyelet, button or anything else you can dream up.
Here I ran some fabric through with the flower die. It did pretty well.
There were a few spots attached that I had to snip with scissors.
It did such a good job with heavy materials, I felt silly cutting one sheet of patterned paper. So I accordion folded my paper several times and sent it through.
The Vagabond had no trouble cutting through all those layers. I folded over the tops of the tags to make a banner for my yarn-wrapped wreath.
I also added some of the fringed flowers. I love it on my front door, welcoming summer.
I also used a flower to make a quickie headband for my youngest daughter.
Oh, and I added some to this Disney memory tray. I just couldn’t get enough of these fringed flowers.
I also added some of the die cut white chipboard tags and Grunge Board tags. We’ll record memories from our trip to Disney on those tags when we get back. I used some older photos as placeholders.
Next up, I wanted to try the edge die on the white chipboard. It had some trouble, cutting through two of the three layers. I don’t know if the fact it’s an edge die makes a difference, since it’s not as wide of a die.
I tried it on some regular chipboard, about the weight you get on the back of a pack of paper, and it cut right through.
I wanted to add the edge to a page in a mini-book, and I wanted the decorative edge on the patterned paper as well. I adhered the chipboard and paper together, and then ran it through the die. I created my own shaped paper.
I broke open my collection of Sizzlits to see what the Vagabond could do with thinner dies. This was my only disappointment with the machine. Even with the shim and running it through a few times, it had hard time cutting thicker materials like chipboard and felt.
There were a few spots attached that I had to snip with scissors.
It did such a good job with heavy materials, I felt silly cutting one sheet of patterned paper. So I accordion folded my paper several times and sent it through.
The Vagabond had no trouble cutting through all those layers. I folded over the tops of the tags to make a banner for my yarn-wrapped wreath.
I also added some of the fringed flowers. I love it on my front door, welcoming summer.
I also used a flower to make a quickie headband for my youngest daughter.
Oh, and I added some to this Disney memory tray. I just couldn’t get enough of these fringed flowers.
I also added some of the die cut white chipboard tags and Grunge Board tags. We’ll record memories from our trip to Disney on those tags when we get back. I used some older photos as placeholders.
Next up, I wanted to try the edge die on the white chipboard. It had some trouble, cutting through two of the three layers. I don’t know if the fact it’s an edge die makes a difference, since it’s not as wide of a die.
Some of the chipboard wedged really deep into the die, and I had to use my paper piercer to pull it out.
I tried it on some regular chipboard, about the weight you get on the back of a pack of paper, and it cut right through.
I wanted to add the edge to a page in a mini-book, and I wanted the decorative edge on the patterned paper as well. I adhered the chipboard and paper together, and then ran it through the die. I created my own shaped paper.
I broke open my collection of Sizzlits to see what the Vagabond could do with thinner dies. This was my only disappointment with the machine. Even with the shim and running it through a few times, it had hard time cutting thicker materials like chipboard and felt.
Here’s the craft felt.
And here’s the chipboard. I do like the embossed look it gave the chipboard, and plan on using these pieces for a project.
I tried this Sizzlit with Stampin’ Up cardstock. It mostly cut through, but then I ripped the delicate die cut trying to get to get it completely unattached.
I had the best luck with this flocked paper.
It also did great with vinyl. Look at these cute summer die cuts.
I added a little bit of bling, and used them to dress up a plain glass candleholder.
I found the Sizzlits need to be reserved for thinner materials.
And here’s the chipboard. I do like the embossed look it gave the chipboard, and plan on using these pieces for a project.
I tried this Sizzlit with Stampin’ Up cardstock. It mostly cut through, but then I ripped the delicate die cut trying to get to get it completely unattached.
I had the best luck with this flocked paper.
It also did great with vinyl. Look at these cute summer die cuts. 
I added a little bit of bling, and used them to dress up a plain glass candleholder.
I found the Sizzlits need to be reserved for thinner materials.
As the last part of my review, I tried out a Tim Holtz Texture Fade. If you’re using cardstock in an embossing folder, use the shim. Since I had thicker materials, I removed the shim. Look at this deep embossing I got on that thick white chipboard.
Next I tried some canvas. I really liked the great impression I got on this fabric. I added some mists and Distress Inks to really define the impression, and used it as a back drop for a quick wall hanging.
Next I tried some canvas. I really liked the great impression I got on this fabric. I added some mists and Distress Inks to really define the impression, and used it as a back drop for a quick wall hanging.
The Vagabond is an impressive machine — it can cut and emboss the heavy stuff, and it’s cute! It did have some trouble with the Sizzlits, but with the right material, it will work. Even better, die cutting is so quick because the machine is motorized. Also, it saves your arm from all that cranking.
I know this machine will get a lot of use, especially with that fringed flower die!
Pros:
- Adorable suitcase design and vintage looking stickers.
- Cuts through heavy material including chipboard, Grunge Board and felt.
- Motorized, so it’s fast and saves your arms.
- Compatible with all Sizzix dies, and dies from other manufacturers (with the additon of some cutting pads).
- Includes a removable shim for thinner materials and thinner dies.
Cons:
- At $250, it’s a little more than your typical die cutting machine.
- It has some trouble cutting Sizzlits without thinner materials.
- Heavier than other Sizzix die cut machines.
- Cutting pads will eventually need to be replaced, and additional cutting pads are needed for other manufacturers dies and extended dies.
GIVEAWAY!
It’s Sizzix Week at Craft Critique! Our friends at Sizzix have graciously provided some of their products for us to giveaway to our very lucky readers. We have a Big Shot and an eClips to give away, both of which you can read about in upcoming reviews. Just answer the following question to be entered in the giveaway:
It’s Sizzix Week at Craft Critique! Our friends at Sizzix have graciously provided some of their products for us to giveaway to our very lucky readers. We have a Big Shot and an eClips to give away, both of which you can read about in upcoming reviews. Just answer the following question to be entered in the giveaway:
Now that you’ve seen what this baby can do, what would YOU use it for?
One comment, per person, per Sizzix article, please. Winners will be selected on Saturday, July 16, 2011.
Click on the link at the top of the page to visit Craft Critique for comments, giveaways and more!
This looks like a cool machine!
I would use it for tags and embossing
I would use this for making altered art/scrapbooking. I tried the cricut and ended up selling it–because it couldn’t handle the thicker stuff and materials I prefer to use. I like the dimensional effect that weightier materials give
I would use it for scrapbooking to emboss grungeboard or cardboard etc. Great Review and I love your projects!!!
wow, that looks incredible. What would I use it for? anything! mostly card making and paper crafting but it would be great for appliqué and quilt making. We plan to move house soon, so I would so use this in my textiles design for my new home’s soft furnishings.
I would love to use this machine for cutting felt and chipboard. My current die machine doesn’t cut through these items.
If I had the Vagabond would try cutting some thin metal and cork. It looks like an awesome machine!
The question is what wouldn’t I use it for – LOL! I really like that it is a heavy duty machine. I can see myself using the very large dies and cutting heavy chipboard to make miniature books. Way too many things to do with this baby!
A great review.
Elaine Allen
Great review! I’d love to use it for all of my die-cutting needs. I currently have a Big Shot but have my eye on the Vagabond!
I would use it for scrapbooking and home decor. I would love to make things for others like decorating frames that they can add pictures to.
I would use this for my mixed media crafting. I love that it so easily does so many materials!
What great review lots of examples. I would use it for scrapbooking making my own albums and embelishments.
i would use it for everything, but especially thicker materials!! it would be awesome to not have to crank a handle, and deal with sandwiches that shoot backwards because i can’t get them to feed immediately…
I would use it for fabric (quilting) and vinyl..
Hot Dog! Just thinking about pushing a button to get my glorious card making back on track brings a smile to my face!
I have arthritis and a wrist injury that does not heal.
I have been unable to use my Big Shot and Accu Cut Mark IV because it simply hurts too much to manipulate the handles. Thank you for this terrific review!
I would use the Vagabond to cut all the things I hand crank now! I love the look of it.
I’d use the Vagabond for card making, but also for sewing applique and on vynil. I really loved how its good for heavy material, too.
I’ve been drooling over the Vagabond since it’s release, and am saving my pennies to get one. Since this machine does practically everything, my main for investing in a future purchase is it’s capability of cutting the thicker materials. I’ve put books/albums on hold until I have this sweet precious baby in my hands. In the meantime, my current die machine broke a tooth (gear tooth), and it’s a bumpy ride for the cutting/embossing I ask of it. Would love to win a Big Shot to replace my toothless machine now.
Do you have a Vagabond?
No I don’t, but I just might be the winner of one ‘)
If you don’t, which features make you want to buy it?
I love the ideas and products of Tim Holtz.
I have been a Sizzix customer from the very beginning.
At my Joannes they call me the Sizzix Queen
This will be my one entry for the grand prize.
Thanks for the chance to win one.
**U**
Nance
P.S. I don’t think the price is really to high.
Compared to other electric machines out there that don’t cut the mediums that this does.
Be still my rapidly-beating heart. You actually are going to GIVE one of these puppies away? If so, then please let it come to my address. I would use it to emboss, to cut dies, to make flowers, fences and witches. Oh yes, I sure would. Thank you!
OMG I would LOVE this to replace my dinky cuttlebug. I’d use it on chipboard, felt and thin metal…oh my
Love how they thought about storage for the cord. Genius!
How would I use it? OMGosh, love how you embossed the fabric. My mind is reeling with ideas.
OMG!!! I would squeeeeeeeee with joy if I were to recieve this
after that I’d fall into into an “ish” induced crafting frenzy diecutting fabric, cork, paper and more with the new Vagabond!
I only have a cuttlebug and almost every card I make has something that has either been die cut or embossed. My arm is sore from cranking, so it would be used for my cardmaking. I love anything Tim Holtz.
Karen L
I’m always looking for new ways to help my scrapbooking look better!
OMG, OMG, OMG! I saw one of these at a craft fair and was IMMEDIATELY smitten!!!! I’m in the process of making an album for the president of our non-profit organization,(a tradition to memoralize each president’s year in office), and Oh! How fun and useful this would be. And what a time-saver. I LOVE it!!!
Oh boy, what WOULDN’T I use it for? As it seems, this machine seems to do well with practically everything. The exception being few and far between. If I had to choose one thing to use it for perhaps it would be to limit it to the dies and papers that it works the best with. I definitely would like to get one at this point. Loved the review! Thank you much
I have arthritis so to have a machine that did not require muscle power would be awesome-I would use it for all of my scrapbooking and cardmaking. http://visionsofpaper.blogspot.com/
What an exciting tool! I’d use it for all my paper crafts that’s for sure. I love that it can cut different thicknesses of material! So cool!
If I had a Vagabond, I would try and cut through some mid-to heavy-weight acetate I have, it doesn’t quite cut with my Big Shot!
There’s not too much I wouldn’t make with it. The possibilities are so wonderfully endless. Being a craftoholic (is that a word?)the ideas are flowing. Thank you for this super giveaway!
I don’t have a Vagabond, but I love the motorized feature of this machine. I have a lot of Sizzix dies and cut chipboard all the time. This machine seems like it would be a really fast and easy way to cut the chipboard!
I do not own a vagabond but would love one. I love that it cuts thickers mateials with ease more so than other cutters. Thanks for the great offer.
I would use it for card making and hybrid albums. I don’t have a die machine yet but I think you just sold me on this one.
Hi, I would use the Vagabond in place of my Cuttlebug. I love that it is automatic and I would not have to turn a handle. I would like to be able to cut heavier materials.
the bigger question is what wouldn’t i use it for? would love to have one of these but will wait until my steady old cuttlebug gives out. it cuts all the dies for all but the thickest media. would be faster and more fun to use a vagabond though. know of many who have them and love them.
I would use for all my applique quilting projects!
Oh how I’ve been wanting a Vagabond! I would use it daily for all of my scrapbooking needs…and anything else I could think of!
When it comes to die cutting I use my Sizzix Big Shot machine to cut EVERYTHIN. I have many clear dies already, animal dies, scalloped dies, you name it I have them. I use the scalloped and square dies to cut paper for my five to six petaled kusudama flowers. The Vagabond would be such a pleasure to have for this. I have been enthralled with it but the price has been too much for me to afford. WOW, I would L O V E this machine. Thanks formthe greatntour of the Vagabond.
I would cut thick stuff.
Great review! I would use this on my ever expanding collection of dies. I like that it cuts through a multitude of materials.
I would use it for thicker materials & I really like the way you reviewed it by trying them all out. I don’t think Sizlets are made to cut thicker things like the regular dies though, so I wouldn’t have expected that.
I would use it for die cuts and embossing. Everything Tim Holtz touches seems to be well thought out and very cool to use.
What a great machine and fantastic review! If I had this machine, I would use it to cut dies using paper and felt and emboss using folders and plates to take my card making and paper crafting to the next level!
The Vagabond totally rocks! I would use it to make my own chipboard accents and cut fabrics. A tip I learned for cutting fabrics, felt, and other flimsy material in the Vagabond is to use a thin sheet of chipboard in the sandwich too so that it has something hard to cut through! Works like butta!!!!
Oh goodie goodie! A giveaway! How cool is that!
I love this machine & would use it for all of my diecutting needs. I’m a card maker & use diecuts on just about every card I make so this would get a lot of use.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Huggies ~
Sharron♥
I would use it for everything -cutting, embossing, vinyl, chipboard, grungeboard, etc. Awesome looking machine!
I loved the review. I would love to have Vagabond. I have sooo may Sizzix dies it would be great to have a motorized Sizzix machine to go with them. I just have to WIN one!
This is a sturdy machine and how cool is it that it folds up into a retro suitcase.
Wow….thanks for demonstrating that for us!! I would LOOOVE to have a Vagabond or Big Shot….I would use it to die cut and emboss sooooo many things for my handmade cards!!
I love that it’s motorized and can cut through most materials that other die cutting machines can’t. I’d make so many things with this if I could get my hands on one. I don’t have an embossing tool and have been wishing to get one for my birthday that is coming up this coming weekend. Heheh
I love the looks of this machine. Finally a machine without a crank. I have arthritis and this would be great for my card making and just about everything I could imagine. It’s a dream come true.
I would use this to cut my thicker items for altered art or scrapbooking projects.
What would I use it for? Everything:) I was using a crank die cut machine the other day and had to cut out 2 dies 20 times each. To say my arm was hurting is an understatement (I have a bone spur in my shoulder that acts up). I do a lot of die cuts and embossing of all differant materials. I’ve had my eye on it but since I’m recently retired I have to watch the pennies.
I so-o-o-o want one of these. I’d use it for my Christmas cards, to cut out 50 trees and a gizzillion ornaments and 50 stars and….
I’d definitely use it to emboss chipboard. I love the super deep and distinct effect it makes. Yet, at $250–eek–I doubt I’ll ever own one. I’m also a little confused by the name. It’s called the Vagabond, which made me think it travels everywhere, since that’s what a Vagabond is, yet it’s twice as heavy as the already heavy (though I looooove mine) Big Shot. I know I wouldn’t be lugging that around! I’m guessing the name is referring to the shape and perhaps the way all the pieces fit inside the different compartments (which is actually pretty cool).
I have a Revolution that serves me well when I’m going to take a die cutter anywhere (the dies are also more compact and lighter), but at home I use my Big Shot most of the time simply because all of my dies fit in it. Would I use an electric version instead–heck yeah, but would I pay $250 for it? Not when I could add a digital machine to my collection for the same or less. I adore my Sizzix toys, though!
I would be trying to cut anything and everything with this baby!!
Tim gives rave reviews about what it can cut, emboss ect!! Love it! I know I would utilize my dies much more with this easier machine.
Now that is an awesome Sizzix Machine and such a unique design. I would use it on my mixed media art and all of my cards. This giveaway would be like winning the lottery for me. Thanks for the chance to win
sounds like the sky is the limit–i’d use it every day for scrapbooking! Thanks!
I want one so badly! I would love to be able to cut some thicker chipboard pieces and not have to turn the handle of a machine over and over again when doing multiples of hard to cut material. As for the Sizzlets – I have not seen any claims by Tim or Sizzix that the Vagabond will cut thicker material using the Sizzlets. I know in Tim’s videos he is very clear that his thinner dies(like sizzlets) are for one layer of paper only. So I would not have expected that to work on thick material anyway.Thanks so much for the chance to win this awesome machine.
Now that I am trying to create”outside the box” using more mixed media, I would use this wonderful machine to cut and emboss items for my multi/mixed/media experiments and projects. It would surely help alleviate my shoulder stiffness from cranking the machine I now try to use.
I would be using the Vagabond for cards and making my own flowers and chipboard embellishments.
I would use this on EVERYTHING! Mixed media, cards, home decor, omg it does everything. Wow.
I would use this machine to make things for my classroom. Thanks for the chance to win!
I would use this for cutting through many layers of fabric. I want to make some banners. I also have some chipboard projects in mind. Great machine! Karen
I would use it for making mini albums and cards, in addition, I would use it with fabric to make neat shapes for applique. I do lots of crafts with children and it would be really nice for that.
I Already have the big shot but having it do all the work would be great. My hands get tired if I have to crank it a lot like when making multi layer flowers. Thanks for the chance to win.
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I would use it to die cute, emboss alter many things. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
FOR every thing EVERY THING.. Well Not the things I feed.. HAHAHHAA
Great review. I would love to have the Vagabond to cut material for making quilts or applique. Also it would be so wonderful to cut grungeboard with too!
I love it. I do not own the vagabond yet, would be really nice to win one!
I’m kinda new to sizzix but I have a nice collection of dies and embossing folders.I enjoy karen & stephanie’s ustream classes.they always make it look so easy.
Looks awesome I would use it for embossing and I am always needing a good die cutter for school projects for my daughter!!
Have a happy crafting day!!
Karen dkolopez@msn.com
Loving material, felt among alot of other things I have had trouble cutting, The Vagabond would be the ideal machine to do it all. ekciampo@yahoo.com
I would loose my mind if I won!
Everything…Scrapbook L/O’s cards and home decor for the holidays. Die cutting and embossing. This machine looks incredible!
Thanx for the tips!
KimMJ
bast830@comcast.net
Oh man.. I would use this for EVERYTHING!
Not having to crank a handle would be so much better for my hands and my rheumatoid arthritis!!
I have the Vagabond and I use it for everything. I absolutely love it and haven’t found anything it can’t go through, it even cuts metal. It is great for altered projects, scrapbooking and card making. I am sure there is so much more I haven’t even thought of yet.
Great product. I wonder if there is any plans to make a larger one that would cut larger dies
What a great looking machine. I would really whip up some great pages for my oldest son who graduates this year. I have plenty of dies and this would make it super easy.
Super review and what a super cool machine! I would use it for altered mini albums, fabric and scrapbook pages. I love that it is a heavy duty cutter.
OHHH! What a great review–I really wanted to get this machine (just not in the budget)!! I love that little headband you created! I would love to use it for some tags and some embossing:)
I would use it to create many things… besides scrapping I would use it to create objects or my mixed media canvasesssssss. Thank you for the opportunity to win something wonderful !!!!!
Tags for journaling, shapes to stamp on and put on cards, embossing and flowers to match all of my daughter’s back to school clothes!
Well, I’m a big card maker so having a heavy duty tool like this for cutting metal and chipboard would be awesome!
wow–didn’t realize you could do all of this AND that! thx for the review & the chance to win!
I can’t even begin to imagine being lucky enough to win one of these but I would definitely use it for cardboard and metal sheets!
I agree, what wouldn’t you use it for? But Grungeboard is my favorite, especially with some embossing. Woo hoo!
I like the style of this machine – it looks rugged! I would use it to cut grungeboard, chipboard, metal and heavier cardstock, (textile) e.g.felt and cloth to use with my altered and mixed-media creations. This machine seems like it can cut anything… and it’s electric, too! Thanks for the review.
I would use to make my daughter’s wedding invitations….all 400+ of them!!
WOW! The machine is electric which would allow me to use all kinds of materials. I think I would finally get into using chipboard more if I had this machine!
I volunteer at a retirement center and bring in my cuttlebug but it too difficult for some of the residence to use. This would be a great thing for them to use. One button and your done.
i have a huge pile of medium weight chipboard that i would diecut! laura j
What can’t it do for me? I am really into fabric/felt flowers and this would cut through the materials like a charm!!!!
I would love to get some more of Tim Holtzs dies and use this machine for that and I love to emboss things but to do any volume of cards hurts my hand cranking the current brand I have so the fact tgat this one is electric is awesome!!!!
I would use it when I have multiples of something to cut so I wouldn’t have to hand crank. I make a lot of cards, some scapbooking and would like to do more with felt projects.
I have just the spot in my craft room for Tim’s Vegabond. The things I would use it for is unlimited, but I have a true love for paper crafts, so paper it is. Keepin my fingers crossed.
Doramiyi
Doramiyi at gmail dot com
I would love to use it for grunge board. Stunning projects!
It’d make doing multiple appliqued projects for craft shows a ton easier!
Great review, but one comment. Remember that the Sizzlets are thin dies and only intended for thin paper. You can’t cut something thicker than the blades (thinner than the die) and expect it to cut completely through the medium.
I have a Vagabond and LOVE it. Use it for everything! Depending on the die, use it on paper, felt & other fabric, thin wood panels, foil, grungeboard, thin acrylic (packaging type) and lots of other things. LOVE IT!
this is gorgeous – love the design – I would use for cards, gifts, pages, you name it
card making of course!
Thanks for the review.
Sandra ltb
I don’t have an embossing machine at all … though I do own a Silhouette. I have to admit, those texture dies is the first things I would buy to use! I love that I can use other brands with it also.
I’d use it for card making and scrapbooking! What a great giveaway.
I would so love to win this machine. I have a lot of money invested in his dies that I haven’t used yet. I know the motorized machine would be easier for me. Thanks for the chance!
This machine looks like a lot of fun. I would use it for scrapbooking, making mats, and also cards.
Love the ventage suitcase look.
Thanks for sharing your ideas.
what a fun machine! and OMG….it would be so nice on my hurting hands!!
What would I use it for? Every-flippin-thing!!! I would love to have one and even more so now that I’ve seen this review, it’s just out of my budget.
I have TONS of Sizzix dies that I would use a lot more with a machine this easy peasy!
I would soooooo use it for all my altered art projects! I’ve had my eye on this since it first came out!
I teach cardmaking and scrapbooking and this would be so helpful for kitting for classes. Of course, I’d love to have it for my personal projects as well. Thanks for the great review.
A machine that does it all?? I would use it for so many things. Card making, add interest to clothing, scrapbooking, decorate gift boxes and soooo much more. My little machine is so hard to do as it doesn’t stay put on the table. Love to have Tim’s Vagabond by Sizzix.
I would use this for anything diecut related, embossing folders, letter press, flower pounding. I would use it all the time!
Thanks for the GREAT review!!! I would REALLY have fun with this machine!!! I would cut & emboss all types of materials; metal, cork chipboard, basically anything it will cut!
Thank you for such a thorough critique, I love this site! And I love anything Tim Holtz. I’d use the Vagabond die cuts in my mixed media. I’m all about paper, fabrics and layers and recycle cardboard and packaging materials into a lot of my pieces. I also make handmade paper from office copypaper scraps. That paper is impossible to cut with a handpunch, the main reason I purchased a Big Shot. Would absolutely love to own the Vagabond with two directional and heavy duty cutting.
This looks like a dream machine. No more cranking and pushing things through.
I would definitely use it for cutting felt, fabric and of course, paper. Tim says the possibilities are endless, and I agree!
My head is spinning. Do I reallhy have to name just one thing I would use the Vagabond for! If I won, I’d keep it right up on my work table and it would be in constant use.
I would use it in my scrapbooking, card making and probably some applique in my sewing. Thank you for the review.
I like making journals and I would use it mostly for this purpose.
I would use this darling for cardmaking and other crafts. I’ve been interested in cutting felt and would like to try with this one.
Love to cut fabrics and felt with the machine.
The tags are cool. Love to use this for making scrapbooking and cards.
Thanks for the big chance to win.
I would love to try cutting vinyl and chipboard. The embossing looked great. Would love to try that too. Thanks for the chance to win.
I would use it for everything!! I love this machine.
I’d love to use this to cut shapes for cardmaking and party decorations. But I suspect I would end up doing a whole bunch of other crafts with it, because it looks so easy to use and so much fun.
what a cool machine! thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for a great review! I was lucky enough to use one in a class I took at the local stamp store and vagabond is fantabulous. It’s on my wish list! I’d use it for everything….cards, scrapbooking, decorations… all on variety of materials.
What a cool tool! The creative possibilities are endless. Cutting, embossing, what wouldn’t I do with it?
Thanks for the chance!
vwizniuk at pris dot ca
Love that it is contained in it’s own little ‘suitcase’!
I’d use it on metal & cardboard!
I would use it for cardmaking, scrapbooking and posters. The Vagabond looks amazing. Thank You!
I would definitely use this for embossing – love to add texture to my scrapbook pages!
I would use this for scrapbooking and tags!
This would be wonderful for adding to my card making!
I would use it for anything and everything!
I would love to get one of these for felt and fabric. I would love to at least get a Big Shot but I need to wait for the next holiday :/
TFS!! Take Care!!
Jennie @ http://earthyscrap.blogspot.com/
Wow, this machine is majorly cute! I love it. I would totally make tons of die cuts in felt for headbands.
Wow! Really? Giving away a Vagabond?How very exciting! I would use it to make cards for a counseling foundation for which I volunteer. I make about 200 cards a year for them, for people on our mailing list with illnesses, etc. Thanks for the opportunity.
I am so amazed at how wonderfully it emobsses on chipboard! That would be so fun to use on cards and altered items.
i would use it for all my home decor, scrapbooking and card making as well as crafts with the kids. this is such an amazing machine and i love all the other machines sizzix has they are great!!! hope i win
This is a great machine….I’d use it for cutting dies and embossing.
Charlene
katknit at gmail dot com
This is just fabulous! I could use it for repetitive parts..especially if I needed to cut fabric for quilts or make Christmas cards. Or whatever! I would use it every day! LOVE it!
I would make so many tags with this thing I would not know what to do with them.
I would use it for heavy duty materials like chipboard and fabrics! Fabulous!
How can you go wrong with anything by Tim Holtz? His stuff always seems to be high quality! I would use it for cutting embellies, embossing, and flower making, to start!
I have seen Tim Holtz demo this machine and it is so awesome but really out of my price range. All his dies are so awesome too!
I would use the Vagabond to cut through materials to make some unique jewellery.
What would I do with it? What wouldn’t I do with it? Everything it can do. I would love to be able to emboss grungeboard easily and cut through chipboard easily!!!
I would cut chipboard and felt for making cards! Thanks for the chance to win!
I would like to use the Vagabond to cut grungeboard and chipboard and aluminum.
Pamala
I would definitely use this for chipboard gifts/projects! Or if my arms were tired
I would love to try out some of the texture fades on tags, make mini albums, and cut every material under the sun!
This is totally new to me! How wonderful, would enjoy using this for crafting…love that it can handle thicker materials!
Wow!! I would use it to cut shape for scrapbooking and for sewing, cool shapes to apply on a bag or piece of clothing
i would definately use it to cut heavier items like grunge board and chip board. i like that this machine does the cranking for you!
I would use this for chipboard and grungeboard. It would take the place of my Cuttlebug for sure. Its Tim Holtz, and thats the best reason!!!!
Cutting heavier media like chip board for books.
This machine looks really easy to use! I love the fact that it can handle chipboard & grungeboard! When you embossed the canvas, that turned out so cool!!! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome giveaway!!
debpaint16@aol.com
Such an awesome machine. I dream of having an electric one!!
I would use it for cardstock and grungepaper diecuts for my cards. I have seen him use it, and it looks so easy to use.
how great to have an electric die cut machine! I’d love to use it for my dies and mainly would use it for cards but hope to get back into scrapbooking too!
I have been eyeing this machine since it came out. I would use it for die cuts and embossing folders for making my cards and other projects. Great review and projects!!!
Awesome machine! I’d use it for my scrapbooking projects!
I’ve never even seen anything like this. I would just use it for scrapbooking and cardmaking. Looks like a great machine!!!
This is so amazing! I would use it for my scrapbooking and card making, but also for home dec and best of all…for gifts! The sky is the limit! I love it!
I would use it for many things! besides the ones mentioned, there are dies that can do 3d project…that will be cool!
Wow this machine is amazing. Love that its electric.
THANKS for sharing with us!! I LOVE all of the things that you have shared with us!! I would love to be able to cut through the chipboard like you showed!! AWESOME!! It even cut all of the details with no problems!! THANKS for the tutorial!! Have a FABULOUS DAY!! =)
i would use it for my card making and scrapping. would love to win this prize. thanks for the chance to win. pmlemaria@yahoo.comm
I’m more impressed than I expected to be! I love the fact that it cuts so well on all the materials you used and that the machine is both electrically powered and simpler to operate with fewer plates to work with….I’d use it for everything you tried here! MollyK. at mollykathleenbarry@hotmail.com
I know I should buy things based on performance and not cuteness…. but MAN, this is cute!! And it looks like it performs well, so win win.
I’d love to cut through all my felt and get exact shapes rather than trim and avoid pencil marks and swear and start over….
WOW! Well I think you showed it all but the Embossing on that Chipboard and Canvas, could seriously change my Crafting World. I also LOVE that it cuts all those thick Materials and would use it for that as well. I am actually still using a Cuttlebug so it would be a Dream to Upgrade to the Vagabond. Thanks for the Opportunity to Win One.
Beverley.
bev.lee@live.com
I love it for embossing, grungeboard, cardstock, chipboard!!!!! awesome awesome and more awesome
I would use it when working with kids and seniors because they can push the button and not have to worry about the difficulty of trying to crank the handle.
I think the embossed fabric is amazing! I would definitely try that for card-making!
I so want one of these for embossing- I love embossing every thing.
mmlmn at polarcomm dot com
Oh my gosh, I am addicted to Tim Holtz sizzix dies, so that is where I would start. I would start with fabric, and felt, and some of his grungeboard!!
The question is more like… What WOULDN’T”T I do with it LOL! I would love to cut heavier fabrics, like denim. I have been reading wonderful things about this machine and totally want one!
I’d love to try it on very thin metal!
Although I’d mostly use it in card-making, I’d love to work my way through every one of Tim’s tutorial and make each and every thing he demos!
Have a quick question or two.
(Tried twice to send through your “info@craftcritique.com” but it was returned, twice.)
For the Tim Holtz Vagabond by Sizzix, Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing Machine by Ellison, Sizzix Texture Boutique,and the third Sizzix Texture Boutique You have the ” Winners will be selected on Saturday, July 18, 2011.”
Then on the Great American Scrapbook Convention Review “Contest ends Sunday, July 18th at 6pm CST.”
The 18th is neither a Saturday or a Sunday.
July 18th is a Monday.
Can you clarify ?
Thanks so much.
I hope I am not looking a gift horse in the mouth.
Thanks for a chance to win some awesome awesome prizes.
**U**
Nance
Wow!I sure would try alot more projects and give my am a rest! lol
Sheri S
I would use it for fabric, grungeboard and all paper projects. I’ve developed a bad case of tendinitis and am having problems operating many tools , this would be a great help !!!
I am new at card making and I am exploring which machine would work best for me. I was looking at a Cuttlebug, I just happened to see the Vagabond, it is so darned cute! I can hardly wait to hear what else I could use it for.