A (maybe) silly question-Empress/Gemini machines

My HA Compact Cutter has the cut-into plate on top, too. I use tape, too, but it doesn't have any magnetic plate to mess things up. And for something I'd put a lot of work into, like your pretty pink rhino, I would get out the big (relatively) P6 where the sandwich is built with cut-into plate on the bottom, like it should be!

I have a Gemini, and I always cut into the bottom plate with the cutting side of the die facing down. I know the directions say to do it the other way around, but this works for me most of the time. With the really intricate dies, I add the magnetic shim in the middle. I don't use it for its magnetic properties necessarily, but as a shim.

Another option is to cut first, then stamp and color second.

You need a stamp platform to do this. To set it up, stamp one image, and cut one blank. You can cut as many blanks as you want, but one will be used to line up the template, which is the part left over after you have cut it. Make sure there is enough space to apply the tape around the hole left from die cutting it. I usually stamp the one image on a post a note paper, then apply that to my stamp platform base. Keep the stamp in place, do not remove it from the stamp platform lid. Tape your template over the stamped image. Make sure it won’t wiggle. Now put a blank shape of the stamped image into the template, ink the stamp, press down, lift, and you have a perfectly lined up stamped and cut image. Essentially, it’s like fitting a puzzle piece into the blank, and stamping on it.

I hope that makes sense. It’s especially nice if you want to make several stamped images, but it also works well for just one. It takes more time to set up, but not much, and certainly less time than having to stamp and color again after messing up the cut that was supposed to be perfect.

If the die is taped down over the image it shouldn’t move. Just flip it over so the die is underneath, the back of the paper is up and cut it. I must be missing something because I don’t understand why it’s a problem.

You can use removable tape to re-attach the stamped image temporarily to the template for coloring, too, and get the extra paper around it for coloring.

I’ve just had better success with the cut-first-stamp-second method. Since I am not particularly fond of coloring, when I make the effort to color a detailed stamped image, I want to be sure that the die cutting process won’t mess it up.

However, what works well for one person does not necessarily work well for someone else.

I cut into my Gemini's magnetic mat once, and it cut clean through the mat. I also cut through my rubber embossing mat (a different time). Since I had followed the directions in the manual exactly, I contacted their customer service, and they replaced the mats. I also suggested they change their instructions. Based on my experience, I would advise against cutting directly into these mats.

The magnetic mats are very different for the Empress machine , they are thicker and looks more like a selfhealing mat that is magnetized. The Gemini mat is super thin, they are like vent covers just white.

Shakti I don't know if all electric machines come with it , but both Gemini and Empress do. I have a vagabond- Tim Holtz Sizzix and that didn't come with it and my friends Sizzix Switch didn't either.

I only cut into the magnetic mat with my Empress. I don’t use the Gemini magnetic mat, I wasn’t a fan of it.

I just got through experimenting with my Gemini Jr. after watching a few videos. I have the Magic Mat from SBC but probably other self healing mats would work.
Bottom to top:
Sizzix plate (slightly thinner than Gemini plates).
Mat
Paper
Die (held in with drafting tape or washi
Gemini plate.

Works perfectly on even on intricate dies.

I’m a big fan of using mats since they save on plates warping.

Huh. The Empress small magnetic mat seems to be about 1/4" wider than the magic mat recommended for use in the P6. Makes me wonder...anyone ever experimented with one of these in a Spellbinders cutting machine?

Sorry...I meant experimenting with the AG magnetic mat in the P6.

GiantsFan I just want to make sure you are aware of it that if you have the glimmer or betterpress systems they won't work in either machines. To be able to use those systems and some of your plates you would want the Sizzix switch.

I don't have the switch but my friend does and she loves it.

I got my Gemini before I knew these were a thing