Pocket scrappers - do you use your Big Shot??

I haven't done a lot of pocket style pages, but my opinion is that if you have dies, you can use them for anything... scrapbooking layouts, cards, pocket pages, home decor, clothing! The possibilities are endless. The question is, if this is your first die cutter, do you want to start investing in dies?

I have a die set that cuts 4x6 and 3x4 cards that I use a lot

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Following this thread as I too am the owner of a new cutting machine and a pocket scrapper.

Do you have some embossing folders? I can see adding variety to a pocket or two on a PL spread by embossing (and maybe inking?) cards that go in them.

Also if you have a 4x6 frame shape--like the Sizzix "Big Note" die (I also have several stacked shape dies, like hearts, scalloped dies...)--you could have some interesting shaped cards in your pockets.

I have a Zipemate die cut machine and a Cricut with the SCAL program. I probably use my Cricut with cartridges more right now because I can't get the SCAL to work right since getting a different laptop.

I do have a lot of Sizzlit diecuts and a few quickutz die cuts that work great for pocket scrapping. I have a mini alpha sizzlit strip (not sure the correct name of the longer sizzlit dies) that I really like and would like to get a couple more of those. I do think small manual dies work much better than trying to cut small on my Cricut. I've heard the Silhouette is better.

I really think it depends on what style of pocket scrapbooking you do.

I myself do very simple pocket scrapbooking - a few PL cards (I use Ali Edwards' now), some journalling, a few chipboard embellishments and letter and word stickers, and that's it. I like to document my weeks but I like it done fast so I can get on to 12x12 scrapbooking and cardmaking instead.

If you're like that, then I wouldn't get the Big Shot.

If your pocket scrapping is heavily embellished and you love to try new things and really take your time and enjoy it, then I think the Big Shot is worth it.

My Big Shot is one of my most used tools, but I never use it for PL, only for cards and 12x12 pages.

I'm sorry, but I don't know who made it. It either came from AliExpress or it was part of a Peachy Cheap unbranded collection.

ETA: AmandaA, You don't need one anyway. Just cut a 3x4 and then use a square die or punch to open up a window. 

I have some label dies that I love for Project Life.

Taylored Expressions has some cool overlay dies. Picture Perfect dies

Yeah, pocket cards can be as plain as card stock or as complex as an ATC card. You can use pretty much any kind of technique on them.

I use my Cuttlebug most with matching stamps.
I have a couple of Kelly Purkey label stamp & cut sets that I use all the time on pocket pages.
I cut a bunch of shapes out on white cardstock and when I need a label I just stamp in a coordinating color.

the first set that peachiceteas referenced is the set I use most.

Yay! I really want to love mine but so far I'm trying to figure out of its best to stamp and then cut, or cut then stamp. I like the idea of having some precut and then you just stamp in a co-ordinating colour.

I just wrote a big post about the BigShot on another thread. Sorry girls if I repeat. No, I don't use it in Pocket Scrapbooking. Did you all notice we say Pocket Scrapbooking now instead of Project Life, lol? The only reason I don't is because I make my own pockets now with my Fuse and put it in my journal. I will only have two or three pockets and I use those for photos.

I wasn't posting to say No, I don't use it. If you want some inspiration for die cutting and pocket scapbooking look at Pinterest and Instagram for Pocket Letters. Those girls are crazy talented with their dies and how to use them in Pocket Letters. I have gotten so many great ideas to make journal cards because of Pocket Letters.

Hope that helps.