Update! It’s been a few weeks now and I still love this machine. It’s not going back to HSN. And it’s still cutting with one pass through the machine!!! My magnetic mat looks worn, but I understand that’s normal. For my thicker dies like Bigz, I still have my trusty Big Shot.
Thank you for your review. I watched Anna on HSN with this machine also. I did buy one but have used it only a couple of times to check it out, I am working on other projects just now. You mention in your video that Anna said it should stop and not pop out - the section I watched she actually said it will not stop on its own and that it will fall. I don't think that is an issue, just more of a warning.
Thanks for your review. I got mine a few weeks ago and was blown away how quiet it is. Now after two craft sessions it and not much due cutting, it’s as loud as my Gemini if not louder. Is anyone having the same issue? I could still send it back but I am not sure if that is normal? Thanks!
Hi- you said the standard cutting plate was 7" but how long is the longest side? I see it also goes in on the longest side...I'm trying to see what's the widest die this machine will fit. Thanks!
Hi Marla! Yes, its 7" wide and 8 5/8" long. So using a standard letter size 8 1/2" wide paper is fine. And the small plates can load either long or sideways into the Empress! And if you can, send ur dies through at an angle, you'll get less wear on the dies and the machine. A new tip I learned on RUclips! LOL Now the Large plates are 8 5/8" wide and 13 1/2" long. They are essential for all of Anna Griffin's gorgeous easel dies, etc. And great for creating large mini album pages with a die-cut edge. I finally ordered the Empress Mini! So I'll do a review once it arrives. I hope you love the Empress. She's a beautiful workhorse.
Received Empress. I have the Gemini also. I used Anna Griffin 3D Embossing Folder on both machine. Gemini had more even pressure throughout the design. Empress had spots where the pressure was not even. Keeping Empress for the AG dies and regular AG embossing folders/Cuttlebug Embossing Folders. Also keeping Gemini for the Crafter's Companion Dies and 3D Embossing Folders. I tried using AG die with Cuttlebug B plates/Cuttlebug Magnetic Cutting Mat Sandwich...it did not cut. Thank you for your video. It helped me with my decision to keep both machines.
@@Maria-jv1si Glad you like it. I haven't noticed the uneven pressure, but I'll lookout for it. Thanks. I'm going to a crop soon, so I may tryout a Gemini there - for testing purposes only. LOL
I just got mine yesterday and haven't used it yet, but I'm so excited too. I've had the cuttlebug for years but it just will not cut out dies that are intricate no matter how many times you send it through. I know some people have come up with different kinds of shims to get it to work but then it makes the cranking even harder. I know a lot of people bought the Gemini from HSN, but that machine seems to be really noisy. NOTE: This machine by Anna Griffin is exclusive only to HSN. According to Anna this machine will not be sold in stores, only on HSN.
This machine isn't noisy at all. Not even the cracking sound of the actual die cutting was high. LOL. Time will tell if its really exclusive. I'm just glad I tried it. And you'll love it too! Thanks for watching!
Sadly, I did send this back. It is very heavy, and I was dissapointed because it won't take the Bigz dies. I'm considering buying the Tim Holtz machine.
Yes, it's heavy. That's why I knew I wouldn't take it outside of my craftroom. If you get the Vagabond, get the Vagabond 2 - I hear it doesn't jam like the original. I have met crafters who lost their machines because they fed the wrong sandwich and permanently jammed it. The newer Vagabond was supposed to address that serious flaw. The Empress won't accept the sandwich if it's wrong by the way. Good luck!
Love it!! I have the Spellbinders and it's a work-horse, but the cranking really does a number on my hands after a while. It would be great to own one of these later (as in, during a sale!) Thanks for the video! Hugs-Raquel
PaintsandGlitter It’s a great machine! I thought I was done, because I love my BigShot. But the Empress really works well and looks gorgeous! Maybe there’ll be a special for Black Friday!!! Thanks for watching.
I returned it It did not cut chipboard. IT barely cut my thicker paper. Its heavy. I had to keep running my folders over and over. It seemed like it was struggling. It seemed as though it had no power. I'm sorry I hope your experience is better than mine. I'll keep hand cranking
I wondered about that and if the plates warped. I do have some recommendation. I originally had AG Cuttlebug and then she put out that Cuddle bug mini and I got that too. Both work great, but I did gave problems with the little one staying griped to the table. I when I cut dies, I usually cut alot at one time with extras. It was hard on my arm. So I broke down and bought the big Gemini. It was the best thing I ever did. The only thing it won't cut is the big metal thick dies. I don't have many, but if I need a cut from those thick dies they will go through the Cuttlebug. Only problem with large Gemini is the plates will warp if you don't rotate and flip them on each use. I just picked up an extra plastic plate. Then CC put out the Gemini go (smallest one). I really like this one alot too. It works just as well as the big one but is small enough to leave on your desk. It is light enough to take to crops too...And you'll find that the size is perfect for alot of dies. Long story short. I would recommend you keep a cuttlebug for the big metal dies. If I was going to invest in the Gemini, I would get the big one first so that any size die (card dies) etc, would work. And when you can afford it get the Gemini Go(smallest) one for convenience and ease of use. I WOULD NOT buy the middle size Gemini Junior....because it's not big enough to do large dies and to me defeats the purpose. The Gemini machines are work horses. If you have a problem with anything, they are quick to respond. And with not having to do all that cranking....you'll find yourself making alot more die cuts. SO I hope that helps. Nothing against AG products...but when anyone puts out a new expensive gadget...don't be the first to buy it. Wait one year to let newbies work out all the glitches. By the second year they've had everyone testing it and have fixed the problems.
This is an excellent machine for flat dies... like wafer dies . However you can't use this on steel blade dies or Heartfelt Creations flower molds. So it wouldn't be the machine for me. But, like I said if you only want to use a machine for wafer this one is for you. I need one that is more versatile. Thank you for introducing us all to this new machine.
Martie Johnson that’s true. But if you do have Anna Griffin dies, a Big Shot, etc. won’t emboss it as well. I have tried because I have both machines. I use my Big Shot for the flower molds and Bigz dies too, but water dies cut better in the Empress. And I use the chrome precision plate in the Big Shot and still intricate dies don’t cut as clean with one pass. I’ve found that these machines don’t solve everything. Good thing I kept my old Big Shot 😉 too. But I still love my Empress.
Kay's Place Hi Kay! Thank you! My plates did bend because of the pressure. And then I watched a Gemini video where Sara rotates and flips the top plate and that demo helped me reduce the dreaded warped plate. I still love my Empress. She cuts and emboss like a pro. The only piece that gets real wear is the magnetic mat. But Anna G switched hers to a more sturdy one in her machines. So you would get one if you ordered. And she also came out with the Empress Mini. On my wishlist for 2020!
@@ACreativeMuse , the 10th Anniversary Sale is the 27th and 28th on HSN and I think I'm going to order it then. I can't wait...it's just killing me. I'm impatient now tgat I've decided what I want. Thsnk you.
Man do they know how to get you buying or what? I just cleared my HSN payments of crafting purchases back in May and now here's something else I am tempted to put on there. Is it sold out by any chance? 😂😂🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️
Oops, forgot to say, YOU KNOW HOW TO ASSEMBLE YR CARD!!!!!!! YEA. You did a navy, then red for the oval, then a gold die-cut. Yes. Get those card blanks w their envelopes in same package & start taping the back of your pieces. Whoohoo. Hope u read my earlier comment. Sue.
Sooooo I’m probably not a pro die cutter either and would have done the same thing 🤣🤣 I have several packages expected tomorrow but I have a Teresa Collins machine I got years ago that is just like this. It sure s Anna Griffin pretty!!yay new toys!❤️
Yes! You're right. How strong is your machine though? The clean cuts with one pass on this machine is excellent. It's reminding of the reviews of the Spellbinders Platinum machine. But the beauty, sleek styling and payment plan hooked me for sure. And I don't regret the purchase.
Hi Gail. It will cut all Sizzix wafer thin dies! Which is most of what Sizzix sells today. Not their Bigz, steel rule dies. The Gemini won’t cut those either. Only the BigShot & Spellbinders Platinum machines have the opening for thicker dies. However, the Empress has a nice width for larger dies. Like an envelope die, etc. I hope that helps
Deborah Robinson I have never used the Gemini. Would you say it’s really better than those machines? Or just prettier! LOL! At a recent crop, a friend of mine used the Gemini Jr. a lot, but she wasn’t raving about the machine at all.
Your video was very helpful! I just got mine today and the flap door on the back was off. I had to see where it was suppose to go. I love the foil you used. Can you tell me what brand and where you got it from?
I checked mine and the back flap is about an inch in from the back. I accidentally overstuffed my sandwich and it didn't budge through, which saved the machine from getting jammed. I love the foil I use! It's Bazzill gold foil. You can buy it in a pack of 25 sheets from www.joann.com. Wait for it to go on sale though. Its pretty pricey. The silver foil is sold the same way, but he rose gold is sold by the sheet. All were available on www.joann.com.
mary trujillo most definitely Mary! I used about 4 different brands besides the Anna Griffin dies it came with. And I expected to use the shim and didn’t need that either!
Some have said they can't use the Spellbinder and Creative Companion 3d folders with this machine. The cuttlebug b plates must be just a little bit thinner,, because they work great with those 3d folders!! I use the b plates on both the bottom and top, with the 3d folders and paper sandwiched in the middle.
Great overview! Thank you! 🧡
Update! It’s been a few weeks now and I still love this machine. It’s not going back to HSN. And it’s still cutting with one pass through the machine!!! My magnetic mat looks worn, but I understand that’s normal. For my thicker dies like Bigz, I still have my trusty Big Shot.
Yes i got one too ordered the first night. Saw by accident. Love it
Same here! It was a good craft day. Hope you love it too!
Thank you for your review. I watched Anna on HSN with this machine also. I did buy one but have used it only a couple of times to check it out, I am working on other projects just now. You mention in your video that Anna said it should stop and not pop out - the section I watched she actually said it will not stop on its own and that it will fall. I don't think that is an issue, just more of a warning.
Love all new items from Anna Griffin. It includes the empress, Eisel card kits auto ship includes Valentines, Christmas, for him, & for Easter!
Thank you for the video. I like what I see, will be making this investment. My wrists tell the story sometimes from so much cranking.
Thanks for your review. I got mine a few weeks ago and was blown away how quiet it is. Now after two craft sessions it and not much due cutting, it’s as loud as my Gemini if not louder. Is anyone having the same issue? I could still send it back but I am not sure if that is normal? Thanks!
Thanks for the review! I was on the fence about this machine and some other. It looks like this is the one I will purchase!
I love it! It performs well and is pretty too.
Tfs. I have the empress but my dies aren't embossing deep enough any suggestions? Thanks again, I love the deep emboss on your black die cut.
Hi- you said the standard cutting plate was 7" but how long is the longest side? I see it also goes in on the longest side...I'm trying to see what's the widest die this machine will fit. Thanks!
Hi Marla! Yes, its 7" wide and 8 5/8" long. So using a standard letter size 8 1/2" wide paper is fine. And the small plates can load either long or sideways into the Empress! And if you can, send ur dies through at an angle, you'll get less wear on the dies and the machine. A new tip I learned on RUclips! LOL
Now the Large plates are 8 5/8" wide and 13 1/2" long. They are essential for all of Anna Griffin's gorgeous easel dies, etc. And great for creating large mini album pages with a die-cut edge.
I finally ordered the Empress Mini! So I'll do a review once it arrives. I hope you love the Empress. She's a beautiful workhorse.
Suzanne Hue thank you so much!! ❤️
You’re welcome Maria
Do you still use this? If so, how often do you replace your plates/magnetic mat? Warping?
The oval die and frame die cut together will produce a frame with an oval opening. I look forward to this machine too. Thank you for your video!
M L So true. Thanks for watching. It’s an exciting machine. And the gold makes it elegant.
Received Empress. I have the Gemini also. I used Anna Griffin 3D Embossing Folder on both machine. Gemini had more even pressure throughout the design. Empress had spots where the pressure was not even. Keeping Empress for the AG dies and regular AG embossing folders/Cuttlebug Embossing Folders. Also keeping Gemini for the Crafter's Companion Dies and 3D Embossing Folders. I tried using AG die with Cuttlebug B plates/Cuttlebug Magnetic Cutting Mat Sandwich...it did not cut. Thank you for your video. It helped me with my decision to keep both machines.
@@Maria-jv1si Glad you like it. I haven't noticed the uneven pressure, but I'll lookout for it. Thanks. I'm going to a crop soon, so I may tryout a Gemini there - for testing purposes only. LOL
Thanks for the test I'm so happy to to have mine. I tested it when I got it. I think we made a great investment.
We sure did!!! Thanks for watching!
I just got mine yesterday and haven't used it yet, but I'm so excited too. I've had the cuttlebug for years but it just will not cut out dies that are intricate no matter how many times you send it through. I know some people have come up with different kinds of shims to get it to work but then it makes the cranking even harder. I know a lot of people bought the Gemini from HSN, but that machine seems to be really noisy. NOTE: This machine by Anna Griffin is exclusive only to HSN. According to Anna this machine will not be sold in stores, only on HSN.
This machine isn't noisy at all. Not even the cracking sound of the actual die cutting was high. LOL. Time will tell if its really exclusive. I'm just glad I tried it. And you'll love it too! Thanks for watching!
Sadly, I did send this back. It is very heavy, and I was dissapointed because it won't take the Bigz dies. I'm considering buying the Tim Holtz machine.
Yes, it's heavy. That's why I knew I wouldn't take it outside of my craftroom. If you get the Vagabond, get the Vagabond 2 - I hear it doesn't jam like the original. I have met crafters who lost their machines because they fed the wrong sandwich and permanently jammed it. The newer Vagabond was supposed to address that serious flaw. The Empress won't accept the sandwich if it's wrong by the way. Good luck!
Love it!! I have the Spellbinders and it's a work-horse, but the cranking really does a number on my hands after a while. It would be great to own one of these later (as in, during a sale!) Thanks for the video! Hugs-Raquel
PaintsandGlitter It’s a great machine! I thought I was done, because I love my BigShot. But the Empress really works well and looks gorgeous! Maybe there’ll be a special for Black Friday!!! Thanks for watching.
I returned it It did not cut chipboard. IT barely cut my thicker paper. Its heavy. I had to keep running my folders over and over. It seemed like it was struggling. It seemed as though it had no power. I'm sorry I hope your experience is better than mine. I'll keep hand cranking
I wondered about that and if the plates warped. I do have some recommendation. I originally had AG Cuttlebug and then she put out that Cuddle bug mini and I got that too. Both work great, but I did gave problems with the little one staying griped to the table. I when I cut dies, I usually cut alot at one time with extras. It was hard on my arm. So I broke down and bought the big Gemini. It was the best thing I ever did. The only thing it won't cut is the big metal thick dies. I don't have many, but if I need a cut from those thick dies they will go through the Cuttlebug. Only problem with large Gemini is the plates will warp if you don't rotate and flip them on each use. I just picked up an extra plastic plate. Then CC put out the Gemini go (smallest one). I really like this one alot too. It works just as well as the big one but is small enough to leave on your desk. It is light enough to take to crops too...And you'll find that the size is perfect for alot of dies. Long story short. I would recommend you keep a cuttlebug for the big metal dies. If I was going to invest in the Gemini, I would get the big one first so that any size die (card dies) etc, would work. And when you can afford it get the Gemini Go(smallest) one for convenience and ease of use. I WOULD NOT buy the middle size Gemini Junior....because it's not big enough to do large dies and to me defeats the purpose. The Gemini machines are work horses. If you have a problem with anything, they are quick to respond. And with not having to do all that cranking....you'll find yourself making alot more die cuts. SO I hope that helps. Nothing against AG products...but when anyone puts out a new expensive gadget...don't be the first to buy it. Wait one year to let newbies work out all the glitches. By the second year they've had everyone testing it and have fixed the problems.
@@jaditelady173mary4 yes agreed I'm gonna get the Gemini and use my materials and chipboard
I love your dies. Did you mention where they came from or do you have a video about your dies and where you get them from?
Thanks. I have to make a video because they come from different die companies. Please keep an eye out for a die haul video!
i think i need this machine!!! Thanks so much
You’re welcome. I also own the Empress Mini I love both, especially when cutting Anna’s gorgeous, thick dies. Good luck 👍
This is an excellent machine for flat dies... like wafer dies . However you can't use this on steel blade dies or Heartfelt Creations flower molds. So it wouldn't be the machine for me. But, like I said if you only want to use a machine for wafer this one is for you. I need one that is more versatile. Thank you for introducing us all to this new machine.
Martie Johnson that’s true. But if you do have Anna Griffin dies, a Big Shot, etc. won’t emboss it as well. I have tried because I have both machines. I use my Big Shot for the flower molds and Bigz dies too, but water dies cut better in the Empress. And I use the chrome precision plate in the Big Shot and still intricate dies don’t cut as clean with one pass. I’ve found that these machines don’t solve everything. Good thing I kept my old Big Shot 😉 too. But I still love my Empress.
So I'm considering purchasing the Empress and I was wondering how have your plates help up in comparison to your other machines? New subbie.
Kay's Place Hi Kay! Thank you! My plates did bend because of the pressure. And then I watched a Gemini video where Sara rotates and flips the top plate and that demo helped me reduce the dreaded warped plate.
I still love my Empress. She cuts and emboss like a pro. The only piece that gets real wear is the magnetic mat. But Anna G switched hers to a more sturdy one in her machines. So you would get one if you ordered.
And she also came out with the Empress Mini. On my wishlist for 2020!
@@ACreativeMuse , the 10th Anniversary Sale is the 27th and 28th on HSN and I think I'm going to order it then. I can't wait...it's just killing me. I'm impatient now tgat I've decided what I want. Thsnk you.
And if it’s not for you at least you have 30 days to return it. But I think you’ll love it! It brings dies to life!
It is definitely worth it. And I got the autoship option as well. Perfect.
Thanks for watching. I didn't choose the auto ship. I wasn't sure I'd love the machine. Good luck with all this Anna G goodness!
I purchased the AG Empress and I’m very happy with it! I don’t like how the clear plates and magnetic plate warp so quickly ☹️
Rosemary Proefrock me too! Because the machine is so pretty. I want to keep everything new too!
Man do they know how to get you buying or what? I just cleared my HSN payments of crafting purchases back in May and now here's something else I am tempted to put on there. Is it sold out by any chance? 😂😂🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️
Goodnight. I just checked. It is available on HSN.com However, the price is $10 more with 4 payment installments, instead of 5. Good luck!
A Creative Muse oh thanks for that sis .... my credit card and fiancé aren't thanking you though. 😂🤣😂🤣
Oops, forgot to say, YOU KNOW HOW TO ASSEMBLE YR CARD!!!!!!! YEA. You did a navy, then red for the oval, then a gold die-cut. Yes. Get those card blanks w their envelopes in same package & start taping the back of your pieces. Whoohoo. Hope u read my earlier comment. Sue.
Sooooo I’m probably not a pro die cutter either and would have done the same thing 🤣🤣 I have several packages expected tomorrow but I have a Teresa Collins machine I got years ago that is just like this. It sure s Anna Griffin pretty!!yay new toys!❤️
Yes! You're right. How strong is your machine though? The clean cuts with one pass on this machine is excellent. It's reminding of the reviews of the Spellbinders Platinum machine. But the beauty, sleek styling and payment plan hooked me for sure. And I don't regret the purchase.
Love your video! I have the Empress also, and your video made me more confident to use it. :-)
crochetcatcrafty Yes! Put her to work. Just in time for the holidays.
Does it cut sizzix dies I have a big shot manual and lots of dies but want to go to electric. Will they work with this machine.
Hi Gail. It will cut all Sizzix wafer thin dies! Which is most of what Sizzix sells today. Not their Bigz, steel rule dies. The Gemini won’t cut those either.
Only the BigShot & Spellbinders Platinum machines have the opening for thicker dies. However, the Empress has a nice width for larger dies. Like an envelope die, etc. I hope that helps
Thank you for your help.
@@gailjones4165 you’re welcome 😊
I love mine, put my Geminis up for now
Deborah Robinson I have never used the Gemini. Would you say it’s really better than those machines? Or just prettier! LOL! At a recent crop, a friend of mine used the Gemini Jr. a lot, but she wasn’t raving about the machine at all.
Thank you for this review! Greatly appreciated:)
Thanks for watching Dyane!
You received it free?
I love mine TOO it's great!
And so darn PRETTY!
Your video was very helpful! I just got mine today and the flap door on the back was off. I had to see where it was suppose to go. I love the foil you used. Can you tell me what brand and where you got it from?
I checked mine and the back flap is about an inch in from the back. I accidentally overstuffed my sandwich and it didn't budge through, which saved the machine from getting jammed.
I love the foil I use! It's Bazzill gold foil. You can buy it in a pack of 25 sheets from www.joann.com. Wait for it to go on sale though. Its pretty pricey. The silver foil is sold the same way, but he rose gold is sold by the sheet. All were available on www.joann.com.
Can you use the empress for lawn fawn dies?
mary trujillo most definitely Mary! I used about 4 different brands besides the Anna Griffin dies it came with. And I expected to use the shim and didn’t need that either!
Hi Do you know if I can use the AG Cuttlebug B plates in this machine? They are the same depth as these new Empress A plates.
Shirley Frojmovich Anna said you can use the long Cuttlebug plates in the Empress so I’m assuming you can. I’m gonna try it
Some have said they can't use the Spellbinder and Creative Companion 3d folders with this machine. The cuttlebug b plates must be just a little bit thinner,, because they work great with those 3d folders!! I use the b plates on both the bottom and top, with the 3d folders and paper sandwiched in the middle.
Thank you for your video. Were you raised in Hawaii. I loved listening to your voice:)
Virginia Seward Lol. Nope but it’s an island 🌴 Jamaica mon 🌴. I’m about to film some new videos! So stay tuned!
@@ACreativeMuse Thanks I'll take a look:)
I’ve got to look this up? I’ve never heard of it?
Premiered Monday, my first time to had heard too. But worth it.
Just search Anna Griffin Empress on HSN.com. I'll post a direct link above.
Where are you from?! I love your voice!
Jamaica 🇯🇲 mon 😉
Can barely hear you
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
I love it too!!!