SizzixSidekick Starter Kit 661770 Portable Manual Die Cutting & Embossing Machine for Arts & Crafts, Scrapbooking & Cardmaking, 6.35 cm Opening, 2.5" Opening, White

I opened the box the minute it arrived so I could try this out. The Sidekick is so easy to operate that I was using it within minutes! This kit is such a great way to start since it includes not only the machine but also a set of 8 dies, two embossing folders, and set of 7 stamps. With this one purchase, I have what I need to get started making cards! Note that this is a SMALL machine meant for small projects (perfect for greeting cards). If you are looking for something to cut or emboss for larger projects, you'll need a larger machine. Be sure to read the product description and size specs. Overall, this was a fantastic value considering everything that comes with it! I'm very happy with the purchase.

I'm in love with this Sizzix Sidekick Machine!! LOVE the smaller footprint. LOVE the bottom suction feature. LOVE the cutting plates. Makes die cutting those smaller dies soooooo much easier than dragging out the big machine! VERY convenient for quick die cutting and embossing while making cards. Extremely happy with this purchase. Not sure why I waited so long to purchase this little powerhouse!! Love all the extra dies and embossing folders that came with the machine. Very nice!! Well packaged; super fast shipping; and a GREAT value!! Thank You!

Positives:I already have a Big Shot and Vagabond, and was unsure if I would find this useful but price was so great I decided to buy one. Boy was I glad I did. I can cut small dies or emboss them easily while sitting at coffee table or work surface; and I can take it with me on trips. Just so easy to use. I have not had a suction problem; but surfaces I use are smooth. Comes with some dies, cutting plates, and embossing folders - perfect to get started.Con: Cutting width is small so make sure dies you use will fit through opening; however it is not much of a con as many dies will fit. If you buy the longer cutting plate you can run many dies (esp. sentiments) through at one time. I already bought extra cutting plates and certainly would purchase again!

I bought this because it's easier to carry around (I craft all over the house) and because it's smaller than my old cuttlebug. It works great and is easy to use. The only downside is that they don't make a magnetic mat which I feel makes everything SO much easier and also that it doesn't want to stay suctioned to the table. It will be used one time or two and then it needs to be suctioned down again. I craft on portable tables and/or my craft desk and maybe they're just not the right type of material to place it on - I just wish it would stay put. I will keep using it but I do wish they had a magnetic mat for the die cuts.

Exactly what I wanted and didn't realize how broken and need of replacement mine was until I got this one. It cuts on the first pass. For those unfamiliar with die cutting it can be tricky. I like this size because i can store it easily and it limits how much I can buy because it is small. It is mighty though. I did find it took a while for the company to send it and they don't communicate with Amazon. So if you want it right away not the thing to get.

If you are wanting experiment with die cutting, then this is ok to learn how to do that. However, most die cuts will not work with it since it is so small. The suction that holds it in place also does not work well at all. Honestly, if I were to do it again, I would have just gone for one of the larger machines like the big shot. I feel like I wasted money on this.

This is the perfect tool. I have a Big Shot as well but found I wasn’t using it much because it was cumbersome and time consuming for small cuts like letters. I use this little one all the time.

It is SMALL! But, that is what you want. It fits most word dies and butterfly, dragonfly and stuff like that. It is only 2.5 inches wide, so small dies fit fine. I love it because of its size. Some people said it was too small, but if you know what to expect you won't be surprised by that. It is so portable and nice to bring with to card making parties! I would highly recommend this item. I did try a different one first and it would not cut. This one has no problem cutting any of my dies I have tried in it. It will leave marks on the plates, but that is normal. At some point you will need to order new cutting plates.