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Die Cutter Review: Sizzix Sidekick by Ellison and Provo Craft
I invited five women to try out the Sizzix Sidekick die-cutting system by Ellison and Provo Craft and review it based on the ease of use, price, size, versatility and die selection. The following is our evaluation of the Sizzix Sidekick:
Ease of Use
The Sizzix Sidekick is used by placing the die and paper in between two clear cutting mats, and then rolling the sandwich through the machine with a rotating handle.
Positives
- It’s very easy to learn how to use and operate.
- Since there are cutting mats on both the top and the bottom of the sandwich, you don’t spend extra time worrying about the placement of the mats.
- The cutting mats and dies are small, so you can easily manage them with one hand while you rotate the handle to push them through the machine.
- Since the cutting mats are clear, you can cut with the dies facing upward and use a smaller piece of paper just over the area you want to cut on a die.
Negatives
- The suction feature to hold the machine in place didn’t work on the table we used, so you had to hold the tool down while you rotated the handle to prevent it from moving.
- Some people didn’t like having to create a sandwich of several layers before making each cut.
- You have to replace the cutting mats periodically.
Price
The Sizzix Sidekick includes two Sizzlits dies, two Standard Sidekick Cutting Pads, and five strips of 2 ¼” x 7” printed paper.
- Sizzix Sidekick Tool Starter Kit (includes 2 shape dies) - $49.99
- Sizzlits Alphabet Sets - $149.99
- Sizzlits Shape Sets - $19.99
Sizzix products are available at the Sizzix web site, department stores such as Michael’s, JoAnn’s Fabrics or Hobby Lobby, as well as in select scrapbook stores. To find a retailer near you, visit the Sizzix store locator.
Size
The Sizzix Sidekick is a great solution for those who love using the Sizzlits dies and like to travel with their die-cutting tool. The cutting area is smaller than the Sizzix Machine, limiting your die choices, but the portability is fantastic. Sizzlits dies are stored in hard, plastic storage cases that have a carrying handle. If your collection is larger than one or two cases, you may want to consider a 3-ring binder method of storage instead of the Sizzlits totes for easier portability.
- Footprint - 8” long x 4 ½” wide x 5” high
- Cutting Area - 2 ½” x 4 ¾”
- Dies – plastic-backed thin dies, stored in hard, plastic storage totes
Versatility
The Sizzix Sidekick was made especially for using Sizzlits, but with the Sizzix Adapters you can also cut dies from Boss Kut, QuicKutz, Zip’eCuts™, Zip’eSnaps™, and small dies from Spellbinders™. The Sizzix Sidekick also works with specialty Sizzlits border dies that can cut 12” long border strips in conjunction with the Sizzix Sidekick 13” cutting mats.
Alphabet & Shape Die Selection
Summary
The Sizzix Sidekick fared very well with our reviewers. We liked the portable size, the lower price tag, the versatility with wafer-thin dies and the easy turning handle mechanism. We’d recommend a more travel-friendly solution for the Sizzlits dies other than the hard, plastic carrying cases to make it even more portable.
Bounce Alphabet Sizzlits
Doodle Dies Flower Set by Doodlebug Sizzlits
Patterned Paper by Imagination Project
Cardstock by Bazzill Basics
Zig Writer red pen
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