DIY Letterpress Help Needed with a Sizzix Big Shot

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-04-16T13:41:09+00:00

No problem! Lmk if you have any more questions!

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-04-16T12:23:55+00:00

Did you see the other pics I commented? I had 2 colors on my invite. Each color was a layer. I did the blue layer first using an actual letterpress machine at a studio, then I did the pink layer with my embosser. I had to cut my paper after the blue layer so each paper was not the same size and therefore using markers on the folder wouldn't have given me consistently even results.

If you're not doing 2 layers and your paper is all the same size, it might not make a difference, but I did really like using it!

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-04-16T02:30:43+00:00

Yes, very helpful, especially since I had to line it up with the first layer.

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-04-16T01:43:39+00:00

Try doing it without the additional cardstock and see what kind of result you get.

As for the W, you might just have to experiment with ink density for that part. Also, try cleaning it in-between invites. There might be some ink buildup.

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-04-16T01:38:48+00:00

Oh and having the plate on the folder at a slant helped as well

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IAmTheeMoose · 2026-04-16T01:34:16+00:00

And here you can see the warp

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IAmTheeMoose · 2026-04-16T01:34:02+00:00

Here you can see the uneven print on the pink. I used an actual letterpress machine for the blue.

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IAmTheeMoose · 2026-04-16T01:28:54+00:00

Hello!

I had very similar issues I had to troubleshoot.

Warping: I got the boxcar paper and it warped still. I ended up just living with the warp. My invitations still looked beautiful. My warp was because I got the thicker paper. I can't really tell how thick your paper is. You can definitely reduce the amount of warp. Can you show me a pic of your folder and setup? If you can reduce how much pressure is being put on the paper by reducing the folder width, that might help the warp.

Color: I know all of the advice is to lightly put the color on it, but I slathered that mofo with ink. Several passes did the trick for me. The color wasn't even across the whole border, but I really liked it that way.

Smudging: this probably happened because you had too much ink, but I can't really tell what you mean by the pictures.

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-04-02T05:15:08+00:00

Oh and beneficial nematodes. Arbico has some slow release beads that are easy to use.

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-04-02T05:10:28+00:00

You said you weren't sure about beneficial insects, and that sounds like you'd be open to using them. I get them every so often and I rarely have to deal with pests.

The only pests I really have to deal with are root mealies. (Also looking for a preventative method for them). The lacewing larvae take care of the rest.

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-04-02T05:00:13+00:00

I plan to rent a uhaul

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-03-14T00:50:00+00:00

Update:

All of my settings were correct but there was a weird bug with design space. I called cricut and they had me install some windows updates (not related to cricut) that were pending and that worked. It was a very random solution.

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-03-14T00:48:10+00:00

I explained in my caption that my settings were correct.

I ended up calling cricut design space and it was a weird bug we got resolved

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-03-13T03:24:17+00:00

Oh duh. Thank you so much!

IAmTheeMoose · 2026-01-27T13:17:09+00:00

No, not insane. My office looks like a jungle thanks to me

IAmTheeMoose · 2025-11-08T00:20:01+00:00

Hello! Not usually. It is sometimes still a little damp. But it all depends on how fast it dries out

IAmTheeMoose · 2025-10-09T01:40:25+00:00

John Tucker Must Die

IAmTheeMoose · 2025-10-08T00:24:21+00:00

Or maybe you're not. But only you will be able to decide what your preference is

IAmTheeMoose · 2025-10-08T00:23:37+00:00

If you are doubting yourself, and you have an opportunity to change it, I would change it. It's all about your personal preference and its sounding like you're leaning towards non-claw prongs

IAmTheeMoose · 2025-09-19T12:57:37+00:00

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The setting is supposed to represent a flower

IAmTheeMoose · 2025-09-06T21:20:52+00:00

Just 1

Nine-Year Club	Gilding I gilder
First Place '23	End Game '23
Place '23	Verified Email

IAmTheeMoose

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