Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:“I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“I agree -- E6000 is the absolute best!…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“I don't use epoxy on any of the jewelry I make, plus depending on the temperature…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“I just taught a class with middle school children and one painted on a silver piece…” read »
on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:“Absolutely Gorgeous! I can't wait to use this!…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I need 1 egg for 50…” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How much cord do you use for the knot?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I want to string the wool beads together with elastic thread in a needle. Which…” read »
on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:“Love the instructions, but which stretch cord are you using? I don't see one like it…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“No photo, sorry. I'm really in a bracelet "phase". I tried figuring this out on my…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“Vintaj came out with this line in July. I am glad to see LB is selling…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“*Squeaks with excitement* …” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“You carry the most beautiful beads, bar none. I tie a surgeon’s knot for more security,…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- on “Quick and Easy Ornament Hangers”:
“These are so pretty. I've been looking for a "template" for ear wires/cuffs. I think these…” read »
- on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
on “Using a Hand Punch”:“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:“A good starting point for necklaces would be 2mm(ideal for .5"-1.5" pendants). For larger pendants(1.5"+) 3,…” read »
on “Using a Crimp Cover”:“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
on “Crystal Clay”:“Tried to be good…” read »
- on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
on “How to make a paper bead”:“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
- on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:
“Beautiful design!…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” read »
The Vintaj Special Edition BIGkick™ Machine by Sizzix can emboss and etch beautiful designs onto your metal blanks using either the DecoEmboss Folders or the DecoEtch Plates. It allows you to customize seemingly endless combinations. The Vintaj BIGkick is compatible with most of the Sizzix product library and techniques as long as you use the Solo Platform & Shim that are included.
What do I need to get started?
To begin creating your own patterned metal jewelry, you’ll need a few things:
- Vintaj BIGkick™ Machine by Sizzix – this includes the Solo Platform & Shim
- One or more of the Vintaj DecoEmboss™ folders or DecoEtch™ plates
- Vintaj Reliefing Block
- If you’d like to add color, check out the Vintaj patinas, alcohol inks, and acrylic paint.
Using DecoEmboss™ Folders
1. With the DecoEmboss Die open, insert a Vintaj blank, then close like a book. Place Cutting Pad above and below the closed Folder to create a “sandwich.”
2. Slide “sandwich,” Platform and Shim into the roller opening as far as it will go. Note the rotation of the handle and continue to rotate it in the same direction until the Platform and “sandwich” have completely passed through the opening and the rollers.Using DecoEtch™ Folders
1. Place DecoEtch Die onto a Cutting Pad with foam side up. Place Vintaj blank on the die. Place another Cutting Pad over the blank to create a “sandwich.” Place “sandwich” on Solo Platform and Shim.
2. Slide “sandwich,” Platform and Shim into the roller opening as far as it will go. Note the rotation of the handle and continue to rotate it in the same direction until the Platform and “sandwich” have completely passed through the opening and the rollers.Designs using this Tip:
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On May 31, 2012 at 2:22 pm #
Jane MS says:Hmmm. My birthday is coming up. I think I know what I want.
On May 31, 2012 at 3:04 pm #
J DAVILA says:Me too!
On May 31, 2012 at 5:48 pm #
puppychick labratbecky says:My birthday is in September…. I’m probably not gonna wait that long…….
On May 31, 2012 at 6:34 pm #
Maria S 2 says:Do you have to use the special blanks or can you use copper circles, or sterling silver?
On May 31, 2012 at 11:05 pm #
Kathryn Houseman Lobert says:Have been paying homage to the picture on the Vintaj website for months. My birthday is in July. Guess I will start sending anonymous pics to my husband and kids:)
On Jun 01, 2012 at 3:51 pm #
Ali says:Maria, to be 100% safe, you could stick to Vintaj blanks. They are made form a malleable metal (brass) and are not too thick for the BIGkick machine. That said, I’ve used it with some of our copper and brass blanks and it worked fine. I would keep the metal thin (24 gauge or higher) and make sure it’s malleable.
On Jun 01, 2012 at 6:26 pm #
KWB DESIGNS says:Omg. I want one!!!
but I live in Montreal
On Jun 01, 2012 at 8:39 pm #
M Casey says:Do you need to sand the edges of the square and rectangular blanks? They appear to have sharp points.
On Jun 02, 2012 at 8:54 am #
Ali says:M Casey, You could sand or buff the edges if you prefer, but I haven’t found this to be necessary. The corners aren’t too sharp
On Jul 23, 2012 at 2:59 am #
Collie says:Love the technique! Can you safely run this through the Cuttlebug or Vagabond?
On Aug 03, 2012 at 4:08 pm #
J leithauser says:i would also like to know if this can go through the cuttlebug – Thanks
On Aug 07, 2012 at 11:51 am #
Kate says:Hi Collie & J leithuaser– Since we don’t carry the Cuttlebug or Vagabond machines, I can’t speak with personal experience on the matter, but it seems like these blanks should be compatible. It really comes down to thickness: if you do try other-brand products with your machine and it gives a lot of resistance as you run it through, I’d advise to halt progress so you don’t damage your machine!
On Feb 25, 2013 at 11:10 pm #
K RUPPE says:I JUST BOUGHT THIS MACHINE AND BOY WHAT FUN I’VE BEEN HAVING WITH IT. I’M HOPING TO LEARN MORE THINGS I CAN DO WITH IT. ANY IDEAS FROM OTHERS WHO HAVE IT?
On Jun 02, 2013 at 12:58 am #
R Wolfe says:Ali, would you say that fine silver 24 gauge and up would be as safe as your experimentation with copper and brass?
On Oct 27, 2013 at 7:08 pm #
Sky R says:I just noticed a new (or new to me, anyway) Sizzix machine called the Texture Boutique Machine. I was able to download a pdf of the instructions, but it only mentions embossing card stock, not metal of any sort. Then again, most of the embossing machines only mention card stock, so . . .
Anyway, I was wondering whether anyone has any experience with using the Texture Boutique Machine on metal. With a price of around $20 it seems to represent a huge savings, particularly if you’re not interested in die-cutting (I’m not). In addition, it has a much smaller “footprint” than the BIGkick (I don’t know about you, but space is at a premium in my house!).
Note that the Texture Boutique only accommodates folders up to 4 1/2″ wide (A2). Not a problem for me (since I have no folders yet, alas), but those of you with the 6×6″ folders will be out of luck.
On Mar 17, 2014 at 11:23 am #
ncaquilts says:I have a question. What is the difference between the Vintaj Big Kick, the regular Big Kick and the Sizzix Big Shot? I just started looking at the different machines but not sure if any difference.
Thanks for your help as always
On Mar 18, 2014 at 7:47 pm #
CatPark says:@ncaquilts – There is no difference between any of these machines. They are just different colors. They can accommodate the same dies and the same materials.
On Dec 12, 2014 at 1:24 pm #
Kenna M says:I have a Bigkick and would like to emboss/etch bracelet blanks. Any idea where I can get dies long enough for a bracelet blank. I have tried the Sizzix dies and the sides of the dies leave marks on the blank between patterns. Suggestions welcome. Thank-you.
On Jul 30, 2015 at 9:08 pm #
Jax luvs jewels says:Yes, you certainly use your Vagabond to emboss the blanks. It’s a very strong machine.
On Oct 07, 2015 at 12:47 pm #
K Vaniver says:Are there any does that cut 24 gauge or higher Vintaj or other sheet metal?
On Oct 08, 2015 at 7:42 pm #
TerribleFishArtworksMsu says:Kenna, the Vintaj embossing folders are about 2.25 X 2.5 on the useable surface with a diagonal of 3 inches. Not all designs will work on the diagonal but some will. I find that some of the larger bracelet blanks, even those made by Vintaj, are too thick to work well. You can put the usual pieces through more than once if needed to deepen a design as long as you keep the “sandwich” in place for all passes.
K Vaniver, none of them are designed to cut through the metal. I have never tried using the dies to cut metal at all but I have cut out leather successfully and that is fairly thick. The chipboard I have also cuts easily and it is thicker than a cereal box but not as thick as Grafix medium weight which I am told only the BigKick, BigShot, etc will cut, meaning Cuttlebug and others will not cut it. I have also heard you can use regular embossing folders on the thin blanks but again, I have never tried it. Can you tell I am a fan of my BigKick??
On Dec 31, 2015 at 3:06 pm #
Sterling says:I have a Cuttlebug and buy the Vintaj(made by Sizzix) Deco Emboss & Deco Etch. Then just place my metal where I want the design to show and run through a couple of times and the metal (use a lot of brass Vintaj and other brands) peice looks great. I buy these Dies on sale or clearance at Michaels, Joanns, and online. These are made to run metal through. Hope this helps!
On Jan 01, 2016 at 11:32 am #
Moogie says:I’ve been playing with my Bigkick for awhile & wanted to share a couple of things I’ve noticed. I can’t get the Decoetch folders to do a very good job on brass. But I have found that pewter works well for all folders. It’s a fairly soft metal. I don’t use anything thicker than 24 gauge. I also saw that another place sells aluminum blanks & bought a few to try. Being a rather soft & lightweight metal, they should work well. Has anyone else had trouble with the Decoetch on brass?
On Dec 17, 2016 at 6:29 pm #
Sterling says:I only use Brass and don’t have any problems getting getting an imprint on either the Emboss or Etch folders. Also I use my Cuttlebug Machine and Vintaj Decoetch folders. I do run through the machine a couple of times to get a good clean/crisp imprint.
Good luck everyone. P.S. I had the Cuttlebug Machine for years doing card making and thought I would try with metal several years ago and it has worked great. So why change to something that has the brand name cost. However it is bigger, but it hasen’t been a problem yet. If you have any questions let me know.