Recently, I had to toss away the hardest working tool in my craft room. Sniff.
It was my Big Shot. SOB!!
The Sad Story of My Big Shot
My Big Shot was one of the original ones sold through Stampin’ Up! It lasted just over 10 years. It has lived in a prominent spot on my craft table the entire time.
It’s been squeaking for a long time. Everyone in the house can hear me die-cutting. But it was a good work horse, so a little noise didn’t bother me.
I used it often. So did my daughters. My Big Shot often appeared at Card Classes. And it traveled with me to scrapbook retreats.
Last month, my Big Shot made its final appearance at Card Class. It was fine that night. But the next morning, the handle wouldn’t turn! I tried all kinds of ways to encourage movement, but nothing worked. Finally, my husband took it apart for me. We heard about some potential issues and watched YouTube videos. Here is how it looked:
Here is another view. Look at the post, almost at the center of the photo. It’s where the handle attaches.
Fixing the bent post wasn’t the easy fix that many Big Shots need. We simply couldn’t repair it.
I guess I could have brought it to a machinist and had a new bolt made, but that seemed extreme.
Cost Benefits Justification
In typical Sandi-overthinks-it fashion, I tried to decide if I should buy a new Big Shot. Never mind that I use my Big Shot in about half of my card designs! Never mind that it saves me from fussy-cutting stamped images (my very least favorite task).
I figured that the first one lasted 10 years and I could expect at least the same life span from the next one. At $110, (ignoring my Stampin’ Up! demo discount,) this comes to $11 per year, or less than $1 per month.
Needless to say, I bought a new Big Shot!! I don’t know what took me so long to make that decision LOL!
Another Benefit of My Purchase
This isn’t the usual benefit. But buying the new Big Shot in August, earned me $10 in Bonus Days coupons! Woo-Hoo!!
The Real Benefits of the Big Shot
Seriously, there are lots of benefits to using the Big Shot. Here are the Top 3:
- It’s fast & easy – Turn the handle a few times and your paper/cardstock is cut perfectly!
- The dies coordinate with many of our stamp sets – Working with our stamp sets adds dimension and interest to project designs!
- It’s versatile – You can die-cut and emboss with this one tool!
So, why wouldn’t you want a Big Shot. Purchase one this month and earn some Bonus Day coupon. Just another Win-Win situation!
