Mini Blossom Die Cutting Machine from Altenew (Review and Demo)
I love my manual die0cutting machines- there is something about the immediate gratification of turning a handle a few times and a perfectly cut paper image pops out. No wires, no computers, no fuss! And traditionally manual machines also handle heavier materials more easily with less prep- so there’s that advantage too. For a while now I’ve had a large die cutting machine on my worktable- but it eats up a lot of real estate. So I was excited to try the Mini Blossom from Altenew.
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So let’s take a look!
Here’s what it says on the Altenew website:
Our Mini Blossom Die Cutting Machine is the compact and portable must-have tool for your craft room! It is designed to work with Altenew dies (sold separately) and other wafer-thin metal dies. It can be used to quickly and easily die cut a variety of materials, including cardstock and Altenew specialty papers, and will help you add texture and dimension to your projects. The elegant and clean design will look wonderful on your craft desk, secured on its stable base with suction feet.
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Machine size: 6″ x 4 1/2″ plus handle
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Cutting plate size: 3″ x 6 1/4″
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Product weight: 2 lb 3 oz
It’s only 8.5 inches wide, and the cutting path is 3 inches.
Like most of my reviews these days, It’s all in this video I made for you!
Now let’s take another look….
The mini blossom only cuts thin-ruled dies.
Shimming with cardstock may be necessary with intricate dies.
I love the small footprint for quick cuts!
I was a tad disappointed with the less-than-stellar performance of the Mini Blossom with those intricate dies…but honestly, I don’t do a TON of those. Generally, I’m cutting images that have been stamped first, or simple sentiments.
Tonic Studios: http://shrsl.com/onag
Happy Day Die from Altenew- click picture to see it on their site.
More from the Happy Day Die set- Click Image to see it on their site.
Ranger Embossing folder and Big World die and stamp set from Altenew- click the image to see it on their site.
I guess the upshot is that I’m happy to have the convenience of the small machine and adding 1 shim of cardstock isn’t a deal-breaker for me. (And other machines have this issue, too.) I’m now thinking I’d like to compare the Tim Holtz Side Kick with the Mini Blossom and see how they do head-to-head. Stay Tuned!
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Thanks for the review on this little machine. I had no idea that Altenew had come out with a smaller die cutting machine! Like you, I’d be interested to see how it compares to the Tim Holtz Sidekick and I’d also love to see how it compares to the Spellbinders Prizm, which I do own & love.
I too would love to see a comparison between this one and the Spellbinders Prizm. I don’t own either and my current die cutting machine is the eBosser, which I love but because of its size I need to locate it across the room and near a power outlet. I’d also like to see how many dies out of a standard nesting rectangle or circle set by any other manufacturer will fit through the opening on these smaller die cut machines. I don’t know about you, but I usually use the largest or 2nd largest of those sets the most. If they won’t fit, then these mini machines are a waste of money for me. I should just rearrange my room to be seated closer to my main die cutter…. which, I seriously ought to do anyway. LOL