I recently heard about a new die-cut machine and I just had to try it. Manufactured by Spellbinders, it is called "The Wizard" and it is fabulous for cutting images or stencils in very little time. The best thing about it though is not only does it die cut images but it also is an embosser and can be used to emboss its own die cuts or brass stencils onto cardstock or other mediums such as foils or velvet/suede paper without the use of a light box or stylus. Papercrafters, scrappers and artists alike can let their imaginations go wild by embossing with flat metal charms, various findings, fabric patches, ribbon and, get ready for this one... polymer Clay Charms. But wait, that's not all… it also has two different universal cut mat kits that allow it to be used with dies from other systems (like Sizzix, Sizzlets or QuicKutz). Because of these latter features, the Wizard is the most innovative die-cut machine on the market in my opinion.

It is a fairly small machine so it doesn't take up too much room (a problem in my craft space) and it also has an extension handle (for those of us who have weaker arm strength) to allow an easier push on the handle. It comes in 5 colors (green, blue, purple, black and gold) and currently there are 16 Gemini dies (many of which are embossable), and 8 texture sheets to use with the system. They are also in the process of producing sets of fonts to create die-cut/embossable letters that should be available shortly. The machine itself costs $150 while the kits, longer handle and dies range in price from $7.50 to $20. The concept behind the Wizard is simple. You place your die onto paper or cardstock and "sandwich" it between a plastic white cut mat and a blue mat. This "sandwich" is then fed into the machine and pushed through with the handle. It has a type of ratchet mechanism that feeds the "sandwich" through the machine as you crank the handle. The same thing is done with brass stencils except you use the brass stencil embossing kit that can be purchased separately. The system comes with directions and pictures that are very easy to follow for all of the various uses of the machine.

You can also use it to emboss metal or polymer clay charms with foil, texture polymer clay, cut UTEE shapes, and use it for image transfers. Directions are provided in the manual for all of the techniques (except the image transfers which they recently "discovered") and their website, http://www.spellbinders.us has pictures, techniques and contact information so you can easily reach them. I tried to do the image transfers but did not have a gel medium to use (which they recommend) and my Gesso did not transfer the image well. I need to play with this technique more but ran out of time for this review. However, I'm sure it will work when I spend more time on it. The recommended "sandwich" for image transfers is: Spellbinders white mat, paper towel folded twice, photo or picture with gel medium or Gesso painted on it, canvas or cardstock to transfer image onto, another paper towel, 2 tan rubber pads, and the Spellbinders blue mat on top. Here is what I did accomplish with the Wizard though:

Scrapping with The Wizard:

Supplies

• The Wizard Gemini dies: hearts, tag #2 and butterfly
• Stencil: Good Times (Stamper's Anonymous)
• Inkjet vellum
• White cardstock (Marco's Paper Products)
• Red Cardstock (Paper Reflections)
• Red-checked decorative paper (Generations)
• Fiskars shape cutter and shape templates
• Rocket Red Brilliance inkpad
• Foam tape (Scotch)
• Red-checked ribbon (MagicScraps.com)
• Red and clear "gems"
  
  Directions
  

  Die-cut tags, butterflies and hearts with the Wizard using red and white cardstock as shown. Emboss the hearts and butterflies with the Wizard. Attach contrasting butterfly bodies with foam tape. Computer-generate title and print onto vellum. Adhere to one tag. Attach ribbons to two tags. Cut photos with Fiskars shape cutter and shape templates. Emboss "good times" stencil with the Wizard. Sponge letters with red ink. Mat photos to various shapes. Partially cover 12 x12" red cardstock with red-checked decorative paper. Adhere ribbon down left side and cover with die-cut white hearts. Adhere matted photos to layout with double-sided tape. Adhere title with foam tape to corner. Mount butterflies to layout with foam tape. Adhere gems to hearts, tag and butterfly bodies.

Supplies

• The Wizard, Gemini die "Hearts", Sizzix die Square Set; Universal Cut Mat Kit #1
• Slide Mounts (Design Originals)
• Adirondack Clay and Moss Embossing Powders
• 12 x 12" green scrapbook paper (Paperbilities)
• lighter green and brick colored cardstocks (Marco's Paper Products)
• brick colored corrugate paper (Marco's Paper Products).
• Inkjet Acetate (Staple's brand)
• Raised sticker numbers (Life's Journey)
• Green checked ribbon (Offray)
• Brown skeleton leaves and moss colored eyelets
• Rubber Stamp: large night fern (Stamp Zia)
• Versamark inkpad (Tsukineko)
• Japanese Screw Punch and eyelet setter
  

Directions

1. Mat photos on corrugate paper. Set aside.
2. Stamp fern onto large green paper with Versamark ink.
3. Cover slide mounts with Versamark ink and sprinkle with embossing powders. Heat set.
4. Computer generate all words and print onto acetate. Tape "Family Reunion" to the back of the slide mounts.
5. Die cut squares and hearts in both rust and lighter green cardstock. Cut strips of rust and green cardstock also. Adhere sticker numbers to small squares.
6. Adhere photos, paper strips and squares as shown. Adhere words/messages and skeleton leaves with eyelets. Thread ribbon through eyelets as shown. Adhere die cut hearts to Family Ties page with foam tape.

Rubber Stamping with The Wizard Die-Cut/Embossing System:

Every stamper should have one of these machines to make quick and easy mosaic tiles, tags, etc. along with a variety of embellishments.
(the Wizard allowed me to make these cards in about 5 minutes as I already had the polished stone background paper made so if you need a fast, easy card, The Wizard is the perfect solution. I like to make background papers in quantity and keep them on hand and the Wizard allows you to die cut decorative papers to make a really quick card).

Supplies

• The Wizard and Butterfly Gemini die cut
• King James Glossy Cardstock (Marco's Paper Products)
• Purple metallic cardstock (Marco's)
• Yellow cardstock (Marco's)
• Paper Punches (Fiskars' Border and Family Treasures)
• White cardstock (Marco's)
• Pinata Alcohol inks (Passion Purple and Sunbright Yellow
• Felt applicator and Velcro block (hand-made)
• Foam tape (Scotch)
• Rubber Stamps: I'm Happy (Hero Arts), You're in My Prayers (Stamp It!)
  
  

Directions

1. Adhere felt square to Velcro block and dab Pinata inks on felt. Pounce onto glossy cardstock to create Polished Stone background.
   
2. Die cut butterfly from Polished Stone cardstock and purple metallic cardstock. Adhere contrasting bodies to wings with foam tape.
   
3. Punch corners or edges of yellow cardstock panel. Cover white card with purple metallic panel and layer yellow panel to top. Stamp messages on bottom with Lavender Ancient Page ink.
   
4. Mount butterflies to top of cards with foam tape.

Supplies

• The Wizard and Gemini dies Colorblock-Straight #1 and tag #2
• Oil Pastels (Crayola) and Oil of Mineral Spirits
• White, silver glossy and maroon suede cardstock
• Craft iron
• Cloisonne extra thick embossing powder (plum sable, emerald onyx and Midas platinum)
• Flex UTEE (Suze Weinberg)
• Fibers (unknown)
• Memories ArtPrint Brown dye ink pad (Stewart Superior)
• Oriental Blue dye inkpad (Marvy)
• Silver Encore pigment inkpad (Tsukineko)
• Craft Sheet (unknown…I got mine from Sarasota Stamps)
• 1/8" hole punch (unknown)
  
  Rubber Stamps:
• Architecture Background (Judikins)
• Dreaming woman (Cherry Pie Art Stamps)
• "Dream" (Rubber Cottage)
• Small dragonfly (unknown)
• Small day fern (Stamp Zia)
  
  
  

Directions

1. Scribble oil pastels onto white cardstock and blend colors with cotton dipped in OMS.
2. Let dry and stamp images with brown and blue inks.
3. Die cut stamped image with Gemini die Colorblock-Straight #1. Adhere cut outs to silver glossy panel.
4. Iron suede paper over small Day Fern and adhere to white card. Adhere silver panel to suede panel.
5. To create tag embellishment: Apply Versamark ink to craft sheet. Cover with Plum sable Cloisonne and melt with heat tool. While still hot, add Flex UTEE and additional colors of Cloisonne powders, melting one layer at a time. Ink fern image with silver pigment ink and stamp into melted powders. Heat some more to smooth out. Peel "tile" from craft sheet and run through the Wizard to die cut a tag shape. Punch hole in tag and thread with fibers. Attach to corner of card with foam tape.

Supplies

• The Wizard and Gemini die-Mosaic
• Photo glossy paper (Epson)
• Dr. Ph Martin's Calligraphy inks
• Inkpads: Rocket Red Brilliance (Tsukineko)
• Pearl Ex Metallic Gold
• Encore silver pigment (Tsukineko)
• Detail clear embossing powder (Old Town Crafts)
• Restamper (Stamp Oasis)
• Silver beads (unknown)
• White and silver glossy cardstock (Marco's Paper Products)
• Foam tape (Scotch)
• Rubber Stamps : Inuit Bird (Stamp Zia)
  
  
  Directions
  

  Stipple Calligraphy inks onto photo glossy paper. When dry, run through the Wizard using the Gemini Mosaic die. Stamp bird onto white paper using the Restamper. Stamp the first time with red, the second time with gold and finally stamp a third time with silver ink. Cover image with clear embossing powder and heat set. Attach bird to silver panel and layer to white card. Adhere die cut border around image. Attach mosaic tiles with foam tape and embellish with silver beads.

Supplies

• The Wizard and Gemini die: bat
• White, pumpkin and black cardstocks (Marco's Paper Products)
• VersaColor inkpads: paprika, evergreen and bark (Tsukineko)
• Black Document inkpad (Stewart Superior- available from Stamp Zia)
  
  Rubber Stamps Used:
• Pumpkin border set (Rubber Stamp Tapestry)
• Happy Halloween (Rubber Stampede)
  
  
  
  

Directions

1. Stamp pumpkins, leaves and sprigs on white panel using VersaColor inkpads.
2. Run black cardstock through the Wizard to die cut and emboss two bats.
3. Adhere one bat to white panel and then attach the second bat on top of the first with foam tape. Stamp message with black ink.
4. Adhere white panel to pumpkin panel and then to white card.

Supplies

• The Wizard and Gemini Mosaic Die
• Inks: Adirondack Alcohol Inks-Wild Plum, Lettuce, Denim (Ranger Industries)
• Felt and Velcro applicator (hand-made)
• Stamp pads- Brilliance Pearlescent Yellow and Moonlight White (Tsukineko)
• Versamagic Purple Hydrangea (Tsuineko)
• StazOn Black pad (Tsukineko)
• Twinkling H2Os: Cranberry and Sunflower (Luminarte, Inc.)
• Paper strips and fibers
• Cardstocks and Papers: white, King James Glossy, yellow, metallic purple (Marco's Paper Products)
• Pearlescent Pink decorative paper (unknown)
• Watercolor paper (Stamp Zia)
  
  Rubber Stamps Used:
• Small Day Arched Figures (right and left), Zia Vine, Zia word-"spirit" (Stamp Zia)
• "Leap" message (So She Stamps)

Directions

1. Cover white 5x7 card with purple metallic cardstock. Set aside.
2. Dab alcohol inks onto felt applicator and "pounce" onto glossy cardstock to create Polished Stone background. Stamp vine and word with Brilliance inks onto background and then run through The Wizard with the Mosaic die to create tiles. Number the tiles on the back before removing from the die.
3. Adhere tiles to yellow cardstock then pink panel and then to purple card.
4. Stamp arched figures with black ink on watercolor paper. Paint "wet on wet" with Twinkling H2Os. Let dry and cut out. Adhere to tile background with glue stick and foam tape.
5. Stamp message onto scrap yellow cardstock with purple ink. Take strips from mosaic border (left over from cutting the tiles) and adhere to top and bottom edges to create border on message. Adhere to bottom of card.
6. Cut paper strips from yellow cardstock. Tie together with fibers and adhere to center of card.

Supplies

• The Wizard and Gemini fish die
• Green Magic Mesh (My Pajamas On)
• White card and lime green cardstock (Marco's Paper Products)
• Large tree punch (EK Success)
• Marbled Paper (Shaving Cream Technique)
• Medium sized "gems" (unknown)

Directions

1. Die cut and emboss the fish on the marbled paper using the Wizard (when embossing, use a small piece of repositionable tape to hold the image on the die if you find it shifts while sandwiched between the mats). Adhere "gems" for the eyes.
2. Cover 9 1/4 x 4" card with Magic Mesh.
3. Punch trees out of lime cardstock. Cut off "trunks" of trees.
4. Mount fish to front of card with foam tape. Adhere punched trees" to bottom of card and glue on "bubbles" from the die cut.

Embossing with The Wizard Die-Cut/Embossing System:

Embossing with the Wizard is so much easier than using a lightbox and stylus and it does a fabulous job embossing stencils onto dark cardstock, something I never managed to do with a lightbox. You can also emboss charms with aluminum foil to make "faux" charms so you don't have to use up those expensive charms ever again.

Supplies

• The Wizard and Brass Stencil Embossing Kit
• Dreamweavers Brass Stencil
• Koss Square Pastels
• E-Z Chalk Enhancer (Craf-T Products)
• White cardstock panel, yellow card (Marco's Paper Products)
• Marbled background panel (Shaving Cream Technique)
• Yellow and green eyelets (Scrap Essentials)
• VersaColor Green Tea inkpad
• Message stamp (Repeat Impressions)
  
  
  
  
  Directions
  

  Using the Brass Stencil Embossing kit, emboss the flower stencil with the Wizard on white cardstock panel. Color image with pastels and chalk enhancer. Stamp message with green ink onto panel. Adhere panel to marbled background with eyelets. Then adhere to yellow card.

  
  

Supplies

• The Wizard and Brass Stencil Embossing Kit
• Black cardstock; Brown sparkle cardstock (Marco's Paper Products)
• Heavy duty aluminum foil
• Black Sculpey polymer clay and leaf cookie cutter
• Bonsai Brass Stencil (Dreamweavers)
• Deckle scissors (Fiskars)
• Pilot gold leafing marker
• Perfect Paper Adhesive (PPA), Gloss (USArtquest)
• Adirondack alcohol inks -espresso, lettuce, bottle (Ranger) & felt/velcro applicator
• Pearl Ex Powders -mink, spring green, antique copper, duo green-yellow (Jacquard)
• Crystal Lacquer (Sakura Hobby Craft)
• Versamark inkpad (Tsukineko) and make-up sponge applicator
• Rubber Stamp: Zia Vine (Stamp Zia)
• Gold metallic thread

Directions

1. Emboss brass stencil with the Wizard and the Brass Stencil Embossing Kit on black cardstock panel. Lay stencil over embossed image and dab Versamark ink onto raised areas. Remove stencil and apply Pearl Ex powders to image. Cut out image with decorative scissors and edge with gold marker.
2. Mix Pearl Ex Powders with PPA and stipple onto second black cardstock panel to make background panel. Adhere to brown cardstock panel and deckle the edge with scissors. Layer to black card.
3. Roll out polymer clay and cut with leaf cookie cutter. Stamp clay with Zia Vine and bake according to manufacturer's directions to make clay charm.
4. While charm is baking, apply alcohol inks to aluminum foil and let dry.
5. Emboss charm (twice) onto inked aluminum foil with the Wizard. Trim edges if they aren't completely cut out when removed from the machine. Apply Crystal Lacquer to underside of leaves and let dry overnight (to prevent foil from getting smashed)
6. Adhere Bonsai panel to right side of card then adhere foil leaves to left with foam tape. Embellish with gold thread.