Altered Sizzix Die
In this post I share how I was able to alter a Sizzix Bigz die to create a custom shape for creating a mini album that I was working on. There are quite a few steps; which I have pictures of below.
Okay, so I also told you that my sweet, amazing hubby altered a Sizzix die for me. I had owned it (untouched and in it’s original state) for well over a year, and just never touched it. It was one of those things that I “had” to have because it was only $2 or $3 on the sizzix.com clearance site. I didn’t really like it as a frame as it was too chubby, so I was chatting with my hubby about it one day. I asked what I should do with it and he offered to “take a look at it.” He decided to try and work on it for me to create a solid die instead of a frame. We didn’t know where to begin, so I tried to google, “How to alter a Sizzix die” but there wasn’t any help at all out there in cyberville. So, he just started pulling it apart. I decided to take photos of his work along the way to be able to share what he did. (Disclaimer: Warning, I highly recommend that you never attempt to alter a Sizzix die as the steel rule on the die has a very sharp blade and you could cause you harm. Also, the risk of ruining your die is very possible by attempting to alter it. Attention: Never try to alter a die as there is a severe risk for an injury). Okay, so now that that’s off my conscience, onto the photos.
This is the die that I owned for 1+ year and never touched. 
And here is the end result; which I can now use as a chipboard album base. (The paper is from the Old World paper stack from DCWV).
The end result! A custom scalloped square die that I am now using frequently and am enjoying much more than the previous die shape!
He removed the foam from the die.
Then removed the outer portion from the die.
Next, he removed the remaining portion from the casing.
He needed to remove the metal which created 4 holes in the corners of the die.
Removing the steel from the corners from the back side of the die.
He next removed the center metal square which created the framed area. (Seen to the right of the die)
Sorry it's blurry, but this is the wood base with all metal removed.
He will apply Glossy Accents in to the die casing to adhere the wood die base into the proper place.
Fitting the steel rule portion back into place around the scalloped frame.
It needed to be lined up perfectly for the die to be functional.
Trying not to get cut while pushing the steel and wood pack in to place.
This is the frame center steel and corner hole pieces removed.
Still trying to get the steel into place.
Woohoo! My hero! He got it!
Glossy Accents (our glue of choice for this project)
Placing the wood and steel back into the casing.
The center wood was added as a spacer, but the die will no longer cut the center square.
Putting the foam back into place.
Woohoo! All finished! Now, just need to let the glue dry...
He altered this die back in December (2009), and I’ve not had any trouble or problems with the die since. I’m so appreciative that he took the time to do this for me. Thank you so much sweetie pie!
Here is one of the albums that I created with this die, it is from my January swap. Because I used my Bind-it-all for this album, I had to trim some of the scallops from the left side of the album.
Okay, I told you it would be a long post! :c) Hope you are inspired or maybe learned something new here today.
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Feb 24, 2010 - 01:02:18Thanks for the step by step pics and discription of how he did this.
Wow! I just subscribed to your blog and am impressed with your work. Lovely! And your husband is amazing too. Love how he alters things for you and has wonderful suggestions. You are blessed to have such a support! Keep sharing!
Robyn, you mentioned you used Prima journaling stamps. I cannot find these particular ones anywhere. where did you get them and what kind exactly are they?? Thanks Ginger
Hi again, sorry I have to communicate with you this way as I cannot email you directly. When I click on you email me button, IT SAYS: cannot perform this the default mail client is not properly installed. I don’t have a clue!! Do YOu? Anyway, what is your gold embossing powder of choice? I also recently joined SU and wondered if the large scallop square clear die is the same size as most of your mini albums? You have such a gift for these!!! My email is ggnjesus@yahoo.com if you want to email me directly. Thx Ginger
Thank you Ginger, I’ll look into the e-mail situation. The Prima Journaling stamps are from http://www.simonsaysstamp.com and are called “Journal Frames 717″. If anyone else reading this lives in Ireland my local craft shop http://www.craftyalley.com now stocks this stamp as well.
Hope that helps.
❦Robyn
Thank-you, I also have a frame I don’t love and have asked my husband to take the middle out.. He now has no excuse lol
This is fantastic! I love reading about when people change things to suit their own purposes. Thank you for giving instruction to everyone that wants to give this a go.
Hi Robyn, I want to say a BIG thank-you to you and your husband. I took apart a Sizzix Die I had recently bought because it wouldn’t go through my Big Shot ( blades were too raised). Seeing your photo’s gave me the confidence straight away to dismantle my Die. On Inspection I could see the Wood Surrounding the Blades were damaged in several places. I quickly took out the damaged bits of wood and it looked like the Blades were lying better. I quickly put it back together without even sticking it (it still felt sticky). And it is now working PERFECT!!! This happened in minutes, thanks to you and your husband I wouldn’t of done it without seeing those piccies and I could have damaged my Big Shot if I kept on trying to use it. YIPPEE i’m happy. So Thanks again. Karen.
Hi Karen, I am soooooo very pleased to hear this. So glad it worked out for you and that you are now able to use your die. That’s fantastic! Thank you so very much for writing to tell me. I truly appreciate it.
Happy Creating!
Hugs,
Robyn
I too could not find a how to video on … how to alter the Sizzix dies…. unlike you I don’t have a handy husband. He is a Sweet Heart of a man but just not so handy. I’m the handy one thanks to my Dad. So what I came up with is using my dremil tool and I cut out the inner steel frame. Sparks were every where! Next time I do it I would put it in a vice to hold it. That way I can use both hands on the tool for more control. But with much determination I did it all by my self! Thanks for this step by step so I can see another way of doing it.