Here we are going to do an embossing folders comparison for scrapbooking! “Where Can I Find Embossing Folders? and… What are the Differences? Have you ever asked yourself those questions before? Are you looking for a particular brand? Do you know where to find it in our store? How many different sizes and styles are there?

Well, I am going to do my best to help out with these questions and show you comparisons! I am including two videos; one that will hopefully help you identify the different manufactures that make embossing folders, names, sizes, styles, and even Cut@Home pricing, which will enable you to choose which folders you want. We carry embossing folders from Cuttlebug, Quickutz, Sizzix, Spellbinders, and Tim Holtz!

The second will show you how to navigate our site directly to the different manufacturer’s embossing folders. A brand new feature that was added after taping this video is our Embossing Folder Theme which will take you to view ALL embossing folders in our store, including some Bigz dies that come with a coordinating Textured Impressions embossing folder which were not included in our video.

Before I do that just what to clarify real quick what embossing is:
Embossing is a technique that makes a raised image on cardstock or other materials. By having an embossing tool and dies that have an edge one can simply run the die or also known as an embossing folder through the emboss machine with your desired paper or card.

Hopefully these videos will be informative for you!

Here is the second video on navigating the site to find them. You may also look under THEME if you are into scrapbooking by theme and will find “embossing folders” there as well. Another hint as well is if you see in this image to the right under every folder and product we carry will list the brand, type of die and die name to which you can click on any if you want to see ALL. Very useful!

We have found that the majority of these embossing folders will work in most machines! The sandwich formulas are pretty much the same for Cuttlebug, Quickutz, Textured Impressions, Texture Fades and Texture Fades, so if you have used one of those in your particular machine, you already know how to use the rest.

Spellbinders M-Bossabilities will use a different sandwich formula as they are thicker due to embossing images on both sides of the folder. We have videos showing the M-Bossabilities sandwich formula that you will use with most of the die cutting machines we carry that will be well worth looking at HERE!

I hope this will make shopping for embossing folders a breeze!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Do you ever see a project and wonder “How did they do that”? Then, whey you see the instructions, you think “Wow, that was easy”. Well, that is exactly what happens when you see the Sizzix Flip-its Card Dies! See Here

Flip-its card dies are Movers & Shapers L Dies. Measuring 6 x 8 3/4″, these Movers & Shapers L die sets showcases the vibrant style of Stephanie Barnard. This Base die can accommodate most of the window or photo corner Movers & Shapers magnetic dies. This die is designed for use only with the BIGkick, Big Shot and Vagabond machines and requires the use of a pair of Cutting Pads.  Although you can use them in the Cuttlebug using 2) B Plates (one on top and one on bottom).

These dies help you create fun cards with a bit of a twist. There is a very slight tri-fold to the card, and as you pull the card open, the middle cut-out twists around for you to see the inside. Place your sentiment on the inside and embellish the outside of the cut-out for a unique card that is not only fast, but fun for anyone to open!

There are currently six different styles to choose from: Heart, Square, Fancy Frame, Circle, Flower and Diamond.

Check out our video for a quick demo!

Thanks & Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Please don’t think I’m pathetic. I want to show you my Silhouette Cameo butterfly layout. It’s my first one ever using my beautiful new machine! I have actually had my Silhouette Cameo since just before Christmas, but barely got the chance to sit down and play with it this past weekend! I know, I AM pathetic, but the point of this is, I loved it!

It took a few test cuts to find the right blade depth for the card stock I was using, but once I got that right, I cut away! I loved shopping the Silhouette store. I could shop there for hours! It is nice to purchase only the designs that I want and I don’t have to find a place to put them (my craft room is getting pretty crowded already). They have hundreds of amazing designs to choose from! There is even a clearance section of discounted designs. Of coarse, I am a BIG fan of the weekly freeby that I can download even if I haven’t had a chance to use them yet! I will though. Now that I have gotten familiar with it, it will be no problem to pull it out more often! The hardest part for me is the initial “bonding” between me and my new product. I sometimes get a little intimidated with technology.

Anyway, back to my layout! I was quite impressed with how beautifully the Cameo cut the intricate butterflies I chose. Their tiny antennas didn’t even break off ! I am confident doilies would not be a problem for this machine! It was fantastic!

Other products I used on the layout:

Sizzix 656605 Bigz Pro Die Circle, Ribbon

Quickutz DC0256 Nesting Doily Squares

Quickutz Photo corners (discontinued)

white and black card stock

pattern paper by Doodlebug Designs

Now that I look at it again, I remembered that I forgot the bling that I was going to put on my butterfly bodies, so count that on the list too, because I will put that on right away! I’m sure you understand.

Thanks & Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

If you are in the market for an electronic die cutting machine, you will want to be sure to include the Sizzix Eclips Starter Kit to your list of machines to look at!

I had the unique opportunity to take one home as a loaner for a couple of weeks to get familiar with the machine so I could better help with customer questions. Let me tell you right now, I have had to use a TON of self control ever since to NOT purchase this machine for my own scrapbook room! I absolutely LOVE this machine! I had so much fun playing around with the Eclips. It is very user friendly and the handheld control is SO nice! Anyone can use this machine!

The Sizzix eclips Electronic Shape-Cutting Machine and Handheld Remote Control creates completely customizable shapes and letters to adorn almost anything up to 12 inches. That’s right the award-winning artwork is now available electronically from Sizzix!

Eclips Starter Kit includes:

Eclips 12 inch shape cutting machine, 2 cutting blades, universal power supply, eclips handheld remote control, handheld remote control cradle, blade holder, power cord, 6′ USB cable, a starter cartridge, starter cartridge booklet, cartridge easy to store case, 12 inch x 12 inch cutting mat, AND a User Guide.

Machine Size = 22 1/2 in. x 5 in. x 7 1/2 in.

Weight = 16.5 pounds

Machine functions:

Auto selection of speed and pressure for material to be cut
2-speed blade movement for fast and accurate positioning
Adjustable blade depth
Laser image preview for less paper waste
Cut sizes to nearest 1/100 of an inch
Cut vellum, paper, cardstock and chipboard in preset and custom sizes
Convenient handle to take machine anywhere

Handheld Remote Control:

Performs all functions remotely
High-resolution 3.6″ LCD for larger image preview
Easy on-screen navigation
Sliding screen reveals full keypad
Ergonomic cradle allows tabletop use
Multi-language user interface (English, French, Spanish, German)

Cartridge capabilities:

Remove and replace cartridges with power on
Decorative borders for 6″, 12″, 18″ and 24″ projects
Search command for all shapes
Create a “favorites” folder for designs you like
Picture-in-picture and mirror functions
Designs available in several styles: Original, Border, Outline, Shadow, Solid
Extra embellishments and add-ons to accompany select shapes

Some of MY favorite features included:

Laser Cut- Preview cutting pattern of selected images on the cutting mat by using a laser to outline where your cuts will be, cutting down on waste.

Pieces- This separates individual pieces of selected image with no guess work as to the individual sizing of the individual pieces. Very nice!

Being able to select paper size-Fabulous!

Being able to select material that you will be cutting, which automatically sets the speed and blade depth.  Again, fabulous!

Cartridges- Smaller cartridges and packaging make these easy to store. The images and fonts are SO fun and I love the fact that you can change cartridges while machine is on, right in the middle of your project, putting images from different cartridges in the same que for cutting! Awesome!

There is so much more that I could say about the features of this machine, but today’s blog is probably long enough for now! This machine is definitely one to consider when you are looking for a personal electronic die cutting machine. It is really a sweet machine!

Here are a couple pages I did while playing with the Eclips. And, you can finally see my new grandson!

I used the darling First Edition Animal Antics 12×12 Paper Pad,

656171-Sizzix Special Occasion cartridge

655934-Sizzix Starter Kit cartridge ( included with the purchase of the machine)

E8-002-Spellbinders Classic Bracket Edgeabilities

Tim Holtz Distress Inks- Weathered Wood & Walnut

The pieces feature made cutting these images a breeze!

Thanks & Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Spring is most definitely peaking through here in Utah! We’re getting rain instead of snow and the temperature is rising! Teresa Collins Spring Fling Paper Pad (shown HERE) is just perfect for scrapbooking your spring photos!

Offered in both 12 x 12″ or 8 x 8, in colors of red, green and white, this paper is all you need for great designs. You receive 9 sheets of 12×12 double-sided cardstock paper and one 12×12 sheet of double-sided die-cut accessories.

I asked my daughter Stacy to design a layout using the Spring Fling 12 x 12. She dove right in to complete the project, and I love her finished layout!

Other items she used on her layout are:

657086 Sizzix Textured Impressions Birds & Wreath

Prima Flowers

Stampin’ Up Happy Stamp

Martha Stewart punch

Brads

Thank you so much Stacy for your lovely spring layout! Great job!

Thanks & Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

In this video it will show you how you can use the Spellbinders M-Bossabilities in the Sizzix Vagabond inspired by Tim Holtz. The Vagabond is an electronic die cutting and embossing machine produced by Sizzix along with the help of Tim Holtz as well! The M-bossabilities for those who don’t know are dual sided embossing folders and the only ones of its kind offering you two different designs on EACH folder. To see the demos on these M-Bossabilities used in other embossing machines you can click on these links:

Big Shot & Big shot PRO
Quickutz Epic Six
Provo Craft Cuttlebug

M-Bossabilities in Vagabond

Feel free to leave a comment if you would like to see other demos done! You can CLICK HERE to see all M-Bossabilities by Spellbinders Paper Arts!

We have compiled these few videos on how to use the Spellbinders M-Bossabilities in the Sizzix Big Shot and Big Shot PRO machines. The M-Bossabilities dies are different than other embossing folders that you may have seen. These have the ability to give you two different designs on both sides of the folder for a very affordable price. We have had many questions about this and thought of doing a video would be more simple to show you the exact process and how easy it is. We also have done videos on how to use M-Bossabilities in other machines such as the Cuttlebug by Provo Craft, Epic Six by Quickutz (now known as Lifestyle Crafts), and Vagabond by Tim Holtz. Just click on their links to see those demos.

M-Bossabilities in Sizzix Big Shot

Make sure you keep all of your tabs closed on your Big Shot platform. You will only need one cutting plate. Easy!

M-Bossabilities in Sizzix Big Shot PRO

Make sure you have purchased item 657435-Big Shot Pro Solo Platform, Shim & Wafer Thin Die Adapter, as you will need this item to use the M-Bossabilities as well as other embossing folders and wafer thin dies in the Big Shot Pro.

Feel free to leave a comment if you would like to see other demos done! You can CLICK HERE to see all M-Bossabilities by Spellbinders Paper Arts!

I love springtime! It revitalizes me and helps my creative juices flowing. Having such beautiful weather inspired this little gift box using Sizzix Framelits Die Set 6PK w/ Stamp Dragonflies ( item seen HERE).

Project recipe:

657579-Sizzix Framelits Die Set 6PK w/ Stamp Dragonflies

656600-Sizzix Bigz Pro Die – Box, Tall with Scallop Flap (used with the Big Shot Pro Machine)

FEPAD044-First Edition is Spring Drop 12×12 paper pad

202- 1/4″ Scor-Tape

Ribbon

Black ink pad

This project doesn’t even need explaining it was so easy! The Framelits make stamping the die and cutting it out a breeze! There is a back ground die and the die that fits the stamp. Anyone can do this! This project literally took me about a half hour from start to finish.

This box is a perfect little gift!

Thanks & Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I guess you could say that this week is “How To” week! I’ve been doing some playing around with my machines and different products and want to share the information! Today I will share how to use the Cuttlebug All In One Folders in the Sizzix Big Shot and Big Shot Pro machines!

To start with, you will need one 2000895- All in One Folder and one of the All in One Embossing Plates. Snap your plates into the folder, place your paper or card stock and you are ready to roll! If you want a letterpress effect of your design, just apply ink to your plate using a brayer before placing your paper.

Using the Big Shot Machine, all you need are the 2 Cutting Plates! Place one on the bottom of your All in One Folder and one on top! That’s it! Roll through and you are done! Here is the video demo!

;

For the Big Shot Pro Machine, you will need to place the following sandwich formula starting at the bottom of your tray:

Pro Adapter Pad

Cutting Mat

All in One Folder

Cutting Mat

Roll through your machine

Yes, it is REALLY that easy! If you don’t believe me, just watch the video!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I have had a few of you ask how to use the Cuttlebug Embossing Plus Folders in other machines besides the Cuttlebug, so today I thought I would share with you how to use these folders in the Sizzix Big Shot Pro Machine, since it is a newer machine.

First of all, you will need to have purchased item 657435-Big Shot Pro Solo Platform, Shim & Wafer Thin Die Adapter. Click HERE if you do not have this item already. You can purchase it on our website for $34.99 (Retail is $39.99). Unfortunately, the coupon is not valid on Sizzix items at this time. You will also need an extra 656253-Cutting Pad Big Shot Pro Standard which are sold in a 2 pk HERE for $20.99 (Retail $24.99)

You will need to place the Adapter Pad, which was included in your machine, on the bottom of your sliding tray. Then make the remainder of your sandwich using the following:

Solo Platform

Cutting Pad

Cuttlebug Embossing Plus Folder with paper or card stock inserted

Cutting Pad

Roll through your machine. Remember to NEVER force anything through your machine!

Voila! you will have a beautifully cut and embossed image! I hope this helps with your future projects! Here’s the video!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Okay so we have been getting quite a few views on our Youtube Channel for this video, “how to use emboss plus folders in Sizzix Big Shot and thought we would share it on our blog as well! If you have any other tips or methods of scrapbooking with die cutting machines you would like to know we would be HAPPY to do a video on it. Our thinking is if there is one crafter out there that wants to know, then most likely there are more!

This video below shows how you can easily use a cuttlebug emboss plus folder which will cut and emboss at the SAME TIME in a Sizzix Big Shot die cut & embossing machine:

Feel free to leave your comments on what else you would like to see! Big Shot PRO demo coming soon!!!

thanks!

Marcie

Okay, so it is Friday and I have come to a close (finally) of the virtual tour of CHA! Today’s stop- Sizzix! Oh my goodness they had some cute things! Please bear with me, because I am an expecting grandma, so when I looked at some of these projects, you can totally see where my brain was! Wouldn’t these first items be so cute in a baby nursery? I love these Bigz dies!

  Yummy goodies!

While we were there, me and Tauna had the opportunity to do a couple make ‘n takes with designer Karen Burniston who created the Pop ‘n Cuts dies which will be released soon! I can’t wait! We had so much fun using these dies!

I can’t wait to get my hands on the Pop ‘n Cuts dies! They are so much fun and so easy to make with the dies!

I hope that you have enjoyed my little virtual tour of CHA!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I’m off to CHA 2012!  Just a reminder that we will not be in the office for the next 2 days to answer phones, but we’ll all be back on Thursday will tons of information about the latest products! My head is already spinning!

We will be seeing all of your favorites, like Spellbinders, Sizzix, Quickutz, JustRite Stampers, Heartfelt Creations, etc.! I promise, my camera is packed and I will bring back pictures to show you!

I will be checking emails, so if you have questions, please email and I will get back with you as soon as possible!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

We are getting pretty excited around here for CHA Show!  Please make sure you check our site on Sunday, January 29th for more CHA Pre-Order releases from Spellbinders and more!

We don’t have a booth at the show, but we will be leaving for the show on Monday afternoon. We won’t be in the office Tuesday or Wednesday to answer the phone.  We will be checking our emails, so if you need to get in touch with us, please shoot us an email!

I can’t wait to see all of the fabulous new products that the manufacturers have come up with to help us create! They are as passionate about the products they produce as we are about the projects we make with them. There are so many wonderful things to see and learn!

I am going to hit as many demos as I can so I will be able to pass on the information to you. We’ll be shooting video and getting that on our site as quickly as possible for you to watch. Busy, busy!

I am hoping to get another picture with Tim Holtz in the Sizzix booth, because he is one of my creative heros. Let’s see…. Donna Salazar, Jennifer McGuire and Teresa Collins will be there to see too! They are my celebrities and I look up to them for creative inspiration! It is all crazy fun! (Okay, so it is work to, but I do have a fun job!)

Don’t forget to check in on Sunday!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I am thrilled that so many of you followed our Spellbinders Blog Frenzy the past eight days! We saw some really fun things and I know that you have the wheels spinning with your own ideas of what you can do with the new dies! Today, I would like to get back to items we have available now and show you some Quickutz and Sizzix dies.

I belong to a scrapbook page exchange group which by chance, consists of family and extended family members. There are currently 10 of us that meet once every three months and exchange 2 page layouts. We design one idea 10 times and once the swap is over, we have 10 different layouts! It has been a lot of fun to do this. Not only do we get the pages, but we have gained relationships that are invaluable! I love these ladies!

I have my own guest designer today! My daughter- Stacy Anderson is in the group and I wanted to show you her layout for our upcoming exchange. She has animals on her mind since she wants to redo her children’s room in monkeys and bears. Her “It’s a Jungle” layout is adorable!

She used pattern paper with a leaf pattern on one page and plain cardstock on the other.  She used the Cricut Animal Kingdom cartridge for the animals and title. She put each animal on a Sizzix 656931- Decorative Strip Paper Rosette and used Quickutz DC0157- Nesting Scallop Squares for her photo mats. She topped it off with leaves from  Spellbinders S4-328 Foliage.

I loved these so much that I told her that I wanted mine early so I could put them on the Blog and show all of you! They are so cute! I can’t wait to put pictures of my grandson on them. My daughter affectionately calls him her “little monkey” since (according to her) he feels like he must be swinging from her ribs!

I love incorporating dies from different manufacturers on my projects. You really have no limitations!

This wraps up a busy week for our Blog! I wish you all a wonderfully creative weekend!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie