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!

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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

I’m back in the office and ready for work! After helping my daughter for the last few days, it sure feels good to be able to sit while I work!  Today I am excited to tell you about a very handy platform system soon to be released, that I think will come in quite handy! The Genius Ultimate Platform System by Lifestyle Crafts!

What is the Genius Ultimate Platform System, and how does it work?

The Genius Ultimate Platform System is a new, innovative way to die cut and emboss! The kit comes with a brand new MAGNETIC platform.  It also includes two mats, one for embossing and one for cutting (see the chart below for more details on each mat).  The cutting mat is new and improved, longer-lasting with less curling. As a bonus, the kit includes a one-of-a-kind nesting die  (a $24.99 value).

Compatibility: This platform is compatible with the crafting/die-cutting tool you already own. It works in all leading die-cutting tools. No need to buy a completely new die-cutting system!

Magnetic platform: Your metal dies will stay in place for more accurate and efficient cutting.

Longer platform: The 6×13″ size is longer than leading platform systems. Fit more and larger dies in one roll through your machine.

Durable mats: These new and improved cutting/embossing mats are thicker, more durable, self-healing, and will last longer.

Grids: Each cutting mat includes a grid and centering ruler for accurate cutting and quick measuring.

This system is compatible with the following die cutting machines:

Epic Six Tool by Lifestyle Crafts

Sizzix Big Shot

Sizzix Vagabond by Tim Holtz

Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

Evolution by Lifestyle Crafts (debuting this spring)

We are expecting this system to become available to order in the next few weeks, so keep an eye on our website for more information!

Thanks for your sweet comments and your patience while I was away!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

It’s a boy! I am the very proud grandma of a very handsome baby boy! I just want to give you a heads up that I will not be in the office to answer phone calls March 22 & 23 due to this new addition to my daughters family. I will be checking my emails, so if you need to contact us over the next few days with your paper crafting needs, please email and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

I will be back in the office on Monday, March 26th.

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

Time and Time again we have been asked if we are ever going to carry Cricut Machines and cartridges and we are now pleased to tell our customers yes! We now carry three Cricut machines and 50 of Provo Crafts top selling cartridges! It is so exciting, because we have been wanting to do this for a very long time, but have not been able to compete with other retailers. Thank goodness that things have changed!

Here’s a little run down on the 3 machines that we carry at this time:

Cricut Expression- The Cricut Expression from Provocraft is a 24″ Personal Electronic Cutter and the latest addition to the Cricut cutting system. With two new cutting mats measuring 12 x 12″ and 12 x 24″, you can now cut characters from 0.25″ up to an impressive 23.5″ Six new modes and several new functions offer greater customization of cuts, and new settings allow different units of measurement and languages. The Cricut Expression machine accepts the existing line of Cricut cartridges, replacing the need to collect hundreds of heavy die cuts. Use the Cricut Expression machine in your classroom, office, craft space, or home! It includes two cartridges: Plantin Schoolbook Font and Accent Essentials shape sampler to get you started and one 12×12″ cutting mat.

Features:

Mix and match creative features in the same cut
Use the entire library of existing Cricut cartridges
Cut portrait or landscape
Mat sizes 12 x 12″ or 12 x 24″
No computer necessary
Change settings such as language and units of measure
New LCD screen that shows exactly what you’re typing for your next cut

Cricut Expression 2- With the Cricut Expression 2 from Provocraft, you will be able to bring all those wonderful ideas swirling around inside to life, because it’s chock-full of all-new features to love. Cricut Expression 2 is perfect for new and not-quite-so-new users alike — it’s easy and fun to use for all your personal creative projects. A sleek, new exterior and thoughtful innovations make Cricut Expression 2 a must-have for any craft room.

Each Cricut Expression 2 comes with 2 cartridges already loaded on your machine:

Cricut Alphabet Cartridge: Your words never looked so good. Whatever the message may be, this font cartridge, with its set of letters, numbers, and designs, is sure to help your writing jump right off the page.

Cricut Essentials Cartridge: Dress up any of your projects with this multipurpose cartridge. With it, you will have access to hundreds of shapes, designs, and artwork to inspire a new creation or even apply the finishing touches on something you’ve already started.

You’ll enjoy these great features and many more:

Sleeker design with all-new colors and finishes
Cuts with all Cricut and Cricut Imagine cartridges
Wireless compatibility (optional accessories)
Full-color LCD touch screen display with stylus
No keypad overlay required
Mat preview
Material setting
Cutting area light
Exclusive cartridge content preloaded on the machine
Swappable side-trim pieces
Settings menu

Cricut Mini Electronic Cutting Machine- The Cricut Mini Electronic Cutting Machine from Provocraft is perfect for making do-it-yourself projects with paper, vinyl, fabric, sticker paper, and other materials. Just connect the machine to your computer and the free Cricut Craft Room design tool for endless creative possibilities. The Cricut Mini machine works with both Windows and Mac operating systems and is small and lightweight for space savings. This machine will cut shapes from 1/4″ up to 11 1/4″ on a 8 1/2 x 12″ cutting mat. With the Cricut Mini machine, it’s easier than ever to make projects and be more creative!

Cut shapes and fonts from 1/4 up to 11 1/4″
Works with Mac or Windows computers
Connects to the free Cricut Craft Room design tool for endless creative possibilities
Cut paper, vinyl, fabric, sticker paper, and many other materials
Small and lightweight for space savings

*Please note- The VIP coupon is not available on Provo Craft products which include Cricut items.

**INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: You will need a universal adaptor for your electric supply for these machines (sold separately).

As I said before, we are VERY excited to be carrying these products! If you have a particular cartridge you want and we don‘t have it on our site, we will be happy to add it. Eventually we will have everything, but for now this is what we are carrying.

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Which One Is Right for You? The Provo Craft Cricut OR the Silhouette Cameo. Here is some info that might help you out! Lets start the battle Cricut versus Cameo round ONE!

You might have noticed in our online store that we are now carrying Cricut machines and Cartridges. We have always carried Provo Craft’s line of Cuttlebug embossing folders and their version 2 of the cuttlebug, but held off for years on carrying the cricut line due to unfair competition. However, things have changed over at Provo Craft and we are pleased to be working more closely with them than ever. We will leave it at that & simply say that we are excited to carry Provo craft’s most popular machine the Cricut Expression and all their cartridges at unbelievable prices.

The purpose of this blog post however, is to compare some of the differences between the Cricut and the Silhouette Cameo that perhaps you the crafter may not have thought of. Let me start out by saying that both of these die cutting machines are “hot” on the market and both are a scrapbookers dream come true for those that like a little software hands off approach per se.

Let’s start talking about the Cricut first & then finish with the Cameo:

Cricut Expression made and designed by Provo Craft is an electronic cutter with two cutting measurements offered which are 12×12 inch and 12×24 inch. You can cut out dies from .25 inch up to 23.5 inches. Which is absolutely huge! This machine accepts all cricut cartridges, which can be benefical if you don’t want to be collection hundreds of scrapbook dies. It’s space saving design is very much similar to small deskjet printer. It comes with different customization of cutting and settings to permit different languages & units of measurements. When you flip the lid open on the cricut expression you will see a very NICE LCD screen for easy viewing and all your keyboard options. Now here is probably the major difference from the Silhouette Cameo is that there is NO computer necessary. This is a stand alone and functioning craft machine! Click here to see these tools. PRICE: $199.99 on CutAtHome.com

Next we have the all NEW Silhouette Cameo designed by Silhouette America. This is a redesign from the first release of the Silhouette SD digital craft cutter. This redesign initiated the new company and branched from Quickutz. There are some big updates that were made to improve this die cutting tool. Lets go through them. First off it is an electronic cutting tool as well meaning no roller mechanism and needs to obviously be plugged in as with the Expression. It is similar to a home printer in that the Cameo plugs directly into your PC or Mac computer with the use of a USB cable. Using a small blade or pen (if you want to draw the design. See pens here) to cut paper cardstock, vinyl, fabric, and more. It will cut up to 12 inches wide and 10 FEET long. The motor is impressively quiet. There are no cartridges used with this machine. The designs are ALL downloadable! so you are neither collection die cuts nor cartridges. Click Here to see the Cameo. PRICE: $269.99  on CutAtHome.com.

So as you can see their are some very OBVIOUS differences between these two die cutting tools. Here is my one thought I leave with you and the question you need to ponder if you are deciding between the two:

DO YOU WANT TO SCRAPBOOK VIA COMPUTER OR NOT?

The reason I pose this question is the Cricut was designed around the working woman. One that is on a computer all day at work and the last thing she wants to do is sit at home & get back on that computer. On the contrary the Silhouette Cameo was made in mind with the crafter that does not really want the hands on experience and would rather have a tool that allows one to do their owny vinyl lettering easily or paper projects through a computer that is a stay at home mom or their job does not require 9-5 computer all day. They BOTH are different in purpose and why I posed the question as such.

See ALL die cutting & embossing machines! You will then be able to see pricing,more details, and most importanly make the best decision possible of which die cutting machine is right for you. YOu may also be interested in watching these videos below as it goes through a few that are out there on the market! Simply click on the link and you will be taken to our youtube channel.

Which Die Cutting Tool is right for you

I hope this was helpful and please feel free to LEAVE A COMMENT below on which one you like the BEST and WHY! We want to hear about it.

Marcie

Have you got your hands on the newest Spellbinders dies yet? Oh my goodness, they just keep getting better! Today I want to show you a peek of the Antique Frame & Accents die. Very pretty! I really like the Accents and Motifs collection. They are all so intricate and elegant. If you are using these, you will want to give yourself a little more time to work the paper from your die. Being impatient may lead to torn die cuts! I like a pointed tool, such as a Quickstik, paper piercer (careful not to poke through your paper), or craft tweezers to assist in popping out my die cut.

The other materials I used for the front of my card are:

DCWV MS-003-00095-Chateau Lavender Mat Stack

DCWV MS-003-00096-Chateau Lavender Solid Cardstock Mat Stack

(Click HERE for Chateau Lavender products)

Inside I stamped the word and flourish with Heartfelt Creations HCPC 3449-Door To My Heart with Basic Brown stamp pad from Stampin’ Up and HCPD 3435-Feather Grass Flourish with a Versa Mark Pad, Tim Holtz Distress Ink-Antique Linen.

I know you are having as much fun as I am with your new dies! It is always fun getting something new and exciting to play with in the mail!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Can you smell it? Spring is in the air and there are signs everywhere! Green grass is peeking through, tulips have broken the ground and the sun is feeling a bit warmer. Ahhh…. it feels so good to be warming up and know that pretty flowers will soon be adorning the beds in all their colorful glory! Quickutz Blossom Collection has just been released to bring us a touch of spring right to craft space! Create your own floral arrangements complete with birds, butterflies and bees that will last!

There are six dies in this collection as follows:

Beehive-DD0292

Bird-DS0293

Bloom-DR0295

Butterfly-DR0296

Leaf-DS0291

Spring Flowers-DR0297

These dies are perforated to allow easy folding for more dimension to your projects! Here are a few card samples, compliments of the designers at Quickutz!

You can view these all on our website today!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Hooray! The day we have all been waiting for has FINALLY arrived! We have just received our first shipment of the new Spellbinders dies! We are crazy busy getting pre-orders shipped as fast as humanly possible!

We also received another shipment with the Silhouette Cameo, so they are shipping now also!

We want to thank all of you who have been patiently waiting! We understand how hard it is to wait (seriously, my own personal order was right in their will the rest!).  We do want to mention, that if your order is not shipped with this first wave,  we have more coming!

As I have mentioned before, we fill orders in order of arrival, according to product availability.It is very difficult to project product popularity (especially with brand new items), If we did not project enough of a particular item with our initial CHA order, we have kept a close eye on the new products and continued to order more to meet product demands. These orders will soon follow!

You are always welcome to contact us for an order status update by email or phone!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I am having a great time with the new Spellbinders Cut, Fold & Tuck dies! I just can not believe they are so easy to use, but the results are incredible!

You can use them with single or double sided paper, depending on the contrast you are trying to achieve. Try stamping a background on your paper then cut and fold to give a more unique appearance.  Add ink, glitter mist, bling-you name it!

My son came in as I was adding the finishing touches to my card. He told me it looked complicated. HA! Boy, was he wrong! That’s the beauty of these dies. They look hard, but they are SO easy! This is the card he was referring to:

Project Recipe:

S5-115 Spellbinders Round About

S4-362 Spellbinders Ribbon Buckles

FEPAD012 First Edition Desert Blooms

6079 Want2Scrap Baby Bling-Le Creme

4032 Want2Scrap 7c ct Pearls-Le Creme

We are expecting our shipment of the Spellbinders new CHA release either today or tomorrow! As soon as it arrives we will begin shipping Pre-Orders!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

This is for all of my fellow paper junkies out there! I want to get the word out about First Edition Paper Pads. I got my order in the other day…..  I seriously ordered one of everything because I couldn’t make a rational decision between them! (I loose all self control when it comes to paper- what can I say!) I went through every pad an literally ooed and awed over every page!

Then, my daughter surprised me by coming home unexpected, walking in on my private drooling session. She laughed at me sitting on the floor, surrounded by paper, until she picked up one of the pads. Yep- you guessed it, she joined in on the admiration of these beautiful pages! She was quite smitten with them as well. They are absolutely delightful, and I get warm fuzzies just looking at them!

Can I tell you a secret? Well, I have a problem. Sometimes I buy paper just to look at it because it is so pretty! I really intend on using it, but I have in my head that it should be used for something REALLY special and then I never use it. Sad, I know.  So, I challenged myself to start using this paper right away, so I wouldn’t be tempted to tuck it away until it was outdated! I mean, every moment is special, right? So, I got right on it, pulled out my latest Quickutz dies and some pictures, then started to play!These are separate pages, not a coordinating layout.

Project Recipe:

FEPAD019 Hideaway 12×12 Paper Pad

DR0247 Floral Doily

DC0250 Petite Petals

DA0081 Handmade Alphabet

Bazzill Cardstock

1/8″ Scor-Tape

Buttons & ribbon

For the corners, I took a Floral Doily and cut it in fourths.

I know you will have just as much fun as I did with the First Edition paper!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

We are so pleased to bring you more Tim Holtz products! We have been carrying his dies from Sizzix for some time, but we have now brought on more products, so he now has his own category on our site. This should make it MUCH easier for you to find the products from Tim!

We now carry Distress Ink pads! These are wonderful for all of your distressing needs. They stay damp longer than regular ink pads, so they are great for embossing and blending as well as so many other techniques! They also don’t dry up as fast as other ink pads, so they have a longer storage life!

Tim’s brand new Distress Markers Set is now available for pre-order! These are fabulous! They are dual tipped, so you get a paint tip on one end and a fine tip on the other. He has designed the fine tip with a plastic tip, so it will stay fine no matter how often you use it! No more frayed fine tip! Great for journaling as well as  coloring large areas, embossing or stamping!

Are you looking for Tim’s Paper, Grunge Board, Grunge Paper, Kraft Glassine? We now carry all of these products! Ya-hoo!

We will be carrying his new Eclips Cartridges which will coordinate with the Sizzix Eclips Machine as soon as they become available this spring (we have heard April)! These cartridges will allow you to stamp the images that are on the cartridge, then cut them out with the machine! So cool!

Last, but not least, we still have all of the same great Tim Holtz dies from Sizzix, but you can now find them under our Tim Holtz category instead of Sizzix.

I am so excited to have more of Tim’s items available on our site! He is one talented and popular guy!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Woo-Hoo! It is a new month and time for a new Spellbinders PageMaps by Becky Fleck release! I am so excited to see this one! Labels and Tags is such a fun set to add to any collection. With tags, labels, tickets and mini tickets, it is sure to be one that will get used often!

Take a look at this adorable card Becky did with the Labels and Tags. Great work Becky!

S5-094 Labels & Tags

I really look forward to the first of each month to see the new release and also for the Cut@Home VIP 40% coupon! (If you want to know more details about the coupon, please view our FAQs page)

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Found a new product? Project ideas popping out of control in your head and you have to have that item right away before you forget all of these great ideas? You may even have deadlines for the projects you are working on and need a certain item fast. Trust me, I understand completely, because I am the same way! I want it NOW!

I would like to let you know that all of us at Cut@Home are hard at work trying to get orders out as quickly as possible everyday! I would like to give you a little background about how we fill orders and ship.

We fill orders in the order in which they are received. If all items on your order are on our shipping facility shelves we will have it shipped within 24-48 hours of receipt. However, if an item on your order is not on our shelves at the time of the order, your order will go into Pending Status and will ship as soon as all items are available which usually takes 5-14 days. Items that are available for your order will be held for your order until the remaining item(s) arrive. We can not split shipments as we ship from a shipping facility.

We work hard to keep a well stocked inventory and we are constantly ordering and receiving shipments from our vendors to replenish our inventory. With a worldwide customer base, it is sometimes difficult for our vendors (as well as ourselves) to project product popularity, and some items may take longer to arrive than others. Many times we don’t know that an item is not coming in until our shipment arrives and item has not been included. In these instances, we try to notify our customers as soon as possible. We will also look elsewhere for the delayed item, so we can get it in as soon as possible.

Our customers are always welcome to call or email us about an order status and we are happy to assist you!

We ask that customers read our Shipping Policy so that you know what to expect if your order is not shipped within 24-48 hours of order date. It is a good policy to read no matter where you order from online.

We are currently shipping the new Graphic 45 CHA release, however, we have had a slight glitch in our  computer inventory system with a few items. We are hoping to have this resolved by tomorrow so we can finish shipping the rest of our pre-orders! We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter! Computers are wonderful to have MOST of the time!

I hope this helps answer any questions you may have concerning our shipping process. If you have an other questions or concerns, please let us know!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie