I thought that I would take today’s blog to spotlight one of my favorite little machines! Provo Craft Cuttlebug Machine V2!  This machine is very similar to the older version which it replaced. It has the same sleek design and works the same as the older model, however, Provo Craft says it is more durable with its stronger outer casing and metal handle. It has an easy carrying handle making it very portable.

This little guy is a worker! It is the smallest machine I have, but definitely the most used! It is very user friendly and is great to take to crops, as the design enables it to fold up and take up very little space. With buying the extended 13″ plates, there are not many things that I can’t do with it! Use it for all your card making and scrapbooking die cutting or embossing projects!

With it’s 6 inch opening, it is compatible with QuicKutz, Boss Kut, Spellbinders, and Sizzix dies and embossing folders. It is NOT compatible with Spellbinders Grand dies or Sizzix Bigz Pro dies.

Tip: Keep one B Cutting Pad dedicated as your top plate for cutting and embossing. This will help the Adaptor C and other B Cutting Pad last much longer so you are not replacing them as often! The top pad will get really warped and ugly, but don’t worry! Just keep flipping it over and over and it will become your most loved (but ugly) plate! you won’t want to be without it! It should last quite a long time, but once it breaks, you will need to replace it, so I suggest having spares on hand. You can bet that it will break late at night, right in the middle of an important project, so it is important to have one handy!

If handled properly, the A Spacer Plate should last as long as your machine, however, we do carry replacements of all the standard and extended plates JUST IN CASE!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Today I would like to introduce the QuicKutz Tropical Splash Collection if you haven’t seen it already! Perfect for summer layouts, party invitations, and even party favors! There is so much you can create with this fun collection! There is a variety of sizes in this collection from 2 x 2 wafer dies to 12″ cookie cutter dies. The darling Tiki Alphabet is on a 4 x 8 plate with letters measuring approximately 1/2″ tall.

If you are planning a summer party or luau you can create your own Drink Umbrellas, Lantern, and even a Lei or two (or 50!).

My family is big into water sports so I have a ton of pictures at lakes or the ocean and this collection is perfect for my scrap room! Maybe I can get all those pages done that I have been putting off! At least I got a start with the pages below!

For my first page I used my Big Shot Pro with the Bigz Pro Die Circle Ribbon, then I used the Epic Six to cut the Surfboards and Tiki Sign which is included in the Tiki Alphabet used for the letters.  The Hibiscus were cut from the Hibiscus border.

For my next page I used the full Hibiscus border on the top then cut up another one for the pieces on the bottom.  The palm leaves are cut from the Tropical Tags die and attatched with a copper brad.

You can use the Hibiscus die and other 12″ dies  in the Cuttlebug V2, Big Shot or Vagabond by Tim Holtz using extended plates! If you plan to use your Big Shot Pro Machine with these dies or any wafer thin die, you will need the Big Shot Pro Solo Platform, Shim & Wafer Thin Die Adapter.

Here’s a look at some of the displays QuicKutz had in their booth at CHA!

I hope this gives you some inspiration for future projects! It is always fun to see someone else’s spin with a product!  QuicKutz inspired me to start die cutting and I have been an addict ever since!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I appreciate when customers email with questions concerning products that I can use on our Blog! One of our customers asked today for ideas using Spellbinders Borderabilities Dies. She also asked if she could use the 12″ Borderabilities Grand in her Cuttlebug Machine even though she did not have the Extended Cutting Mats.

Yes!  You can use the 12″  Grand Dies with standard plates if you are just needing a portion for a card or something short! Just make sure that you don’t bend the die where it is hanging over the edge!

If you do have the extended plates, you can cut the die cut to the length you need for layouts, cards, banners or other projects!

The Borderabilities  Petite generally come with 2 dies. One of the dies usually comes with only one cutting edge for a nice card border,  called an Accent Die. The Accent cuts the bottom edge and embosses the upper edge.while the other Border Die cuts and embosses on all sides for an actual border that you can place anywhere you choose!

You can also use these dies in the Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Big Shot Pro Machine, Vagabond by Tim Holtz,  QuicKutz Epic Six Tool, and of course, the Spellbinders Grand Calibur!

You can use these dies any way you want, the idea is to PLAY! That is the whole idea in creativity! See how many ways you can use them! Let the kids use the dies to decorate soup can pencil holders for their teachers, or for their homework binders to dress them up for school! That will keep them busy during the hot summer afternoons when they “are bored” because it is to hot to go outside!

Okay, so I have to share with you this incredibly fun idea that one of our local customers shared with me today! Using the Heartfelt Creations exclusive Spellbinders Die- Daisy Patch and her die cutting machine,  she has made these adorable hair bows out of soda cans! Amazingly, the cans do not dull the dies and are not sharp once the shapes have been cut! Awesome!

Laura started her hair bow business only 3 weeks ago and her hair bows have literally blossomed on Facebook! She is a stay at home mom who also runs a daycare out of her home! Wanting to bring in more income, she decided to try the hair bows after a friend had given her daughter a similar bow. Just by putting pictures on Facebook, they have taken off! I can see why! They are adorable!

If you are interested in Laura’s Soda Can Hair Bows you can email her at palagonzo@hotmail.com or call 801-870-3665. They are priced at $4.00 ea. or 3 for $10.00.

You can let her know what colors you would like! She will find a can to match!

Here are are just a few examples:

Thanks Laura for you fabulous idea! Good luck in your new business!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

If you are a scrapbooker you already know that borders are a wonderfully quick and easy way to embellish your pages! Well, we have a  border die from Quickutz on sale for those Easter and layouts that you are planning to do!

Quickutz Easter Egg Border is a 12″ border dies that is perfect for layouts! It can be cut down to shorter lengths for smaller layouts or cards (think ahead)! On sale for the amazingly low price of $8.99 from the Retail Price of $24.99! This is a steal of a deal!

It can be used in the Quickutz , Epic Six Tool, Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Provocraft Cuttlebug Machine V2 using extended 13″ plates! They can also be used in the Big Shot Pro Machine as well as Spellbinders Grand Calibur!

For some added dimention and springtime embellishment, why not add some Petaloo flowers! At 40% off you’ll want to gather them up as fast as you can! These are offered at this incredible sale price while supplies last!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Wow! Mother’s Day is right on our doorstep! Can you believe it? I can’t! I feel like we just barely had Easter…oh wait, we did! I don’t know about you, but I had better get crackin’ on a gift for Mom!

My mom is a scrapbooker, so she would like just about anything that has to do with scrapbooking! Why don’t you come shopping with me to see what I can find that would make great gifts for her special day!

She has tons of pictures to still put in albums as she has 10 children (I am the oldest) and 34 grandchildren, so I think I will start with the basics. Paper! She has 7 sons and lots of grandsons, so the All About Boys Paper Stack from DCWV or Alphabet Soup Boy from My Minds Eye are a great start for the boys! A Proper Gentleman 8×8 by Graphic 45 works well for all of her masculine photos.

For the feminine side, we will start with DCWV All About Girls Paper Stack,  Blossoms and Butterflies Paper Stack, Garden Party Paper Stack, or Pocket Full of Posies Paper Stack to name just a few!

She has a Cuttlebug, and loves die cutting! Let’s move over to the dies to see what we can find! Spellbinders dies are always a perfect gift! She and I have very similar taste, so I think I will go with a couple of my favorites! Labels Twenty, Lacey Circles, Lacey Squares, Lacey Ovals (okay, so I like lacey!), Floral Doily Accents and Floral Doily Motifs as well as the Parisian Accents and Parisian Motifs! Well, that is more than a couple, but maybe we can keep some of these in mind for her birthday or Christmas! I could shop forever in Spellbinders!

She would love Quickutz Anime Monkey to scrap some of her younger grandchildren! Or the Mixing Bowl and Spoon for those moments making cookies with the grandkids!

Heartfelt Creations, Just Rite Stampers and Sparkle N Sprinkle all have stamps that are fabulous to give her or buy for myself to make her card with! They all have stamps that coordinate with Spellbinders dies! Want2Scrap has Nestabling to go with!

Whew! This shopping trip could last a long time if we got into the nitty-gritty of adhesives, embossing folders, foils, flowers, etc.! I think I will let you shop for yourselves now! I have a pretty good idea of what I will end up with! Have fun!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I have had numerous questions about the use of Provo Craft Cuttlebug Embossing Folders with the Spellbinders Grand Calibur! I decided to post your answer on our Blog today!

Start with the A Base Plate on the bottom. Place the folder (with cardstock inside) on top of the A Base Plate and cover with the Tan Embossing Mat then the W-025 Raspberry Spacer Plate (otherwise known as the Sizzix Original Cut Mat). Insert into the front of the Grand Calibur. Turn the handle until the sandwich exits at the back of the machine!

Since the Cuttlebug Embossing Folders are the same thickness as Quickutz Embossing Folders and Sizzix Textured Impressions, they should all work in the Grand Calibur the same! The only exceptions may be the 12″ folders. You may have to run them through twice in order to get the whole thing.

REMEMBER to NEVER force anything through your Machine!

Now you can use your Grand Calibur Machine and CB Embossing Folders to emboss those special cards for Mother’s Day!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Hooray! We just received Some Sizzix items that have been back ordered for some time! We are happy to announce that the following items are back in stock:

656640-Tattered Florals by the ever popular Tim Holtz. Just in time for spring, these flowers are absolutely gorgeous! They are big sellers and I’m sure that you can see why! Everyone loves handmade flowers! Order yours now while we have them in stock!

657177- Mini Paper Rosettes die showcases the bold and edgy style of Tim Holtz. You receive two different sizes of rosettes: 2 1/8″ and 1 3/4″. This Decorative Strip die measures 12 5/8″ and is compatible with the BIGkick, Big Shot and Vagabond machines (with the Extended Spacer Platform and a pair of 13″ Cutting Pads). You can also use this die in Provo Craft’s Cuttlebug with 13″ Cutting Pads. This die coordinates with the 656931 Paper Rosettes die which is a HUGE seller, so this one should do just as well! We currently have a large stock of these items, but they won’t last!

656469-Fall Set Textured Impressions from artist Rachael Bright was a summer 2010 CHA release that sold out before fall even got here! It has been on back order for over seven months! Get yours now so you will be sure to have one when you are ready to make your fall and Thanksgiving cards and layouts! This set is absolutely beautiful and is sure to sell just as fast this year!

Don’t wait to order these items! If you wait, you may wish that you would have jumped at the chance sooner!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Today I want to show you the adorable new QuicKutz Whirlpool Alphabet! I have a weakness for swirls! The more swirly the better as far as I am concerned! This alphabet is so dang cute! You get 65 dies in upper and lower case letters, numbers and punctuation! The letters are approximately 1″ tall and come in strands held together with the tiny tabs that I mentioned yesterday with the Blue Sky Alphabet. This is the same with the new Carousel and Handmade Alphabets. I used my Cuttlebug with my extended 6 x 13″ Cutting Mats to cut a bunch out at once!

There are so many ways you can use this on both cards and layouts! Spring, Summer, Water play, Easter, oh goodness, you name it! I can’t wait to get some spring pictures of my granddaughter with flowers to use it with! I happen to think that flowers and swirls naturally go together.  I also think that swirls go with water, and considering the name of this alphabet, I thought it appropriate to use it on my layout of our dive trip to Sand Hollow with my brother-in-law.

My supplies consisted of the following:

Bazzill Cardstock, pattern paper, Fiskers Wave Border Punch, 3L Scrapbook Adhesives EZ-Runner (can’t live without it!), Spellbinders Reverse Wonky Rectangles, Anchor and Fin Eyelets, DCWV Shimmer Mat Stack and QuicKutz Whirlpool Alphabet.

I’m sure that you can think of a million ideas that you can use this alphabet on! Fun stuff!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

We are so excited to have received the new Sizzix Textured Embossing Folders! We Oooed and Ahhhed over them while deciding which were our favorites! Now, I can tell you, that was hard! They are all gorgeous!

I love the embossing folders for making quick cards! You are probably starting to realize that I am all about quick! Sometimes I feel like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, always in a hurry because I might be late! Needless to say that quick works best for me! You will most likely see quick ideas from me on our BLOG because that is what I do best! (Or at least have time for)

For this card I used the damask folder from the Corners & Damask Set. I ran white card stock through my Cuttlebug Machine then ran a Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink all over the top, which helped bring out the design. The pattern strip is from Basic Grey’s Hello Luscious 6×6 Paper Pad with a strip of ribbon. I used 1″ Scor-Tape to adhere the strip and 1/2″ Scor-Tape to apply the ribbon. The tag is made from Spellbinder’s new CHA release Grommet Tags.

Using the corners folder of the Corners & Damask and both the DCWV Luxury Mat Stack and Linen Closet Solid Mat Stack, I made a quick wedding card! I finished it off with Spellbinder’s CHA Fancy Tags Two and Basic Grey’s Opaline Half Pearls!

For this next card I used a card from DCWV Latte Box of Cards and embossed the front with one of the Country & Flowering Foliage Set, the ran the card stock strip through with the other folder in the same set. I used another new CHA release, Labels Eighteen #3 die for the stamped greeting.

Last of all, I simply used two of the four folders in the Butterfly Migration Set for a simple, yet pretty “Thinking of You” card! I used a dauber to dab ink around the edges of the greeting and on the butterflies to create contrast to the rest of the card. 5 minutes tops!

I hope these give you an idea of how pretty these new Sizzix Embossing Folders are!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

One of the most frequent questions we receive is “What is the best scrapbook die cutting machine?”.  Basically, there is not a specific answer to this question, as it is purely personal preference!

We carry a variety of Die Cutting Machines to satisfy the versatility of our customers! You all are unique in your talents and have specific needs as to what  you like to work with, your work space and storage, to name just a few! We want you to have the best machine for you!

We mentioned the new Spellbinder’s Grand Calibur just a few days ago, so I suggest scrolling down to our Jan. 20th post for the latest information on cutting 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper! It is compatible with Sizzlits, Cuttlebug, and Quickutz dies, as well as Cuttlebug Embossing Folders and Fiskars Texture Plates.

Sizzix has several great machines! The Big Shot Pro will cut 12″ x 12″ paper! Constructed from industrial-strength materials, the Big Shot Pro Machine features a 13 inch wide opening to cut hundreds of materials.

The Big Shot is known for being the most versatile machine as far as cutting different materials on the market. This ultimate roller machine cuts everything from cardstock to fabric and many things in between.

The Sizzix Vagabond Machine inspired by Tim Holtz is a portable electronic die cutting and embossing machine. Resembling a well-traveled suitcase on the outside, the Vagabond Machine easily opens up to reveal a portable yet powerful machine that takes you to imaginative new places. It is the latest of their machines and has replaced the Big Shot Express. It has the ability to effortlessly cut and emboss many different materials and thicknesses.

Provo Craft’s popular Cuttlebug has an easy carrying handle making it very portable. The opening is six inches and works well with almost any die and embossing folder.

The Epic Six is the newest tabletop tool from QuicKutz! It both cuts and embosses all QuicKutz products as well as all other leading brand dies and embossing folders. One of its distinguishing features is that when used with the Letterpress Starter Kit you will be able to create beautiful letterpress art!

The Silhouette SD from Silhouette America is a digital cutting tool for personal use. It connects to your computer just like a printer, but instead of printing designs it cuts them with a small blade. With the machine connected to your computer, you’ll get access to all of the fonts on your PC plus the thousands of cuttable designs.

Making Memories Slice ELITE Cordless Digital Design Cutter has a hardware upgrade allows the ELITE to cut more precise, 40% faster and twice as deep. Cut textured cardstock, vellum, vinyl, acetate, foam sheets, thin metal sheets and photos up to 1mm thick. A large 2 inch window allows a preview of the shapes before cutting. Slice Elite weighs less than 2 pounds, measures less than 5 inch square and works with batteries or power cord.

For more information on these and other machines, click here – Die Cutting Machines. You can also watch videos on most of our machines here: Die-Cut Machines Video

I hope this helps you make your decision for the perfect machine for YOU!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’

Carrie

Many of you have expressed confusion about how to use the new Cuttlebug Embossing Folders Plus! We have posted a “How to” video on our site to help you as the instructions on the packaging are not very clear.

The most important thing to remember before beginning is to remove the cardboard backing by removing the two green tabs at the top! DO NOT TRY RUNNING THE FOLDER THROUGH YOUR MACHINE BEFORE DOING THIS! You could break your plates or your machine!

Once these are removed,  you can take the folder off of the backing and follow the instructions on the backing.

These are so fun and easy that we want you to have fun too!

Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

The Spellbinders Wizard Die Cutting Machine has a different style than the other machines out there with a rachet as the handle. Which mean you crank instead of roll to push the dies through. It allows 3000 lbs of pressure to make very thorough cuts and allows you to cut many different materials other than cardstock. It has many different plates and pads for cutting other consumer dies. On top of cutting and embossing the Wizard will let you emboss with brass stencils, charms, perform image transfers, set eyelets, smash bottlecaps and lots more. Spellbinders Paper Arts are proud of this versatile, user-friendly crafting tool.

To read more or purchase the Spellbinders Wizard click on the link below:
Spellbinders Raspberry Wizard
Spellbinders Nestabilities (40% off monthly coupon on all dies and nestabilities by Spellbinders. Join VIP club for details)

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View Spellbinders Wizard on youtube

This is such a wonderful idea by Holly from the Spellbinders Design Team. She uses the Big Scalloped Circles Large, Big Scalloped Circles Small, Standard Circles Large, Classic Scalloped Circle Large and the  Petite Scalloped Circle Large to make these great summer flowers!

I love how she uses the different media like cork, felt and the pages from an old book. With the Wizard die-cutting machine, you get 3000 lbs of pressure so you can cut felt, cork and smash bottle caps.

She also gives a good tip on how to make your vine pop out and look a little “weather beaten”. Using the On the Vine Border Grand, she sprays the paper with water then lets it dry.

This is what her finished page looks like:

Another fun idea using the On The Vine Border Grand is to cut the vine into sections for smaller projects or to use at the base of a flower.

This gorgeous card was designed by Spellbinders International Guest Blogger, Yvonne Hagane. She used the Labels Ten and the Flowers Creation die to create this eye catching flower. For the recipes and more information on the designs featured in my blog, please visit the Spellbinders blog.

Happy Scrappin!

Marcie

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you! I hope it is sunny and warm where you are and you have a really great weekend! To honor all you mother’s we decided to extend our Spellbinders sale through Mother’s Day. We have some really great Nestabilities on sale for 30-50% off as well as other dies, and 75% off alphabets.  The Wizard Die Cutting machine is also on sale for $69.99. We still have a good selection of the alphabets, and will continue to sell them at 75% off until they are gone. The Cuttlebug machine is also on sale for $52.99. We did our homework and we have the lowest price on the Internet now, so if you think you want one, now is the time to do it! Our The Robin’s Nest Dew Drops and Tear Drops are also on clearance, as well as a lot of the Petaloo Dazzlers and Flowers.  Take a look around. I am sure you will find something you HAVE to have

Have a good weekend!

Marcie

SPELLBINDERS PRESTO PUNCH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Here are some Questions and Answers about the Spellbinders Presto Punch that may be helpful:

Will the Punch templates for Presto Punch work in regular manual die cutting machines such as the Wizard?

The Punch templates are manufactured differently than our standard dies. The cut edges on the
punch templates are different and could cause them to cut (and stick) into the plates of a manual die cut machine, damaging the mats and potentially dulling the cut edge of the punch template. We do not recommend that the Punch Templates be used with any manual die cutting machine.

Can Spellbinders die templates be used in the Presto Punch machine?

The punching mechanism of the Presto Punch machine is designed for using the templates that are a part of the Presto Punch line. However, Spellbinders dies that are under 2 in. in size could work in the Presto Punch Machine. Results will vary and are not guaranteed. The Presto Punch is not designed for use with die cuts only Presto Punch Templates.

Why isn’t the Presto Punch designed for use with Spellbinder Die Templates?

The Presto Punch is a new tool designed as an alternative to traditional punches. Punch Templates are a great value and easier to store versus bulky, traditional punches. Thanks to their unique design, they emboss consistently without tearing paper or can emboss a shape on another punched shape. The Presto Punch machine offers automatic punching at the touch of a button and does not require the force of a traditional punch. It is also capable of accommodating thicker materials the most traditional punches cannot accommodate such as fun foam.

Spellbinders Paper Arts will continue to offer new innovative products in the die cutting category. If you currently use Spellbinders die templates in a manual die cut machine stay tuned as we continue to develop and offer new designs and solutions for die cutting.

What comes with the Presto Punch Machine?

The Presto Punch machine comes with 7 punch templates (shown below) covering popular punch
shapes. A Punch Booklet and Embossing Booklet are also included. Batteries or a power adapter are sold separately.