I love scrapbooking, but I must love taking pictures more, because I have literally HUNDREDS of photos still waiting to be put on pages, which makes this “Toadally” easy layout using the Silhouette Cameo wonderful, since I just don’t have the time to create fancy pages all of the time. I mean, who really does? Maybe a feature page once in a while, but heck, I would rather have my photos in books where the memories can be looked at instead of tucked away unnoticed in a box somewhere!

If you are in the same boat as I am, then I highly recommend getting together with some of your neighbors, friends or family to have a scrapbook exchange! I have mentioned this before, but I am telling you again, that it is very beneficial because you only have to come up with one idea, duplicate it times the number of people in your group. My group currently has 9, so when we exchange, I come away with 9 different ideas (including the one I did)! It’s great!

There have been a couple of women in our group who don’t really scrapbook, but they want to do their books, so their pages have been pretty simple. That is okay because I can always add embellishments if I want to spice them  up a little more! The whole point is to share ideas, layouts and each others company for a couple hours every 3 months!You can determine with your group how often you want to meet.

For my pages I used my Silhouette Cameo and purchased the Frog, Log and Dragonfly from the Silhouette Store. Total cost for those images was $2.97.  Not to shabby. I love that I can just purchase the images I want!

I purchased the pattern paper at our local Scrapbook Expo last month in packs of 25 from Doodlebug Design. I LOVED the frogs and had my layout epiphany when I spotted it. Unfortunately, I just did not have the time to do EVERYTHING I had planned for the layout, but that is just how life goes. I can add  to it later (if I remember). For the exchange, I don’t usually go all out anyway, because it’s a lot of work for that many pages.

I was so excited to receive my designer samples of the Die D-Lites from Spellbinders because low and behold, there were the S2-002 Cattails! PERFECT to use with my layout! I also used Spellbinders S4-385 Little Leaf Set on the log. Add a little ink, some eyes and red card stock behind the mouth as well as some photo mats to break up the pattern, and I called it good! In the end, all I really want is something fun to feature my “Toadally” cut grandkids!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

We are very excited to announce the upcoming release of our newest electronic cutting tool—the amazingly sleek, smaller Silhouette Portrait™. The Portrait is a smaller, lighter version of the popular Silhouette CAMEO®. But, while it’s smaller in size, the Portrait is feature-rich.

The Silhouette Portrait™ has the same motor and cutting mechanism as the CAMEO, yet the entire unit weighs only 3.5 pounds. The Portrait can cut all the same types of materials that the CAMEO can (including all Silhouette branded materials) and includes a cutting mat that will accept Letter (8.5 in x 11 in) and A4 sized sheet goods. Like the CAMEO, the portrait has an optical scanner so it can be used with a home printer to create print & cut projects. Of course, the Portrait also includes our powerful Silhouette Studio® software—allowing users to create their own designs and cut the fonts already installed on their computers.

Perhaps the most appealing feature of the new Silhouette Portrait™ is the low cost. With an MSRP of just $199.99, the Portrait will appeal to customers who want a quality electronic cutting tool at an amazing price.

Both the Silhouette Portrait™ and the Silhouette CAMEO® will be offered concurrently. That way, consumers can choose between the extra features of the CAMEO (wider cutting surface, LCD display, SD card compatibility) or the lower price and portability of the Portrait.

The Portrait connects to your computer, allowing you the freedom to cut all your own fonts, download thousands of designs from the Silhouette Online Store, or design shapes of your own with the included software.

The Portrait is designed around the standard 8.5 x 11″ dimensions of sheet materials. All Silhouette products, including heat transfer vinyl, are available in a size compatible with the Portrait. The Portrait can handle 9″ media but has an 8″ cutting area. The Portrait also has the same motor as the Cameo. This means it has the same cutting capabilities as the Cameo, including the cutting speed, down force pressure, 10 feet cutting length, and contour cutting ability!

The Silhouette Portrait ships with the following important items:

• Silhouette Portrait electronic die-cutting tool
• USB cable
• Instructional DVD
• 8 x 12″ cutting mat
• $10.00(USD) download card
• A/C adapter and power cable
• Silhouette Studio software.
• Compatible with XP/Vista/7 and Mac OS X 10.5.8 and higher
• Instruction manual
• Adjustable blade with ratchet cap
• 50 exclusive digital designs

Please note this is a special order item and cannot be returned or refunded.

Approximate size: 16.26 x 5.5 x 4.5″

If you have been searching for an affordable die cutting machine that will fit in a small space, with no need for cartridges or dies, which allows the freedom to cut your own images and fonts downloaded on your computer, this is the machine for you! This machine will enable you to create your scrapbook or card embellishments with minimal effort.

Available now for Pre-Order! You can pre-order the Silhouette Portrait HERE!

For more information about the Silhouett Portrait, please watch the following videos!

Here is a quick comparison between the Silhouette Cameo and Silhouette Portrait.

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Okay, so I have been asked many times if you can use wafer thin dies in the Sizzix Vagabond machine by Tim Holtz and the answer is YES! So we have two videos on how to use Spellbinders and Quickutz dies in the Vagabond along with other popular wafer thin dies!

You will need to purchase item #657160 Sizzix Solo Wafer Thin Die Adapter to be able to cut wafer thin dies in the Vagabond machine. You can find the Solo Platform & Shim HERE.

To emboss Spellbinders dies you will need either the #W-023 Spellbinders Tan Embossing Mats or #404 No More Shims Embossing Mat  to get that beautiful embossed die cut.

Cutting sandwich:

Solo Platform

Solo Shim

Solo Wafer Thin Die Adapter

Cutting Plate

Die

Paper or Card stock

Cutting Plate

Embossing sandwich for Spellbinders dies will vary depending on which embossing mat you choose to use.

For use with the W-023 Spellbinders Tan Embossing Mats- Remove Solo Wafer Thin Die Adapter from your sandwich and lay the mat on top of your die with the paper still inside of it. Replace top cutting pad on top of mat.

For use with the No More Shims Embossing Mat- Remove only the bottom cutting plate from the sandwich, add the mat on top of the die and paper, and replace top cutting plate on top of the mat.

It is very easy, but I have included both videos so you can see exactly how it is done. I just hope you are having a better day than I did on the day I shot these. I kept forgetting the bottom cutting plate! DUH!

This first one shows Quickutz and the second video demonstrates Spellbinders.

Have fun with your Vagabond machine and those wafer thin dies!

Comon’ back tomorrow for more pics and videos from the CHA Show!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Wow! We have gotten an absolutely phenomenal response in pre-orders for the Silhouette Cameo! We have filled our first scheduled shipment coming in next week and are currently filling the second shipment scheduled for the first week in November! That is awesome!

I am so excited to get this machine in! I got to see it at CHA in July and I was really impressed with the size and its capabilities! It is really a fabulous machine! I was really impressed with the capability to make your own paper lace for scrapbooking as well as the larger size for vinyl decor. It was really exciting!

If you are wanting to order this machine in time for Christmas, now is the time to get your order in as Silhouette America is now giving us an ETA of the first week in November depending on the number of orders. It could soon be the second week in November and so on!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Are you ready for this? We are busy getting ready for our first shipment of Silhouette Cameo’s from Silhouette America to arrive! They will be shipping to us the end of this week-beginning of next. If you haven’t got your pre-order in, you will want to order right away because Pre-orders ship first!

We are so excited for this machine as it is an electronic cutting tool for personal use. Like a home printer, it plugs into your PC or Mac with a simple USB cable. However, instead of printing it uses a small blade to cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric and more up to 12″ wide and 10 feet long. The machine also boasts a quiet motor and the ability to register and cut printed materials. Now, that is one handy machine!

It comes with the following items:

Silhouette electronic cutting tool
Silhouette Studio® software for Windows XP/Vista/7 and Mac OS X 10.5.8 and higher
51 exclusive cuttable designs
Power cable, USB cable
12″ cutting mat
Cutting blade
$10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store
basic instruction guide

*Please note this is a special order item and cannot be returned or refunded.

I have friends who own the Silhouette SD and they love their machines, but the Cameo will be able to do so much more with the 12″ cutting surface! This is really an amazing machine and we offer it at an amazing price of $269.99! Need I say more?

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I get a lot of questions about the Making Memories Slice Machines from customers, so I thought that it may be helpful for you if I put some of the most commonly asked questions and answers in the Blog today. I hope that this will be informative for those who are looking to buy one of these machines and for those who own one, but have questions!

The most frequently asked question comes from our wonderful International customers!  They want to know if they can buy the Slice Machines from the US even though there are machines made specifically for 220v that are available in their own country?

Answer: Making Memories does not recommend that you purchase the machines made for the US as the power sources are different.  Using a US machine made for 110v with a power adapter for 220v will void the warranty! We recommend that you purchase these particular machines in your own country so you will have the benefits of your warranty if something does go wrong!

Question: What is the difference between the Slice and Slice Elite Cordless Digital Design Cutter?

Answer: The Slice Elite has a hardware upgrade which 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. Cut 1 inch to 4 inch designs in 1/2 inch increments anywhere on any size media. Scroll through hundreds of designs with the push of a button; a large 2 inch window allows a preview of the shapes before cutting.

Question: Can the Slice Design Cards be used with all of the  Slice Design Cutters?

Answer: Yes! All of the Design Cards can be used in any of the Design Cutters, although some of the more intricate paper designs may not cut well with fabric.

Question: Can the Slice Elite cut Fabric or Felt?

Answer: Yes! You will want to use the Slice Fusible Web (sold separately) to hold the shape of the fabric while cutting.

Basically, the Slice Elite and Slice Fabrique Cordless Fabric Cutter are the same machine, but the Fabrique was designed for the Quilting market.

I hope this answers some of your questions about the different Slice Machines!

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 am so thrilled to introduce the Decorative Lace Border Die! It is a custom Heartfelt Creations Die manufactured by Spellbinders. This die coordinates with the Wedding Collection stamps. This die has more intricate details, so if you have a “loose” machine, you will have to cut a couple times. You will need to run it through your machine and cut once and then turn it 90 degrees and cut again.

I actually ran it 3-4 times through my Cuttlebug Machine then turned it before running it through 3-4 more times just to make sure! It is well worth the extra time it takes to cut it out! You will want to have either a QuickStik from QuicKutz, Pick Me Up from Silhouette, or pair of skinny craft tweezers to more easily poke through the holes! I love this die!

Since this is the season for weddings, I created an A2 wedding card using the Decorative Lace Border and Heartfelt Creations Bella Rose Scroll stamp set. I scored my card stock using my Scor-Pal for an accurate fold. I used 1/8″ Scor-Tape along the main lines of the die cut and ribbon to place on my card. A little chalk to add color to the roses then I used foam adhesive squares just on the top of the scroll to give the some dimension.

I don’t consider myself a designer, but I definitely have fun trying! I love playing with all of the fantastic products we carry and showing off the finished project! My family gets pretty tired of me showing them. They tell me it’s fine without even looking at it! Can you relate? I thought so! Of course I’m the mom, so I rant an rave over their stuff! I guess that is just how it goes.

I hope that you all have a great weekend! Better get lots of sleep, because we will have lots to show you next week after CHA! You may have to stay up nights just to see all the new stuff!!!!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

The new QuicKutz dies are out and are a big hit! If you have a party in your plans, you should really consider some of these new dies! I decided to take a few minutes and play with a couple over the weekend!

My neighbor’s birthday is the 4th of July. I was out of town for most of the weekend, but when I got back I wanted to give her a little something! I used the Gift Bag Cookie Cutter die, cutting it out with my Epic Six Tool. I stuck a flower and a button on the front, some candy inside and put it with a card and I was done! It made a cute gift in minutes!

Next, I used the Cracker Box die. This one is perfect for wedding or shower Thank You gifts! It goes together really quickly and you can embellish it with ribbon, flowers, tags, etc.! I used Petaloo Flowers to embellish mine and put some small candy inside!

This would be a fun treat to take to the office “Just Because”! Hmmm….. maybe I should take my own advise and make some to bring in to our office!   A little surprise treat always makes the day better!

I’m looking forward to playing with some of the other new dies and posting them!

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 ladies and gents, I finally had a chance to play with the new Heartfelt Creations Wedding Collection Stamp Sets! I just can’t get over the incredible detail that their artists put into them! They are so beautiful! These cling stamps are so easy to use with any acrylic block!

I am a bit behind in scrapbooking my daughter’s wedding, so I took the opportunity to use these gorgeous stamps to create a layout of her wedding day! I used Bella Rose Wedding, Wedding Sentiments and Bella Rose Heart. I cut the scalloped piece from the DCWV Linen Closet Paper Stack using my Sizzix Big Shot Pro Machine and the Bigz Pro Die Square Scallop.  The background piece is from DCWV Shimmer Paper Stack. To complete the ensemble, I used K & Company stickers, Want2Scrap Silver Baby Bling, heart rhinestones, paper doilies and a heart corner punch.

Now I can’t wait to use the other sets in the Wedding Collection! These really make fabulous embellishments for layouts as well as amazing bridal or wedding cards! Now is the perfect time to get yours, as summertime is the busiest time for weddings!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Many customers who have purchased the Sizzix Big Shot Pro Machine have inquired how to use the Spellbinders Dies with that particular machine. I am happy to say that  Customer Support at Sizzix was gracious enough to spend time with me explaining the sandwich formulas needed to cut and emboss Spellbinders Dies! We want to express our thanks to them for being patient and helping us help you!

The embossing formula is also the same for Sizzix, Provocraft or Quickutz embossing folders!

The following sandwich formulas are listed from the bottom up:

Cutting  Sandwich

Sizzix Solo Platform-657155 (sold as a pair with the Sizzix Solo Shim)**

Sizzix Solo Shim**

Sizzix Solo Wafer Thin Die Adapter-657160**

Cutting Pad Big Shot Pro Standard-656253

Die

Paper/Cardstock

Cutting Pad Big Shot Pro Standard-656253

**You will need two of these laying side by side, especially for the Spellbinders Grand Dies

Embossing Sandwich

Sizzix Solo Platform

Sizzix Solo Shim

Impressions Pad-655120

Die or embossing folder with paper or cardstock

Silicone Rubber-655121

Cutting Pad Big Shot Pro Standard-656253

I hope this is helpful for all of you lucky enough to have your Big Shot Pro Machines! They are gaining in popularity and have been on back order for some time!

For those of you who have not received yours yet, we are filling orders by when they were received, as the machines trickle in! We appreciate your patience!

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

It is crunch time to get you gifts done for Mother’s Day if you haven’t already! Here’s an idea for a card box if your mom likes cards, but needs a place to store them, or you can fill the box with pre-made cards for her to use when needed! Of course I used roses, because that is what mom’s like! Right?

The paper I used for my tin box  is the Rustic Paper Stack from DCWV ( It is an exclusive to JoAnn Stores), and the Shimmer Stack for the roses. To cut the roses I used QuicKutz Roses die. Easy! I cut it out with my Cuttlebug Machine then rolled them up and glued them in place with some Zip Dry Paper Glue!

I used Spellbinders Lacey Ovals to cut a copper frame from the Precious Metals Premium Craft Foils, then topped with Classic Ovals Small stamped with a saying from Just Rite Stampers The Greatest Joy Borders & Centers Set! I finished it off with flowers from Petaloo Canterbury Collection Rose & Berries Branch and some ribbon!

This was a lot of fun! It took me a minute to practice making the roses with some regular paper, but found that the thicker card stock made it easier! Just roll it up with your fingers and let go for it to take shape, then glue it where you want it!

Have fun making your Mother’s Day projects!

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