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

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

Just arrived! Six brand new Cuttlebug Embossing Folders from Provo Craft! Whoo Hoo! They are gorgeous! Three come in A2 size and three are 5 x7! I am so excited to put these to work embossing cards! We have these in stock ready to ship to you!

Musical FlourishA2 Embossing Folder is just perfect for the music lover!

Rebecca A2 Embossing Folder is beautiful with scrolls in all four corners! Great for any occasion!

Tiffany A2 Embossing Folder is totally upper class for wedding cards or invitations!

Keyboard 5 x 7 Embossing Folder is absolutely stylin’ for a teenage musician! Great for recital invitations!

Mary Ann 5 x 7 Embossing Folder reminds me of a Parisian window screen. The scroll work is fabulous!

Madison 5 x 7 Embossing Folder gives a stained glass effect! Lovely for wedding or bridal invitations!

Provo Craft has fabulous designers for their embossing folders! They are always bringing us wonderful new designs to make our creativity easier with their intricate patterns! Add a few embellishments and you have an incredible card that looks like it took hours to make, when it really took a few minutes! I love that!

I am always getting comments like “This is awesome! How did you do this?” They just can’t believe that it is so easy! Of course, many don’t have any idea what an embossing folder is, but I tell them to come over and I would be happy to let them try it for themselves!

I also love that you can use them in the Provo Craft Cuttlebug V2, Sizzix Big Shot, Big Shot Pro, Quickutz Epic Six Tool, Spellbinders Grand Calibur and Tim Holtz Vagabond Machines!

You will want to be the first to get yours!

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

Although the art of Letterpress has been around for a long time, today’s Letterpress Printing Plates, from Lifestyle Crafts (formerly known as Quickutz), feature fresh, contemporary designs that can be mixed and matched in limitless combinations. Each Printing Plate set is sold in themed packs to enable your creativity and capture your favorite lifetime events. Although the Printing Plates are categorized into five events, most of the designs can be used for a variety of projects-the more Printing Plate sets you have, the more versatility you will enjoy! Lifestyle Crafts printing plates are truly an elegant way to dress up an invitation or card.

New CHA Releases are due to arrive April 1st! These include: Nautical, Botanical and Petals Printing Plates!

What Is Letterpress Printing?

The Letterpress from Quickutz’s Division Lifestyle Crafts (L), sets the standard for easy to use, affordable letterpress printing that’s practical for any home crafter. The standard letterpress process involves printing words, letters, or designs with ink while simultaneously debossing it into a thick, soft paper. Over the past several years letterpress has seen a resurgence in popularity, evolving into a modern art form that epitomizes class and high quality.

Letterpress as an upcoming trend among everyday crafters

Letterpress printing has seen a revival in the past few years, particularly due to the interest created by the use of letterpress for wedding invitations in contemporary magazines and websites. The popularity of this form of printing has continued to grow and become one of the most sought after looks for stationery, invitations, cards, gifts, and much more. Because of the size, price and lack of accessibility to a traditional letterpress machine, this art form has yet to become available to the everyday home crafter…until the release of the Quickutz Epic Six Die-Cutting Tool.

Letterpress printing from Lifestyle Crafts

The Letterpress from Lifestyle Crafts, or L, sets the standard for easy to use, affordable letterpress printing that’s practical for any home crafter. With the L Letterpress product line you can create handmade letterpress projects like cards, invitations, gifts, stationery and more. From simple day-to-day expressions and correspondence to momentous occasions like weddings and babies, the L Letterpress enables you to creatively celebrate every event in life.

L Printing Plates feature fresh, contemporary designs that are divided into 5 categories:

• Everyday
• Baby
• Celebrations
• Wedding
• Holiday

I hope that this has answered many of your questions about the Letterpress Printing Plates! This is a great technique to learn and lots of fun!

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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

The Lifestyle Crafts (formerly known as Quickutz) Epic Six is a die cutting and letterpress machine on the market. The name comes from its 6 inch wide opening. It is actually very similar to the Cuttlebug in design, portability, and function. Except Lifestyle Crafts states that the Epic 6 was made to distribute the pressure more evenly on the cutting surface so the user can get more of a clean and even cut on your dies. It will cut and emboss ALL Quickutz and Lifestyle Crafts dies unlike their old machines as well as other consumer dies. The unique feature of the Epic Six is that it can be used for doing letterpress printing on cards. If you buy the letterpress printing plates along with the ink these will fit in the machine. See video below on how to make a letterpress effect.

To read more or purchase the Quickutz Epic Six click on link below:
Quickutz EPIC SIX
Letterpress printing products

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View Epic Six on youtube

Here is another video showing how the epic six can be used to do letterpress printing right from your own home. No need for big bulky letter press machines. With the epic 6 from Lifestyle Crafts you can do all the cards, invitations, scrapbook pages that you want.

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Here is a brief overview of 9 scrapbook die cutting and embossing machines: provocraft cuttlebug, spellbinders wizard, quickutz epic six, sizzix big shot, spellbinders grand calibur, sizzix big shot PRO, making memories slice elite, sizzix vagabond, silhouette cameo. In these two 5 minute videos you will learn of some of the distinguishing features of each machine to help you decide which scrapbooking tool is right for you. They all do vary in color,shape,size,portability,weight, and design.

To read more or purchase any of these die cutting machines click on the links Below:
Provo Craft Cuttlebug (new version!)
Spellbinders Wizard (discontinued)
Epic Six
Sizzix Big Shot
Spellbinders Grand Calibur
Sizzix Big Shot PRO
Making Memories Slice Elite
Sizzix Vagabond
Silhouette CAMEO

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View Scrapbook Die cutting machines on youtube

PART TWO

Here are some helpful VIDEOS on the different Die Cutting & Embossing Machines out there on the scrapbooking market. These videos are provided by CutAtHome.com to help you decide which one is right for you. There vary in size, color, and shape. Some have handles and others do not. So whether you are after durability, style, and even portability we are here to make your decision easier. Although electronic and digital machines are popular these manual die cutting machines show still have a preference in today’s market due to their versatility and affordable price. Click on the links to view the videos!

Which Scrapbook Die Cutting Machine Is Right For You

Sizzix Big Shot

Sizzix Big Shot PRO

Sizzix Vagabond by Tim Holtz

Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing Machine

Provo Craft Cuttlebug

Spellbinders Wizard

Spellbinders Calibur
To see a video on how to use the Grand Calibur with 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper click here: Grand Calibur

Spellbinders Presto Punch

Spellbinders Presto Punch – techniques and tricks from Stacey Caron on how to use this machine.

Quickutz Epic Six

Die Cutting and Embossing Machines (using Spellbinders dies)

Silhouette SD digital die cutting tool (connects to a computer. Made by Silhouette America)

Making Memories SLICE Elite (A Cordless digital design cutter)

Making Memories Slice Fabrique ( A Cordless digital design cutter designed specifically for FABRIC! )

Making Memories Slice Tag Maker

Silhouette Cameo Digital Die Cutting Machine (the 2nd version of Silhouette SD that connects to a computer)

Letterpress with Die Cutting Machines

To view all of these machines and more on one page and compare click here: Die Cutting Machines

How do I use the L Letterpress?

1. Open the letterpress and place an adhesive-backed printing plate on the clear lid.
2. Ink the printing plate evenly with the brayer tool.
3. Place paper in desired location on base of letterpress tool. (Use registration grid and Paper Placement Guides for greater accuracy and alignment.)
4. Close lid and roll letterpress through Epic tool. (For a deeper impression, add additional packing sheets.)

SEE A VIDEO DEMO ON THE LETTERPRESS MACHINE:  See Quickutz Instructions for Letterpress Printing.

How do I prep the printing plate?

1. Remove liner from double-sided adhesive sheet on one side only.
2. Place printing plate on sticky side of adhesive sheet.
3. Use scissors to cut around the edge of the printing plate.
4. When ready to use, remove the liner from back of printing plate and stick plate on clear lid of the L Letterpress.

How do I apply the ink?

1. Place a small amount of ink on ink base.
2. Roll brayer tool through ink until evenly coated.
3. Roll brayer lightly over printing plates until evenly coated.

*Very little ink is required to achieve a quality print. If projects are not drying well, there may be too much ink on the plates.

How do I create custom colors?

Mix inks using the palette knife found in the Accessory Tool Kit to create a myriad of eye-catching colors.

How do I clean off the ink?

Ink can be removed from ink base, brayer and plates with L Cleaning Cloths.

How do I position the plate?

1. Place adhesive-backed printing plate in desired location on clear L Letterpress lid.
2. Establish where paper should go on clear packing of L Letterpress base and stick placement guides next to paper to hold in place.
3. With guides in place, easily place paper in the exact location for multiple prints of one design.

How do I change the depth of the impression?

The depth of impression of the printing plate can be adjusted by adding or removing packing sheets. One packing sheet comes with the L letterpress tool. Simply use plain white printed paper if additional packing is necessary.

To achieve a deeper impression, add additional sheets of paper below the clear packing mat on the L Letterpress base. To reduce the depth of impression, simply remove sheets.

If the printed impression is not as crisp as desired, try removing packing sheets or make sure you’re using the correct inking technique.

Can I use other types of ink with my L Letterpress?

The L Letterpress Ink has a specially formulated tacky texture, which will give your design a crisp and clean impression. Other inks are often water-based and may run beyond the line of your debossed image.

Can I use any type of paper with my letterpress projects?

Letterpressing is characterized by its impression on soft, thick paper. Our L Letterpress paper was created to give you the best possible impression. Though other papers may reflect your design, it may not have the same deep impression into the paper which defines the letterpress style.

Can I use any type of cleaning cloths?

The L Letterpress Cleaning Cloth is best able to remove the thick, tacky, oil-based ink from both the ink base and the printing plate. Though other cleaning cloths will not hurt the product, they will not clean as thoroughly.

How long does my finished project take to dry?

Your finished project should completely dry within just a few minutes from when it was pressed.

Can I use embossing folders with the L Letterpress?

The L Letterpress was not designed for use with embossing folders. Typical letterpress projects show an impression on only one side of the paper. If you use embossing folders, the impression will be visible on both sides of the paper.

Courtesy of Lifestyle Crafts, which is a part of the Quickutz, Inc. family of crafting products
www.lifestylecrafts.com
Source: http://lifestylecrafts.com/faq.aspx

Have you been wondering about the upcoming Quickutz Epic 12 die-cutting machine? Are you not sure whether you should buy the Epic Six now or just wait for the Epic Twelve? Are you happy with your Revolution and not sure you want another machine? If you have been asking yourself these questions, then this post is for you. Read on!

Yes, the rumors are true. I confirmed it today with a QK marketing rep that Quickutz is indeed releasing a new machine, the Epic Twelve. Quickutz is still not sure on a few things so some of the details are still a little sketchy. Here is what we know so far.

Quickutz does not have a release date yet for the Epic 12. They are projecting first or second quarter of 2010. They also have not decided on the price. My rep told me it will be priced at “well over $200.00.” And that is a direct quote from him. The Epic 12 will also weigh twice as much as the Epic 6, which will make the Epic 12 over twenty pounds. It will not be very portable.

So, you say you love your Revolution, and are not sure you need another die-cutting machine like the Epic 6? Some things to consider are the functionality of the Epic Six is much greater than the Revolution. The Rev does not cut the steel ruled dies, Cuttlebug folders or the Sizzlets. The Epic Six will cut all this and much more. The openings are different, with the Rev opening at four inches and the Epic 6 at six inches. Also, the Epic Six has the larger platform and will cut the twelve inch dies. Also, it may not look like it, but the Epic 6 actually has just as many metal moving parts as the Revolution. While it is true the first batch of Epic 6′s had problems with the pressure cutting the middle of the 4×8 alphabets, this problem has been corrected.

Die-cutting machines are all about personal preference. If you are happy with your machine, then stick with it. If you think you may like to try something a little different, then this post gives you some things to think about.

Happy Scrappin!

Marcie

What Is Letterpress Printing?

The Letterpress from Quickutz’s Division Lifestyle Crafts (L), sets the standard for easy to use, affordable letterpress printing that’s practical for any home crafter. The standard letterpress process involves printing words, letters, or designs with ink while simultaneously debossing it into a thick, soft paper. Over the past several years letterpress has seen a resurgence in popularity, evolving into a modern art form that epitomizes class and high quality.

Letterpress as an upcoming trend among everyday crafters

Letterpress printing has seen a revival in the past few years, particularly due to the interest created by the use of letterpress for wedding invitations in contemporary magazines and websites. The popularity of this form of printing has continued to grow and become one of the most sought after looks for stationery, invitations, cards, gifts, and much more. Because of the size, price and lack of accessibility to a traditional letterpress machine, this art form has yet to become available to the everyday home crafter…until the release of the Quickutz Epic Six Die-Cutting Tool.

Letterpress printing from Lifestyle Crafts

The Letterpress from Lifestyle Crafts, or L, sets the standard for easy to use, affordable letterpress printing that’s practical for any home crafter. With the L Letterpress product line you can create handmade letterpress projects like cards, invitations, gifts, stationery and more. From simple day-to-day expressions and correspondence to momentous occasions like weddings and babies, the L Letterpress enables you to creatively celebrate every event in life.

L Printing Plates feature fresh, contemporary designs that are divided into 5 categories:

• Everyday
• Baby
• Celebrations
• Wedding
• Holiday

[Much of this information was taken from Lifestylecrafts.com, a division of Quickutz, Inc.]

The July Quickutz release has just been added to our website! The theme for this release is one of journaling. They have embossing folders, rev dies, 2×2 dies and three new alphabets. The cool part is they have lines to make your handwriting nice and straight. That is so clever. Here is a sample of what you will find in our store. For see all of the new releases, go to Quickutz New Products.

                                             

We are also starting to send out the pre-orders for the Epic Six, which is very exciting!

Today is also the last day of the Spellbinders blog frenzy for their CHA release of their new die templates. Today’s featured die is the S4227 the Nesting Pumpkins!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Marcie

These instructions are provided for those interested in purchasing or who have already purchased the Quickutz Epic 6 Die-Cutting System to see how easy it is to use.  The main comparison to other diecutting systems that are out there would have to be the Cuttlebug by Provo Craft.  Although Quickutz Inc. states the main difference between the Provocraft Cuttlebug and the Quickutz Epic Six is the Epic 6 was made to distribute the pressure more evenly on the cutting surface so the user can get more of a clean and even cut on your dies.  I guess we’ll let you decide for yourself!

To read more about the EPIC click on link below:

Quickutz Releases Brand New Epic Six

Okay so lets get down to what the EPIC SYSTEM includes.  It includes the Epic 6 Tool, Cutting Platform, Embossing Platform, and the Cutting Mat. SEE BELOW:

Next on the agenda is what dies can the Epic Tool cut? Unlike the Squeeze and the Revolution, the Epic cuts and embosses ALL Quickutz Dies. That’s right only one portable diecutting system for all your Quickutz die templates.  This includes 2×2 dies, 4×4 dies, embossing folders, cookie cutters, and 4×8 die alphabets.

Now onto How to Die Cut with the Epic.  You first will want to place your die(s) with the design of shape or letter SIDE UP on the grey cutting platform.  Next, you will want to put your scrapbooking paper over the die(s) patterned SIDE DOWN, then cover it with the epic cutting mat. (NOTE: cutting more than two sheets of paper at a time may damage your tool so don’t try it.) Third step is to feed the cutting platform into the FRONT of the Epic Tool. Spin the handle, sending the platform through the tool completely. Then remove the paper from the platform and pop out the die-cuts.

 

How to Emboss with the Epic.  First start with the charcoal grey embossing platform. Place paper inside the embossing folder and cover with cutting mat. Next you’ll want to feed the embossing platform into the FRONT of the Epic. Spin the handle sending the platform through the tool completely. Then remove paper from the platform and the embossing folder and you are DONE!

Here are some Die Cutting Tips when using the EPIC Six and other materials it can cut.  To increase the cutting pressure try adding a shim to the back of your die or an extra piece of paper to create a deeper cut.  The Epic can cut a variety of materials from vinyl to heavy cardstock for those that love making cards.  Also Quickutz adhesives like the magnet, cork boards, metal and others can also be used with this diecut machine.

Introducing the Epic Six! Arriving the first week in July! We are so excited about this new tool!

PRE-ORDER BEFORE JUNE 30TH AND PAY ONLY $69.99 AND RECEIVE A REBATE OFFER FROM QUICKUTZ FOR AN EXCLUSIVE 6X6 OR 6X8 EPIC DIE VALUED OVER $20.00!

To pre-order this fabulous new die-cutting tool, go to our home page and click on the big purple button. To find out more about the Epic Six, keep reading!

The Epic is the newest tabletop tool from QuicKutz, surpassing every die-cutting tool we’ve released before in size and scope. The Epic also beats every competing tool in quality and performance. It both cuts and embosses all QuicKutz products as well as all other leading brand dies and embossing folders, making it the most versatile and efficient machine on the market.

Key features of the Epic:

• Cuts and embosses
• Compatible with all QuicKutz and other leading brand dies
• Ideal for scrapbooking, card making, home decor and other craft projects.
• Warranty – Lifetime service commitment
• Six-inch wide opening
• High quality metal parts
• Lightweight and portable
• 6×13″ cutting and embossing platforms (included with tool)

Included in the Epic Six Tool is one 6×13″ cutting platform(used to cut most chemically etched dies) one 6×13″ embossing platform (can be used on competitor’s dies) and one 6×13″ cutting mat (used for all cutting and embossing).

The VIP coupon is not valid on the Epic Six.

Thank you!

Marcie

Here are some helpful resources and instructions dealing with Quickutz products. Quickutz is the maker of the universal Epic Six die cutting and embossing machine. This tool also has the capability to do letterpress printing also when using printing plates and inks by Lifestyle Crafts.

EPIC SIX Letterpress Printing

Frequently Asked Questions About Letterpress Printing

Quickutz Epic Six Instructions

Here are some Instructions for How to use Quickutz 12-inch platform.

revolution-12-inch-platform-instructions.pdf

Here are Instructions for How to foam Cookie Cutter Dies

howtofoam_cookie_cutterdies.pdf