Here is a brief video how to letterpress with the Provo Craft Cuttlebug using the Lifestyle Crafts letterpress starter kit. It is very easy and fun to do invitations and cards. There is no need for any other plates or mats. All you do is run it through the machine and it makes perfect prints on the paper or envelopes

Click here to view the products:

Letterpress starter kit

Provo Craft Cuttlebug

Here is a brief video how to letterpress with the Sizzix Vagabond by Tim Holtz using the Lifestyle Crafts letterpress starter kit. It is very easy and fun to do invitations and cards. There is no need for any other plates or mats. This electronic machine with the push of a button can help you do massive amounts of invitations!

Click here to view the products:

Letterpress starter kit

Sizzix Tim Holtz Vagabond

Here is a brief video how to letterpress with the Sizzix Big Shot using the Lifestyle Crafts letterpress starter kit. It is very easy and fun to do invitations and cards. There is no need for any other plates or mats.

Click here to view the products:

Letterpress starter kit

Sizzix Big Shot

Here is a brief video how to letterpress with the Sizzix Big Shot PRO using the Lifestyle Crafts letterpress starter kit. It is very easy and fun to do invitations and cards. There is only one plate you need to add and you are ready to go!

Click here to view the products:

Letterpress starter kit

Sizzix Big Shot PRO

These brief videos will show you how to Letterpress with different Die Cutting and Embossing Machines that are out there on the Market. You will be able to see how to do letterpress invitations and cards with the Lifestyle Crafts letterpress starter kit. With the starter kit you will get everything you need to get started in any of the following machines: Sizzix Big Shot, Big Shot PRO, Vagabond, and the Cuttlebug. Lifestyle Crafts formerly known as Quickutz has provided this starter kit with letterpress printing plates,ink,placement guides,roller,mats, and much more!

Click on anyone of the links to view the video demo on how to letterpress with these cutting & embossing machines!

Sizzix Big Shot

Sizzix Big Shot PRO

Sizzix Vagabond

Provo Craft Cuttlebug

Here you can view how to letterpress with the Epic Six machine

letterpress printing

As promised, I am featuring projects from the Be Spooked, Be Stuffed Collection from Quickutz/Lifestyle Crafts.  These dies can be used in the following machines: Quickutz Epic Six Tool, Provo Craft Cuttlebug, Sizzix Big Shot and Vagabond by Tim Holtz.

I used my beloved Cuttlebug for these projects. I rely on that little machine more than any of my others! It is like a trusted friend.

Since harvest time correlates with  fall, the first item of decor on my list for September 1st is pumpkins! I grow pumpkins in my garden for the sole purpose of decorating my front porch! I have a thing for pumpkins and scarecrows! A few corn stocks are also a must.

With that said, my first project just had to be with the Pumpkin dies! For dimension, cut 3 of each size. I used pattern paper from DCWV and 1/8″ Scor-Tape from Scor-Pal on the edges to hold the pieces together. I want to use these as table decorations (possibly put a candle in the middle of each) so I put a vine and leaf on all three sides.

Add faces to transform plain ol’ pumpkins into Jack-o-Lanterns for Halloween! Single pumpkins will also make great scrapbook embellishments for my fall layouts! Set includes 4 dies.

I used the Pilgrim Hat for my next project. I adore this die set because it is just so cute! Why use it only for Thanksgiving? I decided to make an altered witch hat for Halloween favors! More ideas- leave off the buckle for an Indiana Jones hat, turn up the sides and crease the front for a cowboy look, etc.! Fill with candy, crayons, mints, whatever! The best part is….with only 4 dies, it only takes minutes to put together!

There is more, but you will just have to wait until tomorrow to see more!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Can you feel the change in the air yet? Smell the coming of fall? The Canadian geese are flying north again over my house, yet another reminder that Autumn is nearly here. That is why I am so excited to spread the news that Lifestyle Crafts “Be Spooked, Be Stuffed” Release is out today!

Oh I love to put out my scarecrows and pumpkin displays even though the temps outside are still saying it is summer! There is just something crisp and fresh about fall and this release is just fantastic for planning those fall parties!

There are all kinds of fun dies in this release! Witches, bats, ghosts, spooky tree and even a cobweb border for your ghoulish Halloween activities in the “Be Spooked”.

Turkeys, boat, pilgrim hats and pumpkins to be grateful for in the “Be Stuffed”,  since they will help spruce up your table for the “Big Feast”!

Keep watching as this will be my focus for paper crafting projects to show you this week! Holiday is over, time to get back to work!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I love my job! I love having a job that incorperates my scrapbooking hobby as well as communicating with others that share the same hobby! It is great! I also love that I get opportunities to experiment with various products, which is what I want to blog about today! I want to let everyone know that they can Letterpress with the Sizzix Vagabond Machine by Tim Holtz! Whoo-hoo!

It is so incredably easy I’m sure that some have already discovered this, but for those who have not tried, this is for you! All you need is the Lifestyle Craft Letterpress Starter Kit and your Vagabond Machine! Prepare your Letterpress Tool exactly as you would for the Epic Six Tool and run through the Vagabond Machine! You do NOT need any additional plates. You should get a beautifully impressed image. If your impression is not quite deep enough, you may need a paper or cardstock shim, although the impression I got when trying this technique was perfect without any shims!

I’m telling you, I was thrilled! It was so easy I almost had to pinch myself! I couldn’t wait until today so I could share! Now, those who own the electric Vagabond can Letterpress without worrying about getting another crank machine! I think this is so cool!

Hope you enjoyed the info!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

*Always remember to NEVER force anything through your machine

I was playing around a bit last night with some of my “toys” and got wondering if the Lifestyle Crafts Letterpress Starter Kit would work in my Sizzix Big Shot Pro Machine.  So I pulled everything out and went to work!

Okay, so it wasn’t really that much work, it was more play for sure, and really easy! I got everything ready like normal for the letterpress- you know, put my printing plates where I wanted them on the grid then put my paper down where I wanted, inked the plates and I was ready to go.

It wasn’t even a problem figuring out what to do with the machine. I took everything off of the Sliding Tray except the Adapter Pad, put the Letterpress Clear Packing Mat with grid on top and voila! It worked great! If you do not get a deep enough impression, you may want to try running it with a piece of paper as a shim. I think you will be pleasantly surprised! Now you can letterpress all your cards and even scrapbook embellishments right on your Big Shot Pro!

Remember to NEVER, EVER force anything through your machine!

Tip: If you have a hard time starting your bigger dies through this machine, try turning them just a bit on a diagonal to get one corner started instead of feeding the whole side at once.

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

You should have received your June VIP Coupon email today! If you did not, please follow the instructions below:
MAKE SURE YOUR SPAM BLOCKING IS TURNED OFF to receive emails from info@cutathome.com. Then check in your spam or bulk email folder. If the email is not in there then unfortunately some email providers (such as AOL) automatically spam the email for you. For this purpose we have it so you can check the VIP coupon emails right in your cut@home account. Login to your account at http://www.ucutathome.com/login.php click on MY ACCOUNT, and if your information is updated you will see at the top by order history/downloads a tab that says, “VIP EMAILS”. Click on it and you will be able to view the most recent coupon emails.

What products can my 40% coupon be used on?
The Cut@Home VIP coupon is worth 40% off one My Minds Eye, Spellbinders(not including the Wizard and Grand Calibur), Boss Kut, Quickutz products (not including the Epic 6), and Lifestyle Craft (not including the Letterpress Combo or Starter Kit). It is NOT VALID on any Provocraft, Fiskars, The Robins Nest, Scor Pal, Imaginisce, EK Success, WRMK, Sizzix, 3L, Graphic 45, Petaloo, Beacon Adhesives, Basic Grey, Making Memories, Want2Scrap, JustRite Stampers, Heartfelt Creations Spellbinders dies and Rubber Stamps and Die Cuts With a View. It is also not valid on any clearance or sales items. The 40% is taken off ONE ITEM. The discount is applied to the highest RETAIL price (NOT the CAH price) of the most expensive valid item in your cart. The discount may be used on one item, once per month and one per household. If you are logged into your account and shopping it will tell you under the product (no VIP coupon allowed).

This is a great month to use your coupon! The kids are out of school, vacations, Father’s Day, and summer holidays are all great photo opportunities and you will want the dies to embellish those pages  and to make those summer party invitations!

We look forward to you shopping with us!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

We are so excited to introduce to you Lifestyle Crafts brand new Wildflower Limited Edition Scrapbook Kit! Just in time to welcome those spring photos for Mother’s Day!

This adorable kit comes with an 8″x8″ chipboard album, 11 cutting dies, mini alphabet die set, 24 double-sided 8″x8″ sheets of patterned paper (2 of each pattern)! The paper color pallet is made up of yellows, blues, teal greens, and hot pink!

The alphabet includes uppercase letters, numbers and punctuation. The dies include flowers, bird and label to embellish your album. You can add ribbon, brads or other embellishments to your album to personalize it even more! There is even a place for a special photo or title on the front cover of your album!

Remember, this is a Limited Edition, so you will want to be first in line to get yours! This would even make a wonderful birthday or Christmas gift if you are thinking ahead!

Our price is only $49.99! That’s $10.00 off the Retail price! You get all of this for the same price as most alphabets alone! This really is a super deal!

Please note that the VIP Coupon is not allowed on this item.

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

For those of you who are not already familiar with these handy tools, I am going to tell  you right now that having either one of the Silhouette Pick Me Up or QuicKutz QuickStik is an absolute necessity for picking up and placing tiny pieces such as rhinestones, paper pieces, etc.

Both have a tacky end, with a cap, for picking up and placing small pieces and a chiseled end for placing paper or pressing the small items in place,  or raising items for more precise placement.

I use mine ALL the time! I honestly don’t know what I would do without it! It is like an extension of my hand when I am using small items! I can’t remember how I used to place the dots of my I’s or J’s without using one of these tools! Seriously! These are the best!

Please note that the QuicKutz QuickStik and the Silhouette Pick-Me-Up are exactly the same tool, but with a different label and brand name. You may receive either the QuickStik or the Pick-Me-Up depending on availability in our inventory.

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Alphabets are some of the funnest investments, and this new QuicKutz Blue Sky Alphabet is no exception! You get 78 capital letters, numbers and punctuation, which includes the shadow for each! Shadows may take a bit longer to cut out, but so worth the extra work! They really make your letter or number pop! This alphabet is approximately 2″ tall.

The new alphabets come a bit different than what we are used to with QuicKutz. They are coming in strips with a very tiny tab separating each letter instead of individual letters. The strips  seem a bit flimsy, but once you lay them on your plate they are fine. If you prefer them separate, you could easily cut the tab with tin snips, then file down the rough edge, but that is completely up to you! I am NOT saying that is what you should do! It is just an option.

I used the Blue Sky Alphabet for my son’s Army layout, but it is fantastic for sports, seasonal, or anything that you need a block letter for! I used both the letter and the shadow for this layout!

I kept the colors more muted since the Army is all about camouflage! The only other embellishment I used besides a couple of stickers was the small rope looking border that I punched with a Fiskers Border Punch.  I also used Gold Photo Corners from 3L Scrapbook Adhesives. I really had fun with this alphabet! I can’t wait to use it on more layouts!

We also just received some fun new paper packs from Lifestyle Crafts! Hello Goodbye and Sweet and Spicy will make a great addition to your paper collection, with fun patterns and colors!

Well, that is it for today! Tomorrow we’ll take a look at the new Whirlpool Alphabet!

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

Hooray! The big day has FINALLY arrived! Today is the day that we are showing you ALL of the new releases from Heartfelt Creations, Lifestyle Crafts, Spellbinders, and Quickutz! You will be inspired beyond your wildest dreams with these amazing new products!

Heartfelt Creation’s Dutch Iris and New Life Collections are perfect to celebrate the coming of spring and Easter holiday!

The exclusive Spellbinders Decorative Dutch Iris die coordinates with the Heartfelt Creations Dutch Iris Collection of pre-cut rubber stamp sets: Distressed Leaves, Flora Grande 1, Flora Grande 2, Dutch Iris Medley, Dutch Iris Frame and Dutch Iris Oval.

The New Life stamp set coordinates with the exclusive Spellbinders Decorative Oval Window die-cut made just for Heartfelt Creations and the Heartfelt Creations pre-cut rubber stamp sets: Easter Lilies, Egg-citing Day, Vintage Life Background, Outside My Window, Decorative Vintage Cross, and Stained Glass Background.

Lifestyle Crafts has 5 new amazing Letterpress Printing Plates for the Letterpress Combo including the Nautical Printing Plate Set and Striped Printing Plate Set.

Quickutz’ delightful Fresh Start Collection includes an adorable 4 x 4 Easter Bunny and Easter Eggs that will definitely keep the smile on your face as you create your spring cards or layouts!

Spellbinders additional items bring their new release count to 45! Your head will spin as you make your wish list! They are absolutely incredible!

Most of the New Releases are expected to begin shipping the beginning of February! If you ask me, this is the best CHA Release ever! So many wonderful products to choose from! I want them all!!!! You can see these and much more under NEW PRODUCTS in our store!

Here are a couple layouts I did using just a few of the new Spellbinder Dies.  I used pieces from the S5-043 Fleur De Lis Motifs as well as S5-042 Fleur De Lis Accent and the S5-030 Fancy Tags Two for my first layout, along with the DCWV Black Currant Paper Stack.

For my second layout I used pieces from the S4-318 Fleur De Lis Squares, S5-051 Fanciful Flight and S5-030 Fancy Tags Two. The flowers are Glittered Layered Daisies from Petaloo.

I promise that you will LOVE this release as much as I do, so have fun shopping! You’ll be glad that you can just sit in your chair and push a button to put items in your cart and not have to push that heavy cart around!

Thanks for looking and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

“Only three days left to use your 40% coupon!” We send this reminder email to everyone who has signed up to be on our VIP Email list. This is to remind those of you who have not already used it this month, to hurry and use your coupon! If you have already used the coupon,  you can relax and enjoy knowing that you don’t have to worry about it!

What products can my coupon be used on?

The Cut@Home VIP coupon is worth 40% off one My Minds Eye, Spellbinders(not including the Wizard or Grand Calibur), Boss Kut, Quickutz products (not including the Epic 6), and Lifestyle Craft (not including the Letterpress Combo or Starter Kit). It is NOT VALID on any Provocraft, Inspired Crafts, Fiskars, The Robins Nest, Scor Pal, Imaginisce, EK Success, WRMK, Sizzix, 3L, Graphic 45, Petaloo, Beacon Adhesives, Basic Grey, Making Memories, Heartfelt Creations Spellbinders dies and Rubber Stamps and Die Cuts With a View. It is also not valid on any clearance or sales items. The 40% is taken off ONE ITEM. The discount is applied to the highest RETAIL price (NOT the CAH price) of the most expensive valid item in your cart. The discount may be used on one item, once per month and one per household. If you are logged into your account and shopping it will tell you under the product (no VIP coupon allowed).

We also want to remind you that you can find this and other information about the coupon on our FAQ’s page on our website!

I hope this will help answer your coupon questions! Stay tuned tomorrow for a special weekend BLOG!

For those of you who have been waiting for the Grand Calibur, we have them in stock and ready to ship! Order yours now!

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 Silhouette SD is flying off the shelves especially at the GREAT price we have on it right now for a limited time.  We have been receiving quite a few questions about this AWESOME digital cutting tool and so thought we would blog about it and hopefully help those who are interested in answering all those questions. YES, we do NOT carry a lot of digital craft machines that connect to a computer, but we could not pass this one up. First off 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. Another question that is asked if it can cut vinyl? YES absolutely, in fact home decor with this machine is a breeze. We offer the adhesive vinyl too in white and black currently. Can it draw? YEP! If you purchase the sketch pens these can replace the blade and click into place and now you have a printer that is drawing for you in all types of inks! What can it Cut? Paper and Cardstock, Vinyl, Heat transfer material, Rhinestone templates, and specialty media. Who is Silhouette America? This is a great question. They branched off from Quickutz,who is now Lifestyle Crafts to exclusively offer digital die cutting to this specific market. Lastly, What else can it do? Well… I will give you some ideas: scrapbook pages, cards, custom apparel, vinyl decor as mentioned, etched glass, sketch designs, temporary tattoos even, and paper crafts of all sorts! I hope this helps a little bit.

To see more questions that customers have asked click on this LINK: Silhouette SD tips and tricks.

Thanks!

Marcie

We have new products that just arrived from QuicKutz and Petaloo. QuicKutz got back to basics with their essential shapes. This release is packed full of the essential cutting dies perfect for any scrapbooker or cardmaker. You receive nesting shapes in geometric shapes, party shapes like cupcake liners and party picks, boxes, and envelopes. Here is a sample:

Celebrate the holidays with Petaloo Holiday Dazzlers! The Winter Wonderland Christmas embellishments just arrived with everything from reindeer to snowflakes!

Are you done with Christmas and ready to move on to Valentines Day or spring? Here’s some great dazzlers!

Happy Scrappin!

Marcie

We are so excited about the Winter Wonderland release that just arrived from Quickutz! There are dies in 2×2, 4×4 and cookie cutter shapes that celebrate the warmth of Christmas and those snowy winter days! Here is just a sample of what you will find:

Here is the winter gift set. It is called Winter Wishes and gives you four different sizes of pockets and matching inserts, plus a Disney inspired alphabet:

Here are some projects from the talented  DT at Quickutz to get you started:

All the dies are in stock except for the Snowman Kit and Tree Trunks. The manufacturers left out a die in each of them, so they won’t be arriving until next week. To see the entire collection, click here.

Since Quickutz “rebirth” into Lifestyle Crafts, they are not keeping the inventory on their dies like they did in days of old. If you have your eye on a die and are thinking it will be around for many years, and you have plenty of time to buy it, that is no longer the case.  There is a new sheriff in town and they are doing doing things differently so I want to give you a heads up. This is not a high pressure sales technique to get you to buy (you know I don’t do that!), it is strictly for your information only.

Happy winter scrappin!

Marcie