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

We’re here! Marcie and I are in Chicago at Craft and Hobby Association Show which we commonly know as CHA. We have been busy as bees going from booth to booth gathering information on all of the “latest and greatest” products and ordering from all our favorite designers so we can bring you highest quality, popular products on the market!  I can tell you now that you are going to love what is coming!

Here’s a shot of Marcie while visiting the Graphic 45 booth! Say Cheese!

Graphic 45 has done some amazing projects with their new paper lines. Here’s a sample of the Christmas Emporium and ABC Primer!

Heartfelt Creations made beautiful paper bouquets that look quite real!

We saw the new line of Nesting Dies from QuicKutz and Framelits from Sizzix. The new Nestaboard from Want2Scrap is HOT! Just Rite Stampers also has great  new stamp sets that coordinate with Spellbinders dies! Teresa Collins is not only talented, but stylish! We also visited My Mind’s Eye, Provo Craft and Silhouette .Everyone is on board and excited to bring you what’s new!

I hope that you have taken a few minutes to look at all the rest of the pre-order dies from Spellbinders that were made viewable this morning! Astounding!

This may be the best CHA release to date! Of course, since this is the first show that I have been to, it is the most exciting one for me! I am having a blast here in Chicago! It is most definitely a paper crafter’s heaven! Can’t wait until tomorrow for more exciting products from DCWV, Tim Holz, and anyone else that catches our eye!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’ from Chicago!

Carrie

It has been a while since we blogged about the Provo Craft-Cuttlebug Embossing Plus Folders, however, several of you have been wondering about how to use them in your Cuttlebug Machines, so I am going to review for you! They do take a bit to get used to!

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. It will tell you the sandwich formula to use for these folders. Please check your plates to make sure that you are using the proper plates!

We also have a How To Video which we hope will be helpful in using these folders! Once you get the hang of them, you are sure to have a lot of fun with them!

We will be closed Monday, July 4th for our Independence Day! Have a safe and happy 4th! We will be back on Tuesday!

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

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

Extra, Extra! Read all about it! An all new style in embossing! Provocraft All In One Embossing Sets! Designed to work with the Cuttlebug Machine,  the All in One allows you to combine  a variety of embossing plates to give you the freedom to emboss, deboss and letterpress images the way you want. It’s easy to rearrange coordinating designs to create unique effects on your projects!

You will need to purchase the All in One Folder to use with the plates. This 6″ x 9″ folder works with the All in One Emossing plates which snap into the folder in the design that you desire!

To Emboss
1. Place the positive plate into the holds on the bottom of the folder (green). Press until you hear a snap. Plate should be flat.
2. Align the negative plate on top of the positive plate. Close the folder, pressing down until you hear a snap.
3. Open the folder. Place paper between the plates. Place two “B” mats on top of the closed folder and run through the Cuttlebug machine.

To Deboss
1. Place the negative plate into the holes on the bottom of the folder (green). Press until you hear a snap. Plate should be flat.
2. Align the positive plate on top of the negative plate. Close the folder, pressing down until you hear a snap.
3. Open the folder. Place paper between the plates. Place two “B” mats on top of the closed folder and run through the Cuttlebug machine.

To Letterpress Print
1. Place the positive plate into the holes on the bottom of the folder (green). Press until you hear a snap. Plate should be flat.
2. Place a blank plate on top of the positive plate. close the folder, pressing down until you hear a snap.
3. Evenly cover raised designs with ink using craft tool and ink pad.
4. Place letterpress paper between the plates. Close the folder. Place two “B” mats on top of the closed folder and run through the Cuttlebug machine.

Just to show you a simple example, I did some embossing and debossing with the All in One Beautiful Set

Embossing:

Debossing:

As you can see, it creates a crisp impression!

I found that I could also use these in the Sizzix Big Shot Machine! To get a crisp impression, you will need a shim along with both Standard Cutting Pads. I used the chipboard backing off of a notepad which is approximately 1/16″ thick.

These DO NOT fit in the Spellbinders Grand Calibur or Quickutz Epic Six Machines.

*Remember to never force anything through your machine!

These are a lot of fun for cards or embellishments for scrapbook layouts!

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

We have been waiting a long time for a plate that will allow us to use Provocraft Cuttlebug Embossing Folders, QuicKutz Embossing Folders and Sizzix Textured Impressions and Texture Fades Embossing Folders with Spellibinders Grand Calibur Machine!

Even though Spellbinders has not yet produced a plate that is the size of the other plates for that machine, there is a sandwich for 4″x6″ embossing folders using item W-025 Sizzix Original Cut Mat ( otherwise known as the Rasberry Spacer Plate).

Start with the A Base Plate on the bottom.  Place the folder with cardstock on top of the A Base Plate and cover with the Tan Embossing Mat then the W-025 Raspberry Spacer Plate.  Insert into the front of the Grand Calibur.  Turn the handle and the sandwich exits at the back of the machine.

There you have it! I know that this will make a lot of you happy!

We DO have replacement Grand Calibur Base and Cutting Plates in stock for $22.49 per set!

Now you can complete your projects using just one machine! There is no need to switch!

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

What do you like to do when the weather turns nice? Do you have kids that play sports? Does your family enjoy camping, hiking or fishing? Do you just like to be behind the camera? Is travel in your summertime plans? Whatever you like to do, we have a variety of QuicKutz and Spellbinder dies for you to help make those photo memories into layouts that will last for generations to come! Come visit our Sports and Hobbies Theme!

If your family is into sports, you might like these 4×4 dies that are on Clearance from QuicKutz: Soccer Ball, Baseball, Football, Volleyball, Basketball and Tennis Ball. We also have dies for lacrosse, hockey, and golf!

If you are a photography buff then you may prefer one of these 4×4 dies: Camera or Camera SLR.

Campers will love the 4×4 Camper or Motor Home, Tent and don’t forget to add a 2×2 Tree or two!

If water sports are more your style, we have Spellbinders Surfs Up, From the Sea and QuicKuts Wave Edges, along with Provo Craft At the Beach!

These are just naming a few of the various dies that we carry! So dive in and see what you will find!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

WhooHoo! We have reduced the prices on all QuicKutz 4×4 dies! This is a fantastic savings!

We have also put some of these dies on clearance, so you will want to make sure to get the ones that you want now before they sell out! Once the clearance items are gone, they are gone!

These dies will work in the Sizzix Big Shot, Big Shot Pro and Vagabond, Quickutz Epic Six, Provo Craft Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Grand Calibur and Wizard Machines! They are wonderful for scrapbook layouts!

Check them out! I’m sure that there will be something for you!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

For all of you who are stampers, or who would like to be stampers, we would like to bring to your attention JustRite Stampers! I think you will be very  impressed with their products!I know that I am!

Now, I will admit that I have dabbled with stamps here and there, but never really knew what to do with them, so they have been a tiny bit intimidating! Since bringing on a couple of stamp companies, I am finding that I really want to do more with stamps! There are so many beautiful stamps out there!

For starters, JustRite are grooved on the back of the stamps which fit perfectly into the grooved surface of their coordinating stampers! This is great since you can mix and match borders, centers and fonts and they will match up perfectly to make your stamp unique to its purpose!

They offer wood stampers in different sizes, as well as clear stampers, which help you to see exactly where you want to place your image or sentiment. They also coordinate with some Spellbinder dies, Marvy Uchida Clever Lever Punches and even a few EK Success and Stampin’ Up punches!

They also offer a line of Cling Stamps and acrylic blocks that you can mix and match also!Mix and match with a variety of themes, verses, sentiments and alphabets!

I did a little playing last night with the JustRite Stamps to show you some examples.

For my chocolate kiss vase I used JB-09500 1 5/8″ Clear Stamper with the JB-09720 Romantic Sentiments Centers for the flower centers. For the main center I used my I-Top Tool and a large Brad-Daddy. The flowers are Petaloo- Love You  Flora Doodles. I placed the main flower on a back made from S5-027 Labels Twenty One, which I cut out on my Cuttlebug.

My card was as easy as can be! I stamped two images using the Cling Stamps CL-02075 You Inspire Me in two different shades of blue, punched the bottom with a scalloped punch, cut by hand the top image then used adhesive foam to stack them. The center was stamped and punched with  a circle punch. I used Martha Stewart border punches for the edges.

Of course I have to do a scrapbook page, so I started with paper from DCWV Nana’s Nursery 12 x 12 paper stack. The stamps are from JB-09265 The Greatest Joy Set. I used #4 die from Spellbinders Classic Ovals Large, then #4 die of Classic Scalloped Ovals Large and #4 Beaded Ovals die. The butterfly is from the new Fanciful Flight Set ( I love this set!) and Petaloo Love You Flora Doodles.

You’ve really got to give these stamps a try! They are great to use! Easy clean-up too! I’m sure that you will come up with some great projects!

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 Cuttlebug by Provo Craft is the MOST portable of all die cutting machines and will cut and emboss most leading brand dies. It has a platform that folds up for easy storage and has an easy to use roller mechanism. It grips really well to a flat surface with suction so that while cutting it doesn’t move. Here below is a nice video of the Cuttlebug and what it sort of looks like as the model has changed, but all the inside parts are the same. Lastly, the Cuttlebug cuts and embosses Spellbinders dies (including Nestabilities) very well with the right plates and with the Spellbinders tan embossing mat.

To read more or purchase the Cuttlebug click on link below:
Provo Craft Cuttlebug (new version!)
Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

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View Cuttlebug on youtube