It’s that time of year when school bells are ringing and yellow buses are back on the road and homework is part of the nightly routine. Mom’s are exhausted just trying to get the kids out the door and peanut butter is a staple for sack lunches. Before you sent the kids out the door for the first time, you will want to capture the first day on your camera and we have all the needed products that will help you scrapbook those school day memories! Just check out our School category!

Graphic 45  An ABC Primer Collection is shipping now! A happy-go-lucky paper collection that pays homage to the vintage schoolhouse and classic nursery rhymes of times gone by. Recall fond memories from a simpler time when learning took place in a one-room schoolhouse, and cozy afternoons were spent studying the three Rs: reading, writing and arithmetic. This collection includes :

An ABC Primer 12×12 Paper Pad, An ABC Primer 8×8 Paper Pad, An ABC Primer Chipboard Tags 1, An ABC Primer Chipboard Tags 2, and stamp sets in collaboration with Hampton Arts-An ABC Primer 1, An ABC Primer 2 and An ABC Primer 3.

DCWV‘s Grade School Paper Stack  and Grade School Mat Stack are perfect for younger kids, and the High School Mat Stack is stylin’ for the older ones!

QuicKutz offers a large variety of school related dies that can help you embellish pages for all of your children from Pre-School – Collage!

I no longer have young school age children but if I can give any advise, it would be to record those days as soon as possible because you don’t remember things like you think you will and you don’t get any more time once they leave! There are still only 24 hours in a day and other things will fill in that time before you know it (like grandchildren)!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

I have had the opportunity to “test drive” a few of the brand new Spellbinders Edgeabilities dies and I believe that you are going to be just as pleased with these dies as the rest of your Spellbinders collections! The Edgeabilities are so versatile in that once you buy all 6 sets, you can mix and match to make over 75 different designs for your paper crafting projects! See all NEW Spellbinders Edgeabilities Video!

I  decided to use the Classic Postage Stamp Edgeabilies on my scrapbook layout with one of the decorative inserts. Each set comes with one cutting edge and two decorative inserts that are easily interchangeable because of their 1″ spacing.   It is nice that the length of the dies are 8″ even though I still had to run it through twice for cutting and twice for embossing to be able to get the whole 12 x 12page length.  It made it easier to place so that I could cut all the way across! The possibilities are endless with these dies!

The other items I used in this layout are as follows:

Graphic 45 products:

The Magic of Oz 12 x 12 paper pad

The Magic of Oz Chipboard Die-cuts 1

Spellbinders products:

Postage Stamps (2011 CHA summer release)

Donna’s Alphabet by Donna Salazar (2011 CHA summer release)

QuicKutz products:

Nesting Stars (2011 CHA summer release)

Nesting Scallop Rectangles (2011 CHA summer release)

Whirlpool Alphabet

Castle

DCWV Shimmer Mat Stack

I know that you will have a blast creating with these new dies whether you are in to scrapbooking or card making! They are also great for alternative paper crafts! Spellbinders designer Heidi Blankenship showed me how she used wool felt with the Edgeabilities at CHA! So fun! Now I have to get some of that and share the tip with you!

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

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

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

As summer fast approaches, the designers at My Mind’s Eye had the right idea when they named this line of 6″ x6″ paper pads! What better way to beat the heat than an ice cold drink with a Lime Twist?

There are 4 new paper pads with all new designs that are so delightful for spring and summer cards or mini albums! Each paper pad includes 24 sheets of 6×6 doublesided cardstock paper in 12 different spring time designs!

Fly A Kite entices us with spring time designs in brown, red, aqua, orange, turquoise and lime green. With circles, stripes, stars, kites and clouds, this unique paper collection will look great on any card or layout! Specifically designed for a little boy.

Happy Go Lucky shows off designs in purple, red, pink, grey, turquoise and lime green. With circles, stripes, flowers and speech bubbles specifically designed for girls!

Life of the Party stirs up fun with designs in pink, brown, aqua and lime green. With circles, stripes, flowers and cupcakes you’ll have everything you need for fun summer projects designed for girls!

Out of the Blue lets your imagination soar with designs in tan, grey, red, aqua and lime green. You’ll love the circles, stripes, trains, stars and hot air balloons that bring back memories of childhood play! Designed with boys in mind!

I chose two of these delightful paper pads to play with! The hardest part was choosing which patterns to design with! They are all so fun!

My butterfly card is made using the Happy Go Lucky Paper Pad, Spellibinders Labels Nineteen and Fanciful Flight dies.

My nephew is graduating from Kindergarten this month, so I decided to make a mini page with his graduation picture! I chose patterns from the Fly A Kite Paper Pad. QuicKutz Banana Split Skinnimini Alphabet for the title, Grad Cap, Diploma and Gold Seal completed the project of his shining star face!

Isn’t he cute? Only 12 more years until High School Graduation! The stars and the grade school alphabet pattern were a perfect combination for this mini page! Love it!

Well, I am taking a break for a few days! Off to South Carolina for my youngest son’s Basic Training graduation! I’ll be back on Monday! Have fun with your projects while I’m gone!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

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

We want to congratulate all the graduates of 2011! QuicKutz has released some great new dies to help us do that! Their new Diploma, Grad Cap, Seal and Stacked Books are 2×2 dies which contain 2 dies per package!

We also have 4×4 dies to help you create the perfect layout for your grad! The Greek Alphabet helps to create that special embellishment if your grad has been part of a sorority! Awards, Books, and Globe remind your grad of their scholastic achievements and where they want to go after graduation!

We also carry a Diploma Holder! This set includes six pieces that measures about 3 1/4 x 5 1/4″.

There are more school days dies in either our School Theme or Graduation Theme.

I tinkered a bit with a couple of the 2×2 dies last night. Here are a list of items I used for these projects:

Congratulations and Dream stamps from the Just Rite Stampers Elegant Frames Set, Precious Metals Premium Craft Foil, Seal, 1/8″ Scor-Tape (this item is back ordered until the end of the month).

Labels One Small, Diploma, and Grad Cap, flourish stamp and ribbon!

These were lots of fun to make! I think I will give one to my son who is graduating next week with his Masters in Accounting!

Our hats off to you grads! This is a great achievement and we are proud you!

Thanks, and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

P.S.  More updates on back in stock items!

Sizzix 656537-Decorative Label Set #4

656982- Butterfly Migration

Spellbinders Grand Calibur Machine!