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

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

I appreciate when customers email with questions concerning products that I can use on our Blog! One of our customers asked today for ideas using Spellbinders Borderabilities Dies. She also asked if she could use the 12″ Borderabilities Grand in her Cuttlebug Machine even though she did not have the Extended Cutting Mats.

Yes!  You can use the 12″  Grand Dies with standard plates if you are just needing a portion for a card or something short! Just make sure that you don’t bend the die where it is hanging over the edge!

If you do have the extended plates, you can cut the die cut to the length you need for layouts, cards, banners or other projects!

The Borderabilities  Petite generally come with 2 dies. One of the dies usually comes with only one cutting edge for a nice card border,  called an Accent Die. The Accent cuts the bottom edge and embosses the upper edge.while the other Border Die cuts and embosses on all sides for an actual border that you can place anywhere you choose!

You can also use these dies in the Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Big Shot Pro Machine, Vagabond by Tim Holtz,  QuicKutz Epic Six Tool, and of course, the Spellbinders Grand Calibur!

You can use these dies any way you want, the idea is to PLAY! That is the whole idea in creativity! See how many ways you can use them! Let the kids use the dies to decorate soup can pencil holders for their teachers, or for their homework binders to dress them up for school! That will keep them busy during the hot summer afternoons when they “are bored” because it is to hot to go outside!

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

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

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

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Pride can be such a confusing word! It can be good as far as taking pride in our family, appearance, etc, but it can be a detriment when it causes you to be stubborn about change! When Sizzix released the Big Shot Pro Machine I was NOT going to get another machine! I was determined not to cave in! I did not need it, did not have room to put it….. bad pride.  Thanks to several customers calling in to find out how to do things with this fabulous machine, I finally decided it would be helpful for me to have one so I could learn how to use it and would actually know how to help my customers, so I caved!

The Big Shot Pro Machine works with every Sizzix and Ellison design.  Constructed from industrial-strength materials, the Big Shot Pro Machine features a 13 inch wide opening to cut hundreds of materials. That is fantastic!

I can’t begin to describe how I already love this machine and I just got it last week! (Just so you know, I did have to put my order in and wait in line,  just like everyone else!) I had to do a little rearranging in my scrapbook room, but I did find a place all of its own, where it sits proudly waiting to go to work for me! I still have to figure something out to organize my Bigz Pro Dies but that will come as I work more with it.

That’s another thing, when we started getting those big dies in I fell for them right away! (Have I told you what a sucker I am?) I am tickled with how big they are! I am already planning my neighbor gifts for Christmas! They do not get any bigger than this! The Sizzix Bigz Pro inch dies are the largest dies ever. They cut hundreds of materials which include cardstock, chipboard, fabric, foam, magnet, leather, metallic foil, paper and sandpaper (in limited use). Designed exclusively for the Big Shot Pro Die Cutting Machine. These dies are great for cutting fast quilting designs too.

So here is my first finished project using this incredible machine and the Bigz Pro Die Box Popcorn #2. You have to cut 2 from the die to make the box, so make sure you have more than one piece of 12 x 12 paper! I also used Heartfelt Creations Bella Rose House, Bella Rose Leaves along with the Bella Rose die. I cut the house out with Spellbinders Labels One Small I was making this for my dad’s birthday,  and he has been saying how nice it would be to have a movie night, so I filled it with candy, popcorn and a gift certificate to the movies!

Well, that’s it for today! I hope you all have a wonderful, sunny weekend!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Back Order Update: The Big Shot Pro is still back ordered, however, we have been randomly getting some in, so if you want one, get your order in so you can be in line!

The Magic of Oz Cling Stamps are already back ordered from Graphic 45, but we are trying frantically to get some in! We appreciate your patience!

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

It is so much fun seeing new products as they arrive! Sizzix new release dies just arrived today and I have been so anxious to tell you! I just couldn’t wait for my BLOG hour!

You know what they say- April showers bring May flowers! Well, we have had plenty of rain and this release has a blooming bouquet of flowers! You will love all of them! You can practically smell aroma from these dies! They are from the Fresh Vintage collection and feature the design style of Eileen Hull. Each design is unique in style and will bring springtime beauty to any project!

Include in the Fresh Vintage Collection are the Bigz Flower 3-D Fringed,  Bigz Flower 3-D Wrapped, Bigz Flower Layers #9, Bigz Flower Petal Power,  Bigz Flower 3-D #2 . Last, but definitely not least, are Bigz Leaves which will compliment any of the  flower dies! These dies all measure 5 1/2″ x 6″. They would look gorgeous out of paper felt or fabric!

These dies are designed to use in Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Big Shot Pro Machine and the Vagabond Machine by Tim Holtz !

BACK ORDER UPDATE: We are happy to announce that we have finally received a large shipment of Decorative Strip Die Mini Paper Rosettes! Hooray! If you have been waiting for these to arrive, now is the time to get your order in! They are a popular item and sale FAST!

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

Wow! I can’t believe that it is already Friday! May is speeding by super fast! Of course, with all the cool, rainy weather we have had in Utah, it doesn’t feel like spring yet! That is a good thing when it comes to waiting  for the latest items that have been released this month! I  just want to stay inside where its warm and play with the latest stamp sets from Just Rite Stampers! They are amazing as usual!

The cards below are made using the Smile Set. You receive four 2″ design centers with four extra wide borders, for a total of 3 1/4″. You will need the 3 1/4″ Wood Stamper.

This stamp set coordinates with the Spellbinders Standard Circles Large, Classic Scalloped Circles Large, Classic Scalloped Circles Small, Big Scalloped Circles Large, and Big Scalloped Circles Small Nestabilities.

DCWV Natural Mat Stack, Natural Solid Cardstock Mat Stack, Just Rite Stampers Smile Set, Spellbinders Classic Circles Large, Want2Scrap Nestabling Heart Circles BrownR. Add a flower by Petaloo and some brass embellishments!

Spellbinders Labels Sixteen, Classic Circles Large, DCWV Linen Closet Mat Stack, Linen Closet Solid Cardstock Mat Stack, 1/8″ Scor-Tape, chalk and ribbon.

Making the perfect card is so easy with stamps! What in the world did we ever do without them? I think I have blanked that out on purpose because I don’t ever want to go back to life without them!

Have a great weekend!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

BTW- Sizzix wanted us to let you know, after seeing yesterday’s BLOG, that you can also make the Soda Can Hair Bows with the Bigz Dies in the Big Shot Machine! Good to know! Thanks for the tip!

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

Well, here goes! We have more back order news from Spellbinders, Sizzix and McGill! The following are the new stock dates for each group of dies that are back ordered:

stock date 04/28:

S3-146     S4-136     S4-137     S4-321

stock date first week of May:

S3-150     S4-316     S4-318     S4-328     S5-030     GC-001

stock date 05/21:

All LF Dies     S5-028     S5-029     S4-319     S4-317     S4-324     S5-032

McGill- Paper Blossom Tool Kits are now back ordered until mid-May!

Sizzix- Back ordered items:

656339-Stars,   656512-Butterfly#12,   656515-Dragonfly#3,   656539-Flower Layers#3,   656639-Elegant Flourishes,   656946-Postcard & Sheet Music,   657195-Clock & Steampunk

Item 655807-Extended Adapter is discontinued and no longer available.

I-Rock items are coming in approximately 04/22!

We know that this is disappointing news, but we know that May will be here and gone before we know it, so we are asking that you please be patient for these items! We still have tons of great items available to keep you satisfied and busy in the meantime!

Remember that Butterflies, ladybugs  and flowers are moving in big, even if some of us are still seeing snow!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

This Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die Mini Paper Rosettes from Tim Holtz is such a fun die! I love how it is so easy to cut out and fold! I think I could cut out rosette flowers all day!Just make sure that you have a good strong adhesive to hold them together!

You receive two different sizes of rosettes: 2 1/8″ and 1 3/4″. Each Decorative Strip die measures 12 5/8″. It coordinates with the Decorative Strip Die Paper Rosette which shape measures approximately 2 5/8″.

For my Thank You card I used one of the Spellbinders Grand Big Scalloped Ovals, then used my Scor-Pal to score down the middle to make my fold for the card.  I used the Mini Paper Rosettes Die to make my flowers, then used Spellbinders Foliage to make my leaves! The butterfly is from the Fanciful Flight set. I finished it off with stamping my phrase from the From My Kitchen stamp set from Just Rite Stampers onto my paper then cutting it out with a die from Floral Doily Accents set. Add a couple of pearls and dew drops and it is done!

I’m sure that your imagination can think of lots of possibilities with these babies!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Hooray! We just received Some Sizzix items that have been back ordered for some time! We are happy to announce that the following items are back in stock:

656640-Tattered Florals by the ever popular Tim Holtz. Just in time for spring, these flowers are absolutely gorgeous! They are big sellers and I’m sure that you can see why! Everyone loves handmade flowers! Order yours now while we have them in stock!

657177- Mini Paper Rosettes die showcases the bold and edgy style of Tim Holtz. You receive two different sizes of rosettes: 2 1/8″ and 1 3/4″. This Decorative Strip die measures 12 5/8″ and is compatible with the BIGkick, Big Shot and Vagabond machines (with the Extended Spacer Platform and a pair of 13″ Cutting Pads). You can also use this die in Provo Craft’s Cuttlebug with 13″ Cutting Pads. This die coordinates with the 656931 Paper Rosettes die which is a HUGE seller, so this one should do just as well! We currently have a large stock of these items, but they won’t last!

656469-Fall Set Textured Impressions from artist Rachael Bright was a summer 2010 CHA release that sold out before fall even got here! It has been on back order for over seven months! Get yours now so you will be sure to have one when you are ready to make your fall and Thanksgiving cards and layouts! This set is absolutely beautiful and is sure to sell just as fast this year!

Don’t wait to order these items! If you wait, you may wish that you would have jumped at the chance sooner!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Spellbinders is clearing out many of their older dies to make room for new product! We have marked these items way down! 75% off Spellbinder Alphabets! WOW!

You can find these items along with other clearance items in our clearance section! Items like the Filmstrip, Mystic Alphabet, Polka Dot Frame all discontinued and available while supplies last!

We also have amazing deals on clearance items  from Robin’s Nest, QuicKutz, and Sizzix!

Get yours while you can! Once they are gone, then they are gone! These prices are as low as we can go!

Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

We are so excited to have received the new Sizzix Textured Embossing Folders! We Oooed and Ahhhed over them while deciding which were our favorites! Now, I can tell you, that was hard! They are all gorgeous!

I love the embossing folders for making quick cards! You are probably starting to realize that I am all about quick! Sometimes I feel like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, always in a hurry because I might be late! Needless to say that quick works best for me! You will most likely see quick ideas from me on our BLOG because that is what I do best! (Or at least have time for)

For this card I used the damask folder from the Corners & Damask Set. I ran white card stock through my Cuttlebug Machine then ran a Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink all over the top, which helped bring out the design. The pattern strip is from Basic Grey’s Hello Luscious 6×6 Paper Pad with a strip of ribbon. I used 1″ Scor-Tape to adhere the strip and 1/2″ Scor-Tape to apply the ribbon. The tag is made from Spellbinder’s new CHA release Grommet Tags.

Using the corners folder of the Corners & Damask and both the DCWV Luxury Mat Stack and Linen Closet Solid Mat Stack, I made a quick wedding card! I finished it off with Spellbinder’s CHA Fancy Tags Two and Basic Grey’s Opaline Half Pearls!

For this next card I used a card from DCWV Latte Box of Cards and embossed the front with one of the Country & Flowering Foliage Set, the ran the card stock strip through with the other folder in the same set. I used another new CHA release, Labels Eighteen #3 die for the stamped greeting.

Last of all, I simply used two of the four folders in the Butterfly Migration Set for a simple, yet pretty “Thinking of You” card! I used a dauber to dab ink around the edges of the greeting and on the butterflies to create contrast to the rest of the card. 5 minutes tops!

I hope these give you an idea of how pretty these new Sizzix Embossing Folders are!

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

Yippee! Just arrived are the new Sizzix Country Foliage Collection! With flowers, borders, flourishes and even a Scalloped Lace Envelope! These are a must have for your die collection!

If you like to layer, you will love  Flower Layers #7, Flower Layers #8, and Flowers, Cottage Trio!

Can’t live without borders? Then your pick would be  Flowering Foliage, Lace Edging #2, Lace Scallop or Windmill Daisies!

They even have a very pretty Decorative Frames Set to dress up your projects!

Choose from these and more for your springtime layouts or Mother’s Day Cards! Yes, spring is just around the corner! Are you ready?

Thanks and Happy Scrappin’!

Carrie

We received eight of the NEW Sizzix Vagabond electronic die-cutting machines! This was truly a Christmas miracle as Sizzix is out of stock on this machine until the end of January and we did not think we would be receiving any. Designed by Tim Holtz, this machine looks like a vintage suitcase and has a handle for easy caring. We have it at a special introductory price of $209.99 which is the best price on the web. You will want to get yours before our stock is gone!

We will be closed on Friday, December 24, and will reopen on Monday, December 27th.

Merry Christmas Scrappers!

Marcie

Have you seen the new Sizzix Textured Impression Embossing Folders? Designed by Tim Holz, these will certainly put the merry in your Christmas!We have all four designs in-stock and ready to ship.

Just as a reminder, anything ordered after December 11 may not make it before Christmas.

Happy Holidays and have a good weekend!

Marcie