I’m off to CHA 2012! Just a reminder that we will not be in the office for the next 2 days to answer phones, but we’ll all be back on Thursday will tons of information about the latest products! My head is already spinning!
We are getting pretty excited around here for CHA Show! Please make sure you check our site on Sunday, January 29th for more CHA Pre-Order releases from Spellbindersand more!
We don’t have a booth at the show, but we will be leaving for the show on Monday afternoon. We won’t be in the office Tuesday or Wednesday to answer the phone. We will be checking our emails, so if you need to get in touch with us, please shoot us an email!
I can’t wait to see all of the fabulous new products that the manufacturers have come up with to help us create! They are as passionate about the products they produce as we are about the projects we make with them. There are so many wonderful things to see and learn!
I am going to hit as many demos as I can so I will be able to pass on the information to you. We’ll be shooting video and getting that on our site as quickly as possible for you to watch. Busy, busy!
I am hoping to get another picture with Tim Holtz in the Sizzix booth, because he is one of my creative heros. Let’s see…. Donna Salazar, Jennifer McGuire and Teresa Collins will be there to see too! They are my celebrities and I look up to them for creative inspiration! It is all crazy fun! (Okay, so it is work to, but I do have a fun job!)
I am thrilled that so many of you followed our Spellbinders Blog Frenzy the past eight days! We saw some really fun things and I know that you have the wheels spinning with your own ideas of what you can do with the new dies! Today, I would like to get back to items we have available now and show you some Quickutz and Sizzix dies.
I belong to a scrapbook page exchange group which by chance, consists of family and extended family members. There are currently 10 of us that meet once every three months and exchange 2 page layouts. We design one idea 10 times and once the swap is over, we have 10 different layouts! It has been a lot of fun to do this. Not only do we get the pages, but we have gained relationships that are invaluable! I love these ladies!
I have my own guest designer today! My daughter- Stacy Anderson is in the group and I wanted to show you her layout for our upcoming exchange. She has animals on her mind since she wants to redo her children’s room in monkeys and bears. Her “It’s a Jungle” layout is adorable!
She used pattern paper with a leaf pattern on one page and plain cardstock on the other. She used the Cricut Animal Kingdom cartridge for the animals and title. She put each animal on a Sizzix656931- Decorative Strip Paper Rosette and used Quickutz DC0157- Nesting Scallop Squares for her photo mats. She topped it off with leaves from Spellbinders S4-328 Foliage.
I loved these so much that I told her that I wanted mine early so I could put them on the Blog and show all of you! They are so cute! I can’t wait to put pictures of my grandson on them. My daughter affectionately calls him her “little monkey” since (according to her) he feels like he must be swinging from her ribs!
I love incorporating dies from different manufacturers on my projects. You really have no limitations!
This wraps up a busy week for our Blog! I wish you all a wonderfully creative weekend!
They don’t get any larger than this! SizzixBigz Pro dies, are the largest dies ever and can cut hundreds of materials including cardstock, chipboard, fabric, foam, magnet, leather, metallic foil, paper and sandpaper (in limited use). The biggest shapes include full-size bags, boxes, cards, envelopes and album covers.
This year I am using the Bigz Pro Die Box Candy Shaped die for my neighbor gifts! The assembled measurement of this die-cut shape is approximately 9 3/8 x 2 3/8 x 2 3/8″. I have filled mine with candy mints, but you could fill with popcorn, pretzels, chex mix or anything else you can think of that would fit.
This die would also be cute for showers, birthday parties, office parties, etc. All you need is one piece of 12 x 12″ paper, adhesive, and ribbon or other material to tie the ends. Very simple! Of course you can add tags or other embellishments if you like, but I have kept mine simple since I have so many to deliver! Now I just can’t wait to get them all delivered!
Please note that as it gets closer to Christmas we are at the mercy of the manufacturer availability and we can not guarantee delivery for Christmas as we fill orders in the order in which we receive them. We try our very best to keep items in stock, but unfortunately it is very difficult to make projections on product popularity!
Hold on to your hats! SizzixFramelits die sets w/stamps are here and are a hot item! They are blowing out of here as fast as we can get them in! Now that it is cooling off and the kids are in school, it is the perfect time to stay inside and do some stamping.
The Framelits sets w/stamps are not only beautiful, but very functional, because they include a stamp set AND the cutting dies that coordinate with each stamp! Here’s an example of one of the sets with 5:
You receive five – seven cutting dies (depending on the set) and a stamp set. Create the most exact cuts around your cling stamp images. Introducing wafer-thin and chemically etched Framelits Dies from Sizzix with their own matching cling stamp set from Hero Arts. With this unique product pairing, you cut exactly what you see with nothing to obscure perfect print registration. Even scraps, stamped images and printed sentiments can be cropped precisely. Framelits also create beautiful frames or die-cuts that fit snugly within each other. Ideal for stenciling or cutting windows in cards and scrapbook pages, too!
The Framelits Dies are compatible with the BIGkick, Big Shot and Vagabond Machines (used with a pair of Cutting Pads and the machine’s included Platform; when using the Essentials Platform or Solo Platform & Shim, the Extended Adapter or Solo Adapter is required). All items sold separately.
Just think how much easier these sets will make paper crafting! I am excited to give these a try!
Oh boy, oh boy! Have I got some fun news for you today! Sizzix has introduced the new Vintaj BIGkick Machine as well as DecoEtch and DecoEmboss dies! I promise that you are going to LOVE these for card making and scrapbooking embellishments!
The special edition machine cuts, embosses and etches many different designs, while customizing almost endless combinations of creations. In addition, the BIGkick is compatible with most of the Sizzix product library (when using the Solo Platform & Shim which is included) and most exciting techniques. This ultimate roller machine also cuts everything from cardstock to fabric and many things in between! See the rest of the Vintaj products we carry including the Vintaj DecoEtch dies and DecoEmboss dies!
Included with the Vintaj is a Solo Platform and Shim and one pair of cutting pads, which makes all Sizzix components compatible with the Big Shot Machine and even works with other brands’ dies and embossing tools!
The Vintaj Machine measures approximately 12 1/4 x 6 x 14 1/2″.
Each DecoEtch die instantly etches intricate patterns onto different shapes of Vintaj blanks without the use of chemicals. Use it to create or decorate unique metal embellishments for personalized projects such as jewelry, cards, scrapbook pages, boxes, frames and much more. To highlight the raised areas of the blank, use the Vintaj Metal Reliefing block (sold separately at Vintaj.com). For different design possibilities with a DecoEtch die, place the metal blank onto varying areas of the die with each use. This gives the added benefit of more even wear.
Measuring approximately 2 3/8 x 2 5/8″, this DecoEtch die is for use with Vintaj metal blanks and malleable metals only in the Sizzix Vintaj BIGkick, BIGkick, Big Shot and Vagabond machines (used with a pair of Cutting Pads and the machine’s included Platform). All items sold separately.
Each DecoEmboss die elegantly embosses beautiful designs onto different shapes of Vintaj blanks. Use it to create or decorate unique metal embellishments for personalized projects such as jewelry, cards, scrapbook pages, boxes, frames and much more. To highlight the raised areas of the blank, use the Vintaj Metal Reliefing block (sold separately at Vintaj.com). For different design possibilities with a DecoEmboss die, place the metal blank onto varying areas of the die with each use.
Measuring approximately 2 3/8 x 2 1/2″, this DecoEmboss die is for use with Vintaj metal blanks and malleable metals only in the Sizzix Vintaj BIGkick, BIGkick, Big Shot and Vagabond machines (used with a pair of Cutting Pads and the machine’s included Platform). All items sold separately.
I can’t wait to try the DecoEtch and DecoEmboss dies! I was seriously wishing I had some yesterday to make cute embellishments for the candy bar wrappers I was making as gifts for some ladies in my neighborhood. I guess I had better get mine ordered!
I know that many of you have tried and love the Cuttlebug Embossing Folders by Provo Craft but, did you know that SizzixTextured Impressions are embossing folders that will work just like the Cuttlebug folders? You betcha they will!
Textured Impressions will work with the same sandwich formula as the Cuttlebug folders in the following Die Cutting Machines; Cuttlebug Machine, Big Shot and Big Shot Pro Machines, Vagabond by Tim Holtz, Grand Calibur and Epic Six Tools!
Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folders offer the deepest and boldest embossing experience. You can turn ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece.
Sizzix designers have created these folders with beautiful artwork to give your projects the special touch that embossing/debossing creates. You can choose from elegant flourishes and flowers to seasonal folders that will create a fantastic card in seconds!
Marcie took some video of the latest Textured Impressions at CHA that we would like to share with you!
How many of you have had the opportunity to use the SpellbindersGrand Nestabilities or Grand Impressabilities? They are awesome! For those of you who haven’t, you do need either the SpellbindersGrand Calibur Machine or SizzixBig Shot Pro Machine to be able to use these fantastic dies! If you don’t have one of these, please be aware that the Grand Nestabilities are to large for standard machines.
They take off where regular Nestabilities stop. Their sizes are wonderful for frames, mini albums, banners and cards along with many other possibilities! Many of them coordinate with the regular Nestabilities, which allow more versatility for your paper projects. I especially love them for my scrapbooking projects! I really like having coordinating photo frames with journaling blocks which you can achieve with both sets!
I hope that those of you who own some of these sets are enjoying them as much as I do!
I have to tell you, I am hooked on Tim Holtz‘ blog! He really is an amazing designer and absolutely fearless when it comes to trying an teaching new technique! I am in awe every time I get on his blog and I say to myself; “How does he come up with this stuff?” I’m telling you that he is one of the best! I am so glad that he has teamed up with Sizzix so we can have his phenomenal artwork on their quality dies!
His unique style is incredibly popular and we find that we go through the Tim Holtz line quickly! It is also really fun to see what our customers create using his products.
We took a couple videos at CHA just to show you a sample of what is new! Enjoy!
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 SizzixVagabond 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 CraftLetterpress 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
Okay, so I have been given an assignment to add Sizzix Bigz XL dies to our website the last couple of days, which is kinda not good, since I am a scrapbooking junkie! (I know, it’s probably not smart for me to even be working here since I really need a support group for my hobby addiction!) Anyway, I am so excited about some of these dies! Sizzix, as always, has designed some super fun dies for paper crafting!
I just want to show you a couple of my favorites that I have run across so far!
My husband and I have been discussing a big diving trip as an incentive to reach some goals and I thought the Bigz ScoreBoards XL Bag Suitcase die would be a perfect project to make as a reminder of our goal! Of course, that is not the only thing you could use it for! It is so cute!
Another one I think is adorable is the Bigz ScoreBoards XL Bag Caddy. This would be such a fun gift for a friend or co-worker! You could fill it with a favorite treat and let them know how special they are to you!
If you are looking for a simple, but darling card, then there are several to choose from! The Bigz XL Card Floral Flourish die is simple to make but with a fancy flourish to give it a little more pizazz!
I have just skimmed the top with these! There are more coming in the next few days! Keep watching and maybe you can let us know what your favorites are!
I was playing around a bit last night with some of my “toys” and got wondering if the Lifestyle CraftsLetterpress Starter Kit would work in my SizzixBig 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.
I thought that I would take today’s blog to spotlight one of my favorite little machines! Provo CraftCuttlebug 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 SpellbindersGrand dies or SizzixBigz 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!
Oh goodness, I feel so bad! I didn’t realize that I didn’t include Sizzix in my CHA blogs! If you’ve seen my picture, you know that I am blond (getting darker as I get older, but still blond) and I guess that I had another “blond moment”! My apologies to Sizzix because they have some great new Framelits and Framelitz Die Sets with Stamps!
The Framelits Dies come in sets ranging from 4-8 pieces per set. These wafer-thin chemical-etched die sets feature the perfect print registration without interference from any ridges at the edge of the die opening. Plus, they are excellent for clearly cropping photos and cutting windows in cards, bags, boxes and scrapbook pages. Designed to cut a single sheet of cardstock, paper, metallic foil or vellum, these dies also make great stencils and are perfect for layering to produce a 3-D effect.
The Framelits Dies are compatible with the BIGkick, Big Shot and Vagabond machines (used with a pair of Cutting Pads and the machine’s included Platform; when using the Essentials Platform or Solo Platform & Shim, the Extended Adapter or Solo Adapter is required). All items sold separately.
As for the Framelitz Die Set w/Stamp, there’s no need to search for just the right sentiment or embellishment to complement your next cardmaking, scrapbooking or paper crafting challenge! It is all included! Now that’s a great deal!
I took some photos of their beautiful displays at CHA. You should be able to get some ideas from these!
There you have it! I love the garland and wreath! Gives me some decorating ideas to start now for the holidays!
Here is a video as well to see what they look like:
We’re back from CHA and we had a fabulous time! We met with so many popular, innovative companies and saw so many wonderful things that our heads were swimming! Spellbinders, DCWV, Sizzix, QuicKutz, Graphic 45, and Heartfelt Creations to name a few.
We finally caught up with gifted designer Tim Holtz on the last day we were there! No matter where we had gone before, he was no where to be seen by us! We had passed his booth multiple times, but no Tim! Our last morning brought us luck! He was just cleaning up from a demo in the Sizzix booth, and I did not want to miss a prime opportunity! Ladies, eat your hearts out! I got my picture taken with scrapbooking celebrity Tim Holtz! (This is where we scream!) He was very gracious, especially when I know that I was not the only lucky gal there to be photo privileged.
He is simply amazing! I took a few shots of his displays to show you some of the projects that were done with his products.
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!
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 SpellbindersBorderabilities 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 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 CreationsWedding 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!
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!
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 SpellbindersLabels 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!
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