AccuCut Craft Blog

We wish you a merry Christmas...

All of us here at AccuCut Craft wish you a happy and safe Christmas.

We'll be back next week with more great project ideas and techniques! 

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Happy Christmas Eve Eve

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Tomorrow is already Christmas Eve! Hopefully you have all of your shopping done, presents wrapped and plans made. I thought I would share this album with you for inspiration for putting together a brag book to show off all of your favorite photos after Christmas. This one was made using the latest album from Creative Cafe, Mix & Match Album #3.

This taller format, 5 1/2"w x 10 1/2"h to be exact, includes four different shapes, a tall tag and pages with a scalloped edge, bracket and bracket tab edge.

This larger size is great for fitting lots of photos, journaling and embellishments on a page. Plus, it fits perfectly with the Holiday Trees dies, also from Creative Cafe. Other dies shown here include Layering Stars, the small Joy and the small Bird #10.

Hope this helps you get in the Christmas spirit! For more album project ideas, visit our website.  

Last minute gift idea

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Where did the time go? Christmas will be here one week from today! If you still have some people on your list that have you stumped, how about making them their very own journal or notepad? Who can't use a notepad? They're always good by the phone at home or to take with you in your purse.

We have so many album dies to choose from too, so you could make them in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You could even make a notebook out of a specific shape, like a cowboy boot or flower. Here are a few simple ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

This cute notepad was made by Virginia Tillery using the 8 1/2" x 4 1/4" Album vertically. All you would have to do is cut lined paper for the inside, bind together and decorate the cover. Easy as 1-2-3! You can personalize the cover to match the recipient's personality. This one was embellished using the Birds #1, Decorative Scallops Border, Scalloped Frame and Nameplates #3 dies.

If you're looking to make a smaller size notepad or journal, try using the 5" x 3 1/4" Album. This little album was also made by Virginia. I love how she used a variety of materials in a variety of colors, like ribbon, lace and cardboard, to decorate the cover. Other dies used here include Butterfly #8 and Mini Tags #6.

And I had to show just one more option. This size album would make a great journal. Traci Armbrust created this one using the 6 1/2" x 9" Album die. She decorated the cover using Crown Border #2 and Nameplates #12. I love the little gems on the crown border. So easy!
  

So, there you have it. Quick and easy gifts made with love... Have a happy, creative, festive weekend, everybody! 
 

Techniques With Traci: Bring on Christmas!

Posted by Traci Armbrust

So, Christmas is quickly approaching, and I have to admit--half of my Christmas shopping list is gift cards! This got me thinking about new, creative ways to give a gift card. I picked out one of my favorite dies, the A7 Convertibles™ Pocket and Card die set. This pocket fits any of the Convertibles™ Series 1 Inserts, which leaves you with about 26 different options of what shape you can cut out of the front of your pocket! 

The Gift Card Holder Insert isn't probably one you think you might think of using on the front of your card, but I thought I would try something different. I like this idea because it could double as your family's Christmas card. Plus, the pocket makes it convenient to place information, like a menu or basically anything to give that special someone a little more info with the card you purchased for them.   
 I accented the card with the Scallop Lace Border die and Fall and Winter Mini die. In order to adhere the strip of polka-dot paper over the top of the card insert, I simple just cut the front of the pocket again then lined up the holes at the ends of the slots. It was really quite simple. Materials used include Bazzill Basics Paper, Tim Holtz Distress Ink™, American Craft's rub-ons, and Bo Bunny Jewels.

To show you exactly how the Convertibles™ dies work, here is a photo of the insert placed inside the pocket die.
 

Here is what the card looks like cut out. I used teal paper here. On the project I made, you would place a strip of patterned paper along the front and trim down to fit across, lining up the holes in the gift card holder with the pocket.

I thought it was also important to show you another one of the hundreds of possibilities with this pocket.  Here is an adorabale baby announcement using the same pocket die, Square #2 Convertibles™ Insert and the Antique Frame die.

Here, you can see how the insert slides in and out of the pocket.

Here are a few other samples using AccuCut's other gift card holders. This card was made using the A2 Gift Card die.

Here's the gift card holder shown closed.

This other gift card holder fits in a 4 bar size envelope and was created using the Gift Card Holder die.

It's not too late to create one or many adorable gift card holders for this holiday season. Have a wonderful creative Christmas and a spectacular New Year!
 

3... 2...1... Happy New Year!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

2010 is almost here! I thought it might be fun to show you a fun decoration designer Traci Armbrust made that would be perfect to place on a mantle or shelf for your New Year's Eve party. It's simply shimmery block numbers made using AccuCut's 4" numbers dies (They are on sale now! Visit our website specials page!).

Traci used 4" Black Tie numbers dies to cut several number shapes out of black chipboard and shimmery purple paper. She cut about nine of each number to make a 1/2" thick number block.

Once the chipboard numbers are cut, it is time to glue them all together--one on top of the other. Traci used K&Company's WackyTac Craft Bond. Make sure all numbers are aligned perfectly so that they will have a solid base to stand up on their own. Some numbers, like "0" may need some help standing up. You can either lean them against something, glue to a base or to a more stable number next to them.

Next, cover the front and back of each block with the same number shapes cut out of pretty, glitzy paper. Set out on display for everyone to enjoy. Now, you're ready to pour the champagne and party the night away!

You could use this same technique for just about any occasion. You could even spell out children's names for a room decoration! Retailers, this idea would make a great class or kit too.

Don't forget to check out our website for an amazing web special on alphabets dies. They are 50% off through next Monday, the 14th!!

Success story!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Who doesn't love a success story? Our customer service guru, Tammy Miller, passed these wonderful photos from one of our customers on to me, and I just have to share them with you.

This beautiful wedding stationery was created by Jennifer Dailard, owner of Simply Posh Design in La Mesa, Calif. I just love these photos and how elegant her design is. Jennifer used the Squares-4 3/4" Pinnovation® die to create these perfectly pretty programs. I love the rich colors and the bright bow adds a fun burst of color.

Here's a photo of Jennifer's place card made using the Place Cards #2 Pinnovation® die. This die is so great because you can cut four place cards at one time. And the little tag on the favor box was made with the 1 3/4" Square Seals Pinnovation® die. This die allows you to cut 15 at a time! Talk about increasing your productivity.

We are so happy Jennifer decided to purchase a GrandeMARK™ Machine to help grow her business. She's already seen great success and was kind enough to share her experience with us.

"A few months ago I decided to take the plunge and invest in the GrandeMARK machine and several Pinnovation stationery dies. As the owner of a very small custom invitation business, this investment was substantial.

Luckily, I did not have any time for buyer's remorse. Within 48 hours from ordering the GrandeMARK and dies, I received two orders from clients that almost completely covered the entire cost of my investment. My clients needed a variety of wedding collateral, including menus, favor tags, program fans and place cards.

When my GrandeMARK arrived a week later, I was able to produce these items in no time and delivered both orders, which totaled more than 1,000 pieces, on time. I am so glad I made the decision to invest with AccuCut and have a long wish list of dies that I plan to add to my collection over time. I particularly appreciate the ability to produce a dozen favor tags at a time without needing to hand cut those tiny squares as I have done so in the past. What once took hours, now takes minutes.

Thank you for a fabulous product!"

I hope this inspires everyone to create some fabulous projects this weekend!

Easy as 1-2-3! Cute Christmas cards made with only three dies

Posted by Tara Smithberg

So, there's about three weeks until the big day! Don't start fretting just yet. There is still time to whip up some quick, easy and cute cards that take minutes to assemble. I've pulled together a few of my favorite cards to inspire you.

Retailers, these cards and shapes would be great to cut multiples of and sell as last-minute cardmaking kits.

This simple, adorable card by Jen Cramer was made using only three basic dies: A2 Scalloped Card #1, Joy and Tree #6.

This card was made using double-sided paper, adding a pop of color behind the scallops. Add the word "joy" and a tree shape and you're ready to write a quick note on the inside, stick in an envelope and mail.

This festive card by Traci Armbrust was made using the A7 Convertibles Card #3. I love Convertibles because you get such a big bang for your buck. All you have to do is change out the insert shape in the center for dozens of unique looks. Here, Traci used the Convertibles Tree Insert and stamped a simple sentiment onto Nameplates #5. Easy as 1-2-3!

 
And last but not least, try creating a cute card like this one (also by Traci) using the A2 Pocket & Tag Card die. Use a holiday rub-on to decorate the simple tag. Next, cut an adorable tree shape using the Holiday Trees and accent with Mini Snowflakes #2 and a beautiful brad with a vintage feel.
  

And there you go. One more thing you can cross off your Christmas to-do list!  

Still looking for Christmas card ideas?

Posted by Tara Smithberg

So, is anyone else still in a turkey coma? I think I'm starting to get back into the swing of things after a nice, long weekend. I've even started to get serious about the Christmas cards I need to send out. If you are still looking for ideas like me, I thought I'd share this unique card with you. I came across this one made by Traci Armbrust using the #10 Foldout Card #1 and #10 Card Pinnovation® Mats dies.

I love the unexpected shape and how it closes shut with a ribbon, giving it an extra special touch. This card shape would also work well for an invitation. You could dress it up or dress it down depending on the occasion.

The mat on the inside is so easy to create when you use Pinnovation® dies to cut exactly where you need it to every time--and it's so easy to customize with your own photos and text.

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. Stay tuned for more project ideas to inspire you! 

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted by Tara Smithberg

How did Turkey Day get here so soon?! I would like to wish you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving! There are so many things to be thankful for, and I'm especially thankful for all of our great customers and dedicated blog readers. You have brought us so many wonderful ideas throughout the year and here's another one!

Check out this super cute pumpkin brought to us by Kelly Raines of Cut It Out Scrapbook Studio in McConnelsville, Ohio. This would be perfect to display on a mantle or used as a centerpiece at the dinner table.

Kelly used the 11 1/2" Ribbon Circle page background die to create the pumpkin shape. She cut two shapes and cut a portion of the bottom off so it would be able to stand on a flat surface. She folded them down the center and attached the circle shapes together in the middle, topping with a stem to create the 3-D look.  

Kelly used the Leafy Border #2 to make the vines at the top and the leaf from the mini Fall & Winter die for the little leaves on the "thanks" banner.

So, there you have it. One more Thanksgiving project to inspire you! Thanks again to Kelly for sharing this lovely project with us.

Simplicity is Beauty

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Sometimes, the more simple the favor, the bigger the impact. Check out this very sweet wedding favor created by designer Suzette Noecker. She chose to use the Box #23 die for its size and simplicity.

"I wanted to showcase the natural exterior of these boxes using no embellishments, while inside sit three unexpected pearlized, white gourmet chocolate shells nestled in natural shred, reminiscent of sand. My beachy bride, groom and guests were thrilled by its simplistic elegance and decadence."

 
 
Suzette used Waste Not Paper in "bluebell" to cut these pretty boxes. The gorgeous treats inside were made by Olde Naples Chocolate.

Suzette (email: suzette@bloom415.com) is the owner of Bloom 415 located in Bethany Beach, Delaware.

For more bag and box ideas, visit our website.