AccuCut Craft Blog

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.

Techniques with Traci: Make way for more Arch projects

Posted by Traci Armbrust

My job as AccuCut's designer is to really showcase dies and all of their possibilities. So every so often a challenge is put before me by a customer or a fellow employee: "What can you make from this?" So today I give you more Arch projects.

I know it doesn't look like a whole lot, but looks can be deceiving, and for $45 dollars (right now there's 20% off + free shipping on our website, making it only $36!) the endless possibilities could be yours. Since it was designed as a note card, let's start there.

This Christmas card is created using a folding technique. To create this look, the paper must be at least 13" long by 7" high. Lay your paper over the Arch die and fold in the sides, making sure your folds are on the inside of the blades. You can create folds on any die as long as you leave the fold on the inside of the cutting blade.

Roll it through the machine and you have an arch with doors/panels. Note: I did trim down the doors/panels to close just perfectly.

So say you don't want it to have panels or doors, you just want it "au naturale."  This project was created using the Pinnovation® A2 Card Mats #1 die for the invitation wording, then adhered onto the arch. The top is the perfect place for a small rub-on, sticker, or of course, a die cut Butterfly #8. Don't forget the envelope to go with your unique creation! Envelope #7 is the perfect fit. This envelope does require larger than 12" x 12" paper.

While I was making the birthday invitation, it dawned on me that this would be a cute frame placed on an easel. Attach a die cut to the top (in this case Hearts #1) of a large paper clip or clipboard clip works great too! This way you can change the photo out, and the frame lasts forever. You could also attach magnets onto the back or use AccuCut's magnetic sheets. The sheets work great because you could cut the whole arch from magnet.

Folding techniques and different mediums are just a few ways to bring life into your very basic die shapes.

Check out the blog posted before this one for more ideas on how to use this arch die, especially the really cool triptych. This Arch rules!!

One simple, inexpensive die... hundreds of projects!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Sometimes, in our busy lives, it's refreshing to take a step back and get back to basics. I think this is even true for the projects we make. I challenged our designer Traci Armbrust to take a simple, versatile die, the Arch Note Card (NC537J), and use it in a variety of ways.

This die is technically intended to be used as a note card, but can be used for all sorts of projects and most importantly, it is inexpensive (only $45!)

 
Check out this little winter album Traci made using the Arch die. This die shape is 6 1/2"w x 6 1/2"h, a perfect size for an album.

Traci used the Arch die to cut her pages and decorated the cover using Frames #2 and Snowflake #4. And I love, love, love the bling on this snowflake--Crystal Elements by Mark Richards. The paper is from Cosmo Cricket. To pull it all together, Traci used the Zutter Bind-it-All. This little album would make a great class or kit. It would be inexpensive to make when you use your AccuCut dies to cut multiple pieces.

And now for further inspiration, check out this sweet baby-themed triptych in pinks and greens. This time, Traci punched holes in the Arch shapes and attached them together with ribbon to display in a baby's room or to give as a gift. (If you click on the photo, you can see an enlarged image.)

 
 
Other dies used include the Dragonfly #2 and Scallop Lace Border. They add that extra special touch to accent those sweet photos.

So, I hope these ideas have inspired you to get back to basics and invest in some basic shapes or utilize the ones you have now. Stay tuned for more great ideas!

Techniques with Traci: Creative Packaging

Posted by Traci Armbrust

So, I was thinking about how we are drawn to buy things by their clever packaging, whether it's groceries, makeup or even craft products. I realized that when it comes to die cuts, we usually find them in a basket or a small bin. It got me thinking about all of you retailers. What if you use your existing dies for multiple purposes, including packaging products in your store? Those dies would be worth their weight in gold.

How about making cute labels for packages of die cut shapes like this? Follow these easy steps!

 
1) We start off with a Pinnovation® 5 3/8" Circle die. Set up the template in Microsoft Word or design program so it's always there for you to use and change as the dies or kits you are trying to sell changes.

2) Fold the circle in half so your information fits in the bottom half of the circle. Bag up die cuts and zip-lock or fold (whichever you are working with) the bag closed. Now, fold the circle in half and staple the top so that it goes through the bag (we don't want any die cuts falling out!)

3) Punch a hole at the top to hang on a peg. Or don't worry about punching a hole if you are displaying in a basket or giving it away at a local scrapbooking event.

Here is what the paper looks like before you cut the circles from it. This was created using a PDF template from our website and Adobe InDesign®, but can be easily created in a Word program also using a template from our website.

I also wanted to show you a project that was created using this Circle die to give you an idea of what else you can use it for.

I absolutely love this next idea. Follow these easy steps to create an easy, adorable packaged kit.

1) Using our ready-to-go Stationery Boxes, you can create you own unique kits, complete with dimensional items. 

2) Next create a label explaining what's inside using the Clear Cuts™ Label die. This is a sassy, chic way to get your information across. 

3) Fill your box. This A2 clear box is 3/4" thick, and the A7 is 1" thick--plenty of room for ink pads and multiple album pieces to be stacked up inside.

To create a more finished look, I tied a ribbon around the box. But don't be fooled by the cuteness, it really has a purpose, and that is to keep the contents safe and secure inside. If you don't want to use ribbon, place two little strips of Red Liner Double-Stick Adhesive along the long ends to keep the box from coming open.

Here is a project using the A2 Clear Stationery Box housing a set of greeting cards.

 
Think about all the dies you have that could be used and packaged as kits in a unique way, like alphabets and bags and boxes during the holidays. Remember to display sample projects. Plus, the more unique and fun the packaging, the more your customers will be drawn in. You can't go wrong!

Baby Shower Bonanza

Posted by Tara Smithberg

I'm in the process of planning a baby shower for one of my dear friends, and boy is there a lot to think about! From the theme to the guest list to games and gifts, I have been on the hunt for some great ideas to make this shower extra special. I thought I'd share some cool baby shower projects made using AccuCut dies. I have so many ideas, it's hard to think straight!

Plus, for all of you retailers out there, targeting moms to be is a great way to bring new customers into your store. Display baby theme projects using AccuCut dies near your baby related items, like embellishments and ribbon, to help you sell even more product. You could even host classes on how to make custom baby announcements or a cool diaper cake like this one shown here.

This cuter than cute diaper cake was made by Marah Johnson.

I just love this! I've never seen a diaper cake look so fabulous. Marah used Flowers #27 to create the flowers atop each tier. The sweet little birds were created with the Birds #1 die. I love how she mixed and matched colors and patterns. It really makes it bright and cheery. And the tulle adds an extra touch of whimsy. For a boy diaper cake, you could try a sports theme or use baby elephant, giraffe or monkey shapes.

As for favors, this one is one of my faves. This little box was made using Flower Box #2 out of clear plastic and the Flower Box #2 Accessories dies. It's self-closing, which makes it super easy, especially if you are planning to make a bunch of them. You can customize for a boy or a girl and fill the box with candy to match.

 
  
If you're looking for a unique card to use for invitations, games or thank you notes, try this sweet little Diaper card. I've made several cards using this die for friends who are expecting, and they get the biggest kick out of it. It is just so unique, fun and unexpected.

I could go on and on with baby shower ideas, but hopefully these have inspired you. For more great ideas, be sure to visit the Ideas section of our website.