AccuCut Craft Blog

Sneak Peek! You can have your cake and scrapbook it too.

By: Traci Armbrust

This will be my last sneak peek untill the CHA show in Anaheim the 29th through February 1st, but be looking for blog, Facebook and YouTube video posts direct from the show. 

So here is another fabulous die designed by Cheryl Mezzetti to add to her Album Builder series of dies.  Album Builder-Cake is that perfect shape to create celebration projects of all kinds.

Don't you just love all the accent pieces?  Not only can you decorate the cake but you can use them for borders or accents through out your album or on scrapbook pages, cards and so much more.

Use our Kraft Chipboard to really make the layers pop on the cake.

Don't forget to follow us this next week to see our full release of all 19 dies.  If you're not going to be at CHA the dies will be available to order on line the week of February 6th.   

Sneak Peek! What's Cookin' Good Lookin'

By: Traci Armbrust

Oooooh, you are going to love this die designed by Vicki Chrisman!  It's a 2 die Recipe Album set.  There are so many stamps, rubons and fun papers out there to create one of a kind recipe albums, and this die is the perfect canvas.  Plus, the accessories that come on this die, make it easy to create albums, cards and so much more.  

I used our chipboard, just plain, with a little inking around the edges, as the recipe album pages. This die is available with or without holes so if you are wanting to use a binding system you can.

Check out that perfect size pocket for a standard index/recipe card. Add the tab for easy grabbing.

So the real question is, is it a recipe album or a scrapbook? The answer is both.  You'll have something to pass down to your children or an unforgetable gift with the benefit of yummy recipes.  So have fun creatimg memorable albums with even more memorable family recipes. 

 

 

 

Sneak Peek! Be True to Your School.

By:Traci Armbrust

You are going to love this new Album-Locker created by Bona Rivera-Tran. It's so versatile and can be used for grade school age all the way up to high school.  You are also going to be able to use all the different accent pieces on cards, bags/boxes and home decor items.

 

Use chipboard on the album and accent pieces to add dimension.

The Oxford Line from BasicGrey is a really fun match for this album.

Check out this video by Bona displaying a totally unique way to use this die.

 

I know your are already gathering up those school pics or thinking of the awesome classes that could incorporate this album. Just a quick reminder that this and the other 18 new dies will be available on our website the week of February 6th and available at CHA starting January 29th.

Sneak Peek: You can never have too many SHOES!

By: Traci Armbrust

Here's another sneak peek of a brand new die designed for us by Jing Van Opstal. The Party Shoe is a beautiful, classy, yet fun and chic way to create unique favors, place cards, and as Jing shows us, mini invitations. The Party Shoe is available in Jumbo and Super Jumbo sizes

The shoe can be simple yet elegant.

It can be a place card with beautiful flowers or candies placed inside.

My heart would skip a beat if I received this beautiful invitation to Champagne Afternoon Tea. Wouldn't yours?

What I love most about this Party Shoe is that it can be decorated and fancied up with literally anything, Flowers, ribbon, charms, brads, feathers, and I could keep going and going.  Remember this die along with the 18 other new dies will be available on our website the week of February 6th.  Champagne dreams and caviar wishes everyone!

Another Sneak Peek!!!

By: Traci Armbrust

I'm super super excited about this new die. If you've been searching for a new alphabet, well search no more. This 1" (yes I said 1") Vintage Uppercase alphabet is a must have!  We designed this alphabet to have a sophisticated yet fun circus type feel to it.  The best part is that you can cut your own alphabet letters our of whatever your heart desires.  My heart usually desires chipboard, but like all of AccuCut Craft dies, you can cut plastic, fabric, foam, craft metal and so much more.

This page also features Cheryl Mezzetti's new Blossoms (3-D) die that we did a little sneak peek of last week. I also used the Classic-11 1/2" Page Background die and one of my personal favorites, Fourishes #3

Have a great day and look for another sneak peek Wednesday the18th.

Let the Sneak Peeks Begin!

By:Traci Armbrust

We have 19 new dies coming our for CHA and I want to show you all of them so bad, but one will have to do for today.  Designed by Cheryl Mezzetti, the Blossoms (3-D) is such a fun way to add dimension to all projects. Plus the simple fact that you can never have too many flowers is reason enough to get this die.

When I use these Blossoms, I like to layer two on top of each other and curl the petals. There are two choices of centers for each size of the Blossoms but those centers can be used as small flowers or little berries on their own. I used the Core'dinations line of paper so that I could sand the edges, but they also look awesome inked or layering two different colors of papers.

If you are wanting more of these blossoms check out the Luminarte Blog today featuring a project created by Cheryl Mezzetti.

The new dies will not be available for purchase on-line or by phone until the week of February 6th. Stay tune for more sneak peeks in the weeks to follow.

 

Our Fresh Start to 2012 Includes My Top 5 Trend List

By Christina Kudym

   A new year brings with it many things, but a fresh start seems to be what I hear and see commented on the most.  What will you do with your fresh start?  Do you want to create and design wondrous things that no one has seen before?  Create THE hottest “must-have” item, or maybe start using different and new media in your creations?  Maybe you want to create some additional revenue with your creative talents for the first time or maybe, just maybe you want to do all of the above.  All I have to say, regardless of your answer, is “GO FOR IT!” 

    In this post I’d like to touch a little on what was popular in 2011 and a few things I think will be big hits, possibly trends in 2012.  To start I’d like to recap our 10 most popular items in 2011.  These are listed in order of popularity.      

 2011 Top 10 Popular

1. Pinnovation
2. Circles
3. Envelopes
4. Anything A7
5. Flowers
6. Cupcakes
7. Boxes
8. Frames
9. Albums
10. Squares

    I am not surprised that our Pinnovation dies came in at number one; these dies are seriously a must-have.  We’ve seen your requests for these unique dies to be made in different sizes and shapes and believe me when I say, “We are listening”.  Were you surprised by anything on this list?  Was there anything you thought should have made the “Top 10”? If so leave me a comment and let me know, I would love to hear from you.

    Now onto the top five Trends for 2012, or at least things that I think are fantastic and should be the top 5 trends.  Hey, it’s my post and I can dream all I want.  Make sure to let me know if you think I'm way out in left field or right on target.     

Drum roll please...

1. Felt, Felt and more FELT – I love this media and really can’t get enough of it.  Many people use felt, but I think it will be used even more than before and in new and fun ways.  FYI the GrandeMARK multi-craft cutting machine cuts felt and all other fabrics.  Did I mention I think this machine is crazy awesome!
2. Hats! – You think Mustaches are adorable (we obviously do, which is why we have a mustache die) just wait until you see hats hit the scene.  Adorn picture in your albums or just use them as accent pieces.  Place a bowler atop Dad’s head perhaps?  Maybe use a fedora and a sunhat on shower or wedding invitations.  LOVE! 
3. I’m a little… - You fill in the rest. Hint: It's a song and an adorable shape.
4. Copper - The color itself and the media I think will be a big hit this year.  Coincidentally I’m wearing a copper hued sweater today.  Just saying.

And last but certainly not least…

1. Recycled Media – This isn’t your mama’s recycling bin.  I’m talking about anything that can be re-used.  Flatware, plates, denim, old scrapbook pages, cards & invitations, plates, playing cards.  Heck, find old textbooks from college, tear the pages out, put cardstock in and bind it with your favorite binding system to make an awesome college scrapbook. 

    Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an advocate of destroying books; but really, what were you going to do with them anyway?  You could leave some pages inside that are highlighted to kingdom come as a reminder of those infamous “all-nighters” if you want.  Now that’s the kind of recycled media I’m talking about! 

    Just imagine the fun projects you can create and classes you can teach with the five things I’ve mentioned; the possibilities are endless.  Also imagine the profits you will make from your project classes especially the one using recycled materials as your media.  I’ve imagined both, which is why I picked these as the “Top Five”. 

    So, after seeing my picks, what do you think should be or will be the Top Trend in 2012 in the creative world?   

Join us on Pinterest!

By Traci Armbrust

I'm so excited to announce that we're on Pinterest! Here is the link http://pinterest.com/accucutcraft/. So pin away and have fun. We've been seeing so many great projects being created by our customers.  Love this beautiful butterfly album project created by Arlene Cuevas with Butterfly Kisses Designs using Butterfly #1.

My New Years resolution is to blog at least twice a week so check back often, and don't forget to visit us at www.accucutcraft.com and www.facebook.com/accucutcraft. It's going to be a great social year!

 

Oh My Goodness! The GrandeMARK is $300!

By: Traci Armbrust

This is the lowest our GrandeMARK (the ultimate cutting solution) has ever been. Today (November 28th, 2012) is the only day to get this extraordinary deal. 

This machine gives you the ultimate versatility for all crafts. Cut anything from fabric to mat board, basically anything you can cut with a pair of scissors. 

Visit us online at www.accucutcraft.com and don't forget to visit our Video Sharing Community and our Facebook Community. 

You know you want this machine, and now is the time! 

Happy Shopping!

Black Friday Sale and New Die Release!

By Traci Armbrust

Yes, it's that time again!  Come take advantage of our awesome Black Friday Special online only. See site for further details, now through November 27th .

You say you want more excitement? We've got it!  New dies from Australian designer, Tony Barber

Use his clever 3-D Birds to create decorations,  three dimensional scrapbook pages and home decor items. His Accordion frames add movement and dimension to Holiday and everyday cards. There are also Banners, Bows/Curls and Cones to spice up your crafting adventures.

Happy crafting and Happy Thnksgiving everyone!

 

Store Spotlight: The Wedding Company

By: Traci Armbrust

I wanted to spotlight these incredible projects created by the stationery geniuses (Angela Troia and Laura Troia) at The Wedding Company in Manhasset, New York.  The wedding company was founded in 2004 and they create everything from save the dates, invitations, place cards, menus, favors, and shower gifts.

They used the A7 Cards-Dress Pinnovation die and beautiful trims, jewels and tulle on these exquisite birthday and shower invites.

I love the versatility of AccuCut dies and so must Angela and Laura. Look how they used A7 Cards-Frame Pinnovation dies a formal wedding invite then as a birthday invite for a young boy.

 Last but not least, creating unique Save the Dates are a breeze using the Circles-5 3/8" Pinovation die.

You can also follow the Wedding company on Facebook.

Store Spotlight: "Fall" in love with this album

By: Traci Armbrust

I wanted to showcase this beautiful album created by Teri from the Scarlet Empress in Olympia, Washington

Teri used the Album-Tags die and My Mind's Eye Lost and Found 2 "Sunshine" paper

She used Album-Leaves throughout the album accented with Scarlet Empress Glitter (Chocolate Bronze)

The ribbons are from Midori and May Arts.

Absolutely breathtaking, Thank you so much for the beautiful fall inspiration.

Don't forget to share your fall (or any season) creations on our facebook page.  We also have a great    video sharing site to find and share your fabulous projects. 

 

 

 

Oz Castle Album by Carol Murphy

By: Traci Armbrust

Isn't great when you find that perfect paper and then the perfect die to create an absolutely breathtaking project. 

Carol created this Oz castle using Graphic 45 paper/elements and the Bare Elements Reyna Castle Book #2 (2 Die Set). I love all the pockets and depth to this project.  If you are blown away by the one side of this castle, check out the other side.

Thanks Carol for the fabulous inspiration. If you would like to see more of Carol's work, visit her website at http://www.alteredbydesign.com/homepage.html

Don't forget to share your fabulous videos on our new video sharing community at http://www.accucutcraft.com/accucut-videos/

 

 

 

 

Chipboard "You are..." Wall Decor

By: Guest Blogger, Angela Kelley

I am so happy to be here again to share another project I made using my Accucut GrandeMARK Die Cutting Machine. This is a great project that can be altered for almost any occasion, or style of home decor, just change up the colors and sentiments for a completely different look!!  For this project I used the Album Builder-Base (2 die set) for the top and bottom pieces, and the 5 1/4" Square Scallop SQ701J for the center pieces.

After cutting my chipboard and patterned paper to match, I adhered all the pieces together and inked all the edges. Then I layed my pieces out flat in the order I wanted them. I marked and punched the holes in each piece so I could tie the wall hanging together with ribbon.

Now the fun part, embellishing! I added spots to place photos, a pocket with a couple of pull out tags to add more photos and/or journaling. I die cut letters for my title and used stamps for my other embellishments, then finished it all off with a few paper flowers!

This is a fun project that is fairly quick and easy to put together, it makes a great class, and can be customized for many different occasions. Wouldn't it be wonderful for a child or new baby with their name on top! Or think about the holidays coming up, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. I have also made these to celebrate the Seasons too, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter!  I hope that this will inspire you to make a wall hanging of your own!! If you would like to see more of my work, you can visit me on my blog Artistic Detours. So what do you think?

 All stamps and papers used are from The Angel Company.

Have a great day!

 

Back to School! 12" x 12" Double Page Layout

By: Guest Blogger, Vickie Kipp

Every year when I start seeing "Back to School" sales, I think about scrapbooking my children's school photos. My oldest child started school in 1983 and my youngest child graduated in 2005. Twenty two years of beautiful, smiling faces wearing the latest fashions and hairstyles. One day, I will have all of those photos scrapbooked but probably not anytime soon!

The paper I used for this layout is from DCWV Grade School Stack. The paper is cardstock weight and so easy to work with. I wanted paper that matched the pink and purple in my daughter's shirt, this paper is perfect . I used cardstock to match the pink, lavender, red, green, yellow, blue and orange in the pattern paper.

The title font is Accucut's Apricot 2" lower case alphabet cut from AccuCut chipboard and covered with cardstock. I also used the dies Star-Nested #1 (the center star from the die), Buttons #2-Mini (the star button), Borders #4, Border-Notebook and Nameplate #3.

 

 

This is such a simple layout design but with lots of possibilities. I wanted plenty of room to journal and space for a 5"x7" photo with three small photos. You can easily scraplift this layout using the following photos with cutting sizes.

left side layout

 

right side layout
 

left side

 

right side

 
I cut the stars, star buttons, banner and nameplate embellishments from AccuCut chipboard and covered them with cardstock. I added Stickles glitter glue to the letters spelling school. The stars are on pop dots and tied with red, green and yellow Baker's twine. Instead of using brads to attach the nameplate, I added lavender rhinestones to match my daughter's shirt. I machine stitched the pattern paper to the background cardstock and the mat for the 5"x7" photo.

I hope this layout design will help you get a few of those school photos scrapbooked! Have fun with it and happy scrapping!