AccuCut Craft Blog

The 2nd Annual GrandeMARK Challenge begins today!

By: Traci Armbrust

The 2nd Annual GrandeMARK Challenge kicks off April 17, 2012. Designers can enter their projects in six different categories for the chance to win the Grande Prize, a $500 AccuCut Craft Shopping Spree. Six others will win $100 AccuCut Craft Shopping Sprees. You can enter as many entries as you like.

Remember, the more entries you enter the better your chances are of winning!

Here are the Categories:

1.Cardstock-Stationery

2.Cardstock-Non-Stationery

3.Recycled Media

4.Plastic

5.Chipboard

6.Fabric

All entries are due by Midnight CST May 31, 2012. Please be sure to read the rules and check out our "How To Enter" page below.

GrandeMARK Challenge Flickr Group:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2012-grandemark-challenge/

 

GrandeMARK Challenge Official Information Page:

http://www.accucutcraft.com/grandemark

 

GrandeMARK Challenge Official Rules:

 http://www.accucutcraft.com/grandemark-official-rules

 

GrandeMARK Challenge FAQ’s:

http://www.accucutcraft.com/grandemark-how-to-enter

 

Click on the banner on the right side of this blog to see entries and the winners from last year.

Good Luck everyone! You're Crafty and We Know It 



 

GrandeMARK™ Super Starter Set

By: Traci Armbrust

I've had a few questions about AccuCut Craft's first ever Super Starter Set, so here it is, and boy is it a great deal. It includes the GrandeMARK™ and 11 dies, that are a great start to generating revenue and are some of our "must have dies!" It's on page 55 of our new catalog and will be up on the web in the next few days. If you are going to CHA tradeshow in LA you can register to win this Super Starter Set at the AccuCut Craft booth #947

Hop to it!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Spring is just around the corner! Here are some quick gift and favor ideas for Easter and spring.

Use the new Pyramid #4 Box and coordinating Pinnovation 3" x 1 1/16" Seals to create a cute carrot that would look adorable at a place setting or in any Easter basket. Use the 1/4" Quilling die to create the green curly stems.

Who doesn't love cookies? Try making these adorable cookie gift boxes to give to friends and family or for a spring-themed party. Use the Convertibles Box #1 and Convertibles Insert Square Frame to make the box. Embellish with the Dragonfly #2 and Decorative Scroll dies.

Nothing says spring like bright bursting color. Try making favors using the Hourglass Bag die embellished with a bright flower made using the Flowers #22 die.

 

Where is the love? Right here!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it! Make sure you are ready with some fantastic project ideas using AccuCut dies to get you in the mood for love.

First, you can't go wrong with our new Convertibles Box with the Convertibles Heart Insert. Decorate with pretty paper and ribbon and line the heart with sweet and sparkly adhesive domes by Mark Richards. This box is perfect for packaging a large cookie, brownie or other sweet treat.

If you'd rather stick to something a little lower in calories, try our Love Album die. This album would make a great class. We even have the dies to cut out the individual letters, Love Letters, so you can cut the album in a jiffy. Decorate with a variety of coordinating paper, fill with photos and sweet love notes for a perfect Valentine's Day gift.

Here's a shot of the inside. Other dies used to make this album include Hearts #1, Flourish #1 and Scallop Lace Border.  

And one more for all of those chocolate lovers! Simply wrap a candy bar with colorful paper and attach a cute heart made using the Ribbon Hearts die. This die includes two sizes of the same shape, perfect for layering on all sorts of projects.

 

And if Valentine's Day isn't your thing, don't worry. These project ideas could be adapted to suit just about any holiday or special occasion. I hope these projects have inspired you to start spreading the love. Stay tuned for more great ideas!

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!

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!  

Store Spotlight: The Paperie

Posted by Tara Smithberg

I love seeing retailers using their AccuCut dies to make fabulous projects and to inspire their customers. With that being said, we have to give props where props are due! The Paperie in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada has been creating dozens of wonderful projects using their AccuCut machine and dies. Take a peek at some of these cool projects they've been posting on their website.

This little portfolio is perfect to give as a gift to a mom-to-be. They used the Portfolio #1 die to hold the note cards and accented with the largest inside shape from the Antique Accents die. I love the paper pattern combination and the stamp from A Muse is simply adorable.

Meghan from the Paperie had some very nice things to say about how AccuCut has helped grow their business.

"The AccuCut Blog and website have both provided endless inspiration and ideas for the dies we own. It is more than just a die-cutting system to us, AccuCut is an essential part of our business. Our collection of dies has expanded and we've even added a second GrandeMARK machine to our workshop to meet the growing needs of our customers."

Here's a cute birthday ensemble using several AccuCut dies, including the Tree #1, Black Tie Alphabet, A7 Convertibles Pocket &  Card, Box #4, Bag #1 and Gift Tag #2.

  
We're also glad to hear that The Paperie is embracing the popularity of creating custom wedding invitations. Here is a beautiful wedding invitation they shared with us last spring that uses a variety of AccuCut dies. We just had to show it again.

 
Meghan said, "Another major component of our business these days is Custom Wedding Invitations and supplies for DIY brides. With the aid of our AccuCut machines, we can show brides how easy and affordable it is to make their own invitations themselves. We also have several AccuCut templates for favour boxes, menus, place cards, seating charts, or table numbers if they wish to coordinate all the paper elements of their wedding. We would strongly recommend the AccuCut System to other stores for this same purpose because Weddings will never go out of fashion!" 

Be sure to visit The Paperie's blog as they feature an AccuCut project weekly! Thanks so much to The Paperie! We look forward to many more fabulous projects and endless inspiration!

Techniques with Traci: I'm Loving This Convertible Box!

By Traci Armbrust

So if you thought our Convertibles™ line was fabulous before, it just keeps getting better. We've introduced a Convertibles™ Box #1, which is the perfect size for 4" to 4 1/4" cookie. But, just because I said cookie, don't let that fool you. This box is a great size for all sorts or gifts and treats. The lid to this box fits all Series 1 Convertibles™ Inserts, which last time I checked there were over 26 different inserts.  Plus you can use those same inserts in four different styles of cards and two styles of album covers. So, check this out... 

First you choose an Insert die. I chose the Heart. Place the heart into the lid of Convertibles™ Box #1, which you'll know right away because there is a perfect space that the insert fits right into. Cut the lid out of one design of paper and the bottom from another. Or cut it out of all the same paper depending on your design and vision. I used a new line from Pink Paislee.

 
After cutting out your base and top, ink around the lid and the heart shape using Ranger Inc. Tim Holtz Distress Ink™. Then using a paper trimmer, cut a 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" square from AccuCut's Clear Plastic Sheets. Then around entire edge of that square place a strip of 1/8" Red Liner™ Double Stick Adhesive Tape. Adhere to the inside of lid over the heart.

 
Now turn the lid over and Place Mark Richard's Crystal Stickers® Brown 5mm Glitter Domes around the edge of the heart. You will use over half of the package. Assemble lid to box by placing adhesive on the tabs and bringing sides together. Using the roll of 1/8" Red Liner™ Double Stick Adhesive Tape. Go around the edge of the lid, trying to keep the tape in the center of the lip.  Peel off backing on tape.   Using a Brown 1/4" satin ribbon, go around the tape to create a beautiful edge around the lid.

 

Assemble the base of the box in the same way you assembled the lid. Using dimensional foam tape and the heart that came from the lid when we cut it out, place the heart to the bottom right side of the box lid. Do not place dimensional adhesive on the heart so that it attaches to the plastic center, only to the box.  We do not want to see foam tape when we open up the lid. Place a cookie inside and ta-da!

     

The great thing about Convertibles™ is that they are inexpensive and have so many different applications. So I used the heart insert by itself to create a little plant poke. This would also be adorable just using the heart on a craft stick and placing into cupcakes. 

 

So here are some more projects created with the new Convertibles™ Box #1 and Convertibles™ Square Frame Insert. I love this box created by Jen Cramer. She placed a square piece of paper back into the lid instead of a piece of plastic like I did.  It created a whole new look, Plus keeps you guessing about what's inside.

    

Try making Convertibles Box #1 with no insert in it so the box is just a top with a nice large surface to decorate.  This box has the new Frames #2 die attached to a band that conveniently slides off.

 

I thought I'd leave you with a few more ideas to ponder. Using the Convertibles™ alphabet and numbers in the top of the Convertible™ box would be so cute.  I can see it now, number fives cut from the top and used as favors at a child's birthday party or a Monogram for a engagement or anniversary party.   I could go on and on but there are too many possibilities.  Have fun with this die, I know I did!

Pretty Pair of Pears...

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Have you seen our new dies yet? We have so many amazing new dies that are great for the holidays and every day. One of my favorite new dies is the sweet little Pears from Creative Cafe. They come in three different sizes, so you can mix and match and use on all sorts of projects--from cards to scrapbook pages and albums. 

Here is our new Mix & Match Album #3, also from Creative Cafe, that features all three sizes of the pears on the cover. I love the cool color combination too. This album cover also shows new Layering Stars and our new 11 3/4" Eyelet Square page background, used here as a border. They look great here with a Christmas/wintry feel.

I really like how the two pear shapes compliment each other. Here's a cute card using the small Pears and the A7 Foldover Card. You can also see our new Convertibles Series 1 Square Frame Insert shown here behind the pear.

There is so much you can do with this pair of pears. They come with three different leaf shapes so you can give them personality. I'll be bringing you more great projects with new dies, so stay tuned!

And don't forget to browse our brand new online July Supplement to see our entire collection of new dies. This new format allows you to browse just like a real-life catalog! Flip each page and click on products for more information and to add to your wish list or cart. Enjoy!

New Dies Are Here!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

We have an amazing group of new, versatile dies that is sure to get you in the mood to create. I love all of them; it's hard to know what to show you first! You can see them all on our website now.

New Creative Cafe Dies

We are psyched to bring you more delicious dies from Creative Cafe. Many are perfect for holiday projects, like these cute Holiday Trees and Layering Stars shown here. Plus, this is a brand new album--Mix & Match Album #3! Its larger size, 5 1/2"w x 10 1/2"h, will really make creating unique albums easy and fun. Plus, you can use the page shapes on other projects.

 

Introducing Designs by Cheryl Mezzetti

We are ecstatic about these brand new album dies from designer Cheryl Mezzetti. These dies are perfect for album kits and classes and helping retailers sell more products. Check out this adorable Pail & Shovel Album. It comes with two different pail topper shapes and an ocean wave border that can be used anywhere.

 

More Bags, Boxes and More

We're also bringing you plenty of other versitle dies, like some really cool favor boxes and accent shapes. I'm so excited about this Convertibles™ Box #1. It is the very first box that is compatible with our Convertibles Dies, Series 1 inserts, to be exact. This one was made with the new Square Frame Insert. So cool. It's perfect for cookies, candies and other fun treats. 

 

 

We are currently accepting pre-orders for these dies. Initial stock will be available the week of July 27, so be sure to order yours now!