AccuCut Craft Blog

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!

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. 

Techniques with Traci: Ready-to-go Boxes

Posted by Traci Armbrust

Last May AccuCut came out with ready-to-go Pillow, Tuck Top, and Gable boxes. My favorite ready-go-go boxes, though, are the Stationery Boxes that allow you to package up your handmade cards. The clear, pre-assembled boxes come in A2 and A7 sizes. The A2 box holds approximately eight cards and eight envelopes, and the A7 holds approximately ten cards and ten envelopes. They are perfect for gifts or if you are selling your own cards and stationery. Plus, they have a great top surface to decorate as simply or lavishly as you like.

There is nothing like a hand made Christmas card or thank you card to warm the heart.  In this project I decorated the outside of the A2 clear box with Holiday Trees and the word Wish and made simple thank you cards to go inside.

To seal this box shut, I placed tiny strips of Red Liner Double-Stick Adhesive Tape along the inside long edges of the box.   

Here is another idea! October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which inspired me to use Awareness Ribbon #2 and the mini Ribbon. On this box, I choose to seal it shut by tying a ribbon around it and attaching the Awareness Ribbon die cut to that ribbon. 

 
 Here's another example of the A2 ready-to-go box. I used Borders #1 to seal the box closed and that adorable card inside is A2 card-Scalloped #1 and the flower on the outside is Flowers #27.

This A7 box is one of my favorites. The Dress was created using is a Pinnovation™ die. I dolled it up and adhered it to the front of the box. The cards on the inside are simple, yet add to the over all appeal of the design.

Here are some other ready-to-go boxes that have been decorated for various occasions. 

Pillow Box
 

Tuck Top Box 
 
  
 
 Gable Box-Kraft

So if you don't have time to cut out boxes, you just need a few for a special event or you need a creative and unique way to package your handmade cards. Try AccuCut's selection of ready-to-go boxes. Don't forget the dies to decorate them!

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!

Happy World Card Making Day!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

The first Saturday in October is always a special day. It's World Card Making Day! It's the perfect time to celebrate creativity and the joy cardmaking brings to thousands of people. And what better day to get a jump start on your holiday cards?

In honor of this day, here are a few of my favorite cards. This cute card was made using one of our most popular card dies, the Criss Cross A2 Card die. This little pocket card die comes with a mat to paste on the front, a band and an insert to place inside.

Add a cute border using the Chain #2 Border die and a sweet cupcake topped with a red button. The cupcake shape was made using the Cupcake #2 die. Stamp your sentiment on the insert and there you have it. Piece of cake!

Designer Traci Armbrust just recently made this adorable holiday card using the new Scalloped #3 A2 Card. I love the shimmery paper and the modern feel of the sepia photo on the inside. Other dies used to make this card include the Wish and Layering Stars dies.

 

 

I hope these cute cards have inspired you to celebrate World Card Making Day! For more fabulous note card ideas, visit our website. 

Take a bite out of this cute card idea

Posted by Tara Smithberg

So many ideas, so little time! Tammy Miller, our Craft Customer Service guru, has been sending me so many amazing creations from our customers.

And finally, it's about time I start sharing them with you so you can see all of the cool things our AccuCut customers are up to. Today's blog post features a really cool invitation by Silverbox Creative Studio in Lederach, Pa. In honor of a fun summer-themed party, they created a simple, elegant card with a "shark bite" out of the top using our Pinnovation stationery dies. What a fun idea!

I also had to share the cool card they use to hand out to clients. They made this using our 5" Frames Pinnovation die. This is what Susan at Silverbox Creative Studio had to say about the unique shape and other AccuCut dies.

"We love this shape and actually use it to help shape our Silverbox look/identity. Thanks again for a wonderful product! It means the world to a graphic designer/photographer. The possibilities are endless!"

Thanks so much to Susan for sharing her designs and great experiences with us!

If you'd like to be featured on our blog, please send me an email at tara.smithberg@accucut.com.

About Silverbox Creative Studio:

Silverbox Creative Studio is a graphic design and photography studio that creates custom invitations, announcements, and greetings. We strive to provide you with a unique and beautiful design that reflects your personality. After all, your vision is our inspiration.

Techniques with Traci: Sketches

Posted by Traci Armbrust

So I have become more and more intrigued with the sketch challenges that are popping up on popular designers' websites and blogs. There are also sketches out there that are not meant to be a challenge but a helpful tool to inspire you. So whether you are looking for a little friendly competition, where you can usually win a prize, or you just have "scrapbooker's or cardmaker's block," it's a fabulous way to become part of a blogging community and get great ideas at the same time. 

Sketch #1 comes from Taylor Vanbruggen's blog. 

 

So here is what I came up with using AccuCut dies, A7 Card-Convertibles #2, Frames #2, Small Scallops Border #2 and Flowers #22. I turned my card horizontally and used Cosmo Cricket™ papers, Ranger Inc. Inks, and a brad from Making Memories®.

 

Sketch #2 is from Anna Bowkis on pencillines.com.

 

I created a wall hanging using AccuCut dies, 11 1/2" Ribbons Circle, Butterflies #8, Butterfly #9 and Borders #1. My materials are from Fancy Pants (paper and rub-ons), ribbon from American Crafts, Ranger Inc. inks, sandpaper and a stapler. 

 

Sketch #3 is by Shimelle Laine and is also being featured in Scrapbook Inspirations Magazine.

Here is my spin on this sketch. I used AccuCut dies Arrows, Layering Stars and Interlocking Border #2.  Other materials include, Cosmo Cricket™, Bazzill Basics Paper, and Ranger Inc. Tim Holtz Distress Ink™

 

A big thanks to Taylor, Anna and Shimelle for the wonderful inspiration. I hope I inspired you to use more die cuts in your projects. It's a perfect recipe for success!  You have the sketch, got the dies and there is a huge amount of product out there to choose from. The great thing about dies is you can cut them over and over again out of any material. So I could have used the same dies on all three of these projects. Don't ya just love it?!   

Looks can be deceiving...

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Check out these out of the ordinary, adorable cards made by Roree Rumph using new Creative Cafe dies! Who knew you could find so many cool uses for a handful of dies?

First of all, this cute birthday card was made by folding the tag shape from the new Mix & Match Album #3 in half. I love how the paper is double sided and the little hole is covered by two colorful buttons. The Layering Stars die can be used for more than just Christmas projects? They look great here in pink, red and orange.

And do you recognize what was used to create the cake stand? Yep, that's the base to the new Holiday Trees die! So creative. The cake is also topped with the little star that goes with the trees. Use the word "wish" to complete your sentiment and add some frill with the Small Scallops Border #2. Piece of cake!

 

Now, take a close look at this birthday card made in the similar style as the previous card. Roree used the Layering Stars and Scallop Border again, but instead of a cake, this card is decked out with balloons. Look familiar? They're actually pear shapes from the new small Pears die! How creative is that?

She also used the small Joy die, which looks great layered on top of the stars and embellished with a button. Too cute.

Well, I hope these cool ideas inspire you to look at dies in a brand new light. You just never know what you may come up with! For more note card ideas, visit our website.  

Techniques with Traci: Craft or Education? They're Both!

Posted by Traci Armbrust

As I embark on my tenth year at AccuCut, I've been thinking about all of the projects I've made over the years. Many of those years, I have designed for both our Education and Craft divisions. When I'm designing education projects, there are many times when I think "hey, this would be the cutest favor," or "this would make a great album". Today I thought I would share some of those ideas.

Using Graduated Flash Cards is an idea I love. Make this cute and unique shaped album in a flash (no pun intended).  Simply create as many pages as you want and in any order you want. Attach a ring through the hole and voila!  I used paper and embellishments from Deena's Penny Lane Free Bird Collection from My Mind's Eye™ on this one.

 

While we're on the subject of albums, what about an adorable Pumpkin, Football or Suitcase album? These books have a convenient inner page that is slightly smaller than the covers and allow you to use the binding of your choice. The possibilities are endless--there are over 35 different Shape Books to choose from! Here's an album shaped like a suitcase that I created with some Parisian flair.

When it comes to favors, I love the idea of using Box #2 as dice using the Dice Dots die. Place on each side to create a little 2 3/8" x 2 3/8" die. I have actually done this for a Bunko (a game you play with dice) party of my own. They would also be cute for a casino night or a 50's theme party. You could make them to hang over your rear view mirror too!  All you would need to do is connect them with ribbon or string.

Here is an oldie but goodie--cupcake shaped glasses! This adorable pair was made using the Cupcake Glasses die. Either create them as favors or have children create them at the party. There are seven other styles of glasses to choose from, but this is my favorite.

Now add a cupcake invitation using the Cupcake card die and a thank you card using the A2 Card Tag #1 to coordinate and you are the envy of all the other moms. These two dies really are considered Craft dies, but I thought I'd throw them in because they are just so darn cute with the glasses.

So I hope you enjoyed some of my ideas. I'd love to hear about your projects where you've created something totally different than what the die was intended for. And retailers, the bonus about most of these dies is that they will attract students and teachers into using them for their original purposes--a dynamite way to attract new customers to your die cutting center!

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!