AccuCut Craft Blog

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?!   

Store Spotlight: "Sew" Creative at Croppinsville + 25% Off All Flower Dies!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Allie Gower from Croppinsville in Collinsville, Ok. shared this really cool project with us that she made using our dies. I love the old fashioned, vintage feel of this tag.

Here's what Allie had to say about it:

"This tag was inspired by the wonderful memories of my mother's sewing room, the ironing board always up and a myriad of projects going on at once. There was always a pattern in the process of being cut, and the stamp set, Pattern Pieces by Ranger® Tim Holtz™, evoked those memories."

Here are the steps on how to make it:

1)      Cut your tag out of clear plastic sheets using the A6 Tag Cards Pinnovation die.
2)      Remove one side of the protective coating.
3)      Apply alcohol inks of choice. Allie used Butterscotch alcohol ink and Gold Metallic Mixative by Tim Holtz.
4)      Stamp image, if desired, on same side, with an archival ink, and dust with a pearl powdered pigment, such as Pearl by Jacquard or Perfect Pearls by Tim Holtz.
5)      Remove opposite side of protective coating.
6)      Apply alcohol ink and gold mixative around the edges of tag.
7)      Add a backer, a tag cut from paper, if desired.
8)      Add ribbons and embellishments.

Allie used AccuCut Flowers #4 and Flowers #22 to create the fun flower embellishment. (See below! All flower dies are 25% off!)

She uses her GrandeMARK machine and dies to provide inspiration to her customers.

"Because we can cut a variety of materials using our GrandeMARK, such as chipboard and clear plastic, shown here, we are able to create endless opportunities for thrifty creativity."

Allie is also a firm believer in displaying samples to spark creativity.

"We always have all of our cards on display, along with cuts from our larger dies, so customers can see not only what we have, but how to use. While the economy continues to experience a low on its roller coaster ride, you will find that people are still out shopping but spending more time at home creating, and AccuCut allows us to provide quality materials and inspiration at prices all people can afford."

Here are some photos of some great projects using AccuCut dies and products they display to inspire their customers to start creating. 

 

Find featured samples and more tutorials on Croppinsville's blog. Their new Studio Site will be launched soon as well, featuring die cuts and the materials they sell. View more photos of Allie's store.

Allie, thanks for sharing!

Blog Offer Alert: For one week only, all flower dies are 25% off!

View all flower dies

Now is the time to stock up. Flower dies are so versatile, you can use them on just about anything. This exclusive sale will only last through Friday, July 10. When placing your order online or over the phone be sure to use code CQZ02. See complete details below.

Use Offer Code CQZ02. 25% off individual flower dies. Valid on new orders not already discounted. Excludes die sets, gift certificates, custom dies and AccuQuilt products. Not valid with other offers. Valid through 7/10/09.

Spring Drawing Winner!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

It's official! We have picked the winner of our Spring Design Challenge Drawing! Congratulations to Kelly Raines, owner of Cut It Out scrapbooking store in McConnelsville, Ohio. She is the lucky winner of the Dragonfly #2 die.

Thanks to everyone who submitted a spring project to enter the drawing. We really had some very unique and creative ones. Here is a project from our winner, Kelly. She created a sign to hang in her store using the Antique page background, Dingbats, Leafy Border and the small Flourishes #1 dies.

And I just have to show you this amazing ensemble that Meghan from The Paperie in St. John's, Newfoundland in Canada shared with us. It's a whole display with favor boxes, invitation, menu, place card and a page layout using a wide variety of dies, including the A7 Pocket Card #1 for the invitation and the new Victorian die for the background of the page layout. Beautiful!

And here's a fun, spring hat submitted by Jane Carlstrom from Glorious Hats in Bemidji, Minnesota. She used the Itty Bitty Flowers die to make her sweet flower shapes out of wool felt. So cute!

 

Be sure to check out all of the submissions in the comments from the original post below for more spring-y ideas!

Have You Entered the Spring Design Challenge Yet?

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Time is running out to send us a photo of what you are working on for spring using AccuCut dies! Take a look at this bright and fun scrapbook page created by designer Tiffany.

If this colorful page doesn't make you think "spring," I don't know what will! She used the 11 1/2" Ribbon Circle page background die to make a beautiful photo jump off the page.

I love how she placed the shape off to the side instead of smack dab in the center. It leaves room for other embellishments.

 

You have until this Friday, April 17 to submit a photo of a spring project you are working on. All who enter will have a chance to win the new Dragonfly #2 die! Here are the details again:

• Post a photo on your blog or website and give us the link by posting a comment here. Be sure to provide a way we can contact you. Or, if you don't have a blog, simply email a photo to blog@accucut.com. If you send an e-mail, use the subject line "Think Spring" and include a photo of the project (less than 150k please!). Make sure to include the item numbers of the die(s) used.

• You must use at least one AccuCut die (steel-rule).

• Be creative! Use any shapes or colors that shout "spring." From flowers, birds and bugs to Easter bunnies and eggs, the possibilities are endless.

Have a Happy Easter!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

There is still time to get ready for the Easter Bunny! These carrots are so easy to make. Use the Pyramid Box #2 die to cut your carrot shape out of clear plastic sheets. The new lightweight sheets are easy to crease and are perfect for this project. Fill with orange jelly beans, add green curling ribbon and you've got a treat any bunny with a sweet tooth would hop away with!

 

And I had to share one of our latest entries in the Spring Design Challenge. Check out these adorable bird magnets created by Vickie Kipp using the Birds #1 die, chipboard and Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel™ by Ranger.

 

There is still time to enter! All entrants will be entered into a drawing to win the new Dragonfly #2 die! You have until April 17. See details below.

Start Thinking About Stationery

Posted by Tara Smithberg    

We're beginning to gear up for the National Stationery Show in May and to get you in a stationery mood, I thought I would share a few places we've been spreading the word about generating a new revenue stream with custom stationery services. Adding stationery into the mix will attract new customers, like brides-to-be and new mothers and will re-energize your existing customers to try something new.

Check out our feature article in the latest edition of Scrapbook Business magazine! Click here to access the online version. To quickly access the article on page 84, type "84" into the white box at the bottom of the page.

We also appeared in the National Stationery Show's e-newsletter, Paperclips. Check it out here!

If you are looking to incorporate custom stationery into the mix, here are a few projects for inspiration. These are easy to make, especially with our Pinnovation™ dies.

Here's our new A7 Jacket Card #3 with A7 Card Mats #2 and A7 Card Mats #3. A7 Cards are great to start out with because they can be used for just about anything and Pinnovation™ dies allow you to cut a pre-printed 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of cardstock quickly and easily. Here, we've made a cute birthday party invitation accented with a fun polka dot bow.

 

This sweet wedding shower invitation was made using the new #10 Foldover Card die along with the #10 Card Mats. Double-sided patterned paper and a coordinating ribbon add a pop of color.

 

New die sneak peek! Plus, we're giving one away!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Get excited! CHA is swiftly approaching... and you know what that means. It's time to introduce a batch of brand new dies!

Here's a sneak preview of a few of the new dies we will be unveiling at CHA next week (booth #1451). Take a look at these great card shapes.

A7 Foldover Card

This A7 Foldover Card die is perfect for all types of cards. I love the contrast of colors and patterns when you use it with patterned paper on both sides.

And we're introducing a new bird! Bird #10 is part of the new Creative Cafe dies, and it looks great on all sorts of projects--from cards to scrapbook pages to albums. This is the small die and there are also large and jumbo sizes.

 

On the inside of this card, you can see we have a brand new nameplate, created using the new Nameplates #13 die and inspired by the oh-so elegant and popular bracket shapes. There are actually two nameplates on the die so it's a great addition to any die cutting center.

 

A2 Criss Cross Card Giveaway!

And who can resist this super sweet and very versatile A2 Criss Cross Card? This two-die set comes with the pocket, mat and card band to give you many options for incorporating several colors or patterns. The new Chain #2 Border adds a punch of color and is accented by an adorable flower shape using the new Flowers #27 die. Flowers #27 is wondeful because you get three sizes of the same flower on one die.

 

We love this new card die and now's your chance to be entered to win one of your very own. It's a $120 value! Simply spread the word about our great new dies by posting a link to our blog on yours. Comment below and copy and paste your link to be entered to win. Each time you post a comment with a link to your blog or website mentioning our dies, you will be entered into the drawing again. Make sure to post by Friday, Jan 23, 9am CT to be entered to win. We will be selecting the winner on this same day.

This is only the beginning. We can't wait to show you more new dies and great ideas in the next week. Please note all dies and project ideas will be available on our website, accucutcraft.com, the first week of February. 

And that's not all. Check out even more new AccuCut dies, fabulous projects and giveaways on the Creative Cafe blog. Stay tuned for more...