AccuCut Craft Blog

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!!

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!

Just one more Halloween idea!

Posted by Traci Armbrust

Halloween is approaching fast! We might be running out of time, but we are definitely not running out of ideas!

We can't forget the invitation for your next ghoulish event. Add sophistication to your Halloween bash using the A7 Cards Pinnovations™, A7 Cards-Frame Pinnovations™, Flourishes #4 (Small) and Flowers #6 (Long Cut) dies.

The paper and accent in the middle of the flower came from The Paper Company™. And, who can forget the spider brads from Eyelet Outlet.  I used a wire cutter to cut the legs from the back of the brad and adhere to the invitation with Red Liner Double-Stick Adhesive tape.

 
 Hope you are inspired by this last-minute idea! Have a wonderful Halloween! 

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!

Techniques with Traci: Gotta have the vinyl... and I'm not talking records!

Posted by Traci Armbrust

So this holiday season I didn't want anyone to forget about the many different materials that AccuCut dies can cut. One of my favorite materials, and one that is very popular right now, is cling vinyl. 

You can decorate glass windows at home, in your car or at your store. It also sticks to mirrors and some slick surfaces like refrigerators, bath tubs and tiles. Since we are in the haunting season, I thought I would show you a few examples of just how simple it is to create your own spook-tacular decorations like these.

 

 
 
I used Spider #4, and Cat #3 dies for these fun window clings.

Don't be afraid to layer the vinyl or use wiggle eyes to attach to spiders or bats. Use paint, markers and sharpies to accent perforation lines or to simply outline the shape. You can also adhere other materials, like sparkly, film or paper to cling vinyl. Here, I chose to create a sparkly orange pumpkin using orange Funky Film.

 

Here's how I did it. I carefully attached the sticky orange film to the orange static cling vinyl, making sure it is completely smooth. Then I cut the shape using the Pumpkin #3 die.  Nothing like adding a little bling to your Halloween!

 
There's so many things you can do with these materials. Make sweet window decorations or attention-grabbing signs for your retail store all year round! Have fun decorating and don't be "afraid" (no pun intended) to use materials other than paper with your AccuCut machine and dies!

For more home decor ideas, visit our website.

Techniques with Traci: Don't forget the cupcake box!

Posted by Traci Armbrust

We can all agree that cupcakes used as favors and gifts are as popular as ever. There are so many ways to make them, decorate them and of course my favorite... display them!  I wanted to give you a cupcake box idea for each of the four seasons. Let's start with fall.

So I cut the box from our famous Cupcake Box die. I also used Borders #1, Spider #2, and Ribbon Slides. Now, you are probably thinking where is the ribbon slide. Well, that's actually the tag with one end of the ribbon slide cut off using scissors. It's easy to find alternate uses for different shapes. The papers are from BasicGrey's new Eerie line, the jewel eyes are Doodlebug and the rub-ons are from Scenic Route. Check out the inside and see how the box die includes an insert to hold your cupcake in place.

Let's move on to those winter cupcakes and the breathtaking boxes you can make for party favors, office gifts or a fun teacher's present.

To make this box, I started with our clear plastic 12" x 12" sheets. I used Borders #2 to create the snowy white border along the bottom of the box and the tree from the mini Fall & Winter die to make the cute little trees along each side. I made a cute topper shape using the Snowflake #9 die. For adhering the box together, I suggest our Red Liner Double-Stick Adhesive Tape. It makes it really easy to assemble and you can be sure your box will stay assembled! Also, to complete the look, I cut the cupcake holder out of clear plastic too, so the cupcake seems to be "floating" inside the box. 

Now, let's try a sweet Valentine's Day cupcake box for that special someone.

I went with a vintage approach instead of the typical reds, pinks and purples. It took everything I had not to use Hearts #1 because, as a lot of people know around here, it's one of my favorite dies. Anyway, I closed off the top opening of the box with a piece of paper, so the cupcake inside is really a surprise.  This is probably a good time to mention that this cupcake box does have an alternate lid just in case you do not want the top cut out. The vintage paper and the pearl brad are from TPC Studio™ (aka, the Paper Company). The little flowers are from Prima®.

For our final cupcake box... I give you Spring/Summer!

This box I did some time ago but the concept was from one of our customers. Cupcake box by day, bug box by night. This would make an adorable party favor for a child's birthday or a summer picnic. I used the Grass Border die to create grass around the sides of the box. The little bugs were created with the Insects die, and I added a cute message using Tags #4. The materials are from Bazzill Basics Paper and Creative Cafe. The screen is an actual mesh screen but you could use Magic Mesh sheets.

And there you have it--four seasons, one box. I wanted to give you as many ideas as I could in a single blog posting. The cupcake box is fabulous and is a must have. So go make some cupcakes, or if you are like me, go buy some. Remember, gifts you can eat are the best!

For more bag and box ideas, visit our website. Have a great weekend, everyone!

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?!   

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!

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!

Techniques with Traci: Metal Tin Mania!

Posted by Traci Armbrust

Tins come in all shapes and sizes and are perfect for storing your favorite keepsakes, photos or mini albums. I thought it would be cool to show you how to make a basic lunch box tin, like this Mini Tip Top tin from Provo Craft, into something really unique. This size of tin coordinates with our Lunch Box #2 Album dies. And by the way, this die is 60% off!! Visit our clearance section!

 

 

It is easy to customize your tin and get your paper to fit perfectly around each side when you use the coordinating die. It practically does the work for you. 

 

To begin, cut your base pieces and the pieces for the lid (the top and inside). I used paper from Pink Paislee.

 

   

 

Adhere the pieces onto the tin using either a Xyron or a permanent adhesive that is made for metal, gems and other nonporous items.

 

Then cut one 12” x 7/8” strip and one 4” x 7/8” strip using a paper trimmer. Adhere to the top edge of the lid.

 

 

 

Using brown paint and a makeup sponge, apply paint in a dabbing, smearing type motion around the top edge of lid and around the bottom white metal trim piece. Also paint the handle using the same technique.

 

Add embellishments to the outside of the tin and add ribbons around the left side of the handle. I used Nameplates #12, Bird #10, and Flowers #6.

 

    

 

For the Inside pages, adhere paper onto the front and back of chipboard then cut out using Lunch Box Album #2 Divider & Page die, cutting out multiple file cards and pages. Create designs for each divider and page in the album.

 

    

 

And there you have it! It took me more time to decide what paper I wanted to use than to cut and cover this entire tin and the inside pages. If you didn’t want to create an album, these are great for keepsake boxes too.

 

You can also use the Lunch Box Album #2 Divider & Page die to create an album without the tin. Here's an adorable project using the divider and page shapes by Virginia Tillery.

 

 

If you're looking for more tins, we also have dies that coordinate with a smaller one in this same style, Lunch Box #1 Album and Lunch Box #1 Album Dividers & Page. They fit Provo Craft's Band-Aid Tin Box.

 

Looking for a smaller tin? Here is a list of tins and their coordinating dies to cover them and create an album for the inside:

 

-Round CD Tin - coordinates with the Accordion Circle Album die

-Rectangle Tin - coordinates with the Rectangle Tin Album die

-Large Hinged Candy - coordinates with the Accordion Rectangle Album die

 

AccuCut also created dies to coordinate with Maya Road's Lunch Break Tin, Dinner Break Tin, Coffee Break Tin, and Tea Break Tin. Along with the dies for the outside, you can also purchase dies that match up to the albums that fit inside these tins.

  

I know that using these dies will make your crafting experience quick and easy. If you are a teacher and you're teaching a class on tins, these dies will make your life so much easier, especially when creating kits or make and takes. For more fun album ideas, visit our website. Don't forget to visit our clearance section!