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!

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!

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. 

Aloha, all you scrapbookers!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Last week I was lucky enough to take a vacation to beautiful Hawaii! We had such a great time doing all sorts of activities--even taking a helicopter ride, boogie boarding and driving through the gorgeous rainforest.

While I was there, I even found a cute gem of a scrapbooking store called Island Paperie located in Kahului, Maui. They have lots of cool stuff for scrapbooking Hawaiian style, like tropical embellishments in the shapes of turtles and the hibiscus flowers. Here I am, standing outside the store. I love those cute hula girls!

The gals in the store were so friendly and were very excited about their die cutting center and how it's helped their business. They were kind enough to let me take a few photos and post them here. Their die cutting center houses a GrandeMARK and a MARK IV machine. It is very organized and user friendly with a large library of dies, from bags and boxes to note cards.

They even have samples cut, displayed and labeled, like the ones shown here. The labels match up with labels placed on the dies to make it really easy to locate the die you are looking for. 

 

It was so fun to stop in to the Island Paperie and to see how their die cutting center has become a wonderful, profitable part of their business. I was also glad to see they offer custom invitation services, which is a great way for retailers to add another revenue stream. If you check out their website, you can see all of the options they offer for custom invitations and favors.

Mahalo, Island Paperie! (That means thank you in Hawaiian!)

Christmas in October

Posted by Tara Smithberg

I know right now many of you, including me, are gearing up for a busy Halloween weekend and have costumes, candy, black cats and spiders on the brain. But we all know that Christmas is going to sneak up on us before you know it. I had to show you a few more projects using the new Tree Album from Cheryl Mezzetti. This album has been a big hit among retailers. It makes such a great project for a class or kit.

Here's an album that Traci Armbrust made decorated with snowflake buttons accented in red and white. I love the contrast of the white and red against the green color of the tree.

Here's an inside spread. So adorable. I like how Traci used the Ribbon Border die to create a cool pattern that almost looks like garland on a tree. Other dies used here include Snowflakes #2 and Coasters #1.  

And don't forget! You don't always have to use this tree as an album. Layer the graduated pieces and use it on a wintry scrapbook page like this one. You could also use it to make banners to hang on a mantle or other decorations. The possibilities are endless. 

Other dies used to make this scrapbook page include Nameplates #12, Photo Corners #1 and Layering Stars.

  
 
  

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! 

Last minute Halloween idea!

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Need a quick, yet creepy treat to hand out at a Halloween party? Turn a funky french fry box into a spooky spider!

Simply cut spider legs using Interlocking Border #2 and attach them to boxes cut using the French Fry Box die. Add some extra large wiggle eyes and fill with candy. Your guests will get the eerie feeling that someone is watching them! 

Use this cute French Fry Box for other occasions too. Kids will love receiving these boxes filled with treats at a birthday party or other holiday party.

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!

NEW DIE ALERT! Introducing the Tree Album by Cheryl Mezzetti

Posted by Tara Smithberg

If you haven't started thinking about Christmas yet, it's time! I know I've been hitting you with holiday projects one after the other lately, but Christmas will be sneaking up on us before you know it. To get you in the holiday mood, we're introducing a BRAND NEW album just in time for your holiday projects.

We are pleased to present the new Tree Album by Cheryl Mezzetti!

This amazing album is a two-die set and comes with five shapes to create a layered, dimensional look. Here are the shapes and how they fit together.

Here are some shots of the inside. The largest shape is 8"w x 8 1/2"h, giving you plenty of room for photos, journaling and super cute embellishments. Dies shown here include Antique Accents, Photo Corners #1, Ribbon Slides and Layering Stars. The bird on the cover was made using the Birds #1 die.

Other dies shown here include Frames #2 and the mini Buttons #2.

The best thing about this album is the price! Only $115, you'll be able to get so much use out of this album for years and years to come. Retailers, this album would make such a great kit or class and would help you sell related Christmas products, like paper, ribbon, rub-ons, stickers and much more. Plus this die can be used in so many ways. Use it on scrapbook pages. Layer different colors of paper or use each shape as its own page in an album. Create banners, wall hangings and tree ornaments. Ah, the list goes on and on!

So, let the holiday fun begin! For more great album ideas, visit our website. 
 

Let's Talk Turkey

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Anybody hungry? It won't be long until we are thinking about getting ready for mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce... and of course TURKEY!

To spice up your holiday table, why not create cute place settings for your guests? These little turkeys created by the Creative Cafe Design Team are super cute and may just turn you into a vegetarian.

To create the turkey face and body, they actually used the Owls die! So clever. They just cut the pointy ears off and added a little red piece for the turkey waddle.

The placemant was made using the jumbo size Owls, the 11 1/2" Mini Scalloped Circle and the 11 3/4" Eyelet Square dies. Here's a close-up of the little place card that uses the scalloped circle from Coasters #1 and Nameplates #11.

I hope these fun projects inspire you to think outside of the box when using your dies. Who knew an owl could double as a turkey?