simple dreams

Very Special Annoucement and One More Easter Egg

I'm actually posting and it's NO JOKE! Happy April everyone - I finally have a creation for you and even better some news to share!!! I have a very special announcement and it involves a little guessing game for some blog candy, so be certain to pop on over to the CLASSroom and leave a comment with your guess to our annoucement pronto! The deadline is April 2nd at midnight PST so don't delay - and no this is not an April Fool's joke (insert grin).

This creation is SO me! I love how elegant and simple it is!

As with many things in my life, timing is not on my side with this post. I decided to go ahead and share it even though many of the resources are gone, or almost gone. Because it has taken me so long to get it all together I just have to share it - LOL! Don't delay if you want some of these eggs for your own we don't have many left and once this link disappears they are gone for the season.

 

This sweet little egg can house some awesome treasures, or simply have it sit on a shelf or table to add a festive touch to your spring decor. Unfortunately I began this creation a couple of weeks ago when we had plenty of supplies. I am so sorry that I didn't get it completed in a timely manner, being we are currently out of the Graphic 45 papers, as well as the die I used to cut the little stand. We have more on order, but unfortunately we still have no word on when all these supplies will arrive.

   

To begin I simply mixed some perfect pearls with hairspray in a mini mister and spritzed the egg. I love the sparkley sheen and splotchy look that lends an elegant and speckled look to the eggs surface. Allow the egg to sit until the surface has dried.

 

Now this is the part that is so simple and adds such an exquisite touch. I used the new Classic Lace Border die (sorry but we are currently sold out of these - I apologize for using something that you can't get right now, but hopefully they will be back in stock soon. Perhaps you might want to consider one of the other border dies if you would like to replicate this look.) Simply apply Perfect Paper Adhesive to the end and overlap it to adhere.

 

Allow it to sit to dry before proceeding.

Then add little gemstones (Tip - cut these apart and place them on your surface using an Xacto Knife blade)and adhere silk ribbon to the base. 

 

Next I cut out the butterfly from one of the Graphic 45 papers and added some Copper Stickles to it's wing tips (we do have these, but I haven't had a chance to get them up in the store yet - oh vey!)

 

Using Rich Cocoa ink to stamp the words "happy easter" on the premade Botanicabella tag, adding a Marrakech button and some sheer ribbon around the egg completed this elegant egg.

Thanks so much for stopping by and don't forget to head over to the CLASSroom to share in our excitement!

Hugs,

Ellen

Copper Acorns

Thank you for your patience as we await the solution to our Typepad problems. Hopefully they will have a resolution soon, but it has now been two days since I last heard from them and nothing has been resolved yet. Oh how I wish I knew a lot more about computers!!!

So now on to some eye candy. I have received numerous questions about the foil and copper that we carry in our store. What is it for? How does one use it?

Today I am going to share a project that I created using the Pure Copper, Two Acorns stamp, and Labels 1 Nestability. I selected the copper because of the beautiful characteristics you can achieve when it is heated with an open flame. If you were to use the foil instead of the pure copper, the flame would burn the color from the foil and you would be left with a project that was not so pretty - LOL! So it all begins with the type of project you want to create. If you want to take advantage of the beautiful characteristics of copper, then be certain to select the Pure Copper to work with.

I began by cutting and embossing the new Label 1. We are still hoping for a September delivery date for the new Nestability dies, but do not have any word yet as to what the final date will be.

When selecting an image for this type of creation it is best to use an image that does not have a lot of little details. Those with a lot of fine detail need visual "editing" - you will need to select the portions that should be outlined. Therefore, I started with a fairly simple fall image to create this box cover.

When needing precise placement of a stamped image I always use my Stamp-a-ma-jig. To locate the position of the Two Acorns on the copper label I first stamped my image on the plastic mat that comes with the Stamp-a-ma-jig. By placing your plastic mat squarely in to the corner of the stamp-a-ma-jig and then stamping your image, also placing the stamp squarely in to the corner you can locate the exact position of the stamped image on your plastic mat. Locate this mat and your stamp-a-ma-jig in the exact location you would like to stamp your image.

Remove the plastic mat and stamp your image by once again squarely locating your stamp in the corner of the stamp-a-ma-jig and evenly applying pressure to your stamp and transferring the stamped image to your project.

 

Unfortunately the glare on this picture does not give you the best depiction of this image, but it gives you an idea as to what the finished product will look like. I highly recommend Palette ink for stamping on metal. If allowed to fully dry it holds up fairly well.

In this case you can begin working fairly quickly after stamping. Being that I am right handed I work from right to left so as to not smear the ink on my project. Place a spongey pad, in this case I used our Ornare Piercing Pad (it's consistency is perfect for use with foil), beneath your project. Using a fine-tipped stylus outline the image as shown above.

Once complete you can flip your project over to see the image outline. You could now leave the project as shown adding color with glass paint or even Copic markers. (Copic markers will only give a slight variation to the color, whereas glass paint will allow you to give it more of a cloisonné or enameled look.)

It is now time to "puff" out the metal and give your project life. Once again work on the side that you stamped on. Using the diferent sized ball points on these stylus tools, as well as the finer point on the teflon folder add dimension to your project. Use even pressure when adding these details for best results. You may want to take a little piece of scrap metal and practice before working on your project to get a feel for the amount of pressure you will need to use to achieve the best results.

Now comes the fun part! My kitchen tools always seem to come in handy - LOL! Who has time to make creme bruleé anyways? Ü If you aren't so lucky as to have one of these little gadgets you can also use a lighter that works with a gas grill. I think (now I could be wrong here, but...) any type of mechanism that shoots a fuel flame will work with the copper.

Here you see me practicing to achieve the best results. Be certain to use tweezers to hold your project because the metal gets VERY HOT! To achieve the most beautiful rainbow effects I found it best to barely focus in on the copper and then pull back. If you heat your copper for too long it will lose it's lustre and the rainbow effect will be diminished. I did find that if you sand the surface again you can get a second chance at success.

To help reinforce the copper and pop it off the surface of the box ever so slightly I cut and embossed a second label of the same size from Craft-a-board. To make certain I did not leave a white edge I used a Copper Leaf pen along the edge. Then I simply used my ATG gun to run adhesive along the very edge of the label and affixed the copper to the Craft-a-board.

I then ran another layer of adhesive around the bottom edge and attached it to a little box that I had on hand for gift giving.

This side view allows you to see how "puffed up" the foil can become with steady even workmanship. Other little features of this project include:

• foil tape wrapped around the box lid (also heated - be CERTAIN to NOT do what I did. Being tired I set to it with my flame not realizing that the back was paper. Talk about not so intelligent to put it mildly. Perhaps you can come up with an alternate method that would be a lot wiser - LOL!)
• box top was stamped using the Small Houndstooth ScrapBlock and Tea Dyed Distress Ink
• box top edges were Distressed using Tea Dye ink and Blending Tool
• edge of copper label had additional dimension added using a tracing tool used in sewing

Fill this box with a bookmark, wine charms or some other fall goodies and you will be prepared with a very unique hostess or birthday gift box!

Pierceability Strips

Now that I have shared the very basic edge cut, emboss and pierce that you can obtain when using the Pierceabilities I am going to share another option - creating paper strips. Remember my excitement with the Create-a-cut last year - well some of the elements in these designs came from my desire to offer an alternative to that look. First the shaped cards with the Nestabilities and now more detail and edge options with the Pierceabiltiies - insert big silly grin Ü Detail is one of those things that I love and so to be able to offer new and different detail elements is always a part of what I am trying to achieve. Texture is another element and I have found that the subtle texture that piercing creates just adds such a fabulous detail to our projects.

On the July 4th I shared a red/white and blue apron project with you using the exact same elements that I will share today. Different papers and embellishments provide a different look. For that example I used Basic Grey Boxer papers, for today's look I am using Basic Grey's Euphoria collection and some items from this month's Stamp of the Month Packet.

To create this card I used two of the new Pierceability dies from the S4 167, Victorian Pierceabilities Set. Many of you have asked when the new dies will be available for purchase - we project August some time. Rather than holding your $$$ for a preorder and experiencing the chaos of last July we are hoping that patience will be a better method this go round. We would be thrilled for you to express your interest in purchasing these from us so that we make certain to order enough, but please know that we will do our best to have an inventory supply that will meet your needs (yeah like that ever happens, right - LOL!) You are welcome to write us at customerservice@ellenhutson.com and put your name on a list indicating your interest. This will help ensure that we order enough product to meet your needs.

Several questions have arisen by my confusing addition of "flipping" the Wizard sandwich from it's original version, so I am going to try to verbalize this again to hopefully make this explanation a little clearer.

The Original Wizard cutting sandwich is as follows:

• Embossing Mat (This one of the thick white mats that comes with the original Wizard package - when you first get the package we recommend using a Sharpie to write on your plate so that when you are creating you will hopefully avoid cutting into this mat. Being it looks identical to the Cutting Mat it can get confusing and this is the reason for labelling your Mats.)
• White Spacer Plate (Again this is a plate that is not designed to be cut into, it is the thinnest of the white plates included with the Wizard)
• Die - cut line or blade FACE UP (see picture below)
• Notecard or cardstock
• Cutting Mat (This is also a thick white mat that we designate for cutting only so that we keep the other white mat fresh and clean with no cuts. We do this so that when we emboss, the lines of the cutting will not be transferred to our work. I kid you not when I tell you that you can easily emboss a thread into your paper using the Wizard, perhaps even something as small as a human hair. I haven't tried it, but it might be an interesting experiment. Therefore we need the embossing mat to remain pristine.)

I have inserted the above picture to show a close up of the dies shown FACE UP to hopefully avoid more confusion.

Here is where I confused people - I actually flip the entire sandwich, so below is Ellen's Wizard Sandwich:

• Cutting Mat
• Notecard or cardstock
• Die - cut line or blade FACE DOWN
• White Spacer Plate
• Embossing Mat

Now you ask - why do I do this? I do this so that I can see precisely where it is that I have stamped an image and am placing my die. Being that you can see right through the dies I find that I am able to be much more precise doing it this way. My die still has the cut line or blade going directly into the Cutting Mat and therefore I am keeping my White Spacer Plate and Embossing Mat in pristine condition. I hope this makes sense now, but if it doesn't please keep asking. I will continue to try until it makes sense to everyone. Thanks for your patience with me as I try to get this explanation sensible - LOL!

So here we go again. We start in a very similar manner to the basic project I described a couple of days ago. Start with the cutting mat, then your cardstock and followed by the Pierceability die with the cut BLADE DOWN. Remember I have added a TINY bit of removable mono adhesive to the corners of my die to hold it firmly in place.

Follow this with the white spacer plate. Hmm - I think you can tell by this picture that I have even used not so temporary adhesive with some of my experimenting - LOL! I think I need to give it a good cleaning so that I don't embarrass myself in future posts Ü Now place the embossing mat on the top of this stack and send it through your Wizard.

Pick up the die and remove the tiny cut strip from the edge. Pick up your die and turn it around on your project. Align the edge of your cut paper with the edge of the die. The cut blade is now on the opposite side. See arrow for indication of where the cut line or blade is now.

Once again layer your white spacer plate and embossing mat on top of this sandwich and send through your Wizard.

You now will have a strip as shown above. It can be left as is or sent back through to be embossed. For the picture above I should have changed my plate out before taking the picture and I apologize for this slip. This particular project is fine being embossed with the strip laying here on the cutting mat as shown because the metal completely covers the bottom portion of the paper, but if you actually had a cardfront extending above this strip all the lines from my cut plate would be embossed into my paper project. So for your embossing sandwich I would like you to use the following sandwich with your Wizard.

Ellen's Wizard Embossing Sandwich:

• Embossing Mat
• Pierceability Die
• Notecard front or cardstock - in this case the Pierceability paper strip you see above
• Tan Embossing Mat
• Cutting Mat

Another question I would like to clarify is the big question - do these dies do the actual piercing? No, they do not. You will still need to pierce the holes.

This was one of the areas that we discussed at length and arrived at the conclusion that it will allow the most versatility if we allow customers to choose which portions of the die they would like to pierce and even emboss. Future posts will bring more clarity to these options and will show the amazing versatility you can achieve with the dies. I will show you how to use portions of the dies only and try and help guide you through the possibilities.

These are just two of the completed strips I created with this set of dies.

The other feature I wanted to share with you from today's post is the ability to combine your work using these two dies. They were designed so that you will be able to coordinate and switch out some of the elements between the dies. As you can see above I elected to use the coordinating die to cut the edge on my striped paper.

As you can see from the picture above the "bumps" and "points" are designed to align. Also the size of the pierced circles are designed to accept all sorts of embellishments - gemstones, brads, eyelets - I can hardly wait to see what you discover as possibilities!

Many of you have asked when the entire line of new dies will be revealed - I believe that it will be the first day of CHA! I can't believe that CHA starts this week - it runs from July 17-20. I will be in Chicago from the 16th through the 21st, but the girls will still be here in Seattle keeping things moving along as smoothly as possible. I don't know how I would do it without them - a big thanks to our team that keeps things going when I'm away! Have a wonderful day and thank you for sharing in the excitement!!!

Pierceability - Beginner Basics

Today I would like to share my first tutorial on using the Pierceability Dies. To start I wanted to share the simplicity of the die when used alone. The possibilities are endless, but sometimes endless is overwhelming - so I figured I would start simple and work my way through some of the possibilities.

This card shows three of the four possibilities these dies offer - cut, emboss and pierce.

If you haven't noticed the new links I have added on the left side of my blog please take a moment to observe that there are now links to several YouTube videos produced by Stacey Caron, the owner of Spellbinders. Hopefully these videos will take some of the guesswork out of creating die "sandwiches". A link has also been provided under the Category section to take you to all posts that talk about and share compatibility sandwiches.

Pierceabilities are used in a similar manner to all other Spellbinder dies and therefore the sandwiches will remain the same for these dies as for the Nestabilities and all other Spellbinder dies.

I would like to challenge you to figure out the sandwich that works best for you. Then write it down and attach it to the bottom of your machine or store it in a place you will be able to find it. But, don't be like me and write it down forgetting where you put it - LOL!

I have found that I like to turn my sandwiches upside down, so that I can see where I am placing my dies. NOW talk about confusing - LOL! I am going to share my own personal sandwich for the Pierceabilities with you because this is what I find works best for me. You all know how particular I am about precision - LOL! Well this allows me to be as precise as I possibly can be.

Following is my Pierceability sandwich using the Wizard starting at the bottom and moving upwards:

Pierceability Cutting Sandwich using the Wizard

• Cutting Mat
• Notecard front or cardstock
• Pierceability die - temporary adhesive lightly applied (see below)
• White Spacer Plate
• Notecard back (when using just a single layer of cardstock this element is skipped)
• Embossing Mat

Tombow Removable Mono Adhesive has become my best friend as I use my dies. I'm not certain you can even see that I have applied a very small amount of removable adhesive in the lower right hand corner of my Pierceability. I have found that my hands shake - perhaps its too much coffee or just simply the aging process, LOL, but I really don't want my dies moving at all on me. Being they are so lightweight any miscalculation on my part and my die would scoot out of position. Removable or temporary adhesive has been my answer. I now keep it right next to my work area along with an adhesive removal eraser. When I place the die I firmly press on the two spots that I have applied adhesive and the die magically stays in place for the whole process. When my project is complete I then remove the adhesive by lightly rubbing it off with my finger or specialty eraser.

As you can see from this picture I position the die, cutting blade face down, on the very edge of my notecard. In the closeup view with the adhesive above the die is face up - the line parallel with the top edge is the cudding blade. This blade does not feel sharp to the touch. It cuts due to the high pressure that is exerted on it when run between the rollers of your die cutting machines. (Please know that the pinking points are "pointy" and so you will want to use caution and keep the pointy dies away from small children.) 

What you are seeing above is my sandwich without the top embossing mat in place. First is the cutting mat, then is the notecard and pierceability die as shown in the picture above this one.

Next, I placed my white spacer plate on top - you can see it just peeking out above the word cutting. Then I fold the scored notecard back over top of the spacer plate. The critical part of this "formula" is making certain that your spacer plate is aligned as close as possible to the score line of your notecard to avoid getting markings on your notecard.

Last I place my embossing mat on top of the mix and send it through the Wizard.

As you can see in this picture I am using my new Wizard, but I am using it with my old mats. I love the new color and the ergonomic features that have been designed in to it. Many of you already know that we have had a delay in the Wizard shipments and some have been recalled. The Wizard itself works great, it is the new mats that didn't work so great with the new Wizard, they were just too soft. Spellbinders really wants to make certain that the product that goes out is 100% functional and universal, therefore we have taken the Wizards off of our store and sent out a notice to either return your new Wizard to us (if you ordered it through us Ü) or the choice to wait and have new mats shipped out to you as soon as we receive the new replacement mats.

I would also like to once again remind you of a post that I did some time ago where I showed how it is that I use my Wizard being I have it placed sideways, as shown above, when I use it. I have found that with my injured thumb it makes it so simple for me when it is turned this direction vs. the direction that is shown in the beginner video included with the Wizard.

Pierceability Embossing Sandwich using the Wizard

• Embossing Mat
• Pierceability Die
• Notecard front or cardstock
• Tan Embossing Mat
• Notecard back (when using just a single layer of cardstock this element is skipped)
• Cutting Mat

Again the important part to remember in the sandwich above is to align the Tan Embossing Mat square with the score line of your notecard. This helps avoid those extra "markings" that can occur on your paper if you have the embossing mat stop in the middle of the card front.

This picture is here just to show you what the project looks like at this point - we have now cut and embossed and are ready to pierce.

Turn your project over and place it on a piercing pad. The Ornare piercing pad and piercing tool work beautifully with these dies. This is the point where flexibility comes into play once again. If you would like to only pierce a portion of the design you could elect to pierce only the biggest square around the fleur de lis, or perhaps you would want to do just the smaller squares - it is entirely up to you Ü.

I hope that you have been enjoying the sneak peeks from all the Spellbinders Design Team members. There are only two days remaining - I can't believe it! I have created several other projects, but unfortunately I realized that I was using dies that had not yet been shown, so I need to wait on sharing them just a little while longer. We have some awesome new dies arriving in August that we are so excited about sharing with you. There are more to come and I can hardly wait to share the full release with you Ü

Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful weekend!!!

The Party Continues!

We have just returned from remote Hat Island here in the Puget Sound. I call it remote, even though it is situated amongst some of the most popular islands here in the Sound, being there is a ferry that runs only a couple of times a week to get there. We had the pleasure of spending several days there with our BIL and SIL - thank you Cynthia and Roger for a relaxing stay! The beauty of this area is absolutely breathtaking.

The girls had fun jumping the waves, playing in the sand and watching Jasper experience the beach for the first times.

Now on to why you really have come here - LOL! Sorry, but I do not have the name of the winner of the Pierceabilities just yet. The deadline for entering the contest for the Pierceabilities pictured below has officially ended.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your kind words and support. It is so fun to know that you are excited about the Pierceabilties. I will do my best to share all the knowledge I have gained as to how to use these with you, so that you in turn will be able to make beautiful creations with these when they arrive. My understanding is that we are looking at August for the arrival date, so be certain to let your favorite retailer know that you would like them (we will be carrying them as well Ü).

The party continues - you still have time to enter the following Sneak Peek Party drawings, so head on over to the following fabulous blogs on each designated day!

• Today until midnight: Caffeinated Thoughts by Michelle Klomp
• Today, July 6: Linda's Works of Heart by Linda Duke
• July 7: Mish Mash by Michelle Wooderson
• July 8: Inky Heart by Sally Lynn MacDonald
• July 9: Cookies for Breakfast by Beth Pingry
• July 10: PaperFections by Sharon Harnist
• July 11: Today's Creations by Holly Craft
• July 12: Donya Schroeder by Donya Schroeder
• July 13: Follow Your Bliss by Trudee Sauer 

Good luck and I will be posting the winner later today upon my return today from the Mariners game.

Spellbinders Pierceabilities™!

Happy Fourth of July! It's time to CELEBRATE!!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful time celebrating your freedom with family and friends. I thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to come and visit with me here today. Especially since I believe this is going to be a post of epic proportion - LOL!

Perhaps in taking a glimpse at the card above you will not at first see what it is that I have to share in my sneak peek, but I hope that once you read through my post and send your message off to Spellbinders to enter the contest for today you will be back to take a closer look at the pictures to see exactly how it is that I used Spellbinders brand new product, Pierceabilities™, on these projects.

Today I have the pleasure of introducing a product that I proposed to the Caron's over a year ago when Nestabilities™ were being developed. I would like to say how proud I am to have been involved with Spellbinders in the conception of this product and take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Caron's. I would like to introduce to you Spellbinders Pierceabilities™ by Ellen Hutson.

 

 

 

 

 

S4 165 Pinking Pierceabilities™ ($19.99)

(approx 5 5/8" long by 3/4" and 1" high)

 

 

 

 

 

S4 167 Victorian Pierceabilities™ ($19.99)

(approx 5 1/2" long by 1/2" and 5/8" high)

Pierceabilities™ - what are they? what will they do?

Each set of Pierceabilities™ will include two dies per package, along with a Transparent Piercing Template to aid in piercing. I will share more information regarding what this is and how it will be used in a future post.

Below are pictures of the actual dies - I am hoping that by sharing this picture you will be able to "see" what these dies will look like and thus get a better understanding of how they work.

 

So what will they do?

• Cut - these will cut just like your other Spellbinder Dies and Nestabilities™. Hopefully you can see the raised line along the lower edge of the die - this is the cutting line. Each Pierceability™ die being released at CHA will have a different edge design for cutting and embossing! 
• Emboss - the Pierceability™ dies will run through the Wizard and almost any other die cut machine. They will emboss just as the other Spellbinder Dies and Nestabilities™ emboss. You will use the same sandwiches which you have already learned (thank goodness Ü). Stacey Caron has put together a fantastic video demonstration for you showcasing how to use the Spellbinder dies in other die cut machines. Please follow this link to YouTube for a wonderful video demonstration!
• Stencil - again this feature is the same as all previous Spellbinder products. Airbrush, chalk, sponge - use the die as a stencil to achieve beautiful and unique results!
• Pierce - now this is where the whole difference comes in to being - thus the name Pierceabilities™ Ü. We toyed with the idea of having the die actually do the piercing, but after much thought we felt that you would be able to achieve SO MUCH MORE if you were allowed the flexibility of piercing by hand. This option allows you to pick and choose from different areas of the design, using the entire die or only a portion - whatever suites your project. Versatility and value have been foremost in our thought process in the development of this product. The looks you are going to be able to achieve... well, I'm jumping up and down in my chair right now!
• Not only can you do each of the above individually, but you can combine the above elements for an even greater variety of looks! Remember, with Spellbinders the difference is in the details.

These cards were made to share the basic looks that you will be able to achieve with the Pierceabilities™ alone. I was absolutely stunned with the beauty of their simplicity. What perfect wedding, anniversary, or thank you notes these would make. Just place a sentiment inside or on the front and your work is complete.

Details will be shown in future posts as to how I created each of the projects. Today is all about the eye candy and the drawing!!!

This card shows the basic function of the die used three ways - cut along the lower edge, embossed and pierced.

Next I wanted to share that you can only emboss and pierce - no need for cutting. This was repeated in two places on the card front to give it a completely different look than one "border" would achieve.

Not only did I want these dies to work on the 5 1/2" side of the card, but much thought was put into how they could possibly work on the 4 1/4" side as well.

With some cardstocks, these dies will also cut through two layers. These examples are created using the Neenah Classic Crest Solar White - a quality, heavy cardstock. I cannot wait to see what other possibilities will unfold with time!!!

Yes, I used the new label, that Debbie revealed to showcase how you can pierce through our metal foil! This is a very simple design that just touches the surface of the possibilities of revisiting the folk-like pierced tin techniques!!!

Last, but not least I just couldn't help myself by sharing this little sneak peek of a clear album that I have made using the new Label 1 set in conjunction with piercing using the new Pierceabilities™. I can assure you that I will share the inside, as well as all the details regarding working with plastic, but there are more dies in use that I cannot yet reveal - you are just going to have to wait for the final reveals and my return from CHA Ü

 

Spellbinders Birthday Celebration

Sneak Peek Party Drawing Information

Drawing Information

Spellbinders will randomly pick one entry from each of the 14 Spellbinders Sneak Peek Blog reveals as stated in the "Rules". This name will be drawn to receive the die being revealed on said blog. These entries must follow all rules stated below to be valid for the drawing.

Entrants visiting all 14 Spellbinders Birthday Celebration Sneak Peek Blog reveals and correctly entering their information into the 14 separate drawings, as described below, will automatically be entered into a GRAND PRIZE give away of a new RASPBERRY WIZARD and a $500 retail value die package!

Rules

Any participant wishing to be included in the daily drawing for the Spellbinders Birthday Celebration Sneak Peek die give away must adhere to all of the following rules:

1. Participant must click on the provided drawing link on blog to enter each individual drawing on sneak peeks between June 30 and July 13.
2. Participant must type in the subject line the name/names of the die/dies being revealed.
3. Participant must send their entry for this blog before 12:00 midnight Central Standard Time on July 5th, 2008.
4. Participant is only allowed to enter each of the 14 Spellbinders sneak peek blog give away drawings one time per sneak peek. Participant must use the same email address daily to be considered for grand prize entry.
5. Spellbinders Design Team members and employees are not eligible for drawing.

Any participant wishing to be automatically entered into the drawing for the Spellbinders Birthday Celebration Sneak Peek Grand Prize drawing, must enter the drawing from all of the 14 blog reveals and follow all the above rules.

Please note:

• Spellbinders will only use email information to contact the winner.
• Spellbinders will not share this email address with any other parties.
• Spellbinders will not use this email information for advertisements of communications other than to contact the winner.
• If you wish to be included in further communications from Spellbinders, please go to their homepage and sign up: www.spellbinders.us.

Again the deadline for entering in the drawing for my sneak peek today, the Spellbinders S4-165 Pinking Pierceabilities™ and S4-167 Victorian Pierceabilities™, is midnight July 5th (Central Time). Don't forget to enter yesterday's sneak peek on Heidi Blankenship's blog Embellished Dreams before midnight July 4th (Central Time).

Click here to enter the drawing. If this pop-up link does not work or you use an email client that does not work with this pop-up box, you may copy and paste this address to send your entry via email to - newdierelease@spellbinders.us.

I hope to be able to share the winner of this portion of the sneak peek drawing with you on Sunday, July 6th. Best of luck and don't forget to enter the remaining sneak peek drawings!

It's Party Time! Let's celebrate like never before Ü

It's official!!! We have hit the one year mark celebrating the arrival of the Nestabilties - yah baby (as my friend Miss Cami would say Ü)! Your reaction to this product has never ceased to amaze me - I believed in it, but didn't know how anyone else would react. Well, I can honestly say that your enthusiasm has blown me out of the water!

Do you remember this?

I was so incredibly excited about showing you the versatility of these dies. Shaped cards - who would have thought? This type of card has became well-known as the "clamshell" Ü

Swirl them and twirl them!

Cut, emboss, cut and emboss!

Use them as a stencil - the possibilities are limitless! Ü

It was, and still is, all about the versatitlity, value and storage!!! Do you remember this picture?

The impact of this visual was so incredible on my own thought process, I couldn't believe the comparison. It was so exciting to realize that we had discovered a tool that would become an everyday component of so many crafters/artists.

The discoveries continue!!! SO STAY TUNED you are NOT going to want to miss out on what we have to share with you over the next couple of weeks pre-CHA!!!

To celebrate Nestabilities tremendous first year, Spellbinders will be giving daily sneak peeks of many of the new designs debuting at the upcoming Summer CHA Show --- in addition YOU have an opportunity to win some great prizes!

Each day a different Spellbinders Design Team Member will introduce one of the soon-to-be-released dies! Blog visitors can sign up during specified times for a chance to win that day's featured die. So be certain to visit all the blogs and become eligible to win the Grand Prize! To learn more about this opportunity please head over to Spellbinders home page for the list of blogs, the prize information and other fabulous details surrounding this grand event!

Also, if you would like to be notified directly by Spellbinders regarding future product releases then click on the link below and sign up for new information to be delivered to your email box.

I have the privilege of doing my own reveal on July 4th - let me tell you that I am jumping out of my skin in anticipation of that day!!! You are not going to want to miss out on coming to my blog that day even with all the celebrations going on! On that day I get to celebrate the amazing freedom we have living here in America, celebrate family, consider ways I can help those who have been hit by huge devastation this year AND share my over-the-top excitement with you! I am truly a very lucky and blessed woman (said with happy tears) SO - let's get ready to party SPELLBINDERS style!

Sharing the Love - FREE Hearts!

ETA: Please be advised - we are now out of the incorrect sizes of Spellbinder's Scalloped Heart Nestabilities! Thank you all for your enthusiasm and support! We will do our best to get as many orders out as possible today and the remainder on Monday. Have a marvelous weekend - I am hoping to finally post something creative here over the weekend - whew - life is BUSY!!! Ü

I also want to update our customers regarding the new replacement sets - those were shipped out to you on February 13th - YIPPIE!!!! If you do not receive your replacement set sometime next week please advise us ASAP so that we can be certain to follow through. We will be receiving our replacements towards the end of next week and will put them back up on the store for you to enjoy at that point. I know that Valentine's is over, but I do think that you will enjoy them for Mother's day and other upcoming events as well. Thank you SO MUCH for your patience with this situation!

Happy Valentine's Day!!! We are thrilled to let you know that we are giving away a fabulous Valentine's day gift with all orders that include Spellbinder's Nestabilities! We have been given the go ahead by Spellbinders to share the Scalloped Heart sets that are the incorrect sizes with you! Being that they are still 100% functional we did not want to relegate them to the landfills just because they didn't nest properly. Spellbinders is a generous and thoughtful company and when I asked whether we could just give these away to our customers who purchase Nesatbilities through us for FREE their response was an immediate, YES!

So starting with the shipment of today's orders of Nestabilities we will be including a FREE set of the old discontinued version of the Scalloped Hearts set, the set that is NOT compatible with the Classic Heart Nestabilities, with each order. All it takes to qualify for this gift is purchasing a set of Nestabilities of any type. We want to be certain that these dies will be given to those of you who have already made a commitment to the line and have the necessary tools to use them.

This offer will be continue until we run out of sets. We will make an announcement on our site and here on our blog when we run out of the discontinued Scalloped Heart Nestability sets. We sincerely appreciate your support and hope that these beautiful hearts will be put to good use Ü

CHA Day 1 and 2 - Spellbinders Listens

Excitement is in the air!!! If you are here at CHA I would LOVE, love, love for you to head over to the Innovations display - I am SO thrilled. To see a vision I shared with others as being innovative - well... needless to say I am thrilled! BUT we need your votes - if you are at the show and you are excited about this product we would love to have you share your opinion with the crafting world, by placing your vote.

Be certain to check out the beautiful framed artwork that has been created by Debbie Olson. It is beautiful in this picture, but the depth when seen in person is truly stunning!

Now the news you have all been awaiting. Yep, I've seen it, touched it, watched it in action and learned more about it. Xcalibur is smooth, quiet and does a beautiful job of both cutting and embossing!

If you have the opportunity to head over to the Spellbinders booth and see it, you really should! They have a questionnaire that your participation in may make a difference in the final product. Spellbinders is a company that cares about what it is that their customer is looking for. They would like to hear your reaction to this machine - do you like the color? What do you think of the fact that it has a handle on the top to carry it? Do you like the fact that there is a drawer in the bottom to hold all your plates?

I know you are all wanting to know the price point of this fabulous new tool. I am thrilled to tell you that it will be less than $150, with the goal being $129!!! Being that it is still in prototype stage it is difficult to pinpoint a final pricepoint.

Will it cut and emboss at the same time? This question has been one of the questions that has been asked most frequently. One of the distinctive qualities that Spellbinders dies offer is versatility - the option to cut only, emboss only, as well as cut and emboss. If Spellbinders designed the Xcalibur to cut and emboss simultaneously that flexibility would be lost. Thus this machine works identical to the Wizard in how the sandwiches are designed. The space between the rollers is the same as the original Wizard - and thus there will be no new sandwiches for Wizard users to use. Yes, you will still need sandwiches. Why? The answer again is simple - versatility. This machine will still have the flexibility to use most manufacturers dies. The only ones that will not be recommended for use with the "X" will be the ones where you would actually need to push the die in further using your fingers. As soon as I can confirm the details I will share them with you. (I learned so much these last two days that it is all beginning to muddle in my mind - LOL!)

What has impressed me most so far? Well it's little things -

• Xcalibur of course - that's a given :D
• We have NEW NESTABILITIES!!! The much anticipated long rectangle series - I believe I asked for them to be 6" in length. Again they reduce in size scaling down to a size that will be PERFECT for sentiments. Wait until you see some of the ideas we have for using these!
• More TAGS! developed methodically by my wonderful colleague and friend Debbie Olson!
• Yes - mine was the first order placed and so I am hoping to have news for you soon as to when they will be arriving in our store!!!
• COPIC has some new prototypes on display. A fabulous new larger sized glitter pen that is quite stunning and works on fabric. A metallic pen that the jury is still out on being I really need to see it in broad daylight instead of under the convention center lights.
• Ranger's new white pen is the talk of the town! It is totally cool! and the new ink pads - I can not wait to give them a whirl today.
• New adhesive - a girl can never seem to have enough glue in this industry.
• Felt abounds everywhere and I have some fabulous ideas I cannot wait to share with you in regards to using rubber stamps and felt together.
• What are the trends - black and white, black and white and color, bright neon-like color, more purple than I have seen in previous years; new chipboard shapes, colors

Oh dear - I am running late again, so I will stop for today. I will get back to answering more questions, probably upon my return home. It is ubber busy here and finding time to blog is extremely difficult. The best part of the show in a nutshell are the people! I am having SUCH an AMAZING time meeting women who I have only had the opportunity to meet over the internet. It is such a thrill to be able to put a real person together with women that I have had the pleasure of knowing for years!!!

Thank you for stopping by and I hope to share more news soon!

Some Xcalibur Answers

ETA: Please note that I am adding questions to the bottom of this post as they come in. I will do my best to answer them as quickly as possible.

What is the price point of the Xcalibur?

Oh how I wish I was at liberty to share this with you, but at this point I am not able to share this information. As soon as I can - I will, so keep watching being that once CHA begins I can then shout it from the rooftops. All I can say is that I believe you will be thrilled.

When will the Xcalibur be available for purchase?

Currently the release date is May 2008. So why are we talking about it now?

The crafting industry can be a very difficult industry to work within at times. It is important to share what new inventions are on the horizon, but the question is always when should we do it to best accomodate the needs of our customers. Many question why the manufacturer does not let everyone know the minute an idea hits the drawing board. I can easily tell you that it is due to the incredibly competitive nature of the industry. If word is leaked to far in advance that a new invention is in the works, another manufacturer will waltz in and take the idea and run with it. So timing is critical in this industry. Do I wish it was not this way? Very definitely yes, but it is what it is and so we must work with it.

The next part of this question is why tell about it so far in advance. My answer to that question is that by sharing this information in advance of the actual release date it then allows new consumers to make a decision as to whether they should wait on their next purchase or buy what is currently available. At times it can be a difficult decision especially when the new product is not even out yet to physically try. It's a catch-22 that unfortunately there are no good answers for. All we can do is try to accomodate as many needs as possible.

So as always we will do our very best to educate you about what is coming vs. what is here. You will then be able to make a decision for yourself as to whether what you currently own is best for you or if what is coming is worth all the hubbub. There are many consumers who currently do not own a diecutting system. This will allow them to reflect on what it is that they want and make the decision that is right for them.

Is the Wizard passe?

In my opinion I believe that the Wizard will always be my go-to tool for any heavy duty crafting. There will more likely than not ever be another machine on the market that can withstand the pressure that is exerted by this Univeral Crafting Tool. This little metal machine can withstand pressure like no other in today's market place because it is all metal.

The Wizard will not be taken off the market at this time. It is a tool that fills the needs of many. That is not to say that sometime down the road it will not be taken off the market - it just depends on you the consumer. Will you still have a need for a tool that is durable? We can't answer that question - only you can. Again I believe that there will always be a place for a strong tool and that is what the Wizard is - a strong, Universal diecutting and embossing tool.

Are we taking preorders?

I believe that it is much too early to take preorders on this product. It is so important to me that I leave your money in your checking account until I am ready to make a fair transaction with you. It is always my intention to be able to ship your product out to you immediately upon receiving any financial compensation.

I also take the trust that you place in me seriously. At this moment I have great confidence in Spellbinders and their ability to make things happen, but there are so many others that need to be counted on for parts and labor that it is out of the control of any one individual or company.

Can we take your name and put you on a list so that we make certain to order enough product to begin with - most definitely! If you believe that you are going to have to have one of these when they are ready to ship and you would like to support us by purchasing it through us, then please send us an email at customerservice@ellenhutson.com. We will put together a special list to keep you updated as to what it is that is happening with the Xcalibur and consider you in a head-count of those we will honor orders of when the timing is right. I promise that we will not bombard you with frivolous "stuff", but will keep you up-to-date on what is that we are learning.

Do I think the Xcalibur is big news?

Yes, I think it is huge. What an incredible innovation! There are many crafters who have a difficult time using tools that require manual labor, so to have a completely mechanized machine is huge. I am personally VERY excited about it being I have noticed arthritis setting in to my hands and I wonder at times how I will continue to do what it is that I do into my more "advanced" years - LOL! Well - I believe that the solution is within reach with this machine Ü

I thank you for your questions. I will most certainly be trying the Xcalibur for myself at CHA being that I have not had the opportunity to personally test the machine. We all work so hard to make a living and I respect you all so much for wanting to know what the "right" thing to do is. I hope to be able to share my perspective and knowledge with you as soon as I can have some "hands-on" time with this latest, greatest innovation. As always I will give you as much information as possible and I thank you once again for placing your trust in me. I hope to never let you down.

Will the Xcalibur Cut and Emboss Simultaneously?

Being that the dies are designed to be utilized in three possible ways it will still require two passes through the machine to first cut your cardstock and then a second pass through to emboss it. As with the Wizard you will be able to cut and emboss, only cut, or only emboss. Versatility is so important and this is the only way to achieve the flexibility we would like to see from the dies.

Dress It Up Valentine

Bells and whistles went off in my head when I saw Sharon Harnist's gorgeous "beribboned" (is that even a word?) creation on her blog the other day. It reminded me so much of the Southern Living "Dress It Up" collection that I believe is now retired and how I need to remember to look to home accents for inspiration - there is so much out there just begging to be translated in to card format. I knew I just had to make a card using the new Hearts and Scalloped Hearts with this design - I just loved it too much. So here is my version of a "Dress It Up" Nestie Heart.

Valentine's are mostly pink, but the soft yellow just seemed like the right touch with the new Basic Grey Two Scoops paper.

I have heard that some of you are having trouble with your dies slipping and so I thought I would share once again how it is that I use the dies and magnetic plate in hopes of helping you. I guess I really need to learn how to make those videos - but I just haven't had the time to learn, so hopefully these photos will do the trick.

To begin with I have cut my magnetic placement mat to be the same size as the white spacer plate. This seems to help me keep things perfectly aligned. I then lay the master plate on the table, followed by the white spacer plate and then the magnetic placement mat. I place my dies in to location precisely as I would like them cut - they "snap" to the magnetic placement mat and have held firmly in place. I do not lift the magnetic placement mat without having a solid surface such as the white spacer plate beneath it. If you do lift it alone it will bend and move your dies.

Next make certain that the edges of the magnetic mat are aligned with the edges of the white spacer plate.

Then place your paper atop this stack pattern side, or right side, facing down. Top this sandwich with your second master plate and send it through the Wizard.

One tip that might be helpful is to note the position of your die on the master plate before sending it through. I typically have the thickest portion of the sandwich towards the back and start my sandwich with the end that does not have as many ingredients. Note how most of my ingredients are towards the bottom of the plate. This allows for the machine to get a good grasp on your plates without shifting the product that is within. I believe that some of the shifting that may be occuring is due to the force that is placed on your sandwich. If the thick part of the sandwich is right at the start the machine may be shifting your layers within. I wish I could observe others working first hand so that I might be able to better figure this out and give better tips.

After passing through the machine I can then lift my plate and the dies are lightly embedded in to the master plate or still attached to the magnetic plate. If embedded in the master plate I use my fingernail to lift the die out, and then flip it back over on to the magnetic placement mat as shown below.

Once again note how the thicker part of the sandwich is located towards the bottom end of my master plate - the end that enters the die cut machine first has minimal product located there.

The detail of your heart should be crisp and clean.

To complete I flipped the heart over and made light pencil marks to locate where I would punch my holes and then using my crop-a-dile punched those holes, threaded a beautiful silk ribbon through them, backed it with yet another patterned paper from the Two Scoops collection, added my sentiment, dew drops and piercing.

I hope these pictures might help some of you with your shifting problem. I would love to see how you "Dress Up" your nestie creations Ü Link me up in the comment section below :D

Spellbinders Design Team Call

A wonderful opportunity awaits YOU! This is an opportunity that is incredible! I highly encourage you to try out for this position if you are interested in furthering your career! Jeff and Stacey are wonderful to work with and you will be given opportunities you've never had before. Go for it girls!!!! Send in your best work NOW.

Spellbinder Die Compatibility Sandwiches Updated

Today I took the time to review the compatibility sandwiches that I had posted back in July and I have updated the information to include the new Magnetic Placement Mat in the machines that I own to let you know how it will affect the sandwiches. I am happy to tell you that it will work in the Cuttlebug, but you will need an additional white spacer plate to accomodate for the added thickness. It will also work in the Big Shot with only slight modifications needed. I would like to suggest that you find your machine below and then copy and paste your needs to a Word document and print them out to reference when you use your new dies.

The Magnetic Placement Mat is an ultra-thin layer, much thinner than the xyron magnetic pads I made to store my Spellbinders dies in. See this post for my storage examples. It is important to me that I always research any idea that hits my brain and so I did try those mats in my Wizard and found that they did indeed hold the dies in place. But after several uses the die shapes were "embedded" in the magnetic pad I had made. I don't know what the outcome of this will be after repeated use, but I wanted to let you know that initially this does work. Unfortunately the depth of my magnetic "creation" is too deep to use in other machines without creating significant snapping and popping. In comparison the Spellbinders Magnetic Placement Mat retains its original shape much better than my homemade version.

One thing I did notice is that the Magnetic Placement Mat is larger in size than the White Spacer Plates. Therefore where the Magnetic Mat extends over the edge of the White Spacer Plate I made quit an indentation in my Mat right at the edge where it extended over the Plate. So I trimmed my Magnetic Placement Mat using my Carl Cutter to be the exact same size as my Spacer Plate - problem solved.

In the following Compatibility Sandwiches the products listed below are referred to repeatedly - I thought I would link you to these items to help you gain a better understanding of what they are.

• Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat
• Spellbinders™ White Spacer plate
• Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Mat
• Spellbinders™ Dies
• Spellbinders™ Dies also include the Nestabilities

Most directions below recommend that the Spellbinder™ dies be placed on your work surface blade side up. Be certain to check your machine sandwich before cutting to ensure correct usage.

All recipes are placed in stacking order starting at the bottom moving upwards. After cutting do not remove paper from die to emboss, proceed with paper remaining in die.

Cuttlebug™
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders™ die. I can not guarantee that the B plates will not break in the Cuttlebug, but when testing my B plates were fine. They did make that ever present cracking noise though and therefore my hesitancy to say that they will never break being I have broken many B plates over the last few months. I do plan on testing the Spellbinders Thick White Mats and the Blue Mats included in the Wizard Charm Embossing Kits to see whether I can find an alternative to the acrylic plates. The white and blue mats provided by Spellbinders are so much sturdier.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the Cuttlebug™:
Cutting Sandwich
1. A plate

2. C plate
3. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
4. Paper or cardstock

5. B plate

6. Roll through Cuttlebug™

Cutting Sandwich with Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat
1. A plate

2. B plate
3. Spellbinders™ White Spacer plate

4. Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat

5. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
6. Paper or cardstock

7. B plate

8. Roll through Cuttlebug™

Embossing Sandwich
1. A plate

2. 2 sheets cardstock to act as shim. Add extra pieces if needed.

3. B plate
4. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock

6. Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Mat
7. B plate

7. Roll through Cuttlebug™
Embossing Sandwich with Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat
1. A plate

2. B plate
3. Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat

4. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock

6. Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Pad

7. B plate

8. Roll through Cuttlebug™

*Shim with extra pieces of cardstock if needed.

Big Shot by Ellison Design™
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders™ die.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in Big Shot™:
Cutting Sandwich

1. Multipurpose Platform

2. Acrylic mat

3. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
4. Paper or cardstock
5. Acrylic mat

6. Roll through Big Shot

Cutting Sandwich with Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat

1. Multipurpose Platform

2. Acrylic mat

3. Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat

4. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock

6. Acrylic mat

7. Roll through Big Shot

Embossing Sandwich
1. Multipurpose Platform, Tab1

2. Acrylic mat

3. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
4. Paper or cardstock

5. Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Pad

6. Acrylic mat

7. Roll through Big Shot

Or Embossing Sandwich 2

1. Big Shot Impressions Starter Kit White and Black Mat

2. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
3. Paper or cardstock

4. Big Shot Impressions Starter Kit Black Impression Mat

6. Acrylic mat

7. Roll through Big Shot

Embossing Sandwich with Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat
1. Multipurpose Platform, Tab1

2. Acrylic mat

3. Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat

4. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock

6. Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Pad

7. Acrylic mat

8. Roll through Big Shot

*Shim with extra pieces of cardstock if needed.

Big Kick™
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders™ die.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the Big Kick:
Cutting Sandwich

1. Universal platform (thick white mat from Sizzix)
2. Clear acrylic mat
3. Spellbinders™ White Spacer plate
4. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock
6. Clear acrylic cutting mat

7. Roll through the Big Kick™

Embossing Sandwich
1. Universal platform (thick white mat from Sizzix)
2. Clear acrylic mat
3. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
4. Paper or cardstock

5. Two (2) Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Pad
6. Clear acrylic cutting mat

7. Roll through the Big Kick™

*Shim with extra pieces of cardstock if needed.

Magnetic placement pad not yet tested.

Zip’e Mate™ by Accucut® (ZEM)
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders™ die.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the ZEM:
1. Place Spellbinders™ die on ZEM's platform, blade side up.
2. Place paper over die and cut in the same manner as with Zip’e Cuts™.
3. After cut, do not remove the die or the paper from the platform, place ZEM's Embossing Foam over paper and with the ZEM's Embossing Mat, roll through again to emboss the die-cut.

ZAZ™ by Accucut®
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders™ die, except the larger, Size Four Spellbinders™ dies.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the ZAZ™:
1. Place Spellbinders™ die on ZAZ™'s platform, blade side up.
2. Place paper over die and cut in the same manner as with Zip’e Cuts™.
3. After cut, do not remove the die or the paper from the platform, place ZAZ's Embossing Foam over paper and with the ZAZ's Embossing Mat, roll through again to emboss the die-cut.

Sizzix®
Sizzix® manufactures the Sizzix® Adapter™ and the Sizzix® System Converter™ which, together, allow the cutting of Spellbinders™ dies that are smaller than the Sizzix® Adapter, which measures 2 3/8” by 2 5/8.” This includes most Spellbinders™ Fonts and Mystery Dies. The Sizzix® Adapters are sold in packages of ten and several can be used side by side to allow for the cutting of larger Spellbinders™ dies.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the Sizzix® Machine:
1. Place the Sizzix® System Converter into the Sizzix® Machine.
2. On the Cutting Pad, place paper to be cut, then the Spellbinders™ die, blade side down.
3. Place a Sizzix® Adapter over the Spellbinders™ die, then cut as normal.
4. Leave the cut paper in the die. Turn the die over so that the blades are facing up, place back on the cutting pad – without the Sizzix® Adapter.
5. Layer a Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Mat over the die.
6. Press in the Sizzix® Machine.

*Shim with extra pieces of cardstock if needed.

Magnetic placement pad not yet tested.

Sidekick™ & Tag-a-Long™
The Sizzix® Adapter does allow the cutting of Spellbinders™ dies with the Sidekick™ & Tag-a-Long™, but this is limited to most Spellbinders™ Fonts or Mystery Dies, due to the limiting size of the Sizzix® Adapter.

The Sidekick™ & Tag-a-Long™ do not allow for the embossing of Spellbinders™ dies.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the Sidekick™ Machine or the Tag-a-Long™:
1. Place die, blade side up, onto a Sizzix® Adapter.
2. Place paper over die, roll through the Sidekick™ or Tag-a-Long™.

QuicKutz®
The QuicKutz® hand tool is capable of cutting only the smaller Spellbinders™ dies, such as the Spellbinders™ Fonts and the Mystery Dies.

It is not capable of embossing Spellbinders™ dies.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the QuicKutz®:

1. Place a Spellbinders™ die and paper into the hand tool.
2. Squeeze to cut as normal.

Note: The QuicKutz® tool has a “sweet spot” of cutting area in the center of the cutting platform. When cutting with a Spellbinders™ die, it may be necessary to center the desired portion of the die inside the hand tool’s cutting platform. If a good cut is not obtained with the first squeeze, the die may be moved and squeezed again. Taping the paper to the die can be helpful in this process.

Revolution®
The Revolution® has not been tested at this time.

Using the Wizard, Shaped Cards and Window Tutorial

Yippie - I've made it downstairs and I'm finally able to concentrate enough to start answering emails and do a little writing. My foot is up and so here goes. Thank you to all for your well wishes and patience with me. Katelyn and Kelcie are here helping in ways that were never part of "the package" - they are working hard to keep up with the orders and messages, as well as helping me with the girls. I'm not certain what I would do without them! Hopefully by the end of the week we will have caught up on all the emails - so if you have sent a message and haven't heard from us please do not hesitate to send another because the first one might have gotten "buried" in our inbox.

Thank goodness I had taken pictures of this project previously so that I could write this tutorial. Now I can just sit here and edit pictures, doing the write-up from my comfy place right here on the couch :D With a laptop I can even lie down - foot propped up on the end of the couch and just type away - LOL!

One of the beauties of the Nestabilities is the option of making shaped cards. You may all remember this card:

Tonight I will take you through how I position the Wizard when I use it, how I cut and emboss the shaped cards and how I create a window in my cards.

Positioning the Wizard

If you watch the Spellbinders video showing how to use the Wizard, you will see immediately the difference in how I place the Wizard as I work. Envision that I am standing at the bottom edge of the picture above. The handle is to my left with the little button located on the top pushed down. If you need to reverse the direction or run your project back and forth through the Wizard you just push the button from the opposite side and it reverses the direction. This button also makes this tool perfect for left-handed crafters! I recommend that if you currently own a Wizard and you have trouble operating it as shown in the video just keep flipping it around until you find that perfect position just for you. Thus making this die cutting machine Universal in more then one way.

Now if I wasn't holding the camera in my right hand you would see that I hold the white mats in my right hand at a slight angle downwards as I insert the plates between the rollers. Using my left hand I run my hand over the rollers moving from left to right - this locks the mats in place.

After the mats are locked in place I put slight pressure on the left end of the machine with a couple of fingers - it's kind of difficult to see my fingers on the far left, but they are there.

The Wizard is different from other die cut machines on the market. Its handle is utilized in a different way. It does not go round and round in a circle, rather it is a "ratchet" type of device that moves between 9:00 o'clock and the 3:00 o'clock position. In my case I move the handle from the left to the right, bringing the handle back up to the 12:00 o'clock position and repeat until the plates are moved through the machine.

Being that the Wizard is all metal it has strength like no other machine on the market. I am told that it literally can have a car driven onto it and it won't crush it.This ratchet type of system allows for great pressure to be exerted on the plates. This pressure can cause the plates to rocket out of the machine when you come to the end if you are not prepared. But you should know that if you have a really tight sandwich in any machine you can rocket your plates out of any machine. I managed to whistle a plate half way across the room with my Big Shot when testing different materials in it as well.

What I do to make certain that my plates do not become projectiles is as I roll the plates through the machine I hold the plates as they come to the end and therefore I don't send them across the room - LOL!

What I have enjoyed the most is that the impressions produced by the Wizard are incredibly clean and crisp, AND I no longer have to deal with broken and warped plates like I did when using the Cuttlebug and Big Shot. That is not to say that you can't get clean and crisp impressions with other machines - the difference is that you just need to know what sandwich is going to work the best for your particular machine or do a little experimenting.

This is the reason for the compatibility sandwiches we have put together. Spellbinders has already done the work figuring out the sandwiches for many machines on the market so that you will not need to figure it out yourself. I would like to remind you to look back at these whenever you have a question about your type of machine.

Making Shaped Cards

With the Wizard you will need the Master Mats, Spacer Plate, tan mat and die of your choice. For cutting your sandwich always utilizes the Master Mat, Spacer Plate, die (face up), notecard (or whatever else you would like to try cutting) and then topped with the other Master Mat. Please see the Compatibility list for your particular machine.

Place your folded notecard on the die as show above, with the scored back lining up along the inside edge of the scallops as shown - be certain to set it to the side of the cutting portion of the die. If you do not want to have any embossing on the edge set it completely clear of the scalloped shapes. Run it through your machine.

If you would like to add embossing to the card then leave the note card in place. Remove the spacer plate and place the tan mat on top following it with the Master Mat and run it through the machine again.

Cutting Windows

To add a window to my card front I determine where it is that I want the window to be. I then measure to determine where on the spacer plate I am going to adhere the die.

Using my ATG adhesive I place a small amount of adhesive on the back side of the die and position it in place on the white spacer plate. This holds the die firmly in place and keeps me from having to make guesses as to where it is.

I then use temporary adhesive to hold my notecard in the exact place I would like it to be. Please note how the scoreline of the note card aligns perfectly with the edge of the spacer plate. This ensures that I don't get an extra "line" in my note card after running it through the Wizard.

My sandwich with the Wizard is always the same for cutting - Master Mat, White Spacer Plate, Die (face up), paper (or felt, tin, fabric, etc.) and then the other Master Mat. The sandwich for embossing is also always the same - Master Mat, Die, paper, Tan Embossing Mat, Master Mat.

These dies allow you to place your window wherever you would like in your card front. There are no limitations as to where it can be placed. It is one of the biggest features that makes me gleeful - LOL!

Cutting Frames

Cut your shape out of a scrap of cardstock being certain to allow enough extra space for a larger die cut to follow.

Position the cut out over the top of your next die shape, centering it over the die so that you can not see it.

Cut - you could also add embossing at this time, but I chose to make this frame without embossing.

WOW - that took a long time - it is now the next night! I'm still in the exact same spot as I was yesterday though - LOL! Hopefully this makes enough sense to help those who would like to make shaped cards, windows and frames, as well as answer the question regarding how I use the Wizard.

Indulgence...

Angie DiMeglio - #94 - you will soon get to indulge yourself with cutting AND embossing the wonderful Spellbinders Indulgence alphabet!!!!

I thank all of you so much for answering the questions and hope that I can be of assistance to you in the months to come. I so appreciate your enthusiastic support of this new product and feel honored that you have selected Ellen Hutson LLC as your resource for the Nestabilities. I realize that this week is going to truly "get away" from me with CHA preparations and CHA itself and so I'm not certain how many more times I will be back. I am still working on setting up the Challenge Gallery and hope to announce the winner as soon as that portion of the project is complete.

Thank you again and please know that the messages, emails and forum threads that you have all sent me or started have been thriling for us!!!! Katelyn, Malena, Kelcie and myself were doing the happy dance when we received the first messages that your orders were already arriving. It is completely exciting for us to know that we made many of your days :D

We have already begun the work on the COPIC markers prepping them for the last few marker additions that were backordered. The first few (and unfortunately I do mean few) orders placed actually have been completed and the ladies that were "Johnny on the Spot" should be receiving the first shipment of COPICs in the next few days. Unfortunately it appears that we are missing a marker or two from each collection and therefore the holdup. Please know that we will do everything we can to make your wait as short as possible!

OK, I'm off to create and answer more emails. I will try and take pictures of my CHA projects - they are WAY cool (at least I think so - LOL) and it will show you some unusual projects that you will be able to create using the Nestability dies :D

The Drawing of a Lifetime Ü

Did I get your interest perked? Well this time I'm going to show you what it is that you have the opportunity to receive if you can assist me in finding out how I can help you learn more about Spellbinders and their product line. I know that all of your time is valuable and I wish that I had one for each of you to receive, but being realistic and all - well I know how many of you can respond to these drawings and well - I think I would have to mortgage my home and go in to bankruptcy if that were the case - LOL!

So one lucky person who answers the questions below before midnight on Monday, July 16th will receive the following absolutely incredible alphabet!!!

ETA: Oops, I forgot to mention that the automatic number generator will once again select our winner Ü

This alphabet is titled "Indulgence" and YES, this is pure indulgence. It's retail value is $159.99. This fantastic font is one of the largest die cutting fonts available! All of Spellbinders beautiful font sets both cut and emboss the letters for unsurpassed detail and elegance. This font set comes with Uppercase letters only. The letters of the Indulgence Font are 1 7/8" (inches) tall.

So please answer your questions here BEFORE MIDNIGHT Monday, July 16th. This gives you plenty of time to join in the fun.

• What benefits do you see in the Spellbinders Diecutting System?
• Do you think that I've made the best choice in selecting this sytem for these new Nestability shapes?
• Is the triple function of value, compact storage and ability to cut through other items as well as two layers of paper important to you?
• What would you like to see in future diecut shapes (Hearts are already on the horizon Ü)?
• Does it appeal to you that these dies not only cut, but emboss and act as stencils as well?
• Is it advantageous to you that you can now layer your projects in 1/8" increments?
• What is your preferred die cutting method - manual vs. computer?
• What is your experience with the Spellbinders die cutting dies?
• What is your experience with the Spellbinders Wizard?
• What types of things would you like me (and the other members of the Spellbinders Design Team) to teach you?
• Whatever other questions or thoughts you may have may be added at the end.
• ETA: Please know that you will not be disqualified from this drawing for not answering this question -it is one I thought of after all was said and done. I believe that this may help me - help you better. What type of diecut machine do you currently own? (this will help me in guiding you in tutorials.) Thank you once again for helping me, help you!

Was it worth the wait? I certainly hope so. I truly have appreciated your patience with me and I am so excited to be able to offer this wonderful drawing for all of you. Your support means the world to me and please know that I appreciate you more then words can say!

SO post away - I promise I am going to be back with more fun stuff over the next few days. I thought rather then playing it hard and fast why not have fun over the next few days before I head of to CHA!!!

I'll be back again tonight with yet another post to share a design or two from the latest Paper Trey Ink new release that I had the pleasure to make - I promise you that the versatility of these new sets is going to add so much to your stamping repetoire. AND YES - I used a combination of punches and dies on the projects I created for the new release. I have such a blast when I get to stamp! See you soon Ü

(3) Harvest Autumn Menu

I was beginning to wonder if I was going to make it today - LOL! But here I am :D I love to utilize my stamps in unusual ways - not just for cardmaking. It has been some time since I have done a special meal. Now that I'm a working girl there just doesn't seem to be that extra time that these types of occasions need, but I love to cook a nice meal and present it in a "lovely" way when I get the opportunity. Yep, a little bit of Martha wore off on me - LOL!

This is another one of the beautiful Autumn images that is going to be part of the Lockhart Stamp Company release this Friday - it is called Harvest Basket! With this menu card I should have started my planning stages much earlier. It was an afterthought to put it in the frame and thus the tight corners, but I thought it might help you visualize using it in a different way if I posted a picture like this.

There is one element in this project that I would like to point out to you. The first being the "recessed" embossing on the scalloped oval. I am so in love with these shapes and the embossing. If you notice the angel I made a few days ago you will see the inset of this same shape. What I have been doing is making "two for one" project preperations. I don't like to throw away even the tiniest of papers and so I have been planning to use both pieces of my cutouts. I highly recommend it :D

I would also like to thank the Spellbinders Design Team for heading over here to my blog - helping to answer the questions that have been raised. They have worked with the Wizard for several years and so they are knowledgeable and able to answer the questions that are presented. So if you have asked a question I would like to suggest that you return to that post and read through some of their answers and suggestions.

One question that I would like to answer is in regards to the white spacer plates. I will try and update the information on my site before Friday, but I wanted to let you know that these plates are made out of a very hard material (some type of plastic). They are approximately 1/8" thick x 4 1/4" x 6". Two come in a package and I continually flip mine so that I don't get a really warped one. Having these available has made it so much simplier for me then when I was constantly looking for just the right number and thickness of chipboard pieces.

Oops - I just noticed another question that many of you might find the answer helpful. In designing these punches we decided to make two separate scalloped shapes. Some people like a more "delicate" look to their work, others a more "classic". If you make a comparison to what it is that you already own you can determine which will better suit your style. Count the "bumps" on your current scallops and then make your decision accordingly. The Petite Scallop Circle has a total of 37 "bumps" on it whereas the Classic Scallop Circle only has 22 "bumps". The circle is currently the only new Nestability shape that has both the Classic and Petite options.  Please note that we have designed the "Basic Shaped" circles (no bumps on these) so that they coordinate with both the Spellbinders Classic Circles and Petite Circles. Therefore if you decide you just have to have both scalloped circle sets, you will only need to purchase one set of the Standard Circles, Large and Small. Please let me know if this is clear as mud or whether you need more information. Again my worker bees and I are taking pictures, editting, blah, blah, blah and hope to be prepared for Friday the 13th Ü

Spellbinders will be using their patented technology to continue to bring you more of the shapes that you desire. We are working hard at it, but time only allows for so much - LOL!

Thank you for stopping in to visit today! The clock is ticking - I must run and get more pictures uploaded :D

New Dies - Now What Will I Need?

OK - so I'm telling you that the dies are universal, that they nest, yada, yada, yada - so what now? You might be thinking, "I already own a diecutting machine, (such as a Cuttlebug, BIg Shot, Sizzix, etc.) will these still work and what else will I need besides just the little metal die?"

I am going to link you back to the post on compatibility so that you can once again read the sandwich information for your particular machine type. If you do not see your machine listed then please contact Spellbinders to ensure that the machine you own is truly compatible. There are many machines on the market and I am not aware of all of them, so I apologize if I have missed the type of machine that you own.

In addition to your machine (and the dies of course :D) the following tools are recommended:

• Spellbinders Tan Emboss Pad (currently available in the Wizard Charm Embossing Kit)
• Spellbinders White Spacer Plates
• Extra pieces of cardstock or lightweight chipboard (example - cereal box) to act as "shims"

It has been an INCREDIBLY busy day already, but I hope to be back with my countdown project for the day as well as more information regarding the dies.

I am working on photographing everything and getting them ready for Friday. I will hopefully have the time to post more information here before then, but please know that I am working feverishly to share as much as possible in such a short amount of time. Thank you so much for your patience with me!

ETA: I just reviewed the current dies and compared them with the new Nestability Dies. The old dies were not designed in 1/8" increments and therefore do not have the same capability of forming the perfect layer. That is not to say that you can not layer with them - it is only to tell you that they are not perfectly layered with the new scallops. I also want to point out the difference in the embossed corners on the squares. The old dies had a rounded corner for embossing - the new designs are completely square and therefore have a much crisper appearance. Thank you Kar for your post below - I really appreciate you helping out answer these types of questions!

(4) Enjoy

What can be more enjoyable then a cup of hot chocolate or a cappucino topped with "fluffed", steamed milk? This new Itty Bitty Hot Chocolate was just asking for a nice, whipped topping of Liquid Pearls sprinkled with actual hot chocolate mix.

I think I would like to be sipping one right now as I post this entry, but alas time is ticking and I still have quite the list ahead of me tonight Ü

I can not tell you how thrilled I am with your response!!! THANK YOU so much! Your emails and messages have truly made my day!!! Seeing a vision finally come together makes me feel so incredibly blessed - to be involved with a small, family owned business is a true pleasure!

Tonight's inspiration is short and "sweet" - ha, ha - no pun intended (OK, OK - pun intended :D) Creating a simple card that just hollers - "Hello, here I am!" is so incredibly easy with these new shaped dies. I was hoping to be able to address the other shapes tonight, but wouldn't you know it my day has been filled to overflowing with just answering questions that are currently out there. I promise much more information is yet to come.

I plan on sharing how it is that I utilize the Wizard machine being that some have a hard time working with it. I will readily admit that I did too. The reason for that is I have had two thumb surgeries on my left hand suffering permanent damage to a nerve. Well being blonde and all, I didn't realize that there were other ways to use the machine, other then the way it is presented on the video - LOL! Stacey was able to share in seconds a whole different way to use the Wizard and I am officially hooked. No more goofing around with trying to figure out my own sandwiches - they have done all the hard work for us already Ü

I will be sharing step-by-step photos with you to show how it is that I have been able to accomodate my slight handicap. It has made all the difference in the world to me. This machine is truly Universal - left handed individuals can utilize it as easily as those who are right handed. I have much more to share on this matter, but as with all things I believe in educating first and then allowing you to make your decisions as to whether or not this is the tool for you. I will try and do my best to share the information I have learned with all of you.

Please be patient with me over the next few days, my to do list is very, very, very long :D Again remember that you will be able to start visiting the blogs of Debbie, Trudee, and Michelle as of tomorrow and watching for inspiration they provide. Visit the Spellbinders website and become familiar with their patented process as well as the design gallery they have set up just for you! It truly is a system that is going to revolutionize the card making and scrapbook industry. The versatility has me SO jazzed. I am making coasters, and hopefully felt stockings, and... please wish me luck in creating all the things that are rocketing through this head of mine in the next few days! I am also working on my Paper Trey Ink designs - Nichole's upcoming release is also fantastic - the ingenuity of her line always intrigues me and allows me to explore a whole different side of my creative spirit.

Watch for a second post shortly that will hopefully invigorate your day :D

Meeting Spellbinders and (5) SHAPED CARDS!!!

Where to begin?!?! I guess to begin at the very beginning would make the most sense, but first I would like to thank the Caron's, the owners of Spellbinders, for their belief in me and allowing me the opportunity to work with them on such a fabulous project!!! THANK YOU Stacey and Jeff!

It all started with this shaped card – do you remember this one? Well my desire to explore and create is always getting me in trouble – LOL! I truly loved the idea of creating shaped cards, and tags, and... without having to wield my trusty decorative edge scissors. It seemed that each time I would shoot for precision I would end up having to repeat the task endlessly. Then I learned that I could use the Create-a-cut, but that still wasn't the resolution to my problem being that these are difficult to locate.

I became familiar with the Spellbinders product in the oddest way. My brain was trying to explode the uses of the Cuttlebug I had just purchased. For some strange reason I seemed to remember something about a Wizard. I didn’t really know what it was or how it was utilized, but I went out in search of and purchased the Wizard Charm Embossing Kit from my LSS. With this kit I hit on the most fantastic of ways to use the Cuttlebug. To be able to use the Cuttlebug with texture plates, brass stencils, and whatever other “find” I could think of that was thin enough to run through it, was my goal. Little did I know that Spellbinders was already doing all those things already!!! Yep, a truly blonde moment once again.

It was at Winter CHA that I went over to introduce myself to Jeff Caron, the owner of Spellbinders to ask him about the current supply of Wizard Charm Embossing Kits. Being that I couldn’t keep them in supply I was wondering if he had noticed a difference in their business after the discovery I had made. It was a busy show and life continued. I would blog and also wonder aloud at the inability to get the scalloped punches, as well as ponder the reason for not having dies that would take their place. I would talk about the Cuttlebug, yada, yada, yada. I would break B plate after B plate with my experimentation, but I kept right on with my experimental adventure just purchasing new plates with each adventure – LOL!

I then received a phone call from Stacey and Jeff – they wondered why I didn’t like the Wizard. Well it was simple, it was not that I didn’t like it – I just knew nothing about it. That was the very beginning of this adventure of ours. To make a long story short we have worked together now for months, coming up with a product line that we believe will be integral in everyday creating. I would ask questions and then Jeff would patiently answer them. It was not until I was actually in Arizona did I truly begin to comprehend the beauty of the Wizard machine itself. I knew what the dies could do being that I had been playing with them, but I just couldn’t get a handle on how to use the Wizard itself... until then. I will share this story in another post being that I REALLY want to get on with the dies – what they do, how big they are, what machines they work in, etc.

But first back to the beginning of this post - SHAPED CARDS! These new dies will do precisely that!!!

Tonight's reveal of the latest Lockhart Stamp Company images being released THIS Friday was created using several dies from the Scalloped Squares and Coordinated Basic Squares set. The finished size of this little jewel is 3 3/4"w x 4"h.

Yes, that is a little window in the front of the card with the scalloped frame edging it. Have you ever struggled with a project and not been able to have your punch reach deep enough in to your project to place that circle, square, oval or rectangle precisely where you want it? No worries any longer! You can place these dies wherever you would like on your card front and not have a "square" left surrounding where the die sat while you ran it through your machine. I hope to find time tomorrow to post how it is that I created this project. The pictures are all taken - just the tutorial needs to be written.

I am going to break this up into numerous posts being that I think you might find it helpful when returning for future information or how to's. Besides it is now ll:00 pm and I still don't have all my entries composed - LOL! I guess we'll see how far I can get tonight :D

So let the adventure begin! Let's learn more about the new Spellbinders Patented Technology: NESTABILITIES!

Why Spellbinders Patented Nestability Dies?

Why Spellbinders Patented Technology Nestability Dies you may ask? The answer is three-fold:

Incredible Value!

When I set about figuring out how much it would cost me to purchase a set of punches that would be comparable to these dies I was blown out of the water! I sincerely hope that my DH is not reading this post – LOL! But he saw me stack up the punches shown below, he carried them out to my photo studio for me and unfortunately he knows that I have even more – oh dear, I say as I duck my head and hide.

So I began my calculations. Currently there are no punches the size of the largest dies and so I assigned an approximate value of$ 27.99 to those 4 based on some that are smaller then these, I then worked my way down incrementally using the retail values of current punches on the market. The figure I arrived at was stunning - $585 Approximate Retail Value. It’s a good thing I purchase most things on sale or with a coupon, but still… This is where I can honestly say that to purchase the complete set of dies for $80 – well that is an incomparable value!!!

Compact Storage!

Yep, I weighed these punches – 18 pounds – I kid you not! We carried them in a VERY sturdy 13”x13” box that was stacked up approximately 6-7”h. Unfortunately that was definitely not a big enough box and a punch went flying out landing a spare 2” from my husbands bare toes. He was waaay happy that it missed his foot Ü

They say a picture is worth a thousand words - what do you think? Are you as amazed as I was?!?

Then I weighed and measured the dies – 2.5 ounces and stacking in at 4” in diameter by ¼”h. Now to avoid frustration I find it highly unlikely that I’ll just stack these as shown. Instead I plan on using either a Cropper Hopper style binder, a regular or tin CD or DVD case, or a Case Logic style CD holder. I will adhere a strip of self-adhesive magnet to a lightweight piece of chipboard and store each set of dies in one section . It will keep them well organized as well as be incredibly compact and easy to tote with me to classess or on creative outings Ü

Unlimited Creativity!

My mind just keeps moving from one project to the next, one material to the next – the possibilities are endless. I have cut; I have embossed; I have cut and embossed; I have stenciled; I have cut, embossed and stenciled, I’ve embellished – OK, I think you are getting the picture. It just goes on and on, and on!

These are some of the items that I have cut and/or embossed.

Not all items that I have worked with are shown in this picture, but they are listed below:

• paper
• 2-layers of paper
• light weight chipboard (it will not cut through medium weight chipboard due to the thickness of this material being to great)
• cereal box chipboard
• cork
• shrink plastic
• 36-gauge metal
• 42-gauge metal
• felt
• cork
• fabric

On some of the thicker products it automatically embosses when you cut it, for example when you cut two layers of paper it will leave an embossed impression immediately. If you want to make that embossed surface truly crisp you then send it back through the machine once again and it enhances the look even further.

So what do they look like these "Nestabilities"? On to the next post Ü

Yes, I am still sitting and typing - so if you are tired perhaps you need to come back in the morning - LOL! This is taking me quite a bit longer then I originally thought Ü There will be more tonight though!

Nestability Dies

What do the dies look like? Once again I believe that a picture can communicate so much better then what I could just using words. Hopefully the combination of pictures and dialogue will bring a better understanding as to what these dies look like, as well as how they are packaged and priced!

Pictured above is one complete set of dies. In this case this is the complete set of Petite Scalloped Circles along with their Coordinating Basic Shapes. This complete set of 24 dies will be priced at $79.99 retail - that is $3.33 for each die!!! What an incredible value!

We did not forget about those who are on a budget though! Many times it is important to ration out these must have tools that you know will make a difference in your creative process, therefore these are packaged as individual sets as well! For example all six (6) dies in 1a will be sold as a set for $24.99 retail, those in 1b will be sold as a separate set for $24.99 as well. So if you do your math on purchasing the dies in this manner it is still a very affordable $4.17 per die! This will be the other way that all the individual shapes and their coordinates are made available to you.

Each die in a given set is exactly 1/4" larger then the previous die. The coordinating set of basics is the same size. So 1a and 1b have approximately the same dimension (only the scallops make the scallop die appear larger). Pictured below is an example of the layering process.

So if you would like to have coordinating scalloped and circle shapes and want to have 1/8" layers I would suggest purchasing sets 1a and 2b. If you prefer the look of the shapes layered in exactly the same sizes or with 1/4" layers then I would purchase sets 2a and 2b. I will do my best to make certain that it is apparent at the time you place your order which combinations will work together, and how they work together.

This is the reason that these dies are truly "Nestabilities" - they do nest together perfectly. Each set of dies has their own special "characteristics" and I hope to share that with you over the next few days, so that you will know the subtle differences between each set.

This particular set of dies ranges in size from 1 1/4" up to 3 3/4" in diameter.

There will be FIVE complete sets of dies in the following shapes:

• 1. Petite Scallops with coordinating basic shapes, Circles - 4 sets of 6 dies for a total of 24 dies
• 2. Classic Scallops, with coordinating basic shapes, Circles - 4 sets of 6 dies for a total of 24 dies
• 3. Classic Scallops with coordinating basic shapes, Ovals - 4 sets of 5 dies for a total of 20 dies
• 4. Classic Scallops with coordinating basic shapes, Squares - 2 sets of 6 dies, Scalloped, 2 sets of 7 dies basic for a total of 26 dies
• 5. Classic Scallops with coordinating basic shapes, Rectangles - 4 sets of 5 dies for a total of 20 dies

I will do my best to update the sizes for all the listed products as soon as possible. I am currently working with prototypes and do not have all the sets. Therefore I want to be 100% certain that the information I share with you be completely accurate.

What is the difference between the Petite Scallop and the Classic Scallop you may ask? The difference is in the size and number of "bumps" that are located around the exterior of the circle. For example in the petite scallops there are a total of 37 "bumps", whereas the classic scallops only have a total of 22 "bumps".

Over the next few days I will review each shape with you and share as much information as humanly possible so that you will know exactly what these products will look like and what it is that you can do with them. It is all about education to me! I love to share and educate and what an amazing opportunity this is for me to be able to do so. Thank you for being here with me to learn more about these fabulous new tools!

OK - off to prepare my next post - What Machines are these Compatible With?

Nestability Dies - What Machines are Compatible?

Spellbinders has SO MUCH information regarding this very topic located here! I am going to take the liberty of sharing some of their information directly here on my site so that you can find it easily in the future should you need to. This is information that I have not personally compiled, but I feel that it will be extremely helpful to you.

I can personally attest to the fact that these dies work beautifully in the Big Shot, the Cuttlebug and the Wizard. Yes, I know - no one else I know owns three different machines, but I must say that no one else I know has been working to "figure" these things out as well - LOL! Can you imagine if I owned all of the machines listed below. I think I would truly need to have a much larger house then I currently own - LOL!

Sandwich recipes updated 9/15/07

Most directions below recommend that the Spellbinder™ dies be placed on your work surface blade side up. Be certain to check your machine sandwich before cutting to ensure correct usage.

All recipes are placed in stacking order starting at the bottom moving upwards. After cutting do not remove paper from die to emboss.

Cuttlebug™
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders™ die. I can not guarantee that the B plates will not break in the Cuttlebug, but when testing my B plates were fine.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the Cuttlebug™:
Cutting Sandwich
1. A plate

2. C plate
3. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
4. Paper or cardstock

5. B plate

6. Roll through Cuttlebug™

Cutting Sandwich with Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat
1. A plate

2. B plate
3. Spellbinders™ White Spacer plate

4. Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat

5. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
6. Paper or cardstock

7. B plate

8. Roll through Cuttlebug™

Embossing Sandwich
1. A plate

2. 2 sheets cardstock to act as shim. Add extra pieces if needed.

2. B plate
3. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
4. Paper or cardstock

5. Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Mat
6. B plate

7. Roll through Cuttlebug™
Embossing Sandwich with Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat
1. A plate

2. B plate
3. Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat

4. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock

6. Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Pad

7. B plate

8. Roll through Cuttlebug™

*Shim with extra pieces of cardstock if needed.

Big Shot by Ellison Design™
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders™ die.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in Big Shot™:
Cutting Sandwich

1.Thick white pad

2. Acrylic mat

3. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
4. Paper or cardstock
5. Acrylic mat

6. Roll through Big Shot

Cutting Sandwich with Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat

1.Thick white pad

2. Acrylic mat

3. Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat

4. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock

6. Acrylic mat

7. Roll through Big Shot

Embossing Sandwich
1.Thick white pad, Tab1

2. Acrylic mat

3. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
4. Paper or cardstock

5. Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Pad

6. Acrylic mat

7. Roll through Big Shot

Or Embossing Sandwich 2

1.Big Shot Impressions Starter Kit White and Black Mat

2. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
3. Paper or cardstock

4. Big Shot Impressions Starter Kit Black Impression Mat

6. Acrylic mat

7. Roll through Big Shot

Embossing Sandwich with Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat
1.Thick white pad, Tab1

2. Acrylic mat

3. Spellbinders™ Magnetic Placement Mat

4. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock

6. Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Pad

7. Acrylic mat

8. Roll through Big Shot

*Shim with extra pieces of cardstock if needed.

Big Kick™
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders™ die.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the Big Kick:
Cutting Sandwich

1. Universal platform (thick white mat from Sizzix)
2. Clear acrylic mat
3. Spellbinders™ White Spacer plate
4. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock
6. Clear acrylic cutting mat

7. Roll through the Big Kick™

Embossing Sandwich
1. Universal platform (thick white mat from Sizzix)
2. Clear acrylic mat
3. Spellbinders™ die, blade side up
5. Paper or cardstock

6. Two (2) Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Pad
6. Clear acrylic cutting mat

7. Roll through the Big Kick™

*Shim with extra pieces of cardstock if needed.

Magnetic placement pad not yet tested.

Zip’e Mate™ by Accucut® (ZEM)
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders™ die.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the ZEM:
1. Place Spellbinders™ die on ZEM's platform, blade side up.
2. Place paper over die and cut in the same manner as with Zip’e Cuts™.
3. After cut, do not remove the die or the paper from the platform, place ZEM's Embossing Foam over paper and with the ZEM's Embossing Mat, roll through again to emboss the die-cut.

ZAZ™ by Accucut®
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders™ die, except the larger, Size Four Spellbinders™ dies.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the ZAZ™:
1. Place Spellbinders™ die on ZAZ™'s platform, blade side up.
2. Place paper over die and cut in the same manner as with Zip’e Cuts™.
3. After cut, do not remove the die or the paper from the platform, place ZAZ's Embossing Foam over paper and with the ZAZ's Embossing Mat, roll through again to emboss the die-cut.

Sizzix® 
Sizzix® manufactures the Sizzix® Adapter™ and the Sizzix® System Converter™ which, together, allow the cutting of Spellbinders™ dies that are smaller than the Sizzix® Adapter, which measures 2 3/8” by 2 5/8.” This includes most Spellbinders™ Fonts and Mystery Dies. The Sizzix® Adapters are sold in packages of ten and several can be used side by side to allow for the cutting of larger Spellbinders™ dies.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the Sizzix® Machine:
1. Place the Sizzix® System Converter into the Sizzix® Machine.
2. On the Cutting Pad, place paper to be cut, then the Spellbinders™ die, blade side down.
3. Place a Sizzix® Adapter over the Spellbinders™ die, then cut as normal.
4. Leave the cut paper in the die. Turn the die over so that the blades are facing up, place back on the cutting pad – without the Sizzix® Adapter.
5. Layer a Spellbinders™ Tan Emboss Mat over the die.
6. Press in the Sizzix® Machine.

*Shim with extra pieces of cardstock if needed.

Magnetic placement pad not yet tested.

Sidekick™ & Tag-a-Long™
The Sizzix® Adapter does allow the cutting of Spellbinders™ dies with the Sidekick™ & Tag-a-Long™, but this is limited to most Spellbinders™ Fonts or Mystery Dies, due to the limiting size of the Sizzix® Adapter.

The Sidekick™ & Tag-a-Long™ do not allow for the embossing of Spellbinders™ dies.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the Sidekick™ Machine or the Tag-a-Long™:
1. Place die, blade side up, onto a Sizzix® Adapter.
2. Place paper over die, roll through the Sidekick™ or Tag-a-Long™.

QuicKutz®
The QuicKutz® hand tool is capable of cutting only the smaller Spellbinders™ dies, such as the Spellbinders™ Fonts and the Mystery Dies.

It is not capable of embossing Spellbinders™ dies.

How to Use a Spellbinders™ Die in the QuicKutz®:

1. Place a Spellbinders™ die and paper into the hand tool.
2. Squeeze to cut as normal.

Note: The QuicKutz® tool has a “sweet spot” of cutting area in the center of the cutting platform. When cutting with a Spellbinders™ die, it may be necessary to center the desired portion of the die inside the hand tool’s cutting platform. If a good cut is not obtained with the first squeeze, the die may be moved and squeezed again. Taping the paper to the die can be helpful in this process.

Revolution®
The Revolution® has not been tested at this time.

As I said there are sandwiches galore posted on the Spellbinders website - head on over to see the other fabulous things that they have in the works. These dies are just the beginning of several entirely new product lines that are being revealed at CHA!

Introducing the Team that will Rock the Creative World

Yes, it's true - the creative team that Spellbinders is putting together to share information on the internet is incredibly talented!!! Being that not everyone is able to take off running due to other previous commitments I am only going to introduce the three ladies that are working incredibly hard right now on projects for CHA, the others will be introduced at a later date Ü So fanfare please, in alphabetical order of first names I would like to welcome ......

• Debbie Olson
• Michelle Wooderson
• Trudee Sauer

Please watch their blogs for some of the amazing projects that I know are coming your way!!! They have been given the go ahead to be able to start posting their creations beginning on Tuesday, July 10th. We hope to be able to educate you as to the limitless possibilities these dies will present you creatively. So please share your enthusiasm with them as well by visiting their blogs and sharing in their incredible displays of talent. I certainly could not do any of this without their help. Thank you so much ladies for joining in this adventure!!!

I will be working feverishly to upload information over the next few days and I hope to have everything uploaded to my webstore as well, just in time for the Friday the 13th shindig. This will allow you to place your preorder, thus ensuring that you receive dies from the first shipment.

Does that mean the dies are available yet? No, unfortunately as with all good things there is still a bit of a wait. The great news is that the wait is relatively short - we are hoping that the dies will be here towards the end of the month of August. I will be staying in close contact with Spellbinders and updating you often as to what the status is.

Will my webstore be the only place that you can purchase these dies? No, there will be other places to purchase these dies as well. It is my pleasure to tell you that Nichole Heady with Paper Trey Ink is truly jazzed about this new product line and will be carrying it in her webstore as well Ü

That's all for tonight everyone! I thank you for stopping by and I hope to be awake enough tomorrow to continue on with my posts. I have many more pictures, how-to's etc. to share, but these eyes of mine are telling me it is waaaay past my bedtime - LOL! Thank you and I'll see you again soon!

YUM!... Lockhart Recipe Contest Inspiration

Back in the "good 'ole days" my DH roomed with a group of his buddies in a house in Ann Arbour. The amazing thing about this group of guys was that they took turns cooking - can you believe it?!? Jim, (unfortunately Jim is not my DH - LOL - we could use a good cook around here now that I've become so busy!) apparently was quite the gourmet chef and J.J. still talks and laughs about his role of being the shopper because he couldn't cook and had the car with the biggest trunk. He would go in search of the finest ingredients (yep, we are talking saffron here) to enable Jim to cook fine delicacies.

This recipe was one of the dishes that Jim would create and my husband was so excited about it that he began the quest to locate the recipe book after we were married, going into bookstores to try and find that specific cookbook - "A Taste of Oregon", by the Junior League of Eugene, OR. He succeeded and on rare occasions I make this fabulous recipe for him (and usually guests). This is a shortened version of that recipe being that I was trying to fit ALL that information on the recipe card front - LOL!

To create this card I knew that I just had to use the Pasta with Peas stamp - it was perfect for this recipe!!! The next item on the agenda was to figure out how I wanted to present the recipe. I LOVE vibrant colors and remembered this paper from the Memory Box Elegant Holiday 6x6 paper pack. Being that the requirement is a 4x6 card I easily cut off 2" and voila had my recipe card face. OK, so it's a little busy, but it certainly does make me hungry for this yummy recipe!

To define the stamped image, being this is a contest all about the way the recipe card looks - LOL - I used these awesome Spellbinder Tags. Debbie Olson has done a wonderful job of describing the formula for using the dies in both the Cuttlebug and the Big Shot, so I am going to connect you directly to the directions that she shared that she received from Spellbinders. Please just double click on this link to take you to those directions for cutting and embossing these cool tags. I hope to eventually have a special place here on my blog that lists the many different sandwiches that are available for the different machines and how to use the Spellbinder products, as well as information regarding the Wizard machine itself. BUT that is a whole other post that I hope to create after I visit with them at their headquarters next week! Good things are coming and you will not believe your eyes - so hold on to your hats and please be patient with me!!!

I then stamped the image and colored them in using my awesome Copic Markers. The colors I used were:

• YG03 Yellow Green
• YG95 Pale Olive
• G28 Ocean Green
• Y21 Buttercup Yellow
• C1 Cool Grey No. 1
• Colorless Blender

A little trick for those of you who have already purchased Copic markers is that you can touch the tip of one of your darker colored markers to the colorless blender, thus transferring color to that marker. Then when you lay it down on your creation it is a lighter version of that same color. With just a little coloring and then coloring off on a piece of scrap paper your colorless blender becomes clear again. This enables you to create colors in a much lighter version :D The other little tip I would like to share is the adding of the C1 shadow - it is barely seen and yet it creates such depth to the image IRL.

OK - enough chitter, chatter! I added a little white rick rack to define the directions from the ingredients, punched out the recipe title using the McGill File Folder punch, stamping the IB Peas to create interest, added some Karen Foster brads that look like little green peas and called it finished.

So where is it that you find more information on this recipe contest? where is it that you can feast your eyes on the delicious prize package of amazing Pacific Northwest food items? where is it that you can be inspired by other talented women to get your creative juices flowing and enable you to pull out your Lockhart Stamps and create a recipe to send in? I know you ladies own lots of wonderful Lockhart images already!!! So send in your beautiful creations before the end of the month - do it right now so that you don't forget!!! Here are some links to help you in your process:

• Lockhart Stamp Company - Recipe Card Contest Rules
• Debbie Olson - Thinking Inking: Recipe Card Inspiration
• Michelle Wooderson - Mish Mash: Recipe Card Inspiration

So come join in the fun and share your delicious creations with us! (AND do not worry - Debbie, Michelle and my creations are for your viewing pleasure and inspiration - they will not be entered in the contest :D). So have some fun, get creative and prepare a feast for our eyes!