I’m painting, gluing, assembling, and packing for the trip to this weekend’s Creating Keepsakes Convention in St. Louis, MO.  Guess what?  Eli is packing, panicking, and puttering too! And Mary, she’s so calm, cool and collected, she’s probably all ready to go without a fuss.  That’s right, we’re all 3 going!  Our classes are filling up fast but you might still be able to get a seat. This is what we’re teaching this weekend:

Card Free for All

Sponsored by Scrap Mart

Calling all card lovers! Get professional results with Spellbinders Nestabilities dies. You will discover the true versatility and value of this amazing die collection as you create windows, frames, mats and more in this jammed packed card class.
Student supplies needed: basic supplies
Skill level: Beginner
Class length: 1.00 hours
Class price: $19.00
April 3 @ 8:30am
April 4 @ 9:50am
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Totally Techniques

Sponsored by Scrap Mart

Ever wonder what to do with Spellbinders dies and how to get the most use of them? In this jammed pack technique class you will discover the versatility and flexibility of Spellbinders dies. Spellbinders dies may be used in the following machines: The Wizard, Cuttlebug, Revolution, Big Shot, Big Kick and even the original Sizzix press. You too can have the most beautiful die cuts at your finger tips!! The only dies to feature the triple function of cutting embossing and stenciling all in one fabulous die.
Student supplies needed: basic supplies
Skill level: Intermediate
Class length: 2.00 hours
Class price: $30.00
April 3 @ 11:10am
April 4 @ 1:50pm

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The Choice is Yours

Sponsored by Scrap Mart

Create a beautiful double page layout in feminine or masculine theme featuring the versatile Spellbinders dies. Lean how easy it is to create customized embellishments for lumpy, bumpy and chunky effects! Your friends will go “wow!” Remember, Spellbinders dies are the only triple function die that can be used in multiple machines. Cut. Emboss! Stencil! The choice is yours!
Student supplies needed: basic supplies
Skill level: Beginner
Class length: 1.00 hours
Class price: $19.00
April 3 @ 8:30am

Will we see you there?

So, you might have come looking for a Designer Spotlight today but we’ve moved it to make room for another technique day. Tuesday’s project will now be the “rebound” from Savvy Saturday. Learn a technique on Saturday and see another way to use it on Tuesday…cool.

Today, I want to share with you a layout called “Spring Blooms.”

If you missed the first Cut Loose post, be sure to check it out to see how to cut all the S4-191 Dahlia die templates at once.

Once you’re familiar with the technique you are ready to create. Feel free to stick around for instructions…

You’ll need the following Spellbinders™ Products:

• The Wizard™ Embossing and Die Cutting System (Remember, if you don’t have a Wizard™, our die templates are universal so you can use them in your die cutter. Check out these videos or our compitability FAQ’s for some help)
• S4-191 Dahlia
• S5-016 Polka Dot Frame
• S4-167 Victorian

Then get cardstock, two contrasting patterned papers, some adhesive, sandpaper, ribbons and other embellishments.

1. Using the same sandwiches as on Saturday, cut/emboss two sets of each of the patterned papers.
2. Cut/emboss the Polka Dot Frame. Lightly sand the embossed dots to bring out the white core.
3. Round the corners of the center rectangle and use it for a journaling block.
4. Using both patterned papers, cut/emboss the whole set of the Dahlia die template. I chose not to use the smallest flower to give me a larger center.
5. Construct flowers by adding glue to the tips of the petals and layering.
6. To create the top and bottom borders, cut a 1″ strip of patterned paper. Cut using the Flower Bud template. Cutting several times to finish the whole 12″. Repeat with another strip and add the matching pieces to the top and bottom.
7. Assemble the layout. Embellish with fibers, charms, etc.

And that is all there is to it. I hope you can see lots of potential for this die template. It is pure fun to play with!!!

Happy Crafting, Eli

Behold! A gorgeous card! Must take hours! Looks complicated!

Actually…It’s not difficult at all. Gather your supplies and let’s do it!

Set up your cutting sandwich like usual:

• White Master Mat
• Spacer Plate (white for the Purple Wizard™ and magnetic for the Raspberry Wizard™)
• S4-191 Dahlia die template with cut edges facing up. Place all the dies inside one another. (If using the Purple Wizard™, tape the die templates down with removable tape as I did below. The magnetic spacer plate will hold the dies securely.)
• Paper
• White Master Mat

Run the sandwich through to cut.

Emboss the image by removing the spacer plate and adding the tan embossing mat on top of the paper.

Now the fun begins: By adhering the flower frames, alternating the points, you’ll achieve the amazing, intricate, flower medallion.

For extra pizazz use dimensional adhesive. Finish up the project however you wish. Show it off and your friends will wonder, “How long did that take?” You’ll grin as you think, “Oh, about 5 minutes”

Give it a try with other die template such as Stars 5, Blossom or even Nested Flowers.

Cheers for another great week, Eli

You asked for it, you got it!  Remember this card from a week or so ago?

I took a moment out of my craziness to write out the instructions and take some pictures. Follow along me, its really not as hard as it looks.

On the original card, which was a Make and Take at CHA Winter 2008, we teamed up with Kaleidoscope Collections, they provided the kaleidoscope pattern paper for the project.

For this example I grabbed these supplies:

Fancy Pants patterned paper, 5 1/4 x 5 1/4″  First Date (pink) and 5×5″ Head Over Heels (striped)
Worldwin 5 1/2 x 11″ Light Hawaiian Blue Colormates cardstock and 5×5 Silver Mirro Card cardstock (I love this stuff!)
Krylon Silver Leafing pen
S4-137 Classic Scalloped Heart Die Template (just the largest one)
S4-136 Classic Heart Die Templates

Fold the Light Hawaiian Blue (blue) cardstock in half.  Run the Krylon Marker along the edges of the card.  Do this also on the First Date (pink) cardstock.  Allow to dry.

Cut/emboss the Silver Mirro Card with the largest S4-137 Classic Scalloped Heart.

Adhere the pink paper to the blue card, edges only, no adhesive in the center.  Center and tape (use low tack tape, or stick it to your clothes to make it less tacky) the S4-137 Scalloped Heart to the center of the card, with the cut side facing the pink paper.

Now invert the fold in the card, so that the pink paper and die are on the inside of the card.  Slide the spacer plate inside of the card, and position the card so the cut edge of the die is facing up and will cut into a Master Mat, not the spacer plate.

Feed into the Wizard.  Remove the spacer plate from the sandwich and place the tan embossing mat over the project.  Feed in to the Wizard again to emboss. (Remember when we did this here?) Now you have cut a scalloped heart shaped hole in the front of the card!

Grab your striped paper, blue scalloped heart die cut and S4-136 Classic Heart Die Templates.  Pick every other die, starting with the smallest die template, and arrange on the striped paper, then tape with cut side down.  Using the other 2 die templates, tape them on the blue scalloped die cut.  Cut/emboss each set.  Edge each die cut with the silver Krylon pen.  Assemble as shown, stacked to the center of each heart.

Fold the card so the pink paper is on the outside front, adhere the silver scalloped heart from the outside so it sits perfectly inside the hole in the front. Adhere stack of hearts onto the silver heart.

See, you just made this super cool card with a few supplies and only 4 cut/emboss runs!

I’d love to see your creations, leave a link to your card in the comments!

Did you all see QVC?

Stacey, darling, you look fabulous!

And the exclusive QVC die template set with the Wizard, I love it!

Hey, that’s a great price for Nestabilities Die Templates!

Special thanks to Cathy Chlebana, Design Team Coordinator for the artwork displays and technique book in today’s broadcast.

Check out QVC for all of today’s product specials:

The Wizard with Special Die Set

Nestabilities Scalloped Die Set

Want to get a quick idea of what is going on here at the Spellbinders’ blog? Just sign up to follow us at twitter.com

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Don’t miss Spellbinders’ President and co-founder, Stacey Caron demonstrate the Wizard and a number of very special dies on QVC, Wednesday March 25th, during the 1 - 3 PM* Creating Keepsakes scrapbooking show with Lisa Bearnson. (Times noted are Eastern Daylight Savings time and subject to change.)

You can watch from your computer too! Just click on the ‘Watch Live TV’ link in the left side of the screen, from QVC’s website.

I’d like to introduce Cathy Chlebana, a Design Team Member for Spellbinders’ for 3 years, and most recently as a Lead Designer. Cathy has stepped into the Design Team Coordinator position for the 2009 Team, while also doing special projects for CHA, QVC, and Scrapbook Memories television show appearances.

What inspires you?
Inspiration is all around. It could come from music I’m listening to, a walk outside, a magazine or catalog display that catches my eye, a piece of artwork or just random thoughts spinning around in my head.

Do you have a favorite die?
S3-004 Symbology has always been one of my favorite dies. It has such versatility and will often finish a project when it needs just a little something extra. Of the newer dies, I would have to say that the S7-014 Grand 12” Classic Lace Border is a favorite. I really love the fact that it can be used on any type of project you are working on. Although it was designed for scrapbook pages, it can just as easily work on cards and altered items. It’s also a very versatile die.

What do you like to create, cards or scrapbook pages or altered projects?
I would say altered pieces are my favorite, followed by cards and then scrapbook pages.

Tell us about your family.
I am married to my biggest fan, Ron. We have one grown daughter Stacey, also a fan. We are living in Chicago where we have been most of our lives except for about 8 years in Orlando Florida.

Do you work outside the home?
I don’t work outside the home any longer. For a long time I worked as a travel agent, but stopped working when our agency closed a few years ago.It was great fun because of the perks, but I really don’t miss the daily grind.

How much time do you spend crafting?
Time really varies according to what I am working on. It could be as few as 10-12 hours a week or as much as 40-50. If I’ve got a deadline, it could be anything!

What time of day do you usually craft?
I craft whenever the mood strikes me. I really don’t have any constraints on my time, so I can craft at any time, day or night. I do find that if I can’t sleep I will find my way downstairs and work on something. In the beginning I thought that would relax me and I would be able to go back to sleep – not so! It usually keeps me up all night finishing whatever I have started.

Do you work alone or with a group?
I craft alone for the most part. Once in a while my daughter and I will work on projects when she visits.

Do you shop for supplies locally or online?
I do both, but would have to say I probably shop more online. Since my favorite store closed there is just not anyplace that carries a lot of the things I like to use. I really miss going into that store because it was not only a great place to shop, but also a terrific source of inspiration. There is nothing more boring to me than going into a store that has rows and rows of stamps and ink pads and not much else. I want to go in and be wowed and inspired by all the latest and greatest things in the marketplace with samples to show me the possibilities. Unfortunately, there are not many stores like that any longer.

How would you describe your style?
I guess I would call it eclectic. I can do very clean and elegant, but also love to do grungy and distressed when the mood strikes me.Besides paper, what other materials do you use? I am very fond of using metal in my work. Die cutting metal, mostly pewter, and then doing metal repousse is a favorite. I also love to texturize pieces of craft foil or color them with alcohol inks to use on my projects.

Can you describe your craft space?
My husband and I have pretty much “halved” our basement. He’s an architect that runs his business from home, so half is his office and the other half is my studio. He did a great job of using slat wall in my area, so I have great storage area. I only wish I could get it to a more workable state. It seemed like a good layout when I started using it, but now I see that it’s not as efficient as it could be. That will be the next project if and when I ever have some free time.

She’s not a blogger, but you can find her bio here.  Cathy selected these projects to showcase on her Designer Spotlight.

Cathy’s Sunflower card is made from the S5-004 Sunflower Garden Edgeability die template.

This gorgeous altered box uses a daisy from S4-043 Daisy Patch Edgeabilities and the S5-005 Decorative Frames die template with pewter crafting metal.

This card is loaded with die templates, and its so elegant! Cathy used S4-143 Long Scalloped Rectangles Large, S4-132 Classic Scalloped Rectangles Small, S4-132 Classic Rectangles Large, S5-004 Sunflower Garden Edgeability, and the accent from S5-005 Decorative Frames.

Beautiful work, Cathy!  Thank you!

Creating stamps using Spellbinder die templates is super easy, giving you another versatile way to use our products. Today, I’m going to share a few simple steps and some fabulous art to inspire you to give this a try.

First, you’ll need to gather some supplies:

Your Wizard and favorite die templates
Fun Foam
Stamping Inks
Wood or acrylic stamping block
Double-sided tape
Papers and other fun creative supplies

Here is what you do, it couldn’t be more simple…

1. Choose a die template that you want to make into a stamp.
2. Cut and emboss the template from fun foam.
   Cut Sandwich: White master mat, spacer plate (white plastic for purple machine and magnetic for raspberry machine), die template with cut ridges up, fun foam and white master mat.
   Emboss Sandwich: white master mat, die template with ridges up, fun foam, embossing pad and white master mat.
3. Use double-stick tape to temporarily stick the stamp to a wood or acrylic block.
4. Ink the stamp and impress it onto your project.

These are so fun and easy to make and will last a few stampings. Check out some of the great art that our designers created using this amazing technique.

By Jennifer Ellefson

Jennifer used the Labels One (S4-161) die template and inked and stamped it in four different colors, providing a background for her butterfly stamps made from Nested Butterflies (S4-171) die template. She gave it a fun, textural look with embossing powder.

Embellished Frame Card by Holly Craft

Holly often adds stamped images to cardstock, creating the look of subtly patterned papers. Here, she used the Floral Accents (S4-199) to enhance the paper behind the photo

Decorated Flower Pot by Holly Craft

Holly created a whole garden party ensemble and this is just one of the elements. She created the stamp from the Sunflower Two die template (S4-158) to embellish her flower pot. Beautiful!

With all the fun we’ve been having around here with the Impressabilities, I wanted to try them out with our stamp making fun.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Emboss fun foam with the Impressabilities template of your choice. Mine was the Butterfly Impressability. The embossing seemed to be so slight, I didn’t think I would get a very good image. But I wanted to know for sure.
   
2. Cut the fun foam with die template of your choice. I chose the Nested Birds (so springy).
3. Place the die cut onto a stamping block. I used an acrylic block and double stick tape.
4. Ink the die cut. I used a metallic ink in spring green.
5. Impress the stamp you made onto chosen paper.  Green grass by WorldWin (Are you noting a “springish” trend here?)
6. Be amazed at what a cool image it is..subtle but clear.

I finished the project with a sentiment, doodling around the edge and a ribbon for a gift tag. Voila!

Visit our favorite Blogger, Beth, as we set her loose on Pleasanton, California (Bay Area) this weekend (March 20th and 21st) at:

Go visit her, Mary and the whole Gang at Scrap-mart.com.

First, check the Scrapbook Expo link for the class schedule: days, times and rooms—you don’t want to miss out.

The classes are Card Free For All and Totally Techniques.  We had awesome feedback after CKC with both of these classes but especially the Totally Techniques…what a blast.

The Spellbinders’ Wizard and Die Templates will be available for purchase at the Scrap-Mart booth inside the Exibit Hall.