This is an adventure sponsored by When Creativity Knocks! It’s a chance for you to participate with us by voting for the Spellbinders Impressabilities as your favorite craft tool!  Voting begins August 28 at midnight (PST) and ends on September 8, 2009 at midnight (PST).

Just register and log in at the When Creativity Knocks homepage, go to the Creativity Forum. Select Categories, and then scroll down to the Great Crafter’s Tool Hunt section, select Spellbinders Impressabilities, and leave a brief message in the forum. You can even watch a short video of the Impressabilities in action!

Why should you vote? Everyone who votes will be put into a drawing to win the big prize package including one of each nominated tool!  We know you love prizes!

What does Spellbinders get? When the Impressabilities win the most votes (thanks to you all!), Spellbinders will win a full-length episode featuring the Spellbinders Impressabilities and be featured on the When Creativity Knocks website as the When Creativity Knocks Best Tool and receive a trophy! Wahoo! We love trophies!

So go ahead and join us in voting for the Spellbinders Impressabilities, and we can both win!

Although its still August according to the calendar, its feeling a bit like October if you look at the thermometer! A hot cup of coffee would be so nice!

I gathered my supplies, which included S5-019 Labels Eight #5 and #6; S4-213 Fleur de Lis Borderabilities®; S4-114 Standard Circle, Large #4; and S4-116 Stand Circle, Small #4; JustRite Stampers A Little Caffeine Set; Clearsnap Colorbox, Chestnut Roan Fluid Chalk Ink; Cord’dinations Color Core Cardstock, and Fancy Pants, The Daily Grind papers.

I cut the base for the card from S5-019 Labels Eight #6 and brown Core’dinations cardstock, then the the rest of the die cuts from the Fancy Pants paper.  I love buying these pads, it makes coordinating papers and patterns a breeze!  I stamped the coffee cup and border words with the JustRite set and Clearsnap ink.  I centered the S4-116 Standard Circle, Small # 4, cut/embossed, then made a mat with the S4-114 Standard Circle, Large #4.

Since the Borderabilities® are so detailed, its sometimes not so easy to get the paper out of the die template.  Here’s a little trick: I used a piece of wax paper from the kitchen!  I made my normal cutting sandwich and added a single layer of wax paper between the die template and the paper, and feed my sandwich through my Wizardâ„¢ as usual.  The wax paper is thin and won’t change the way the die template cuts, but will allow you to remove the intricate die cuts without having to pull or tear.

Remember to remove the wax paper before inking through the die template!

I used the Chestnut Roan Fluid Chalk Ink with a Clearsnap Ink Applicator to color through the die template and to ink along the edges of the other die cut papers.

Hey, who ate all the doughnuts?
Beth

It is so much fun to have new and innovative products like Spellbinders’â„¢ Impressabilitiesâ„¢.  It’s even more fun to see what our talented Design Team Members do with them!  Today’s Savvy Saturday is a new technique from our own Kimberly Crawford. She posted it earlier this week on her personal blog.  We want to make sure everyone sees it, so we’re running an encore here. Take it away, Kimberly!

I am SO thrilled to be sharing with you a brand new Spellbinders™ Impressabilities™ technique!!! I came up with this idea while playing around with my tools several months ago. I love using my Clearsnap Colorbox Stylus tool to ink the edges of my paper. But as I was staring at it, I thought, what can I do with the foam end? Then I remembered that Colorbox used to sell molding plates for the foam tips. Not having those, I looked at the I2-1004 Impressabilities™ Flowers laying on my desk and thought, a-ha!

Start by heating the black foam tip of your stylus tool. I use my crafting light. It does not take much heat to make it pliable.

Push the heated foam tip onto the Impressabilitiesâ„¢. I chose the flower that would fit my tip before I did this.

Here is what the tip looks like. The image will not go away until you re-heat the tip.

Ink the foam tip, just like any stamp.

Here is the image stamped onto a S4-140 Petite Ovals, Small die cut.

And here is the completed project. Isn’t that fun?

Thank you Kimberly!
I just had to try it myself. You know how you get started with one idea, you start working on it, and it becomes something entirely different?  Welcome to my world! LOL.

I decided to use the small accent piece from the S4-205 Eyelets Pendant to press into the large, square, black, moldable stylus tip from Clearsnap.

 

Using Clearsnap’s Orchid Pigment ink, I stamped that image across a strip of My Minds Eye’s Tiny Dancer Collection paper. I cut/embossed the S4-205 Eyelets Pendant,  Accent, and Center, inked throught the die templates like a stencil, then used the foam tip of the Stylus with Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink to edge all the papers.  I assembled as shown.  I think I’ve just made my Mom’s birthday card!  

Thank you again Kimberly Crawford!  And Happy Birthday Mom!

Beth

Spellbinders™ is thrilled to announce the Top 5 Winners in the Pendant Project Contest!  It was a difficult decision, there were so many entries, and so much creativity!  Take a look at the Pendant Project Gallery!

Each of the Top 5 winners has already won $100 in Spellbinders™ die templates. One of these lucky ladies will be the Grand Prize Winner, and will be able to choose a total of $500 in Spellbinders™ die templates, as well as other prizes from our Coordinating Partners,

A big Spellbindersâ„¢ “Thank You” to our Coordinating Partners for their generous participation!

Before we go any further with our winners, we want to make an honorable mention of three projects. Did we say the competition was fierce?  We thought these three projects deserve some applause:

Baby Card by Kathy of New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Foil Pendant Card by Sandy of Canfield, Ohio, USA.

Purse by Jan of Garrison, Iowa, USA.

~Drumroll please!~

These are the Top 5 Winners in the Pendant Project Contest, in alphabetical order.

Congratulations!

1. Diane of Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA!  Diane’s creative card using acetate and S4-204 Fleur de Lis Pendant with vellum caught our attention.

2. Margarita, of Grand Junction, Colorado, USA!  Her entry was an elegant mini heritage album using S4-207 Kaleidoscope Pendant and S4-216 Kaleidoscope Borderabilities®.

3. Marion of Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia!  Marion’s adorable Baby card incorporated S4-208 In Spades Pendant, and S4-217 In Spades Borderabilities® (both pieces!).

4. Monica of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada! Monica wowed us with her Queen’s Necklace.  Monica used S4-204 Fleur de Lis Pendant, shrink plastic and a copper leafing pen to achieve these results!

5. Nicole of Wateford, Pennsylvania, USA!  Nicole’s Framed Butterfly Quilt is just stunning.  She used the S4-204 Fleur de Lis Pendant on this 12 x 12″ framed home decor piece.

The Grand Prize Winner will be randomly drawn from these 5 names on Thursday, August 20.

Congratulations to our Top 5, Honorable Mentions, and everyone that participated!  You all did an awesome job!

Beth

I’m a pile maker.  I pile stuff here, pile it there.  I have piles of paperwork and lists, and I know exactly what things are in which piles.  In my ongoing effort to reduce clutter in my home I decided to start using a system to keep my lists, time logs and other major and minor notes that control my existence.  I need a notebook.  A pretty one, that I can take with me or leave out on the counter, one that my kids won’t mistake as their homework.  While doing some back to school shopping (Yippee!) I grabbed a notebook for my own use.

I can’t let it sit there all yellow and boring!  I promised to show you how to use the Borderabilities® on projects longer than 5.5″.  Lets get to work!

I started with these dies, the S4-207 Kaleidoscope Pendant, S4-216 Kaleidoscope Borderabilities®, S4-185 Large Octagons, and S4-235 Fancy Tags. I used patterned paper, a brad and a chipboard letter courtesy of 7gypsies, black pigment ink from Clearsnap Colorbox, and clear decoupage finish adhesive.

To cut the Borderabilities® I started with a strip of patterned paper 12×2″.  Using regular household tape (that I stuck to my t-shirt to make it less tacky) I taped the S4-216 Kaleidoscope Borderabilities® with the cut edge facing the patterned side of the paper.  I made sure to line up the die template straight at the end and the long edge.

I placed the die template on the Magnetic Spacer Plate with the cut edge up, and cut/embossed in my Wizardâ„¢ Die Cutting and Embossing System.

The first half of the paper strip is done.  With an ink applicator, I applied Clearsnap Colorbox Black Pigment ink through the holes in the die template.

I carefully removed the tape.

I poked the paper bits out of the die before attaching it to the paper strip for the second round.

I lined up the die to the long edge of the paper as before, and made sure it was right on the spot where it stopped cutting on the first run.  The repeating design of the Borderabilites® allows you to continue the cutting pattern over and over.

I cut/embossed again in my Wizardâ„¢. When embossing, I only covered the paper that was in the die. If I placed the Tan Embossing Pad on the previously embossed areas, I could have flattened them out.

Then I inked through the die on this section. (Note to self: Do not look away at teenagers asking for money or rides to friends houses while inking.)  While directing concentration away from my project, I accidentally inked over the end of the die and onto the paper. In order to “cover” my mistake, I added additional ink over the top of the whole strip.

I cut/embossed the S4-185 Large Octagon, S4-207 Kaleidoscope Pendant and Center, and one of the S4-235 Fancy Tags.

I used a paintbrush to apply decoupage finish to the top of the notebook and the back and front of the paper. I carefully worked out air bubbles, and allowed it to dry. I added a brad to the Kaleidoscope Pendant and Octagon and adhered the set to the notebook, as well as the Fancy Tag with the matching chipboard letter. Allow more time to dry. To finish the edges I sanded the paper to fit and added one more layer of decoupage finish.

Oops, you can see where the glue isn’t all the way dry, silly me for picking a rainy day to work with decoupage!  What will you extend your borders on?

Happy Saturday!

Beth

Its been almost a week since CHA Summer wrapped up, and we want to thank everyone that attended for stopping by to see us and our new releases!  Yes, the show was smaller with fewer in attendance than previous shows, but we were busy.  It was great to see our retailers, distributors and friends!  A big welcome to the new retailers that joined the Spellbinders™ Family!

The highlight of the show was winning a prestigious Craft and Hobby Association award!  We took third place in the Innovations category, which lauds the newest and most creative ideas.  This year we were recognized for our Pendant and Borderabilities® die templates.  The competition was tough, and we are honored to be among the best.

Stacey accepted the award for us! Here’s a close up.

Cathy Chlebana, our Design Team Coordinator, designed the artwork and presentation board for the competition.

Now I hope you will bear with me on these, I didn’t take my best camera with me.  I’m not so good with my son’s point-and-shoot!  I thought I would share a little bit of the set up process.  Its so interesting to enter the convention center on the morning before the show opens.  We must dodge forklifts, step around boxes and avoid large crates to make our way to the booth space.  The slat walls are built, the overhead sign is hung, but there is a lot of work to do.

The inside wall gets filled with product all the way around.  The back wall gets covered with artwork from our talented designers. We always have more than enough artwork to choose from, and its quite a process to sort, categorize and determine what goes where.

Everyone has a job during set up, and this time we were done in record time.  Thank goodness we had air conditioning, it was hot and humid in Florida!

Our fabulous designers outdid themselves yet again. This back wall was full of art work that caused our guests to linger and appreciate what all our products can do. We had two tables set up at the front, one for demonstrating our new die templates, Impressabilitiesâ„¢ and Wizardâ„¢, and the other for our Make and Take projects.

By the end of set up day the convention hall magically (with a whole lot of sweat and muscle) turns into a trade show!  Crates, boxes, and trash gets whisked away, floors swept, carpet goes down the aisles, and final details are placed in the booths.  Its amazing to see how much a room can change in a day.  The next morning the show opens with bag pipers parading down the aisles, then the real work begins!

If you couldn’t make it to the show we understand. Our retailer’s show specials will be honored until August 5th.  On this blog we will continue to highlight our designers and their artwork, as well as techniques using Spellbindersâ„¢ die templates, Impressabilitiesâ„¢, the Wizardâ„¢, as well as the next innovative ideas we bring to the market!

Beth

Who loved Margie’s Savvy Saturday Card?  Me!!  Here’s a quick one I put together using the same set of S4-205 Eyelets Pendant and S4-214 Eyelets Borderabilities®.  I used the Border, which is the die template that has one cut line, to cut/emboss the detailed edge of the paper.

I started with patterned paper from My Mind’s Eye’s Penny Lane collection, Clearsnap Colorbox Lemon Grass pigment ink and a Colorbox ink applicator tool.

The green “Beauty” background is 6 x 6″.  The cream “My Friend” mat is 5.5 x 5.5″.  To cut the detailed border, I placed the S4-215 Eyelets Borderabilities® die template along the edge of the paper and taped it in place with low tack tape.  The tape keeps the border from moving.  I cut/embossed in the Wizardâ„¢.  I removed the tape and applied Lemon Grass ink to the back side die template and just slightly along the embossed edge.

I cut/embossed the S4-205 Eyelets Pendant from the blue “Peace” paper, and the Center die from the “Beauty” paper.  I actually cut/embossed both pieces at the same time!  I inked the Pendant and Center pieces in the same way as above.

I assembled the card and added a button from my stash.  Yes, I actually sewed that button on!

Do you love the look of the Borderabilities®?  My next Savvy Saturday will be how to use the 5.5″ Borderabilities® on paper longer than 5.5″!  And don’t forget about the Pendant Project Contest, entries will be accepted through August 10!

Today we’re getting back into our Savvy Saturday mode, and what better to do that with than a card boasting our newest die templates!

This card features the S5-019 Labels Eight, S4-210 Lattice Pendant,  S4-110 Classic Oval Large,  S4-112 Classic Oval Small, and S4-234 Ribbons Tag Trio 2 die templates, I2-1002 Impressabilities™ Butterfly, as well as F-005 Gold Premium Craft Foil, 7gypsies patterned paper, Clearsnap ink and Hero Arts stamps.

I started by cutting/embossing black cardstock with the largest (#6) of the Labels Eight die templates.  Then I cut a piece of Gold Premium Craft Foil with  the S5-019 Labels Eight (#5) die template.  To get the finished border around the Labels Eight die cut, as well as the I2-002 Impressabilities™ Butterfly embossing, I used this sandwich:

• White Master Mat
• Impressabilitiesâ„¢ Butterfly
• Labels Eight die template, cut side facing up
• Die cut of Gold Premium Craft Foil, gold side down, fit into Label die template
• Tan Embossing Pad
• White Master Mat

By feeding it into my Wizard™, it resulted in an embossed die cut!  With a piece of fine sandpaper, I sanded the top of the die cut to reveal the silver color.  I adhered it onto the black die cut.

Next, I cut/embossed a black oval from S4-110 Classic Oval Large (#5).  Then I cut a Gold Foil Oval from the S4-112 Classic Ovals Small (#5).  Using the same sandwich as above, but I replaced the Impressabilities™ with the Center piece from the the 4-210 Lattice Pendant. I fed it into my Wizard™ and the shape of the Center embossed into my gold foil oval.  Again I sanded the detail for more definition.

I trimmed the 7gypsies patterned paper 6×4.5″ so that it made a nice  background for the Labels Eight die cuts, which are big, measuring at nearly 5.5″ long!

I also cut/embossed the Long Rectangle Tag from the S4-234 Ribbon Tag Trio 2 set.  I used the the back side of the 7gypsies pattern paper.  Then I stamped a sentiment on it from Hero Arts, distressed with Clearsnap Black pigment ink and set aside.

I arranged and adhered the Labels Eight and Classic Oval die cuts on top of the 7gypsies patterned paper as shown.  I mounted the patterned paper onto a piece of black cardstock.  Taking the stamped Ribbon Tag Trio 2 die cut, I strung a 1 3/8″ wide ribbon (the openings are 3/4″, allowing for thicker ribbon!) and wrapped it around the front of the card, and adhered it to the back side of the black cardstock.

Here are a few more examples from our fabulous Design Team:

Holly Simoni’s layout features her daughter and her love of horses.  Holly used S4-215 Renaissance Hearts Borderabilities®, S4-206 Renaissance Hearts Pendant and S5-018 Labels Eight.  Her supplies include 7gypsies pattern paper, Clearsnap ink, and Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L.

Christy Farneth-Kerr’s card is Magically Delicious!  She cut an opening in the front with the S4-189 Labels Three,  and covered it with S4-207 Kaliedoscope Pendant.  She used the S4-216 Kaliedoscope Borderabilities® cut from Premium Craft Foil and from cardstock to make the other elements.  Christy folded a Pendant to make the iris flower element.  Other supplies include Chatterbox paper, The Paper Company paper, and Flower Soft adhesive.

Kimberly Crawford employed reverse stenciling to get the 2-toned effect on this S4-206 Renaissance Hearts Pendant card.  She added Clearsnap’s Smooch to the small heart accents.  Kimberly used My Mind’s Eye paper, Clearsnap ink, Hero Arts stamps, and Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L supplies.

So if these Pendant ideas get your mojo flowing, be sure to enter the Pendant Party, and you could win some fabulous prizes!

Happy Saturday!

Beth

“YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOSH!!! I AM SO DARN EXCITED I COULD JUST P** IN MY PANTS!!! I LOVE SPELLBINDERSâ„¢ PRODUCTS!!! WHAT AN AWESOME OPPORTUNITY THIS WAS AND I CANNOT THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH!! I THINK I’D BETTER RUN TO THE LADIES ROOM NOW….LOL!!!!!!! I REALLY WON???????? WOW!!!”

Hmmm, I think we caught Gina of Los Angeles, California, USA, by surprise! Go ahead and take a break Gina, while I let everyone else know what you’ve won! Gina’s prize package includes all these brand new Spellbindersâ„¢ die templates and Impressabilitiesâ„¢:

S7-016 Poinsettia Borderabilities Grand

Gina entered to win on Lesa Rapp’s Blog Frenzy. Thanks to everyone who visited, commented and entered.

There is still time to enter on days 13 and 14, so don’t delay! We have a few more lucky winners to announce and then the Big Kahuna of prizes, the Spellbindersâ„¢ CHA Blog Frenzy Grand Prize! Oh yes my friends, if you have entered each and every one of the 14 Blog Frenzy contests you will be automatically entered to win each and every Summer CHA Spellbindersâ„¢ newly released products. That’s over $550 in product!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Beth

Stress-busting and happy dancing, now if we could only figure out how to bottle and sell those! Somehow, we’ve been able to put them in a package and send it off to Rhodeen of Converse Texas, USA.  Oh, and we’ve added a few other tidbits to the package, like these:

S4-233 Labels Nine

S7-016 Poinsettia Borderabilities Grand

“I cannot believe it, this has been such a stressful week with my family. You made my day Spellbindersâ„¢~ I can’t thank you enough! I am so happy and in awe of so many wonderful dies. I can’t wait to play with all of them. If you could see my face, it is doing the happy dance right now! I love all your artists, especially Sherry~ Thank you again, Rhodeen”

Glad to be of service, Rhodeen!  Thank you for visiting Debbie Seyer’s CHA Blog Frenzy and entering the contest!

Don’t forget to visit Jennifer Davis today, and then Keri Lee Sereika tomorrow, you can find an quick introduction and link to their blogs right here!  You could win a stress-bustin’ happy dancin’ package too!

You also have until August 10th to enter the Pendant Project Contest!

Have a wonderful day!

Beth