Tips for Embossing with Spellbinders Dies

All November long we have focused on embossing.  This week we turn out attention to cut and emboss dies.  As you already know I am a huge fan of Spellbinders dies.  I am a fan because they are so versatile.

Included in today's blog post is a bonus video, it includes tips for getting the best possible emboss using low-profile dies.

11/17 Challenge: Cut and Emboss

During the month of November we have focused on embossing.  Week one we used embossing folders, week two was embossing powders.  This week we will explore cut and emboss dies.

5 Ways to Use Inks Without Using Stamps

As I thought about this week's challenge, ink, I struggled with what to do.  I could have just created a stamped card.  But that felt really predictable to me.  That was just too easy.  So I flipped through magazines, idea books and Pinterest for inspiration.  

I finally decided it might be fun to work with inks without just using stamps.  So I came up with 5 ways to use inks without using stamps.  I am certain there are way more then 5 ways, but a girl only has so many hours in a day. :)  I will still be using stamps this week, but the challenge was not about stamps, it was about ink.  So I wanted to make ink the star of the show.  For most of my cards I use two shades from Tsukineko: Grape Jelly and Tangelo.  The colors were perfect for my Halloween cards.

The Results Are In......Challenge: Low Profile Dies

Friday came quickly this week.  It was one of those weeks where I felt very grateful to get any crafting done at all.  My to do list seemed to regenerate all on its own.  LOL!  I am certain many of you deal with the same issues.

So I was very thankful to be working with low-profile dies, and specifically Spellbinders, as I feel so comfortable working with them.  Did you join me for the challenge this week?  You can read my Monday Post here.

 

The 4 products I used included:

• Spellbinders Labels
• Washi Tape
• Text Paper  
• Trim

Don't throw your dies away! Learn how to get a clean cut using intricate dies.

Spellbinders produces many stunning intricate dies that can be used to create beautifully layered cards.  They make my creative soul swoon.  And then my love turns to frustration as I struggle to get the die to cut and release properly.

Fear not my friends.....this crafty gal has a few solutions for you to try.

Sept 29th Challenge Topic: Low Profile Dies

This week we will be working with low-profile dies, like those made by Spellbinders, Papertry Ink, QuicKutz, Crafter's Workshop, Technique Tuesday......and so many more.

September 26th Challenge: Low Profile Dies

The number of companies producing low-profile dies has skyrocketed and quite frankly, I LOVE it!  I have shared my love (aka addiction) to low profile dies in the past.  We actually used Spellbinders as our 2nd challenge for this blog. 

This time around we will be expanding the challenge to include all low-profile dies.  Some of my favorite dies are those with matching stamps.  But what if you want to create the look of a matching stamp where one does not existed?  That is my challenge this week. :)

January 24th Projects: Spellbinders. Projects #5-7

Happy Friday,

That means it is time to share our work.  I always love working the Spellbinders and other low profile dies.  They are just so easy to use.  I had a few other cards rolling around in my head...but I decided to stop.  Besides I would not have finished them before today anyway.  I imagine many upcoming projects will also include dies.  I find it hard to complete a project without them. :)  Especially a card.

Project #5 ATC Card for Project Inspiration
This is my favorite project from this week.

Supplies:  Dies (Spellbinders/Layered Flowers and Floral Flourishes), card stock, pattern paper, ink, gems and pop-dots.

Project #6: Exploring the Houston Area
My scrapbook layout for the week.  I am starting to feel  more comfortable with scrapbooking again, but I am struggling a bit with titles.  Actually I never liked adding the title.  Sign.....maybe it will get better this time around.  Anyway, Spellbinders are great for journaling spots.

Supplies:  Dies (Spellbinders/Label, QuicKutz/Scallop Border, Tim Holtz/Tattered Flower), arrows and tags (Cricut), pattern paper (Fancy Pants), card stock, stickers, stamps, ink, grey and black pens, brads, button, charm and clock face.

Project #7-Note Card

Time to break out a new Club Stamp kit.  Actually I got this one a few weeks ago and I needed to use it before the next one comes.  I love the colors in this kit.

Supplies:  Dies (Spellbinders/Oval and Label & QuicKutz/Flourish), card stock, pattern paper (Club Stamp/Aspen), stamps (Club Stamp/Aspen), ribbon, button, ink, chalk and gems.

Now it is time to share your work.  You can post using the link below or post your work in the My Creative Life 2014 classroom.

Thanks for stopping by.

Jeri' 

Organizing Spellbinders

Happy Wednesday,

It is time to talk organization.  I have been 'collecting' Spellbinders dies for years now.  Through the years I have had many different systems for organizing them.  Some work better then others. :)  My final option was the one you see below.  It is a converted shoe tree.  I wish I could say the idea was mine, but I found online.....somewhere.  I actually have two of these shoe racks.  This one holds my low profile dies, embossing folders and some stamps from Tim Holtz and Just Rite Stampers.  The 2nd shoe tree holds stickers and other embellishments.  You can purchase them from Amazon and I believe they also make one that goes all the way to the ceiling.  Just think of how many dies that would hold.  I use the Clip it Up clips to hold what hangs from the tree.

I remove the dies from there packaging and place them in a heavy duty zip lock bag.  Again you can find these on Amazon.  I label each bag.  I also need to add hanging labels so I can sort them into categories.

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I then punch a hole in the the top of the cards that come with the dies and put them on a binder ring.  Yes...this means that I have a lot of dies.  Having the cards helps me easily find what I die will work for each project. I also store my dies from Just Rite Stampers, Papertry Ink and QuicKutz in the same fashion.  These are my favorite dies to use.  I find the can be easily adapted to almost any project.  Which is probably why I continue to buy more.  I just checked and Joann.com has them on sale again....shhhhhh don't tell my husband.  There is still more room on the tree. :)

So tell me.....how do you store your Spellbinders.
Jeri'