Organizing Spellbinders Grand Borderabilities Dies

Spellbinders Grand Borderabilities Dies are great for all my scrapbook layouts but I have been looking for a storage solution for these extra long dies for a while. The other day, I was looking at Cropper Hopper's Craft Pro-File Binders and found a way to organize these Grand Borderabilities.


I started with a large plastic bag that is large enough to keep 3 sets of Grand Borderabilties. You can use the packaing bags from 12 x 12 paper or 12 x 12 page refills.

I punched some holes and then used these pretty color Chatterbox Scrapbook Rivets to divide the plastic bag into 3 sections. You can use brads instead of these Scrapbook Rivets. But what I like about these Scrapbook Rivets is that they are reversable, unlike brads. Also they can hold the bag very tight.












Now you can fold all 3 sets of dies together.












There are 2 styles of Cropper Hopper Craft Pro-File Binders to choose from.


The first one is 7 x 12 Craft Pro-File.

This one you can fit Grand Borderabilities Dies and any other 6" x 12" craft paper on one side since they are expandable. On the other side, there are two 7" x 6" expandable pockets that you can keep more paper in there.












The second option is this
12 x 12 Craft Pro-File. On one side, it has one 12" x 6" expandable pocket and you can keep the Grand Borderabilities and other 12" x 6" paper here. One same side, it also has two 6" x 6" expandable pockets to store more craft paper. On other side, it has one 12" x 12" expandable pocket. You can definitely store your favor 12" x 12" paper collection there.

How is this for keeping your dies and paper together in one storage solution?!!!!

Spellbinders: Impressabilities - Embossing 2

Today, I will continue to show you how to emboss using Spellbinders' Impressabilities templates.












The cardstocks I am using today are white core cardstocks so when I sand the embossed cardstock, it will enhance the embossed cardstock.

The dimension of finished cardstock is 8.5" x 5.5".




First, I ran the Chatterbox Light Black Solid Cardstock through the Wizard Machine with Impressabilities Paisley Template. For how to build the sandwich, please refer to my previous blog Spellbinders: Impressabilities - Embossing 1.

This is the embossed (front) side of cardstock.




I sanded down the embossed pattern to enhance the embossed design.








This is the debossed (back) side of cardstock.









This is how the debossed pattern looks after sanding.








I repeated the same process with Chatterbox Dark Scarlet Solid Cardstock. After sanding, I cut the scarlet embossed cardstock in half and assemble the card.

Stamped "Congratulations" on a white cardstock and ran it through the Wizard Machine with the 3rd smallest die from Spellbinders Large Standard Circle set.

Used the 3rd smallest die from Spellbinders Large Classic Scalloped Circle set to cut Chatterbox Dark Scarlet Solid Cardstock.

Now I am ready to assemble the card. I pushed the cap paper pin from Around The Block School Paper Pins. through the congratulation circle title before glued it down to the card.

Supplies

Die Sets
- Impressabilities Paisley Template
- Spellbinders Large Standard Circle
- Spellbinders Large Classic Scalloped Circle

Cardstock and Paper
- Chatterbox Light Black Solid Cardstock
- Chatterbox Dark Scarlet Solid Cardstock

Embellishments
- Around The Block School Paper Pins
- Chatterbox Scarlet Decorative Ribbons


Stamp(s) & Ink
- Congratulations stamp from Stampin Up
- Cranberry Crisp ink from Stampin Up

Tools:
- Wizard by Spellbinders or other die cut systems that are compatible with Spellbinders Dies.
- Paper trimmer
- Scissor
- Tapes
- Tim Holtz Sanding Grip Tool

Spellbinders: Impressabilities - Embossing 1

Impressabilities are thin metal templates for embossing, debossing, letterpressing or stenciling.

These templates measure 5 3/4" x 4 1/2" to cover an A2 (5 1/2" x 4 1/4") card.

Currently there are 4 patterns available for Impressabilities and they are:

• Snowflake

• Flowers

• Butterfly

• Paisley

Today I will show you how to emboss using Impressabilities Template to make this 4.25" x 5.5" card.

In the step by step demonstration, I will be using Original Sizzix Press.

But, don't worry, I will list out the sandwich recipe for other machine at the bottom of this blog.



Step 1

To create a sandwich for Original Sizzix Press, place Impressabilities Butterfly Template on Sizzix cutting pad.
Tip: Make sure your cutting pad has never been cut before. Otherwise, cut marks will etch themselves into embossing details.

I actually have 2 cutting pads. One is for cutting and the other one for embossing.



Step 2

Add Chatterbox Light Violet Bazzill Cardstock on top of the template.



Step 3

Place Tan Embossing Mat on top of the cardstock.



Step 4

Add paper shim on top of Tan Embossing Mat .

Tip: To make a paper shim, use a 12 x 5 piece of paper and fold in half to use as a shim.

Run the sandwich through Original Sizzix Press. You may have to run it through a couple of time for thick cardstock.



Step 5

Next I create a strip of border with Pierceabilities Pinking Border Die.

To cut the border, first place Chatterbox Light Spruce Bazzill Cardstock on cutting pat.

Place die on top of paper with cutting ridge side down. I use a couple of small pieces of tape to hold the die in place.

Place the Spellbinders White Spacer Plate on top of Die and run the sandwich through the machine.



Step 6

Turn the die around and line up the die with cut edge of paper.

Use a couple of short pieces of tape to hold die in place.

Place the Spellbinders White Spacer Plate on top of Die and run the sandwich through the machine again.



Step 7

If you turn the paper cut, this is how it looks now.

With the cutting ridge facing up, place Tan Embossing Mat on top of paper die and run it through the machine.



Step 8

Next step is piercing. To add more depth to the holes, you can use Tan Embossing Mat. Make sure you place another mat underneath of Tan Embossing Mat to protect your furniture.

Tips: Hold Pierceability die firmly in place during pricking.
Hold the piercing tool as vertical as possible to prick holes nice and round.
Try and price to the same depth so that the diameter of the holes will be equal.



Step 9

This is how the border looks like after piercing is complete.

Stamp Thank You on a white cardstock.

Use the smallest die from Spellbinders Label Two set to cut the white cardstock.

Use the second smallest die from Spellbinders Label Two set to cut Chatterbox Dark Violet Solid Cardstock.



Step 10

Assemble the card.











Supplies

Die Sets
- Impressabilities - Butterfly
- Pierceabilities - 5 1/2" Pinking Border
- Nestabilities - Label Two

Cardstock and Paper
- Chatterbox Light Violet Bazzill Cardstock
- Chatterbox Dark Violet Solid Cardstock
- Chatterbox Light Spruce Bazzill Carstock

Stamp(s) & Ink
- Thank You stamp from Stampin Up
- Garden Green ink from Stampin Up

Tools:
- Wizard by Spellbinders or other die cut systems that are compatible with Spellbinders Dies.
- Paper trimmer
- Scissor
- Tapes
- Piercing Tool




Embossing Sandwich for Spellbinders Wizard
(stack from bottom up)
1. Place first White Mat.
2. Use a 12 x 5 piece of paper and fold in half to use as a shim. Add paper shim on top of White Mat.
3. Place Tan Embossing Mat on top of paper shim.
4. Paper or cardstock of your choice.
5. Place Impressabilities Template on top of paper or cardstock.
6. Place second White Mat on top of Impressabilities Template.
7. Run through Wizard Machine.

Embossing Sandwich for Big Kick by Sizzix
(stack from bottom up)
1. Place large platform down first with all tabs closed.
2. Place Impressabilities Template.
3. Paper or cardstock of your choice.
4. Place TWO Tan Embossing Mats on top of paper or cardstock.
5. Use a 12 x 5 piece of paper and fold in half to use as a shim. Add paper shim on top of Tan Embossing Mats.
6. Place ONE Big Kick acrylic plate on top.
7. Run thru the Big Kick machine.

Embossing Sandwich for CuttleBug by Provocraft
(stack from bottom up)
1. A Plate.
2. Impressabilities Template.
3. Paper or cardstock of your choice.
4. Use 2 or 3 pieces of cardstock to shim.
Cautionary Note: Using more than 3 pieces of cardstock to shim Cuttlebug Embossing sandwich will result in B Plate breakage.
5. Place two acrylic B Plates on top of sandwich.
6. Run thru Cuttlebug machine.

Embossing Sandwich for Big Shot (Black & Pink) by Ellison-Sizzix
(stack from bottom up)
1. Place large platform down first with all tabs closed.
2. Place Impressabilities Template.
3. Paper or cardstock of your choice.
4. Place TWO Tan Embossing Mats on top of paper or cardstock.
5. Use a 12 x 5 piece of paper and fold in half to use as a shim. Add paper shim on top of Tan Embossing Mats.
6. Place ONE Big Shot acrylic plate on top.
7. Run thru the Big Shot machine.

Embossing Sandwich for Revolution by QuicKutz
1. Place Impressabilities Template onto Revolution platform.
2. Place paper or cardstock of your choice.
3. Place Tan Embossing Mat on top of paper or cardstock.
4. Place acrylic embossing mat on top of Tan Embossing mat.
5. Run thru Resvolution matchine.

Spellbinders - Nestibilities Circle Dies

I showed you different sizes of Nestibilities Square Dies from Spellbinders last time. Today I want to show different Nestibilities Circle Dies from Spellbinders.

There are total of 6 sets of circle dies from Nestibilities Collection and Spellbinders have put them together into 2 combo sets. The first one is called Nest 04 - Petite Circles which includes

S4-114 Large Standard Circles

S4-115 Large Petite Scalloped Circles

S4-116 Small Standard Circles

S4-117 Small Petite Scalloped Circles

The second one is called Nest 05 - Classic Circles which includes

S4-114 Large Standard Circles

S4-124 Large Classic Scalloped Circle

S4-116 Small Standard Circles

S4-125 Small Classic Scalloped Circle

The difference between these 2 combo pack is the scalloped circles. Scalloped Circle Dies in Nest 04 - Petite Circles are slightly smaller than the ones from Nest 05 - Classic Circles.

Here are the dimensions for all 6 Circle Dies Sets.

(1) Large Standard Circles (item number: S4-114)

• There are total of 7 dies in this set.
  
• Dimension of each dies are approximately :
  
  • 3 3/4" in diameter
    
  • 3 1/4" in diameter
  • 2 3/4" in diameter
    
  • 2 1/4" in diameter
  • 1 7/8" in diameter
  • 1 3/8" in diameter
  • 7/8" in diameter

(2) Small Standard Circles (item number:S4-116)

• There are total of 7 dies in this set.
  
• Dimension of each dies are approximately :
  
  • 3 1/2" in diameter
    
  • 3" in diameter
  • 2 1/2" in diameter
    
  • 2" in diameter
  • 1 5/8" in diameter
  • 1 1/8" in diameter
  • 5/8" in diameter
  
  

(3) Large Petite Scalloped Circles (item number: S4-115)

• There are total of 6 dies in this set.
  
• Dimension of each dies are approximately :
  • 4" in diameter
  • 3 1/2" in diameter
  • 3" in diameter
  • 2 1/2" in diameter
  • 2" in diameter
  • 1 1/5" in diameter
    

(4) Small Petite Scalloped Circles (item number: S4-117)

• There are total of 6 dies in this set.
  
• Dimension of each dies are approximately :
  
  • 3 3/4" in diameter
  • 3 1/4" in diameter
  • 2 3/4" in diameter
  • 2 1/4" in diameter
  • 1 3/4" in diameter
  • 1 1/4" in diameter
    

(5) Large Classic Scalloped Circle (item number: S4-124)

• There are total of 6 dies in this set.
  
• Dimension of each dies are approximately :
  
  • 4 1/8" in diameter
  • 3 5/8" in diameter
  • 3 1/8" in diameter
  • 2 5/8" in diameter
  • 2 1/8" in diameter
  • 1 1/8" in diameter

(6) Small Classic Scalloped Circle (item number: S4-125)

• There are total of 6 dies in this set.
  
• Dimension of each dies are approximately :
  
  • 3 7/8" in diameter
  • 3 3/8" in diameter
  • 2 7/8" in diameter
  • 2 3/8" in diameter
  • 1 7/8" in diameter
  • 1 3/8" in diameter

So if you want to get all 6 circle sets, I would suggest that you get Nest 04 - Petite Circles with
Large Classic Scalloped Circle (item number: S4-124) and Small Classic Scalloped Circle (item number: S4-125). Or Nest 05 - Classic Circles with Large Petite Scalloped Circles (item number: S4-115) and Small Petite Scalloped Circles (item number: S4-117). So you won't get 2 duplicate sets.

Just like all the other Nestibilities Dies, you can mix regular circles with scalloped circles to create beautiful nested effect and here are a few combination you can create out of these dies.

In the first picture, I used Large Standard Circles (item number: S4-114) with Large Petite Scalloped Circles (item number: S4-115). See how tight the scalloped edge is against the regular circle.




















In the next picture, I used Small Standard Circles (item number:S4-116) instead of Large Standard Circles and you will see more scalloped edge. Here you can even see the embossed scalloped edge, which was covered when I used Large Standard Circles.




















In the next picture, I used Large Standard Circles (item number: S4-114) with Large Classic Scalloped Circle (item number: S4-124). As I mentioned before, these scalloped dies are larger than the petite ones so you can see more scalloped edge.




















In this last picture, I use Small Standard Circles (item number:S4-116) instead of Large Standard Circles with the same Large Classic Scalloped Circle (item number: S4-124). You will see even more scalloped edge. There is really no right or wrong combination of doing this. It's really depends on what is your preference.

Spellbinders - Nestibilities Square Dies

Today I want to show different Nestibilities Square Dies from Spellbinders. There are 4 sets of square dies from Nestibilities Collection and they are
(1) Large Classic Square (item number: S4-126)

• There are total of 7 dies in this set.
  
• Dimension of each dies are approximately :
  
  • 3.5" x 3.5"
  • 3" x 3"
  • 2.5" x 2.5"
  • 2" x 2"
  • 1.5" x 1.5"
  • 1" x 1"
  • 0.5" x 0.5"

(2) Large Classic Scalloped Square (item number: S4-127)

• There are total of 6 dies in this set.
  
• Dimension of each dies are approximately :
  
  • 4" x 4"
  • 3.4" x 3.4"
  • 2.9" x 2.9"
  • 2.25" x 2.25"
  • 1.75" x 1.75"
  • 1.15" x 1.15"

(3) Small Classic Square (item number: S4-128)

• There are total of 7 dies in this set.
  
• Dimension of each dies are approximately :
  
  • 3.25" x 3.25"
  • 2.75" x 2.75"
  • 2.25" x 2.25"
  • 1.75" x 1.75"
  • 1.25" x 1.25"
  • 0.75" x 0.75"
  • 0.25" x 0.25"

(4) Small Classic Scalloped Square (item number: S4-129)

• There are total of 6 dies in this set.
  
• Dimension of each dies are approximately :
  
  • 3.75" x 3.75"
  • 3.13" x 3.13"
  • 2.6" x 2.6"
  • 2" x 2"
  • 1.4" x 1.4"
  • 0.88" x 0.88"

If you want to purchase all 4 of them together, you can save some money by purchase Nest 02 - Classic Square. This set comes with all 4 square sets but with price of 3. That's 25% saving!

You can mix classic scalloped square with classic square to create beautiful scalloped edge frames. You can even mix large and small sets of scalloped square and regular square to create different look. In the first picture, I used Large Classic Scalloped Square with Large Classic Square. The one on the left side are also embossed.














In the second picture, I used Large Classic Scalloped Square with Small Classic Square instead of large. The one on the left are also embossed. This combination will show more scalloped edge. There is no right or wrong combination here. It's all depends on what is your preference.

Organizing Spellbinders Dies

Today I want to share a great solution I found for Spellbinder Dies.

I have been using CD cases to store my Spellbinders for a while but I didn't quite like the solution. The first problem was that I couldn't fit long rectangles dies into a CD case. Also with the number of CD cases I had, a lot of times they would fall off when I transported them from the house to a crop.

Then I found Tim Holtz's stamp binder. The dimension of the pocket is 7" w x 8.5" h, I can definitely fit the long rectangle dies and curved rectangle dies in there without any problem.

To keep them from shifting, I then found some avery inkjet printable magnetic sheets sold at Sam's Club's website for $7.88 with shipping fee included. That saved me a trip to the store... :)

Each package of magnetic sheets comes with 5 sheets. I cut each sheet in half and trim off the long side to be 8" long and they fit perfectly in the pockets. So I can store 10 sets of Spellbinder Dies. I then printed out their item number and name of dies on address labels and stock them on the magnetic sheets. See how neatly they stored in this cute binder.

Inside of the binder also has a front pocket and that's where I keep my tan embossing mat and white spacer plate and instruction sheet.

Here is great thing about this binder. It comes with a zipper so when I am done with these dies, I just close the zipper. Voila...they are safely kept inside the binder.

Not only I can keep Spellbinders Dies in this binder, I can also keep my clear stamps, stickers sheets, stencils,..., etc. I just love it.

Here is another tip for organizing Spellbinders Dies. I don't know about you but when I scrapbook, I love to take out all my tools and accessories. But when I am done, it's difficult to separate Spellbinders Dies into their own sets. So when I get a new set of dies, I use marker to label them in the back with the item number and die number with the largest one as 1 and second largest one as 2, and so on. That way, it's easy to sort them.


















For Scalloped Square Dies, because these dies overlapped with each other, you can not nest them together on the magnetic sheet. You have to alter the sizes and keep in 2 separate piles like below.

Red, White, Blue Christmas Card

Today, I want to a share a card with you that was made specially for our brave soldiers who can not spend time with their family during holiday season.










Here is the list of supplies and tools you will need to make this card:

Die Set(s):
- Star 5 Die Set by Spellbinders

Stamp(s):
- A Rhonna Christmas Card Stamps by Autumn Leaves

Cardstock and Paper
- 8.5" x 11" white cardstock
- 4.5" x 4.5" blue cardstock
- 4 1/8" x 4 1/8" light blue cardstock
- Enough red, white, blue cardstock to cut 4 red stars, 4 blue stars and 5 white stars.

Embellishment:
- Scarlet Decorative Ribbon by Chatterbox
- Denim Decorative Ribbon by Chatterbox
- Brads by Making Memories

Ink
- Real Red Pigment Ink from Stampin' Up!

Tools:
- Wizard byby Spellbinders or other die cut systems that are compatible with Spellbinders Dies.
- Paper trimmer
- Scissor
- Tapes
- Silver pen


Instruction:
1. I started with the smallest star die from Star 5 Die Set to cut out 4 red stars, 4 blue stars and 5 white stars first. Then assembled them on the light blue card stock to make a star wreath. Tip: I use one of Spellbinders circle dies as a template to draw a circle on the light blue cardstock first so I can make sure that the stars are in a perfect circle. You can use any object that can help you to draw a circle that is about 2.5" in diameter.

2. Attached some Blue Decorative Ribbon and Red Decorative Ribbon to the card with blue brads.

3. I stamped the Happy Holidays on the left side of the card between ribbons. Added some shadow with a silver pen to the stamped image so it stand out more.

4. Attached blue card stock and then the assembled light blue card stock to the card.

5. Added some red brads to the 4 corners of star wreath for finishing touch. Here is a card for our soldiers and wish them a Holiday Holiday!

The "GREEN" Star Christmas Card

Ok, I did promise you that I will show you another Christmas Card from the left over star die cut a few days ago. So here it is. In this card the main theme, Star, is all made of recycle paper. This is the "Green" Star Christmas Card.









Here is the list of supplies and tools you will need to make this card:

Die Set(s):
- Star 5 Die Set by Spellbinders.
- Label 2 Die Set by Spellbinders.

Stamp(s):
- A Rhonna Christmas Card Stamps by Autumn Leaves

Cardstock and Paper
- 8" x 11" cream cardstock
- Some left over scrap paper and a piece of 5" x 5" paper that will coordinate with the scrap
- Left over Silver Star from Shining Star Christmas Card or Silver paper from Creative Memories Metallic Collection.

Embellishment:
- Scarlet Decorative Ribbon by Chatterbox
- Jeweled Brads by Heidi Swapp

Ink
- Real Red Pigment Ink from Stampin' Up!

Tools:
- Wizard by Spellbinders or other die cut systems that are compatible with Spellbinders Dies.
- Scissor
- Tapes
- Silver pen


Instruction:
1. First, I glued all scrap paper on a piece of paper that is large enough for me to cut out a star die cut using the third largest star die from Star 5 die set. I used mostly with shades of green paper and then add a little yellow and red pattern paper.

2. Take the glued paper with the star die and run through Wizard. Then glue it to the Silver Star die cut. If you don't have one, you can use the second largest star die and cut and embossing on a silver paper.

3. I used the largest die from Label 2 Die Set and cut and embossing on a red card stock to pick up the reds in my assembled star. I then use the same die and a template to outline silver border.

4. I stamped the Merry Christmas on the lower left hand corner of the card and used a silver pen to add some shadow to the stamped image to make it stand out more.

5. I added Scarlet Decorative Ribbon on the cream card stock first before attached the label and star die cuts. Finished it with some small sparkle Jeweled Brads from Heidi Swapp. Here is your "Green" Christmas Card.

Shining Star Christmas Card

Remember the lyric "hang a shining star upon the highest bow"? Well, here is a Christmas card with a shining star upon the highest bow. It's easy and simple to make.
















Here is the list of supplies and tools you will need to make this card:

Die Set(s):
- Star 5 Die Set by Spellbinders

Stamp(s):
- A Rhonna Christmas Card Stamps by Autumn Leaves

Cardstock and Paper
- 7" x 11" white cardstock
- 5" x 6.5" red cardstock
- Silver paper from Creative Memories Metallic Collection.

Embellishment:
- Scarlet Decorative Ribbon by Chatterbox
- Jeweled Brads by Heidi Swapp

Ink
- Basic Black from Stampin' Up!

Tools:
- Wizard by Spellbinders or other die cut systems that are compatible with Spellbinders Dies.
- Paper trimmer
- Scissor
- Tapes
- Silver pen


Instruction:
1. I used the largest star die from Star 5 die set to cut and emboss the star. Then I used the 2nd largest die to cut out the inside of star. To ensure that the die does not move while I was cutting, I use a very small piece of scotch tape to tape 2 corners of star and then remove the tape carefully after cutting. Now you have a silver star frame. Don't throw away the smaller star. I will show you another card make of the smaller star in the next couple of days.

2. I used the star frame as the template to mark on the white card stock on where I wanted to do the horizontal cut and also the triangle cut.

3. I used paper trimmer to make the horizontal cut and then used a pair scissors to cut the triangle out.

4. I attached the star onto the white card stock.

5. I stamped the 'tis the season on a red card stock and used a silver pen to add some shadow to the stamped image to make it stand out more.

6. Add some Scarlet Decorative Ribbon and a big sparkle Jeweled Brads from Heidi Swapp and that was it.

Have fun with this easy and elegant Christmas Card!

Spellbinders - Turkey Die Cut 2

Here is an alternative to the Turkey Die Cut 1.



Step 1: Cut and embossed 3 different sizes of scalloped oval die cuts. Here, I use the 3rd, 4th and 5th largest dies from Petite Scalloped Large Die Set. Glue them together.

Step 2: Use the 3rd and 6th largest die from
Small Standard Circles Die Set to cut 2 circles with cream cardstock. Glue them together with the feather die cut from the previous step.


Step 3: Free hand cut the beak and feet with yellow cardstock. Glue them to the die cut and draw eyes with black pen. Here is another cute little Turkey Die Cut for your scrapbook pages and cards.

Spellbinders - Turkey Die Cut 1

Today, I will show you step by step on how to create this cute little turkey die cut for your scrapbook pages or cards.


Step 1: Cut and embossed 3 different sizes of scalloped oval die cuts. Here, I use the largest 3 dies from Petite Scalloped Large Die Set. The largest one with brown cardstock, the second largest one with orange cardstock and the third largest with cream cardstock. Glue them together like the picture shown on the left












Step 2: Turn the die over and draw a vertical and horizontal lines so you can find where the center is. Then draw 2 angled lines from and center toward the bottom like the picture shown here.















Step 3: Cut the angles line so now your die cuts will look like this.















Step 4: Now cut a circle with brown cardstock. I use the third largest die from
Small Standard Circles Die Set. Then I use the 6th largest die from the same set to cut a circle with cream cardstock. Glue them together with the feather die cut from the previous step.


Step 5: Free hand cut the beak and feet with yellow cardstock. Glue them to the die cut and draw eyes with black pen. Here is your finished product. Isn't it cute?