QuicKutz Blog: Adventures in Die-Cutting

New 3D Shapes and other fun things from QK

First of all I just need to say wow. I am very impressed with the response to the Blue Goo post  (I didn't even realize that that many people followed this blog!). Thanks to all of those who voted, I still need to tally the votes and then I'll post the results. 

So anyway here we are, back after a long week at CHA and I can finally talk about our new products! As usual, CHA was a big release for us so here's a recap of some of our newest products along with shipping dates.

   

First things first. We now have a new version of the Silhouette (the Silhouette SD) that is portable. It's very similiar to the original, but with the option to take and cut while away from a computer. I mentioned in the newsletter that we are also releasing updated software that's included with the SD and will be available for download on our website for all existing Silhouette users. I neglected to mention that we won't be releasing the new software until mid February when the tool ships. I apologize for not mentioning that. After demoing the tool at CHA and playing around with the new software, especially the word and shape welding functions, I can tell you that both are REALLY cool and extremely easy to use.

Secondly, we released our new embossing folders at the show. I also got to demo these at CHA and I loved them. These plastic embossing folders are $4.99 each and come in three sizes: 2x2, A2 and 12-inch borders (2x2s come in a set of four). This is a great option for embossing lots of gorgeous designs for an affordable price. Expect these in stores in April.

One of the most exciting things we released at CHA was our new adhesive-backed sheets. I think I even heard someone say they were the best thing they saw at the show. Try them out and see for yourself, and look for our ad in Creating Keepsakes magazine. These should be in stores at the beginning of March.

 

I also want to mention our new 3D shapes. These were designed specifically to jump right off the page, giving your projects more dimension and variety than ever before. I love the way these look particularly on cards but they also work great for layouts, too. Just add some thick foam behind the part of the shape you want to pop to keep them looking three-dimensional.

What from this release were you most excited about? Which of the 3D shapes is your favorite and why?  Leave me a comment and you may just get what you wish for!

Check back next week for photos and good stories from CHA as well as the winning projects from the Deck the Halls contest. Have a great weekend!

Laura

Blue Goo is Cool

Warning: This doesn't really have anything to do with QuicKutz. Sorry.

A new talent has emerged within our company over the last month and I feel it deserves some recognition. You see, a couple months ago we were doing a deep clean of our warehouse when Andrea stumbled upon a huge box full of Elmer's poster tack. At first we thought we'd just throw it away but a couple people in the company saw its potential and decided to use globs of this blue stuff for stress relief. It wasn't long before people started sculpting with it (the consistency is similar to that of silly putty but better). Soon enough that poster tack became a precious office commodity, so much in fact that a box full of it was the most sought after white elephant gift at our Christmas party. Guess who got it :).

     

How it works:

First you clump it together and stretch it out like taffy (this is where the stress relief comes in)

Pretty soon you've got a soft and warm ball to work with.

 

Anyway I've been very impressed with the demonstation of such creativity in our company (particulary among our sales reps, who knew?), so here is a sample of the artwork. I wish I could put them all up (you see many sculptures only last a few days before they are mushed and then formed into something new), but I think it's a good representation.

(click to enlarge photos)

Bird by Jake                              Stonehenge by Spencer

    

Guitar by Kris                            Hoop by Gary

    

Revolution by Amy                    Finger by Theron

   

Rose by Jake                             Snowman by Laura

   

Bowling by Kris, Spencer and Dan        Elephant by Spencer

     

To make this a little more interesting, I've decided that you guys should help us decide which is the most impressive. So once again, the power is yours to choose a winner. Just post a comment and let us know which is your favorite blue sculpture!

I apologize if this post did not satisfy the QK fanatics hoping for a buzz of what's to come this month. The birthday shapes have been a hit but there is even more in store this month so stay tuned the week of CHA to hear about everything new from QuicKutz!

The Power is Yours

Deck the Halls Contest

The top ten projects are chosen and it's time to vote! These beautiful and innovative feats of yuletide creativity were made by QuicKutz community members using their Deck the Halls Gift Sets. It's up to you who wins so get voting for your favorites. Voting ends Thursday, January 22.  

Click Here to see the projects and voice your opinion. You can vote for one project everyday so make them count!

New Birthday and Party Shapes

Introducing new birthday and party shapes to help kick off the New Year! These shapes are perfect for parties of all kinds including birthdays, New Year's, wedding or baby showers, ice cream socials, church activities and more!

                      

I personally love the lanterns die best. They're especially cute cut out in patterned paper. I think the candles are pretty cool too. What are your favorites?