Crafty Canvas in Canada!

A few weeks ago I had the joy of teaching MnTs at the innaugural Crop & Create event in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  While I love teaching techniques and showing people how to use Xyron products in new and creative ways - my own creative spirit is re-energized when I see people take a project and make it their own...and those fabulous Canadians did just that!

One of our MnTs was a darling fall tag using a Canvas Corp canvas tag, Maya Road mists, and the Xyron Creatopia (see bottom of this post for directions). While I created a basic project to encourage crafters of all levels - I was tickled that so many people felt comfortable experimenting with the techniques and products to create something that expressed their own personalities.  Take a look and see for yourself!

The original project:

A sampling of the projects created by Crop & Create attendees:

Thank you wonderful Saskatchewanians (yeah - I made that up...it works - right?) for sharing your weekend and your creativity with me.  I left you feeling excited and motivated and re-engaged - can't wait to come back!

Want to make a tag of your own?  Get out a few items and start creating!

Fall Canvas Tag Canvas Corp canvas tag Maya Road Mists misting mask (if desired) background stamp (this project used Hero Arts La Lettre) black ink pad assorted scraps of fabric (approx 6x6) Xyron Creatopia with fabric adhesive refill leaf die (this project used Sizzix Bigz Die Tattered Leaves) die cutting machine (this project used the Xyron Creatopia Shapez component) coordinating buttons, rhinestones, ribbon, assorted embellishments

Instructions Mist canvas tag to desired coloring, using mask for additional shading if desired. Set aside to dry. Run fabric through the Creatopia fabric adhesive. Run fabric through die cutting machine using leaf die. To get an assortment of leaf colors you will repeat this process at least three times using different colored fabric. Set extra leaves aside for another project. Determine approximate placing of leaves but do not adhere. Using background stamp and black ink pad, stamp image on "blank" areas of tag where leaves will not be applied. *Hint - for less of a "blocky" look, use a baby wipe to wipe off ink on outer edges of stamp before stamping on canvas.* Peel backing off of leaf die cuts and adhere to tag. Embellish as desired and enjoy!

surprise, surprise...more Xyron videos (and behind the scenes photos)!

I do do other things with my life than make Xyron videos - but I do love filming them and I do love my Xyron peeps!

We did a great series to celebrate craft month, including...

This easy and inexpensive guestbook (using the Xyron Everyday Stories system) that only takes a few minutes to put together and uses paper scraps and embellishments you already have at home!  This is PERFECT for newlyweds or as a housewarming gift, and can easily be used as a guestbook for a wedding/anniversary or birthday party as well.  I created something similar for my folks' 40th anniversary - everyone brought/sent a photo of themselves and a 3x5 index card with their favorite memory of my parents.  It was an incredible way to celebrate the people they've touched and gave them a lifetime full of memories in just one book.  Even if you don't consider yourself to be "crafty" this is a can-do project for you!

I was SO excited to be reunited with my buddy Jessica Barnett for this magnetic calendar project - I swear she is a creative GENIUS!!  Who walks in to a Home Depot, sees a sheet of metal, and thinks "oh yeah - I can make something awesome with that"?  I'll tell you who - Jessica!

Video shoots are LONG days and (if I get sidetracked...which usually happens after lunch) full of re-takes and close-ups and "are we done yet?" moments.  Good thing I am surrounded two of my favorite people on the planet - Julie and Rob!  Love you guys!

Julie is an 8-year breast cancer survivor!  We created this project (and a video that we'll release soon) to celebrate her and let people know about our Pink Ribbon X150. Xyron is proud to donate 50 cents from every Pink Ribbon X150 sold to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Spread the word!

Rob and Julie - two of the best co-workers and friends a girl could ask for!

And this is what happens at the end of a very long day when the grown-ups leave the room for a minute.  'Nuff said.

Xyron and Technique Tuesday...BFF for life!

I heart (and yes - I know you can actually "make" a heart using some numbers and symbols but my over-18 brain can't retain that) Technique Tuesday . I love their products, I love their staff, I love their creative customers and designers, but most of all I love the fact that they make products that help me create AMAZING cards and scrapbook pages.  We are working on a little something exciting for the summer (that I can't WAIT to share with you)...but in the meantime I am THRILLED to introduce our first project together!  Say hello to the first Xyron/Technique Tuesday project video!

(While I'm here I would also like to thank my hairdresser Stacey - who does such an amazing job on my roots.  I only mention that because as you watch this video you are going to get up close and personal with the top of my head.  Thank God for good hair color!)

Technique Tuesday's Project Kits are AMAZING - and I love the fact that (unlike a lot of other manufacturers) they make these kits available for those consumers who can't make it to their classes in person.  If you don't consider yourself a stamper - their instructions are INCREDIBLY easy to understand and help you create projects that make you look like a pro.  If you are already a stamper, every project kit contains a fun technique (and LOTS of awesome products) that will be sure to inspire you.  My favorite from the Delight Kit?  The exclusive clear stamp set that blew my mind!  Who knew a little square of stamping goodness could create such beautiful designs!

Check out my completed project below.  Love it?  Then go get one for yourself!

Happy Crafting!

Xyron Creatopia - NEW embossing patterns!

I posted a few weeks ago that full sheet embossing for the Xyron Creatopia had arrived...but little did I know that there would be FOUR patterns awaiting me at CHA, and two NEW border embossing rollers as well!  Not only did I get to see them in person, but got to demo them throughout the weekend and they produced clean, sharp images on both textured and smooth cardstock, patterned paper, vellum, and even heavy foiled/metallic papers!

Here are a few photos of them in action...and by action I mean them sitting on the shelves looking pretty.

And here are some images of the actual full-sheet patterns:

A Fleur di Lis...just in time for your Superbowl photos (GEAUX SAINTS)!! :)

These are the new border patternz and I mean...come on...how cute are THESE?????  PAW PRINTS!!!!!

To see them in REAL action - we've got some great tutorial videos on Xyron.comthat show just how easy it is to create beautiful embossed pages and embellishments in just seconds.

The new patterns should arrive in stores in the next few weeks - happy shopping!

spur of the moment craftiness!

Here I am in all my overly-caffeinated, overly-sugared, not-enough-sleep glory at CHA!  A camera crew walked right up to the Xyron booth and asked me to demo the Creatopia (this actually happened SEVEN times on Tuesday morning) - and here is the result!  Enjoy!

Scrap Time - CHA Winter 10 - Creatopia by Xyron from Mark Giles on Vimeo.

Xyron Creatopia Shapez is COMING!!!!

The Shapez component for the Xyron Creatopia is almost here!! We demoed it all last week at CHA to RAVE reviews, and word is out that it should be in stores by April! For those of you who (like me) have never gotten in to (or have given up on) manual die cutting because of ALL the different machines you have to buy to use all the different dies - REJOICE!  Our problems have been solved!  The Shapez component is compatible with an extensive list of dies that are already available on the market, and will fit snugly inside your Xyron Creatopia.

The Shapez Component will work with the following dies:

Spellbinders™ Shapeabilities™    

Spellbinders™ Frameabilities™     

Spellbinders™ Nestabilities™  

Spellbinders™ Borderabilities™

Spellbinders™ Megabilities™    

ProvoCraft® Cuttlekids™ 

ProvoCraft® Cuttlebug™  

QuicKutz® Cookie Cutter™    

QuicKutz Embossing Folders

QuicKutz® SingleKutz™

QuicKutz® Goosebumpz™

Sizzix® Embosslits™      

Sizzix® Originals™

Sizzix® Movers and Shapers™

Sizzix® Textured Impressions™

Sizzix® Simple Impressions™

Sizzix® Clearlits™

Sizzix® Bigz™

Sizzix® Sizzlits®

AccuQuilt® Go!™

Ellison® AllStar™ 

BossKut® 

The Shapez component (the pink thing sitting in the Creatopia) literally and simply locks in to place just like all of the other Creatopia components.  The component works with a "sandwich" system like many other manual die cutters out there - two acrylic blocks with the die and paper in between.  A "menu" will come with every Shapez component that details which pieces of the sandwich (all of which are included with the component) need to be used with which dies.  In this case I was using an Ellison AllStar die.

Once you have created your "sandwich" you insert it in to the Shapez component...

crank the handle...

and voila!  You have a die cut in just a few easy steps!

Guess what other amazingly cool thing you can do with your Shapez component?  See the pink flowers in the corner of the first two photos?  THOSE ARE FABRIC!!!  We ran our fabric through the Creatopia Fabric Adhesive then die cut it with the Shapez component.  Home made fabric stickers and appliques!  I think I am in heaven! 

To see the Shapez component in action - check out this Shapez tutorial and keep your eyes peeled for it to hit store shelves!

Valentine Album Giveaway on Paper Crafter's Corner!

Anybody wanna win a FREE Valentine Album donated by MEEEEE?  Then head on over to Paper Crafter's Corner

PCC is a treasure trove of crafty gossip, events, and more, created EXCLUSIVELY for scrappers and card makers in the SouthEast.  It has store listings, event information, local consultants, retreat locations, links to scrapbooking consignment/garage sales, AND Susan writes product reviews, has contests and giveaways, it is literally a one-stop shop for all things crafty down here in the South!  I encourage you to check out her site and sign up for her feed (scroll down the home page and you will find the sign up block on the right-hand side), and/or become a fan on Facebook!

I've just returned from CHA and as soon as I unpack I'll be posting some fun photos...INCLUDING photos of the new Xyron Creatopia Shapez component! Can't wait to show you!

Xyron Creatopia Full Page Embossing is HERE!!!!!

I know so many of you have been waiting for this feature to become available on the Xyron Creatopia...FULL PAGE EMBOSSING IS HERE!!!!!

I saw it with my very own eyes last weekend at the Heirloom Stamp Expo in Grapevine, TX.  I went down there to demo Xyron for Scrap-Mart (who - I have to say - has AMAZING prices on their stuff - but I digress) and when I arrived - there it was in all its glory!  The first full page embossing roller for the Creatopia!

Can I just say that it is totally disturbing that I have the same freak-ball face in this photo that I do in my blog photo?  I need to stop making this face...I think I might be scaring children.  Anyhoo...

I demo-ed the embossing roller for two days and it worked like a DREAM!  It is SO SO SO easy to pop in to the Creatopia and works just the same as the Border Patternz. This first release has a heart design on it - with more designs to come!

So if you are going to be at CHA this week come on over to the Xyron booth, say howdee, and try out this great new addition to the Creatopia family!  And if your crafty travels take you to any expos this year, stop on over at the Scrap-Mart booth and say hi to Jonathan, Howard and Laura!  Be sure to give them a big kiss for me!

Fabric Obsession Day 5: Creatopia Fabric Book!

Now that I have become totally ENTHRALLED with fabric (my husband...probably not so much enthralled :)) - I offer you this Fabric Book video featuring...why...it is the Xyron Creatopia!  Surprise Surprise! 

Doing these with Chris Potter always cracks me up!!

For those of you just beginning to think about adding fabric to your paper crafting - this project is PERFECT for you.  In fact - it was the first fabric project I did when Creatopia first came out, and I loved it so much I taught it as a class! 

HAPPY FABRIC CRAFTING!!!

Xyron Creatopia Growth Chart Project and my New Year's Resolution

We're getting back in to the Creatopia swing after the Christmas holiday and I am LOVING this latest project!  Perfect for the newest edition to any family - this darling growth chart (and yes - I believe I say that verbatim on the video!) is easy to create with the Xyron Creatopia...even for those of us who have a love/hate relationship with our sewing machines!!

Speaking of sewing machines...I have been SO inspired by this blog entry from Tina Cockburn that my New Year's resolution is going to be to actually SEW SOMETHING!!!  Her quilts are absolutely stunning and the colors are just heavenly!!  My "sewing phobia" has always been keeping the squares and appliques on the fabric while I'm trying to sew...but I think with the Creatopia I might actually be able to do it!  Thank you Tina for the inspiration!

Xyron Creatopia School Calendar Project - aka Beth and Chris get crafty

I don't have the words for what is about to go down here.  Chris and I should NOT be allowed to be on camera together.  :)  This is a DARLING project for a school bulletin board or church office!

Xyron Creatopia two fer - Border Patternz and Cutz Component!

I admit...I am a lazy crafter.  I want things to look as good as possible with as little effort as humanly needed.  Enter the Xyron Creatopia Border Patternz and Cutz Component!  These are AWESOME!!!  No more getting out a separate embosser or trying to cut a straight line with decorative edge scissors - this is an embosser, scissor, scorer, perforator (if that is even a word) and trimmer combined!!

XYRON CREATOPIA BORDER PATTERNZ

Here is a little tip I didn't share on the video - the Border Patternz aren't just for borders!  Once your rollers are on the component you can slide them up and down the bar so you can place your embossing anywhere on the page!  Or...slide the rollers in increments and create an ENTIRE PAGE of embossing!  So cool!

Patterns currently available: flowers, hearts, stars, dots and scallops

XYRON CREATOPIA CUTZ COMPONENT

Need a little eye candy?  Check out my buddy Chris Potter demonstrating the Cutz Component!  These blades work like a dream on paper, transparencies, vellum, and even thin chipboard!

Blade sets currently available: Straight, Cards (perforated and scoring), Deckle and Postage, Wave (large and small), Scallop (large and small) 

Xyron Creatopia - Fabric Refillz and other adhesive goodness!!

Day 2 of the Xyron Creatopia video bonanza...a few videos demonstrating the different adhesives available in this fabulous new machine!

ADHESIVE AND LAMINATE REFILLZ

The Creatopia delivers the edge to edge adhesive you know and love from Xyron, but now does it in 12 INCHES!!

In addition, for the first time EVER, Xyron has created a machine that will take any product up to 1/2" thick!!  This allows you to apply adhesive on foam, wood, plastic, acrylic, memorabilia, almost anything your little heart desires!

ADHERING THICKER ITEMS

FABRIC REFILLZ

For those of you who are fabric crafters - quilting, embroidery or other projects, the Creatopia will change the way you create!!

I freely admit, until Creatopia came along I was TERRIFIED of fabric crafts because:

I didn't feel I had the expertise or patience to try to keep fabric in place as I ran it through my sewing machine.

I didn't feel comfortable using fabric on my paper crafting projects because I had NO CLUE how to adhere it to my projects without using some sort of wet glue mess.

I couldn't get the hang of temporary stitches or pinning stuff in place.But NO MORE!!  Xyron has created this AMAZING fabric adhesive that will do away with your temporary stitches and your pins, the adhesive won't gum up your needle and is machine washable, and there is no wait time for glue to dry on your paper projects!  It is HEAVEN!!  Thank you Xyron for making me craftier!!

Xyron Creatopia videos are here!!

Well...ok...they've been "here" for a while but I am such a technical loser that I had to wait for Don to come home and help me figure out how to get them up and running.  Yes - I am that cool.  To that end, I'll post a video or two per day and we'll end up with a whole library of videos for your viewing pleasure!

For those of you who are interested in buying a Creatopia but aren't 100% sure what it does, these videos are for you. For those of you lucky ducks who have already purchased a Creatopia but want a visual tutorial on how to change out the components or replace the cartridges or any other helpful hint - these are for you.  For my mom who doesn't care what these videos are about and just thinks it is neat that I am on them - these are for you! First up...the Xyron Creatopia Overview! Happy Viewing!

Xyron Creatopia World Premiere on HSN!!

Tune in to the Home Shopping Network (HSN) on Thursday September 24th for the World Premiere of Xyron Creatopia and get a great deal on this amazing new machine!  I will be on in the noon hour and the 9pm hour (Eastern time).  Thanks for watching!