sizzix alterations sneak peek 2013 (part 2)…

alterations2wow, i really must thank you for all of the kind comments you’re posting on the blog and on facebook about the sneak peeks.  it really means so much to read them and have you share in the excitement of the new releases.  as i mentioned yesterday, the sample projects for this cha show are simply over the top and i’ll be sharing them on the blog starting next week (as i’m sure many of the designers who helped create them will too on their blogs).  it always amazes me to see all of the different ideas each of us have for products each and every time.  that being said let’s get started with day 2 of my new sizzix alterations releases designed to celebrate the christmas holiday season.  best news is that these will be shipping in september so you can start planning your holiday cards and festive projects now and be ready when they hit the stores – here we go…

i only have one decorative strip for this release: the holly, beaded, and snowflake garland strip compliments the already wonderful holiday decorative strips from years past including festive greenery and snowflake rosettes.  also a new addition to compliment a previous release is a set of new diffusers.  these guys have been so popular with crafters that like to stamp and journal inside the flat space created by these when using your embossing folders.  this new set of diffusers include a square, rectangle, and arch.  if you like making custom labels and tags for your gifts and small journal cards, this new set of outline labels are great for using around photos, tags, and even ATC’s since their embossed lines fit into a 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ space…

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i have to say i absolutely love these holiday shaped bigz steel dies.  as i mentioned yesterday, my favorite thing about steel rule dies are their ability to cut thicker materials including layers of cardstock, chipboard, grungeboard, fabric, foam, acetate sheets, cardboard boxes, burlap, and more.  better yet, are the amazingly designed details of these steel dies allowing for so many creative uses.
– this pair of ice skates are so vintage looking, and so detailed, they even have cut slots to lace them up with ease (really wonderful).
– the assembly snowman is true to his name since all of the parts and pieces are individually cut.  here’s an idea: adhere a magnet sheet to grungeboard before cutting.  then when you cut and embellish the pieces you can mail them and the recipient can “assemble” them on the fridge!  kids would love it (i know i would…lol).
– christmas bells are a fun set that can be cut from metals, glittered papers and more for that festive accent.
– victorian carolers without a doubt is the most detailed bigz die i have ever seen.  whether you use them as a pair or individually, these silhouettes have a classic style all their own…

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more bigz for the holidays including:
– packages & bows which are this faux dimensional set of boxes with crease rule to give perspective and accent bows to adorn as you see fit.  use the boxes individually, or stack them up high – these are so fun to use with patterned paper too.
– stacked stars is really a great year round die since it cuts 4 different sized stars to use alone or stacked on top of each other creating a dimensional element.
– trophy antlers is a fave of mine i admit.  whether you have an outdoorsman in the family or you just like the kitsch styling of decorating with these unique pieces, they certainly add some stylish flair in my opinion.  not only that, but the little shields are cut separate to use on so many other projects too.
– rustic lantern is a great die for the camping, outdoors, or rustic projects of all kinds.  make it spooky with cobwebs for halloween, or festive with holly and pine for christmas – you decide…

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i couldn’t stop there, i just had to have these bigz, bigz xl, and on the edge dies including:
– window and window box that can be used on cards, over configurations, and more.  this all season die can be decorated so many different ways and works great with the pediments die from earlier this year’s launch.
– the star cluster on the edge die is wonderful.  i just love stars and whether it’s for the holidays or any other time, this is one great edge die you’ll have to see for yourself.
– the latest bigz xl alphabet that can cut just about anything you want from chipboard to fabric, has a great nostalgic look.  if it looks familiar, it should since it the first alphabet font i ever did for alterations “vintage market” but now it’s bigger and cuts through more than just cardstock…

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my love for mini movers and shapers continues with these steel rule little dies.  last years favorite soldier is now a mini toy solider, plus the mini ice skate, mini lantern, mini antlers, mini bells, mini stocking, and mini candy cane are just so perfect for garlands, ornaments, packages, and anything that needs a little holiday cheer…

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new texture fades were a must with this release including the dotted snowflakes and plaid as well as the birch trees and candy stripes.  the perfect backgrounds for many of these holiday shapes…

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i was so happy to read all of the great comments from so many of you also excited about the collaboration of stampers anonymous and sizzix to bring these stamp and die combo sets.  well i also have these 4 christmas sets including a couple of blueprints sized perfect for layered cards to make your holidays merry and bright…

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to wrap up my sizzix alterations sneak peek, i’m so happy to share the details on my new storage system with sizzix (shipping in september).  this is something that has been in the works for a while since i wanted a system that would be simple, functional, and most importantly versatile.  there are basically just 4 different items in this entire storage system that allow you to store all of your sizzix stuff –  here’s a quick rundown (i’ll be sharing a video on how this all works at cha):
–  die storage box for bigz/bigzL: this heavyweight box is covered in a natural linen and has a customizable insert allowing you to store 10 bigz or 7 bigzL dies.   the metal bookplate allows you to label the box for easy identification too.

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– die storage box for decorative strip/on the edge: this heavyweight box is covered in a natural linen and has a customizable insert allowing you to store 17 decorative strip or 14 on the edge dies.   the metal bookplate allows you to label the box for easy identification too.

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– storage envelopes: this pack of heavyweight plastic envelopes allows you to store your texture fades and other embossing folders, framelit, and thinlit dies.  the best part is these envelopes fit in the bigz die storage box too.

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– storage tray: my most favorite piece of this system is these little storage trays to finally have a convenient place to store the mini movers & shapers magnetic dies.  you can fit as many as possibly on this metal trays.  more good news is these trays are the same size as a bigzL so you can fit 7 of them in the bigz die storage box too.

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that’s lots of new sizzix goodness isn’t it?

i’ll be back tomorrow with more cha-summer sneak peeks – back to making projects for the show…t!m

Tim Holtz Creative Chemistry 101