Simply Special Crafts Blog

Hello Kitty Dies

2009-12-07T02:52:00Z

Hello Kitty!

Do you have a Hello Kitty fan in your household? We sure do! See the new line of Sizzix & Sizzlits Hello Kitty in the New Listings folder of our store. We have a GREAT selection of Dies, Borders, Embosslits (tm) cut & emboss dies. There is enough to make a Hello Kitty album, stationary, or party decorations, and more! Older kids will enjoy cutting the images themselves (with parent supervision of course).

Shop Hello Kitty Now

Spirelli

2009-12-05T02:46:00Z

NEW & Restocked Spirelli

There's no doubt about it--Our customers LOVE Spirelli! We have added new Spirelli items & have restocked all others. We have a really nice selection in stock and they are all on sale!

Pictured is a card made using the Springtime Spirelli card kit. This popular kit is back in stock.

Shop Spirelli Now

Kaleidoscope Kreator -- What is it and How Do I Use It?

2009-12-04T02:18:00Z

Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 -- What is it & How Do I Use It?

Never have I received as many emails & phone calls with questions as I have regarding our last newsletter. I am sure many of you have the same questions, so I am taking a step back & offering more detail about the Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 product and accessories.

Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 is a wonderful piece of software that runs on your PC (sorry, it will not run on Mac) Using this software, you can make beautiful kaleidoscope patterns using repeated images from any photo that you have on your PC.

You begin by choosing a photo and a template shape from the software. Using the software, you position the shape over your photo--choosing the part of the image that you will repeat. Then, with the push of a button, your computer will duplicate your chosen image creating a kaleidoscope. For a different effect, choose a different part of the picture or a different picture. Try using photos with different colors & textures. Try using photos of people, flowers, animals, buildings, or anything else! The results are amazing & by being creative, you will create some delightful surprises!

You can use these kaleidoscopes for scrapbooking , card-making, and other paper crafts. You can use the kaleidoscopes to make ornaments, wall decor, T- shirts, & more! The possibilities are endless! Different shapes create different kaleidoscope effects. Several are provided on the disk. More choices of shapes are available using the Quilters Polygon & Frame Frenzy add-on packs (sold separately.) Each of these packs has 60-80 more shape choices!

Favorite Projects 1 & 2 demonstrate a variety of different projects made using the Kaleidoscope Kreator software. The best way to describe these disks is to say that they are project "books" supplied in the form of a disk. They will provide you with GREAT ideas and inspiration for using your software.

I LOVE this software. When I was learning to use the software, I made a great T-shirt for our soccer coach. I took a photo of the team and used a pie shape wedge shape (with a flat end where the point of the pie would be.) When these images were duplicated by the software, it created an octagon with an open space in the center. I printed it onto iron-on fabric & ironed it onto a plain white T-shirt. Using a fabric marker, I added the word COACH to the center of the design. Then I had each of the girls sign it. The Coach and the parents LOVED it. They couldn't believe that I made it. I didn't tell them that it was easy and that it only took a few minutes!

Favorite Projects Volume 1

By special arrangement with Kal Creations, we also have Favorite Projects Volume 1 on the way. This software is usually only available by download. However, we have a limited number of disks coming.

Favorite Projects Volume 1 contains illustrated, step- by-step written instructions for twelve fun projects using Kaleidoscope Kreator.

Papercrafters will love making the delicate 3-D ornaments and elegant cards. Scrapbookers can choose from two hybrid page layouts, and quilters will enjoy the keepsake quilt, tote bag and fabric bowl projects. Instructions for eye-catching party coasters and a unique see-thru clock round out the selection of projects.

The projects included in Favorite Projects Volume 1 assume that you already have Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0.(sold separately) Projects may refer to the use of Frame Frenzy or Quilters Polygon software (sold separately). These are optional and are not required to complete projects.

Quilters Polygon

The Quilters' Polygons Template Pack adds sixty new shapes to Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0, more than doubling the choices available in the base product.

Polygons are basic building blocks for creating more intricate patterns and designs. This add-on template pack includes templates for 5-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12- and 16- sided polygons.

Each template can be used in either kaleidoscope or pinwheel mode, and there are solid and frame styles for each shape.

Quilters will especially love having these additional shapes to choose from when creating traditional quilt patterns, but this template pack is perfect for anyone who wants to create stunning geometric designs.

NOTE: The Quilters' Polygons Template Pack is an add-on product for Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0, and can only be used if Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 is already installed on your computer.

Frame Frenzy

The Frame Frenzy Template Pack adds eighty new shapes to Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0, more than doubling the choices available in the base product.

Now it's easy to make beautiful kaleidoscopic frames for that special photo or artwork. These new templates take the guesswork out of frame composition and image placement, so you can focus on creating the perfect frame!

Center-hole shapes include squares, diamonds, circles, polygons, stars, scallops, and ovals.

Includes bonus video tutorials that show you how to digitally add a photo in the center hole using popular image editing programs.

NOTE: The Frame Frenzy Template Pack is an add-on product for Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 (sold Separately), and can only be used if Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0 (or above) is already installed on your computer.

Favorite Projects Volume 2 Releases December 9, 2009

We are accepting pre-orders for Favorite Projects Volume 2 add-on software for use with Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 (sold separately.) Favorite Projects Volume 2 contains fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions for ten fun quilting and sewing projects using Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.

Projects include quilts, table runners, fabric ornaments, home accents, artwork and more!

At this point all orders for Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0 Favorite Projects 1, Favorite Projects 2, Quilters Polygons, & Frame Frenzy are pre-orders. All will be arriving with our order of Favorite Projects 2. They will ship to us on 12-9-9 and we will ship them our to you immediately upon receipt.

Sticker Tips

2009-12-02T02:37:00Z

Thank you Sandra W for this great tip for keeping your Anita stickers organized:

" I keep mine in a coupon book holder, its business sized, divided inside, and has an elastic band around it, perhaps i bought it at the dollar store or at a supplies store. just a thought -- but if others haven't figured out how to store stickers, you might want to find a source and offer to your buyers. it works a treat."

If you have a helpful tip please send it to us so we can share it with other crafty people like you.

Using Sliding Card Stencils

2009-02-19T06:52:00Z

While the directions on the package are not easy to follow, the following steps will make using your Sliding Card Template fun and easy.

Step 1: There are five pieces used in the sliding card. I used different colors to make the directions more clear.

Step 2: To form the card we are going to create a sandwich. The first piece to cut will be the bottom of the sandwich. Trace around the entire template to draw the bottom piece.

Step 3: Next create an inside border by tracing the section with little dash marks. The inside border should be made from heavy cardstock or a double layer of cardstock. This is what will stop your card from pulling apart when it opens.

Step 4: Now form the top of the sandwich by tracing around the outside, trace the center design, including the cut marks. Using a craft knife cut out the center shape and set aside. See example.

Step 5: Next create the inside of the card. Outline the dot pattern section of the template; do not cut out the center shape. See example below.

Step 6: Using a tape runner or glue, affix the inside border to the bottom of the sandwich.

Step 7: Using a straight line, mark a cut line (connecting the marks on the inside border) and cut in half as shown.

Step 8: Cut the top of the sandwich in half as shown.

Step 9: Now lay the inside piece on top of the back of the sandwich, do not glue it down.

Step 10: Use a tape runner or glue bottle to glue down the top, bottom and the outside edge forming your sandwich. Do not glue down the inside edge, because you want the inside piece free to move.

Step 11: Repeat step 10 for the other side. Now glue the cut out back into the center.

Step 12: Now you should be able to pull apart and slide it back together.

Step 13: Decorate the outside with your favorite embellishments. For this example, we used a mini 3-D print from the mini floral book and we use outline stickers (Dazzles, Anja-style, border outline stickers)

Step 14: Decorate the inside. We used “thank you” outline sticker, butterfly and flower from the Thank you sheet.

Buy a sliding template today at www.simplyspecialcrafts.com

Hearts & Flowers Templates

2009-02-16T00:25:00Z

http://blog.simplyspecialcrafts.com/2009/02/15/hearts--flowers-templates.aspx

Play this short video to see all my sample cards. Below are the step-by-step directions I used to create the baby card. It turned out so beautiful. You will just love these ver impressive cards.

Step-by-step directions on how I created the above card:

1. Use your favorite-colored 8.5x11 cardstock, not a pre-scored card.
2. Cut the cardstock to 4.5” x 8.5” strips, you can get two cards out of each 8.5x11 sheet.

3. Set the template in the middle of card stock. Use can tape in place if you wish using stencil tape.
4. Trace the pattern with a sharp pencil.
5. Cut out pattern, being careful to leave the sides of the hearts (or flowers) attached at the sides, freeing the top and bottom.
6. We suggest using a good pair of detailed scissors such as the CutterBee’s.
7. Now fold gently to allow a crease on the sides of the hearts.
8. Next turn the card facedown over the template and using a fine embossing tip, emboss along the cut-out area. if desired.
9. A light table can be helpful while embossing, but not a requirement.
10. Flip card face up and embellish with your favorite decorations. To make are sample cards we used 3-D images and outline stickers.

Supplies:

Templates
Cardstock
Fine Embossing Tool
Scissors
3-DArt Images
Foam Squares
Outline Stickers
Tape Runner
Ruler or Paper Cutter

Scrapbooking with Stephanie Barnard - "Butterfly Kisses"

2009-02-14T06:18:00Z

This video showcases a beautiful layout by Betsy Veldman. Betsy uses stamps in such unique ways and now you can too! Watch to learns tips and tricks that you can put into you projects today.

Simply Special Crafts carries a large number of Inque Boutique stamps in our web store. Check out the select by clicking here or see Stephanie Barnard stamps here.

Snowflake Brads

2009-02-12T23:58:00Z

Mat photos with white cardstock. Mat again on a larger piece of dark blue texture paper. Ink the edges and adhere to the left side of the blue snowflakes page with foam tape.
Print journaling on white cardstock and mat with dark blue paper. Ink the edges and adhere to the right side of the page with foam tape.
Trace and cut three Snowbird and two Forest Glade shapes from the snowflake paper. Fold and ink the edges with white ink.
Adhere the shapes along the edge of the photos and use as bullet points for the journaling strips. Add white snowflake brads to the center of the shapes.

Supplies:

Busy Scrapper's Solution Christmas Papers
Snowflakes & Stars template
White snowflakebrads
Staz-on ink pad, white
Foam tape
X-actor knife, cutting mat
White Cardstock

Using Various Brands of Dies with the Spellbinders Wizard

2009-02-06T23:45:00Z

Watch this great step-by-step video to see how to use other dies with the Spellbinder machine.

View our hugh list of dies.

Tag Project

2009-02-06T23:08:00Z

Supplies

Tags Template
Flea Market Fabrics Sarapapers
8x8 Friendship Cardstock
Cardmaker's Earths Palette Ribbons
Plain & Simply ABC's acrylic stamps
Acrylic block
Blue button brads
Chocolate flowers
Glue stick

Spellbinder Dies with Cuttlebug, Revolution and all Sizzix models

2009-02-06T22:46:00Z

We have had lots of questions on if you can use Spellbinder items on other products. One of our customers pointed us to a video on YouTube that shows how to use them on other machines. This is a great video to show you how to use the Spellbinder Wizard dies and embossing plates on Cuttlebug, Revolution and all Sizzix models, in that order. Enjoy!

See our Spellbinder Wizard products.

The World of the Faerie Poppets Book

2009-01-11T21:20:00Z

This is just one of the 18 different pictures you get in this book. The book contains 18 - 3D projects with step-by-step instructions.

Make your cards come to life with the 3-D designs in this book. It contains everything you need to create 18 wonderful 3-D cards. It not only has the descriptions for at least eighteen different cards, but it also contains the backgound papers too. The only thing you need are some tools, blank cards and evelopes.

Buy Now while supplies last

Domed Window Cards

2009-01-11T01:30:00Z

Domed window cards can be used to enclose a special project such as embossing or embroidery. Domed window cards are flexible and therefore will not break in the mail. These cards are also great for framing a picture and a slightly different way. Cards come in a pack of three tri-fold cards with envelopes. Use them to create a holiday shaker card or th enclose a delicate 3-D. This is a fun & unique product!

We have several shapes, such as circles, squares and Arches. Colors come in burgandy an hunter green. We have had these for a while and finally got around to making some samples and then really feel in love with them. They made my 3-D card look so awesome. You won't believe how polished and professional they come out. Your friends won't want to toss them, they will feel the need to display them as I do.

Buy Now

http://blog.simplyspecialcrafts.com/2009/01/10/domed-window-cards.aspx

NEW CLEARANCE Section

2009-01-10T07:13:00Z

Finding sale items on the Simply Special Crafts website just got easier. We now have a new Product folder titled CLEARANCE. Click here to see groups of items that are 20% to 70% Off. Discounts will show in your shopping cart. So check this category often to see what is on SALE.

HOTP Brad Buddies

2008-07-18T01:19:00Z

Treat Yourself to NEW Brad Buddies!

HOTP has also released new Brad Buddies in new themes like: Princess, Fireman, Family, and Gardening (so cute!) We now carry more than 50 styles of Brad Buddies.

See more Brad Buddies - click here

NEW HOTP Giant Templates

2008-07-17T01:14:00Z

New Templates!

HOTP has just released eight new templates. We are among the 1st retailers to get them. Shop early for the best selection.

Click here to see all Templates

Kaleidoscope Kreator

2008-07-16T01:05:00Z

Kaleidoscope Kreator & Add-On Packs

Since we began carrying Kaleidoscope Kreator software, we have never been able to keep this software in stock. Why? Because it's simply amazing!

Card Makers, Scrapbookers, and Quilt Makers all LOVE it! I used this software to create a T-Shirt for my Daughter's Soccer Coach. The Coach loved having a shirt with photos of the kids and the parents were in awe! It was fun to see their reaction and it was SOOO easy to do! Intricate looking kaleidoscopes are a breeze with this software.

This week I am featuring the Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0 software, the Frame Frenzy Add-on Pack and the Favorite Projects Volume 1.

Get one for yourself and treat a family member or friend to this sure-to-please gift item.

If these items sell out, and they probably will, I will be ordering more soon.

Stephanie Barnard & See D's Starter Kits

2008-06-18T18:20:00Z

Stephanie Barnard & See D's Starter Kits

The Stephanie Barnard kits are back in stock! See D's Starter Kits continue to be VERY popular because they are a GREAT value.

The Stephanie Barnard kit includes:

248 stamps that are ideal for scrapbooking
3 SeeClear mounting blocks
See D's stamping mat
black stamp pad
storage cases
storage tower

The See D's starter kit continues to be very popular. It includes:

262 stamps including alphabets, borders, backgrounds, and more!

3 SeeClear mounting blocks

See D's stamping mat

black stamp pad

storage cases

storage tower

6 colored pencils

Whether you are buying this set for yourself or to keep kids entertained over the Summer, this box contains many hours of creative enjoyment. Both sets are great!

Click here to see Start Sets (while supplies last)

Cutter Bee 1-2-3D Paper Crafting System

2008-06-16T18:15:35Z

Cutter Bee 1-2-3D Paper Crafting System

All the tools needed for paper crafting in one system. Just follow the easy instructions to create everything from basic boxes and easy envelopes to perfect pop- ups. Create square, round and pillow boxes of any size. Emboss and add dimension to 2D and 3D projects. Great for pop-up cards and scrapbook page layouts. Uses Cutter Bee Curvy Cutter Replacement Blades EKCC03. The Cutter Bee 1-2-3D Paper Crafting System Includes:

13"x13" Double Duo Scoring & Cutting Mat
Scor-a-curve Deckle & Curve Template
Scor-a-line Ruler
Natch-a-box Perfect Corner Template
Pin-a-point Push Pins
Cut-a-line Cutting Tool
Groov-a-line Scoring Tool
Instruction Booklet
& Easy-to-follow DVD
Product: PRCRFTR1
Mfg: EK SUCCESS
Click here purchase this item

Derwent 36-pc Watercolor Pencil set in Tin

2008-06-14T18:09:00Z

Derwent 36-pc Watercolor Pencil set in Tin

This is a beautiful collection of watercolor pencils-- perfect for all of your stamped creations. These pencils come in 36-exciting colors. These versatile watercolor pencils have watersoluable color allowing you to draw and paint with complete control. You can also use wet or dry paper to create a variety of exciting effects. Tin is approximately 8" x 14"

Click here to see Watercolor Pencils