It's almost THAT time!

Just as Silhouette promised, the all new Cameo will begin shipping in the next week or two! I know this is going to make some of us very happy :)

For those who don't know what I'm talking about, the Silhouette CAMEO™ is an electronic cutting tool for personal use. Like a home printer, it plugs into your PC or Mac® with a simple USB cable. However, instead of printing it uses a small blade to cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric and more up to 12" wide and 10 feet long. The machine also boasts a quiet motor and the ability to register and cut printed materials.

For more detailed blog post on the Cameo, please click here.

If you are interested in purchasing a Cameo from this first shipment, we are taking deposits of $10 to hold your machine. Because Silhouette has so many orders to fulfill, our second shipment is estimated to arrive in November. Don't miss out! Especially if hubby is buying you one for Christmas :)



If you plan to purchase the Cameo, you might want to check out these sweet totes that will also be for sale. This stylish rolling bag comes in pink or teal. It contains plenty of storage for your Cameo, laptop and other accessories. The price for a tote is $89.99 and will be available by pre-order only. If you are interested, please email Jen at info@beachscrapbooks.com.

Silhouette Cameo

As you may know, we attended the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) tradeshow this past week in Chicago. You can thank us later for bringing the heat wave home with us :)

The show was FABULOUS...and, even though the temperatures outside hovered at 100 degrees, the main theme inside was Christmas. Let me just say there are some really great Christmas collections coming soon. And, as a matter of fact, our first three Christmas lines have already shipped and are on the way to Virginia Beach :) Christmas card makers...start your engines...

The photos on Facebook that generated the most buzz were about the new Silhouette machined called Cameo. I hope I answered all the emails, but I will touch on those answers again in this email so that we're all on the same page. If you have any further questions, please comment here or shoot me an email at jen at beachscrapbooks dot com. (Have to write it like that to avoid getting spammed.)

So...here we go!

The new Silhouette machine is called CAMEO. You can now cut a true 12"x12" piece of paper!

The design is a bit more sleek looking, but all in all, the machine insides looks identical to the current model. The Cameo is expected to arrive in October, and MSRP is $299.99.



Just like the old machine, it comes with 50 free shapes. The Cameo also comes with a template to make your own "front". Look at the pictures above and below...see how one is green and the other blue? You can use the template to make that any color or pattern you want just by cutting your own paper.



Meet Jacob. He's holding the 12"x12" cutting mat for the Cameo. Price on the mat is still TBD. And...speaking of mats...Silhouette has re-designed the cutting mats so that they are BETTER and last LONGER. I never knew how much science goes into how the glue is applied to the mats! They will be in our store shortly (for the Silhouette and Silhouette SD machines).



Holy HOTNESS! Here's an example of a piece of cardstock cut out using the Cameo.



And, for those questioning whether a new blade will be introduced, the answer is YES. Instead of three different caps, the new blade will have a ratchet system. It will not have interchangeable caps. You will simply turn the dial on the blade for a deeper cut. The nice thing about this blade is that it will work with the Cameo (obviously) and all older machines. PLUS...your blades that you currently own, will also work on the Cameo. All blades will work on all machines. The new blades, however, will give you a deeper cut so that you won't have to double cut your images. YAY!!! Like the new Cameo machine, these blades will also be available in October.



Another new, exciting product are Fabric Inks. Using your Silhouette, you can make templates for applying Fabric Inks to fabric. See the fabric album? The flourish was painted on. The canvas bag and shirt underneath the album? Also painted on. And...see Jacob in the above picture holding the new mat? His shirt was made using the Fabric Inks. Think screen printing. Think CRAZY COOL. This is a GREAT way for you to get all kinds of color on your surface. Coming soon.



I know it's blurry, but you can see the different colors of Fabric Inks offered below. There's also a starter kit (shown above) that will be available for purchase.



I guess it's time to get that Christmas wish list going, eh?!?

Again, the new Cameo will be available in October. Do you love it?!?

NEW Limited Edition Silhouette Tote

Many of you have been requesting a tote for your Silhouette. Here it is in a limited edition style, designed specifically to carry your original Silhouette or Silhouette SD and laptop anywhere you go. Supplies are limited, so get yours today.

The Silhouette tote features include:

•easy access, padded Silhouette compartment
•padded laptop compartment (fits 17" laptop)
•plenty of storage space with moveable dividers
•cutting mat storage pocket
•12" design to fit scrapbook paper
•shoulder strap for easy carrying
•limited edition white/grey print

In-stock now!

Make the cut!

Cut fabrics with your Silhouette machine and Silhouette fabric interfacing! Just iron the interfacing to your fabric, place it on the cutting mat and feed it into your Silhouette.

Click here for a step-by-step tutorial using these products.


Here's a close up of that adorable little owl...it's made of fabric cut out with the Silhouette and stuffed like a little pillow :)


These birds were hanging around the Silhouette booth at CHA...












And...speaking of the Silhouette, don't forget the free sock monkey download of the week! (Log in to your Silhouette software and download.)

Notice of Download Card Discontinuance

A Message From Silhouette:

It's been an entire year now since Silhouette America was born and separated from QuicKutz, Inc. We've been growing at a tremendous rate and are excited for some new upcoming products, partnerships, and promotions. As a natural part of our growth it's time to discontinue the Silhouette download cards created under the QuicKutz brand prior to October 2009.

If you have a download card with a QuicKutz logo on it, be sure to apply it to your account balance in the Silhouette Online Store by December 31, 2010. If not applied to an account, these cards will no longer be valid after December 31, 2010. Once your card is applied to your account the credits will remain there until you decide to use them and will NOT expire at the end of the year. All other Silhouette download cards will continue to be valid. Only those with the QuicKutz logo will be discontinued on this date.

How to Use a Download Card:

If you have a download card and you're not sure how to apply it to your account balance, follow these simple steps:
1. Run the Silhouette software (Silhouette Studio™ or ROBO Master)
2. With a new document open, click the Online Store (or Purchase Online) button in the toolbar on the left
3. Sign in to the Silhouette Online Store by creating a new free account, or using your existing username and password
4. Once you've signed in, click the My Account link displayed at the top of the window
5. Click the link to Apply a Download Card to my Balance and follow the instructions on that page
6. Once the download card has been applied to your balance, you may throw it away

You can use your download card to download new cuttable designs for your Silhouette. There's no cost or subscription to use your download card, so what are you waiting for? Create your free account and make good on those free shapes.

Silhouette Studio

Have you downloaded the new Silhouette Studio software?!? Hopefully you HAVE and you're already enjoying all the new features :)



For those that would like some guidance with the new software, Jen will be holding a SILHOUETTE STUDIO OVERVIEW on October 25th. Both sessions will last approximately one hour and cover the same materials (so you only need to register for one). Bring your fully charged (if possible) laptop and pen/paper (for note taking)...NO Silhouette is needed. SILHOUETTE STUDIO SOFTWARE MUST BE DOWNLOADED PRIOR TO CLASS.

If you have any specific questions/problems that you would like addressed, please email Jen BEFORE the start of class.

Silhouette Studio Overview
October 25th
10:30 a.m.
OR
5:30 p.m.
Cost: $5

And, speaking of the new Silhouette Studio software, check out this super groovy decor on an otherwise boring white laptop cover! Vinyl cuts like butta on the Silhouette and is really easy to apply. It also works with the Cricut (and is less expensive than their brand).



Happy cutting!

Magnet and Tattoo Paper by Silhouette

What's new from Silhouette, you ask?

First...have you tried the pens on your Silhouette? If not, you really should. To add to the color selection, Silhouette just released the Metallic Sketch Pen Pack. It contains four colors...silver, gold, copper and white. Silver, copper and white are great for use on dark papers. Gold, silver and copper have a metallic sheet that gets more shimmery with each pass of the pen. Try "double cutting" your sketch design for a more pronounced effect.


Magnet Paper - use the Silhouette's print and cut feature to make magnets out of your favorite Silhouette designs.


Temporary Tattoo Paper - print your favorite designs on this unique paper with your home inkjet printer. Then, with the included adhesive, use the Silhouette's print and cut feature to cut around each printed design. Silhouette temporary tattoos apply easily with water, generally last a day or two, and can be removed with a washcloth and warm water.


Here's a little photo of the Silhouette team using their temporary tattoos...or at least I THINK they are temporary! There's a couple people you might recognize...Kris (who many of you know from SCRAP-A-GANZA or his many store visits) is in the middle showing off his big guns...Brian (if you've ever called Silhouette and got amazing customer service, Brian may have been your man) is on the top row in the black shirt...and Derek (looking very "thug", on the bottom row with the white hat) may have also provided you with stellar customer service. The guy on the bottom right, in the blue shirt, is Chris...he's about to move to the Netherlands to open the Silhouette Europe office. I think I may need to find a reason to visit him :)



Happy creating!

Wacky Wednesday!

Well...hellooooo Wednesday!

Today's Wacky Wednesday deal is on SILHOUETTE ACCESSORIES!

Today ONLY...
30% off all accessories
including rhinestones, heat transfer and vinyl!

*Sorry...mats, blades, machines and download cards are not included. Valid on in-stock items only. May not be combined with other discounts or coupons.



And, speaking of Silhouette, don't forget to download the FREE shape of the week! (Do this through your Silhouette software.)

New Heat Transfer from Silhouette

Silhouette just introduced several new heat transfer (iron-on) colors!

It's a little hard to tell the colors from this image, so I'll give you the names, from left to right: Dark Pink, Maroon, Purple, Lavender, Teal, Lemon Yellow, Lime Green, Silver, Orange.

A couple notes:
*Orange is flocked (and perfect for Halloween!)...all the others are smooth.
*Lavender is much more "purple" than what is shown here.
*Silver is really silver, NOT gray.
*Purple is really purple, NOT mud.

They're all here!

Have a GREAT weekend everyone :)

New from Imaginisce and Silhouette

Happy weekend to you! I've got two new products to share with you this beautiful Saturday morning :)

First, check out this adorable collection from Imaginisce! All the Splash Dance papers are double sided and simply too cute for words!! Click on the image below to get a larger view.

Take a look at these cute little stamps...LOVE THEM! Don't they just make you want to reach for your Copics and start coloring?!? These stamps are always the first to sell out, so don't delay :)

We also received the GLITTER Heat Transfer material from Silhouette. It comes in three patriotic colors...red, white and blue. Hurry and get yours today as it's LIMITED EDITION!

Can you see the glitter?

Here's a little onesie that was featured on the Silhouette Blog :)

Have a GREAT weekend!!!

Teacher Appreciation Week

What?!?! You haven't done anything for your child's teacher yet? Get on the stick...it's Teacher Appreciation Week!

I'm pretty sure there is NO gift on God's green Earth that says "Thank you for dealing with my child for 6 1/2 hours every day." However, a simple gift or thank you note is sure to bring a smile to your teacher's face :) And, I'm not a teacher nor do I play one on TV, but I'm pretty sure that teachers have enough candles and body lotion to last them a life time. Just sayin'...

Here's one fun thing that my kids did for their teachers today. Colby designed (I typed, he directed) these t-shirts for him and his sister to wear to school today. (Nothing quite says 'you're the best' like a t-shirt with a guy bashing his guitar.) And, since both kids have multiple teachers (art, music, etc...), he decided that the t-shirt should include ALL of his teachers.

So I present to you...the "NLES Teachers Rock!" shirts designed by Colby using the much loved Silhouette.



And, how could I not show you this cute note written by my daughter?!? LOVE that girl! (Just FYI, she didn't forget her teacher's name...I just erased it for security reasons.)




So, there you have it! These shirts are sure to earn some brownie points with their teachers :)

If you have any questions on HOW to use the Heat Transfer material in the Silhouette, just shoot me an email at jen@beachscrapbooks.com and I'd be glad to help. In addition, I'd love to see what designs YOU have made. Email me those, too!

And, let's not forget our teachers...THANK YOU for all you do!!!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner

Woooo hoooo!

We have FIVE winners for the Silhouette $25 Download Cards!

Sharon Pittman

Deana Belt
Lorrie Fereday

Daphne Jones

Marie Nace

Congratulations and enjoy!

Silhouette heat transfer tips AND a give away!

Hello. My name is Jen and I'm addicted to the new Heat Transfer Material.

Grab your coffee, because this post is a long one. BUT, there's a sweet suprise at the end if you can hang in long enough to read it!

Yes, it's true. I spent a wild and crazy Friday night designing shirts for me and my daughter. I know. I'm a rebel.

I made this one for me, using the flocked white heat transfer material and the rhinestones. I had a green shirt that I had intended to bling up for Christmas, but never got around to it. (Boy, if I had a nickel for all my good intentions...) So...I thought...how 'bout for St. Patty's Day!



Now, just a couple words about the FLOCKED versus SMOOTH heat transfer material. I was asked several times yesterday...which one is easier to apply? The real answer is that they are BOTH very easy. But...the flocked is a little easier to "weed" (this is the process of removing all the unwanted parts with your Hook tool). It's just not as sticky as the smooth. But, that's not to say the smooth is hard to weed...I'm just saying the flocked is a wee bit easier. Either way though, the Hook Tool is an absolute MUST.

As for the cloth that you use (to put between the heat transfer and the iron), it's best to use a THIN one...like a sheet or thin cloth napkin.

I also noticed that after you iron-on your design (this applies for both the flocked AND the smooth), it's best to let it cool for several seconds BEFORE removing the heat transfer plastic piece thingy. If you're really anxious and cannot wait those several seconds, try blowing on it as you peel it off...this will help it cool.

Here's another shirt using the smooth heat transfer material...I made this one for my daughter as she is getting ready to celebrate a birthday this week. Her criteria for her shirt was as follows: blue heat transfer (this was to protest the girly pink shirt), a fuzzy bunny (translation: white FLOCKED heat transfer) and a little bit of bling (but not too much because then it would be TOO girly). After I ironed on the Birthday Girl image, I simply added the Silhouette rhinestones and ironed them directly on top of the heat transfer material...worked great!


And now...a little piece of info about the Silhouette. If you are currently on an unlimited subscription plan and your deadline is approaching...listen up! Your plan will expire DURING the day. My expiration date was March 2nd. I thought I would have up until midnight to download images, but I was wrong. It expired sometime between me clicking the ADD TO CART and CHECKOUT buttons. So...my advice to you is this...if you want to download any images in the online store, do it BEFORE your expiration date. That way, you won't have to place an angry call to the nice guys at Silhouette :)

And, last, to help make your day a little brighter and congratulate you for reading this entire post... here's a SWEET give away...


We know there's competition out there. That's why we APPRECIATE our customers and try to give BACK whenever possible!

If you own a Silhouette and purchased it from US, then give us a call or send us an email.

We've got $25 DOWNLOAD CARDS to give away!

And, we're giving away 5 of them!!

It doesn't matter if you bought the original Silhouette or the SD. Nor does it matter if you bought it 2 years ago or 2 days ago. As long as you bought it from Beach Scrapbooks, you're eligible. It's our way of saying THANK YOU!

Yep, it's that easy.

Deadline for entry is Sunday, March 14th. Winners will be confirmed in our database and notified on Monday, March 15th.

Have a GREAT Sunday!

Time to dust off the iron!

Holy cow...this stuff is AMAZING!!!

Introducing the all new Heat Transfer Material by Silhouette. It's basically iron-on material...put it in your Silhouette...cut out ANY image or phrase..."weed" out the unwanted parts with your Hook tool...then iron it on and create some FABULOUS one-of-a-kind shirts, sweatshirt, totebags, etc.!

It comes in two textures - smooth (just like any iron-on) and flocked (which is a little fuzzy).
























There are sooo many possibilities with this material...group/team/family t-shirts, custom tote bags, baby onesies...check out some of the ideas on the Silhouette blog.





For a LIMITED TIME, buy a Silhouette for $249.99 (regularly $299.99) and get a FREE Rhinestone Starter Kit (valued at $29.99)!

Silhouette Rhinestones and SALE!!!

Who has tried the new Rhinestones by Silhouette?!? We've got a couple shirts on display at the store if you'd like to see it in person. The Rhinestones are FUN and EASY to use!

Here's a little video to show you how simple it is...AND, it's silent, so you can watch it at work :)



For a LIMITED TIME, buy a Silhouette for $249.99 (regularly $299.99) and get a FREE Rhinestone Starter Kit (valued at $29.99)!

Be sure to check out Silhouette's blog for all the latest and greatest...including the new heat transfer (iron-on) material that is expected to arrive next week! (For those who went to SCRAP-A-GANZA, you know that it is AWESOME!!!)

Another gift idea!

Looking for a Silhouette SD?!?! We have a LIMITED number of them arriving on WEDNESDAY...just in time for the big day! If you are interested, please call the store as soon as possible to reserve yours. Still on sale for $249.99!








Or, if you already have a machine, the new Rhinestone Starter Kit with some colored rhinestones would look great all wrapped up under your tree. Everything's in stock!

Using vinyl for more than your walls!

I know we're past Halloween, but I wanted to share our cool pumpkin carvings with you!

Since it's a little late for this year, look this post up in 11 months and use it for those 2010 pumpkins :)

Start by opening your Silhouette and setting it up for VINYL. Note that you can use ANY color vinyl.

Download and open the image that you want to use. I used the bat jack o lantern , pumpkin art, skull carving and pumpkin surprise (although this one took on a life of it's own after my daughter got the carving knife!).

Next, you want to remove the unwanted parts of the vinyl (these are the parts that will wind up being cut out of the pumpkin).


Carefully remove the vinyl from the backing and stick it on the pumpkin. This is a little tricky on a round pumpkin, but you can do it! Make sure it sticks good - especially the edges. After that, use a dry erase marker and trace the edges of the vinyl. (A dry erase marker is really easy to rub off if you make a mistake OR if you have lines leftover.)

Peel off all the vinyl.

Just be careful that you cut out the right parts!

And, voila! You have one SWEET pumpkin that all your neighbors will oooh and aaaah over :)

Here are two more finished projects, also using the Silhouette. The one on the left is the one my daughter personalized.

And another...

There ya have it...another fabulous use for the Silhouette!

Silhouette

Hello Silhouette addicts and/or future Silhouette owners!

Can you believe the AMAZING images that keep popping up on the Silhouette site?!? (A sample from this past week is shown above.) I don't know about you, but I have been downloading like CRAZY :)

If you DON'T have the subscription plan, please note that our BEACH promo code is STILL VALID. Use this code and get 50% off your Silhouette download subscription - that's only $14.99 a month for UNLIMITED downloads!

If you DON'T have a subscription plan, each image is still only $1.99 :)

For those who WANT a Silhouette (maybe for Christmas???), we've got 'em in-stock and ready to go home with you (or your husband!). We've also got blades, cutting mats and vinyl in-stock.

Happy scrappin'!