Spellbinders + Storage = Crafty Love Fun

I have been posting a lot of layouts and cards lately, which I know is the reason that you stop by.... and today I wanted to share with you how I store my Spellbinders and other similar dies.  An important thing for me these days is compact and highly accessible storage - living in the Bay Area doesn't really compute anything else.  I originally stored all my dies on Cling Mount Foam Sheets with magnet sheets all held inside one of my binder boxes.  For whatever reason, I hated it.  Just loathed it with a passion all it's own.  So, while I was surfing the internet trying to find a better way to store my dies other than hanging them using various peg type dealies on the wall, I found Becca's website in which she details her storage of die, here is the link to her place: http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/spellbinders-storage/.  I loved it!  Even the awesome labels, eventhough I am not that motivated or organized.  Either way, based off of her sharing, this is how I store mine.

1.  Grand Nestabilities
As you may already know, Grands are very large, and definitely will not fit into something like Becca's system.  Neither will they fit into CD/DVD cases.  So for those, I kept the packaging that the Grands came with, and simply added 8x10 magnet sheets to the back of the image sheet with the different dies.  This way I know which dies are which (meaning their names) and on the back side they are stored.  Here are some photos:

 2.  Nestabilities, Sizzix Framelits, PaperTrey Ink Dies
For the rest of my dies, which are not nearly are HUGE as the grands, they are stored in either empty CD or DVD Jewel cases.  I got my DVD cases from the same place that Becca got hers at a very reasonable price.  The CD cases I already had from the several PTI stamp sets I have before they started switching over.  All of these cases are stored in a Really Useful Box storage box, and as you can tell, it holds quite a few.

Each CD jewel case can hold two sets of spellbinders - as long as they are not too long (like the Long Rectangles or some of the labels sets).  If it is a large set, one jewel case will hold one set.  This is what is looks like.

 Each DVD case will hold two large sets as well.  I also store my scalloped and inverted edge nestabilities in these - mainly because of the way they are designed, stacking them inside one another isn't possible.

My Review of the Grand Calibur

Some of you know that a while back, my awesome hubby got me a GREAT gift - the Grand Calibur.  I thought that I would share with you my thoughts and observations about  George in action.  So here it is.

Cost

 The retail price of the Grand Calibur is 149.99.  As some of you know, I used a 50% off coupon from Joann's to purchase my Grand Calibur in the store (Michaels), making the cost of the machine $79.00 after taxes and all (a super good deal).

Product Description

The Grand Calibur is a large format die cutting and embossing machine made by Spellbinders (the same company that made the Wizard and makes Nestabilities dies).  This machine was made with the avid paper crafter on a budget in mind, as it is easy to transport but still able to be used on larger projects.  When you purchase the machine, you will get the following in the box:

·      Grand Calibur Machine

·      One (1) 8.5x12 A Plate

·      Two (2) 8.5x12 B Plates

·      One (1) 8.5x12 C Plate

·      Tan Embossing Mat

Some of you may be wondering about some early reviews that state that you cannot use an 8.5x11 piece of paper in the machine without modifying it.  This is true if you purchased your Grand Calibur BEFORE January 2012.  If you purchase a machine found in stores AFTER January 2012, the Grand Calibur comes out of the box ready to use a full sheet of 8.5x12 sheet of paper.  Also, if you purchased a Grand Calibur shipped to stores AFTER January 2012, then your Grand Calibur will also come with the 8.5x12 Plate Set - you don't have to purchase this separately.

In Use
This die cut machine has several helpful features that make it stand apart from its other competitors.  First, the Grand Calibur has a suction control on it, that you can lock and unlock.  The nice thing about this feature is that you can self-determine the amount of suction to the surface you are working on.  In my experience of working with the Grand Calibur, this has been very useful as I can ensure that the machine will not move around when in use.  As stated previously, this is large format die cutting machine, but unlike its competitors, it has large size with a small foot print.  The Grand Calibur is easy to store when not in use, and is actually only about 5 inches longer than the Provo Craft Cuttlebug, and about the same width.  This is a huge benefit if you want a larger base to your die cutting machine without taking up much space.  Another benefit to the small size is that this machine is easy to carry and pack – making ideal for both on-the-go and at-home crafting.  The cutting surface of the Grand Calibur is also another feature of this awesome machine.  Despite the small carbon foot-print of the Grand Calibur, it handles an 8.5x12 inch platform.  While working with the Grand Calibur I also found the following pros and cons:

Pros

·      Small Carbon Foot Print

·      8.5x12 die cutting space

·      Suction Setting

·      Compatible with other industry dies

·      Detachable handle for more easy transportation and storage

·      Can cut paper, thin metal, thin cork, acetate/plastic, thin chipboard, fabric

Cons

·      Cannot use Sizzix original or Embosslit Dies

·      Unable to handle thick materials

·      Some of the larger, compatible Grand Nestabilities Dies do not take advantage of the space available

Tips & Techniques
If you have a Grand Calibur, or thinking about getting one, you may be curious about ways to use this die cut machine or tips.  Below, I am including some tips and techniques I have learned along the way.

Tips

·      You can load up a whole 8.5x12 sheet of paper with different types of dies

·      You can use multiple embossing folders at the same time

·      The Grand Nestabilities (which are designed to be used with the large format of the machine) are great for making mini albums or large geometric elements for your 12x12 scrapbook layouts

Techniques

·      Trying making a shaped mini album using the different sized and shaped dies

·      You can make shaped cards in various sizes

·      Emboss the Spellbinders or Sizzix Framelits into card fronts to create a beautiful and unique embossing look

Industry Products that are Compatible with the Grand Calibur

For those of you who are researching the different industry available options for an at-home die cutting station, I thought I would share some of the industry compatible products for the Grand Calibur. 

·      Sizzix Framelits (with some that also have matching stamps)

·      Sizzix Sizzlits

·      Provocraft Cuttlebug Dies

·      All industry embossing folders (Cuttlebug, Sizzix, Spellbinders, etc.)

·      Want 2 Scrap offers a large range of chipboard and other mediums that are designed specifically to work with the Spellbinders line of dies

·      Several companies offer rubber and acrylic stamps that are designed to be used/layered with Spellbinders products (i.e. Just Rite Stamps, Unity Stamp Co, Gina K. Designs)