Recently I was asked what is the difference between framelits and thinlits?  To be honest that never crossed my mind as I just used it interchangeably in my projects.  For me as long as it did it’s job that is to cut my design I didn’t care if I was using one or the other.  It wasn’t until someone asked me on Facebook-Framelit or Thinlit? What is the difference? Did it get me thinking.  So What is the Difference?

Framelits has an open center so you can place them anyplace you want on a stamped image.  You can use two of the same shape in different sizes to make a frame.  The magnetic plate is wonderful when working with these since it will hold the Framelit in one place.  These are very useful and come in a wide variety of shapes.  They are grouped so each is either smaller or larger then the one next to it.

Thinlits are detailed dies.  These have very detailed patterns and usually need to be run through the Big Shot several times.  Often, they are word dies where the letters connect with each other.  It is best to use the Precision Plate with this type of die.  This gives a more precise cut.  The very detailed dies can often be hard to remove the intricate small pieces.  The Precision Plate gives a sharper cut and helps avoid picking out those unwanted little pieces.

Some thinlits such as those for boxes and other 3-D shapes do not need the Precision Plate.  This type of thinlit or framelits may warp if used with the Precision Plate because they are made of a much thinner metal.  Use the Precision Plate only with the heavier, detailed dies.

In some of our Stampin’Up dies, there may be both Thinlits and Framelits in the package so it is important that you know the difference.  You can usually tell by the thickness of the metal.

Both are wonderful and have many uses.  A Big Shot and these dies can take your creativity a step higher.

The last couple of days have been down time for me as so much has been going on.  These down time days is what I really enjoy because I just craft to distress.  It’s these moments that I enjoy crafting and not think of anything or worry about my daily hustle and bustle.  It’s the same release I get when I go to yoga.  Well I created a couple of cards using the Sunshine Wishes Thinlits.  As I was adhering it to the card a light bulb lit.  How do I quickly and easily attach this delicate intricate cut designs? That’s when the light bulb lit and this blog post idea came to arise.  I thought if I’m thinking this, I’m sure you are too.  So I’ve tried and found 4 ways to attach intricate cut designs.

1. Fine Tip Glue Pen:  The fine tip glue pen has a long fine tip to help adhere small embellishments, glitter and delicate paper cutouts to projects.  The cap includes a pin to keep the tip clear and prevent drying.  I will not lie, it has happened to me where I got distracted because the phone rang and I left the bottle open too long.  Well you guessed it, the tip dried and I couldn’t get the cap back on.  So I have done a couple of things and it has worked.  I have put the lid in warm water and it has unclogged.  I have also used the heat tool.  Check out  the This or that adhesive post I wrote a couple of weeks ago and it will outline how I used the heat tool.
2. Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets:  Multipurpose adhesive sheet is a sticky double sided sheet that sticks to your cardstock prior to cutting the intricate die cut through the Big Shot.  If your like me that crafts in between dinner, homework and more then you will love the multipurpose adhesive sheets.
3. Multipurpose Liquid Glue: This glue reminds me of school glue.  Only difference is that it is very sticky.  I normally put the intricate cut on my silicone craft sheet and use the thick tip of the glue to rub it on the cut.  I then lift it using my piercing tool and glue it onto the project.  For the silicone craft sheet I just wash it, and leave it to dry.
4. Mini Glue dots:  I admit this is my last minute go too, if I have 5 minutes to glue and run off to hockey.  I admit it is a bit big so I normally put it on and roll it so that it is not seen when I adhere it to the project.

So there you have it, these are the five ways I attach intricate cut designs onto to my projects.  For more info on  the products click on the images above.

Every year Stampin’ Up publishes a new catalogue in June.  As a demonstrator one of the perks is that I get to preorder some of the new products.  But let me tell you that it is very easy to come up with a long wish list of wants.  This list can be deadly to your bank account.  Especially if you know that you haven’t used the items that you have ordered in the past.  So this is when you need to exercise crafting on a budget, or before you know it you’ll be in the red with your bank account.  Don’t get me wrong it is nice to have all the new products to play with, but lets be honest.  Accumulating product that doesn’t get used can be stressfull.  It almost made me feel like a craft hoarder.  So I created a list of 10 ways to craft on a budget without turning into a hoarder.  I use this checklist when I create my wish list of products I’m in love with.  Once I’m done creating my wish list I then use a checklist to recheck my wish list and I start to eliminate products that I  can wait to order later.  This helps me avoid becoming a craft hoarder.

1. Set your $$ budget.
2. Make a list of what you’d like to have by categories: tools, cardstock, inks, accessories, embellishments, etc.
3. Decide if you want to stay in one color family or more than one. Coordinate your purchases by color.
4. Prioritize each category into sections: must have, good to have, not needed immediately.  I usually put the emphasis on tools. Too many projects rely on basic tools, like a trimmer, to get the best result in your finished project.
5. Check around your house to see if you have substitutes for some basic tools.  For example, you might have a pair of scissors that will serve until you can purchase a better pair, or, in a pinch you can sub a pushpin for a paper piercer.
6. Look at ways to get more out of your cardstock:

• After cutting your cardstock or designer series paper layers, die cut shapes out of the center of any layers that will be covered by another. Not only will you have some die cuts for a future project, but no one will ever know that you used the center of a layer.
• Tie a bow BEFORE cutting the ribbon, thread, or baker’s twine off the spool. You won’t waste as much!
• If part of a die cut will be covered, let the framelit or thinlit hang off the edge of the cardstock or paper and cut a partial die cut.
• Punch shapes from cardstock scraps.
• Use left over ribbon scraps to create a design on a project.

7. To avoid duplicating supplies, keep a list of what you have and as you use it, convert that list into a shopping list.
8. Store your cardstock and Designer Series Paper in file drawers or another dark area. Sunlight and heat are paper’s worst enemies!
9. If your state has an annual back to school sales tax break, take advantage of it to stock up on adhesives and other items that may be covered.
10. Have fun!

Now I bet that all this has peaked your interest in wanting to check out the new products, which will be available on June 1st.  So check it out here.  There  is a sneak peak of new items available here. Remember to check the retiring items while you are in the shop.  Some items are reduced.

Which Glue Is the Right One for my project? I remember my first paper crafting project that I created. It was my sons baptism invitation and I really loved the silver glitter paper background that I attached to it.  It made the invitation look so elegant and simple, but boy let me tell you that was my  first lesson that the right glue is needed if you want your projects to stay together.  You see I learned the hard way after gluing 50 invitations and they all fell apart, that choosing the right glue for you project is very important.  I then fell into the trap of do I choose this or that and which adhesive is the right one for my project?  I have to say I use Stampin’ Up adhesive and I find them of very good quality.  I can count on it not failing me.  Stampin’ Up has eight types of adhesive.  Each adhesive serves a purpose and for whatever reason you are using it for you can count on it fulfilling that purpose.

Stampin’ Up’s 8 Adhesives and Which project can I use it for?

1)  Tear & Tape Adhesive:  This is one of my favorite adhesives to use.  It is double sided, on a roll and easy to tear.  This baby can hold anything and everything.  I use it for cards, favors, tags, loot boxes and more. I have made a ton of favor boxes and this adhesive is strong enough to hold those favor boxes together.   I have not yet had one fall apart and lose the contents in the boxes.

2) Snail Adhesive:  For those quick on the go project this roll on adhesive is the go too adhesive.  Great to use when making special cards for that special someone and it is refillable.

3) Multipurpose Glue: I will admit this glue reminds me of school glue just a lot more sticky.  For someone that is always in rush, which I am always in rush, I will admit this is not one of the glues that I turn to first.   I’ll be honest this glue is REALLY good, but when I only have 2 minutes here and there to complete a project, I can’t sit and wait to hold or dry.  We all live a rush life with many obligations and when my 3 kids are constantly pulling me in every direction, 2 minutes is not going to cut it with this glue.  This glue is wonderful if you are trying to adhere glitter, and embellishments.  It comes with two tips, a narrow one and a broad tip.

4) Fine Tip Glue: This glue is perfect if you are trying to glue delicate paper cutouts or small embellishments.  The only thing you need to remember to close it immediately when done or it will dry and not close.  There is a long pin on the cap to prevent it from getting clogged.  But if you are like me and get distracted in the middle of a project and forget to close it don’t fret.  It will probably be clogged but no worries, just use your Stampin’ Up heating tool and it will melt the glue.  Remember not to not keep your hands where the heat is.

5) Mini Glue Dots: This is my second favorite adhesive.  It is my go to when I need to glue something quick or if it is too small for the tear and tape.  This is wonderful glue if you want to hold a heavier embellishment into place.

6) Multipurpose adhesive sheets:  If you want to make sure those big shot cut outs stick and stay down then this sheet is for you.

7) Foam Adhesive Strips: If you are like me and love adding bling to you project then you will want to stock up on one of these.  These strips are perfect if you are creating shaker and/or spinner cards.

8) Stampin’ Dimensionls: If you are looking to add depth and dimension to that special project then you need to stock up on dimensionals.  They are double sided foam dots to give your project the extra pop.

So the next time you are working on a project and you are not sure whether to chose this adhesive or that adhesive just check out the above list and chose the right one for that perfect project.  And to help you out, I’ve created a PDF file for you to print and keep near you to refer too. Just click here to get your hands on it.