Shop.gurls let out at Spellbinder Retailer Day

Paula and Mary getting creative

Today myself and seven shop.gurls played hooky from the store and spent the day learning Spellbinder techniques from Spellbinder owners and originating ideaists (is that a word?) Stacey Caron and husband Jeff Caron.

Spellbinders have a huge selection - check out the full range on our website

Interesting things I learnt...
Stacey had the idea that she wanted to produce a die that would work in ANY pressing system cutting machine. No more some dies for this one and some for that. Cuttlebug, Sissex, Wizard, Big Shot... all will work with Spellbinder dies - and work beautifully.

This is a video with Stacey showing how you can use Spellbinder dies with the various diecutting machines including Cuttlebug.

Jeff Caron - product innovator

Jeff using his work history in engineering for jet airplanes applied his knowledge in the development of this product. Fascinating.

Inking through the stencil - a touch of chalk really makes the colours pop.

We made a layout and cards using different Spellbinder techniques. Love how the die works as a stencil too we also tried a neat reverse stencil idea where you INK THE DIE. Looked great.

Sharon and Michelle - hey that's my seat!

Remembering the whole stack order (of boards) for cutting or embossing can be a little tricky but once you've done it a few (or 20) times its super easy. We got a nice laminated copy of the stack setups for using Spellbinders dies with the Cuttlebug. I think this will be quite handy so we are going to make some for the store to give away.

Michelle, Wendy and Ann... this spells trouble!

Card ideas and Stacey with an amazing Sunflower layout - so real looking.

There were lots of samples on display showing the vast array of options and ideas you can do with your dies. Most of these samples can be found on the Spellbinders gallery.

(Left to right) Ann, Paula, Michelle, Wendy, Stacey Caron, Sharon, Kathleen, Mary

Of course being scrapbooky types we have to have a photo session... but hold on, I've rallied up the gang.. we've smiled, all sorted.... Where's Michelle W?????

Michelle W

Douh! The girl was first up getting lunch. S'ok Michelle, I understand - it was good sushi!

All up and great day. Thanks to our Spellbinder distributers, for them it was their first Retailer Day and they did a fab job.

And to you our valued customers, don't worry your not going to miss out on the fun we will be bringing these projects into the store for a special Spellbinders class. Date to be advised.

Byes for now
~ Kathleen