I've always loved using pop dots to add dimension and interest to my projects. But have you ever noticed that it can be hard to find the right size? The ones that are tiny enough end up not being "tall" enough. So you end up stacking them, or end up using larger ones and cutting them down so they fit. But then there's also the fact that most of them are a color, like white, and you can see them on the project. Well Helmar recognized these issues as well and came up with the perfect solution!

     Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots are like pop dots in a tube! You just squeeze the amount you'd like on your project, and gently add your layered piece on top. The thick glue-like liquid will dry at the same height as you applied it, and is clear so it is barely visible at all! It really is the perfect pop dot for every project every time.

Create amazing 3-D effects like this with Helmar Scrap Dots 

Tim Holtz Introduces His New Vagabond Machine  

     Do you want to emboss fabric? Yep, that's right. I said emboss fabric. How about cutting chipboard like its butter? Well then, read on my friends!

     Tim Holtz is the Creative Director for Ranger Industries, and I find that I love him and hate him all at the same time! Love him because his style is so unique, his creativity never seems to end, and his products are made with superior quality and functionality. Hate him because his style is so unique, his creativity never seems to end, and his products are made with superior quality and functionality! Ha! All joking aside though, I really truly love every product I've ever used from his collections, which is why I am so excited to let you all know we are now carrying the Tim Holtz Vagabond machine!

     The Vagabond is a die cutting and embossing machine. Sure, we've all seen these machines before, but this one is different. The Vagabond is electric. Instead of turning a crank handle to run your platform through the machine, you just plug it in, and at the touch of a button the motor turns on and pulls your platform through the machine all by itself. I think you'll agree that the crank handles really aren't too hard to use. But an electric machine will certainly aid those of us who have hand, wrist or joint problems, and it also has the power to cut and emboss materials that even the strongest crafter out there would struggle to get through a crank machine.

You'll use materials like chipboard, acrylic, canvas, layers of fabric, felt, and craft foam with EASE. With the  Vagabond, die cutting and embossing really gets taken to a new level.  And I better mention that the machine itself looks like a suitcase and comes with stickers you can add to personalize it a bit. In my opinion, it's about time a craft machine looked crafty! Watch the demo video,(video source www.timholtz.com), and see for yourself how this machine will be your new addiction!

To Watch Tim Holtz Demonstrate Click Here

     A tisket, a tasket, a little something for your OWN Easter basket! We all deserve to treat ourselves to a little something special every now and then. And the long list of new cartridges that just came in will surely inspire you to make that time now! You'll see that the Cricut designers have been hard at work, as this new batch of cartridges is great! Here's a little summary of each one just for you! Click on any of the titles below for more details and images of each cartridge. 

All Wrapped Up - A Cricut Imagine cartridge that does it all. Party Boxes, cards, tags, phrases and patterns in beautiful shades of hot pink, turquoise, yellow, orange and lime green. Russian babushka dolls and paisleys as cute as can be!

Birthday Cake Art: Martha Stewart -  Simple, cute designs for easy cake cutting. Includes TWO fonts (one is upper and lower case) and phrases. Cutest part... you can cut letters inside medallion or banner shapes!

Car Decals - Stick people to represent the whole family including pets! A cute font and phrases that are like those you'd find on bumper stickers! ("I *heart* my family") Great for cars, but also cards and scrapbooks.

Damask Decor - Flourish, flourish, flourish! A tag, card and envelope available for every design. Elegant, sophisticated, and pretty!

Everyday Pop-Up Cards - A wide variety of designs from baby and wedding to wildlife and kitchen items! Makes creating pop-up cards easy and will make your cards stand out from the rest!

Father's Day - LIMITED EDITION! Get this seasonal cartridge before it's gone. Perfect for Father's Day cards, or layouts with Dad and the kids.

Kate's ABCs - A sweet baby girl themed cartridge with an "olden days" or vintage feel. Includes adorable designs as well as a font and a phrase for each letter. ("F is for flowers", "G is for goldfish")

Luau - Aloha! Perfect for tropical vacation photos and pool parties.  Picture umbrella drinks, tiki torches, and tropical flowers. Another seasonal LIMITED EDITION cartridge, so hurry!

Ornamental Iron -   Reminiscent of actual gates, this is a really interesting and beautiful cartridge! Use the designs as ornate card or scrapbook backgrounds, or use them literally as spooky Halloween gates, Princess gates, or medieval fortress gates. Each design would really add that something unexpected to your project. A basic, easy-to-read font is also included!