Using Sizzix Dies in the We R Memory Keepers Evolution Advanced Die-Cutting Machine

From: http://www.hsn.com/products/we-r-memory-keepers-evolution-advanced-machine/7395245

Ok, I had to drink the kool-aid.  The HSN presentation was too memorizing not, too.  I will say that I did sit on my hands for almost 3 months before making this purchase and that was after lengthy discussions with my mom (because we're going buying this together) and reading the online reviews that I decided to make the leap.  I could always return the machine and HSN breaks up the payments.  Why not?

So why did I choose the We R Memory Keepers Evolution Advanced Die-Cutting Machine?  Well, the presentation said that I could use just about any brand of die and embossing folder in the machine, I only had to adjust the dial and that the nifty cheat sheet would be include.  I don't have a huge amount of old school Sizzix dies, in fact, I only had three when I purchased this machine.  But I did find a brand new one on clearance for $6 - it's a layered flower die.  Was super excited to get this new toy to play!

So when it arrived I opened up the box and laid everything out on the table.  All the important stuff was there, except for the cheat sheet pictured above.  No biggie, because it's posted everywhere online, just had to download it. So off I go to play...

As part of the package, I received a letterpress kit, two embossing folders and a set of thin dies.  I haven't tried out the letterpress kit yet, but the included embossing folders and thin dies work beautifully.  Very simple to adjust the dial and run the paper through. I've also used a few of the Paper Studio embossing folders and they work beautifully as well. All was perfect until I tried my thicker Sizzix dies.

No matter what combination of platforms, mats and nobs of the dial I did, the dies wouldn't cut all the way through the plain paper and would even tear is places.  After doing some extensive searching on the internet and not finding the answer, I emailed customer service the following:

"I'm really excited about my new We R Memory Keeper Evolution Advance. I love that I can use other dies in this machine but am having issues finding the correct setting for my thicker Sizzix dies. As you can see in the photos, it's not cutting entirely through and in some places it's tearing the paper.  Can you please advise me on what the correct setting is to use these dies and is there another mat that I need to use? I think I read some where about an A mat.  Thank so much!"

I received a quick response back of the following:

"Thank you for contacting us! We have included helpful recommended Dial Chart settings for your reference. Typically for the Steel Roll thick Sissix dies we recommend using the die in place of the platform, the media or paper, the aqua rubber mat, then the Mat B and having your knob set to 11 when running through the machine."

I love this new instruction sheet - the original one was a little lacking and this tells me exactly what I need for the different dies and embossing folders.  Unfortunately, I'm still getting the same results with my Sizzix.  If anyone else has found a solution - please let me know!  At this point I don't want to mess with it any more because I'm afraid that I'm going to botch up my Sizzix dies (if I haven't already...)

EBL Designs Coming Soon to Eclectic Calico in Madison, NC!

I'm really excited about the opportunity to have my own space at Eclectic Calico in Madison, NC!  My crafting friends have been nudging me for a few months now and I have finally made the leap!

My move in date is this Saturday, July 5th and I've been busy working on my displays and new items to stock at the store!  Some of the items include (more pictures to come):

• Crochet Button and Gemstone Necklaces
• Cameo Rings
• Wish Bracelets
• Note Card Sets
• Button and Chalkboard Picture Frames
• Alcohol Ink Costers
• and hopefully - small button lamps!

I encourage you to take a day trip (or spend the afternoon) to downtown Madison!  It full of fun little boutiques, antique shops, a bakery and an awesome Italian restaurant.  Lots of small town charm to be seen!

To find out more about Eclectic Calico:
109 W. Murphy Street
Madison, NC 27025
(336) 638-1743

www.eclecticcalico.com   
www.facebook.com/EclecticCalico   
https://twitter.com/EclecticCalico          

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Just a Hand Written Note...

My son turned 10 years old this past May.  We still can't believe that he's ten, it was just yesterday that he was a baby.  After his big party, I made him sit down and hand write thank you notes to all his friends and family who gave him a gift.  It was a long, drawn out process for a ten year old.  We talked about why you should send a thank you note and what you should say.  I thought it was important to teach him this life lesson because I don't know if it's taught in school any more.  I quite clearly remember in senior English class my teacher making us write out notes in practice for graduation then having to write all those notes.  It was almost a rite of passage.  Then later, I wrote the notes after college graduation, my bridal shower, my wedding and both baby showers.  It was just the thing to do!

I started making my thank you notes as gifts and for my own personal use.  I really love working with the paper and different medias to make my cards.  I launch the collection early this spring and in the works of expanding it.  Currently, you can see my whole stationary collection including cards, button journals, glitter journals and button picture frames in person at any show I'm at.  Can't make it to a show or want to ask about a custom order?  Just contact me at eleplattenier@gmail.com or through my Etsy store!

Tent Weights – Who Needs Them?

By Elizabeth L’Eplattenier of EBL Designs

Photos courtesy of Donna Anthony of Donna's Delights

With the Summer markets  just around the corner, I wanted to remind everyone of the importance of proper tent weights.  The First Friday Indie Market clearly states on its application: “Tent weights are a MUST. You can purchase them at any sporting goods store or make your own. A good weight for EACH LEG is about 20 lbs.”  As you can see in the photos throughout this article, the Market had good reason to make tent weights a requirement.

My very first outdoor craft show required tent weights; in fact, they wouldn't even let you set up your tent without inspecting them first.  I thought that was a little harsh until the first big gust of wind came.  It doesn't take a lot of wind to lift your tent off the ground – it’s basically a 100 square feet of a kite! 

As I signed up for more and more shows, I just assumed it was required to have tent weights.  Then I was at a show in May 2013.  I think I was one of the only vendors with tent weights, and I was definitely the only tent that didn't take off!  Throughout the day, I watched people frantically hold down their tents in order to keep them from flying away.  Then the unspeakable happen.  A tent literally flipped over and through the space taking out tables, merchandise and even a couple of people.  Luckily, no one was hurt, but a lot of damage was done to that seller’s stock.  I know I can’t afford to lose everything in my tent, can you?

If you’re planning on making your own tent weights, just know, milk/water jugs with sand or gravel will not give you enough weight, nor will cinder blocks that are not attached to the tent.  You need to have at least 20 lbs per leg with the weight tied to the canopy in order to significantly secure your tent.  I personally like to use at least 25 lbs per leg.  Just resting the weights on the feet of your tent will not work - it needs to be tied down.  All legs must be tied down and not just one or two - in fact, all legs should have 20-25 lbs on each and tying the rope just around the legs will not properly secure them either.  The weight needs to be attached either through the frame of the tent or to the canopy.

The First Friday Indie Market has a new rule in regards to tent weights.  If they do not consider your weights to be enough to hold the tent, then you will be asked to remove the canopy to your tent.  This rule is in place to not only protect you and your merchandise, but other vendors, market guest and the public.  Just think - a fly-away tent could be the least of your problems with it happens.  It could damage other vendors merchandise, customers, cars, windows to building, and I could go on, but I hope you get the point.

For more information on how to make your own tent weights or where to buy:

•   Tent Weights on Amazon
•  How to make weights for your tent for less than $30
•  Tent Weights to Anchor Your Craft Canopy 
•  How to make your own Tent Weights

Originally posted: http://firstfridayindiemarkets.blogspot.com/2014/06/tent-weights-who-needs-them.html

Custom Pieces Are Available!

Do you really love my crochet necklaces, but want to see it in blue or your favorite gemstone?  Just contact me about a custom order!  

Some examples of my past custom orders include a dice earring and bracelet set for a gift, custom colors of earrings and bracelets for teacher gifts, a mother of pearl button crochet necklace for a bride, and crochet button necklaces made from a customer's grandmother's button collection.

For more information on custom orders, please contact Elizabeth at eleplattenier@gmail.com or at ebldesigns.etsy.com.