Quickutz Squeeze

It's Friday and if you are like me, you are looking forward to some extra hours of crafting this weekend. Whether you are making cards or scrapbooking a special lay out Quickutz has a very handy little tool that I'd like to re-introduce to you.

This friendly little hand held tool was brought to the crafting world a few years ago by Quickutz. The first time I saw it, I thought, "pretty cool but will I really use it"? My QK Squeeze was a gift. A super fabulous gift as it turns out. I will admit that I use it more than I originally thought I would and I'll be more than happy to point out some of the reasons why.

First of all, its size. The Squeeze is extremely portable. I carry mine to crops all the time. It is light weight compared to some other die cutting options, so I'm not over loaded with equipment.

Oh, did I mention it doesn't require electricity to operate...nope, no batteries either. This tool uses good old fashioned "elbow grease". The handles compress to create pressure on the metal plates which force the die to cut into the paper, leaving you with a die cut shape.

QK has been wonderful about supplying us with an abundance of 2x2 dies to use with the Squeeze. You can find theme kits for nearly any occasion. Shapes ranging from animals, to people, to holiday, to food, etc. The alphabets...well, they are what got me addicted to the QK brand. Variety....variety...variety...Classic Complete, Skinny Mini, Unicase...all kinds of sizes and shapes. I never get bored with my choice of alphabet fonts. I love that I can do an entire album in one font if I choose to and not have to worry about running out of "E" or "S".

For our product demonstration we will be working with my purple Squeeze (I have a pink one too...LOVE this tool!), the honey bee 2x2 alphabet and the cauldron die. I'll also be working with the Cosmo Cricket "Boyfriend" papers featured in this week's challenge. Last, but not least, one of TGF's Signature Stamps. Lets get started!

Here are our basic supplies listed in the paragraph above. All of these items can be found at Die Cuts R Us.

The proper way to load your die is foam side down. The upper plate is magnetized and will hold your die flush, and keep it there securely.

Next, you'll want to insert your paper with the right side up. This will allow decorative and textured papers to be on the "face" of your die cut. The QK dies are made to cut through a number of materials. Check with the QK website for more details so as not to risk damage to your die or tool.

Once you have made your cut, simply remove the paper and punch out your die cut shape.

In today's market there are many options for adhesives. Use what you like best. For smaller items, I prefer the Xyron 150. It applies a nice even coating of adhesive to the back of your die cuts for easy assembling. Check with Claudia as to availability of this item, I know she was working with the manufacturer to get it in the store...hint...hint.

Okay, now that everything is cut out and has adhesive...lets put together our card.

Here is our card front...
and here is the inside.

If this hasn't peaked your interest in re-visiting or even purchasing the Squeeze then you'll have to check out the amazing special that Claudia has on the purple Squeeze available with a set of essential dies for an unbelievable price, ONLY $29.99! Regular price is $89.99. I couldn't believe it when I saw it either. Plus, there is a special promotion this week: if you purchase $20.00 or more in Quickutz products, you will receive a free Quickutz Embossing folder; promo ends tomorrow! If you don't need one for yourself, it would make an awesome gift for someone you love...take my word for it. (Thanks Mom!)

Smiles!
Gwen