Balzer Designs

NEW: ScanNCut DX Disney Machine!

I'm super excited to share that Brother has released an extremely limited Disney ScanNCut DX!  This machine is the DX you've come to know and love (AutoBlade, whisper quiet, 3mm cutting, etc.) with some awesome Disney extras!  I take you through all of it in this unboxing video, but here are the basics:

• The machine comes loaded with exclusive Disney designs.
• Cutting designs include rhinestone designs -- built right into the machine!  This is the only ScanNCut that doesn't require you to go through CanvasWorkspace in order to cut rhinestone designs.  You can cut the built-in rhinestone designs quickly and easily, especially because...
• The machine comes with a mini-version of the Rhinestone Starter Kit!
• The machine comes with a ton of accessories, including the brand new Tool Kit! 

(If you already have a DX, you can purchase the Tool Kit separately.)

Watch the video for more:

Here is the starter project that I made in the video (instructions and even the paper to make it come in the box):

The Disney ScanNCut DX is sold exclusively through the Brother Dealer network.  You can find your local dealer by inputting your zip code here.

Thanks for stopping by!

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P.S. I am a paid spokesperson for the Brother ScanNCut.  It is a machine that I love and use.  All projects and opinions are my own.

Product Registration: https://www.brother-usa.com/registermybrother/
Brother Customer Support: https://www.brother-usa.com/support/

ScanNCut Technique Tutorials

This month I've got two very useful ScanNCut technique tutorials for you!

First up, I often get asked about the "Direct Connection" method.  As you know, the ScanNCut is a stand-alone machine. It requires no computer or internet to operate.  However, you can use it with either a computer or the internet, if you wish.  If you have a PC, you can directly connect your ScanNCut to your PC and skip the internet entirely.  It's easy to do.  All you need is a USB AB cable (i.e. a printer cable). 

Watch the video for the how-to:

This method will only work with a PC.  It does not work with a Mac. 

Your ScanNCut is a precision machine. I love the magic of Direct Cut because, among other things, it allows me to quickly and easily cut around my stamped images using the machine's built-in-scanner.

If, for some reason, you notice that your ScanNCut is not behaving in the expected precision manner, you can re-calibrate your machine.  Don't be nervous about doing it, it's easy and simply requires a sheet of white paper and a little bit of time.  Watch the video for the how-to:

One quick tip: If you don't have any white paper on hand, try flipping a piece of patterned paper over.  Many patterned papers are white on the back!

I hope you will give these techniques a try!

Thanks for stopping by!

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P.S. I am a paid spokesperson for the Brother ScanNCut.  It is a machine that I love and use.  All projects and opinions are my own.

Product Registration: https://www.brother-usa.com/registermybrother/
Brother Customer Support: https://www.brother-usa.com/support/

ScanNCut: BBQ Condiment Bar Labels

Just in time for your next BBQ, I've got a super cute project to share with you!  Vinyl labels for your barbecue condiment station:

The fact is, it's cute AND practical.  Even better: it's quick and easy to do!  Watch the video for the how to:

Here are some more pics of these super cute jars:

Tip: I used a heavy duty vinyl so that the jars could go through the dishwasher.

You could use this idea for lots of different types of food bars: taco bar, ice cream bar, candy bar, etc. 

I hope you'll give this project a try!  Thanks for stopping by!

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P.S. I am a paid spokesperson for the Brother ScanNCut.  It is a machine that I love and use.  All projects and opinions are my own.

Product Registration: https://www.brother-usa.com/registermybrother/
Brother Customer Support: https://www.brother-usa.com/support/

Grafix Food Safe Craft Plastic **Giveaway**

The lovely ladies at Grafix (an awesome woman-run company that makes every kind of plastic you could want) sent me some of their brand new food safe craft plastic to play with.  Watch the video to see what I made:

Here's the run-down on what to expect from this new product:

• Grafix NEW Food Safe Craft Plastic is available in two thicknesses .005 and .0075. Sheet packs of 4 and 25 in sizes of 12×12”, 12×24”, 18×24”, and 24×36”.
• This film cuts cleanly for die-cuts, to be used as a stencil for sugar craft and coffee drinks.
• This archival film can be turned in to a box to display a sweet treat or used as a wrap for cakes, mousse and/or pastries.
• An ideal FDA approved film that is both heat and tear resistant for confectionary work.
• Even use as a transfer sheet for chocolate cut-outs or embossing.
• A flexible, easy to clean and reusable film.
• For more information visit https://www.grafixarts.com/products/craft-plastic-film/

And here are the cookies:

Now, here's the best part.  Grafix is giving one lucky winner TWO 25 sheet packs of 12x12" food safe craft plastic -- one in .005 and the other .0075.  One pack for the winner and one to share with a friend! (Contest open to US residents ONLY.)

If you'd like to win, leave a comment on this post sharing what you would make with Grafix's food safe craft plastic!  Leave your comment by midnight (EST) on August 3, 2019.  (I am also running a giveaway on my instagram and facebook pages, so two more chances to win if you join in over there!)

Thanks for stopping by!

ScanNCut Technique Tutorials

Are you wondering how to use the 12x24 Cutting Mat with the ScanNCut DX?  Watch this video to learn how easy it is to switch back and forth between 12x12 and 12x24:

Wondering what you can make with the 12x24 mat?  How about these giant marquee letters I made using my 12x24 mat!?

Pretty cool, right?

I get asked all the time about curving text.  In 2016, I shared a video showing how you could do it, letter-by-letter.  I've come up with another method -- this time using a word processing program! 

It's a quick and easy technique that takes advantage of the scanner in the ScanNCut.  Watch the video for the how-to:

The scanner in the ScanNCut truly allows you to let your creativity soar!

Finally, I wanted to share how easy it is to take digital brush script and turn it into a cut file.

I take my tablet with me every time I travel. It's like having an entire art studio in my laptop bag!  I love it!  It's wonderful to be able to translate those digital drawings and doodles into beautiful custom cut files using CanvasWorkspace Online as a bridge!

I hope you will give these techniques a try!

Thanks for stopping by!

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P.S. I am a paid spokesperson for the Brother ScanNCut.  It is a machine that I love and use.  All projects and opinions are my own.

Product Registration: https://www.brother-usa.com/registermybrother/
Brother Customer Support: https://www.brother-usa.com/support/