One of the challenges of creating handcrafted items is that production is very, very slow. I, especially, want every detail to be just perfect before I will put my name on my work. For many months I did research to find a tool that can help me speed up production. One of my concerns with this was that
I must have my handiwork on every piece I create. I found a solution that arrived on my doorstep about a months ago - the
Pazzles Creative Cutter Pro. This is a computer-driven cutting plotter that helps me cut the shapes for my designs. As always, I begin by drawing my designs in pencil by hand, then I vectorize my drawings on the computer and send them to the cutter. All of the handcrafted details are then added - the inking, the layering, the stitching,
of course the stitching! :-) It's just that now I can have shapes cut for four to six cards in the time it would have taken me to cut the shapes for one. This helps me turn out larger batches and series with greater ease. Don't get me wrong, all that inking, layering, and stitching still takes quite a bit of time. And I must emphasize that all of my designs remain my
original designs, no copywork.
As great as any tool is, the truth is, it is only as good as the designer behind it. All of the special details that my work has come to be known for, all of the imagination and skill that that requires, is still in evidence and better than ever in all my new designs! (Although I have to say that I
could duplicate images, logos, etc. if a commission called for that. One fun design idea is to trace a photograph of your child, or anyone, then cut a silhouette in any patterned paper you want!)
In the last four weeks since the "Pro" arrived at my door, I have been busier than ever. In addition to facilitating production, I am now offering the following new services: custom die cuts, bulletin board embellishments, book production, custom rubber stamp cutting, and more.
Is this you? You are frantically searching the craft and scrapbooking stores for a certain shape or detail to embellish a highly specialized craft you are creating. You can't find just what you need - not quite the right shape, size, or look you want. Now you can call me and have those embellishments made. I can create any shape from 1/4" to 15" wide by any unlimited length!!! I am able to cut paper, cardstock, vellum, metal, fabric, thin wood, and rubber. I am also able to add pen details like wording, outlines, and accents. After that, any hand-crafted details that you could want are, or course, available for an additional fee.
I am very excited about the possibilities the Pazzles Pro has afforded me. Please call me any time for your invitation, announcement, and custom cutting needs. Or if you simply have questions about what I can do visit me on the web at
twofishtoo.com or call me at
619-665-8305. Thanks for checking in. I look forward to hearing from you any time!
