Today we're sharing the menu cards we came up with for the Lifestyle Crafts Wedding series. To see previous posts in this series, check out the save the date cards here and the wedding favors here.  

You've probably started to notice a theme with these projects... I absolutely love the Nesting Doily dies and wanted to incorporate them as much as possible.  For these menu cards, you will need the Nesting Doily Ovals die, Nesting Ovals die, ribbon, cardstock, and a home printer.  These cards are simple! If you need to make a large quantity, it won't take up too much of your precious wedding planning time!

Next week we'll share a decor piece that we'll be displaying at the wedding. Stay tuned!

Using the Nesting Butterflies die as her staple, designer Kami Bigler pulled off a fabulous butterfly-themed party for her daughter! Let's start off with the decorative cake she displayed.   Using the Pennant Punches die, she cut out all of the flags in just 2 runs through her die-cutting machine.  The punches dies are a perfect and time-efficient way to make a garland! Then, she added the grass using an older die and accented with the butterfly from the Pop-up Box die and the Nesting Butterflies die.  The alphabet she used is Sketchbook Mini Alphabet die. Any of the 4x4 alphabets would work perfectly.

Here is a collage (all of these images are via Kami) of some of the fabulous details.  For more photos and a detailed description on how she put it all together, visit her blog, No Biggie.  

If you're wondering which dies she used to make each element, here are the details:

Butterfly Box Favors: Pop-up Box die, Banners & Arrows die, 

Invitations: Lemon Drop Alphabet die, Butterfly die

Cupcakes: Nesting Butterflies die

Butterfly Wand: Nesting Butterflies die

Cake: Pennant Punches die, Sketchbook Mini Alphabet die, Pop-up Box die

Thanks for letting us share your fabulous party, Kami!

Happy President's Day! Spend some time checking out these layouts made with the new Spring 2012 Core Collection dies. Click on each layout for a list of products used and see all of the Spring 2012 Core Collection dies here.

If you've followed QuicKutz/Lifestyle Crafts through the years, you definitely know who Shaunte Wadley is! She's been a designer with us for years and years.  Her projects are always fabulous and inspiring. Check out her spotlight below.

How long have you been paper crafting?

After my first child was born. Like all first-time parents, I took a million craptastic photos of my baby, and needed to do something with them. This was in 1996. All we had available as far as product and tools back then was pinking sheers, Mrs. Grossman's stickers, and Paper Patch paper. Man, those early albums I made are pretty hideous!

2. What are your go-to crafting supplies?

I feel like I would probably get fired if I didn't say "all my Lifestyle Crafts Dies!!" (I really do keep them handy.) My go-to dies, are the small 2x2 tag dies. I use them a ton! My favorite tool is a Quilters Awl. It is like a small ice pick. I use it for everything. To poke holes for brads and eyelets, as a seam ripper when stitching goes bad, and as a self-defense item if I am walking out to my car after a late night crop. Kidding. I have a giant ATG adhesive gun too. I know it is time to clean my studio when the ATG gun gets lost under mounds of crud.

3. What are your go-to Lifestyle Crafts products?

I am a sucker for Alphabets! My favorites are Diesel Grand, Blue Sky (with the shadow) and Oatmeal. I also love the border dies. I love rolling one through my Epic, and being able to cut it apart to make multiple cards. Saves time! And a surprising wild-card for me would have to be the Pizza Box. I swear, I have used that thing a million times for small gifts, gift cards, and treats. I finally broke down and bought another one, because I was afraid I would ruin my original die or lose it. I have hoarding issues.

4. What is one of your favorite projects you've created with LC products

I made a home decor item that actually turned out non-cheesy. I have it hanging in my home, and have gotten a lot of compliments on it. (attached) It was made with a bunch of random flower dies and Core'dinations cardstock.

5. What do you do when you're not crafting?

I have five kids and a husband. I stay pretty busy. ;) We travel a lot (my husband works for an airline) so I am really lucky that way. It provides me with a lot of fresh photos!

6. What are your favorite blogs to read?

I would say I am more of a Pinterest addict. 

7. Another fun fact.

Back a few years ago, I was published quite a bit in scrapbooking magazines, and taught classes a lot. I went to a doctor's visit during this time, and was lying down on the examination table. The nurse came in, and tentatively asked me if I scrapbooked. I was quite flattered as I assumed that she recognized me from a publication, or a class. It was then that she told me I had a photo stuck to the bottom of my shoe. I was pretty humbled.

Have you been thinking about the new tool and platform ever since we mentioned it on the blog last week? Today we are sharing some more information about the Genius Ultimate Platform System debuting this spring. 

What is the Genius Ultimate Platform System, and how does it work?

The Genius Ultimate Platform System is a new, innovative way to die cut and emboss! The kit comes with a brand new MAGNETIC platform.  It also includes two mats, one for embossing and one for cutting (see the chart below for more details on each mat).  The cutting mat is new and improved, longer-lasting with less curling. As a bonus, the kit includes a one-of-a-kind nesting die pictured below (a $24.99 value).

Why should I buy the Genius Ultimate Platform System?

-Compatibility: This platform is compatible with the crafting/die-cutting tool you already own. It works in all leading die-cutting tools. No need to buy a completely new die-cutting system!

-Magnetic platform: Your metal dies will stay in place for more accurate and efficient cutting.

-Longer platform: The 6"x13" size is longer than leading platform systems. Fit more and larger dies in one roll through your machine.

-Durable mats: These new and improved cutting/embossing mats are thicker, more durable, self-healing, and will last longer.

-Grids: Each cutting mat includes a grid and centering ruler for accurate cutting and quick measuring.

Which dies and embossing folders can I use in the Genius Ultimate Platform System? 

What does the one-of-a-kind nesting die look like? 

Pictured here is the nesting die included in the Genius Ultimate Platform System.  With 10 nesting pieces at a $24.99 value, this is a great addition to the kit.  Use it to make tags, cards, garlands, scrapbook pages, ect.  A great basic die to have in your collection!

What tools is the Genius Ultimate Platform System compatible with?

The Epic 6 by Lifestyle Crafts

The Sizzix BigShot
The Sizzix Vagabond

The Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

The Sizzix BigShot

And of course... the Evolution by LIfestyle Crafts (debuting this spring)

When will the Genius Ultimate Platform System be available? 

 The Genius Ultimate Platform System will be available online and in stores this spring.  Specific dates coming soon.

Stay tuned for more details, pricing information, and demonstration videos!