Bead and Button Show Part Deux

I'm still decompressing from the amazing time I had at the Bead and Button Show. I saw lots of new tools, components and techniques but the booth and tool that stole the show for me was the Sizzix booth and the new Jill MacKay line of leather cutting dies. The dies require a set of magnetic plates that holds them in place, and the dies cut various sized cuff blanks, flower and other shapes in a variety of sizes, and delicate, lacy leather overlays. You will be cutting out leather cuff shapes and embellishments that will elevate your finished jewellery projects to a professional level at a fraction of the cost of pre-cut leather cuffs. It's great for creating leather flowered necklaces or even belts! The best thing -- you don't have to invest in a whole new tool since the plates and dies can be used in your Sizzix or Big Kick machine. 

Here's a picture of the wonderfully talented Tamara Honaman using the dies and creating beautiful cuffs. 

And here's a picture of some cut out leather ready for assembly and a bit of imagination. 

You can see some of the dies in a box in the right hand corner. 

Want more convincing this is the next big thing? The Sizzix booth sold out of the special magnetic plates for the dies on the first day of the show! Mine is back ordered and I'm waiting for it to be shipped to me. I bought some cuff blanks and other goodies, though, and I can't wait to play. New releases of dies are expected in early 2016. 

As soon as my plates arrive I'll be designing a project to teach at Beadfx this fall. You won't want to miss this fun craft and the opportunity to really customize your jewellery designs. 

To see more about this exciting product check out Jill MacKay's blog at www.jillmackay.com.