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Contact:
Karen Herrera
Ellison (949) 598-8822 x137
kherrera@ellison.com
JEWELRY MAKES SOME BRAND NEW FRIENDS
Teaming up with the Vintaj Natural Brass Company, Sizzix combines art metal with die-cutting to create handmade personalized jewelry
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (July 19, 2011) – With the new Vintaj® Dies for the Sizzix® BIGkick™ Machine (Vintaj Special Edition), crafters will soon be able to create many breathtaking jewelry applications by etching or embossing beautiful patterns onto different shapes of Vintaj natural brass art metal blanks. These beautiful designs can be previewed by retailers at the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Summer 2011 trade show July 19-21, 2011, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.
Each DecoEtch™ Die (2 3/8" x 2 5/8") instantly etches (without the use of chemicals) intricate patterns onto different shapes of Vintaj blanks, while a DecoEmboss™ Die (2 3/8" x 2 1/2") easily raises beautiful designs onto different shapes of Vintaj blanks. Both can be used to create or decorate unique metal embellishments for personalized projects such as jewelry, cards, scrapbook pages, boxes or frames.
To highlight the raised areas of the blank, crafters will be able to use the Vintaj Metal Reliefing block. For different design possibilities with a DecoEmboss Die, placethe metal blank onto varying areas of the die with each use. (This will give crafters the added benefit of more even wear).
The two new dies work with the Vintaj Special Edition BIGkick Machine (12 1/4" x 6" x 14 1/2") when the Solo Platform & Shim (included with purchase of Machine) are used. In addition to performing these metal embossing and etching techniques, the BIGkick cuts and embosses everything from cardstock to fabric and works with most products in the Sizzix library for endless combinations of creativity.
“This alliance leverages the popular Vintaj artistic metals and embellishments with the award-winning dies and embossing tools of Sizzix,” said Denzil Quick, director of marketing for Sizzix. “Together, this powerful combination will empower crafters to affordably create their own jewelry, while customizing it to their own unique lifestyle.”
The initial die release draws its inspiration heavily from nature images with six DecoEmboss designs and four DecoEtch images. The MSRP of the two lines are $9.99 and $4.99, respectively.
For more information, please visit Sizzix.com/shop/vintaj or Vintaj.com.
About Vintaj Natural Brass Co.
Vintaj Natural Brass Co. is a dream fulfilled of three women/sisters Wendy Mullane and Jeanne Holland, along with their close friend, Jess Italia Lincoln. The spark ignited when Wendy and Jeanne were teaching jewelry design to a women’s group in their church in the spring of 2001.
Playfully and artfully manipulating a filigree bead, Jeanne opened it and wrapped it around a glass stone. Wendy and Jeanne immediately realized the unlimited potential of what they now term “creative settings” and later began to design together full time as Vintaj Design Studios. In the fall of 2001, Wendy, while deep in the heart of metal working, discovered an eco-friendly process to give Vintaj embellishments their unique color and luster, which further spring boarded their design potential. Not only did this venture give the opportunity for an income and creative outlet, but also it allowed time for the things they considered most important: raising their children and serving in the community. Wanting to share this opportunity with others like themselves, they began to explore the notion of offering their jewelry components to the beading industry. Impressed with Jess’s unique sense of design, creativity, talent and fervor, Wendy and Jeanne invited her to join them. Immediately applying her talents, Jess began implementing a campaign to reach beaders all over the world. The three artisans incorporated in 2005 and through their combined efforts, Vintaj Natural Brass Co. was born.
Each and every Vintaj Natural Brass Co. embellishment undergoes a meticulous, eco- friendly, hand-embellishing process. These beautifully artistic components are nickel free, lead-free compliant and made in the USA.
About the Sizzix Brand
Gone are the days of ragged paper edges, lopsided cutouts and hours of wasted time. Now is the time of the space-efficient, easy-to-use and affordable Sizzix System. Ellison developed the technology for the original Sizzix Machine, and in 2001 the Sizzix brand was created and launched. Since then, Sizzix has developed a complete line of machines, dies and accessories. Sizzix machines are versatile and affordable, making them a hit with everyone from novices to professional designers. Sizzix has received numerous awards, including winning the Creating Keepsakes' Readers' Choice Award for Best Die-Cut Equipment every year since 2003. Sizzix is committed to helping individuals express their inner creativity through its innovative line of products. More information can be found at Sizzix.com.
