Reason #4: Make The Cut! will import SVG files and several other formats not available for import into KNK Studio.

SVG files are readily available on the Internet, both from web stores selling cutting files but also free at many blogs and user forums. MTC will also import SCUT files (created in Sure Cuts A Lot) and the latest AI formats. While KNK Studio does offer a wide range of file import filters, unfortunately SVG and SCUT are not included. Further, AI files must be version 8 in order to easily edited. Newer versions of AI can be troublesome in KNK, but not in MTC!

It’s very simple to import SVG files: just look for the icon at the top of the screen:

Reason #5: Make The Cut! comes with over 4500 free cutting files uploaded by users!

It’s a simple click to bring up a search window where you can not only search by category, date, and tag word, but also by an ID indicating which user uploaded the file! Further, this is a growing database as more and more MTC owners freely share their designs with other owners. Here’s a video to see how this works:

MTC On-Line Gallery

Reason #6: You can copy and paste images, text, and notes directly from KNK Studio to Make The Cut!

This one is extremely important because the new KNK Zing will come with Make The Cut! software and I know that KNK owners will want to be able to cut their existing .knk files as well as continue using KNK Studio for some of the designing functions they’ve already been using for years. No problem! The copy and paste is very simple to do.

I was especially happy to see that you can also continue using those 1300 fonts that came on your KNK Clipart and Fonts CD and copy/paste text you’ve just typed directly over to MTC, even though MTC cannot install these particular font formats. Further, if you use the Notes function in KNK Studio, you can also copy/paste this text into a similar Notes function in MTC.

Here’s a video showing how easily these three copy/paste situations work:

Converting From .KNK to .MTC

Make The Cut! uses a layers function to separate images for cutting. This would be used any time you have different colors in a KNK file and specifically need to keep those colors separated fur cutting. For example, a fold-up project with scoring lines could be one instance in which you would want some parts of an image put into a different layer from the rest. Another would be a paper piecing project where one would put all of the images to be cut from each color of cardstock onto separate layers. There could be several ways to do this when converting from KNK to MTC, but here’s my initial recommended method:

Converting A Multi-Color KNK File to MTC

Thanks for reading! Be sure to check out my next post in a few days when I’ll present three designing features in Make The Cut! that will make you cry out, “Wow!”

MTC is sold for $58.36 in my store.

I’m working now part-time as a project coordinator for Accugraphic Sales, the maker of the Klic-N-Kut machines that I so adore! I’ve been helping with the new Zing release as well as heading up a new team of KNK designers who are sharing some wonderful projects at our new blog site: Team KNK!

Here are the first few weeks of projects so that you can quickly catch up! : ) Note that there are links to free cutting files provided in some of these posts!

Fun Foam Doll – by Omayra

Vinyl Graduation Tile – by Nancy

Seashell Cupcake Wrappers – by Judy

Vinyl Lemonade Stand – by Lynn K

Pocket Card – by Elizabeth

Fall Leaves Layout – by Susan Mast

Happy Birthday USA (Iron-On plus Block Decorated with Vinyl) – by Barbie

Chip the Horse (layered chipboard) – by Michele

Fun Foam Storks – by Omarya

Chad’s Sale Tag – by Chad Younblut

Aye Matey… – by Deb Manus

Seashell Cards – by Judy Kay

Cowboy Caviar Recipe Layout – by Yours Truly!

I just LOVE a new cutter! And this one is going to rock the cutting world! The price of $399 is just amaZING for a machine that has 750g of cutting force, along with a 14″ wide cutting range. Just like with our other KNK’s, you can insert 15″ wide rolled materials, such as vinyl, for cutting and there will be a cutting mat included for cutting 12″ x 12″ cardstock or other materials such as fabric, thin chipboard, craft plastic, rhinestone template material, felt, fun foam, mylar, duralar, posterboard, and most of the other materials you see in the photo gallery here:

30 Plus Materials To Cut on A KNK

The only materials I show in that photo album that the Zing probably won’t handle are styrene and mat board. But I’ll give a full report once I have a Zing prototype of my own to test… fingers crossed for that to happen in the second half of August.

As you can see from the link at the new Zing home page, the compact siZING is another great feature! This KNK will be far easier to transport and I look forward to that.

Make The Cut is proving to be a popular software for the existing KNK owners, as well. The Print and Cut function is so much faster and easier to use with the automatic movement of the laser light to within about 1/4″ of each printed mark, thus requiring just a tweaking of movement to align perfectly. I’m also looking forward to the improved auto-tracing function which has always allowed previews of the trace before accepting the results. A demo video of the upcoming new version shows additional functionality with separate tabs to use when choosing the best best vectoriZING method based on the imported raster image.

For those who already own and use KNK Studio, a copy/paste function will be added so that existing KNK files can easily be moved to MTC for cutting to the Zing.

All in all, a lot to look forward to in the upcoming months! So, keep checking for more information and I will be reporting the latest, as I receive it.


DOT (aka Dongle Organizing Toolbox) is an adorable little container for protecting a security key (dongle) or a flash drive as well as storing blade holders and blades for a range of cutters!

Read more about DOT here: DOT

Also, I’m very pleased to announce that I’m now selling Make-The-Cut! A plug-in was released last week and MTC now cuts directly to a Klic-N-Kut (all models) and offers the following advantages over KNK Studio only:



Further, you can now choose between Make the Cut and Klic-N-Kut Studio when ordering a new Groove-E! The Maxx models will continue to automatically be sold with KNK Studio, but for the low cost of MTC ($58.36), you may wish to add it on!

Note that owners of certain older KNK models may need to purchase serial plus serial/USB converter cables for communication from MTC to their cutters. Email me at smccauley45@cox.net and I can help you determine if that will be necessary prior to purchase.

Rhinestone pattern resizing is a relatively easy process and most everyone already doing rhinestone designing probably has their own method, depending on which software they use. My new customers often contact me for guidance so I decided to make a video for them, as well as create a simple Excel calculator to make the process simpler.

But re-spacing the circles in a pattern is a different matter. This has come up dozens of times and, until a few weeks ago, I typically said that you are stuck with what you get in the original design. However, that’s not true. I pondered it for a while and then spent an entire weekend “doing the math” and came up with a method whereby an existing pattern can have the circles moved closer together or farther apart, while maintaining the exact same pattern design and circle size. The most obvious application for this would be when a pattern is resized for a different size stone and the spacing between the circles subsequently becomes too large or too small. But it can also be used when designing with rhinestone fonts in which the spacing is already determined based on the font design. If you do not like the spacing, then CHANGE IT using my method and the rhinestone spacing calculator (anther Excel spreadsheet I’ve created).

So, the links to the tutorial videos are below. If you cannot open an Excel 2007 spreadsheet, no problem. Accugraphic is working on making these two calculators available on the Internet. Or you can download the free OpenOffice program and use that. Note that while the videos were made using functions in ACS and KNK Studio, I’m fairly certain these same functions I’m using can be found in the other major designing programs, such as Corel Draw, Funtime, and WinPC Sign.

Resizing Rhinestone Designs Video

Re-spacing Rhinestone Designs Video

Since I had to re-upload all of these videos, I took the time to accomplish a second item on the To Do list, which was to reorganize the videos. I guess I’ve always had a bit of a hang-up about folders with too many files. When collecting anything in large numbers, I find a need to arrange them in some sort of orderly way to make finding what I need quicker and easier. I think they call it being “anal?” lol

So, all of the blog videos and miscellaneous other free videos have been arranged into a series of categories: Features, Designing, Editing, Text, Support, Import Export, and Rhinestones. And you’ll find links to these under the Support tab here (and then click on Videos). OR, you can just click on this link:

Free Videos

Note that the Support section will continue to grow as I remember specific tutorials I need to share, as well as new videos that need to be made. If you find anything you’d like to see added, be sure to let me know and I’ll do my best to make it available.

For the Scottsdale Klic-N-Kut Retreat in February, Judy Keating surprised us all with paper cupcakes containing a small flashlight and a cute clay cactus on a key ring. She also had taken the time to create an excellent tutorial on cutting clay on the Klic-N-Kut. Thank you, Judy, for sharing this wonderful tutorial and allowing me to provide it to the readers here. While it was written for the Klic-N-Kut, owners of other cutters should pick up some useful tips, as well.

Judy has also shared the cactus file, which was originally designed by her friend and host of the Scottsdale Retreat, Lynn Keniston. Thanks to Lynn and Judy for generously sharing your work. And…. Judy shared the cupcake wrapper file, as well, that was made by welding this cute cactus to her template.

PDF Tutorial on Cutting Clay

Cactus Die Cut in KNK Format
Cactus Die Cut in SVG Format

Cactus Cupcake Wrapper in KNK Format
Cactus Cupcake Wrapper in SVG Format

2. Faster Speed: No worries about waiting painfully long times for projects to cut or watching your cutter go into Pause mode to cool down. Our cutters will cut faster than even suitable for most materials or as slow as you need! This gives you the control to cut at just the right speed for your project.


3. Excellent Construction: The Klic-N-Kuts are made almost entirely of metal, making them strong, durable, dependable machines designed to cut day after day, month after month, year after year.


4. Latest Features: Our machines come with bolt-on tables which can extend, unsupported, beyond a desk or table to free up space. The fully-adjustable blade holder seat allows you to insert virtually any blade holder you own, as well as, pens, markers, embossing styluses and more. For accurate print-and-cut applications, the Groove-E comes with an insertable alignment pin while the Maxx models have a built-in laser alignment light.


5. Available Accessories: Besides receiving a regular blade and thick materials blade, you can also purchase a punch tool, engraving tool, sliver blade, and fabric blade, all of which widen the applications possible in your crafting. Photos using some of these tools may be seen at: Creations Using Accessories in the KNK. There are also three sizes of mats (carrier sheets) available or you can order one to be custom cut to the dimensions you need.


6. Exceptional Software: It’s impossible to even list the enormous number of functions plus bells and whistles available in KNK Studio. Suffice it to say that if you can imagine it, you can design it! Our customers find KNK Studio more than able to meet their needs without resorting to any other graphics programs. Time and again, I hear reports back that KNK Studio is addictive! The latest version has a vectorization wizard for excellent color or monochromatic tracing of raster clipart, including images you scan from magazines or small images you copy/paste from Internet sites. The built-in jogging function provides accurate print and cut actions using a three-registration mark process. And there are dozens of ways to customize images and text to make your own unique designs.


7. Wide Availability of Free Files: The software comes with over 4000 cutting files plus many of our wonderful customers have freely shared their creations over the past 3 years at message boards and Yahoo groups. You can also import a wide variety of vector formats to have ready-to-cut files, such as .ai, .eps, .wmf, .dxf, and even vector .pdf. These files can then be easily edited or cut as-is.


8. Detailed Documentation: The Klic-N-Kut Maxx/Groove-E User Manual contains over 100 pages of step-by-step tutorials, screen shots, and recommended procedures to make it a comprehensive guide for learning and referencing.


9. Vast Experience: Accugraphic Sales, Inc is the company behind the Klic-N-Kut and has over 25 years of experience in the digital die cutting business. Machines ship from their Florida-based facility and, in the rare event of a mechanical problem, all repairs are handled by them at the same location.


10. Superb Customer Support: All KNK dealers sign a contract agreeing to learn the machine and provide basic hardware and software support. Personally, I go a mile further than that by providing free videos and customized free classes to my KNK customers by phone and VNC so they learn (1) how to operate their new KNK, (2) the basics of using the software, and (3) the principles of cutting. Time and again, I see those who invest the time in these classes get launched to success with their new KNK and begin creating and cutting everything in their dreams! It can’t get any better than that!

For more information on the Klic-N-Kuts, click on the Comparison Charts tab or the Shop tab. Note that in order to receive the additional educational support package, you will need to contact me in advance of the sale so that you will be noted as one of my customers. I can be reached at: smccauley45@cox.net .

and the 24″ ACS Eagle, with a WHOPPING 1500g of cutting force!

I haven’t previously mentioned them because I’ve been busy completing the User Manual for these two new machines and introducing rhinestone applications to the KNK world.  But now I’m ready to add the ACS  to the line of cutters that I sell on commission with Accugraphic and note that I will be providing the same high level of technical support for ACS Systems that I give to my KNK customers, with additional hours of free training to help make the customers successful:

(1)   Setup and installation and learning to cut, by phone/VNC… up to 90 minutes long

(2)   Additional phone/VNC classes, whenever you need them, to cover any additional ACS topics of interest. Please refer to Current Specials, as well as, the Comparison Charts to see what each cutter package includes.

(3)   You receive a certain number of the KNK Studio videos I sell in my store for free – again please refer to Current Specials, as well as, the Comparison Charts to see what each cutter package includes.

(4)   I have a Yahoo group for my own customers called I Love KNK… you get invited to join that group

(5)   I’m typically available 7 days a week by email, so you can always email me privately with any questions and I’ll respond within 24 hours… although usually MUCH sooner than that!  : )

(6)   And, finally, I help my customers with any designing needs… you get stuck on a file… you can just email it to me and I’ll tell you what you need to do.

These cutters come with ACS Studio and 10 rhinestone fonts. The software is dongled and contains an extra rhinestone designing feature (compared to KNK Studio) for filling images in any of 6 pattern choices.

If you visit  Accugraphic’s site, www.knkusa.com, you’ll see that they are also now offering the current KNK Maxx models, packaged with the new ACS Studio,  for those customers primarily interested in using the Maxx for rhinestone applications.

Please feel free to comment or post questions here OR send them to me privately at smccauley45@cox.net.  If  you decide to purchase a cutter  from either KNKUSA (ScrapbookDieCutter) and want my support package, then please notify me in advance of your purchase, and I can let Accugraphic know you will be my designated customer.

I’m really excited to be expanding my horizons with these new cutters and helping those who will be using them in both business and hobby activities.

The KNK Celebrations Retreat!
Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25
Raleigh, North Carolina

Have an AMAZING Klic-N-Kut weekend experience! This retreat is all about using Klic-N-Kut Studio with your die cutter to create virtually anything you need for celebrating holidays and special events in your life. Six classes and three demos will cover a range of designing techniques and cutting materials to create gifts, decorations, and other entertaining goodies…. But also note that the information you learn will apply to most any hobby using your cutters. Details below!

The event will be held in the new Holiday Inn-Raleigh-Durham airport with a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel. We have a 1700 square foot room with outlet access in the floor as well as in the walls. While we encourage you to bring a laptop and your cutter, it is certainly not a requirement for attendance as we will have extras available and we can arrange for sharing amongst everyone.

The cost of the event is $375 plus your hotel room. If you live locally you are not required to stay at the hotel. Our room rate for Friday and Saturday nights is $79 per night. The rate for Thursday night is $109. The $375 includes 5 meals, snacks, free goodies, all classes and demos, and cutting materials. We plan to begin at 3 pm on Friday with an Open House and KNK demonstration, however we have the room beginning first thing on Friday morning through Sunday night for anyone wanting to use it for cropping. Only the first 20 participants will be accepted and we will have a waiting list in case of cancellations. To reserve a spot, please Paypal $100 to: bcreech469@aol.com. If you prefer to pay by check or money order, please contact Barbie at this email address for further information. Final payment will be due by September 30.

Every room at the hotel has free high speed Internet, a small fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and 27” flat screen TV. To make your hotel reservations, contact Shannon Seibert at the Holiday Inn. Her phone number is 919-655-1150 or 919-465-1910 or FAX @ 919-465-1908.

Tentative Classes:

(1) Welding Wizardry: The welding tools in KNK Studio offer so much more than just creating merged titles. Learn how ALL three tools can be used to personalize your projects and create unique designs.

(2) Meta-What?: One of the hidden treasures in KNK Studio is the Metamorphosis tool. In this class, I’ll teach how to effectively use this simple function in a number of different ways to create patterns both for cutting and for printing.

(3) Pop-ups and Fold-ups: In this class, we’ll explore different ways to create pop-up designs and other folded projects to use for greeting cards, place-cards, gift boxes, and bags.

(4) Text-ra Special II: Similar to the Text-ra Special class taught in St. Louis, more amazing text tricks will be presented with a special emphasis on our Celebrations theme!

(5) Etching to Have Fun?: Learn the ins and outs of etching, from creating your designs in KNK Studio, to cutting the vinyl and applying the cream. This is an inexpensive way to create dazzling gifts for friends and family.

(6) Tracing Secrets and Stick Figure Designs: Learn simpler ways to trace images and design holiday-themed graphics for cutting.

Demos:

(1) Rhinestone Applications: See the process from start to finish as a template is cut and filled with rhinestones to transfer and iron onto fabric

(2) T-Shirt Transfers: A design will be cut from T-Shirt transfer vinyl and then weeded and ironed onto a shirt.

(3) Masking Stencils: Stencils will be cut from acetate and used for decorating various materials.

Please post if you have questions OR email us at the following:
For questions about hotel, making payments, special needs, please contact Barbie Creech at: bcreech469@aol.com.

For questions about the content of the classes and demos, please contact Sandy McCauley at: smccauley45@cox.net.

Hope to see you in Raleigh!!!