the ultimate usx
From the moment I was introduced to this tool I was impressed and amazed by it. The ease of use and endless possibilities for it are what makes it one of my ultimate tools, and today some members of the Fiskars Design team and I are going to show you why the Ultra ShapeXpress is such a great tool.
We will show you various ways to use this tool throughout the article, and if you are having any problem with your tool you can view a troubleshooting article here.
 Coffee Thank You Card by Lisa Storms The Ultra ShapeXpress is the perfect tool for creative card making! This thank you card illustrates several fun uses.
The card base itself is cut from a large rectangle template. Just cut and fold without worrying about measuring and you'll even have your corners rounded for you! It's also fun to combine stamping with the Ultra ShapeXpress by cutting out a shape for a masking. Simple cut out your shape and adhere with a dab of temporary adhesive while you lightly chalk the interior edges and stamp away while easily being confined to your shape. Lift up and you have a one-of-a-kind sentiment!  This card was also quickly transformed into a gift card holder by cutting out only three sides of a rectangle on the card's interior to create a convenient slot! The Ultra ShapeXpress allows you this versatility of cutting where you want and which sides you want. I finished off the card's coffee theme with a simple crimped strip of neutral cardstock adhered into a faux coffee sleeve to keep it all together with a clever presentation.
 House Warming Card by Lisa Storms Another fun use for the Ultra ShapeXpress is to cut out shapes for instant paper piecings. You can even make your pieces interactive by creating flaps.
Here I combined lots of different templates to create a house complete with an opening front door to house (ha ha) my congratulatory message. The main house and chimney are rectangles, the roof is a square cut in half, and the grass is a border. Don't forget to include those borders that are built into the shape templates with your cards to quickly and easily give them a little extra something!
To create the door, I cut out only three sides of a rectangle and folded the flap back to stamp my message. Just for fun, I added texture by sewing in a little cotton into the chimney and ran the roof through the crimper!  Save the Date Card by Lisa Storms:
One of the most versatile uses for the Ultra ShapeXpress in card making is to create windows. This tool allows you to cut a shape anywhere you want!  For this card, I wanted to include a photo of the couple with the card but wanted it to be seen even when the card is closed. Simple! Just cut a shape into the front of the card and align the photo underneath on the card's interior. This can easily be modified for a birth or graduation announcement, etc. I wanted to add a little elegance to the card, so I punched out an intricate oval and cut a slightly larger oval into the center than on the card front for a layered effect. A punched chipboard heart tied onto the card completes this pretty card that could easily be duplicated numerous times!
Butterfly Mobile by Patti Milazzo:  For complete instructions and supply list click HERE.  Decorative Pillows by Lisa Truesdell:  Ultra shape express templates aren’t just for paper!! I love to use them as patterns while working with fabric. These quick and easy pillows are appliquéd with designs pieced together from Ultra Shape Express templates. Wth the shapes available, you can make a pillow to match any room.
For complete instructions, supply list, and more photos click here.
For even more fun with the Ultra ShapeXpress click on the links below to more projects featuring this versitle tool. By Fiskars Design Team
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