> ~ Insights by SewCalGal ~

Monday, July 23, 2012

Fiskars Introduces the Fuse Creativity System

Are you a Quilter that loves Modern Quilting tools? Many of these tools have helped quilters design quilts efficiently and accurately, some help make the process of cutting and creating easier, and some just expand our doors of creativity. You can always visit a blog of a quilter that loves their Modern Tools to learn more about how they use their Modern Tools for quilting, sewing, embroidery, etc. These bloggers have a badge on their blog that identifies them as a Quilter that loves their Modern Tools, and they are also on a list on a page of this blog labeled “Quilters with Modern Tools”. 

 Today, I want to share insight with you on a new system that Fiskars has introduce that I believe is going to be very popular with quilters, sewing & embroidery enthusiasts, mixed-media artists, and crafters alike. While I’ve not yet had an opportunity play with this new product, from what I have learned, it really looks like a great newtool and available at a very competitive price. 

 Fiskars has just introduced their new “Fuse Creativity System ", which goes above and beyond the capability of many die cutting systems. This is a new product that will actually start appearing on the shelves at JoAnns the end of July/early August. It was first introduced via HSN on June 18th , where it was well received by quilters and crafters and sold out quickly during the world-wide launch.


The system is designed as a Modern “Crafting” tool, not a tool specifically for quilters.  But, SewCalGal does view that it has many features that will benefit quilting, sewing and embroidery enthusiasts.  And, definitely enhance creativity for those that enjoy scrapbooking, cardmaking, mixed media arts, and more. 

Fiskars promotes “The Fuse Creativity System®” as being  much more than another die-cutting machine. It’s the only system on the market that can die-cut a shape, press a textured pattern and ink the pattern all in one pass through the machine. The simplified plating and manual crank system make it easy to create embellishments for accenting homemade cards, scrapbook pages or just about any other paper craft project.

Fiskars makes two different types of dies – steel rule and photo etched. Photo etched dies cut cardstock and paper-based mediums and achieve more intricate designs. Steel rule dies cut thicker materials including chipboard, balsa wood, foam, fabric and light metal. The steel rule dies would be best for sewing and quilting enthusiast. The basic shapes (square, circle oval, scalloped oval, scalloped circle, scalloped square) would expedite the process of cutting out basic shapes for projects. The bird and postage stamp dies would make very fun appliqué embellishments as well.   




Currently, you can choose from Medium Design Sets that cut classic shapes in thick materials, Medium Design Sets that cut intricate shapes in light crafting materials, Border Design Sets and Large Design Sets. Medium Design Sets that cut thicker materials accommodate additional letterpress plates available in their Expansion Packs, and their Adapter Kit lets you use your existing dies from other systems with this machine. Try different combinations of dies, letterpress plates, inks and crafting materials for a virtually limitless range of designer-quality results.


This system supports Five different techniques:  
Die Cut + Letterpress


Die Cut + Press only
Die Cut only
Letterpress only




Press Only
SewCalGal definitely wants to create with this system.   Can you image the fun of using this system with fabric inks to stamp on fabric?  Wouldn’t it be fun to use some of the Fiskars dies to stamp with fabric ink to embellish your fabric?
There are a few blogging quilters that have reported that both AccuQuilt and Sizzix dies work in the new Fiskars Creativity System, but I have not had the opportunity to validate this capability.

Product Details obtained from Fiskars:


The closed machine measures 12” tall, 15” wide and 6” deep. Open the machine measures 24” long and 8” tall. The cut width accommodates 12” materials. The machine weighs 23 lbs. It is a sturdy machine and won’t move around during use.

Fuse Creativity System®, 3 years; Fiskars Design Sets, lifetime, which is a much better warranty than I’ve seen with any other die cutting system.

Fuse Creativity System Starter Set (includes Fuse Creativity Machine, cutting plate with rubber mat, spacer plate, black ink pad, and one Design Set that includes a cutting die and two letterpress plates) $299.99
·         Steel rule design sets – Medium (4” x 5”) $19.99
·         Photo etched design sets – Medium (4” x 5”) $29.99
·         Letterpress plate expansion pack – Medium $19.99
·         Adapter kit - $89.99
·         Cutting plate with mat – Medium $14.99
·         Rubber mat refill pack – Medium $12.99





Here is a really cute felt bird project made by designer Lisa Storms, using the Fiskars CreativitySystem.   This cute bird would certainly be cute in an applique’ quilt, wallhanging, table topper or embellished clothing item.  I also look forward to when a machine embroidery digitizer digitizes this shape for applique’ machine embroidery.  So many possibilities.


The Fuse Creativity System is new and is introduced with a fun selection of dies, but certainly more dies will be introduced in the future.  

Again, I don’t yet have hands on experience with the Fuse Creativity System so I can’t answer every possible question about this new product.  But, as I get a chance to play with it, I’ll definitely share more insights with you.






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6 comments:

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Hi Darlene....this is very interesting...how will I ever keep up with all the new tools..lol. Thanks for sharing this.

Just letting you know; I received the machingers gloves and DVD from Quilters Touch today....but haven't received the Aurifil Threads or the Sewslip as of yet. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

So interesting and so versatile! Creativity, truly, knows no bounds!! Thanks for the terrific post!!

Char said...

Looks interesting. I'll be waiting for your further reviews.

Barb said...

I saw this the other day online and was wondering about it, thanks so much for the review.

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

This looks interesting. I have been sitting on the fence whether to buy a die cutting machine at all, but I am sure my hands, arms, shoulders and back would appreciate one. Think of all the scraps one could run through that thing in no time. Intriguing indeed.

VickiT said...

Wow. That machine looks like one to check out for sure given the adaptability to so many different mediums. I can definitely see why it sold out quickly on HSN. It will be interesting to see the reviews once more and more begin using those dies and see how well they actually work, especially the adaptor kit. Very interesting for sure.