R.A.C. ~ What?
- posted by: Cheryl
- posted in: Uncategorized
- on: January 23, 2008
R.A.C. . . . some of you already know what this stands for and others may not. Well, here’s the scoop. Formal definition is as such:
R.A.C. (Ra*ak) adj. 1. something done without pattern or rhyme which beautifies the world through arts and crafts. 2. A phrase inspired by ‘random acts of kindness’ and coined by Fiskars and the Fiskateers. 3. actions usually performed at the bi-annual crafting shows. 4. Abbreviation standing for Random Acts of Crafting.
Random Acts of Crafting . . . this is something that the lead Fiskateers have done the past few CHA shows. R.A.C. are crafty actions we’ve taken to help beautify the CHA show and to ’spread the Fiskars love’. We’ve done such things as creating a paper garden consisting of paper flowers in front of the Convention Center, created wreaths made of paper flowers hung in the women’s restrooms, confetti (using the squeeze punches) for the tables in the dining area and so forth. Wendy Jo has also helped us spread some love through Random Acts of Crafting. She made these awesome magnets and sent them to us. We plastered the restrooms with the magnets. Fiskars also had a sidewalk chalk artist come in last year and create a ’scissor mural’ in front of the convention center. This was awesome and created quite the buzz. The R.A.C. phrase caught on in such a great way Fiskars blessed us with backpacks and buttons to spread the word.
I have some ideas brewing for some R.A.C. for this years show that I’ll share a little later. You Fiskateers are one wonderful, creative and inspiring bunch and we wanted to hear from you. Tell us . . . what are some Random Acts of Crafting you think would be fun to see at CHA (Craft and Hobby Association - the big trade show of the year)? One of the goals as well of R.A.C. is that we get the product out there and add a touch of art and Fiskars love. So think along those lines.
Give me your best shot . . .
I’ll choose a couple of winners and we just might use your fun R.A.C. ideas.
P.S. ~ We have heard and are expecting some sneak peeks soon of the new products and lines. Of my . . . they sound fun and exciting! Oh my . . . can hardly contain myself. My blood pressure always goes up this time of year. We can’t wait to share.
Meghan E says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:19 pmI love the sidewalk chalk art idea! That is just fabulous
What about making flowers (using punches of course) that have maybe a fiskateers of fiskars tag on them and handing them out to people?
Or what about using those punches again and making leis that you could hand out to people to wear? Crafters always love something funky to wear… especially at something like CHA
Marne L says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:31 pmI use my punches to fill Birhtday,
Best Wishes, Get-well cards ect. They are for our local nurseing homes.
I make the cards and fill them with the small pieces. They all love the surprise when they open the card.
This is also a great way to use the very smallest of paper pieces.
#3257 Marne
Lyn Dwyer says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:08 pmI love what you guys get up to over there for CHA…….it must be so much fun with these RAC’s at CHA……and I can just imagine the look on people’s faces when you give them a RAC…..ok….How about something for a mobile phone….oops…I think you guys refer to them as “cell phones…..LOL!…..see I’m learning your lingo….he,he.I’m thinking along the lines of something they can dangle from the phone….a little pair of scissors perhaps….with Fiskars on them!
Lyn Dwyer
Vicki Bell says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:16 pmWhat if……..we Fiskateers make and send cards or tags to you, and you hand these out to people at the CHA. Something with a ‘happy’ look and feel. This way, they can see that the love is being spread from all over.
Julie Overby says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:17 pmHey Cheryl! How fun to be spreading the Fiskars love! That was so fun to do in Texas when we gave out scissors.
Well, here is my idea. It’s probably too late but maybe for next CHA. What about key chains to pass out? They could have the logo and fiskars colors and I’m not sure what they’d be made out. It’d be cool if Fiskars made chipboard and then it could be something that someone could take home and alter themselves. Of course, something already done would be nice too! I’ll keep brainstorming for some more ideas!
Sandi says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:26 pmPass out nail files with something on it like. “Come check out our Fiskateer files.” “Sharpen you skilles with our products.” Come see how on www.fiskateers.com or www.fiskars.com This is all I can think of off the top of my head.
Sandi
Tiffany #3001 says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:41 pmMy favorite thing right now is saving glass jars…..like frap jars or ice tea jars. Using a punch you could make flowers in a variety of sizes. Embellish the middle of the flower with bling, buttons or even paper using a smaller punch and pop dots. Adhere them to wooden dowels all different heights…….then wrap the jar with another strip of paper and add tulle or ribbon…. These could be something scattered through out the trade show……like sending a bouquet flowers to spread the fiskar love. Of course glass may not be ideal and you may want something larger like paint cans or bucket.
Sara says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:55 pmWhat about orange beaded (big plastic beads) bracelets with an RAC pin attached?
Wendy says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:05 pmThis sounds like fun. I have one . . .
Paper fortune cookies that you post up all over the place with nice little validations in them. Using the circle punch you punch circles in different patterned paper and write your message (or print them on paper and then just center your punches over the printed parts - this is what I do when I need to make a lot). Then you fold in half and then start to fold in half again and pinch the top of the half circle where you started to fold (roll the edges a bit) and pin it somehwere (or tape inside the pinch and tape them up anywhere . . .
My kids love finding little cookie notes pinned up around the house!
Thanks Cheryl!
RobinDiane says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:25 pmMake flower pins from the punches..and use the orange and the new aqua blue for the colors.
Tami #804 says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:33 pmWhat fun! I saw the video of the sidewalk chalk project. It was amazing. How about decorating the mirrors in the bathroom. You could use punches with the new paper lines to make a design to frame the mirrors. Every woman who walks in the bathroom looks into the mirror. What a great way to share the love. You could even write inspirational messages on the hearts or shapes such as…”You are amazing” or “You are beautiful inside and out”.
Sindee says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:35 pmWow! What great ideas! There are some great new patterns for 3-d paper stars - (and I happen to have patterns! lol) These would look great hanging from the ceiling in a lobby or entry way!
OR - for a spring theme…paper pinwheels (made from the new and upcoming Heidi Grace papers), attached to mini dowels…stuck in some colored galvinized buckets of sand…outide the entry way or for table centerpeices!!!!!
Can I come? lol
Lisa says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:51 pmHow about creating paper chains using patterned paper with quote printed on them. They could be hung anywhere……bathroom, left on tables, it the booth. Anyway, they would have inspiratioal quotes on them that people would pick and take with them. Or even maybe a box you draw quotes out of?
Christine Cleary #2264 says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:00 pmoh, on a grand scale how about making chandeliers with beautiful punched shapes dangling from them etc ie the new squeeze mint condition shape could be a candle flame, with bling bling hanging down off the frame, or even some fiskars scissors -perhaps cover them in glitter to add to the sparkle. (I can see it in my head but hard to put into words. Then I would give each person a pin to wear in the shape of scissors or the new squeeze punch or something like that - or a name tag for their bags or name tag for scissors etc.
Naomi says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:03 pmorange flowers with flower punch and spread all around, like a flower girl would in a wedding.
paper flower garlands are great too! so many possibilities
Betsy says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:19 pmHow about making tiny match books “cha” survival kits
you could staple a band-aid, a breath mint, or something similar in side
Betsy says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:22 pmOr how about paper “trees”…I took cones and used flatted paper “loops” layered on the cone to make a tree…(I can provide a pix if you like) with a bench underneath to sit and rest a spell…
Robin N (tqmnurse) says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:58 pmwhat about using punches and stamps and make little buttons or name tags with fiskateers info on them???….like the fiskateers website, join info # of fiskateers going strong and still counting type of thing
Patty # 2832 says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:06 pmMatchbook mints with added bling on them ..maybe using the Mint punch. Thanks a Mint on the outside and the Fiskars name on one side.
Mint patties inside two shapes punched out.
A name tag shaped like one of the tools..maybe a squeeze punch (I’ve yet to find one!)
How about one of the ?? what are they called…the long keychains you wear around your neck ?? those printed with the Fiskars name or just some orange ones with a little Fiskars bling hanging on it..I’m not sure what is available to use
Or even making the little printed covers to go around small chocolates or hand creams, lip balms, bandaids!, sm mirrors..votive candles..micro popcorn!
guess those aren’t really “art” though, are they!
melita says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:20 pmooh…have to get my thinking cap on!
Michele L says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 pmI think it would be neat to put some kind of Fiskars love (just not sure what) on the cars in the parking lot. How fun would that be to come out to your car and find a RAC?
jensmack says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 pmI was thinking that there’s always a lot of walking and standing around at trade-shows. (at least at the HR-related ones I’ve attended) I don’t know how cost-effective this is… but how about decorating flip-flops with some of the decorative punched paper? Like attaching flowers in different colors.
It could be an extra gift/surprise for those trade-show attendees who look like their feet need a little pampering after a long day of walking the convention floors.
Chris says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 pmHOW ABOUT USING PUNCH TO MAKE PAPER LEIS TO HAND OUT AT THE DOOR
EVERYONE WOULD BE WALKING AROUND THEN SHOWING OFF THEIR LEIS AND THE PRODUCT:d
Jennifer Nenni says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:23 pmPaper-flower wrist corsages, like the ones that some of us wore to our high school proms. Those were fun to wear.
tammy b says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:29 pmstill trying to come up with something no one else has said yet!
Marti says:
January 24th, 2008 at 12:03 amHow about a foam staff on a key chain, that might say”Fiskateer #_____.” I would love something like to use on a swap or stamp a project.
Marti says:
January 24th, 2008 at 12:05 amHow about a foam stamp on a key chain , that might say “Fiskateer # ________,” I would diffently use this item for a swap or project identifying my work.
Rita Shimniok says:
January 24th, 2008 at 12:37 amWho can deny chocolate at CHA? I am visualizing a large punched flower, with a Hershey’s kiss used as the center, secured with a glue dot. Of course I am partial to the purple wrapped, dark chocolate -but buy whatever Kiss foils look best with Fiskars papers of choice!
The other thought is to rewrap little candy bars with Fiskars PP - perhaps with a little message “wrap up your creative wish list with Fiskars!”
Kay Brown says:
January 24th, 2008 at 12:46 amyou could put messages inside of baloons. Some of them could have coupons for free merchandise. The rest could be affirmations.
Debbie Buckland fiskateer #352 says:
January 24th, 2008 at 12:50 amThanks so much Cheryl for asking. Her are my ideas….
1. Handmade note books, say 10 pages with a pocket at the back, with some raindots or something small. (I’ll whip one up tonight and email you a photo)
2. Handmade paper purse. To put say little something inside like maybe a small punch, Stamps, Raindots etc (I’ll also whip you one up and email photos as soon as I can.)
ummmm thats about it. But my main theme I was thinking along is something practical that the recipetant can use later.
Have fun. Be emailing you soon with photos.
mary jean says:
January 24th, 2008 at 12:50 amhmmmmmmmm…im thinking a HUGE tiered scrapbook cake…made out of the triangle boxes…which have a small rac in them…like said before….a small distressing file, mints, a small stamp, pop dots…something along that line. The cake put together would be a wonderful showpiece…and every piece of cake “cut” should have the name fiskars…with a little saying…maybe… fiskars…a little slice from heaven…hmmmm…ill have to think on that part….there surely is the perfect phrase.
mary jean says:
January 24th, 2008 at 12:59 amok…got it….the saying on the cake slices.
fiskars and you…a match made in heaven
fiskars and you..the perfect pair for mouthwatering memories
Veronica says:
January 24th, 2008 at 2:10 amOkay, it’s kind of silly, but I’m a huge fan of faux food! How about a buffet of papercrafted food–including serving dishes (I can just see the fiskars delicate border punches making lovely edges for a sterling tea service.
)
Tran says:
January 24th, 2008 at 2:47 amGot up to someone and give them a tag that said you have been tagged by a Fiskateer.
Flower hair pin using fabrics
A cart corsage (spelling?) you know everyone will have a rolling cart at the convention. Why decorate the people? Decorate their cart!
sandra mason says:
January 24th, 2008 at 6:30 amWhat about a fiskars survival kit? raindots when you are feeling a little dotty, scissors for when you are feeling a little cut up, adhesive for when you are falling to pieces etc all in a miniature version of the green bag our official scissors come in
Lisa says:
January 24th, 2008 at 8:25 amName for traveling animal…you could choose little stuffed teddy bears (that are of course embellished with fun things) and call them Fisk-a-bears!
Sarah Fravel says:
January 24th, 2008 at 8:58 amWOW! What cool ideas there already are! Using the punches to make 3-D tags sounds great. I don’t think I can add much to what has already been suggested. I was thinking about Tootsie pops with punchy things added to them….make a circle about 3 inches, punch a little hole in the middle, stick the lolly through it as a flower center, make the lolly stick look like a flower by attaching paper leaves to it…etc….
Sarah #3020 says:
January 24th, 2008 at 9:44 ambag tags! Everyone going to that show has a bag for carrying around information and a lot of them are black so bag tags especially fiskars colors would be great. You can make them using gift cards or chipboard and cover them in patterened paper on both sides. Then you can embellish them with buttons and flowers. If you like the idea I would be willing to help make them since they are quite easy. Department stores will usually even donate the gift cards.
mariah says:
January 24th, 2008 at 10:12 amThere are so many neat ideas on here already.. I better start thinking.. I had the same idea RobinDiane has.. so I’m no big help
Debby says:
January 24th, 2008 at 11:27 amI posted on the message board. But there are some great ideas out there.
Staci says:
January 24th, 2008 at 12:07 pmI think that there are some great ideas on here already. RAC’s are so much fun to give and recieve.
What about scissor shape earrings. I thinkg those woulf be fun!
Betsy says:
January 24th, 2008 at 12:51 pmOk this could be kinda goofy but I was thinking about this at 3 this morning when I couldn’t sleep…
What about making paper fans (with the edges decorated with border punches) and a tag hanging off saying something about giving them something to “cool off” with after seeing all the hot new products.
NANCY says:
January 24th, 2008 at 1:08 pmLOTS OF GREAT IDEAS LADIES!
SOMETHING INTERACTIVE WITH THIS SITE??? I’LL HAVE TO GIVE THIS SOME MORE THOUGHT WHEN I GOT TIME
Yessica says:
January 24th, 2008 at 2:28 pmHow about something that can be put on a keychain/keyring? We all have keys and we use them daily. What better way to display the Fiskars joy we get from using all of the wonderful products, plus put a smile on your face everytime you see it.
Sandy says:
January 24th, 2008 at 3:25 pmOkay, somebody already had my “big” idea, LOL (the chandelier idea) - so here are my other shots at it:
*Something on the inside of the bathroom doors - like a piece of posterboard with the edges decorated and a pen hanging on a string for people to leave “words to ponder” or “deep thoughts”.
*I loved the flower garden that you did before- how about a “flower vendor” - make flowers and put them in box hanging around someone’s neck (like the peanut vendor at a ball game). They can walk around handing them out.
*You know how people at stores tape big fake flowers to the top of pens so people won’t steal them? How about jars of “Please steal me” pens with something made out of paper (flowers using edgers, punches hanging on wires, etc.) placed in strategic places around the venue with “with love from your friends at Fiskars” or something printed on the pen.
*This might be pretty out there, but I think it’d get noticed - how about making a backdrop (from pieced together scrapbook paper, of course) with a western theme or from a shop or garage (motorcycle?) to stand in front of and get your picture taken with a caption like “Scrapbookers have more fun” or “Wish you were here” or something to bring home to those family members (esp of the male variety) who don’t “get” CHA, haha.
Carlee #2225 says:
January 24th, 2008 at 5:36 pmI love hte idea of keychains. Who doesnt have keys?!?! Can a squeeze punch go through shrinky dink plastic? If so, what about squeeze punching out some fun thing and then make those into keychains, or purse chains? I also love the idea of STEAL ME pens!
It could have a tag on it that says Steal Me, Share the Love! 
I love the ideas people are coming up with…they are awesome!!! Wish I could be at CHA…but at least I know you guys will fill us in on all the events!
Christine says:
January 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pmHow about just doing a random act of kindness (Hold the door for somebody, help them with a heavy package, direct them to an awesome product booth), and give them scissors that say pay it forward on them..Maybe on a tag attached to the scissors, a magnet, or a keychain like somebody suggested above?
Janet Moore says:
January 24th, 2008 at 8:10 pmMore magnets… I loved those in the past!
Connie Melancon says:
January 25th, 2008 at 10:27 amWOW-seems like everyone else has already posted my ideas. I think name tags (baggage tags) and/or bags would be great(with a few extra tags in the bags that they can use-printed on the tags a place for thier name/address (incase they want to use them later for their totes) and fiskarteer website. I know I have tags on all my totes/bags from the “weekend/out of crops” I go to.
kim3timemom says:
January 25th, 2008 at 12:11 pmWhat about making those bookmarks that are so popular…everyone NEEDs bookmarks. You know the kind the really big paperclip ones. They are quite inexpensive at Walmart, and you can use different Fiskar’s punches to punch out the image for the tops..and cover them in Heidi paper and on top of the paper a smaller punch could punch out the “Share the Love” logo?
Can’t wait to hear what you all come up with.
Kathleen says:
January 25th, 2008 at 1:11 pmWell I think using the punch flowers in a variety of ways would be eye catching. For example wrap the mini chocolate bars with Fiskar paper and adorn with a flower. Then carry that flower into making the lei like a few have mentioned, place them around on a wreath and put in the Ladies room etc. I think by having the consistency of seeing the same thing (in this case a flower) would keep bringing them back to the Fiskar name. Use the Fiskar colors of course. Everyone had such good ideas!! This is such a good idea to help to stand out at such a huge convention. I wish I could see that sometime. Have fun in whatever you decide to do.
Angela says:
January 25th, 2008 at 4:12 pmYou could cut designs from Cling Vinyl to decorate windows and bathroom mirrors without having a mess to clean up. You could even use them to decorate cars.
Have an artist draw caricatures of attendees holding big scissors and a caption that says something like “Cuttin’ up at CHA 2008!” I have a caricature of myself riding a camel that was drawn at an insurance convention 8 years ago. I was so tickled to get it that I framed it and hung it in my house.
Make a large mobile out of paper and an assortment of fiskars tools.
Everyone has such good ideas. I can’t wait to hear what ya’ll do!
Amber Moro says:
January 25th, 2008 at 7:22 pmWhen I hear RAC - Random Act of Crafting — I think doing something for a charity. Why not set up a booth at every convention where attendees can create a card for charity. At the end of the convention Fiskars can donate all of the cards/projects to the charity of choice…maybe the Rondald McDonald house? You could have fellow Fiskateers design the card and then have all the supplies to make the card at the convention. You could have a requirement that the cards have to use Fiskars products and lines in the making of each card or project. This would be a great way to get people to try somd of the many Fiskars products…
Super fun too!!
Betsy says:
January 28th, 2008 at 3:44 pmI know that this is late…(and you have already chosen)…but I thought I would throw this out for what it’s worth….The expression “I’ve been framed” comes to mind…what about setting up a GIANT frame (with a wonderful background props etc.) as a photo op area? (So the person can actually get behind the frame and IN the pix…)
KellyB says:
January 28th, 2008 at 10:14 pmHow about making paper/ribbon, ect corsages for the ladies and bouteniers (sp?) for the men there! These would be really fun to make with all kinds of punches, papers, ribbons, ect and people could use them at home on a craft project! You could have the folded ribbon coming out from the side with something cute written on it like “RAC - with love from the Fiskateers!