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Friday, April 30, 2010

It's Fancy Friday! Playing with more packaging today!



Today, I got out my Art Glitter kit from Peddler Den and played. I cut more of my clam shell packaging from my Cricut Cartridges and then bent them a little. The cut I used was the 3 D Flowers from SVG Cuts. I applied the glue from Art Glitter and then the glitter. I used two colors, allowing the darkest color to dry first, then applying more glue and the lighter color.
I used my Sizzix embossing folder from Stamping Up, and inked it before running it through my Cuttlebug. I added some pearls from Want2Scrap, and stamped a sentiment from CTMH. The punch is Martha Stewart's Punch around the page, I think it is called loop.
If you don't have any clam shells from your carts, look around at your packaging. I have also cut up, the packing from my Fancy Pants Stamps, my K & Company Albums and Christmas wrapping paper. Just be sure to use your Deep Cut Housing and Blades in your Cricut.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Fancy Diamond Frame from Heritage to Share


Here is another fancy frame from Heritage to share (Gypsy Version). I created this file as a square shape frame, but liked the look of it on the diagonal. So, if you use this file you will need to scale it down on your Gypsy or using your DS, to fit it in a 12 x 12 page as a diamond shape. Love your comments, it keeps me motivated to blog, and share. Also, my blade needs replacing, so your cut file won't look as messy around the edges as mine. I am off to housework again! Hope today allows you some creative time!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Crushed Velvet and Toile in Midnight Blue



Today, I played with some all time favorites. What woman doesn't like Toile and crushed velvet? I love all the glamour pages in scrapbooking right now, so why not try and follow the trend in my covers? This color combo is my signature color, blue and white. I have obsessed over dark blue since childhood and collect cobalt glass and blue and white items. These colors are in my craft area too (along with Cricut Green)! It is such a happy color combo for me and it photographs so well! Yes, it is for sale at the Etsy shop, but I don't have any more velvet in stock so move quick!
I also loved the embellishment on this cover! I think part of the reason I started making covers, was to use my stash of vintage buttons and jewelry that were too bulky to fit in a scrapbook! The center of this flower came from a vintage bracelet I have. I thought it was just the perfect piece to finish off the flower center.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Cricut Cake Cover Debut: Sweet!


So, here it is, my Cricut Cake Cover. I love the Jumbo Picot trim on this one and the fruit fabric! I had fun making the zipper flower and love the colors! I would love to make one with cake patterned fabric, but am struggling to find a fabric I like and that I think my customers would like. I would love to know what you think! As usual, this item is listed in my Etsy store, but be sure to visit the new Etsy store with this link: www.scrapincovers.etsy.com.
Thanks!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Zipper Flowers: You might want to try these!



A while back a Cricut Messageboard friend, Carrie, posted a link to the Martha Stewart segment on making flowers from zippers. You will want to check out Carrie's blog! She has the most wonderful crafting ideas,and everyone is subscribe to posts worthy! I love the flower zipper idea and knew I wanted to try and work this into my Cricut Dust covers. Above and below are my first attempts.Also, the flower below is a sneak peak of my Cricut Cake Cover. So, happy with how it turned out and can't wait to share. I am struggling to find a cake fabric, so if you know of one please leave me a comment with a link!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Crafting with Penny Duncan and SVG Cuts


I love freebies! Here are two of my favorite resources for free files: Penny Duncan Designs (you can leave Penny a tip) and SVGCuts. I used a frame file from Penny and the inside lace file is from SVGCuts. Here's what I did:

I imported Penny's frame file (see photo above) into SCAL2 and broke it apart. I deleted the inside frames that I did not want in Penny's file. I imported the svg cuts lace file (photo below) and scaled to just over the inside edge of Penny's frame.
I did a preview and the entire file looked grey. NOT working! I share this because, sometimes when at first you don't succeed, you must try, try again! Also, if you like this cut, it is not made with my creations but you can get the cut files and make it yourself using these steps (below).
Then, I opened Inkscape and tried again. I opened Penny's frame file and broke it apart. I deleted the inside pieces I did not want. I imported the SVG cut lace and scaled it to fit just over the inside edge of Penny's frame. I selected both pieces and did a Path Union. And walla, it worked. I saved the file, imported into SCAL2 and it cut like a dream!
So, now a bit more about the free files. For SVG Cuts free files, sign up for their newsletter and you will get regular email notices. This is a store, so they will be trying to sell you their files. I have found that I do shop there and their files are generous with cuts, reasonably priced, they are well executed and very professional. Penny Duncan Creations has free files and files for purchase as well. You can also leave a tip (money) for Penny's files. Penny's files are also well executed and very professional. I also love Penny's design aesthetic, layering, and attention to detail. What a wonderful source for design inspirations. Thanks Penny and SVG Cuts!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Just a Simple Card: Update the Look of Your Old Stamps


Today, I am busy making cards. I have learned a new trick, mass production. Well not really mass production, but lately I fill the cardstock on my Cricut DS software and cut 5-6 cards at a time. Then, when I need them they are ready. I have found this important especially for sympathy, get well and thinking of you cards. You never know when you will need them. Try bundling them together in a card kit for the next time you need a project for a crop.
This card is for a Stampin Up friend. She just had a baby boy and I used some old Stampin Up stamps called Cuddles and Tickles. I got this set to make birth announcements 10 years ago. I random stamped the sentiment and the feet for the background paper.
Here are some tips to update those old stamps:
1) Use them to create a patterned paper background and update the look with a current Cricut Cut. Here I used New Arrival.
2) Use them with a new technique or trend. Here I put the baby carriage through my Cuttlebug with the Swiss Dot folder and inked the dots to match my stamped image. Oh, love Swiss dot!
3) Use updated or timeless trims and embellishments. Ribbon is so timeless!
Hope you like my card.
4) Use current color trends.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Love this Look for Less: 3-D Flowers Continue




So, while scrap lifting myself, I made some errors. First, I did not have all the correct carts in my Jukebox. So, my scallops on the outside of my lace paper did not cut. I realized I could make my own, using my new Stampin Up punches. But, I wasn't careful enough on the first side and had to hide my mis-punch. I decided to try another 3-D flower from SVGcuts to embellish my mistake. This one is from the 3-D Flowers SVG Kit (in the garden section of the store). Don't you LOVE this look for less?! I would have paid $3.99 or more for two Prima flowers, instead, I got 37 flowers, I can cut endlessly, for $5.99! This flower is the begonia. I inked the edges on one flower and sanded the edges on another. I used the glue dots I made myself using the Aileen's Tack It Over and Over.
I also cut the subtitle out of paper too close in color to the title color. To help this standout, I underlined it with a pen in brown. Then, put my A through my Xyron on the wrong side. I glittered the top and then glued it down correctly. I love that my mistakes lead me to beautiful embellishments! And I love that I can make my own gorgeous embellishments on the cheap at any time of day without running to the LSS! I realized when I had glued everything on the page, that I need to make some more flowers and get out my new glitter mist! Oh, there will be no housework done today!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Delicate Frame from Tie the Knot: How I make things



Just thought I would share a file today that I made with Tie the Knot (the navy blue frame, and blue background) and tips for the Cricut DS user on how to make fancy frames with Cricut Cuts. This image is made with four of the same motif. All I did, is copy it and rotate it once to 90 degrees, the next one to 180 degrees, and one to -90 degrees. Then, I lined it up and got the look I wanted. Be sure to choose weld and then Save and Cut.
Then, I used the Hide Select Contour to hide the inside portion of each of the four cuts, so that I could have a black out piece. To use the Hide Select Contour, Right click on the inside line you wish to hide and choose Hide Select Contour. These lines do not remain hidden when the file is copied to another page, or to another area on the same page. To hide a copied line, you must save the file, close the file and reopen it.
If you use the Gypsy, you can use the flip vertically or horizontally to play with shapes. This way you will not need to use the rotate and remember the degrees. However, you cannot use the Hide Select Contour on your Gypsy.
The Gypsy version is HERE. And if you want to cut the back ground as I did, be sure to open it in DS and Hide Select Contour.

Looking for that beautiful Queen Anne's Lace cut file? Well, that I purchase at SVGCuts.com. It is from a set of cut files called 3 D Flowers SVG Kit Part II. You can find it in the Garden section of the shop. They also have the most wonderful videos on how to put together all of there 3 D flowers, and are running a special for some free cut files! I have been looking at this Queen Anne's Lace for a long time, but with two boys could not figure out where to use it on a page. Growing up in Illinois, vacationing in Michigan, Queen Anne's Lace is a fond summer memory for me. I thought it would be perfect for this pioneer day's page! So many women who braved the wilderness, had to find and appreciate the beauty around them. I think this flower must have brought them joy!
This page is for my son's school album. He had the most wonderful 3rd Grade Teacher, Mrs. Lewis! I will forever be thankful for Mrs. Lewis! And not just because she held pioneer days and had my son reading Little House on the Prairie! Which by the way, I am so thankful I had the chance to read once again. There are so many books, and life is so hectic. Laura Ingalls Wilder paints a scene with words like no one else can, and while I loved this as a child, I did not appreciate it as I do now as an adult. I hope my son remembers Mrs. Lewis as fondly as I will! In the middle of the flower is a Sparkle Burst Brad by Karen Foster. Paper is K & Company (Addison), title is Lyrical Letters.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

And the RAK Winner is Number 12!


And the winner of the RAK Drawing is SherriC from the Cricut MB! Sherri says she has NO create, so she can choose a $10.00 gift certificate and will recieve the Jukebox cover. SherriC, please watch for my email notice and drop me a response with your shipping address. Thanks!
Clare

Thursday, April 15, 2010

April's Featured Etsy Blogger


This month's featured Etsy blogger is magdalnejewlsblogs. Magdalene has two Etsy shops, one for her jewelry and one for her knits. I chose to post this picture, because I have a bit of a ring addiction. I loved that even when I had to stop wearing earings and necklaces for fear of little fingers, I could alway wear a ring! And you may have noticed my love of all things blue and green, so I was attracted to these colors. Magdelene's knits are wonderful and she has some beautiful baby items!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Where's Clare?! In the Garden


I have been slow to post this week, because I have been trying to clean up my flower bed in the back yard. It is about 25 feet by 4 feet and I have no edging around it, so I have to clean the edges with my sod cutter and pay for neglecting it last year. But, I did want to show you one of my favorite plants in this bed: Shimadain Purple Tree Peony (the color is really more fuschia). My Mother in Law got this for my birthday one year on clearance for $9.00. I love this perennial! If your zone allows tree peonies, do it! They do say that they need a protected location, and let me tell you living on the prarie you can lose your flowers the first day they bloom to the wind! So, if you live in a windy area, you may want to find a sheltered spot. Here is my yellow one and it is a bit more fragile than the purple variety.
The yellow variety is called Golden Bird and has the scent of lemons. These pictures are from 2007 and 2009, and bloomed in May so I am still waiting. It has been a warm spring, so they may bloom early this year, and I will have to keep an eye on the weather for frost until mid May!

Monday, April 12, 2010

How to use Lace Paper: My Finished Straight from the Nest Lace





I was able to finally cut and scrap this lace paper this weekend. It cut like a dream and I am happy with this 2 page spread. But it reminded me of how hard it was for me to use lace paper when I first started using them. I know that for some of us, it is hard to use such pretty things, for fear of covering them up! So, I will share a few tips for using a lace paper or all over design.
1) Show case one photo
2) Use it for your title
3) Journal around the edges
4) Cover it with Velum and journal on the vellum, so that the pattern shows through
To find the original post with the cut file, click HERE. This uses Straight from the Nest and Plantin Schoolbook. The tree on the left page is also SFTN. The title is made with Base Camp and Opposites Attract. I love the look of this cursive on top of a plain text! It is also a great way to handle a long title. If you ever get a chance to visit the Morton Arboretum, in Lisle IL, the children's garden is outstanding! There is a stream running through it, that the children love to try and block with the rocks. Reminds me of my own childhood.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Page Ideas for the Marquee Journaling Cut Files



This weekend, I got a chance to scrapbook my marquee journaling cut files, and I thought I would share them. Some things I tried, are the pleated paper, and scrap lifting myself!
My last Paper Crafts Magazine, spot lighted pleated paper. I wanted to try this, so I got out my paper crimper and sewing machine and tried it.
I also tried scraplifting myself. I have a sister with five children who also scrap books. She taught me this trick. I want to make scrapbooks for each of my boys, but how to find the time to scrapbook for them both?! She say, scraplift your own work! So, I used my DS file (top picture) on one 2 page spread, and the SCAL file (bottom picture) on the other. I enjoy doing this, because there are things I love about both pages, and the boys albums are getting done! It also gives me a chance to change things I don't like about a page. For example, I thought the title on my first page was too small, so it it bigger on my second version. On both of these cut files, I assembled the scalloped base and the marquee and then cut them in half. I have not yet journaled because, I finished these in the evening, and have found I make too many errors if I journal at night. Best to do this in the morning!
Paper is Close to My Heart Sweet Home, stamps are Fancy Pants, and Inkadinkado. Information on the Cricut Cartridges, can be found in the original posts with the cut files. Did you notice my title? I made it, by visiting the Field's site and using my Inkscape and SCAL2. I like how the beattle shape in the title is repeated by the trilobite fossile picture on the opposite page. I crimped my CTMH paper and then pleated it, sewing it onto my page with the ribbon from May Arts.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Cricut Cake Give Away at the Cuttlebug Challenges Blog!


I love a good give away! Here's one worthy of sharing: A Cricut Cake Give Away! They are also drawing for some cartridges, so stop by the Cuttlebug Challenges Blog and check it out! Below is a list of all the prizes in this drawing.\

Grand Prize Winner: Cricut Cake and Tie the knot Cartridge

Donated by Provo Craft, contest Sponsor


2nd Prize Winner: Elegant Cake Cart signed by Jinger/Paisley Cartridges donated by Provo Craft, contest Sponsor


3rd Prize Winner: Pink Journey/Straight from the Nest Cartridges

Donated by PaperPhenomenom


4th Prize Winner: Designer Calendar/ Jubilee Cartridges Donated by Betty Bee Designs

5th Prize Winner: Paper Pack Donated by Celebrity Guest Designer for the month of June, Teresa Collins

I am not finding when this prize drawing ends, but usually this is drawn one week after posting. Good luck!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Bug Head RAK Tradition: It's My Turn!


There is a tradition for Cricut Message Board regulars to have a random act of kindness when they get their bug head. You have to make over 500 posts, and apparently, I have! So here is my RAK drawing. I am going to give away this Jukebox cover (pictured above).

And to celebrate 100 blog followers I will throw in a matching Create cover. The winner of the RAK can choose one of the following Create covers to match the Jukebox cover above.
Don't have a Create?! Then I will give that winner a $10.00 gift certificate to my Etsy store. So, how do you enter my RAK drawing? Please leave a comment on this post with a way to contact you, or find my post on the Cricut MB, HERE, and PM me with your name and email address. Also, I would love to hear what you think of these covers. Do you like the organza ruffle and the oversize picot? Would you like it in another color or fabric?
Want a more than one chance? I am trying to promote my new Etsy store, which has the same name as my Cricut MB id "scrapincovers". So, visit my new Etsy store at www.scrapincovers.etsy.com and mark it a favorite. Drop me a convo on Etsy or a post here to let me know your Etsy id and I will put your name in the drawing a 2nd time.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

5th Annual Crop for Cancer


Just letting my Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa friends know about an upcoming crop fundraiser. This is the 5th Annual CROP FOR CANCER, held by my friend Julianna Ladas. Here are the details:
When: Saturday, Mary 22, 2010 from 9:00am to 8:00pm
Where: Federated Church, Sycamore, IL 60178
Who: Conact Julianna Ladas at ajladas@verizon.net
What: 11 hours of scrap booking fun, door prizes, auction, special guest speaker
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY!
In fact, when you mail in your fee, you make your check out the ACS for $20.00 and send Julianna a check for $6.00 for lunch from a local restaurant called Shaun's. And I will have an item in the auction and be attending as a cropper. Hope you can make it!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Two Special Requests files to share



I had two comments requesting some a cut file and a Gypsy file. So,HERE is the Gypsy version of the fancy heart cut from my last post. And here is the birthday card for St. Patrick's Day, or Irish.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Happy Easter! Fancy Heart Circle to Share for DS Users


Today I was playing with the heart motif in Tie the Knot. I made a file much like the two most popular files I have had on this blog, a fancy edge circle. This would be a great file for a wedding page or even Easter. I hope you have a wonderful Easter! Be sure to cut this with a good weight card stock and take your time getting it off the mat with your spatula, as the cut is delicate. HERE is the file. You will need George and Tie the Knot.
Also, a word or two about my new gadget, "You might also like...", this is an automated tool from another party. I love it! The items in the you might also like are not choosen by me, but by the tool. You can get your own, and it is free. Try clicking on it, to find out more for your own blog.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Check out Etsy Bloggers Featured Blogger this month


I have joined the Etsy Bloggers group. It is a group of Etsy sellers, who blog. Every month they feature one members blog and ask other members to share this blog on their own blog. This months featured blogger is Knitting Dragonflies.I love to look at the color of her hand dyed yarn. There really is nothing like the color wool yarn takes on when dyed. It is something I miss as a converted paper crafter (previously a fabric enthusiast, who sewed exclusively). I am usually disappointed by the color saturation of paper.
I love the idea of sharing others blogs! There are so many blogs on the web now, and so many talented people whose blogs I may never see. This gives me a chance to see other blogs in small amounts and make contact with a fellow Etsy seller. Thanks Etsy Bloggers!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Fancy Marquee to Share: Works with CTMH True Friends


Here is another cut file, I created to go with my CTMH True Friends Stamp Set. You will need Storybook and Tie the Knot. I was always drawn to the SU stamps and coordinating punches. Then I realized, I could use my favorite clear stamps; CTMH, with my Cricut and make my own. This time, I got wise and set up the cut file to make 6 cuts. I can now make 6 cards at a time. Unfortunately, I am in need of 3 sympathy cards. Also used, are CTMH Tender Tags, paper and ink.

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