2013 Calendar

2013 Calendar (click image to enlarge)

I created this calendar using a basic calendar offered in the Silhouette Store. I created an offset to each month and filled the offset with one of the background patterns I had previously purchased from the Silhouette Store. Patterns are a great deal - only .79 each and you can do so much with them!

Happy New Year!

Snowman Bag and a 3D Flower

Snowman Bag

 I've had the flu since before Christmas, so I was unable to celebrate with my family this year.  Tomorrow I finally get to see my parents and give them their gifts.  The snowman is a bag.  I purchased it from the Silhouette Store.  I made it a little smaller than the original file.  It was really easy to make and holds a gift card nicely!  I dry embossed the hat, although you can't tell the black part is embossed.  I used the snowflake folder on the black.  To make the bag a little more sturdy, I cut out the bag walls using craft paper and taped them to the inside of the bag. 

3D Flower

I created this 3d flower using another Silhouette file. Since I have been sick, I have lost all my creativeness and this is the best I could do. The paper was purchased years ago at Hobby Lobby and is kinda neat. It has glitter with a shiny top coat. It cut like butter in my Cameo.

Hope you all had a great Christmas and was able to spend time with your family and loved ones.

Created an Angry Bird using Wacom Bamboo Tablet

Angry Bird

For my birthday, my wonderful hubby got me a Wacom Bamboo Tablet, so I can draw my own images easily.  In the photo above, you can see the tablet in the background.

To create this card, first I did a search on youtube to find out how to draw the bird.  The tutorial I used is here.  Like the lady in the tutorial, I used Inkscape to draw the bird. Once I was finished with the bird, I imported it to my Silhouette Studio software, where I traced it and then set the cut lines. 

To create the sling shot, I used the font tool and chose the letter "Y" in Silhouette Studio, then I filled it a "wood" pattern.  I created the tree using an existing file I had purchased from SIlhouette, it contained 4 leaves and some limbs.  To create the trunk, I used the rectangle tool.  The grass was also created using pre-purchased files from the Silhouette Online Store.

I cut "Happy New Year" using vinyl.  Sooo easy to put on the card!

I tried to follow the first scene in the Angry Birds game - and I think it turned out alright.  My goal was to draw and cut the bird, so mission accomplished!

Christmas Layout

 Double Page Layout

 

I am getting in the Christmas spirit, so I created these layouts today.  I cleaned house, put away the normal house deco and pulled out a few Christmas decorations.  I don't go crazy decorating, KIS, Keep It Simple!

I am really enjoying designing, now I need to get busy using these files I have created!

Bold Flower Layout

Double Page Layout

I made another layout today.  These were created in Silhouette Studio.  All images are my own creation using basic shapes, welding and grouping. I also used the offset feature to create the faux stitching.

How to make a digital flower

I wanted to show how I use basic shapes to make images.

First, I used the Text feature to create the "V", then I used the box feature to create the flower stem.  Next, I created the flower center and the center outer edge.  I used an oval and repeated it create the flower petals.  I welded the petals and used the knife/cut option to add an angle on the leaves.

Hope this is helpful to someone!

New Layout

The kids are at Grandma's, it's quiet here...Wow, it's quiet here!!!

I sat down without any ideas in my head; a blue background became a new layout.  I'd like to give a shout out to my hubby for drawing the puppy for me.  He's awesome!

All these images were created in Silhouette Studio with ovals, triangles, recatangles...you get the idea.  I love the faux stiching, it adds a bit of texture you don't get with digitial scrapbooking.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

My cut file, a romantic boy

I created this boy for fun tonight.  It was a challenge to see what I can do with the Silhouette Studio software.  All shapes were created by me and either grouped or welded together to make this lil guy. I used the fill feature and then shaded, giving even more dimension.

Boy created with basic shapes and altered end points

Here he is with the "cut lines" shown

Hope you like!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I drew my own cut file!

Free handed on tablet.

Opened image in Silhouette Studio, used the trace feature to create my cut file.

Here I did the same thing, except the cut is an outline of the girl.  The green border was just to make the file look pretty, I didn't need it so I cropped it out for this purpose.

After purchasing a few cut files this weekend, I thought to my self, "Self, you might be able to make your own cut files".  After much research, I found a free app that I liked enough to spend some time learning tonight.

I can't draw at all.  Well...I am pretty good at stick figures, haha.  I was happy with how this turned out though.  It was just for fun - and I was happy it worked with the Silhouette software so easily!

My daughter and I created a couple of pictures with this app.  They were not created to be used with the Silhouette, but they turned out nice so I am sharing with you.  So much fun!  My son gets to play with it tomorrow, he was busy tonight.

Winter Fun Card

 

 

 

 

Winter Fun!

I made this little card today as an experiment.  I purchased the .png file online and couldn't wait to play!  It took me a minute to figure out how to get the image traced correctly so I could actually cut it with my Silhouette, but I finally figured it out!

 

This is not my first time playing with Non-Silhouette files but it has been a while and I had forgotten how to do this.  I searched youtube and it helped a lot, but I could not for the life of me get the trace feature to recognize the white parts, ice skates, cuffs and snow ball.  A little editing in Photoshop and voila, it worked!

 

I don't have any winter paper, so back to googling again...the polka dot pink paper was also purchased online.  I printed it on my home office printer, then put it in the Silhouette to cut my card.

It's missing a sentiment, I know.  After I made it this far with the card, I took some time to do some projects with the kids.  (This little girl might need some glitter too!)

 

I love this girl, she reminds me of my daughter :-) 

Zebra Bookmark

I don't know why, but I struggle with the new blogger.  This is my third time trying to post - so I am going to keep it short.

Products used:

Create A Critter Cart

Cricut Imagine

Cuttlebug

Sizzix dry embossing folder

I used layers of craft paper to make this bookmark sturdy.

I think it is time for a nap now :-)  Have a great weekend!

Fall

Happy Fall!  

What a wonderful time of year :-)

I made this fall wall art using a file I got from the Silhouette Store.  It was free a couple of weeks ago.

This was so easy to make - it actually took longer to take the picture than to create and frame this subway style art.

I purchased the frame from Hobby Lobby.  It was originally green, but I wanted it to be white, so I spray painted it.

Have a great fall!!!

Owl Bookmark

I had so much fun making the bird bookmark yesterday I decided to make my own.  I used an owl cut file I had and I added an "U" using the text feature.  Voila, a bookmark.  In order to make these sturdy enough to last longer than 1 day you need to make multiple layers using the thickest cardstock you can find.  I used my Xyron to apply adhesive to all the layers.  I finished these adorable owls off with some twine.

I made all of these out of the same paper.  I am trying not to leave any unused paper when I cut.  I also cut a card and some birds for another bookmark.  Now I have a card to use in the future and another bird bookmark for my daughter.

Bird Bookmark

Bird Bookmark

I made this bookmark using a file from the Silhouette Library.  In order to make the bookmark stronger, I cut this image 5 times, twice in the pattern card stock and 3 times in craft paper.  My daughter l♥ved it!

Cricut Imagine No Longer in Production

Imagine-Announcement

Well, PC finally announced the Imagine is no longer in production.  What a waste of my money.  I bought mine on QVC.com a few minutes before it launched and I was one of the last to get mine. Remember they sold more than they had on hand.   I had problems updating it from the start..had to send it back after spending days on the phone with customer service and the software manager (and the infamous hang up I used to read about on the message board happened to me).  The second phone call I told the guy he better not hang up on me and he did...but he did call me back and apologized greatly.  There was NOTHING wrong with my machine, so they sent it back to me and all of a sudden I was able to do updates with no problem. 

My husband got tired of all the problems I would have when I scrapped, so he bought me the Silhouette SD.  Scrapping has been so much more enjoyable since then.  I was happy with my small machine but when the Cameo came out, my hubby bought it for me for Christmas.  I gave my SD to my sister. 

I stopped visiting the Cricut MB but for some reason I decided to go take a look.  That is why I saw the announcement.  What a shame, what a total waste of $500.00.  I knew better but the excitement got the best of me and my hubby bought the Imagine for me at launch.  I learned a lot through this experience.  It is very sad to me...the things I read about this company is horrible.

Pumpkin Lanterns

Pumpkin lanterns

These pumpkin lanterns are great for use with a battery operated tealight. The file can be purchased from the Silhouette Store.  I have made 13 so far.  I plan to line my driveway with them on Halloween evening.

Witch Hat

3D Witch hats

These cute little hats were purchased from the Silhouette Store.  They are easy to make.  These are 2 different sizes.  The original file is the smaller one pictured.  Not sure what I am going to do with these, maybe put them on the front porch on Halloween.

Mini cards and envelopes

Cards - Click picture to enlarge

Card with overlay and twine

Envelope

I needed an envelope for the card I made the other day and I found this one in my Silhouette library.  Once I made the cute little envelope I was ready to make some cute cards and envelopes.  Not realizing it, I chose the matching card to this envelope.

The paper is Hoot Hoot by the Paper Studio.  I purchased it at Hobby Lobby.

On some of these I cut out the card and then an overlay.  For the others, I just cut the card and added twine or ribbon.

Later, I can add a small label on the front to add the perfect sentiment, ie Thank you, Happy Birthday...

Hope you like!  Have a great weekend.

Who is Thankful?

Cut card

Cut borders

Tape/Glue border pieces together

Adhere borders to card

Assembled card

Matching envelope and the back of the card

This was a free Silhouette shape a few weeks ago.  I didn't want the pumpkin on the original card, so I used the print to cut feature and added the owl and text.  I also used the offset feature and the internal offset on pennant.  No project is complete without dry embossing :-)

All Geared up for Your Birthday!

Robot Card

3D view

Back of card and embossed envelop flap

 I created this card for a birthday party today.  The orange gear pattern is an overlay pattern I bought from the silhouette store.  I used spary adhesive to attach it to the blue card.  It wraps around the card so the front and back both have the orange gears on it.  

The robot was also purchased from the Silhouette store and since I was short on time, I just filled in all the layers with the colors I wanted and printed him on my printer, then I had my Silhouette cut him out.  (LOVE this feature!)

I free handed the envelope and dry embossed it with the Cuttlebug "Clockworks" embossing folder. 

I wanted the robot to stand out from the card, so I doubled up on the foam 3D.

The white gear was an extra purchase from the shilhouette store, it came with a few other gears.

Anniversary!!!

Couldn't let today pass without giving a shout out to my wonderful hubby! We just celebrated our 17th anniversary this weekend. We went to the mountains in GA and ziplined...yep, I conquered my fear of heights and flew threw the air 12 times. There were also multiple sky bridges with missing planks (on purpose) and even a tight rope (couldn't believe it!!!). We survived and had an awesome time!!! Here's to another 17+ with my great man!!!

Birthday card

I made this card using a template I purchased from the Silhouette library. Instead of using the flower they provided, I used the 3D magnolia. I dry embossed the blue layer to add texture. One of my favorite things about my Silhouette is that I can print on my home computer and cut with my Silhouette. It's so easy to use and works out great since I am not great at stamping. Hope you enjoy this sweet simple card.

Birthday Gift Card Holder

I made this gift card holder for sweet twins turning 2. Most kids have "too" many toys, so I thought it would be nice if they got a gift card instead. Who doesn't love ice cream (besides me?)!

This file was purchased from the Silhouette Library. I used my Cuttlebug to dry emboss all the pieces. Once the pieces were cut, I inked them with coordinating SU! ink pads.

It's been a while since I posted, hope you like this!

Updated Scrap Desk

My updated scrap space...

 and how it looked before...

Worked hard this weekend on painting this room, too tired to fill my "hutch"...reorganization in progress!

Leave a comment and let me know what you think, esp if you like the pic my husband took of the updated space, he would love to hear the feedback on his photography skills.  He was so much help this weekend.  There is no way I could have gotten as far as I did without his help.  He's a keeper!  Thanks for helping honey!!!  :-)

Flower Pot Card for Professional Admin Day

Professional Administrative Day was in April and this is a gift card I made for our Office Administrator (OA).  I purchased all the images from the Silhouette store and used pattern paper to pull it all together.  I like to decorate the front and back of these cards. 

Project Life - Space Week

I made this card for my Project Life album.  When  the kids are in  kindergarten they have week long units.  One unit is always Space.  I bought all the images from the Silhouette Store, including the Fabulous background.  (Please excuse the paw print as it hides the school acronym.)  I printed it as is and cut the edge. 

Project Life cards

Here are 2 journal cards I made using my Silhouette and pattern paper bought from the Silhouette Store.

To add the fall border on the top of the first one, I made a rectangle longer than the image I was cutting and set the option to no cut...that way, I didn't have to glue it on the card.  (See below for the cut line screen capture.)