New Thank You, and a Tutorial

It's been a very long time since I posted a tutorial... and I have "trick" I've been using to make my Stampin' life SO much easier!!

First, the Thank You card.
I'm still on my rainbow colors kick - So bright and cheery!
I used the Work of Art, Papillion Potpourri, and Watercolor Thank You stamp sets...
Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Pacific Point, and Lovely Lilac (ret.) as my colors, with Smoky Slate for the Thank you.

Now for the tutorial section of this post!

Do you LOVE your clear stamps, but have a hard time keeping them stuck to the blocks?  It didn't really bother me too much, but it really was horribly annoying when we would do events, and the stamps just wouldn't stay on the acrylic blocks!

I love clear stamps because:  1. they take up much less space  2.  I seem to stamp straighter with them 3.  They take up MUCH less space  4.  Have I mentioned they take up much less space!  I can store them so easily.

This is the solution to this very frustrating problem.  It works GREAT, and takes only a few seconds to do.

 Anytime I get a new stamp set, I place the stickers of the images on the stamp, and then take my Zig pen (pictured below) {the small one} and run some of the adhesive over the top of the stamp.  You can see the lines in the picture above.

Zig pens are wonderful things!!!  They say 2 way glue, and they really do work!  The larger one I use to restick my Cricut mats (see the 'Articles for Everything Cricut'  section) and the smaller ones for gluing small pieces, and paper piecing when I'm working with my Cricut.

Run some of the glue over your stamps (the part with the picture that sticks to the block).  You don't need that much!  Just apply a thin film, and set it aside.  I usually let them sit a few hours or overnight to dry.  Now you have a stamp that won't fall off the block when you're using it, and will peel off when you're finished cleaning it!

I'd love to know how this works for you!

Christmas in July 8

Today I have a very simple.... simple card.  BUT, I really love it!

I was checking out this website the other day, and saw this really adorable paper bow!  In the past, my paper bows have all been fails, but after looking at this picture tutorial (link below), I hit the paper bow jackpot!

Again, I'm using the retired Be Of Good Cheer DSP - but it's so pretty, how can I just leave it sit in my stash?

I also added a design-your-own brad to the corner.  These also didn't last very long in our catalog, and they're so pretty!  I used a small circle punch to cut a piece of the paper and use it as the brad center.

Isn't that bow just awesome looking?  This will definitely have to be a hand-delivered or Priority Mailed in the small box.

The cool thing about this bow?  It's oval punches, and glue dots!  I added the button just because I liked the added detail.

On my Christmas Card Challenge every month, I require the inside and envelopes completed and stamped right away... just because last year I had to go back and spend some time doing that.  As I make these cards, all the insides and envelopes are finished as well even though I'm just showing the images of the front.


Click HERE for a picture tutorial on how to make this super cute paper bow!  You absolutely won't believe how easy it is! 

Please enjoy!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge - October!

 

Well, here we are, it's already October 5th!  Halloween is coming quickly, temperatures are cooling off, or at least I think they should be!  Don't forget that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and of course, Christmas is coming!! :)

I'm so curious to hear how everyone celebrates Halloween!  We don't do that much.  I buy lots of bags of candy, and we've started setting up the card table and sitting out in the driveway to watch all the little kids and big kids alike coming down the street.  I'll carve pumpkins using the Pumpkin Masters, so it's nice to hear everyone OOOOooh and AAAAAh over them. :)

Alright, here we go!!

The theme for October's Christmas Card Challenge is:  Christmas Lights!

In any way, shape, or form, you must put some type of Christmas lights on your card - Mine are Kitchen Sink stamps.  There are 3D lights, Cricut cut lights on the Christmas Cheer cartridge, stickers, etc.  So many Christmas Tree Lights! :)

As always, there are the basic rules, 6 cards all based on the given theme, and posted here by midnight on the 20th of October, CST.

HERE is a link to the original post with the rules.  Really, very simple and straightforward!

Just can't wait to see what you've come up with!!  Put mine to shame for sure.

 My cards are a version of the One Sheet Wonders, stamped with Kitchen Sink stamps.  I went CRAZY over these when I first saw them...  Just HAD to have 'em, and I use them very often.
HERE is a link to the stamping tutorial I wrote with photos at each step of the way to show how these awesome lights are made.

I used some of the new Stampin' Up products - the Punch Pack, the die cut edges, the embossing folder that compliments it, and one of the new Christmas Stamp sets.

I was planning on adding some ribbon, but started gluing, and when I was finished, I realized it!  Big OOPS there! :)

Click on the link, and enter your cards below!!!

Your comments are always appreciated!
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2012 Christmas Card Challenge - August

Well, here we are in August...  August 5th.  It's tax-free weekend here,  and SO SO hot!

I want to send out BIG thanks to all the contributors here - last month was GREAT with 3 entries and 2 winners from the voting.  Congrats, ladies!  From now on though, I will only have one winner, so if there's another tie I'll use a number generator or some other impartial way to choose one winner.

Ok, on to more important things!  So, even though it's August, and you might not have participated in the CCC yet, there is still time!  Don't have a blog?  Contact me through the comments, and I'll make sure your pictures get posted in the challenge.  (I've already got a plan for that contingency!)

Here is the link to the original post from January introducing the challenge, and all the (very simple) rules needed to participate in these monthly challenges.

The theme for the month of August is:  Try A New Technique!  You must use some new paper crafting technique you have never used before for this month's cards.  Have you seen something on YouTube you've been DYING to try and haven't?  Here's your chance!  Saw a cool technique on someone's great crafting blog and you just had to try it?  Here's your chance!

The basic rules are the same as always, create 6 or more Christmas cards between today and the 20th.  Get them entered in the Linky below, and get your friends to start voting for your card between the 21st and 24th midnight CST.  I will announce the winner, and get the prize out in the mail!!!

Good Luck!
I'm sure your cards will put mine to shame for sure.

Here are my cards for the August Christmas Card Challenge.  I used a new technique called Sparkly Stained Glass, first demo'd by Mary Director, an awesome, wonderful Stampin' Up Demonstrator.  I saw her video, and loving everything sparkly, I just HAD to try it!!!!!
One thing you don't know, is the previous post I made with only the glitter... those cards were actually made AFTER these, so they still count as a new technique.

Since the cards use a Window Sheet, the light really made it tough to get good pictures of my cards, so you'll see some glare.  Funny though, the lights don't glare like that to your eyes.  Hmmmmm

Ok, enough of me... here are my cards, showing different variations.... More info below!

Each one looks just a little different, so I took some close-ups.  Sorry again for the glare.

This technique isn't difficult at all, but it's so different from anything I did before, I had to give myself a little pep-talk when I started with the reinkers.

This one especially shows how they sparkle!

I am always amazed at how these cards just SPARKLE!!!
I used 3 - 4 colors of reinkers:  Raspberry Ripple and Green Galore were my favorite.  Cherry Cobbler and Wild Wasabi worked really well, and Riding Hood Red and Green Galore were great too!
I think I like the very light green to give it a contrast with the reds that seemed to take over.

I went and got a few colors of Staz-On ink, but it turned out that the Jet Black worked the best.

HERE is the link to Mary's video tutorial.  Thanks so much for this AWESOME technique!!!


Good Luck with your August cards!  Can't wait to see what new techniques you try.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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Triple Time Stamping with Measurement How-To

I found this technique searching around online, and wanted to really play with it.  I already posted the two Christmas Cards I made using the Triple Time Stamping, and now the "regular" cards using two different stamp sets.

You could use almost any stamp set using this technique... your imagination is your limitation!!

This card, I used the Stippled Blossoms Stampin' Up set.  It's a Two-Step Stamping, and I've recently decided to buy these from now on in the wood so I can make a permanent Stamp-a-ma-jig template saving lots of time and hopefully, frustration!

 This card uses the Everything Eleanor stamp set I've recently started to appreciate (Thanks, Kathy!!).

 So....  HOW is this technique done??  Here it is - you won't believe how easy it is!!

First, cut your base card from 8 1/2 x 11" cardstock and fold to make 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 card.

These are the measurements for the mats:

5 1/2 x 4 1/4 - card base
4 1/2 x 3 1/4
3 1/2 x 2 1/4

Now, your white/vanilla, etc cardstock for stamping:  This actually uses only 1/2 of a sheet.
5 1/4 x 4  (turn sideways after this cut to get the rest)
4 1/4 x 3
3 1/4 x 2
**Cut the 4", 3", and 2" pieces first, then cut to length.

Line up the white/vanilla cardstock, and use a repositionable/temporary adhesive while you do your stamping.

After you are finished with the stamping, put the layers together, adhere, add ribbon and other embellishments, and you have a very pretty, quite impressive card!


Your comments are always appreciated!
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Father's Day 2012

 Yes, a belated Father's Day - but my dad will be visiting in just a few days, and instead of sending this through the mail, he will just have to wait until he gets to my place!!!  Now my dad is not much of a tie-wearing dad... but he does wear one on Sundays, and for very special occasions!! 

We found a VERY cool gift.... but that's a surprise!

I found this card on the Stampin' Up website, and just had to make it!!  It's a lot easier than you think - just some paper folding and easy techniques.

 This is similar to a card by Brenda Keenan, and HERE is a link to her video showing how to make this card, AND lots of great variations.  I used the "same collar" variation instead of showing another pattern.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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AMAZING tutorial for Peppermints!

I just can't believe how amazing these Peppermint Candies turned out. AMAZING!

Check out the link to the FairyLand Dreams Designs Blog.

What did she use? Paper, markers, and glitter!!!

They look good enough to eat!!


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How to use Sizzix Bigz XL dies in your Cuttlebug!!

SO.... you LOVE the Bigz XL dies... but don't want to purchase a Big Shot or Big Kick??
ME TOO! :)

I saw lots of how-to videos on You Tube on how to use all the other dies in a Cuttlebug... but no one had one for the Bigz XL or 3D dies!

Here is a series of pictures I took while making more of my pop-up Christmas Trees for cards.

**Click on any picture for a screen-size view - then hit the back button to return to the tutorial.

You will need 4 B plates for this. I always have 4 since I use two for die-cutting only, and 2 for embossing only. Just keep your embossing plates on the top, and they won't get marked with the die.


First, I took a 12x12 sheet of green, and folded it in half.
I laid the die on the platform, the cardstock for cutting, then the first B plate over the die.
Next, I placed the 2nd B plate and slid it about an inch forward over
the front of the die. This allows the die to run through your Cuttlebug (CB).


Here is another view just as I'm going to run the die through the CB.

This shows the first 2 plates almost through, and now I'm "butting" the other two B plates tight to meet the first 2 plates.

When the 2nd set start running through the pressure rollers, be sure to hold them by either pushing or giving pressure from the top and bottom as the next 2 plates go through.

This photo shows all the plates on the other side, run through the CB. I always run the die forward, then backwards. It seems to give a cleaner cut, but you don't have to!

When running the die backwards, be sure to give pressure on the first top plate as it goes back through the pressure rollers.

**See caption on picture.

I hope this little pictorial tutorial helps!!! I have 3 of the Bigz dies, and LOVE them!!! You can see the Christmas Tree in the very next post as you scroll down.

PLEASE leave comments - I'd LOVE to know if this helped you!!!

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Cricut Booklets and Overlays Storage Solution!!! ***Update with pictures!!

I saw this post on the Cricut Messageboard earlier this week, and had to share!!! I hope lots of people can make use of this technique!!

Etha has designed a sleeve that fits perfectly in so many ways.
1. It holds both the book and overlay together
2. Each of the sleeves fits perfectly into a photo box, or crate.
3. They can easily be made in quantity for those of us that have LOTS of carts!

http://ethaschuette.com/?p=621

This is the link to her post, pictures, and diagram for MAKING these sleeves!

I am almost half done assembling the sleeves for my carts. I'll take pictures as soon as I have all of them made. It's an inspired idea!!!

So here they are all finished! It did take me 2 days with interruptions for work, cooking dinner, etc. I didn't go through all that awesome work Etha did in printing the cart names, or running a copy of the keypad on the outside... Hers are beautiful! Please go check them out.
THANKS ETHA!!

**One thing I will add - These sleeves are also large enough to hold some extra cuts! If I know I'm going to use a certain cut often, I usually make a few extra. The sleeves would be a good place to store them neatly! The snack sized Ziplock bags fit PERFECTLY into the sleeves.

Pictures on the way!!
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Sharing a Tip!!

I started seriously stamping this past January with my Stampin' Up card club, and had the hardest time with the ink pads slipping!!!

After 'just dealing' with it for awhile, I got out some of the non-stick kitchen shelving I had, and cut it to the size I needed for my stamp pads.... it works GREAT!!!!!

I can smoosh the stamps as much as I want, and I don't have to chase the pad all over the table anymore!

You can find this in the shelf liner section at Wal-Mart - it's non-stick

shelf liner.

Hope this helps!!!

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How to Re-stick Your Cricut Mat!

Something I Learned About Using My Cricut!
This is an article using the benefit of the experience of a new Cricut user.
**Reprinted from November, 2008

Topic this time: Re-sticking Your Mats!


How many mats do you have? THAT many?? I’ll admit that I have quite a few mats too, but I’m not planning on buying any new mats for a LONG time! …and Yes, I do use my Cricut Expression almost daily!

Here’s the scoop on re-sticking your mats. Zig Pens! Get yourself the wide tipped Zig pen. I’ve seen them up to $6 in the craft stores – use a coupon to save some $$ for carts and paper! Even if you don’t have a coupon, for $6 a glue-pen, you can re-stick a LOT of mats!

I’ve read that some people clean off their mats by washing them with soap and water. When I used this method, I just made sure I had all the little bits of paper off the mat.

Take your Zig pen and apply adhesive all the way across your mat. Be careful that you don’t get any adhesive on the outer green area – or it will mess up your rollers. Really, it’s easy! Apply the adhesive to the entire mat, and then let it sit out, uncovered, until the mat has ‘dried’. Be sure to let it air-dry before you place the cover sheet back on your mat.

This is just the easiest way to re-stick your mats! I’ve already done 5 of them, and they work just like new. I actually think this adhesive lasts much longer than the original adhesive that came with our mats!

Here’s a link with a video from Ms. Robyn, the Pink Stamper showing exactly how this process works. http://thepinkstamper.blogspot.com/2008/11/episode-69-how-to-make-your-cricut-mat.html
Good Luck, and let me know how this works for you.
**
Update to this article: (August 2009) I've been using this mat re-sticking method since a short time before I wrote this article for Gracie, and haven't bought any new mats since! I actually have a few still in the packaging. I just clean off the mat really well, and re-stick it with the Zig Pen!

There’s so MUCH to learn!
Until next time,
Susan Vilar
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Cricut Helpers! Paper Piecing and Layers!

What I’ve Learned About Paper Piecing and Layering Cuts

I looked a long time at the Happily Ever After and Dreams Come True carts before I made any of the cuts – they looked so good, but also really complicated! Yes, the cartridge handbook has a detailed explanation of the cuts – but I’ve learned over time that some people can read directions (like me) and some people aren’t so good at that – they have to see it, or hear the directions (like my Mom). I’m also including pics with this explanation so you have a good set of visuals.


When I got the courage up, I jumped right in and learned a few things about cutting Disney characters - order matters! I make lots of cards for a project on the Cricut Message Board called Cards for Soldiers, so I’ve cut LOTS of these characters.


First, if you’re cutting a lot of one shape, set up an assembly line so you can glue the pieces while the next set are cutting on your bug. For example, if you’re cutting Ariel – cut the shadow and set it aside.
Cut out the base piece, the cut with the guide lines to show you where to glue the other color cuts. Then cut out the hair (I also cut the lips from the same red) and glue it down to the base while you are cutting the flesh tones.
Glue down the flesh cuts while cutting the white layer. Cut the eyes while gluing the white layer. You will layer the blue iris over the whites of the eyes.
Finally, cut the outfit layer and glue down. When you have your Ariel (or other princess) finished – glue down the shadow.
I know it doesn’t really seem like you need it, but it does make a difference having that extra black border around the character.


Ariel’s shadow - I always cut these first, and set them aside so when I’m finally finished with all the color layers, I can finish them in a snap and glue the shadow without waiting for it to cut.

Ariel’s base cut with the hair and lips - if you look closely, you can see the guide lines to show where to place your cut pieces.

Ariel’s flesh tone layer -



Ariel’s white layer – there’s usually more white on the Disney characters, but her white layer are only the whites of her eyes. Isn’t she looking better!

Ariel’s eye layer (yes, they’re teeny tiny) - tweezers can be your friend!




Ariel’s outfit layer –

Notice the difference with the shadow when it’s glued on the back!
Next time – how to use your computer to see all those eensy, weensy, teeny, tiny, little pieces - without getting a headache!

Until next time,

Susan Vilar

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Cricut Helpers! Keeping Your Mat 'Alive'

This is a series of articles I wrote last year about this time for Gracie at the Everything Cricut (Now Imagine That) Blog. The purpose was to assist new Cricuteers in getting over some of those learning curve issues we all have with a new Cricut!

Here is the first.

August 5, 2008

What I’ve Learned About Cricut!

This is my first little article about my Cricut experiences, and I’m flattered to say that Saige/Grace asked me to write. I thought about lots of things, and took some ideas I’d seen on the Cricut Messageboard, and here are my thoughts.


I think one of the most important topics to learn quickly about your Cricut is the mat.

Do you know how important the plastic cover sheet is? I learned that one VERY quickly! I now mark my mats so I know ‘which side is up’.

Use a Sharpie before you ever remove the cover on a new mat, and mark it TOP around the little hanging hole at the top.

I also write it around the sheet in other places so it is readily visible. WHY is this tip so important??? Mat Life!!!

Have you ever noticed that you place your clear sheet back on and some of the ‘stick’ from the mat is on your clear cover sheet?? I did, and ruined an entire mat that way.

If you mark your clear cover sheets, you won’t have that sticking problem. It turns out they are NOT equal in non-stick properties on both sides of that coversheet.

I’ve been able to keep some mats for quite awhile.

There are techniques out there for extending mat-life and products to use… more next time!

Susan Vilar

Sue's Cricut and Crafts

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