Brilliant Lollipop Themed Card & FREE .studio Cutting file!

I’m just a “sucker” for simple and bright card and I am on a real kick for using vinyl lately so I decided to try out a simple design I had in mind. 

I am the queen of frugal, (because I choose to stay at home and try to live out my dream to create, create and create but it does not make me rich by any means)  When I make it to “real” high end craft stores I can often but drool over some supplies I’d like to have but accept that within my budget its not going to happen.  Out of this is born so many of my greatest ideas and designs. 

One of the wonderful things I felt attracted to in the stores were the Elizabeth Craft Designs Peel off Stickers.  They are fun and wonderful and I totally think they are worth the asking price.  I have bought a few packages when my Mr. came with me and he said I should treat myself. 

They are wonderful to stick and fill with ultra fine glitter or even just paint or ink.  But there are two limitations I found (besides the price for me)  The first thing is they are all sort of the same size - so here’s me who likes to custom tailor almost everything…

and the other thing is there are only so many designs (which are very nice, indeed) but again, I’m a rebel and I like a huuuuuge variety and I like to size it to fit whatever project want to do. 

So… I have been playing around with vinyl! 

Supplies:

Designer Paper - I used a Colorbok Specialty Paper Pack - Bright

Watercolour paper - Arches 140 lb

Vinyl - black

Ribbon - random

 

Lillipop Card

4.25 x 5.5 inch

 

Ok, so I’m telling you right off the bat my card is not warped, my photo of the card is warped… and I’d given the card away in the meantime. But you get the picture (pun intended) 

I designed this simple vinyl cut, and I use a high quality watercolour paper to transfer it onto - 140 lb arches in this case.  I cut the vinyl image, then I “weed” out the bits I don’t need and I use Contact Paper (the clear kind you can line shelves in your kitchen with) to transfer the image to the arches paper.

You must work delicately but you definitely get a pretty fine image!  I save (and have friends save) old credit cards or gift cards that have been used up and use them to smooth my vinyl over the paper.  First I position it over the paper where I think I would like it and then I fix one end down and slooooooowwwwly stick it down to the paper, all the time smooshing it in a straight path with the long side of the credit card.  After you have done it a few times and you gain confidence it becomes easier.

 

 

Once you have the vinyl outline stuck on then you can paint.  Now, once again I must stress that your finished product is only as good as the materials you use - and so in this case, though you will pay a healthy price for both arches paper (though it cuts down into many MANY projects) and a good set of watercolours or watercolour pencils - I believe these are essential.  The colors are so brilliant! 

I like to use an aqua brush, it means you don’t have to constantly rinse brushes out etc.  I simply swipe mine on a rag in between colors. 

I began painting in the middle and worked out, changing colors and blending them together into a little bit of an overlap to achieve a rainbow effect. 

 

 

The finishing touch is a pretty pink bow, a perfect touch for a sweet little girl. 

You might also (which I will be showing in an upcoming tutorial, use fine scissors and trim around your lollipop - turning it into an element which you could then “pop” up with foam tape. I have created this file to be sized for a standard 4.25 x 5.5 card, if you were to make “elements” from this file the vinyl might get pretty tiny to work with.  You may have to experiment.

I sincerely hope you enjoy this project.  I’d love to see what YOU make and feature your project here on my blog

LOLLIPOP .studio FILE

(personal use unless you seek permission from me for any commercial use)

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Baby Announcement Project and a FREE Giraffe cutting file!

I wanted to make something special and unique for a little feller who was recently born into my circle of friends and family, so I decided to cruise around on Pinterest and I found a baby announcement project someone had made and it inspired me to make the following project:

Vinyl and Canvas Baby Announcement

Supplies:

10 x 10 inch canvas on frame (I painted over one I bought at a yard sale)

Designer Paper

Vinyl - I chose primary and brights for lettering, brown & orange for Mr. Giraffe

 

Method:

I painted the canvas with black acrylic craft paint and let it dry.

 

 

I opened the Giraffe file and cut out the giraffe and his spots.  While he was on the transfer paper I chose the designer paper I thought would complement him. Once I chose which one I wanted I trimmed it to size and used Modge Podge to fix it to the canvas.  I let it completely dry.

I drew a 10 inch square in my Silhouette Designer Edition Software and then I  placed the giraffe into position so that I could get an idea of the space for the other info. I typed out and adjusted the text to the size and angle I desired.   I then took each piece and cut it out separately… a bit tricky but worth the time and effort. 

Once everything was ready I assembled it all on the canvas.

 

 

At the very end I decided to ad a big googly eye to him. 

I am tickled to share this giraffe file with you for your own fun projects… I’ll tell you, if I had a looooong roll of vinyl I could totally see making a wall growth chart with this image.  I hope you enjoy - for your personal use projects.  I appreciate your crediting me and linking back when you post projects using my files.  (donations for my time and generosity greatly appreciated too)

MR GIRAFFE

(.studio file_)

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Check back in three days, another fun project lined up for viewing!

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Random Photo - Silly Sometimes…

Sometimes you just need to give yourself permission to be silly. 

Lighten up! 

It’s kind of a powerful thing, being silly. 

It can diffuse almost the most tense situations. 

If you’re steaming over something, think of changing it up by choosing not to allow it to wreck your own world, instead I dare you to do something just… dumb, or corny or both! 

“Silly” is a breath of fresh air. 

Silly (and I’m talking about appropriate silly - you are, after all an adult and know what the line is with silliness) can be a breath of fresh air.  It can cut through tension, it can create endorphins. 

Sure, you risk being ridiculed and all that, but its totally worth it.  Silly can show you’re brave enough to let go of being proper in order to be lovable and vulnerable. 

What’s the last silly thing you did?

“Absolute Angel” Card - FREE file for the wings!

I have to say I really like this card:

I made this card for my friend Rachel.

 

Supplies:

Cardstock base for 4.25 x 5.5 card

Designer Paper

Ribbon

Silhouette Sketch Pens or Stamps of your choice

Vinyl

 

Method:

Just like in my previous post, I used the “Sewing Patterns” Dingbat font from DaFont HERE to cut out this woman. Then I created an offset to back her and turn her into an “element” by raising her up using foam tape. 

 

Then I did the same with the wings (which I will give a link to for download at the end of this post)  I cannot give you the actual cut file for the woman as she is a demo font for personal use only.  But I’ll give you the wings…

I made my Silhouette Cameo do my “writing” - the sentiment, I love that I can make it fit nicely in my layout.  I cut the ANGEL out of glittery black vinyl.  BUT, you could easily do all this using cardstock!   The wings were another cut and offset, the cut I made in some type of glittery foil I had and glued it to the white base.

I hope you have fun with the wings and I’d ♥ to see what you make with them.  These are for your personal use and I’m counting on you not to redistribute them please.  I would ask you credit me and link back to my blog when posting projects from them.

ANGEL WINGS

(.studio file)

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Fun Feminine Birthday Card - vinyl project & link to a My Memories Giveaway

Are you getting the idea I’m addicted to vinyl?  Well… I AM!  Here is a pretty card I made recently.

 

Supplies:

Vinyl cut of the woman

Vinyl cut of the word “BIRTHDAY”

Various Stamps

Designer paper

Ribbon - Offray (WalMart)

 

Method:

This card just “fell together” for me.  As you can see most of the elements on this 4.25 x 5.5 inch card are just basic.  The specialness of this card lies in both the beautiful cut from a dingbat font of the woman and also the type of sparkly vinyl I used. 

I am unable to provide you the actual cut file because this is a dingbat from a demo font - but you could go get it yourself and make your own cuts.  The font is called “Sewing Patterns” and you can find it HERE. As far as I can see you can use them for your own personal projects. 

I traced, measured and made the cut file for this dingbat, then I made and “offset” to back her and draw attention to her on the card by raising her up with foam tape when putting the card together. 

The lettering was a simple font and I once again cut it in some gorgeous black sparkled vinyl I have. 

Please visit again in three days as I have another project - similar but even more “wow”!!!

A CHANCE TO WIN! - DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING SOFTWARE

If you’re into digital scrapbooking, or if you might like to try it then I urge you to visit my friend Janice and enter to win a download for My Memories this fun and useful software.  Janice gives a very honest post on this software, comparing it to her favourite, which is, of course, Photoshop. (but Photoshop is a high end product, this is much simpler, though still powerful.  I like how she played around in the program to create some personal projects to show you how it works!

 

All you have to do is visit Janice and leave a comment to be entered into the draw! (WARNING: you might find yourself side-tracked by her inspirational blog posts)

Random Photo - “a different view”

 

Yup, I’m the one who looks at life a little different.  My Mr has walked away at times when I’ve gone into “laying on the ground” mode while at other times he’s taken photos of ME taking photos…

Just when you think you’ll die if you see one more picture of a flower, or a butterfly or the things, that though beautiful, (because there  there are a million of them out there) - I make it a rule to capture ordinary things in an extraordinary manner. 

There are so many ways to do this.  You can put yourself (as the viewer, and therefore the audience who sees your photo sees the same unique thing) You could take away all the color except the place or item in the photo you want to lead the viewer’s eye too.  You can take things super up close, or even isolate them. 

Next time you take a photo, why not make a rule to try taking it “different”?  View life from an “extraordinary perspective” - you’ll begin to live this way, inside and out!

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Cool Dish-soap Bottle “Do-Over”

Oooh Ahhh!  This project is one that is sure to draw comments from guests and its also one which has my dear husband just shaking his head.  Not that he doesn’t do his own fair share of dishes around here but he doesn’t understand why a girl would want a designer dish soap bottle. 

Dishsoap Bottle Do-Over

Supplies:

A plastic dish soap container (I’m a Dawn-aholic myself)

A vinyl cut out of choice

 

 

Method:

Wash an empty dish soap container and lid. Removing the label can be not so much fun but there is a tutorial HERE or you might buy some Goo Gone and try that.  I used coconut oil and cornstarch and dawn in a paste and it took a few trys but I eventually got it.  I think I would try to give it the good soak overnight next time.  I’m not very patient, I’ll admit. 

Once your container is clean and dry you may cut and apply the vinyl design of your choice (be sure to measure the work area you would like it to appear!)

At any rate, I think this will look cool filled with colored dish soap.  Ha, could you see a Christmas cut in red with some green soap inside?  Is it coz a gal does a trillion dishes in her lifetime that a decorated bottle becomes a desirable thing?  Whats the strangest (useful) household item you’ve made over? 

Thanks for visiting!  Come again in 3 days and I’ll have another post and project up!

You can download the bike via my previous post or you can visit the original svg file on Wikimedia by clicking HERE.

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Random Photo - waves

Life is a wave,

which in no two consecutive moments of it's existence

is composed of the same particles.

- John Tyndall

 

Did you catch that? 

Life’s always changing.  You can’t stop the world around you from moving on so we really have no choice but to keep up with the times or we will get left behind. 

Some people ♥ waves, to them it means swimming or surfing, the ultimate challenge and they will travel far and wide to find “the perfect wave”.  To others, its a distraction and once they allow themselves to focus on them, they’re sunk. 

I like how waves make beaches brand new each morning. They draw debris and treasures up for display - a mosaic of new discovery each time, even if one walks every day.  They lull me with their rhythmic music.  They captivate me when they leap and lash in a storm.  They soothe me when they lap the pebbles over and over.  They bring sailboats gliding by like triangular butterfly wings. And, they tug me this way and that when I’m on my air mattress, which frankly gets annoying but I think it also makes me not spend more time in the water than I really should be.

But an interesting concept, a wave… when one “starts” one, it can be the beginning of something that goes on and on.  We all have the power of that.  We can be a wave of (hopefully POSITIVE) change! 

A friend of mine is a recording artist and her song is about this very thing.  One day in the not so far future, when her album comes out I’ll remember this post and think of waves when she sings “Be The Change” 

What would YOU do to “make a wave” in your circle of influence?

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Random Photo - Blade of Grass

 

People always seem to be drawn to my macro pictures.  I seem to love taking them so its a good fit.  I always ask my self “Why?” - what is the appeal? 

I think it is the same for both me (as the photographer) and you (as the viewer) - it’s STOPPING for a moment.  Coming to a standstill long enough to notice things we usually pass by in our busy lives.  Ordinary things. 

Its funny but something almost magical happens when we allow ourselves to cash out from the hustle and bustle.  As we close off all the switches and release all the ties on our time and take a “time break” (sort of like a coffee break but without the coffee involved)  When we do that and sit still for a bit then NEW and tiny things come into focus.  Our whole being goes into “macro” mode. 

We hear insects buzzing.  We feel the gentle tug of a breeze.  We notice a color or texture that eluded us.  We see patterns, and randomness too - we CONNECT with nature.  There really is beauty everywhere.  When we allow ourselves just a few minutes or longer to simply “be” a funny thing happens - we are able to check back into the world and feel like we went on a mini vacation.

So, I think that enjoying even a photo like this one has the power to take us into the moment it was taken.  Even if it hangs on an office wall, or anywhere, it can give us a reminder that there is a whole world out there, just waiting for us to seek it. You don’t have to travel to “get away” - go discover the beauty right under your nose!

Both my Mr. and I often feel closer to God through this process - it’s a great way to appreciate the complex blessings HE allows us to experience, if we will only take the “rest” time to see.

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Bike Birthday Card - FREE cut file and link to svg!

 

Yes, I’m playing with vinyl once again.  I just find it so versatile that I can’t stop using it for new projects.  Here is my latest:

4.25 x 5.5 inch card

Supplies used:

Chalkboard vinyl

Cardstock - medium weight, white

Designer Paper - Hero Hues by Hero Arts

 

Method:

I searched online and found this bike svg through Wikimedia Commons (which you can get by going HERE)  If you use this file, even from me, please link back and credit to this link.  I’m including it in my cut files because I’m also giving you both “offsets” to go with it and it will be perfectly sized for a 1/4 fold card. 

I traced the svg and sized it.  Then I used the OFFSET feature to make a backdrop to the bike as its sort of thin and spindly and we want the focus to be all about the bike.  I have located a youtube video on how to use the offset feature in Silhouette - you might want to check it out HERE so you can learn too!  Once you get your mind wrapped around it, its really quite simple and effective.

So I cut the bike part out of chalkboard vinyl, then the smallest offset from white cardstock and the final offset from the original designer paper. I smoothed the vinyl onto the white offset then glued this to the final designer paper offset.

I tacked foam tape to the back and fixed it to the card base in the middle. Simple but effective.  I also cut teeeeny tiny lettering for the “happy birthday” (which you can easily make using the text tool and in the font you want)  and adhered it.

And I just couldn’t resist adding this little sentiment - again in vinyl, to the inside of this card. 

I hope you enjoy this file - I’d love to see what YOU make and even feature your project here on my blog. 

Bike with Offset

(.sil file)

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I hope you’ll come back in three days to see another cool (and unique AND recycled)  project I made using the bike shape!

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