Cricut Design Space Tutorial: SHAPED Card using Weld and Score and Doll Image from "Paisley" cart.

Hello lovely readers!

I've been on vacation from work this week so I've been spending a good bit of my time with my children and getting things done around the house that have lay uncomplete for so long. However, I have found a bit of time (mostly late at night after the kids are asleep) to play with my Cricut Explore and Design Space.  I spent way too much time (until about 3 a.m.) last night creating Hershey Kiss circles (0.75" circles) in a Valentine's theme to Print 'N Cut with my Explore. I found that it was lengthy and the more circles I added, the more Design Space lagged.  I created 25- 3/4" circles on one canvas and will not do that again. It took between 30-45 seconds for each button I pushed after I had about 8 circles designed. However, all is not lost! They turned out super SWEET! I'm currently working on that tutorial and hope to have it up in the next day or two. In the photo below, you can find a PREVIEW of the file or click the link below the photo if you just want to go ahead and use my design. I'll forewarn you, you would almost have to have the subscription (or own a slew of cartridges) to be able to use the design. If you own a majority, simply hide the images you don't own before pressing GO!

 

Click Here to go to DESIGN

Finally let's get on to the task at hand...

Paisley Doll Shaped Card DS Tutorial

I found this project to be fairly simple if you have a good understanding of Design Space.  I'd say it'd also be fairly simple to create shaped cards using just about any image with a shadow layer by following these steps:

1. Open Design Space, Sign in, and create a new project. If you prefer to work with a canvas, you could do so at this point. I usually just design on blank space when creating cards and such.

2. Click Insert Image, search for your image and be sure it has a shadow layer (I used a doll from the Paisley Cartridge #M3A1DD), when you've found one you'd like to use, insert it to your canvas.

3. You will then need to ungroup and hide all layers except your shadow layer. Duplicate the shadow layer and move the duplicated layer to the left of the image, just joining the layer slightly below it. When you have the images joined slightly, select both images (drag the box over both layers) and choose WELD from your layer panel.

4. Go to Insert Image again and search for line (a score line should be the first choice).  Insert the score line and center it between each side of the card. It is very important that this is lined up correctly, otherwise your fold will be off centered. Line up your score line and then select both layers again (the card base and score line) and select ATTACH from your layers panel.

5. Un-hide all the other layers and be sure they line up.  Collect your paper choices and select GO! when you're ready to cut.  Cut each layer on the papers of your choice and assemble as shown on your work area.

6. When assembled, fold your card on the score line, add the doll to the base and collect your glue pen, tweezers, and rhinestones.  Place one glue dot at a time and adhere your rhinestones using alternating colors as shown in the photo.  Continue to place your rhinestones until all six are glued down.  Let dry for a half hour or so before adding to your envelope choice.

Frugal Die-cutting: Gel PENS that work with CRICUT EXPLORE from DOLLAR TREE (no adapter needed) and GIVEAWAY news!

Hello all!  Today, my 7 year old son and I stopped in our local Dollar Tree to buy a tin container for his teachers at school for Valentine's Day! He wanted to get both of his teachers (women) some pens and erasers and candy bars so we did. While there, I spent $40 and some change and left with a whole slew of crafting supplies and such.  We bought blank gift bags (to decorate of course) in white and kraft, glue sticks, glitter, glitter glue (for small details), lots of organizational containers for my smaller crafting supplies that seem to be everywhere and no where, and PENS! I got to looking at them while he was picking out the two packages he wanted to buy his teachers and comparing to the Cricut Explore Scoring tool which seems to be my go-to guide when trying different pens for the Explore. I have two of them actually. One for the Explore and one to keep in my purse for buying new writing utensils to put my machine to work. I bought six packages of pens close in size and of those six, THREE of the different types worked. I was elated!  I know how hard it can be to find these little treasures that make our lives so easy, so I thought I'd share what I found.

Two of the packages are Jot brand. They come in a blue cardboard package {pictured below on top and bottom left}

  

The first package are ball point pens in various colors (and colored inks!) and feature a white stripe down the bulk of the pen. They come 6 to a package (green, orange, red, purple, pink, and blue) and have a fine tip. In the Cricut Explore pen holder (A) these pens snap right in (remember to hold the bottom portion when inserting any pen into the holder. This will prevent the breakage that many seem to be experiencing, though, I have not had problems with this). I've seen these in every Dollar Tree I've ever had the pleasure of visiting so they should be fairly simple to get your hands on. Below are those pens.

 The second Jot pens are Metallic Gel Pens.  They are slim and handy.  They come 4 to a package in Red metallic, gold, green metallic and silver.  These are fine pointed as well and fit snuggly in the pen holder (A).  I'm not sure how many Dollar Trees carry these, but keep your eye out for them. A photo of the Jot Metallics:

The last package I found is Cello brand.  They are named Cello Top Gel Gel Pens.  They are in a neon green plastic package and come 5 to a package (though the package says 4).  Colors: green, yellow, blue, PINK and orange (all neons!) I love neon!  These would look fabulous on black paper! These fit great in the pen holder as well.

I also tested each type of pen in my Cricut Explore and you can find the test sheet below.  Please excuse the awful camera glare on the top test for the Blue ballpoint pen.

All 3 pens wrote beautifully using the Explore as a tool.  I am totally happy with the money spent.  I feel as though it was money very WELL spent. And only $3 and some change. WOW!


Having trouble finding these at your local Dollar Tree? Leave a comment and I'll be happy to pick some up for you and send them your way.  All you have to do is show me some blog love and send someone you think would enjoy my posts this direction and follow me.  It's that simple!

I also spent just over $30.00 on Lettering Delights today! They're having their Head Over Heels Valentine's Day sale so many Cut-It sets are $1.25 or less. I also bought about 6 fonts, got more than 6 free, 5 FREE cut it sets, and their entire NEW Betty the Yetti line for spending $14+. I also got many Cut-it Sets (SVG) that have been in my wish list for a while. So, I spent most of the night unzipping those files and saving them to my computer.  I can't wait to start cutting them, creating projects, and sharing them with all of you! So, stay on the look-out for those.  Interested in what's in MY LD library? Just let me know and I'll send you a list or help you out with how to get started with them. It's pretty simple. They're offering 30% off orders over $14.00 too using code: snowmuchlove.  I am not affiliated with Lettering Delights at this point, I just LOVE their stuff. I got hooked from Under a Cherry Tree.  You should check them out. They have beautiful artwork.

In other exciting news,  I will be doing a GIVEAWAY starting on Monday running through Saturday (January  25, 2015 - January 31, 2015). Drawing will be held Sunday, February 1st, 2015!  I think I'll be giving away a PAPER PAD and other miscellaneous paper crafting goodies.  Wanna get it?  Follow my blog.. that will be a requirement for entry!

Alright my fellow Die-Cutters, I better head to bed.  I'll upload the photos of my pen test quality tomorrow or so.

Thanks a bunch for reading,

Cricut Design Space RECIPE: Bear-y Great Teacher Valentine's Day Treat Box Teddy Bear Parade Explore

You're a BEAR-y great teacher! Valentine's Day Treat Box

My Project file using Cricut Cartridges

Treat Box Project File: 

*I highly recommend using this file or you have to go through and select each and every tiny score dash layer and change option to score. I am not sure if you'll need to upload the box template into your images before this will work for you. I'd say if it doesn't show, upload the treat box into your images first and then follow my project file link.

Cricut Cartridges Needed:

• Teddy Bear Parade (#M44E03) Girl Teacher/Student Bear
• Victorian Romance (#M40A97) Valentine Scallop Heart
• Font: Birthday Cakes- Writing Style

Outside SVG used:

• Bird's Cards (FREE SVG files) Bag 1 Digital Cutting File (about 1/2-2/3 down the page) Look for circle handle cut-outs. Click on the title of the bag and it will prompt download of a ZIPPED file. Unzip the file, insert the file into UPLOAD IMAGE in Design Space using the Vector Upload method. Insert file and change Width to 10.5", Length should then change to 13.017".

Materials:

• Cardstock: (I use Core'dinations 8 1/2”x11” Solid-Dyed Core Premium 65# Cardstock that I buy from Jo-Ann Etc.)
  • Sea Blue (from Candy Shop is the exact blue I use)
  • tan
  • brown
  • white
  • gray (very small amount, I recommend using a scrap piece for this piece)
  • red
  • royal blue
  • black

• Patterned Paper: Coordinating to your box base color
  • I used: Magenta patterned for front and back and light blue polka dot patterned for sides

• 5”x6” plastic treat bag (could use a sandwich bag cut to size) ( I used a larger treat bag that was 8”x6” and just cut the top couple inches off the top as evenly as possible using a ruler and X-Acto craft knife)
• 12”x 1/4” Deco. Or Washi Tape
• glue stick (and thin line Glue Pen- I use Zig Two-Way Glue)
• pop dots
• wiggly eyes- medium size. I buy mine at Wal-Mart for $1.97 for a pack of 75 in assorted sizes and they are adhesive backed. I love that! It doesn't get much better than that. I threw the tag way or I'd share the name brand. I found them in the craft section by the craft sticks.
• Rhinestones – pretty small - red, green, blue
• Silver Cricut Pen (that came with your Explore) or any pen that is compatible with the Explore that you choose to use
   
• Treats of your choice (I'm using Hershey Kisses and adding a couple pens and a Dry-Erase Expo Marker in red)

Directions are pretty straight forward:

You'll cut out your box, add mats and then fold. Add deco. tape to the top of your bag about 3/4" down from the top. Assemble your bear and add rhinestones to the bow, glasses, apple, and button on shirt. Then assemble the heart and then add the bear to the front and heart to the back using pop dots. Fill with treats and send to your child's teacher!!

Here are more photos for detail and in case you need something to refer to. Please feel free to leave comments if you're having trouble and I'll gladly help you anyway I can.

Stay tuned.. up next post is a GIVEAWAY and another tutorial.

Thanks for reading! Just keep Cutting!

Cricut Explore Tutorial: 4 Holed "So Sweet" Cupcake Box

"So Sweet" Cupcake Box (4 holders) Tutorial

 Created using Cricut Explore and Design Space, Sweet Tooth Boxes, Once Upon a Princess,  Something to Celebrate, CCR Basics, and my own personal creativity and patience.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I was on a mission to create something for my sweet cupcakes that I make every year, but didn't want something too traditional because my cupcakes are always so red and pink and sparkly.  I thought that if I stuck to something in different from the norm, the finished product would look romantic and fancy. I'd have to say that I'm totally happy with how my box turned out! 

After spending more than two hours trying to get the box sized just right, I decided I'd share with you, my awesome readers, how I did it.  If you're anything like me, you have trouble getting boxes sized just right in Cricut Design Space.  Here, I'll tell you exactly how I created this "So Sweet" Cupcake box and included in the tutorial below is the file I've created (this will save you a TON of time, trust me). In case something doesn't transfer over correctly for you I will include the dimensions for each piece in Design Space.

My next project is going to be a box for mini cupcakes. I have an obsession with bite sized desserts and have been itching to make some minis, so of course, I'll need a box to put them in. Look for that tutorial in the very near future.

Okay, without further ado, here's the tutorial for the 4-Holed "So Sweet" Cupcake Box.

What you will need: 

-Cricut Machine (with at least 12"x12" mat). I use a Cricut Explore and I love it!
-Cricut Design Space (free with an account to www.cricut.com)

Click HERE to be directed to the Design Space

-Cricut Scoring Tool 

-4 Pieces of Coordination Cardstock Pages (I used DCWV Cardstock)

-Clear Transparency, Mat Protector Plastic (or in a pinch, use scissors to cut a ziploc bag in half, and then down to size)

-Glue or Adhesive Tape Runner (Permanent)

-handful of paper clips

-1 pop-up dot

-rhinestones (optional)

Cricut Images I Used:

* If you do not own these cartridges or have a subscription for Design Space (only $9.99 per month or I believe about $99.00 for a year), you will have to purchase each individual image (except for the transparency piece, it's free) before being able to cut anything. You will be prompted to do so when you click GO from the mat preview.

**The code in parenthesis below can save you tons of searching (begins #M...) Simply copy and paste (or type) this code into the search box from your Insert Image box in Design Space and it will (or should) be the only image to query.

-Bottom: "Square Lid" from Sweet Tooth Boxes {further here referred to as STB} (#M38E3A)

-Lid: "Square Lid" from STB (#M329DC)

-Lid Cut-out: "So Sweet" from Once Upon a Princess (#M44D08)

-Cupcake Holder: "Treat Holder" from STB (#M33BE2)

-Bow: "Ribbon" from Something to Celebrate (#M44E6B)

                 
 -Transparency: "Note Card" from Cricut Craft Room Basics (#M3CF50)

Each Pieces Design Space Dimensions (just in case something goes wonky)
                
Measurements written as: Width"x Height"

Bow: 9.65x6; Lid: 10.9x10.95; Holder: 9.34x9.38; Bottom: 11x10.82; Transparency: 5.89x5.89


Creating your "So Sweet" Box:

1.  Open my project in Design Space by clicking HERE
At this point, you should load your scoring pen into the accessory port (A) and your standard blade into the blade port (B).
2.  Once the project is open, be sure that all your layers are showing (there should not be a line through any of the eyeballs. At this point, you can edit the project if you'd like or just continue through the tutorial if you are happy with the project as shown.
3. When you have your mat ready, click GO! and your mat preview should then pop up and look something like this:

Your Mat Preview should have a total of 5 mats. If you don't have 5, you will need to go back to your canvas and double check that all layers are turned on (no slashes through the eyeball).  My Mat Preview had this load order: bow, lid, holder, bottom, transparency.

4. When ready, hit GO. (The little green button in the bottom right corner).
**If you do not own any or all of the images used for this box, you will now be prompted to pay for them.  I am subscribed but I believe each image costs around $1.00 but the transparency (note card) should be free.  This project will cost you a one time fee of about $4.00 (if you don't already own the images or aren't subscribed through Cricut). If you do need to purchase the images, you will then own them and can create many more projects from these images as well as multiple "SO Sweet" boxes.
5. Load the proper material for the first mat, turn the dial to the proper cut setting, and Load your first mat into the machine. When you're GO light starts blinking, press the button and cut your first mat. When that mat is finished cutting, do this for the following four mats.

*My dial positions were as follows: CARDSTOCK setting for bow, lid, holder, and bottom. Custom setting (pull down menu transparency) for the Transparency.
*Remember, be sure you have your scoring tool in A and standard blade in B.

6. When you have completed cutting all 5 mats, collect your pieces and adhesive. 

(*Super Helpful Hint** When you get to the lid mat and remove the pieces to the "So Sweet" on the front, remove each piece to the letters one by one as you will need each piece in a later step. I find it easiest to lay them out on the table next to my work space in the same order they were on the mat. If you have two mats, you could cut this layer on a separate mat and leave the pieces stuck to that mat until you get to the point that you are ready to use them. You will only need the letter pieces, you can discard the sprinkles and face on the wrapper (unless you prefer to use them but I did not).)

7. Gather your transparency die-cut and the lid to your box.  Use a clear-drying glue stick and go between all the spaces where the transparency will lay.  Press firmly to ensure the transparency will stay in place. Now flip your lid over and add your letter pieces to the proper spaces.  After doing so, your words "So Sweet" should be very legible. Add your rhinestones if you'd like and any other (somewhat flat) embellishments at this point.

8. Fold each piece on all score lines. (Fold slowly and accurately). If you have a bone folder (or even a butter knife) you could use it to keep lines and folds crisp. 

9. Use adhesive (or glue) to adhere each glue flap to the sides of both the top and the bottom. I slide paper clips over each place that I just glued and let them sit for about 5 minutes until my glue is set.

 10. Insert cupcake holder into the bottom and add the top to the bottom.
11. Fold your bow and wrap the center around bow. (There are slits to tuck pieces into and if you look for them, these are really simple to put together) I chose not to use the pieces that hang down from the bow but you could if you'd like.  Add a pop dot to the back and place the bow where you'd like it on your box.  Mine is in the upper left hand corner hanging over each edge by about an inch.
12. Add your cupcakes and VIOLA! You have the coolest cupcake box for a fraction of the cost that you could buy something similar (but not as SWEET) on-line.

*Tip: Use a fairly sticky mat for DCWV cardstock and your transparency.  If you need to re-tack your mat, read my tutorial HERE. It's super simple! Most of the things you need to do so you should already have in your house.

I really hope my directions are clear and concise enough for your understanding.  I find that I know what I'm trying to say, and it sounds clear to me, but I have already completed the project.  If you're having trouble, leave a comment below or email me by clicking here.

Finally, if you are inspired and create one of these super SWEET cupcake boxes or I inspired you to create something from my ideas, please share it with me. I love to see how other creative minds tick.  Remember, keep an eye out for my mini cupcake box in the next day or two.  Happy Cutting!

Please note: At this point in my blogging adventure, I am in no way affiliated with any of the companies that I have mentioned in my posts or used in my projects.  I purchase all supplies, my Cricut Explore and Subscription, etc.  All opinions are completely of my own free will and I do not recieve any form of payment or supplies from any companies I use in my postings. I enjoy crafting and like to share what I love to do with the world!! Happy Cutting!

Thrifty Tutorial: HOW TO Re-Tack your Cutting Mat

So, you're working on a project and your die-cut keeps coming out partially cut or tatterned and torn and you're getting frustrated. You don't have a spare mat or at least not one that is any more tacky than the one you're already working with. You don't have $13.00 lying around burning a hole in your pocket to invest in new mats that will cut for only a few weeks anyways. I have the solution. Take your previously invested in cutting mat, a few materials you have lying around the house, a few cheap materials that you will invest in once (and spend less money than to purchase new mats) and will last for many, many re-tacks and re-tack your mat yourself. It's simple! I'll share with you how to do so, just keep on reading.

What you will need:

• a hard surface, either outside, in a well-ventilated area or near a window
• a sink with a stopper that your mat will fit into while fully submersed or at the very least, large enough that it can be flipped over to submerse
• an old rag or two and an old towel
• newspaper, wrapping paper, or rolled craft paper
• Dawn dish detergent (at least 1 teaspoon)
• a clipboard, hung on a nail on the wall above a towel (or you could lay it directly on a towel and flip to dry each side if you are unable to hang a clipboard)
• 2” wide masking tape (or 1” wide doubled up)
• rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover
• a spray bottle (optional)
• metal or plastic scrapper
• re-positional, light tack spray adhesive (I use Loctite General Performance 100 light that I got at Jo-Anns for $4.49 after using a 40% off coupon)
  
• plastic protective covering or clear transparency film (to protect your mat between uses and keep debris off your newly tacked mat)

What you will do:

1. Protect your hard surface using your newspaper or craft paper (or other material that you don't mind if it gets thrown away)
2. Pour your rubbing alcohol/ nail polish remover into a spray bottle and generously spray your mat. (If you don't have a spray bottle, you can just pour a small puddle into the middle of your mat and use an old rag to spread around the gummy portion of your mat.) Let sit for 7-10 minutes.
3. After alcohol has sat on your mat for the allotted time, take your scrapper and starting at the top corner or bottom corner, scrape firmly (but not hard enough to scrape off protective coating) and remove old tack gum in 2-3 inch sections moving from one side to the other, top to bottom. After completing all the removal steps, all gum will need to be completely removed before adding more adhesive to retack so pay close attention and remove as much gum as possible during this step. Scrape several times until you have removed as much gum as possible.
4. Run very hot water with about 1-2 teaspoons of dish detergent in a sink allowing enough water to submerse your mat. Add your mat to the sink and let soak in the hot water for 5-10 minutes.
5. Remove to old, clean towel laid on your hard work surface. Again, use your scraper to remove any left over gummy residue. Pay careful attention to the edges and corners as this is where the majority of the residue ended up on my mat as I was cleaning. When you are fairly certain that all residue has been removed, return to hot water and use an old rag to scrub remaining residue. It is VERY important that all residue is removed before re-tacking. Be sure to scrub well the back of your mat as little gummy balls may have ended up there as well and will stick to your machine and possibly ruin your rollers.
6. Remove from water and drain sink Shake mat well and remove as much water as possible.
7. Hang on clipboard above a towel and let drip dry until COMPLETELY dry. If you are impatient like me, or in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer on it's lowest setting and dry your mat. Be sure to keep your dryer 8-12 inches away as to not melt the plastic mat you just spent 45 minutes cleaning. Be sure mat is COMPLETELY dry before moving onto the next step. This is very IMPORTANT!!
8. 
   On your protected hard surface, that is well ventilated, tape off your mat using masking tape. Be sure to line the tape up with the outside line just below or inside each margin. You do NOT want spray adhesive on your margins so take your time and tape carefully. Use the corners of the tape to tape it down to the surface. This will hold the mat in place while you are spraying. When you've finished taping, the only part of your mat that should be visible to you is the space with the grid.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. When you have taped your mat off and down to your surface, shake your spray adhesive can and spray your mat in linear motion from left to right, overlapping each line before. Be sure to hold your can 8-10 inches from your mat to insure that you don't glob up your glue. If you hold it 8-10 inches away and move in linear motion, you will spray fairly evenly. Let adhesive dry COMPLETELY and repeat 2-3 more times. For higher tack mat (like you can spend yet more money on) just spray a few more times. I do 5-7 coats for an extreme tack mat. 3-4 coats for a standard tack. Be sure to let each coat dry COMPLETELY before adding another. Let dry completely before removing tape, conditioning and first use.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Watch this 6 second video to see the spraying motion I did!
   
   
10. You're almost done!! Condition your mat as you would if you purchased it new. I use my hands and press them down over and over to un-tack the mat a bit before using the first time. If you aren't going to use it right away and/or before putting your mat away, use protective plastic to cover your mat to keep debris from aiding in a lesser tacky mat.
11. Use your mat!!

Welcome to Rock Paper Die-Cuts!

Welcome to Rock, Paper, Die-cuts! This is my blog where I share projects to inspire, tutorials to teach, and secrets I have learned about die-cutting machines and materials.  I hope to inspire each of you to let your creativity shine! Everyone has the ability to be creative.  Die-cutting can be so much more than paper and glue!  Look around and enjoy!!

01/04/2015

This is my very first day with a blog!! Check out my first Frugal Post! How to RE-TACK your cutting mat!!!