Technique: Inking With a Mask

This technique is so easy and really adds 
a little "something extra" to your project.  

First you need a "mask", preferably cut out of acetate.  You could cut it out of card stock but you'll only be able to use it once.  With an acetate mask, just wipe off the ink and reuse.  And since the acetate is clear, you can see exactly how the colors look while inking.

 Apply repositionable stencil adhesive to the back of the mask and let dry as directed on the bottle.

Place your mask onto your surface and make sure it's pressed flat and adhering well.  Using your favorite Distress Inks, blend over the mask.  

 Once the ink is dry, remove the mask and finish your piece as desired.  

Tip:  On the sample shown at the top, I stamped the music notes while the mask was on and the bird was stamped after I took the mask off.  Adds interest to mix it up a bit.
Painters:  This is a great way to make stencils for wording or backgrounds!
--Cindy

**EDIT**

You can purchase this SVG file HERE.



SVG Files: Football Players and Helmets

 ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?! 

Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend and if you're planning a party, these SVG files can help you decorate! 
Cut out the helmets and glue to toothpicks or skewers and add to cupcakes.   Or cut out a bunch and make a fun banner to spell out your favorite team. 

See EDIT below

BONUS....
To celebrate over 50 blog followers, I'm adding an extra Football Players file.  These players would be great not only your Super Bowl decor but especially for high school or college student layouts.

See EDIT below

**EDIT**
The files above are no longer available free.  You can purchase them HERE.

Remember....

If you have a Cricut electronic cutter but are not familiar with the Sure Cuts A Lot software

(that lets you create artwork like what's shown above), check it out HERE. 

It's easy to learn, easy to use and your ability to create is limitless. 

Can you tell I LOVE SCAL? 

Technique: Rosettes

Today I want to share a technique that is extremely popular right now...Rosettes!
Believe it or not, these are extremely easy to make.
They can dress up a tag or scrapbook layout or stand alone as a beautiful decoration.  String a group together and you'll have an elegant garland.

There is one tool that makes making these a breeze:  a scoring board.  Martha Stewart makes a great one for around $20...even less if you use a coupon!

If you have a Cricut and Sure Cuts A Lot, you can use a cutting file to whip these right out.  Dan has one with perforated score lines on his BLOG .   Shelly's rosette files feature straight, pinked and scalloped edges.  Check them out on her BLOG .  No Cricut?  Use your border punches!  Okay, let's make some Rosettes!


Supplies I Used to Make Rosette:
*12" x 2" piece of double sided scrapbook paper.
*Border punch
*Circle punches
*Martha Steward Scoring Board
*Double sided adhesive tape
*Scissors 
*Hot glue gun

                                                     

1.  Using border punch, punch down 

the length of the paper strip.

2.  Now fold the strip accordian style.  I put the strip 
on the scoring board and made score lines every 
1/4".  This made it easy to fold up the pleats neatly.
Using your double sided adhesive, tape the side ends
together.  You may need to trim an end so that the 
pleats are continuous.

3.  Gather the top edges of the paper together, punched side down.  Press in until paper flattens out into rosette.  Using a hot glue gun,put a generous blob into the center and either hold until glue hardens or put something heavy on it to hold.

 4.  Decide which side you want to be the back and punch out 

a circle from card stock.  Using the glue gun, center the circle 

over the middle of the rosette and glue down.  Turn the rosette over and decorate as you wish.

Here it is...all decked out and waiting to be used on a Valentine's Day Card!  Now go make some rosettes for yourself.
--Cindy

Project: Papercraft--Vintage Valentine Love

VINTAGE VALENTINE LOVE
This project is no longer offered for free.  You may purchase it for $1.99.  Within 24 hours of payment receipt you will receive a pdf file containing complete step-by-step instructions and photos.  You will also receive a pdf of the printable vintage images.  Some of the pieces were created with a Cricut electronic cutter and the Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) program.  The two SVG files will also be sent.  No Cricut? Don't worry, alternate ways to create those pieces will be explained.
Not familiar with SCAL?  If you have a Cricut and would like to be more creative with  it (or are tired of paying big bucks for cartridges), SCAL is for you!  You can check out all the features HERE .

 

Project: Acrylic-- "Cool Pics" Photo Album

"Cool Pics" Photo Album Acrylic Project
This is a quick and easy piece for acrylic painters of all skill levels. 

Please review my guidelines for using this design.  It is for personal use only and may not be painted in quantity to sell.  You must have written permission before teaching design.

**THIS DESIGN IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AS A FREE PATTERN**
Purchase Options:
$1.99 pdf pattern and jpeg detail picture sent to you by email

$5.99 printed pattern and detail photo mailed

SVG File: Snowmobile & Trail Sign

SNOWMOBILING SCRAPBOOK LAYOUT
Last year I needed something "snowmobile" related to finish this page.  So I created the Jumping Snowmobile and Trail sign files.  Hope all you "sled" riders can take advantage of them!
-Cindy

**EDIT**

These two files are no longer available for free. 

You may purchase this set which contains them and other files HERE.