Sharing: Creative Team Creations

Well it seems that my "Princess Border Set" is a big hit with some members of my Creative Team.

This is the first (and won't be the last!) of border sets that I've created.  It is very versatile, judging by what Team Members Bonnie and Vicki came up with! 

Take a look:

Bonnie used the round mat on her card.  Isn't it gorgeous? 

It looks so elegant and rich.

Get all the design details for this card on her BLOG. 

(While you're there, be sure to look at all of the wonderful cards Bonnie makes!)

Below you'll see that Vicki used the same border set but instead she went "rustic" with it and created this awesome cowboy tag!

Can you believe it's from the same set?   

Be sure to check out Vicki's BLOG for the details.  And again,take a look at the other things she has over there.  She's new but she's gotten shout outs from Gingersnap Creations and The Graphics Fairy!

Okay, so here I've shown you how one set can be used in two completely different design themes.  But wait!  There's more.  Stop back tomorrow to see the same set, the same Creative Team Members and two NEW projects!

If you're interested in getting the "Princess Border Set" for yourself, you can purchase it at:

HERE

Sharing: Painted Slate

As I mentioned before, I'm very involved in my local Relay For Life. 

Every year I paint something to donate in the fund raising auction. 

This year I painted on a roof slate (10 1/2" x 16"). 

The pattern is by Peggy Trabalka and is featured in the

June 2011 "PaintWorks" magazine. 

I hope someone likes it enough to bid big bucks!

God bless all our veterans and current military men and women. 

Remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

Thank you for your service!

Still Can't Comment

I still can't log in at http://www.blogspot.com/ but I can Post if I go to the blog address and then sign in.  Still can't leave any comments, although it looks like some of you can.  So I'm sorry if it seems as if I'm ignoring all of you!  Hopefully blogger gets this fixed fast...there are a lot of unhappy people out there.

In the meantime, I thought I'd post a picture of my anniversary present.  DH went to an auction yesterday and came home with a golf cart for me!  (we don't golf!!)  But we do live in a resort community and the county just okayed the operating of ATVs, golf carts, etc. on the roads.  So even though we have a couple of Vino scooters and an ATV, he thought we needed the golf cart too.  (Men and their toys!) I agreed...because the whole family can now go for a ride!

There's Millie and Louie getting ready for their inaugural ride.  The box on the back of the golf cart fits them perfectly and they seemed to really like it!   Since Louie has heart failure he hasn't been able to go for his much loved walks, so this was the next best thing!
Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend.  I've been working on more Relay For Life things...so check back tomorrow to see what I finished today.

SVG: Ribbon Bookmark

Happy Holiday Weekend! 

This weekend is extra special to me as today is my 28th wedding anniversary. 

Hard to believe that so much time has passed!

Today's free SVG has multiple uses.  I created it to use for the "Relay For Life" event here in my town (but it is also perfect for Memorial Day).  As an eight year cancer survivor, the Relay is special to my heart and I am very involved in my community team.  If you ever have the chance to participate or attend a Relay in your area, I highly recommend it!

I actually cut three layers for the bookmarks:  a base in colored cardstock, a back in white cardstock, and coordinating ribbon pieces (the dark ones above are purple even though the left one looks black).  The ribbon is in pieces so that you don't have to shade it to get the divisions.  I'm cutting quite a few of these for Relay and the quicker it goes together, the better!

I used alphabet stamps to add the "HOPE" and stamped it on in ink that matches the ribbon paper.  I'm going to laminate them and then cut out by hand. 

While laminating really isn't necessary, I wanted these to be weather proof, since the Relay is held outside and I've yet to attend one where it didn't rain!

The bookmarks could also be used for Memorial Day. 

Cut the ribbon pieces out of yellow cardstock and instead of "HOPE",

you could stamp the words "REMEMBER".

You can get the file HERE.

Hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe Holiday weekend!

"Close to my Heart" Products

Do you like CLOSE TO MY HEART products?

If you do and are looking to purchase some things, I'm closing out an Online Gathering. 

Orders need to be in by Tuesday.

Please email me at  creative@avci.net and I will send you an EZ Invite.

Sharing: Anniversary Card

I sure hope Blogger gets fixed soon.  I'm so bummed that I don't have any comments to read and I'm frustrated that I can't leave comments .  Oh well, at least we can still post and read posts!

Today I'm sharing a very fast and simple card I made for my parents recent anniversary.  I'm ashamed to say that I've been behind on everything lately and I actually made this card just a few days before their big day...in 15 spare minutes before going to work!  But shhhhhh....don't tell them!

Here are the design details:  The card is made from beige cardstock.  On top of that is a piece of cream CS that I ran through my Sizzex Texture Boutique to get the embossed writing.  I hit the raised writing here and there with Peeled Paint and Vintage Photo Distress Inks.  The flowers are a sticker that I placed on green cardstock and then ripped all around using a deckle ruler.  The ribbon was a little too bright so I hit that with the same DIs as on the embossed CS.  Finally I stamped the little "Always" tag and attached it to the ribbon.  To "glam it up" a bit, I added Stickles to the flower centers and here and there on the tag.

So there you have it.  It may have been last minute, but nobody would know...

unless you post it on a blog!

And here's a little design tip:  When you're placing a focal element on a card, scrapbook page, etc.  You want the element to face the inside of the project.  If the element faces outward, the viewer's eye is led away. 

Now I sure hope I don't offend the creator of this card, but it's a perfect example of what I mean.

It's a nice card, the colors are great and the image is beautiful, but the overall design would have been so much better if the bird would have been placed on the left side of the card and the wording on the right.  The bird would have been looking INTO the card....leading the viewer's eye right to the wording.  So if you've ever looked at your layout and thought "something doesn't look right", it just may be the placement of your focal element.



Sharing: Mother's Day Layout and Another Use for a MD Card

While the pictures are from last year, I just completed this Mother's Day layout and thought I'd share it with you.  Because I wanted to highlight the orange in my jacket, the greens in the landscaping and the white clothing and dogs, I thought this background paper was perfect!  Using my Sure Cuts A Lot software and Cricut, I cut the "Mother's Day" heading (see below for source) out of three layers of green and cream paper and then shaded with Distress Inks and added black pen lettering and outlines. The large ring and circle were cut from cream cardstock and also shaded with DIs and lettered with black pen.  I left the pictures unmatted (something I've been doing a lot of lately!)    No embellishments...I thought the background paper was busy enough.  And I liked being able to write the date on the "swoosh" of the heading.  If you like the heading,

You can get it HERE.

Speaking of Mother's Day, I want to show you what Creative Team Member Heather created.

Once again showing just how versatile SVG files are, Heather used part of the file to create this piece.  So actually this one file could be used for Mother's Day and Valentine's Day!  Heather has all the design details on her BLOG if you'd like to pop over.

Here's the original file:

You can get this file HERE.

Congratulations to Blog Candy Winner!

CONGRATULATIONS PAT!

The winner of the package of crafty goodies is comment number 24, Pat, who said:

"Congrats! We love seeing what you do. Thanks!"

Pat, please contact me with your address so I can send out your prize!

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 24 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Thanks to everyone who played along. 

I truly appreciate all my followers and love to read your kind comments.

Lots more in store for you....just need to spend a few uninterupted hours in the studio. 

This time of year I'm always busy outside here in northern Michigan. 

The holiday weekend is coming so that meant we spent the past weekend getting the outdoor furniture set up, puttiing the kayak in the water, and planting flower pots.  We also spread 8 yards of wood chips Sunday.  Since we live in the woods, it's easier to have wood chips than try to grow grass (although we did break down a few years ago and planted a front lawn). 

300 Followers Giveaway, SVG Freebies & a Sale!

THANK YOU!!!

First of all I want to say "Thank You!" to you, my loyal followers. 

I started the blog in January and really did not know what to expect. 

Since then I have made some great on-line "friends"

and have learned more than I ever thought I would

about creating and sharing via the internet.

It's been tons of fun and I can't wait until we hit 400 followers!

BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY

If you're a follower please leave a comment below. 

I'll randomly choose a winner from all comments Tuesday morning to receive:

*Memory Makers Embellishment Paper Pack

40 sheets-Brights

*Stampology Clear Stamp Set

Cutsie Alpha

*Memory Makers Clear Creations Transparent Overlays

Travel

*Mini Bulldog Clips

Five in Pastel Colors

*SRM Stickers-Just the Ticket

Birthdays

*Resin Angel Pin

Hand Painted (by me)

Remember, you MUST be a follower to win this giveaway.

BUT WAIT...THAT'S NOT ALL!

I have TWO FREE SVGs for you today! 

You should have already collected the graduation hat from a previous freebie giveaway. 

Now you can snag the heading and the scroll.

Sorry, these freebies have expired, but you can purchase the file HERE

AND FINALLY...

A CELEBRATION SALE

To celebrate reaching 300 followers, I'm offering

50% off all SVG files

 

A Beautiful Day in the North

Hope everyone is have a fantastic Saturday.  Here in northern Michigan our temps are in the mid 70s and the sun is shining.  A great day to get outside (with the laptop) and breath in the wonderful pine aroma.  Thought you might enjoy some pics I just took of a few flowers that are blooming in my garden.

The picture above is of a trillium.  Right now the woods are filled with these beautiful white flowers. 

Whoo Hoo, this blog hit 300 followers today!  Thank you ALL for your support and kind comments.  As promised I have a giveaway for my loyal followers.  It will be up tomorrow so be sure to pop back over.  There will be a few extra goodies thrown in too!  Enjoy your day and we'll see you tomorrow!

Sharing: "Enjoying A Fire" Layout

We have a great fire pit in our back yard but only seem to use it when company comes over.  Last summer hubby's brother and family came for the weekend and we put it to good use...BBQing steaks.  YUMMY!  Afterwards we made the traditional S'Mores and a Boy Scout favorite...Dough Boys.  Hubby (who does NOT cook) felt pretty proud of himself for making his own Dough Boy (which involved just holding the stick over the fire...LOL).  I wanted to scrap this special time and knew that elements from two of the sets I sell would be perfect!

I found the paper, which looks like birch bark, at my local Ben Franklin store.  (Sorry, I cut the edges off and threw them away before I thought to write down the company that makes it).

On the left page I created the "Enjoying A" heading with SCAL software and cut it on my Cricut.  The pine trees and fire are elements from my Diecut Designer sets (details below) and also cut using the SCAL and the Cricut.  I used Distress Inks and a water pen to add shading to the heading, trees and fire.  Journaling was typed and printed on cream cardstock that I distressed with Vintage Photo Distress Ink and then backed with chocolate chip SU cardstock.

As you can see above and below, the shading makes the letters stand out more

and makes the fire and pine trees more dimensional and interesting.

For the right page, I found the font (Firestarter) on http://www.dafont.com/ and again, using SCAL and the Cricut, cut it in three layers...chocolate chip, orange and red. 

 I used Distress Inks to shade the letters.

The "Bliss" ticket is from Tim Holtz and again the ticket, the tree and the journaling were all distressed with DIs.

The bottle cap embellishment was created by punching 4 layers of old cereal boxes with a 1 inch round punch and then gluing them together.  Then I punched the top layer from the same paper I used to cut the trees and glued that and the "Moments" charm (from Tim Holtz) to the top of the stack.

The elements I've used on my pages are parts of SVG sets I've designed exclusively to sell.  Each of these sets contain three diecut elements that you can cut with your electronic cutter using software such as MTC or SCAL.

The fire diecut SVG file can be purchased HERE.

The pine trees SVG files can be purchased HERE.

Crafters Speak Out on Cricut, MTC, and SCAL

The following is from the website www.does-the-product-work.com.  It was shared on one of the Yahoo groups I'm on and I think it really says a lot about how much SCAL (and MTC) users love the program.....and how mad they are at ProvoCraft (maker of Cricut)!


Until April 13, our page for the Cricut craft cutting machine had only 3 product reviews (all of them positive). Then, after someone posted a link on a Facebook page, a large number of craft cutters started leaving their reviews on the Cricut, nearly all of them critical. The most common complaint was that Provo Craft, the makers of the Cricut, had prohibited users from using two very useful software programs, namely Make the Cut! (MTC) and Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL).

At the suggestion of one reader, we added pages for Make the Cut! and Sure Cuts A Lot. Almost immediately, we received a flood of reviews from users telling us how much they loved MTC and SCAL, and how they were dumping their Cricuts in favor of die cut machines that let them use those programs. This has suddenly made MTC and SCAL the most highly rated product on Does-the-Product-Work.com, each with 100% positive ratings.

Some business school should do a case study on the way Provo Craft has handled this situation--as an example of how NOT to treat customers!

If you'd like to see the reviews, you can check them out here:

http://www.does-the-product-work.com/sure-cuts-a-lot/

http://www.does-the-product-work.com/cricut/

REMEMBER,  IF YOU WANT TO USE SURE CUTS A LOT WITH A CRICUT, AND HAVEN'T PURCHASED IT YET, DO IT TODAY!  TIME IS RUNNING SHORT TO GET THE VERSION THAT WORKS WITH YOUR CRICUT.

Congrats to Creative Team Member Vicki!

Congrats to Creative Team Member (and little sis) Vicki, whose wonderful Fan Project I inspired (shown in a previous post below) was selected by Gingersnap Creations as one of their top ten challenge entries! She's a "Ginger Gem" (and I'm proud to be a Ginger Gem "Muse"!)
If you haven't checked out her BLOG, you really should.   Lots of eye candy,inspiration and free digital stamps over there!

Information on Sure Cuts A Lot

After much speculation, I have gotten the official word from Craft Edge, the maker of Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL). They have settled the lawsuit that ProvoCraft brought on them and have announced that affliates must "stop selling, offering for sale or distributing these versions (SCAL 1.0 and 2.0) by no later than May 27, 2011".
What this means for Cricut users is that ProvoCraft has stopped people from BUYING this software after May 27th.  If you already HAVE SCAL, this will not affect you.  YOU CAN STILL USE SCAL.  People in the know have recommended not updating your Cricut firmware as ProvoCraft may block the software some time in the near future.
So....bottom line...keep on using your Sure Cuts A Lot (and Make the Cut) software with your Cricut if you already have it.  If you have been on the fence about SCAL---GET IT NOW!  Unfortunately it's too late to get MTC.
On the bright side, "Craft Edge will continue to provide quality software for our shared customers in Sure Cuts A Lot™ version 3.0
and beyond."  If you are thinking about getting a new cutter or replacing the Cricut, these machines WILL WORK WITH SCAL 3.0: Craftwell eCraft™, Black Cat Cougar/Lynx™, Boss Kut Gazelle™, Pazzles Inspiration™, Silhouette SD™, USCutter™.
If you have MTC, it is compatible with:   Klic-N-Kut™ models, Pazzles Inspiration™, BossKut Gazelle™, Black Cat Cougar/Lynx™ series, USCutter™ MH/LaserPoint series, CraftWell's eCraft™, HPGL machines with printer support (Craft ROBO™, Silhouette™, etc).
Personally, I will use my Cricut with SCAL until the Cricut dies.  Then I will purchase another machine that will let me use SCAL 3.  I can do so much with this software and SVG files that I will never purchase a cartridge-based only cutter.  I think that ProvoCraft has alienated thousands and thousands of customers with their decision to go after these software designers.  It's a shame.  But luckily we have lots of other options for machines and maybe all this brouhaha has made more people aware of the awesomeness of SVGs!

SVG File: "Girls Rule" Heading

Here's a heading for all the great girls in your life...including yourself!

You can get the file free HERE.

(Remember, this file is available free for a limited time.)

I created this heading to go with the two new "Girlz" sets that are now available for sale

GIRLZ-SET 1

GIRLZ-SET 2

I think these designs would be so fun for so many things...

from a layout of a little girl playing dress up to an invite for a big girls' night out!

Jenn, one of my Creative Team members, used

the heading in her fun and bright layout.

If you'd like all the design details, please check out her BLOG.

As always, I want to see what YOU'VE made using my designs!  Please send them!!

SVG File: Graduation Hat

Yes, it's that time of year...Graduation season!  This year the second of our nieces and nephews will be getting his High School diploma. 

Seems like only yesterday he was a baby!

This simple graduation hat can be used in all kinds of ways....from graduation cards, to scrapbook layouts to cupcake toppers!  Get it now because rumor has it, a matching diploma may show up at any time.

Sorry, this file is no longer available for free.

Looking for more "Graduation" themed files?

Please check out these two brand new files

You can get this set HERE.

You can get this heading HERE.

Or you might like these "Graduation" SVGs also available.  Remember, I test cut all my SVG files and photograph them so you always know exactly what you're getting!

Find HERE

Find HERE



Find HERE



Find HERE

Blog Candy Winner!

Wow!!  The "Card Carnival" Blog Hop was a huge success!  Over  293 people downloaded the SVG file for the teacup card, so I'm thinking that was a good choice for a shaped card.  lol  If you missed it, it will be available soon at http://www.diecutdesigner.com/. 
Now onto the Blog Candy...

Min: Max: Result: 9 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

There were 56 comments left and using Random.org, the winner is #9, kathlee, who said:
"OMG that is beautiful! It needs to sit by my teapot! Too darned cute. Have no clue how to use those files or I'd snatch it right up! Fun hoping with you!"

Thanks again to everyone who visited my blog yesterday and became a follower.
Only a few more until it hits 300 followers....Whoo Hooo!!
Hmmm....maybe another giveaway when we get there, just for my faithful followers?  Sounds like a plan!

Welcome to the Blog Hop!

Hello!  Welcome to our "Card Carnival" Blog Hop! 

If you're following the blog trail, you should have arrived here from  VICKI'S BLOG. 

If you've just come into the hop from my blog, you can keep going with the link at the bottom of this post or start from the beginning back at SHER'S BLOG .  Either way is fine, just make sure you hit all 18 blogs so you don't miss any of the wonderful projects we have to share.

So...what do I have for you?  A card that I hope will suit your needs to a "tea"!

This card is very simple to make using the SVG file

Free file has expired.
You can purchase it HERE
This file contains four layers:

*teacup shaped card

*teacup and saucer shadow layer

*teacup and saucer top layer (2 pieces)

*teabag label layer

 I used Distress Inks and a waterpen to add shading.  The area on the label is large enough to add a sentiment if you wish.  I used a SU "Thank You" stamp. 

The sample shown below was created by Creative Team member Bonnie.  Notice that she did not use the teabag label?  Again, the versatility of the SVG!  Read more about how Bonnie created this card on her BLOG.  Don't forget to come back for the rest of this post!

I also have a little giveaway for you:  a set of cards/envelopes all ready to be embellished and a sheet of alphabet stickers.  You don't need to be a follower to enter, but if you ARE, I will include a few other goodies in the package.  Please leave a comment below and I will randomly select a winner Monday morning.

Thank you for stopping by. 

I hope while you were here you checked out the rest of my blog. 

If  you are on Facebook, you can "Like" The Creative Pointe.

Okay, enough about me!  <grin>

Time to head over to the next stop on the Hop:

MELIN'S BLOG.

Here is the complete list of bloggers on this hop:

 Sher-  www.patternsbysher.blogspot.com 

 Kathie -  http://kathleessnippitsncricuts.blogspot.com/

Amy-    http://www.lovetocrop.com/

Anita -   http://www.anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/

Jen -  http://www.memorieswithjen.blogspot.com/

Vicki-   http://vickiscreativecraftingcorner.blogspot.com/               

Cindy-  http://creativepointe.blogspot.com
Melin-  http://www.scrapbookeden.blogspot.com/

  Susan- http://sueinct.blogspot.com/

  Gill- http://creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/ 

  Rexann-  http://ibecircled.blogspot.com

  Jen-  www.gator-4-life.blogspot.com

  Ronnie- www.inkyantics.blogspot.com

  Mollie- http://cricketscricut.blogspot.com/

  Gaby-  http://gabycreates.com
Gina http://californiascrappin-gcinderella21.blogspot.com/
Misty http://deliteful-gifts.blogspot.com/
Melissa- http://www.scrappycupcakes.blogspot.com/

Blog Hop Tomorrow!

If you LOVE to make cards, you can not miss this Hop! 

There will be seventeen blogs participating, all of which are giving away at least one FREE shaped card.  There will be loads of inspiration and most blogs will be having some sort of give away. 

Hope to see you here!

Cutting Machine Reviews

Yesterday I had a great post for you...until Blogger went on the fritz and it all disappeared! 
So I'll try to redo it.
There is a site that shows the ten best electronic cutting machines and ranks them by features, what they can cut, support and pricing.  While some of the information is not up to date, it does compare them all side-by-side so you can get a good idea of what is available if you're looking to buy a cutter or are thinking of changing cutters.  And if you're not sure why or if you need a die cutting machine, there is an article there that may help you decide.  Check it out HERE.

I've mentioned before that I prefer Sure Cuts A Lot software to use SVG files.  SCAL allows me to design on my laptop and cut on my Cricut Expression.  There are virtually no limits to what you can do with this software.  Need a particular element for a scrapbook layout?  Want a certain font for a card?  No need for pricey cartridges, you can make it!  If you have a computer, SCAL, a cutter and an internet connection, you can get or easily make anything you need in a matter of minutes....for free or for a very low price!

And being the cheap....uh...THRIFTY....crafter that I am, I love the fact that I can use up all my scraps with SCAL.  You control where the cuts are made on your mat.  As you can see in the photo above, I was able to use up four pieces of scrap to cut out letters.  I was able to place each letter on the virtual mat and then place paper on the actual mat to cut.  You can't do this with a cartridge!

REMINDER....

Don't forget that the "Carnival of Cards" Blog Hop is this Sunday, May 15th.  Sher has 17 bloggers lined up and each will be posting FREE SHAPED CARDS.  There will be lots of inspiration and giveaways too, so don't miss it!

Would you like a hint about the kind of card I've made for you? 

Okay.....it will suit you to a "tea"!

And Bonnie, one of my CT members, has used the file to create an AMAZING card. 

I can't wait to share it with you!  I'll also be having a little giveaway, so please be sure to check in Sunday. 

Sharing: Spring Cards

One SVG file, three different interpretations!

Once again these samples show just how versatile SVG files are.

I know I keep harping on how much I love them, but truly, if you love to create things that are all your own, NOTHING can beat having Sure Cuts A Lot (or Make the Cut) on your computer.  With those programs you can use and manipulate SVG files then cut your creation with a personal electronic cutter (Cricut, Pazzles, etc.) you hook to your computer just like a printer.  Cartridges, Gypsy and Design Studio just do not have this versatility.  And SCAL is super easy to use.  Just import the SVG file.  Then make it what ever size you like.  You can even break up the image or change it to make it what YOU want it to be.  I also really like the fact that I can place pieces of the design all over the mat, put the color paper I want for each piece on the mat and then load and cut with just one pass!  Plus by being able to place the cuts where you want them, you save paper. 

It's all good!!

The bold and bright card above was made by Creative Team Member Ellen.  She used the basic file but jazzed it up with the striped papers on the pot and simplified the center of the flower.  So cute!  You can read all the details on Ellen's BLOG.  Also in her post she has a FAQ section on SVGs.  Lots of great information there if you're still wondering about them.

This elegant card was made by Creative Team Member Bonnie.  She used the same SVG file as Ellen did above but only the petal portion, which she cut numerous times and then layered and rolled for a dimensional effect.  Lovely!  Bonnie also used one file of the new Princess Border SVG set to accent her ribbon.  For all the design details, please take a look at Bonnie's BLOG.  She also has a great tutorial on how she made the rolled flower.  You won't believe how easy it is to make!

The last sample was done by Creative Team Member Vicki.  This sunny card was done using the file exactly as is then accenting with coordinating colored papers.  The paper pieced smiling flower looks like you spent hours making it, but with the SVG file it was just a quick cut and glue.  Get all the secrets to creating this super easy card on Vicki's BLOG.

So now that you've seen what can be done with this SVG file, you can get one for yourself HERE if you'd like.

I'm an Inspiration! Well, my hot flashes are....

Take a look at the GREAT piece of art I came home with yesterday!  Yours truly was the inspiration behind this funny fan themed challenge entry from that silly, sassy Paper Squirrel (aka little sis Vic).  I guess it's only fitting that she gave it to me to hang up in my studio!  I love it and if you'd like to get more details on how she created it,

please check out PAPER SQUIRREL. 

Lot's going on this week! 

More great cards by my Creative Team.  

A new SVG freebie for you (of course)

and this weekend the CARNIVAL OF CARDS Blog Hop! 

Various SVG designers will be offering free

shaped card SVGs so you won't want to miss it.

Should I give you a hint of what card I have for you?  Hmmmmmm.....