Thursday, June 30, 2011

SVG: Celebrating the Fourth Heading

Today's freebie SVG is a heading "Celebrating the Fourth". 
I added white gel pen details to the letters
and red Stickles to the fireworks.

Sorry...this file is no longer available for free.
You can now purchase this file in a set of six patriotic elements at
 CUT & CREATE
How do you celebrate the 4th?
Here in the resort community where I live, we kick off the holiday with an outdoor concert Friday night.  Saturday morning a parade winds thorough the resort and ends at one of the lakes where a BBQ lunch is served.  In the evening the association puts on a great fireworks display over the lake. 
It's lots of fun and a true American 4th of July!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

SVG: Patriotic Star #1

As promised, another patriotic SVG freebie today! 
Use a patterned paper middle layer for an artistic look.
Squeeze on some glitter for a little bling.

Sorry...this file is no longer available for free.
You can now purchase this file in a set of six patriotic elements at
CUT & CREATE

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Project: LIBERTY Pennant Banner

While I love the traditional "red white and blue" for the 4th of July, that color scheme doesn't exactly fit my decor.  So when I found some burgundy, gray and cream star patterned scrapbook paper, I knew it would be perfect to turn into
an Independence Day project.
I had been wanting a pennant banner and after cutting up the Roc Lon for the CANDLE WRAP PROJECT I thought I'd play around with it and see what I could come up with.  By incorporating the Roc Lon into this project, it's able to be sewn and is much more durable than being made with just paper.
Here is how to make the "LIBERTY Pennant Banner":
1.  Make yourself a paper pattern for the pennants.  My pennant triangle measured 4 1/2" across the top and 4 3/4" along the sides.  Mark out seven triangles on the RocLon with a pencil and cut out.
2.  Paint the "canvas looking" side of the RocLon with a paint color that coordinates with your base and rosette paper.  I only put on one coat because I wanted a distressed look.  Once the paint is dry, swipe coordinating Distress Ink on the edges and here and there on the front of the triangles. 
3.  Cut seven paper bases.  You will need two pieces of 12" x 12" scrapbook paper.  If you have an electronic cutter, I've included the SVG file for the base I used HERE.  If you don't, create a similar scalloped template and trace and cut out your bases.  Using the same Distress Ink, swipe the edges of the scalloped bases.
4.  Use a bit of mono adhesive to stick the painted Roc Lon triangles to the scalloped paper bases.  The top edge of the Roc Lon should extend about 1/4" above the top of the scalloped base (this will be where you attach it to the ribbon).  Using coordinating thread, stitch around the edges of each triangle (be sure to stitch the Roc Lon to the paper along the top edge).   The tape holds the Roc Lon in place while you stitch.
 
5.  Take a roll of black ribbon, measure out 24" and sew the first pennant to the ribbon.  Again, use mono adhesive on the back exposed piece of Roc Lon to hold it to the ribbon while you sew.  Sew the exposed Roc Lon portion to the ribbon.  Leave a 1" space between each pennant.  After the seventh pennant, measure out another 24" and cut the ribbon from the roll.
6.  Now you need to make the rosettes.  If you haven't made rosettes, please see my previous tutorial HERE.  (I did not edge punch the rosettes for this project)  Since I needed seven rosettes, to save time I scored them all at the same time.  First cut a piece of 12" x 7" paper that coordinates with your scalloped pennant base paper.  (Be sure to use double sided scrapbook paper)  Then score this piece of paper every 1/4" using a scoring board and when all the scores are done--but before folding---cut the paper into seven 12" x 1" strips.  Then fold and made each rosette.  I used a 1.5" scalloped circle and 1" round circle punch to add to the top of the rosette, cutting them from the same paper I used to create the rosettes.
7.  Add the "LIBERTY" letters to the rosettes.  I cut out the letters on black cardstock using my Cricut.  These letters are available in the same SVG file as the scalloped bases that I shared above.  If you can't cut SVGs, use purchased letters or hand cut from cardstock.  I added some subtle bling to each letter with Black Soot Distress Stickles.
Using a glue stick or mono adhesive, attach each letter to a rosette.  Then hot glue the finished rosette onto the Roc Lon portion of the pennant.
Now just hang it up and enjoy! 


Monday, June 27, 2011

SVG: Statue of Liberty

Only a week before it's 4th of July!  Yikes, seems like summer has just started...I only got into the lake for the first time this year yesterday.  I had an awesome weekend with (most of) my family.  We had two beautiful days and we spent it outdoors and in the lake.  Great summer memories! 
Time's a wasting so this week I will have FIVE freebie 4th of July SVGs for you.  Be sure to collect them all because I'm only offering them free for a limited time.  I'm also working feverishly to finish the pennant project and should have that for you tomorrow.  Have fun creating but remember to spend time outdoors enjoying the summer and your families!
Sorry this file is no longer available for free.
You can now purchase this file in a set of six patriotic elements at
CUT & CREATE

Thursday, June 23, 2011

New in the Store

What a busy week!  And it's been raining every day...which would have been great to spend in the studio if I didn't have a "real" job!  I'm also getting ready to host (almost) my entire family up here this weekend.  Praying for sunshine and nice weather so everyone can enjoy the outdoors.  So, needless to say, I haven't gotten any further on my Roc Lon banner project to show you.  I do have Monday off, so after the house work is done, I plan on getting that (and hopefully another free SVG) up for you.
In the meantime, here's a peek at some of my new files that are available at Cut & Create.  Just click on the link on right or above if you'd like to see more files or purchase these.  Thanks for looking!
Fancy Flourishes-One
Fancy Flourishes-Two


Flower Flourishes

Arty Accents

Monday, June 20, 2011

SVG: Patriotic Banner

It won't be long until it's the 4th of July...
time to get cracking on those cards or party invites you need.
I'll be sharing a few freebie 4th of July SVGs with you
over the next week or so to help you get them made. 
I also will have a pennant banner project (using more Roc Lon).
 
Sorry...this file is no longer available for free.
You can now purchase this file in a set of six patriotic elements HERE.
 Remember, most of my freebies are offered for a limited time only.
Be sure to get it while you can!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Sharing: Stickles Holder

I mentioned in May that I thought I had the "World's Best Mom".  Well, I do and she is married to the "World's Best Dad"!  I'm very blessed to have two very talented parents who have passed on their creativity to me.  As a child my Dad would play a game with us where he would draw a picture and we had to guess what it was.  An easy game, as he draws beautifully.  My Dad is also an awesome and very precise woodworker.  He has made me so many wonderful things, from a cedar hope chest to tables to benches to this beautiful arbor the dogs posed on:
If I ever need anything craft wise, I just tell him and he creates it!  Remember the altered clipboard project I shared with you?  He made the base.  Recently I wanted a Stickles holder similar to something I had seen online.  Well, he made me one and it was even BETTER than anything I'd seen.
I'm so blessed to have my Dad in my life. 
His birthday is next week...he'll be 76 years young. 
This picture was taken last year:
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD!
(Yes...he reads my Blog)

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Project: ROC LON Candle Wrap

Have you heard of ROC LON drapery liner? 
This is a fabulous material that you can paint, glue, stamp and sew on. 
I first used this in a painted project (from PATRICIA RAWLINSON)...a banner. 
It was wonderful to paint on and I could cut out the bottom
leaf detail with out having to worry about fraying.
Since the Roc Lon is very flexible when painted I thought it might be
 a great material to use for a jar candle wrap.  So I created this
(which I entered in a Vintage Image Crafts challenge last summer):
I've been wanting to do a Wrap for the 4th of July, so I put together
this quick and easy project for you!
Here's how to make one yourself:
1.  First of all you'll need a piece of Roc Lon.  You can get it in the drapery fabric area at JoAnn's or other stores that sell home dec fabric.  I actually found a big remnant piece.  There are different grades.  You can get away with using the cheapest (thinnest) Roc Lon.  You will need a piece to fit the size candle you want to wrap.  I used a 22 oz. Yankee Candle jar so I cut out a 3.5" x 12.5" piece of Roc Lon.  If your jar is a different size, simply measure around the jar for the length (ends should butt up, not overlap) and the width you prefer. 
2.  Choose a paint color to paint the Roc Lon.  You will notice that one side is smoother and the other has a more "canvas" look.  Paint on the "canvas" side.  I used Americana Uniform Blue.  Give the Roc Lon two coats and be sure to paint the edges.
3.  Next decide what images you'd like to put on the Wrap.  I chose various vintage 4th of July artwork.  Print the images on regular copy paper.  Set the images by giving the paper a good coat of Fixative.  Cut out the images and place on the Wrap until you find a college arrangement you like.
I also punched stars out of various colored card stock and added them here and there.  Be sure to check the artwork on the ends.  The two ends will be meeting and it's more pleasing to have the artwork blend.
4.  Apply Mod Podge with a foam brush to adhere each piece of art, then add another coat over the top. 
5.  Once all the image art has been applied, brush on 4 to 6 coats of Mod Podge and let dry completely.
6.  I decided to add rick rack to the top and bottom of this Wrap.  You could add ribbon, or lace or even use decorative scissors on the edges.  I attached the rick rack with hot glue.  I also decided to add some Stickles glitter on a few stars and the bottom rick rack.
7.  I marked 5/8" down from both top edges and 5/8" up from both bottom edges on the Wrap ends and used my Eyelet Punch Setter to put holes through the Roc Lon.  I then used red floss to tie the Wrap together.  You could use ribbon or cording or whatever you'd like to hold the two ends together.  I tied these so that I could take the Wrap on and off easily and have it store flat.
There you have it.  An easy project using the fabulous Roc Lon fabric. 
Make a different Wrap for every holiday!

I'm working on another 4th of July project for you using more Roc Lon...so stock up!



Friday, June 17, 2011

Sharing: Margarita & Hot Pepper Cards

It's the weekend and this card that Creative Team member
Heather created will put you in a "Margarita Mood"! 
Heather used a couple of the files from my
"Mexican Fiesta" SVG set to create the following cards.
 Doesn't that lemon look real?  Heather added glitter to make it look like salt!
She also gave the hot pepper file a work out making the cute cards below:
I love the colors and the sentiment! 
Glitter on the pepper adds some "hot" bling to this card.
Another great sentiment to go with the pepper.
To get all the design details on these cute cards, please visit Heather's BLOG.
Interested in getting my "Mexican Fiesta" SVG file set for yourself?
You can get it HERE.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Sharing: Butterfly Cards

First of all, "THANK YOU" to everyone who has posted a comment
 or sent an email with your condolences in my loss of my sweet Louie. 
It has really meant a lot to me.  
And while I'm still hurting, I am also so very thankful for the 12 special years we had together.  Not having had children, my dogs ARE my kids and I love them so much.
I still haven't gone back into the studio...maybe this weekend...but luckily I have a WONDERFUL Creative Team, so at least I can start the Blog posts up again.  Thanks for waiting and understanding.

Now, take a peek at these awesome cards that Bonnie
created using my newest "Garden Friends--Two" SVG set.
Bonnie loves dimensional papercrafting and even though the file wasn't promoted as such, she made it 3-D simply by multi-cutting the butterfly wings and then stacking them.  Don't you love how she used the hat pins to make the antennas?  Bonnie has more photos of the detail and explains how she created the card on her BLOG.
 Apparently Bonnie had cut quite a few of these flutterbugs and so decided to create another card of a "Mama and Babies".  I would never have thought about making the butterflies white...don't they look elegant?  I think they would be awesome for a bridal shower invite!  Again, please check out Bonnie's BLOG for more pics and the details.
If you'd like to purchase the set that the butterfly is part of,
you can get it HERE

Monday, June 13, 2011

My Heart is Broken

Today I had to do one of the hardest things I've ever done.
I had to let my sweet boy Louie go.
He's been suffering heart failure for the past three months
and this weekend he took a turn for the worse.
We've been together for over 12 years and my heart is broken.
I'm not sure when I'll be back to blogging...it won't be long,
but for now I need to take some "Me" time
and give extra love and attention to Millie.
King Louie Zeus
March 30, 1999 - June 13, 2011
"Waiting for me with Mack at the Bridge"

The Rainbow Bridge Poem
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
 
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
 
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
 
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
 
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Sharing: Father's Day Card

Hope my Dad isn't peeking at this blog, because this is the card he's getting!
The diecut design is my newest SVG file that you can purchase HERE
I used a blue pattern paper and coordinating blue paper for the main element. 
The white letters are a separate layer and I used
Glossy Accents on the letters to make them pop.
Having the letters cut out made it easy to keep the
GA within the letter shapes.
I put the green checked paper behind the main element and then layered behind that with the same red paper that I used to cut the letters and a final layer of the same blue patterned paper.
The brads were silver and I used Red Pepper Alcohol Ink to change the color.
I think the whole card has kind of cool retro look to it!
Inside I found this poem (author anonymous) and you can
right click on it and use it too!