My first post for DtsArt Creative Team

Hi and welcome to my first post for DtsArt’s Creative Team!

Dardi and I have worked together for awhile on the Stamping Boutique team and have gotten to be good friends.

She offers a ‘Tuesday Takeout” on her blog every week.

The “Tuesday Takeout” is a FREE SVG Cut file!

I have been a follower and fan of her blog for several months!

This is the first project I ever made using one of her great FREE files.

After working with Red Bird, I was hooked for good!

When Dardi announced the Grand Opening of the Diecut Designers Forum and was seeking a few members for her Creative Team, I jumped on the chance to work with her files!

Our first set of files as the New Creative Team is a pair of adorable Bunnies

Here is the project I made with these little cuties:

The files cut and assembled so easily and were a lot of fun to work with!

Yes, despite all the drama circulating the web, I am still using my Cricut E and I plan to do so until the wheels fall off. I use SCAL 2, which does not have any compatibility issues with my Cricut, and I love the flexibility and creativity that is allowed by using SCAL! It’s unfortunate that ProvoCraft did not choose to work WITH the third party software providers rather than raise lawsuits and negativity. I think we would have all been better off had they chosen to do so… but I won’t go into all that here or now…

Since Easter has passed, I decided to find a way to use Bunnies that had nothing to do with eggs, chocolate and baskets! My niece and nephew are in Rochester, NY and I think their Mommy will let them hang these on their doors!

The Creative Team has made some some great projects… you’ll have to pop in to see them all the the DtsArt Blog! And while you’re there, make sure you grab this week’s FREE file! The leftovers are thrown out Thursday, so don’t dilly-dally… hop right over and grab your bunnies!

Two New SVG files

For this week's Fresh Brewed Designs post, please click HERE!

I've been working on a few files in Inkscape for some projects I'm planning for later this week.

It's been a long time since I've added anything to my Box.net account, so I decided to share two files I made this week.

The first is a simple corner flourish:

Here is the link on my box.net account 

When you download my files, they are zipped.

In the zip file, there is:

an SVG

a .jpeg image

an SCUT2 file for Sure Cuts a Lot and

an MTC file for Make the Cut

The second file I'm sharing took me a LONG time to figure out!!

Sorry for the messy mat... it's my work area...

In order to cut the Compass Rose in two tones without making the pieces overly complex and difficult to put back together!

I ended up with 4 main pieces for the two layers of the compass rose.

Then I added layered circles for the background.

You'll need these layers to put it together to make it a little more "sturdy"... I had to use my "pokey thing" to move the pieces exactly where I wanted them, then glued it onto the circle and put a brad thru AFTER it was mounted on the circle.

If you try to put in the brad before mounting it, you'll rip apart the top layer!

(trust me, I'm speaking from experience) (-:

In the SCAL and MTC files, I use the "Pages" tabs,

so when you open the files, there are different "Pages" for different elements or versions of the file. For example, the main compass rose is on the first page. It will cut on one 12 x 12 paper. (I used all white paper, then inked the blue parts...) The needle and letters are on a separate page. And on the third page, I made a simple, two-piece version that doesn't have the "two-tone" look.

Here is the link for the compass files 

If you have any questions or problems with any of my files, please let me know!

And I'd LOVE to see anything you have made using them!!

FREE SVG! Phillies Logo

Here is the link to my Box.net account where I have shared the .zip file or you can just click the photo!

Too bad they didn't make it this year to the World Series...

Over the next few days, I'm working on SVG's for the Yankees, the Rangers and the Giants, as well as the MLB logo! These things take time to put together, especially getting them to a format that will cut cleanly on the Cricut without having a bunch of little pieces to puzzle together... when working with vinyl, tiny pieces are no fun! So! Enjoy the file for the runner up and see you soon with the others!




Need Sure Cuts a Lot?CLICK HERE

FREE SVG- A 3-piece Rose

I have FINALLY updated my SVG files and sorted them

into some kind of manageable order!

Whew!! It took me about 2 weeks to figure out a system I liked!

I made this file from a Dingbat Font.

There are only 3 pieces to cut!

It is available HERE

as an SVG and SCUT file for Sure Cuts a Lot.

Happy Fall, Creating in Carolina and My Scrap Chick Cut Files Combined

This is a combination of two great Creators!

The lattice style card base was created by Cely at Creating in Carolina.

The Branch with leaves and acorns is a FREEBIE from My Scrap Chick.

The sentiment is a small oval Nestie, handwritten.

When great cut files like these are available online,

creating a simple card is both easy and FUN!!

This is my first submission for
the newest challenge at Creating in Carolina.

I have other creations planned, but they're not complete or ready to post!

Renesis SVG Viewer

Just wanted to take a moment to forward 

a GREAT tool I found at Penny Duncan's site.

Renesis SVG Viewer

 

This little plug in was quick to install

and works beautifully for me!

All my SVG files were in a folder that just keeps getting BIGGER!

When I wanted to look at what I had, 

I had to open the file and export a bitmap

to have a "picture" of it.

All the files show as the Black Inkscape "Spade-shaped" logo.

NOW!! With this viewer

every file has a visual thumbnail.

A PICTURE of each file!

 

Thank you to Penny Duncan for making things THAT much easier!

If you haven't visited her site lately, you're going to want to head right over!

You'll be INSPIRED!!

Labor Day Sale – 25% Off Your Entire Purchase! Use Code LABORDAY2010

Labor Day Sale – 25% Off Your Entire Purchase! Use Code LABORDAY2010

With the kids back at school and summer coming to an end, take some time for yourself and SAVE BIG at SVGCuts.com! To celebrate Labor Day weekend take 25% OFF your entire purchase! Beef up your SVG collection – get ready for all your fall and winter crafts!

Create a “Back To School” scrapbook page using our Back To School SVG Collection,  get a jump-start on Christmas related paper crafts, make Thanksgiving invitations using our Fall Pop-Up Cards from our Autumn Section or just stock up your SVG arsenal! The choice is yours and the savings are huge!

I took advantage of this offer today!

I purchased FIVE kits for $23.21!

Each "pack" of files is essentially equivalent to a full Cricut Cartridge.
And I got FIVE of them for under $25!!!

Complete kit includes assembly instructions and all the SVG files and layers to create!
 

With SCAL, who needs Font Cartridges?

You can cut ANY font that is installed on your PC!

Word phrases? Simple! Make your own!

Choose the fonts, resize them, move them around, rotate them... voila: Word Art!

Click HERE for more info about Sure Cuts a Lot

My Guitar Hero Logo File Cut in Vinyl

Here is the file in "cut" form on the wall!
I shared the logo file in my Box Net account and have noticed that it has been downloaded more than any other file that I've shared!

While I created it several months ago, I have never actually cut it out to see if it even works.

Today, my little guy decided he wanted it on his wall near his guitar gear, so we cut it!

I imported the file into SCAL, rotated it on its side, stretched it out to the entire width of the mat (keeping proportions locked). It turns out it was 16" long, so we used a 12 x 24 mat.

We then "ungrouped" it, so it was a gray, red and black layer.

The new update to SCAL is SO COOL, because you can view layers of a file!
Just click on the "eye" next to the layer you want to "see" and the others are still there, but the only one that cuts is the one on the screen.

We cut the BLACK layer first (closed the "eyes" on the white and red layers), because it's the one on top.
After weeding it, we stuck it to transfer paper, face down.

Then cut the WHITE layer next, weeded it, and lined it up on top of the black one on the transfer paper.
Last, we cut the RED layer and lined it up on top of the white layer.

Once all three layers were put together, we found a good spot on the wall, stuck it there, and smoothed it out with a credit card!

PERFECT!!

I have "updated" the files in Box Net to reflect the colored layers as described above.
Hopefully it will make it that much easier to use!

Here is a link to the SVG file I created and shared:
http://www.box.net/shared/1zdsk953b6  Links moved to my SVG's Page
Here's the SCUT file, just open in SCAL and GO GO GO!
http://www.box.net/shared/i7m0m4q7ie Links moved to my SVG's Page
Remember that this logo is probably "copyrighted", so I don't think it would be a good idea to try to use it in anything you plan to sell! You can get in big trouble for that!

As always, if there are any questions or problems, please let me know.

Stacie

Be Scary- Early Halloween card

Karen's Doodles Kitty Kat Image:

Freebie on Facebook!

Join the Karen's Doodles Group on Facebook and this little cutie will be yours!

The only requirement is that you commit to use the image and post your creation to their group!

It seems that some people in USA are unable to view the image in the group, but can go to Doodle Divas and request it there... and post your creation in that challenge!

This project also qualifies for the Meljen's Designs Color Challenge, Brown, Teal and Orange

The card design is from SVG Cuts, September Scenes Stand Up Cards

I'm also going to submit this to The Order of the Opus Gluie, Not So Ordinary BLOG HOP!!
This is the first time I've ever added anything with that much texture, and using straw was a jump for me!
While others create with "stuff" all the time, this was really a leap outside my comfort zone!


Paper is all from Colorbok, Rustic Earth Tones Pack.

Here's the Order of the Opus Gluei Blog Hop! Have fun!!

Back to School, all Cricut

Only 5 more days til School Starts!

Our boys go back next Wednesday, the 25th! Kinda weird, actually! They go back for a few days, then have a vacation weekend for Labor Day! The school system in NC is quite a bit different than what I was used to living up North, but both my boys LOVE school and do very well, so I guess it works!

For the first time in awhile, I have made a card that is Completely Cricut!!

The apple and tag are from K Andrew Designs and cut BEAUTIFULLY!

I love that it was downloaded, opened in SCAL and cut... no editing needed!

The card is from SVG Cuts, the Breezy Backyard Lever Cards Kit

I've used LOTS of their "Freebies" but finally bit the bullet and purchased a kit!

WOW! WOW!! WOW!!!

Talk about easy-peasey!! Open the file and import into SCAL and cut, cut, cut!

Everything is already perfectly sized and proportioned and all the "Extras" really make it worth the purchase price!

The paper for this card is DCWV Grade School Stack. It's tough to photograph, but the papers are all glittered and textured! FUN! FUN!! FUN!!!

I'm going to enter this into a challenge at Delightful Challenges by Louby Lou. Typically, they ask (but do not require) that one of their images are used, but the challenge is a Back To School using Primary Colors, so this fits!

The challenge at Digi Doodle Shop's Best is Anything Goes, so I'm entering there too!

Over at Bugaboo Stamps, the Catch the Bug Challenge is Back to School and there's a chance to win Bugaboo Stamps!

Enjoy the Small Things, thank you card

Whew! For some reason, this card took me all week to put together!

The challenge at Crafty Sentiments Digital Designs was to use THREE papers

and for some reason, I had a lot of trouble with this one!

I finally decided on 3 papers from DCWV.

I created the sentiment/wordart in Inkscape.

Thank you to Paulette at Create with TLC for the Inspiration.

She has been posting FREEBIES all week

and gave me enough encouragement to try to make one myself.

I think it turned out OK and fit with this card!

I took the picture outside, so it's SUPER-BRIGHT!

The Sunshine is a Cricut cut from Doodlecharms.

I cut it out of "Peel & Stick Glitter Foam"

that I picked up at Walmart.

The Challenge this week at Bitten by the Bug 2

was to create a card that includes:

fall colors, a Cricut cut and a Stamp.

The ADORABLE image was my "Special" Freebie

from Paula at Tales from Pollycraft.

What a SUPER-GREAT challenge this was!

Use the new, exclusive FREEBIE in a new GREEN card.

Post it.

GET A NEW FREEBIE!

YAY!

And the new image was awesome to work with!

Maybe the reason it took so long to put together

is that I decided to follow a sketch

from Crafty Sentiments

I turned it on its side for this card.

Trying to figure out a layout with THREE papers

with fall colors

and that cute image

and my sentiment

plus a Cricut cut

was quite a challenge.

But that's what CHALLENGES are for, right?

And I think I pulled it off well enough

to submit my entry into those 4 challenges!

INSIDE:

Inside this card is a special SURPRISE!

Last week, at SVG Cuts they were giving away

a pop up cards SVG kit with any purchase.

I loved the look and style,

so created one similar in Inkscape.

Here is the SVG file I created.

Here is the SCUT file I created for Sure Cuts A Lot.

I used a font called "Bobo", which is similar to "Hobo" but it was FREE!

Quick recap:

So, I am entering this card in the following 4 challenges:

Crafty Sentiments, Challenge 27 (sketch)

Tales from Pollycraft (Flash your Freebies, Part 2)

Crafts and Love (3 Papers)

and

Bitten By the Bug 2 (fall related, including a Cricut cut and a stamp)

WISH ME LUCK (-:

FREE SVG: 5 x 7 Envelope with Stars and "Fringe"

This is the envelope I created for the card posted on my SVG's Page

I posted the SVG and SCUT files on Box.net, if anyone would like to use them!

When the SVG is imported into SCAL, the text across the front is not imported!

Basically, what I did was create the card base (the gray part)

with stars cut out of the top flap.

Then I created a small piece (the blue part) to attach to the flap

so the color shows thru the cutout.

You just have to move the blue piece out and to the right

for it to fit on the mat.

Like this:

I used patterned paper that matched my card.

After it's cut out, fold the large base with the white side on the outside.

Flip the little piece so that the color shows thru the starts

and glue it to the top flap.

Pretty simple!

FREE SVG: Dog Bone and Bow

I created this little file for the inside of my "Diggin Dog" Birthday card.

The bow is cut at 1" and looks pretty good, so I'm sure cut larger, it will be great!

It is set up to have little, thin lines cut that I then used a marker to highlight.

The bone and the bow are two separate pieces,

so the bow can be be used for other projects!

With all the Christmas in July Challenges I've seen recently,

this should come in handy!

Enjoy!

Here is the Inkscape SVG

Here is the SCUT for SCAL2

Links moved to my SVG's Page

Guitar Hero Logo SVG and SCUT

I'm a mom of BOYS!

Obviously, Flowers and Birdies and Hearts are not in our repertoire!

We like TRUCKS and ROCKS and TOUGH, GRUNGY stuff.

Those images are few and far between on the usual Craft websites.

Thank Goodness for Inkscape and Google!

We're working on a new project and wanted to see what the Cricut can do with the Guitar Hero Logo.

Of course, it is a copyrighted logo, so I have not altered it in any way.

I have just CONVERTED it from an image to a cut file, for our personal use.

I am going to share this in my box.net account,

but please remember that it is copyrighted and is for personal use ONLY!

SCAL file for Sure Cuts a Lot

SVG file

Links moved to my SVG's Page 

Fishing Dock SVG and SCUT

I made this one today for a project one of my boys is working on.



I don't like to put together a bunch of little pieces, after cutting a file. So I generally tend to make my files in as few pieces as possible. I use the "Path- Difference" function of Inkscape a lot to make "base" layers that I "subtract" all the little pieces out of. Usually, it just seems easier when paper piecing files after they're cut.

In the case of this file, I COULD have made it with a bunch of little boards that had to be put back together. What a time-consuming pain in the neck! What I did instead was make a base (light brown) then a top layer (dark brown) that is all the "spaces" between the boards. When it's layered together, the base shows thru the top layer and there are only TWO pieces to cut! (yay!)

The only drawback with THIS particular file is that the "lines" between the boards are pretty fine lines so it was pretty delicate taking it off my Cricut mat and attaching it to the base layer... I suppose I could go back in and tweak the file to make those lines a little thicker, but after putting it together, I thought it looked awesome the way it was! I cut it at 4". I don't suppose it would turn out very good cut much smaller than that...

Also, when I cut it, I used regular printer paper, which is very thin! Then I just cut another base out of regular cardstock to reinforce it. I used brown ink on the base and a marker for the top layer, to get the right shades of brown on the white printer paper.

With all the summer and beach images I've seen lately, I haven't seen a boat dock or pier, so I did it myself and am pretty happy with the results.

If you have any questions or problems with any of the files I share, please let me know!
This file has been moved to my SVG's Page (you can click there from the menu bar at the top)
SCUT file for Sure Cuts a Lot


SVG created in Inkscape

Links moved to my SVG's Page 

Father's Day Recliner Cut Out

Daddy got a new recliner a few weeks ago,

so it seemed appropriate to make him a card

that reflects something he enjoys!

[caption id="attachment_62" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Simple, two piece cut out"][/caption]

This simple card is available in SVG format HERE

and SCUT format for SURE CUTS A LOT HERE

Here He Comes To Save the Day

[caption id="attachment_12" align="aligncenter" width="268" caption="Here He Comes to Save the Day"][/caption]

Remember this guy?

All the good cartoons seem to have vanished into TV Wonderland...

He's DH's FAVORITE character, so, just for fun, I found this great image from Google, imported it into Inkscape and created an SVG for Sure Cuts A Lot.

He turned out GREAT!

You can find the SVG here

and the SCUT file here