An Adapter for Cricut Explore Pen Holder-via Karen Burkhardt Smith on FB

This is an adapter for a regular pen from the I LUV my Cricut facebook page

It is made with a 1/2 inch PVC and a thumb screw. Very simple to make.

Swan Song Silhouette Cameo Double-sided Adhesive Tutorial

This project is one that I wasn't sure if I could pull this off, but it was relatively simple once I figured it out. I had originally drawn this Swan for another project unrelated to the Silhouette, but thought it would cut nicely with the Silhouette. I scanned it into the computer, pulled it into the Cameo, and traced it. I got this when I was done. HUH!

Yes it had double lines all over it, and I'm thinking DANG! Then I realized that it looked a lot like those things that I used for doing glitter from Ellen Hutson. HUM! I wonder how this could work. So my family had to put up with the smell of rubber burning while I though, figured and decided what to try first. I was thinking of the concept of cutting vinyl, but I had a whole lot of thickness there. The white paper was too think for it to work easily.  I thought it would work better on the much thinner yellow side, so then I cut this.

Using these settings on the Silhouette, and might I philosophize a bit? Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes. I got this right the very first try.

Silhouette Settings
I did use the Double-Sided Adhesive, speed 1, Thickness 30, blade setting 1, on a mat and double cut. What I ended up with looked like the picture above this one. TADA I was holding my breath to see if this would actually work. Double sided adhesive went "WHITE: side down.

Gasp! It did cut perfectly. When I pulled off the WHITE paper it looked like this. Mind you I wanted the adhesive to stay on the yellow paper, so be vewy, vewy careful to make sure that it does. However, it isn't a great big chore to do this.

Next you take the yellow paper with the adhesive on it, and stick it on a piece of card stock. For this one I used a white one, as I wanted the swan body to be white. However, my daughter has asked for a black swan, so I will use black for that one I think, and the outlines will be black for the borders of the colored feathers.

 At this point you can cut the card stock to the size you want to use. Remember, every micron of this thing will be covered in glitter. I trimmed the demonstration one to close on the right side for this demonstration though. Turning on the light above the cutter would have helped here. My bad.

There is one simple rule here, start with the darker colors first, but since my borders are so large, I started there. Other things you will need to make this easier are:

• Embossing buddy to keep the static down. I got mine from Stampin' Up. Use it in the catch tray even between colors once you dump the other color back in the jar. Use it on the yellow paper at the beginning, but NOT on the project after the first glitter is down.
• I absolutely loved the Martha Stewart glitter because the applicators are perfect for this project, much less waste. 
• The brush in the kit works as a glitter magnet, just throw it out.
• I used the pointy end of the spatula, that came with the kit, to lift the tips of the feathers to weed them, but I expect the hook would also work.

The project below is after the first weeding of the border. Decide what you want that to look like and dump it on. Use your finger to lightly rub it into the adhesive.

This next picture is how the thing looks with the border done and the second weeding complete. I think it looks best if two of the same colors don't touch, so I planned this one carefully.

This is what we have after the glitter is applied to the feathers and it is rubbed down.  Use you use your fingers to thump the excess glitter the tray and put it back in the jars.  You can also use a piece of paper to do the same thing.

So you continue weeding one color at a time, going from darkest to lightest colors. The white one for me was last.  I didn't get a good picture of the last weeding, but that yellow backing is quite sturdy, and comes off almost in one piece if you are patient and gentle with it. The black beak piece is the most difficult to get off, and might come in two pieces; check it out while it is still in tact so you know what needs to come off. I did them next after this purple. Here is the finished project, if you listen to me about doing dark to light, you won't have the funny blue aura on your project like mine has. Don't do as I do, do as I tell you. HEHE

Here is this cut file for the swan.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

The papers are Stampin' Up. Glitter Martha Stewart in Fire Opal on beak, Chariote in eathers, Peridot in feathers and Brownstone in feathers; Barbara Trombley Art Glitter in Pearl on body and outlines, and Night Vision for eye and nostrils; Silhouette in turquoise for outer border. The border is a Martha Stewart punch.

Christmas On My Mind

This Silhouette Challenge has been a most difficult one for me. I was having all kinds of trouble deciding what I wanted to create. I looked at books, I looked on line and still was undecided. So finally I decided to go to the Silhouette Website for some inspiration. I thought I wanted to create my own design, but alas, nothing came. I decided I would do something with Silhouette Website designs.

I saw this Christmas Tree on the website and decided this was the one.  My vision was to create all of my Christmas cards this way, but the stuff was a little more fiddly than I wanted to mess with for 50 cards. I did make a dozen so only special families are getting these fiddly things.

I did enjoy designing this, and constructing it. I always love intricate work, and this fits that bill nicely. That tree decoration is gorgeous, but it is really hard to get off the mat at the size I needed for this card. I used a vinyl backed glitter paper which is probably what saved the day, as I'm sure regular paper would have torn into a million pieces. After it was cut the rest of this stuff just was a cake walk.

Everything is cut with Silhouette purchased designs. I used an Amuse Studio paper for the background and Stampin' Up paper for the green tree. The glitter paper I purchased at a local scrapbook store, but have no idea who manufactured it.  I hope you enjoy. I'm sure you're glad I finally got over the flower business, but I can't promise that won't be coming back one of these days soon.

Silhouette Challenge Blog Hop Participants
DIY Ironing Board Hanger by The Turquoise Home
Silhouette Challenge: Time Zone Bathroom Art by Nearly Handmade
Santa's Christmas Countdown by Tried & True
Nautical Anchor Pillow Tutorial by The Thinking Closet
Christmas Card Ornament with Free Cut File by unOriginalMom
Thanksgiving and Christmas Dual Sign by Architecture of a Mom
Itching to Etch by Get Silvered
Snowman Tag ~ Silhouette Challenge by Whats Next Ma
Thanksgiving Sign by Chicken Scratch NY
DIY Horse Silhouette Pillow by Rain on a Tin Roof
Sketching on Fabric by The Sensory Emporium
Paper Leaf Garland by Lil' Mrs. Tori
DIY Blessing Board - Silhouette Challenge by One Tough Mother
Christmas Pillow by Create & Babble
Glass Painting with Reverse Stencils by Givemeapaintbrush
Chalkboard Thankful Tree by Cutesy Crafts
Bottoms Up! MYO Wine Tag by From Wine to Whine
'Happy Holly-days' Tags for the Swap by An Elegant Touch...
Thank You for Dinner (Card) by Everyday Paper
DIY Flyleafs for Planners or Albums by The House on Hillbrook
Advent Star Christmas Countdown by My Favorite Finds
Geometric Fabric Bowls by Please Excuse My Craftermath...
Paper Carnival by Home At Eight
Silhouette Cameo Tutorial: Dual Sided Business Cards by Black and White Obsession
In Case of Emergency Baby Bag Tags by Tossed Salad Life
Christmas On My Mind by Creative Turn--You are here
Jingle all the Way! by My Paper Craze
Christmas Lights Garland by Making Home Base
We Are Thankful by 4 You With Love
Seattle Skyline Silhouette by Sowdering About in Seattle
DIY Stenciled Mugs by Coley's Corner

Happy Holiday Season.

Namaste

Lilies of the Valley with Freebie Silhouette Studio Cut Files

Similar cards and layout, but much different looks. I have been very fascinated with flowers recently, and this is just the latest in the line. The more nostalgia with the heirloom flowers, the better. This is another one of the flowers that my family seems to gravitate toward.  We all have it in our gardens, but it isn't the sacred pass me down that the Bleeding Heart is.  Most of my flowers are things that I have gotten from friends and family, and I'm thinking of doing the Silhouette Cuts for all of my favorites; especially if I can't find a pattern online.  

The flowers are shaped by cupping, you can see the instructions below.  I place a round dimensional adhesive dot on the back of them.  The stem had tiny dimensional adhesive dots right at the junction of the flower stem, and in some places I actually glued the rest of the stem down to the leaf. I left the end of the flower stem loose until I had placed the flowers at the end of those stem, and then used my trusty Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive to the very end. I let it drop down on the flower and let it dry in place.

I used the smaller stylus to make some veins in the leaf. I did this in a pattern that gives the leaf some life.  On a hard surface I start at the bottom of the leaf, just above the stem, and drag the stylus to the top of the leaf.  I then do similar motions but terminate the action further down the side of the leaf using just a bit of pressure. I did this about 5 or 6 times per side. I then used my hands to gently coax the leaf into a cupped shape.  On the top card I only glued the center of the leaf, from the bottom to about one inch from the top, which curves up off the paper.  On the bottom card I used more glue, but I don't like that as well.

The backgrounds are from my scrap paper pieces, and I have forgotten who they are.  The grid is done with DMVW Cardstock.  I used Prima beaded medallion, and an unknown clear stamp I've had forever, probably from Paper Wishes.  I used two white card bases from Paper Wishes, and Tim Holtz tea dye and black soot Distress Inks.  

Cupping-Shaping the Flowers

The trick to this card is the shaping of the flowers, and I have a tutorial on this that I used for a class that I taught a while back. The first step in the process is called Cupping the flower.  To do that I use the McGill tools that I have, but any mouse pad and larger stylus  will work.  Press firmly, but not so hard that you punch through the paper/cardstock. Go in a circular motion to form a bit of a cup with the petals. You will be surprised how easily they just curl up.  See the example below.  I don't suggest using a really small ball stylus. 

If you don't have a large ball stylus, you can use your finger nail edge by pulling it across the paper, and forming the petals to your desired shape.  I used fairly light weight cardstock for this project.

The Grid

I designed this grid using the Silhouette Designer Edition Software.  This started out as a circle, and I point edited to form an interesting shape.  I then made four copies, and fitted the shapes together in a square. It is important to get the spacing as even as possible.  I grouped four together in a diamond shape, and duplicated the grouped shapes until I had filled the page.  I had to adjust sizes, and ungroup to delete some single images, but finally got it onto the page in a good configuration.  I cut these out of a double sided heavier card stock.  I plan to use the grid for another project that I will share.  I will also cut this out of acetate, and use it for a stencil.

As you notice, I used some of the shapes as embellishments on the above cards.

The Blog Hop

The Free Downloads

I hope you enjoy this project, and the free downloadable files. Downloads are from Box.com .

Lilies of the Valley are Here
The Ornate Grid is Here

Tweety You Rock Experiment Tutorial

Bright red highlights are not the authors. Dark red highlights are the authors.

A friend over on the Silhouette Challenge Facebook Group, wrote a tutorial at my request. She shared a wonderful card with us, and for the life of me I could not figure out how it was done.  She created the tutorial, and I followed the step-by -step instructions to create this card topper. Another friend, Ka Lewis from Facebook, shared some font information, and I used one of those great fonts here.

Tweety and the brick wall are Silhouette print and cut designs that I bought at the online  store. Of course, I use my wonderful Silhouette Cameo to cut the topper.  I did make the brick wall pattern a bit larger than the actual cut lines to assure that you have edge to edge coverage.

The egg cut is from the Easter grid that I created, and you can get that HERE. All you need to do is ungroup the grid, select one of the eggs, and copy/paste it to your card.

The BIRA font can be found DaFont, and you can get that HERE.

The tutorial that got this all started is from Tanya Alley, and you can find it HERE.

I backed the cutout and framed with black card stock from Staples. I mounted it on a white card base with black distressed edges; any dye ink will work fine here.

I used Scotch Quick Dry glue to attach the sentiments, and the card layers. This stuff is great, and grabs quick, even before it is done drying, so make sure you are careful with placement.

I hope you enjoy.
Namaste

https://www.facebook.com/groups/133171750178461/

3-D Tea Gift Box Download

The bright red highlights are not place here by the blog owner. Mine are a dark red.

This box was design to hold tea bags that I make and give as gifts. I have also used it for small jewelry that I make for gifts. I got the idea from several examples on Cricut, but just didn't quite like how they went together. I seemed like making my own was the only way I would be satisfied with the box configuration

The assembly requires that the side panels, be crease to the inside of the box about half way in order to close the box. I use Velcro to stick the flap down, or magnets.  Either one will require careful opening and closing to prevent tearing.  You could always use double-sided removable tape for a closure. This would be easier on the box if you wish to reuse it.

I used BoBunny Papers, and the embellishment sentiment.  The filigree I have had forever, and forget where it came from.  The pearl embellishment on the opening flap and the back of the box are from Prima.  The satin ribbon is from Offray. The black paper is Paper Bok at Walmart. I put this box together with Scotch Quick Dry glue, I just love this stuff. I doesn't take anytime to grab hold even before it is completely dry.  The roses are from I Am Roses, and I colored the cream colored rose with Lindy Stamp Gang Starburst sprays.  There is a really nice simmer on the flowers, that just doesn't show up on these photos.

Here are the links for the rest of the challenge participants.

DIY Business Cards {Silhouette Tutorial} by Create & Babble

Make Your Own "Rubber" Stamps by Coley's Corner

Where Home Is: A Gift for a Military Family by Suburble

This Month's Facebook Silhouette Challenge by Tanya's Creative Space

3D Tea Gift Box Download by Creative Turn You are Here

File Cabinet Makeover by Super Sweet Life

Jewelry Box Creation by Joy & Gladness of Heart

Retro Chair Silhouette by Tried & True

Toddler Train T-Shirt by The Thinking Closet

First Silhouette Project! 3-2-1 Blastoff Shirt by de Jong Dream House

Placecard & Card Medley by An Elegant Touch

Using my Silhouette in the Shower (Bathroom Organization) by Whole New Leaf

Pretty & Personal Birthday Bundle by The House on Hillbrook

You will find the Silhouette Studio cut files here. 

• Embellishment File
• Box Part 1
• Box Part 2

I hope you enjoy, Namaste

Bleeding Hearts Mother's Day + Free Download

All the women in my family family love bleeding heart flowers. It is sort of a tradition in our gardens. The plants are all derived from one plant, which came from Germany if the facts were passed down correctly. I know my plant came from my Great Grandmothers plant, as my mother received it from her.  My daughter's plant came from her Grandmother, as will my plant be given to my grandsons' wives.  

I designed the Silhouette Cut file myself, and will be sharing this with all of you.  I also designed the medallion that is used as the front sentiment.  I used a Martha Stewart punch for the border, and used Vintage Linen Distress Ink by Tim Holtz to distress everything including the sentiment layers, hearts Stem and flowers. I also used Gold Brilliance on the label and card, and I'm sad to say that my scanner and scanner just doesn't pick that up. It is really shiny and so pretty. The ribbon is also gold metallic, but I think it is reflecting my outfit, and making it black and less shiny.  I need to get my daughter here to give me an education on taking pictures like this.

To assemble the flowers I used really small glue dots to raise up the branch in a couple of places, and used Scotch Quick Dry to glue the rest. I left the flower stems loose until I put the flowers on.  I used a large stylus from McGill to shape the hearts, and make sure they were rounded.  I glued the white bottom portion to the red heart shape, and placed a larger foam dot in the hollow of the heart.  To place the flowers I lifted the stem, placed the heart under it so some of the stem hung over the groove of the heart, and then glued the stem to the heart.  I assembled the label in layers and glued the ribbon on the back. I used a foam dot to raise it up.

The inside sentiment is from Gina K, as is the dragonfly.  They are from the Whimsical Wishes stamp set.  I included a scan of the inside of the card.

Interior of card

Here are the links for the Silhouette Studio files.  They are free, but I would hope that if you use them on the internet that you give me credit for them.

Here is the Bleeding Heart Flower
Here is the sentiment label

I hope you enjoy the files. I hope all mothers had a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day.

Namaste

Links to More Silhouette Stuff from the Silhouette Challenge

Spring Hoop Home Decor - Daily Dwelling

I Heart Labels: Flour & Sugar Jar Edition - The Thinking Closet

A Numbers Game - Learning Numbers with Your Preschooler - Lil Mrs. Tori

My First Silhouette Challenge Group Project - Tanya's Creative Space

Personalized Garden Post & Grandma Book (Silhouette Mother's Day Presents) - Whole New Leaf

Girly Superhero Decor - Coley's Corner

"A Cup of Tea" Customizable Art Printable - Tried & True

The Lady in Hat "Thinking of You" Card - An Elegant Touch