Tuesday, March 1, 2016

New Hampshire Primary (Digital Scrapbook Page)


Today is Super Tuesday, the day when the greatest number of US states hold presidential primary elections.  If we still lived in Massachusetts we would be voting today, however, since we moved to New Hampshire last year, we participated in the "first in the nation" presidential primary on February 9th.  This is not a political post, but I thought it would be a good day to share a digital layout I did to commemorate our first time voting in New Hampshire.


This year marked the 100th Anniversary of the New Hampshire Primary (1916-2016).  We voted at our local elementary school, in the gymnasium.


There was a very interesting poster showing the old style ballot boxes that were used back in 1892.


It may have been a coincidence, but the curtains on the voting booths were very stiff and seemed new.  The gym floor was carefully covered.  I was surprised to see a total of 50 cubicles.  I suppose at the busy times this many are needed but there was not a line and only a few people were voting when we arrived.


 The official notice to voters also acknowledged the 100th Anniversary Year.


New Hampshire allows voters to register on the day of the election.  If you register as an Independent you can choose which party ballot you wish to vote on.


As I struggled to take a selfie (a skill I have not acquired!) a fellow voter offered to snap a picture of my husband and me after we voted.  People are very friendly here.



 I was surprised to see so many names on the ballots. 


As I mentioned, the polling place was an elementary school gym.  This sign was posted in the gym and we both thought that perhaps the candidates should adhere to these rules too!


Here is a screen shot of the two page spread of this digital layout.  I used some patriotic paper and just a simple grid of photos along with the titles and text in white with some shadows to improve legibility.

As we are still settling in and working on more house projects at our new home,  I find it easiest to do digital scrapbook pages.  I enjoy making cards and 3D projects in paper but the flexibility of digital scrapbooking gives me chances to try endless options before I commit to a final page.


There are lots of interesting things about our new state.  You may or may not know that the motto is "Live Free or Die" - pretty intense!  I had to laugh when I saw this sign in a local shopping plaza.  Unfortunately, the diner was closed down. I would have liked to meet the owner with this sense of humor.

After celebrating Leap Day yesterday, I hope your March is off to a great start! 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in affiliate programs for products that I use or can recommend without reservation. 

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Saturday, February 27, 2016

Welcome Spring Card (file to share)


Spring is nearly here and I am so happy that this winter was much milder than the record-breaker last year.  I was in the mood to do some complicated maneuvers in Design Space (lots of slicing, hiding contour, creating extra color layers) and the result is this card.


I started with this border image - the Folk Art Border Hare (#M32418) from the Folk Art Festival cartridge which is included in Cricut Access(links to Cricut in this post are affiliate links which means I will be paid a commission if you purchase something after clicking on the link - your price stays the same,  I appreciate your support).


I hid some areas, duplicated and flipped the design and set it into a rectangle sized at 5 1/4 x 4 inches for an A2 card topper.  The blue layer here represents the card base, however, I cut the base by cutting an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of cardstock in half with my trimmer.  I usually do this because it conserves supplies.


This was my original design, with just a green base, white topper and the sentiment.  As I analyzed the image, I realized that there would be a lot of small pieces that I would need to place by hand (inside the bunnies, the hearts and the tulips).  My solution was to create additional layers by using the Contour function in Design Space.  This also allowed me to easily add more colors to the design.


I ended up with three design layers, the sentiment in pink, and the card base for the final design.


When you do this, you need to think carefully about the color that will show through each layer to get the result you want.  Here you can see the layers - the yellow is a solid piece cut at 4 x 5 1/4 inches - I did cut this with the Explore so the pieces would line up perfectly.


I also used contour to hide the cuts inside some of the shapes to make them solid (this also makes the file cut a bit faster).


These are the "extras" that I can use on another project.  I really like the shape of these bunnies.


I inked the edges of the green layer cuts very slightly to define the design a bit more.


I used the font "Don Juan" for the sentiment.  This is also included in Cricut Access.  I did not want the letters to be welded together, even though it is a little more (well - a lot more...) fiddly to assemble when they are single letters.


Here is my tip for getting the spacing even - just take the section of cardstock where the letters were cut and use it as a template for adhering the letters.


If you like the look of letters missing their centers you can use the remaining word strip for another project.  You could also save the inner pieces but they get really tiny to work with - these letters are only a bit more than a half inch tall.


I also did not save the tiny centers of the flowers in the bunnies and hearts that were cut from the green cardstock.


I added pink pearls for the centers and then, to make a lucky number seven of pearls on the card, I placed a pearl on top of the dot of the "i" in "Spring."


I think the extra layers of color and the pearls make this a much more interesting card.


If you'd like to make this card, click HERE for the link to the Design Space file (for Cricut Explore users).  I'd love to see what you make.

If you would like to know more about how I created the file, please leave a comment on this post and if enough people are interested I will see if I can put together a tutorial. It might have to be in several installments since there were so many steps involved!


Dreaming Tree Updates..

I am happy to hear that many of you were introduced to Dreaming Tree by my last post.  I am an affiliate for Dreaming Tree and I thank you for using my links when you shop there.

http://www.3dsvg.com/make-a-clover-treat-basket-get-a-2-99-gift-card/?affiliates_svg=17

Did you make a Shamrock basket from the free file offered by Dreaming Tree yet?  You can find all of the information HERE - if you submit a photo of your basket you can get a $2.99 gift card for the site.  The deadline is 11:59 CST time on February 29th, 2016.

http://www.3dsvg.com/shop/summer-svg-files/spring-frame-free-svg/?affiliates_svg=17

The latest free file from Dreaming Tree is this pretty spring frame with a decorative easel.  You can find it HERE.

http://www.3dsvg.com/shop/birthday-svg-files/gatefold-cards-svg-bundle/?affiliates_svg=17

There is also a great new Gatefold Cards SVG Bundle at Dreaming Tree.  These cards are just beautiful and they are currently available as a free gift with a purchase of $9.98 or more from Dreaming Tree.  Just spend $9.98 or more and type FREEGIFT in the coupon code area when you check out.  This bundle will be added to your cart - free.  You can find all of the details HERE.


Craftsy Winter Clearance Sale...

http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=326348&m=29190&u=593159

Craftsy is taking an additional 20% off the clearance prices of supplies - I checked and there are some nice deals on papercrafting supplies as well as the yarns, fabrics, cake decorating and art supplies. #ad

Since this is leap year many stores and website are offering special deals this weekend and next Monday.  Cricut be having a special Leap Day sale on Monday and Tuesday and then will be offering March Madness with three different Mystery Boxes in March. 

Have a great weekend!


This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in affiliate programs for products that I use or can recommend without reservation.  

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Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Dreaming Tree - 3D SVG Projects Special Offers


Have you heard about Dreaming Tree?  This site was started by Leo Kowal (formerly of SVGCuts) and he has assembled a great team of designers to create 3D projects.  If you are looking for some interesting and unique projects to cut with your Explore (or any other die cutting machine that will cut SVG files) you will find lots of wonderful choices at Dreaming Tree. (links in this post are affiliate links.  If you use these links I may receive a commission - your price stays the same).

http://www.3dsvg.com/shop/boxes-svg-files/myrcellas-vanity-svg-bundle/?affiliates_svg=17

One of the newest bundle of projects is called Myrcella's Vanity.  The elaborate paper bottles and tray would be lovely for Mother's Day or bridesmaid gift boxes.  The samples were made featuring the Graphic 45 "Enchanted Forest" papers for a wonderful old-fashioned look.  I am going to try making them with some different papers for a more modern twist.

For a limited time, this group of files is available as a free gift with any purchase of $9.98 or more.  Just add the items you want to your cart and then type "FREEGIFT" in the coupon box on the checkout page and the bundle will be added to your purchase - free!

http://www.3dsvg.com/shop/boxes-svg-files/clover-treat-basket-free-svg-cricut-silhouette/?affiliates_svg=17

There is another special offer right now.  You can download this free Shamrock treat basket HERE and if you make it and return to the Dreaming Tree site to upload a photo and fill in the form, you will receive a $2.99 gift card FREE - now that's a great deal!


I won't go into a lot of detail about the assembly of my treat box - there are easy to follow assembly videos for every project from Dreaming Tree.  When you purchase files, you can always go back and watch these videos.  There are also complete supply lists so you can get everything ready before you start.


in the video, a liquid glue is used to assemble the box.  I chose to use Scor-Tape for mine since I can get messy with liquid glue!  It holds the pieces together very well.  I put extra on the top shamrock because it was going to be on top of glittered paper and the glitter can make it a little harder to get the paper to stick.


I also chose to put the brads connecting the handle with the decorative side on the inside of the basket because they show up more prominently there.


The less attractive tabs of the brad are hidden under the shamrock "collar" of the box.


I happened to have this heavy paper in my stash.  It is from TPC Studio and must have been part of a series of calendar months.  I found it at the Tuesday Morning store and bought it because it is double-sided.  I was sure I could always find a use for the plain textured green side if I didn't use all of it on the March side (there are 25 sheets in a package).


The patterned side would have been used for the handle ornament according to the design of the file, however, it cut at a spot in the pattern that I didn't find attractive.


So I flipped it over to the plain side.  If you use cardstock for your basket - this won't be an issue.


The plain side was a little too plain so I found this green gem and put it in the center.  There are so many choices to embellish and personalize this box - just check your supplies and use your imagination!


I didn't have any on hand, but I think this would look cute filled with the gold wrapped chocolate coins - maybe you have some left over from the holidays!


Here are a couple of tips for using the file in Design Space.  This is an SVG file so there is no "clean-up" required, you can import it directly.  There are two files - once for each color.  For the darker green box base you will want to change the dotted lines to score instead of cut if you like smoother edges on your boxes.  You must be sure to "attach" the lines to the box - if you don't they will show up on a separate mat when you go to cut the file.

http://www.3dsvg.com/?affiliates_svg=17

I know you will find lots of things to like at Dreaming Tree - so be sure to check them out.  This little shamrock basket is perfect for candy and gifts - and once you try the free file you will see how easy the files are to use.  I don't know how long the gift card offer or the free gift with purchase will last so be sure to visit them HERE as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about using these files with Design Space, I will be happy to help you out.  Leo also offers tutorials and FAQs on the site.  There is a great help section HERE.

We are still dealing with some of the complications of our move - but every day I get a little closer to being able to spend more time in the craft room.  I am almost caught up on all of the emails and message from so many of you - thanks again for welcoming me back to blogging.  I will be having the blog birthday celebration but it looks like that will end up being part of "March Madness" - should be fun!


This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in affiliate programs for products that I use or can recommend without reservation.

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Friday, February 19, 2016

New Cricut images - Dimensional Scenes - Pretty Posies


One of the things that I enjoy about Cricut Design Space is discovering the new content that is added on a regular basis.  In the early days of Cricut we would wait months for a new cartridge or two to be released (this was when it was possible to "keep up" with the collection of cartridges).  Now cartridges and image sets sometimes just appear and you feel a slight thrill of discovery when scrolling through the images or cartridge list if you spot something new.

I have been tied up with some family visits and house projects for the past few days.  Last night I took a few minutes to try something in Design Space and discovered a new set of images called "Dimensional Scenes - Pretty Posies."  (links to  Cricut in this post are affiliate links which means I will be paid a commission if you purchase something after clicking on the link - your price stays the same).

http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=593159&b=567915&m=51766&afftrack=&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fshop%2Ecricut%2Ecom%2Fen%5Fus%2Fcricut%2Daccess%2Ehtml

There are eight images in this set.


There are four designs and each can be made as a cut and layered dimensional project or as a drawing by using the writing feature in Design Space.


Here is a closer view of one of the embellished page frames.


This is the same image as it would be drawn with the pens.  I love the look of this - it reminds me of the embroidered linens my grandmother had.  I don't think many people use embroidered bureau scarves or pillowcases these days.  Do you remember when embroidered linens in similar patterns were used regularly?

Best of all, these images are included in Cricut Access so if you have Cricut Access you can start using them right away.  If you don't have Cricut Access, you can find all of the details and sign up HERE.  You can also purchase the images individually for 99 cents or the entire set for $4.99.

This week digital images and cutting materials are on sale for 33% off and font cartridges are also on sale.  Licensed Cartridges (such as Disney and Anna Griffin) which are not included in Cricut Access due to the licensing agreements, are also on sale.  If you have Cricut Access, you will save an additional 10% on your purchase on the Cricut website - click HERE to shop.

What new image sets (or "new to you" images) have you discovered recently in Design Space?

I am planning to have some crafting time today - there is a backlog of projects to finish up and photograph on my cluttered tables. I am still finding places for all of my things in the new craft studio.  In a few more weeks I hope to have it all settled!


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This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in affiliate programs for products that I use or can recommend without reservation.