tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23240490068111384902024-03-25T03:33:53.691-04:00The Creative AccountantRona Scrapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04017346590377144180noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-57092032790700960732019-03-01T21:28:00.000-05:002019-03-01T21:40:20.007-05:00Vital Titles (2 of 4) - Focus on FontsNow that we have the basics under our collective belts, it's time to dig in to the fonts. Where to get them? What's in a font file? What about the different font formats? So many questions! We won't be able to cover everything, but hopefully this month's session will give you some basic knowledge and tools to make your scrapbook titles a little more exciting.<br />
<br />
One of the selling features, for me, of Silhouette Studio is the fact that it works with any font that's installed on your computer. These are typically TrueType fonts ("TTF") or OpenType Fonts ("OTF").<br />
<br />
Note: if you have the software open and install a new font, you'll need to restart the software in order for the new font to show up. Remember to save the file you're working on first!<br />
<br />
While these two file types are very similar, OTF fonts are sort of "smarter" and can do things like know to put a special merged "th" character in place of a t and an h, or automatically adjust spacing. If you are in the mood for a cat metaphor for fonts and letters to explain this, check <a href="https://medium.com/@missymeyer/the-difference-between-otf-and-ttf-files-2b77a454dfd0">here.</a> OTFs tend to have richer glyph abilities. More on this later.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Where to get fonts</h3>
<br />
There are many places to get fonts, and they can range from free to VERY expensive. I generally pick out free fonts, but I have paid up to $90 for a font before (being <a href="https://creativemarket.com/Borgeslettering/13716-Desire-Sale-40-OFF%21">Desire Pro</a>... I still love it.).<br />
<br />
My top 5 go-to places for fonts are:<br />
1. www.dafont.com (free - but sometimes they have limited functionality)<br />
2. www.creativemarket.com<br />
3. www.fontbundles.com (#2 and #3 both have VERY nice font bundles. Not usually free, but very reasonably priced AND includes a commercial license in case you wanted to sell your wares)<br />
4. Silhouette store. Not my number one choice, but you know they'll work in the Silhouette.<br />
5. the google. Sometimes I'm looking for something specific and I'll just google it. You have to be careful though with downloading fonts from sites you don't know. Safety first, peeps!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Choosing a Font</h3>
<br />
One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a font is that it needs to be THICK enough to cut nicely. There are so many pretty fonts out there, but anything really thin or lacey tends to be quite difficult to work with when cutting out of paper. Also, you should avoid "grungy" fonts. They don't translate well to cutting.<br />
<br />
A couple of my free favourites that I've used repeatedly.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dafont.com/sweet-hipster.font">Sweet Hipster </a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dafont.com/desigers.font">Desigers</a> - a little fun and quirky. Works well with kids and Disney layouts.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mixing Fonts</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
It's quite a popular look now to mix different fonts. In one of those "I don't know why it looks better, but it just does" ways, mixing lower case and uppers, and mixing cursive and print looks good. Combining two different script fonts looks just odd. So, grab an upper case print, and a lower case cursive, and go to town.<br />
<br />
Here are a couple of links with interesting examples. (Keep in mind, these fonts are not necessarily recommended for cutting, as several are too thin.)<br />
<br />
http://www.joustmultimedia.com/blog/post/the-art-of-combining-fonts<br />
http://popandgrey.com/tip-tuesday-i-the-art-of-combining-typefaces/<br />
<br />
<h3>
What to do with a thinner font?</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sometimes you can really love a font, but it's just too thin to work with.<br />
<br />
There are three options if you MUST have a thinner font.<br />
<br />
1. Cut it out of vinyl. Vinyl is much more forgiving with fine lines. It cuts smoother, and doesn't tear the same way paper does. You can still use layers for the second and third layer to achieve a similar layered title look. Make it the same way you would have in last month's class. Just cut the first layer from vinyl and use transfer paper to stick it to the next layer.<br />
<br />
2. Print and cut. Have the fine first layer be printed directly on to layer two. And then cut the second and third layers. So, it's only two layers of paper. Does that make sense?<br />
<br />
In this example, it's only one piece of paper, but I made the title (using Desire Pro, *obviously*) directly as a print and cut. You must be sure to remove the cut lines from the title first, and leave them only on the offset. In this case, I printed onto a laser printer and then ran it through a laminator with foil, so it's actually quite shiny.<br />
<br />
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t31/ronadt/Spain/DSC_0840_zpsfprsovmp.jpg<br />
<br />
Here's a quick demo on how to create a print and cut file:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzp-S-IgKLXdE4uuB0W1aN6X1wfLzRceF5LZgzdKcUEnqSbp5M_IS9IQsxNqCRoDl6xbujyYoe4UVhPrqftoA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Once you've made the cut file, here are the instructions on how to actually do the print and cut:<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvjQcUncJPs<br />
<br />
3. The last option is to use the offset feature to thicken up the font a bit until it's workable. Just do a very small offset. Here's a quick how-to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwmWp-kCbTnI1RBT0whjtNAJ4MWu5zmvR42XsMTKqAPoAOuoZGR7tJ2_b0rAXur3xNWGBbQgokw5iOvhG0NUg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<h3>
Glyphs and Ligatures</h3>
<br />
Glyph - each character in a font is a glyph. We tend to generalize that glyphs are like extra versions of characters, so an alternate "a" for example than the one that's just typed by hitting the "a" key. Sometimes glyphs aren't even letters, but could be just a fancy swirl.<br />
<br />
Ligature - a single character that represents multiple characters joined together in a pleasing way. Like a "th" where the crossing of the "t" becomes part of the "h" character.<br />
<br />
There are also Swashes, little swirls and lines that are just cool. :)<br />
<br />
If you have the basic version of Studio, you won't have the Glyph feature built in. One way to get around it is to use the Character Map feature built into Windows. Another way is to make your title in another software, such as Adobe Illustrator (not free) or Inkscape (free), and import it over to Studio (hoping for help here)<br />
<br />
<h3>
Using the Character Map</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
Let's go back and look at a simple font like Sweet Hipster for a moment, using this link: https://www.dafont.com/sweet-hipster.font This actually brings up a character map of the font. You can see that there are normal capital letters and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols in the places where you'd expect to see them. But IN ADDITION, you can see a couple of swirls where the brackets would normally be. This tells you what character to type to bring up that different character.<br />
<br />
On your (windows) computer, follow these instructions to use the character map:<br />
https://www.digitalcitizen.life/use-special-characters-windows-7-character-map<br />
<br />
And I'm taking a wild guess that this is the equivalent thing on a Mac (please let me know if this isn't correct and I'll update it):<br />
https://sites.psu.edu/symbolcodes/mac/charview/<br />
<br />
So, knowing what the characters are, if you type "(peeps rock)" into Silhouette Studio,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--E2IkqWNtH8/XHnXaUuauRI/AAAAAAAAAe0/axEyXtLH_0AmLEQwEPT4PQXBYgiVNOHEACLcBGAs/s1600/char%2Bmap%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="691" height="164" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--E2IkqWNtH8/XHnXaUuauRI/AAAAAAAAAe0/axEyXtLH_0AmLEQwEPT4PQXBYgiVNOHEACLcBGAs/s320/char%2Bmap%2B1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and then change the font to Sweet Hipster, you get this magic:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxgN6cDSFew/XHnXadhelfI/AAAAAAAAAe4/GQYAwK7Uors422kql4J0yzMuSN_OPN2IACLcBGAs/s1600/char%2Bmap%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="686" height="250" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxgN6cDSFew/XHnXadhelfI/AAAAAAAAAe4/GQYAwK7Uors422kql4J0yzMuSN_OPN2IACLcBGAs/s320/char%2Bmap%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now just merge and carry on making your title.<br />
<br />
Note that you can cut and paste from the character map as well, if there isn't an easy key to type. You just need to find the letter in the map first.<br />
<br />
By the way, there are some fonts that are built for being used this way, and not for the glyph functionality that I'm about to talk about. These are called "PUA encoded fonts," and you can access ALL of the special characters through the character maps. Good instructions in this link:<br />
<br />
https://www.creativefabrica.com/the-ultimate-font-guide/pua-encoded-fonts/<br />
<br />
Here's an example of a font bundle that includes PUA fonts for all of them (this link may die at some point):<br />
https://fontbundles.net/the-brilliant-font-bundle-iv<br />
<br />
Did you see that "bombing gang" font? I think I'm going to have to try that one!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Using Glyphs Directly in SSDE</h3>
<br />
I'm so happy that they finally added glyph functionality into SSDE. Unfortunately, it's not available in the free version, so you'll have to use the methods above if you haven't upgraded, and they're not bad options.<br />
<br />
I don't need to reinvent the wheel on using glyphs in SSDE as there are several videos out there already. Please check this video out by Lori Whitlock:<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEfNjfJP22U<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There are so many things I wanted to include this month, but I don't want it to be an overload. Let's leave it there for now. <br />
<br />
So, this month, I want to see you trying to use some glyphs and alternate characters in your title work!<br />
<br />Rona Scrapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04017346590377144180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-60565151915121141222019-01-25T11:54:00.000-05:002019-02-01T11:12:36.393-05:00Vital Titles (1 of 4) - The BasicsThis is the first of a four part series (one per month) that will, hopefully, give you some ideas and pointers to improve your title work on your scrapbook pages. As I primarily use a Silhouette Cameo, instructions for digital cutters will be mainly geared to Silhouette Studio (v 4.1.479DE), but if I can find a link to a similar tutorial for a Cricut, I'll do that. Many of the ideas are generic, though, and with some creativity, you should be able to apply the principles to your craft regardless of the cutter that you use.<br />
<br />
This month, we'll start with the basics: premade titles, making a simple title, basic welding, sizing, and layers.<br />
<br />
The easiest titles to do are premade titles. Super super easy... go to a scrapbooking expo, visit a booth, and buy a title. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, this is a 1. Next up would be buying some Thickers and sticking them down. That's maybe 3, if only for the added trouble of trying to make a straight line. But you know these already. We're here to take it up a notch.<br />
<br />
I know many of you have got a lovely Cameo. In a box. In your cupboard. Time to crack that baby open! Open up your software. Maybe update it (Help/Check for Updates...). And here we go! This first task is really for beginners.<br />
<br />
<h4>
TASK 1: Using a predesigned title from the Silhouette Store</h4>
<br />
There are a couple of ways to find cool titles in the Design Store. If you have time on your hands, and just want to browse, go to Designs/Phrases and Monograms/Phrases. You'll get 200 pages of potential titles. There are lots of other things in here, too, such as files intended for t-shirts and wall designs. Add "title" to the search bar to narrow things down a bit. Have a look around. If you click on a design you like, you can see who the artist is. Click on the artist to see more titles you'll also probably love. Or just use the search bar with whatever you're interested in and "title". Such as "birthday title."<br />
<br />
For today's example, I'm choosing a nice title for a birthday page simply called "happy birthday." You can pick the same one, if you want, or any other title that strikes your fancy. For some reason, the majority of the premade files I like end up being Miss Kate Cuttables. Be sure to check out her site directly for daily freebies.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">SECRET TIP: use a screenshot tool ("snipping tool" -- soon to be called "Snip & Sketch" -- is built into Windows) to grab the preview of the title from the design store so you can see how the layers are to be built.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8RTy5_8kVIY/XE9rC850KFI/AAAAAAAAAa4/mUgjk1LTebsw4W5GFW48B5x_OGEEur3jQCLcBGAs/s1600/01%2Bsnip%2Bof%2Btitle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="335" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8RTy5_8kVIY/XE9rC850KFI/AAAAAAAAAa4/mUgjk1LTebsw4W5GFW48B5x_OGEEur3jQCLcBGAs/s320/01%2Bsnip%2Bof%2Btitle.JPG" width="277" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Once the title has been purchased, it shows up in your library. You have a title preview here, too, but it's a little smaller. Double click the title, and it'll open up in your software. You will see all the individual pieces (grouped together), all outlined in red.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-be1qGbBbDPo/XE9rEbFdqRI/AAAAAAAAAbA/3mJddaoLfbcQfHSBAti8ykEo8BhMApeyACEwYBhgL/s1600/02%2Btitle%2Bfirst%2Bon%2Bsheet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="559" height="315" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-be1qGbBbDPo/XE9rEbFdqRI/AAAAAAAAAbA/3mJddaoLfbcQfHSBAti8ykEo8BhMApeyACEwYBhgL/s320/02%2Btitle%2Bfirst%2Bon%2Bsheet.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you have a complicated title, this is where that little screenshot will come in handy. You can paste it onto the sheet and save it for prosperity (File/Save As/Save to Library). You CAN access the picture through the store again if you want, but I find this saves a step.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next thing I do is to rebuild the title on the screen so that I can see how it would look. I use the "fill tool" to colour in the pieces and try to match the original image as closely as possible. You will need to select the title and "ungroup" it first (right click, "ungroup"), unless you want all the pieces to be the same colour. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHEydw27z7o/XE9rER9_z4I/AAAAAAAAAbM/VDtFCGx1MT4RxKKyYL5m9jZqqyscdZC4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/03%2Bcoloured%2Btitle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="1198" height="162" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHEydw27z7o/XE9rER9_z4I/AAAAAAAAAbM/VDtFCGx1MT4RxKKyYL5m9jZqqyscdZC4ACEwYBhgL/s320/03%2Bcoloured%2Btitle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Then layer them together to mimic the original. Now you have a good idea of what the pieces would look like if you cut them the way they are. Be sure to GROUP them back together, so that when you resize a piece, they all resize proportionately.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8Nd26XjQAI/XE9rEbCD5NI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/9ysx5ydwOIk4cDH_wjMErLnh6W6wF8_kQCEwYBhgL/s1600/04%2Bgrouped%2Btitle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="297" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8Nd26XjQAI/XE9rEbCD5NI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/9ysx5ydwOIk4cDH_wjMErLnh6W6wF8_kQCEwYBhgL/s320/04%2Bgrouped%2Btitle.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
You probably have your screen set up as a 12x12 page. Now you can see the size of the title in proportion to your layout. You can see that, as is, this is way too small for a page. You're going to need to make it bigger... but how big to make it? <span style="color: blue;">SECRET TIP: Make some rectangles to lay out on the page where photos or journaling would be.</span> For this layout, I'm going to use a <a href="http://www.pagemaps.com/pm">PageMaps sketch</a> from Jan 2019. So, my next step is to lay out the basics of that sketch on my screen.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/9be63813/dms3rep/multi/mobile/jan19_12x12_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/9be63813/dms3rep/multi/mobile/jan19_12x12_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-08G-_KtC8vM/XE95ljM2JUI/AAAAAAAAAbk/2oc9CG0pnTEpNLjPBZKYnTS-K3TDtPvhwCLcBGAs/s1600/05%2Bsketch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="451" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-08G-_KtC8vM/XE95ljM2JUI/AAAAAAAAAbk/2oc9CG0pnTEpNLjPBZKYnTS-K3TDtPvhwCLcBGAs/s320/05%2Bsketch.JPG" width="301" /></a></div>
<br />
Now I can resize my title to the size that looks visually appealing. Be sure to hold down the "SHIFT" key when you do this to keep the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the title steady.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-ix3loTTSA/XE956OzZYsI/AAAAAAAAAbs/tYIsn9tsC98YD42-BPJ6MiomuWvROeFHACLcBGAs/s1600/05%2Bsketch%2Bresized.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="445" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-ix3loTTSA/XE956OzZYsI/AAAAAAAAAbs/tYIsn9tsC98YD42-BPJ6MiomuWvROeFHACLcBGAs/s320/05%2Bsketch%2Bresized.JPG" width="294" /></a></div>
<br />
Now you have your title in the right size. You can delete the paper and photo placeholders, and ungroup your title. Move the title pieces around so that like colours are together for cutting. In a case like this, I might duplicate the stars and make extras for embellishments on other parts of the page. Feel free to take artistic license and cut in whichever colours are best for your layout. The rest of the process is basic cut and stick.<br />
<br />
This video shows the play by play of the above instructions. The only problem was that my video capture didn't pick up anything that happened in pop up windows, so you'll have to use your imagination for those parts (although the instructions are written out above).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwkm5kHG-lfyY29MFo_cJCSDxE_5RcTe692TjJ2xZRHHfcCSPkCELgqCMM7YURQvWW8Ipek3LpXjDPP9Ewcyw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<h4>
TASK 2: Making a simple title from scratch</h4>
<div>
So far, so good, right? But what happens if you can't find what you're looking for in the store? You wanted to find something like "Arabella Says He-dow" or some other random title. Or maybe you are thinking, heck, I'm not spending my hard earned money on a title that I can easily make myself. Today is your lucky day. Today you learn how to do this (or, you read this refresher and maybe learn something new).<br />
<br />
The first thing you need to do it write some text. Choose the "Text" tool that looks like a capital "A", then type your text.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmsU2VeCpvo/XFO2C1b264I/AAAAAAAAAcU/zvurkDpRjyIf9wPIMxTCNHkUPkO20USpwCLcBGAs/s1600/06%2Bpeeps%2Brule%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="999" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmsU2VeCpvo/XFO2C1b264I/AAAAAAAAAcU/zvurkDpRjyIf9wPIMxTCNHkUPkO20USpwCLcBGAs/s320/06%2Bpeeps%2Brule%2B1.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Want to change the font? Go for it (highlight the text first, then change it at the top - I'm choosing Desigers because it's fun, and free). This font is not cursive, so I don't need to weld anything. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--p-OMP7N_jg/XFO2Co1PAwI/AAAAAAAAAcM/OmBZIenu4JItnhuSvmqE5YypEsHrkXHTgCEwYBhgL/s1600/07%2Bpeeps%2Brule%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--p-OMP7N_jg/XFO2Co1PAwI/AAAAAAAAAcM/OmBZIenu4JItnhuSvmqE5YypEsHrkXHTgCEwYBhgL/s320/07%2Bpeeps%2Brule%2B1.JPG" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
If I picked a cursive font, I'd need to weld. Sweet Hipster is a fun one. I'll change the font to that... but now it's really small. I can change it using the font point size, next to the font name, or I can select the whole text (click the select arrow first) and drag the corner to resize. Hold down the SHIFT key while you do this so you keep the proportions correct.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEfJY-ZO4cA/XFO2C9YBKEI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/hJnFmtM5g_ICIiCC-BGYsdT51i4b3ow6wCEwYBhgL/s1600/08%2Bpeeps%2Brule%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="969" height="318" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEfJY-ZO4cA/XFO2C9YBKEI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/hJnFmtM5g_ICIiCC-BGYsdT51i4b3ow6wCEwYBhgL/s320/08%2Bpeeps%2Brule%2B1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see, this needs to be welded. It's a single click once the title has been selected. Click on the "weld" icon, or just right-click, weld. Now that it's welded, there's a good chance you need to Group it again, so drag the cursor so that all of the title is highlighted, and right-click Group. Now you have a perfectly good title which you can resize as desired, and use on your page.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PH67K0VFt_s/XFO2DNj5N9I/AAAAAAAAAcY/eRCBJ4rjupUHSHnVCGurPi2-j8wACDGjQCEwYBhgL/s1600/09%2Bpeeps%2Brule%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1020" height="310" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PH67K0VFt_s/XFO2DNj5N9I/AAAAAAAAAcY/eRCBJ4rjupUHSHnVCGurPi2-j8wACDGjQCEwYBhgL/s320/09%2Bpeeps%2Brule%2B1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What's that? Oh, you want LAYERS? Ok cool. We can do that. That's done with the Offset tool. The icon looks like a star with a border around it. Or right-click Offset.<br />
<br />
(By the way, <span style="color: blue;">SECRET TIP if you just have a manual cutter, like a Big Shot, you can achieve a similar look to shadow by cutting the letters 2 or 3 times and gluing them together with a bit of an offset. </span>This is especially effective if the bottom layer is black. I LOVE that effect!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFyZgEQEIag/XFO2DYsfyWI/AAAAAAAAAcs/ftVBBV8u7r472rC-lLGByd9iSnkkw5pCgCEwYBhgL/s1600/10%2Boffset%2Btool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="889" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFyZgEQEIag/XFO2DYsfyWI/AAAAAAAAAcs/ftVBBV8u7r472rC-lLGByd9iSnkkw5pCgCEwYBhgL/s320/10%2Boffset%2Btool.JPG" width="309" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now, when I do this, I don't love the look. Personally, I like my titles to look more cohesive. So, I'm going to UNDO the offset (ctrl-z) and then move the words closer together. Vertically, actually. I've got to ungroup it first, and then group one word, move it, then group it all again.<br />
<br />
Now I'm ready to do the layers in my own style. For some reason, I really like the look of a triple-layered title. <span style="color: blue;">Here's my SECRET TIP to layers... do the first layer at 0.08, and the second at 0.125. </span> There you go. I don't know why, but these layers always look good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--c3NOtFDiN4/XFO2DwqFZWI/AAAAAAAAAc4/zZCab_uXZuMveD3Z0PQUU1NO4S0n81SbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/11%2Btitle%2Blayered.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="376" height="279" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--c3NOtFDiN4/XFO2DwqFZWI/AAAAAAAAAc4/zZCab_uXZuMveD3Z0PQUU1NO4S0n81SbQCEwYBhgL/s320/11%2Btitle%2Blayered.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
You might need to do a little fine tuning so that you don't end up with little tiny bits cut out. Drag the layers apart. Right click on one where you need to clean it up, and Release Compound Path. Then you'll be able to delete the little bits that aren't worth cutting. Once it's cleaned up, Make Compound Path again. You'll be able to fill the words in using the fill tool, and rebuild the title so see how you like it. We'll do more of this next time. Now, go forth and cut! I can't wait to see what you make.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3hzujHejFjs/XFO2D7cmzGI/AAAAAAAAAck/4FEOIMbsozMXzhlJgsVCDFWwvst3scwcgCLcBGAs/s1600/12%2Btitle%2Blayered.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="348" height="314" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3hzujHejFjs/XFO2D7cmzGI/AAAAAAAAAck/4FEOIMbsozMXzhlJgsVCDFWwvst3scwcgCLcBGAs/s320/12%2Btitle%2Blayered.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the step by step on video (it's in 2 parts because I'm technically challenged and can't figure out how to save the right format if I merge them):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxSQBbv-zVC2Ohjv7GFswvCDCSkK8v5AB1NJYCIZ_jHMvg2FQazayB1JeIw8voAqowChbyEPlcbwixX9ORw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyu5_NkxxYjOH8QJEhTCZkCcBsnU2IGnr4Jo1fCCUqVR8U8v1AOolxXKj2fcL6ufUq9R1cBF3zumDmZ4ZjC3Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Next month: Tips on choosing and mixing fonts, using glyphs, and more on welding</div>
Rona Scrapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04017346590377144180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-65030025487733454832017-01-15T14:09:00.004-05:002017-01-15T14:09:58.510-05:00Dog In Waiting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
What?! Two layouts posted in one month? What's going on here? <br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This layout was based on Laura Whitaker's sketch from <a href="http://stucksketches.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Stuck?! Sketches</a>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqPg99cPxZg/WGIB4A39_gI/AAAAAAAAFtk/E8PhVSOdmacbppwpKVgUP45wrKN2GebigCLcB/s1600/1%2BJanuary%2B1%2B2017%2B-%2BStuck%2BSketches%2B%2528600x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqPg99cPxZg/WGIB4A39_gI/AAAAAAAAFtk/E8PhVSOdmacbppwpKVgUP45wrKN2GebigCLcB/s400/1%2BJanuary%2B1%2B2017%2B-%2BStuck%2BSketches%2B%2528600x600%2529.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I love using sketches as my jumping off point because it reduces my process time significantly. ONLY three hours this time. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ58RrUih4o/WHvHQPZZu2I/AAAAAAAAEpk/DVeYZr7FHGgWj5-sniVaIIRQl7zWiYYhACLcB/s1600/DogInWaiting-0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ58RrUih4o/WHvHQPZZu2I/AAAAAAAAEpk/DVeYZr7FHGgWj5-sniVaIIRQl7zWiYYhACLcB/s640/DogInWaiting-0266.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This was so much fun to make because (a) I loved the photo, (b) I loved the doggie papers and embellishments I've been collecting, and (c) I loved the sketch. <br />
<br />
Thanks for looking!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Materials: pawprint stencil - homemade, dog papers - Bella Boulevard and Doodlebug. Wood veneers - Jillibearn. Journalling block - Evalicious</i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-12360409231642684412017-01-07T12:49:00.001-05:002017-01-07T12:49:12.553-05:00The Need for Speed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBjUR3QHCio/WHEmd-l-10I/AAAAAAAAEos/ilgw12O0tcc5384ocyDyRmSzhkb9ZgMNgCLcB/s1600/NeedForSpeed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBjUR3QHCio/WHEmd-l-10I/AAAAAAAAEos/ilgw12O0tcc5384ocyDyRmSzhkb9ZgMNgCLcB/s640/NeedForSpeed-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Cue the "<a href="https://www.televisiontunes.com/A-Team_(The).html" target="_blank">A Team" theme song</a>...) I love it when a plan comes together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recently (well, *last year*, but I moved house so haven't had a chance to play) acquired some of the newer <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Evalicious</a> line "On My Way." When I get new goodies, I leave them on my desk for a bit until something clicks about how to use them. Organizing my stash, I came across the Pink Paislee "Cedar Lane" line and, wouldn't you know it, they have very similar colour schemes. We haven't had any big travels or road trips lately, but the pup *does* love a car ride to the dog park. A plan was borne.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IfjK_vVSLww/WHEmdwEdp4I/AAAAAAAAEok/i2q91mqLncAq5q8CLflolsUZLsG1Q6krACLcB/s1600/NeedForSpeed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IfjK_vVSLww/WHEmdwEdp4I/AAAAAAAAEok/i2q91mqLncAq5q8CLflolsUZLsG1Q6krACLcB/s640/NeedForSpeed-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The new epoxy stickers are gorgeous... see the heart above? They're so nice and shiny.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8oZQQwCv2Y/WHEmd0sXlhI/AAAAAAAAEoo/8c-afbtZStA0RpUpd1pQNOgphD_S6gI9ACLcB/s1600/NeedForSpeed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8oZQQwCv2Y/WHEmd0sXlhI/AAAAAAAAEoo/8c-afbtZStA0RpUpd1pQNOgphD_S6gI9ACLcB/s640/NeedForSpeed-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zp_MAiT9ko8/WHEmeBoShII/AAAAAAAAEow/A53V3YzzpG07tpU0otZTw_sxyoj0U5BlQCLcB/s1600/NeedForSpeed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zp_MAiT9ko8/WHEmeBoShII/AAAAAAAAEow/A53V3YzzpG07tpU0otZTw_sxyoj0U5BlQCLcB/s640/NeedForSpeed-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mixing in a few of the original woodgrain puffy letters.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fS8c70P_GIY/WHEmeeTEvyI/AAAAAAAAEo4/7bajWitGafI6zV1wciAmxbBU--a_G6cAwCLcB/s1600/NeedForSpeed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fS8c70P_GIY/WHEmeeTEvyI/AAAAAAAAEo4/7bajWitGafI6zV1wciAmxbBU--a_G6cAwCLcB/s640/NeedForSpeed-6.jpg" width="598" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While moving house, I acquired an old Remington Portable 5 typewriter. It's SO much fun to type on these journaling cards with it. :) I really need to work on the accuracy of my typing, though. No delete key!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I'll leave you with this pic of Remy the bernedoodle, in heaven with her hair blowing in the breeze... it sure is a dog's life!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmS2SL6fWGA/WHEmeAEMIgI/AAAAAAAAEpA/iHiJ8N4rFUARSnrMT0jnx03vmAe7O2-JgCEw/s1600/NeedForSpeed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmS2SL6fWGA/WHEmeAEMIgI/AAAAAAAAEpA/iHiJ8N4rFUARSnrMT0jnx03vmAe7O2-JgCEw/s640/NeedForSpeed-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Supplies: <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Evalicious On My Way embellishments</a>, Pink Paislee Cedar Lane 6x6 paper pad</i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-44747105979333671962016-06-19T11:43:00.000-04:002016-06-19T11:43:06.952-04:00Machine stitching on a layout - with embroidery floss!<span id="post_message_1292387065" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">I LOVE the look of hand stitching on layouts, but it takes me FOREVER. So, I started googling "machine sewing with thick thread."<br /><br />So, the problem with trying to machine sew with embroidery floss (well, ONE of the problems) is that you can't thread the thick thread through the needle. Let me introduce you to "bobbin work." In a nutshell, the top thread is normal sewing thread, and the thick thread or floss goes on the bobbin and you work the page upside down. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">Technical information about how to do this can be found here:<br /><a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5025/bobbin-work-when-threads-are-too-thick-for-the-needle/page/all" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5025/bobbin-work-when-threads-are-too-thick-for-the-needle/page/all</a><br /><br />I decided to give it a shot, take one for the team, and do a sewing experiment. Very little risk for me as I hardly ever use my 20 year old machine for anything except scrapbooking these days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">I loaded the bobbin as per instructions in the link above. I held the feeding floss in my hands and used my fingers for tension. Once loaded, I popped it into the bobbin case.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1gIKPRRjww/V2a6G2JnlHI/AAAAAAAAEbo/igbzwQcrUJAFmKLvfORik3LbG0Sh2B7SQCLcB/s1600/DSC_1266_zpsuhzto7l0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1gIKPRRjww/V2a6G2JnlHI/AAAAAAAAEbo/igbzwQcrUJAFmKLvfORik3LbG0Sh2B7SQCLcB/s640/DSC_1266_zpsuhzto7l0.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">And it's definitely true that you need to test the tension. The first one I tried (at "0" and "1") just looked like a piece of string stuck to the page with thread around it. It had to be set quite tight (like "8") before it looked decent. Excuse my scrawl, but the numbers do refer to the tension setting. Your results may vary. I also set the stitches as long as possible to better mimic hand stitching.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRSFUbFPQEw/V2a6HM142BI/AAAAAAAAEb4/nXMUmSnolP8ufsFTPv60bb8nZTorqsXUQCKgB/s1600/DSC_1269_zpsgmnm4uvz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRSFUbFPQEw/V2a6HM142BI/AAAAAAAAEb4/nXMUmSnolP8ufsFTPv60bb8nZTorqsXUQCKgB/s640/DSC_1269_zpsgmnm4uvz.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">The photo above shows the underside of the paper after sewing. I found that I quite liked the look of it with the high tension. For perspective, I would normally sew on fabric with a "3" or so, but the tension needs to be high so that it pulls the floss into the paper.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">Once I knew it worked, I set down to business... making a layout. I used a Scrapbook Generations sketch that had lots of stitching on it. I stitched first, because it has to be done on the back side of the paper. Some planning needs to be done here if you want to try anything fancy. After I sewed, I pulled the ends through to the back of the layout and taped them down. And here's the finished look:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcGD10U_Puc/V2a6Ie5LiOI/AAAAAAAAEcI/Gol9wW1lkvYOvGv3MUlwfDqbBsltulnPwCKgB/s1600/-la%2Bcomida6096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcGD10U_Puc/V2a6Ie5LiOI/AAAAAAAAEcI/Gol9wW1lkvYOvGv3MUlwfDqbBsltulnPwCKgB/s640/-la%2Bcomida6096.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">The stitching on this layout took about 5 minutes. Yes, you read that correctly! A couple of closeups:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_eWPmUDa8ys/V2a6GbRO_aI/AAAAAAAAEcI/1FAU-I1vceoLtDqc1k2z0aDkBloPlYMQACKgB/s1600/-la%2Bcomida6090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_eWPmUDa8ys/V2a6GbRO_aI/AAAAAAAAEcI/1FAU-I1vceoLtDqc1k2z0aDkBloPlYMQACKgB/s640/-la%2Bcomida6090.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDgVh-bDptI/V2a6GfAqt9I/AAAAAAAAEcI/jpPZH-r8yfkmQHkBXc-Fr4PvIurtUVruwCKgB/s1600/-la%2Bcomida6089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDgVh-bDptI/V2a6GfAqt9I/AAAAAAAAEcI/jpPZH-r8yfkmQHkBXc-Fr4PvIurtUVruwCKgB/s640/-la%2Bcomida6089.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">Next time, I might make the tension a little higher, even, but overall, I think I've got a winner!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px;"><i>Materials: <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/life-s-sweet-badges" target="_blank">buttons</a>, <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/life-s-sweet-puffy-stickers-v2" target="_blank">puffy stickers</a>, <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/life-s-sweet-wood-veneer-v2" target="_blank">wood veneer</a> - <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Evalicious</a>, patterned paper - basic grey, sketch - <a href="http://www.scrapbookgeneration.com/sketch-books/" target="_blank">Scrapbook Generations</a></i></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-53601070702153140292016-04-26T21:05:00.000-04:002016-04-26T21:05:32.499-04:00Magnet fishingThis is a story of how a layout evolved.<br />
<br />
I had some photos of my son magnet fishing, but needed good embellishments. Do you know what shape the Silhouette Studio store is missing (as of today, anyways)? Magnets! Luckily the tracing feature came to my aid.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GytiG0DqG6I/VyANMacjASI/AAAAAAAAEYo/-Z_6ElaHskQda5k3sj0pJG_y4jNN7DYewCLcB/s1600/magnet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GytiG0DqG6I/VyANMacjASI/AAAAAAAAEYo/-Z_6ElaHskQda5k3sj0pJG_y4jNN7DYewCLcB/s640/magnet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After I had traced out the original shape, I split it into 4 different colours so that it would end up looking nicely 3D.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oti22_mOTKU/VyAPsdrLbjI/AAAAAAAAEY4/RvWyNW9pBLsIqDuvgDW7COL4M3ozkJ_lQCLcB/s1600/DSC_1076-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oti22_mOTKU/VyAPsdrLbjI/AAAAAAAAEY4/RvWyNW9pBLsIqDuvgDW7COL4M3ozkJ_lQCLcB/s640/DSC_1076-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I also had some great older Little Yellow Bicycle paper that I had been saving up for a good boy page.<br />
<br />
But then I needed a plain background behind the photos so they didn't get overwhelmed. I happened to be at a crop with lots of shopping. As luck would have it, the new Carta Bella release had some great light grey gear paper. The perfect shade to match the LYB, plus great texture.<br />
<br />
And things just fell into place after that. Some Crimson Thickers, some gears that were crop freebies layered with Spellbinders gear die cuts (dies borrowed from a fellow cropper)... et voila.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALqRgT0cjW4/VyAPsRGJWPI/AAAAAAAAEY0/m713ueLhcMwyzlU0eCn6aE8jZxpz1FWUQCLcB/s1600/DSC_1075-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALqRgT0cjW4/VyAPsRGJWPI/AAAAAAAAEY0/m713ueLhcMwyzlU0eCn6aE8jZxpz1FWUQCLcB/s640/DSC_1075-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Materials</b>: Little Yellow Bicycle - Fern and Forest Boy Collection, Carta Bella - Work Hard Play Hard Working Gears, Thickers - Crimson</span></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-23875934379235415082016-04-18T22:59:00.000-04:002016-04-18T22:59:11.956-04:00Whoosh.... that was time flying!Aaaaaand, I'm back. :)<br />
<br />
I wanted to share a technique I started using last year. I had super great intentions of blogging what I had created with some foil and my laminator, but, well, that didn't happen... until now!<br />
<br />
Lots of people have seen or tried the Heidi Swapp Minc tool that allows you to create stunning foiled embellishments. Or maybe you've done the same thing as me and just bought a cheap laminator and laser printer? Either way, prepare to have your mind blown with print and cut foil like this!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nR30gv8RLr4/VxWYHrNlHZI/AAAAAAAAEXo/hgTZRXtukwUB_yNqflGKST6zMJhYU6xsgCK4B/s1600/DSC_8263.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nR30gv8RLr4/VxWYHrNlHZI/AAAAAAAAEXo/hgTZRXtukwUB_yNqflGKST6zMJhYU6xsgCK4B/s640/DSC_8263.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Start off by making a title. You can make it directly in Silhouette Studio (fill with black), or, in my case, I did it in Adobe Illustrator in order to take advantage of the cool glyphs in the fonts. By the way, I used <a href="https://www.myfonts.com/fonts/charlesborges/desire/" target="_blank">Desire</a> for "Frigiliana", and <a href="https://creativemarket.com/graptail/188204-Karmela-(30off)" target="_blank">Karmela</a> for "market." <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSdUR1DNnYg/VxWWbe5cllI/AAAAAAAAEXA/AayyPTLvxN82ZzFYl2Bo9zdJS2GdmQZnACK4B/s1600/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uG03gvxvImU/VxWW6QiSlAI/AAAAAAAAEXY/kTOY2UBIod0WGan0v7lb-Yu_kKYwsnXjQCK4B/s1600/title.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uG03gvxvImU/VxWW6QiSlAI/AAAAAAAAEXY/kTOY2UBIod0WGan0v7lb-Yu_kKYwsnXjQCK4B/s640/title.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Once you are happy with your words, click to show the registration marks, and make sure that none of your titles are covered by those marks or in the non-printing/cutting area.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSdUR1DNnYg/VxWWbe5cllI/AAAAAAAAEXA/AayyPTLvxN82ZzFYl2Bo9zdJS2GdmQZnACK4B/s640/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil.JPG" width="576" /><br />
<br />
Now, add the offset. This is necessary for these titles because the font lines are so delicate. Change the line colour for the offset. I made mine orange. You'll see why in a moment.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-NVJYm8s1I/VxWWcHu4gHI/AAAAAAAAEXI/-TgUHbHhmUAQ03JjdfrNOITFTMm2JR9xQCK4B/s1600/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil%2Bwith%2Boffset.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-NVJYm8s1I/VxWWcHu4gHI/AAAAAAAAEXI/-TgUHbHhmUAQ03JjdfrNOITFTMm2JR9xQCK4B/s640/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil%2Bwith%2Boffset.JPG" width="552" /></a><br />
<br />
Now, here comes the trick to the success of this process. You want to cut the outline of the offset, but NOT the words. To do this, you need to go into the ADVANCED cut settings. For my titles, the cut line of the words was black and the cut line of the offset was orange. So I unselected the black line so that it wouldn't cut.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AGOxgILhWc/VxWWc0HrF_I/AAAAAAAAEXQ/iEZ2vZwZ9I4b1YRGP7NdKpeY90-B0LEswCK4B/s1600/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil%2Badj%2Bcut%2Bsettings.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AGOxgILhWc/VxWWc0HrF_I/AAAAAAAAEXQ/iEZ2vZwZ9I4b1YRGP7NdKpeY90-B0LEswCK4B/s640/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil%2Badj%2Bcut%2Bsettings.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Now, you're ready for action! Go ahead and print to your laser printer. If you can darken the black or make sure you're not going light on the toner in your settings, do it. It'll make the foiling better.<br />
<br />
And once it's printed, go ahead and cut it on the Silhouette. Once the pieces are cut, go ahead and foil it!<br />
<br />
And here are those titles in action, both using the Heidi Swapp Mint Green foil.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEnkOIjZJJc/VxWdIHPa37I/AAAAAAAAEX4/T5Gk1_a8tqcqlzSTXq_d30mKeSbF7elKACK4B/s1600/DSC_0840.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEnkOIjZJJc/VxWdIHPa37I/AAAAAAAAEX4/T5Gk1_a8tqcqlzSTXq_d30mKeSbF7elKACK4B/s640/DSC_0840.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEnkOIjZJJc/VxWdIHPa37I/AAAAAAAAEX4/T5Gk1_a8tqcqlzSTXq_d30mKeSbF7elKACK4B/s1600/DSC_0840.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B11-b3DbNeA/VxWdLXT7zvI/AAAAAAAAEYA/fcRW5xPGd4IrfmQppNbDaSESYARhB0jZwCK4B/s1600/DSC_0830.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B11-b3DbNeA/VxWdLXT7zvI/AAAAAAAAEYA/fcRW5xPGd4IrfmQppNbDaSESYARhB0jZwCK4B/s640/DSC_0830.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSdUR1DNnYg/VxWWbe5cllI/AAAAAAAAEXA/AayyPTLvxN82ZzFYl2Bo9zdJS2GdmQZnACK4B/s1600/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSdUR1DNnYg/VxWWbe5cllI/AAAAAAAAEXA/AayyPTLvxN82ZzFYl2Bo9zdJS2GdmQZnACK4B/s1600/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>I will have to toot my own horn a bit and say that those titles look better in person than photographed. The pictures don't do the pretty shininess justice.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Thanks for looking!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSdUR1DNnYg/VxWWbe5cllI/AAAAAAAAEXA/AayyPTLvxN82ZzFYl2Bo9zdJS2GdmQZnACK4B/s1600/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a></span>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSdUR1DNnYg/VxWWbe5cllI/AAAAAAAAEXA/AayyPTLvxN82ZzFYl2Bo9zdJS2GdmQZnACK4B/s1600/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Materials:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Frigiliana uses mainly Fancy Pants Office Suite, Evalicious paper clip, some Heidi Swapp paper</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Market in Malaga uses mainly Pink Paislee Atlas</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Credit to Scrapbook Generations for their sketches</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSdUR1DNnYg/VxWWbe5cllI/AAAAAAAAEXA/AayyPTLvxN82ZzFYl2Bo9zdJS2GdmQZnACK4B/s1600/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSdUR1DNnYg/VxWWbe5cllI/AAAAAAAAEXA/AayyPTLvxN82ZzFYl2Bo9zdJS2GdmQZnACK4B/s1600/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSdUR1DNnYg/VxWWbe5cllI/AAAAAAAAEXA/AayyPTLvxN82ZzFYl2Bo9zdJS2GdmQZnACK4B/s1600/SS%2Bfor%2Bfoil.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-49355068007003582752015-05-11T10:15:00.000-04:002015-05-11T10:15:00.081-04:00My new font love... SabellaIf you've been reading my blog, you know about my font love. Well, today, I have a new love. Sabella.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynTNfAE1rPU/VVAQjpEz5ZI/AAAAAAAABY8/90RK4W9h4fc/s1600/sabella.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynTNfAE1rPU/VVAQjpEz5ZI/AAAAAAAABY8/90RK4W9h4fc/s640/sabella.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I bought this font in a bundle from thehungryjpeg.com (it was a great deal, btw, and I have big plans for some of the brush fonts). I couldn't wait to start using it. Because it's an OpenType font, there are lots of contextual alternates and ligatures to make for BEAUTIFUL titles on the Cameo.<br />
<br />
Here's the one I made for my most recent post over at shopevalicious.com:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejl1cQhorqk/VVARQxNoXjI/AAAAAAAABZE/4aF6QHNXK3k/s1600/Churros-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejl1cQhorqk/VVARQxNoXjI/AAAAAAAABZE/4aF6QHNXK3k/s640/Churros-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The c and the s are both alternate characters, so have that extra swoosh to make it look really cool. I'm also addicted to three layer titles. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And here is how it looks on the layout:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpMMf-1hE8Q/VVARQ8zW0eI/AAAAAAAABZI/qhpkiAOgowk/s1600/Churros-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpMMf-1hE8Q/VVARQ8zW0eI/AAAAAAAABZI/qhpkiAOgowk/s640/Churros-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Props go to scrapbookgeneration.com for having awesome sketches, from which this layout was inspired.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">
<em style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;"><strong>Evalicious Supplies:</strong> puffy letters and puffy stickers, wood veneers, snipsnip labels and tags</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">
<em style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;"><br /></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;"><strong>Other Supplies:</strong> <a href="http://www.scrapbookgeneration.com/magazine/" style="color: #073763; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sketch - Scrapbook Generation</a>, patterned paper - WRMK Notable / Noteworthy, cardstock - Bazzill Basics, font - Sabella from </em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><i>http://www.thehungryjpeg.com/the-fontastic-font-bundle</i></span></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-34466310470947525182015-05-02T06:57:00.000-04:002015-05-02T06:57:00.439-04:00Marquis de Larios<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, here's the REST of the story... (aka: what I did with the title file I made on my last post)...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlIbXD7cnQc/VUQPzn4XHZI/AAAAAAAABWw/pBXcww46jkM/s1600/marquis-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlIbXD7cnQc/VUQPzn4XHZI/AAAAAAAABWw/pBXcww46jkM/s1600/marquis-6.jpg" height="635" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm working with some of the new Evalicious "This Way" travel themed goodies this week for a contest being held on Instagram (go check it out NOW, if you haven't already... you could win a $30 eGC... @ronascraps).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jm4hWd1vro/VUQQJUBf4RI/AAAAAAAABXI/opa95lLAD5M/s1600/marquis-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jm4hWd1vro/VUQQJUBf4RI/AAAAAAAABXI/opa95lLAD5M/s1600/marquis-3.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I used the one page sketch from the <a href="http://www.scrapbookgeneration.com/magazine/" target="_blank">March 2015 edition of Create Magazine</a> (published by Scrapbook Generations as my jumping off point. A new sheet of <a href="http://www.echoparkpaper.com/collections/jack-jill-jack/" target="_blank">Echo Park </a>paper (Jack and Jill) matches the Evalicious line so perfectly. Another of life's little joys--when I find a new line of paper that matches my goodies).<br />
<br />
The flourish was super skinny, so I ran the Cameo on the slowest setting and was veeeerrrry careful pulling it off the cutting mat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdzf-qT5eF8/VUQQIp0p3rI/AAAAAAAABW4/Cg3VZPtT1MQ/s1600/marquis-1%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdzf-qT5eF8/VUQQIp0p3rI/AAAAAAAABW4/Cg3VZPtT1MQ/s1600/marquis-1%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The sketch called for a row of tickets, but I'm more of a cluster girl myself, so I grabbed a ticket die, and cut a few dies out of cardstock and faux-cork paper. I did cut thin strips of actual cork to create a border for the white interior.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9oEjIBBtJ4Y/VUQQIswU8EI/AAAAAAAABXA/HqNUGIIXFT8/s1600/marquis-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9oEjIBBtJ4Y/VUQQIswU8EI/AAAAAAAABXA/HqNUGIIXFT8/s1600/marquis-2.jpg" height="296" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMCJloBsAT0/VUQQKM1aFyI/AAAAAAAABXU/hKwB7yhupoI/s1600/marquis-5%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMCJloBsAT0/VUQQKM1aFyI/AAAAAAAABXU/hKwB7yhupoI/s1600/marquis-5%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This was a fun layout to make, and came together super quickly (...uh... once the title was done).<br />
<br />
Rona<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;"><strong>Evalicious Supplies:</strong> <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/faux-cork-puffy-alphas" target="_blank">faux cork puffy letters</a>, <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/this-way-snipsnip-labels" target="_blank">This Way Snipsnip labels</a>, <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/this-way-large-tags" target="_blank">This Way Large Tags (journaling block)</a>, <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/this-way-badges" target="_blank">This Way badges</a>, <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/this-way-puffy-stickers-v1" target="_blank">This Way Puffy Stickers V1</a>, <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/this-way-puffy-stickers-v2" target="_blank">This Way Puffy Stickers V2</a>, <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/this-way-puffy-stickers-v3" target="_blank">This Way Puffy Stickers V3</a>, <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/this-way-wood-veneer-v1" target="_blank">This Way Wood Veneer V1</a>, <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/product/this-way-wood-veneer-v2" target="_blank">This Way Wood Veneer V2</a></em><br />
<br /></div>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;"><strong>Other Supplies:</strong> <a href="http://www.scrapbookgeneration.com/magazine/" target="_blank">Sketch - Scrapbook Generation</a>, patterned paper - Echo Park Jack and Jill - Jack, Fancy Pants (The Good Life-Labeled), Washi tape - Little B, cork - Quickutz, tickets - Tim Holtz die and stamps, ink - Ranger, cardstock - Bazzill Basics</em><br />
<div>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;"><br /></em></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-82720268517299711282015-04-30T11:00:00.000-04:002019-01-25T12:12:15.071-05:00Making Titles on the Silhouette: aka using glyphs from OTF FontsOne of my very favourite things to do is to play with fonts. I spend more time than I care to mention looking at pretty fonts on the internet. One of my recent fascinations has been the glyphs and alternate letters that come with the OTF fonts.<br />
<br />
It all kind of started with <a href="http://www.dafont.com/scriptina.font" target="_blank">Scriptina</a>, and seeing that there's a second ttf file that comes with it with the alternates in it kind of made me swoon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm no graphic artist, so it was news to me when I found out about OTF fonts that, instead of having a second file of alternates, have the glyphs built in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, Silhouette Studio does not accommodate the extra feature of OTF fonts. (Update Jan 2019: It has it now in Designer Edition!!!) Sure, I can use the font, but it's just kind of "meh."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVB5ADR0-b0/VTxSTmaq_AI/AAAAAAAABU4/1rjt7Uc_W0A/s1600/plain%2Bdesire%2Bin%2Bstudio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVB5ADR0-b0/VTxSTmaq_AI/AAAAAAAABU4/1rjt7Uc_W0A/s1600/plain%2Bdesire%2Bin%2Bstudio.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The trick is having the right software to access them. I really wanted to be able to cut out these fonts in Studio without getting new software or doing anything crazy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Many times, I tried to do this through Word. I found some pretty good tutorials on the net. One of my favourites here: http://www.magpiepaperworks.com/blog/using-opentype-fonts-in-microsoft-word/ . So, I'd end up with something like this...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RUljtdr3bI/VTxTY7KQQPI/AAAAAAAABVE/e21dqKZ_iIQ/s1600/desire%2Bin%2Bword.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RUljtdr3bI/VTxTY7KQQPI/AAAAAAAABVE/e21dqKZ_iIQ/s1600/desire%2Bin%2Bword.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Pretty cool, right? So, how do I cut this? First, I tried the easiest thing, which was cutting and pasting to the Studio application. Well, fail. It just came across in Arial Unicode. And if I tried changing the font, I was back to the "meh" version I started with. Another option was to export a jpg file and trace it in Studio. Ok, that works, but the edges aren't super smooth, and there's a lot of work to clean it up. Plus, you lose the whole advantage of it being vector graphics, and resizable.<br />
<br />
I tried Inkscape. Great news... it's free! Bad news... it doesn't have OTF as a feature.<br />
<br />
So, I then found my solution with Adobe Illustrator. Bad news.... it's not free. Good news, it works GREAT! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are the steps from creating a custom title in Illustrator, though to getting it ready to cut in Silhouette Studio DE:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. create image in AI<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>file / new / new document / ok (I just want to get to a blank sheet to work on)</li>
<li>Click on the Text tool on the left, and start typing. Be sure to change to the correct font, and probably increase the size to 72 or something big so you can see it (right click, or use the "Type" menu item)</li>
<li>Now, select Type/Glyphs from the menu. You'll see a ton of characters pop up on the right. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJNkI5naG38/VTxfj2bhzkI/AAAAAAAABVY/VatBkKVFR6E/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJNkI5naG38/VTxfj2bhzkI/AAAAAAAABVY/VatBkKVFR6E/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>you can narrow it down if you want by highlighting a letter and then clicking the pop down arrow next to "Entire Font" and choosing "Alternates for Current Selection."</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0umhKoVVAV4/VTxfjyffXoI/AAAAAAAABV8/_1rQFT_hJ1s/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0umhKoVVAV4/VTxfjyffXoI/AAAAAAAABV8/_1rQFT_hJ1s/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>The only downfall with doing this is that you miss some of the cool characters. For example, there's a character for "LA" and "RI" that I used in this title that I don't see there.</li>
<li>Start switching out characters for the glyphs until you end up with something that you love.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-UivEAxXh8/VTxfj3fnAmI/AAAAAAAABVU/1C--v3y-9oI/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-UivEAxXh8/VTxfj3fnAmI/AAAAAAAABVU/1C--v3y-9oI/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Now, time to get it ready to export.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Outline the text in AI. (Choose the arrow selector tool to select the text first and get the blue box outline, right click, create outlines)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uINOHHM2Kd8/VTxfkOSfIGI/AAAAAAAABVc/cBusW42gLwQ/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uINOHHM2Kd8/VTxfkOSfIGI/AAAAAAAABVc/cBusW42gLwQ/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Select the text again, then hit
D to make it a black outline with white fill<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkQPHhk6Vo0/VTxfkdfs5mI/AAAAAAAABVk/OukE5lcuQs8/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkQPHhk6Vo0/VTxfkdfs5mI/AAAAAAAABVk/OukE5lcuQs8/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Right click and ungroup (this doesn't really make any visible change).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. File / export / Save as type: dxf. Ok. Save it whereever, just remember where it is. :) It's really easy if you just put it on your desktop because then you can...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. ... drag the file
onto the cutting page in Studio (or Open, but be sure to picke the Files of type DXF).</span><span style="font-family: "rockford";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oU7WJQRkX7Y/VTxfkhGyjeI/AAAAAAAABVo/ahrMQ_ABtnw/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oU7WJQRkX7Y/VTxfkhGyjeI/AAAAAAAABVo/ahrMQ_ABtnw/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Some welding might be required if there is overlap of the letters. For this file, I had to first be sure that each letter was on the same compound path. For example, I'd select the inside and outside of the "O" and then "make compound path." Likewise with the inside and outside of the "R" flourish. Then I could weld the two together (see the highlighted pic below. See that the "S" isn't welded yet. That won't cut properly.). After all the welding, I'd select the whole thing and "make compound path."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxL7EdzRBjI/VTxfk9rx26I/AAAAAAAABVs/clxwlhz8QtY/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxL7EdzRBjI/VTxfk9rx26I/AAAAAAAABVs/clxwlhz8QtY/s1600/AI%2Bstep%2B7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have the Designer Edition, so I'm not sure whether the importing of DXF files is something you can do with the regular version. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Check back on Saturday to see this title in action!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-76682750513172247442015-04-27T13:35:00.000-04:002015-04-27T13:35:17.877-04:00New Goodies! And a discount code!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11178304_10152724676946428_2051979546006590767_n.jpg?oh=ebb5c32d124cebc54f422610d5c5630f&oe=559AC0BE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11178304_10152724676946428_2051979546006590767_n.jpg?oh=ebb5c32d124cebc54f422610d5c5630f&oe=559AC0BE" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm so excited about the new goodies that arrived from shopevalicious.com . Check out these stunning wood veneers! Part of the "This Way" line, just released. Just in time for me to scrapbook my Spain trip. How convenient. :)<br />
<br />
There's something special coming up on Instagram May 1-6, so if you haven't checked it out already, go and follow @shop.evalicious . You'll be glad you did.<br />
<br />
Also, use RONA15 to get 15% off your purchase at <a href="http://shopevalicious.com/">shopevalicious.com</a> ... these goodies can be at your house before you know it!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-23705306085140708992015-02-02T14:08:00.000-05:002015-02-02T14:08:25.417-05:00Hello!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEBFHbKlvjU/VMvcAlLUq9I/AAAAAAAAASQ/I_mcvNvvwnQ/s1600/HelloAandH-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEBFHbKlvjU/VMvcAlLUq9I/AAAAAAAAASQ/I_mcvNvvwnQ/s1600/HelloAandH-1.jpg" height="639" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy February! I can't believe we're already one full month into 2015. Just sharing a layout I recently created for the <a href="http://www.shopevalicious.com/" target="_blank">Evalicious</a> design team. Check out the site for all the details of the Evalicious goodness.<br />
<br />
A few extra points about the layout... I really love the "story" gold glitter phrase thickers. I mean, Hello? (get what I did there? ;) The layout itself was roughly based on a Scrapbook Generations sketch, with a lot of changes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8JzkmDDl1-A/VMvcAXHNOuI/AAAAAAAAAR8/-iLUHvzYj54/s1600/HelloAandH-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8JzkmDDl1-A/VMvcAXHNOuI/AAAAAAAAAR8/-iLUHvzYj54/s1600/HelloAandH-2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Viewmaster shape I actually made myself, tracing an original one in the Cameo software. It's such a versatile shape, and with the selfie craze these days, I could use it on almost every layout!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Hn34tKar4/VMvcBcvewHI/AAAAAAAAASE/CNkUKWsx5r0/s1600/HelloAandH-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Hn34tKar4/VMvcBcvewHI/AAAAAAAAASE/CNkUKWsx5r0/s1600/HelloAandH-6.jpg" height="421" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Oh, and I almost forgot! I used some plain tags that were shared online. They are seriously awesome... a whole page of tags that you print and cut. For free. Yeah. Check out Kaitlin Sheaffer's blog for the deets. <a href="http://www.kaitlinsheaffer.com/downloads/">http://www.kaitlinsheaffer.com/downloads/</a><br />
<br />
Thanks for looking,<br />
Rona<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Supplies:</strong> Evalicious (wood veneers, shaped paperclips, puffy stickers, flair), AC Thickers (Story Glitter foam phrase stickers), patterned paper (Elle's Studio Good Cheer, Chickaniddy Jolly Good)</em><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-71465069881644794192014-11-29T15:58:00.000-05:002014-11-29T15:58:49.066-05:00Christmas Cards - Round 2<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Still working through my Christmas cards... so close. Only another 40 or so to go!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5a_S8HsZXg/VHovJ0RdTaI/AAAAAAAAALA/U_HJBN79Wo8/s1600/DSC_6422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the-creative-accountant.blogspot.ca" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5a_S8HsZXg/VHovJ0RdTaI/AAAAAAAAALA/U_HJBN79Wo8/s1600/DSC_6422.jpg" height="400" title="Christmas card with pretty doily stamp" width="325" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I've had to keep the cards pretty simple this year, due to the high quantity I'm making. I found this stamp on sale earlier this year:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://heroarts.com/global/prodimages/S5319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://heroarts.com/global/prodimages/S5319.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and boy, do I love it. Hero Arts calls it "Circle Lace." But, I'm pretty sure that's just fancy words for "doily." I stamped it with Versamark, and then used a detail white embossing powder to make it pop.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
I'm still loving the paper from the Lawn Fawn paper pad I bought. Thank goodness! The next card I added a sprinkle of sequins.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjxYLfRtoYI/VHovJ9jtAdI/AAAAAAAAALI/xjth6aNTukE/s1600/DSC_6421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the-creative-accountant.blogspot.ca" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjxYLfRtoYI/VHovJ9jtAdI/AAAAAAAAALI/xjth6aNTukE/s1600/DSC_6421.jpg" height="400" title="Christmas doily card with pretty sequins" width="311" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWuU44VhqVw/VHovLKGB--I/AAAAAAAAALc/IGySlNwKCrg/s1600/DSC_6425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the-creative-accountant.blogspot.ca" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWuU44VhqVw/VHovLKGB--I/AAAAAAAAALc/IGySlNwKCrg/s1600/DSC_6425.jpg" height="247" title="sequin details" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last one is even more simple...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo9CV2_SLks/VHovJ33Dj8I/AAAAAAAAALE/BlQFLoGvvHU/s1600/DSC_6423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the-creative-accountant.blogspot.ca" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo9CV2_SLks/VHovJ33Dj8I/AAAAAAAAALE/BlQFLoGvvHU/s1600/DSC_6423.jpg" height="400" title="pretty doily Christmas card" width="317" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just a zoom in on the edge of the sentiment (cut from the Lawn Fawn paper) to show the little bit of glimmer from a line of Wink of Stella pen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcmjUjMNjZ4/VHovK2Gv67I/AAAAAAAAALY/ZrbePpR2mFM/s1600/DSC_6424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the-creative-accountant.blogspot.ca" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcmjUjMNjZ4/VHovK2Gv67I/AAAAAAAAALY/ZrbePpR2mFM/s1600/DSC_6424.jpg" height="295" title="Using Wink of Stella pen on sentiment edging" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span>
Lastly, if you're a big fan of <a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Evalicious</a>, you'll be happy to see that she's having a great sale until Monday night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Asap; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://evalicious.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5iZ58nF-s8/VHgoAa0-fZI/AAAAAAAAEdM/tFJgvbZYgIg/s400/BLACK_FRIDAY_SALE1.jpg" height="272" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Asap; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">This is one of those sales to not be missed! Use code: </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">blackfriday2014</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"> to get 25% off your entire order (expires on Monday, Dec 1 at midnight EST). Also get another $5 shipping credit when your order is $100 or more (after the 25% discount).</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Please note: this may not be combined with other offers (including eGC prizes). Happy shopping!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><strong><br /></strong></em>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><strong>Supplies:</strong> </em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Lawn Fawn's Peace Joy Love 6x6 inch petite paper pack, Bazzill cardstock, Wink of Stella brush, sequins, </em><i>Hampton Art Chalkboard Label and Word Clear Stamp and Die
Set, Hero Arts Circle Lace stamp (S5319)</i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-54855452304328225442014-11-26T21:18:00.000-05:002014-11-27T23:42:12.519-05:00An Early Start...I was so proud of myself for having gotten an early start on Christmas cards this year... I actually started in October. The downside of this is that I felt so ahead of schedule, I worked on other things. And now I have one week until my own personal December 1st deadline!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jgXBJ3qMMU/VHaFqHHSSGI/AAAAAAAAAI4/lGVXKPQr4sI/s1600/DSC_6406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="from the-creative-accountant.blogspot.com" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jgXBJ3qMMU/VHaFqHHSSGI/AAAAAAAAAI4/lGVXKPQr4sI/s1600/DSC_6406.jpg" height="400" title="Christmas card using Lawn Fawn" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
Not to fear, though... I have PLENTY of supplies. :) This year, I was inspired by <a href="http://eponinekc.blogspot.ca/2013/03/authentiques-renew-6x6-paper-pad.html" target="_blank">The Best Things in Life Are Pink blog</a> and tried to kill a whole pad of 6"x6" paper. Then, I decided to just do half of the pad, and save the rest for my Christmas layouts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OO7vlDW58cg/VHaFq_zCBxI/AAAAAAAAAJI/h4SoxUOOCvE/s1600/DSC_6408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OO7vlDW58cg/VHaFq_zCBxI/AAAAAAAAAJI/h4SoxUOOCvE/s1600/DSC_6408.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I used Lawn Fawn's "Peace Joy Love" line for these cards. At first, I wasn't sure about the black, but I really like the black and red combination.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMTxS4ZUdsA/VHaFp2DydLI/AAAAAAAAAI0/pgeDeJbQQUU/s1600/DSC_6407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMTxS4ZUdsA/VHaFp2DydLI/AAAAAAAAAI0/pgeDeJbQQUU/s1600/DSC_6407.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For a little sparkly touch, many of the cards were outlined with the clear Wink of Stella brush... perhaps a new favourite of mine. I also added some wreaths cut from glitter paper using Memory Box's Starry Wreath die (I think this might have been discontinued, which is a shame).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJsbC3UHozA/VHaFp-yc0ZI/AAAAAAAAAIw/cgU9MFLSIf8/s1600/DSC_6405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJsbC3UHozA/VHaFp-yc0ZI/AAAAAAAAAIw/cgU9MFLSIf8/s1600/DSC_6405.jpg" height="400" width="321" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, yeah. And sequins. :) I'm totally digging this last one with the bokeh background paper. I might have to go back and buy a few (many) more sheets.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDhzHJk7Vgc/VHaFrLWPGLI/AAAAAAAAAJM/mrYS4e_YkZA/s1600/DSC_6411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDhzHJk7Vgc/VHaFrLWPGLI/AAAAAAAAAJM/mrYS4e_YkZA/s1600/DSC_6411.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And a little tip that I picked up from a CKC long gone by, I used the perforating tool from Cutterbee around the edges of the papers to give them a look similar to that of the stitched dies that are so popular right now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So five down, ninety-five to go!! So much for being ahead of the game. Wish me luck!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em style="font-size: small;"><strong>Supplies:</strong> Lawn Fawn's Peace Joy Love 6x6 inch petite paper pack, CTMH stamps, Bazzill cardstock, Wink of Stella brush, Memory Box Starry Night die, sequins</em></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-21879373084023143402014-11-21T12:50:00.001-05:002014-11-21T14:44:18.435-05:00Evalicious Design Team!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/theme_images/9705037/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/slideshow_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/theme_images/9705037/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/slideshow_2.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm so thrilled to share that I've been asked to join <a href="http://www.shopevalicious.com/2014/11/meet-new-dt-shop-talk.html" target="_blank">Evalicious Design Team</a> as their DT coordinator.<br />
<br />
It has been so hard not to say anything since Eve emailed me last week and asked me to join the team. The other six women are so talented! You can click <a href="http://www.shopevalicious.com/2014/11/meet-new-dt-shop-talk.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to learn more about them.<br />
<br />
I'm still a little dumbstruck. I can't wait to get started in December. I mean, have you SEEN their puffy stickers?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/142762378/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/Gold_puffy.jpg" height="320" width="320" /><span id="goog_1027274614"></span><span id="goog_1027274615"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These <a href="http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/142762378/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/Gold_puffy.jpg" target="_blank">gold puffy stickers</a> are amazing, and look so beautiful and shiny in real life. You'll definitely be seeing a lot of these!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/142764379/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/FN_puffy_V1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/142764379/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/FN_puffy_V1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
... and these <a href="http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/142764379/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/FN_puffy_V1.jpg" target="_blank">field notes puffy stickers</a>... well... swoon.<br />
<br />
Definitely LOTS more to come!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-3697856822462560882013-04-06T19:49:00.000-04:002013-04-09T11:46:39.504-04:00Cardmaking Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So.... after I finished the <a href="http://the-creative-accountant.blogspot.ca/2013/03/girls-best-friend.html" target="_blank">Girl's Best Friend layout,</a> I had LOTS of patterned paper left over. For some reason, I usually don't use a patterned paper over again on a layout (maybe because there are so many to choose from, I like to give them all a turn). So to use up scraps and relieve any future shopping guilt, I made a whole bunch of birthday cards. Two of them I gave away before I had a chance to photograph them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First, here's a really simple one... basically layering a bunch of rectangles. I used a Stampin' Up hexagon embossing folder for the orange cardstock and fussy-cutted a doily from the MME patterned paper. There's a light spritz of Gold Lame color shine on the doily. I spritzed a foam brush with teal color shine and outlined the edge of the turquoise label. It adds a nice shine to the outside of the shape, and anchors it a bit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZDAlBUtAwA/UWCIqPqwVSI/AAAAAAAABCU/SQzCWc5cLes/s1600/april+6+cards+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZDAlBUtAwA/UWCIqPqwVSI/AAAAAAAABCU/SQzCWc5cLes/s400/april+6+cards+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Supplies</strong>: cardstock - Bazzill, patterned paper - MME/The Sweetest Thing and Amy Tangerine, stamp and embossing powder - Stampendous, mist - Heidi Swapp Color Shine Teal, embossing folder - Stampin' Up (hexagon), label cutting die - Spellbinders, adhesive - 3M</em></span></div>
<br />
For this 6"x6" card, I started with an older DCWV yellow rickrack paper that came in a box of envelopes. The die used for this card is really cool.... you rip off a strip where it says "Pull Here" and there's a secret message underneath. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-agUWHyDjiq8/UWCIqYf5JGI/AAAAAAAABCc/uVuJ0l_sjlo/s1600/april+6+cards+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-agUWHyDjiq8/UWCIqYf5JGI/AAAAAAAABCc/uVuJ0l_sjlo/s400/april+6+cards+2.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Supplies</strong>: cardstock - Bazzill, DCWV, patterned paper, brads, enamel dots - MME/The Sweetest Thing, stamp and "zipper" die cut - Paper Trey Ink, mist - Heidi Swapp Color Shine, embossing folder - Stampin' Up (square lattice), ink - Memento, adhesive - 3M</span></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This one was super quick. The other half of the fussy cut and I used the Epiphany Crafts tool to make the little acrylic banner bits. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex3BKQ7Jg7c/UWCIq-tyjYI/AAAAAAAABCk/THsJQlGHFXQ/s1600/april+6+cards+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex3BKQ7Jg7c/UWCIq-tyjYI/AAAAAAAABCk/THsJQlGHFXQ/s400/april+6+cards+1.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Supplies</strong>: cardstock - Bazzill, patterned paper - MME/The Sweetest Thing, stamp - Paper Trey Ink, mist - Heidi Swapp Color Shine Teal, acrylic banners and punch - Epiphany Crafts, ink - Memento, adhesive - 3M, bling -unknown</span></em></div>
<br />
Lastly, a birthday card for a friend's son. He likes skiing, so hopefully snowboarding is close enough. :) I tried to match the actual colours of his winter gear. Lots of BoBunny patterned paper and stickers on this one. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4VvAAO3xVs/UWCIs_ejUPI/AAAAAAAABCs/B09jEMaacLw/s1600/april+6+cards+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4VvAAO3xVs/UWCIs_ejUPI/AAAAAAAABCs/B09jEMaacLw/s400/april+6+cards+4.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Supplies</strong>: cardstock - Bazzill, patterned paper and stickers - Bo Bunny, stamp - My Favourite Things (PI Snowboard Boy) markers - Copic, ink - Memento, adhesive - 3M, die - Spellbinders</span></em></div>
<br />
Note: the making of these cards was also inspired by the challenge at <a href="http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.ca/2013/04/simon-says-happy-birthday.html" target="_blank">www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.ca</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-43229874732376799082013-03-28T13:42:00.000-04:002013-03-28T13:57:18.871-04:00Girl's Best Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MFJ_y27I3g/UVR-E4qoVfI/AAAAAAAABBo/lC6A2oc4doo/s1600/girls+best+friend+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MFJ_y27I3g/UVR-E4qoVfI/AAAAAAAABBo/lC6A2oc4doo/s640/girls+best+friend+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aaaah.... that's better. :) Work has been crazy lately, and between that and family needs, I haven't been able to find time to scrapbook. Or when I did, it was only for short amounts of time. I seem to be back on top of things (for now) and actually had some free time. I finally finished a Hallowe'en layout I was working on (THAT layout took forever as it felt like I HAD to finish it before starting something new).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, this layout flew! I tried misting for the very first time. I started off with just some Twinkling H20s in a mini mister to get the orangey-red colour that would match the outside border. That looked a little like blood spatter, so I added some Heidi Swapp Color Shine in Teal. I wanted to try this product out as I've heard many rave about it. And it didn't disappoint. The colour is highly pigmented and has a nice metallic lustre to it.</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So then I misted some 3D letters:</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dx6ane9833k/UVR-FDOj7-I/AAAAAAAABBs/sdm-dMcK_1E/s400/girls+best+friend+2.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And some paper ribbon from Stampin' Up:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kfSXc_UT11M/UVR-Gvc7ptI/AAAAAAAABCE/tE6g-8FxUL0/s1600/girls+best+friend+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kfSXc_UT11M/UVR-Gvc7ptI/AAAAAAAABCE/tE6g-8FxUL0/s400/girls+best+friend+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The paper, brads, and enamel dots are all MME:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npmOSOm-qIs/UVR-EzhEs9I/AAAAAAAABBk/doXwtjUC_qQ/s640/girls+best+friend+3.jpg" width="425" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
And this is some Artisan Elements from Pink Paislee, painted with the Twinkling H20s:</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZQLkCWraMo/UVR-GiE8jUI/AAAAAAAABB8/dD2UOXrwlTg/s1600/girls+best+friend+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZQLkCWraMo/UVR-GiE8jUI/AAAAAAAABB8/dD2UOXrwlTg/s400/girls+best+friend+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I may now be a misting convert. A new product for my "collection." ;)</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-37260239151505714282013-02-08T21:43:00.001-05:002013-02-08T21:43:42.615-05:00Penny studio fileWell, it's been quite a while since I posted! I've been inspired to start up again. Right now I'm working on a page saying farewell to the penny. So far I've had lots of fun creating a Silhouette cutting file for the penny.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8us60wAKuPc/URW3pSeeq5I/AAAAAAAABBA/z6UCTKOlCbo/s1600/penny+cutfile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8us60wAKuPc/URW3pSeeq5I/AAAAAAAABBA/z6UCTKOlCbo/s320/penny+cutfile.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm happy to share with anyone who wants it. Just ask. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More to come when I finish the layout.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-32636677310910089042012-07-15T15:46:00.000-04:002012-07-15T15:47:25.287-04:00What Goes Up?Last month I had to go out and <u>buy</u> a couple of birthday cards. It was really frustrating because obviously, as a scrapbooker and cardmaker, I can make cards with my scraps for a fraction of the price. So, I've spent the last few days making a few cards. And of course, in the process, I found three cards that I had made already (so I didn't really need to shell out the bucks for the cards I bought last month!).<br />
<br />
Here's my favourite from today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-QoXO_dtKM/UAMcQ8phezI/AAAAAAAABAU/r3c2NY_XtVY/s1600/balloon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-QoXO_dtKM/UAMcQ8phezI/AAAAAAAABAU/r3c2NY_XtVY/s320/balloon1.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm using up my older Echo Park paper to make space for the new release. I don't know what it looks like yet, but based on past experience, it'll be awesome and I'll NEED it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K9HZp0zYSbw/UAMcS6HAW2I/AAAAAAAABAc/ax80VQymbjk/s1600/balloon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K9HZp0zYSbw/UAMcS6HAW2I/AAAAAAAABAc/ax80VQymbjk/s320/balloon2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really like the Inky Antics stamps as they're so cute and unique. LOVE the 3D honeycomb shapes. The only issue I have is that when I colour the stamped image in on the card inside with Copics, the colour bleeds through to the other side, so I always need to put another layer on the outside. A small sacrifice, but worth noting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm thinking I should make a list of birthdays through the year with type (adult male, girl child turning 8, etc) so that I can make my cards accordingly. But for now, I'm just having fun with my scraps. After all, isn't what this hobby's all about?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Supplies:</strong> Inky Antics stamps (elephant and tiger) and honeycomb paper, Copic markers, Papertrey Ink stamps (sentiment), Echo Park Little Boy patterned paper and stickers, Bazzill cardstock</em></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-43445971859770208312012-07-12T11:11:00.002-04:002012-07-12T11:11:42.959-04:00When life gives you shrinky dinks...So, I was working on a layout, having fun with shrink plastic, and got totally stuck! Luckily I came across the Sketchabilities site and found a great way to finish off my page.<br />
<br />
Here's the sketch from the site:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sketchabilities.blogspot.ca/2012/06/sketch-74-design-team-reveal.html"><img $ca="true" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlOoHTkqDCY/T_7gbgckSjI/AAAAAAAAA94/bfWwKo3tZ20/s1600/sketchabilities74.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And my layout:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NDoBohT3JAY/T_7hEocAGlI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/NNq8vx64h_8/s1600/lemonade16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NDoBohT3JAY/T_7hEocAGlI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/NNq8vx64h_8/s320/lemonade16.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had the background of the page completed before I found the sketch... all of the horizontal strips of paper were on, the title, the fussy cut strips of flowers at the top and the bottom and the lemons. But it looked a little bare, so I'm glad the sketch fit well with my layout. I think the frame helps break up the horizontal lines and adds some interest to the layout.</div>
<br />
The most fun part (my kids would say "the funnest") of making the layout was making the lemon and lemon slice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9U8DjFzVEtE/T_7ghDuxnMI/AAAAAAAAA-A/QjNeNYRoRkQ/s1600/lemonade1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9U8DjFzVEtE/T_7ghDuxnMI/AAAAAAAAA-A/QjNeNYRoRkQ/s320/lemonade1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started off by finding a lemon image in my Silhouette Studio library and I traced it with a Copic marker onto the plastic sheet over my monitor. Again, washi tape to the rescue as a lightly sticky tape to hold the plastic to the monitor.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGshmMkOR48/T_7gqjzb46I/AAAAAAAAA-I/e-0Hz7ym8fE/s1600/lemonade6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGshmMkOR48/T_7gqjzb46I/AAAAAAAAA-I/e-0Hz7ym8fE/s320/lemonade6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I cut out the shape</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtuDK-j7ots/T_7gsmmVVnI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/QmxU5MXCBV4/s1600/lemonade7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtuDK-j7ots/T_7gsmmVVnI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/QmxU5MXCBV4/s320/lemonade7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Used my cropadile to punch out a few holes</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrbgPlAMSv0/T_7guUvceMI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/wLt-HBBWWXU/s1600/lemonade8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrbgPlAMSv0/T_7guUvceMI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/wLt-HBBWWXU/s320/lemonade8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and coloured in the lemon with my Copic marker. I coloured both sides to add extra intensity to the lemon.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2rWnyDYMkM/T_7gv-27-gI/AAAAAAAAA-g/Zupk6Vr0KMQ/s1600/lemonade9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2rWnyDYMkM/T_7gv-27-gI/AAAAAAAAA-g/Zupk6Vr0KMQ/s320/lemonade9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I used my heat gun to shrink it. This part is soooo fun. :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E15OeI9fFvw/T_7gxjBa7QI/AAAAAAAAA-o/RLW9RhSYI-w/s1600/lemonade10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E15OeI9fFvw/T_7gxjBa7QI/AAAAAAAAA-o/RLW9RhSYI-w/s320/lemonade10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzVC0oAPlq4/T_7gzDC4zxI/AAAAAAAAA-w/yOazyTtuJe8/s1600/lemonade11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzVC0oAPlq4/T_7gzDC4zxI/AAAAAAAAA-w/yOazyTtuJe8/s320/lemonade11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QB057r4tytE/T_7g0jdam_I/AAAAAAAAA-4/r6f-RSYIBOE/s1600/lemonade12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="233" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QB057r4tytE/T_7g0jdam_I/AAAAAAAAA-4/r6f-RSYIBOE/s320/lemonade12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVr-yClO1D0/T_7g17WrR_I/AAAAAAAAA_A/21fFH-4enmQ/s1600/lemonade13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVr-yClO1D0/T_7g17WrR_I/AAAAAAAAA_A/21fFH-4enmQ/s320/lemonade13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgKJ2gv7JVE/T_7g3lbRl4I/AAAAAAAAA_I/i4_oKbYZnec/s1600/lemonade14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgKJ2gv7JVE/T_7g3lbRl4I/AAAAAAAAA_I/i4_oKbYZnec/s320/lemonade14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
For perspective, here's the original size with the ending size. The orignal piece was about 4 1/2" wide, and ended up about 2" wide. I used lots of Beacon's glue to stick it to the layout. I freehand cut out some leaves and twigs from glitter cardstock.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHQgfe-H-DQ/T_7g5C_dq6I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/S1GAVuaEgSg/s1600/lemonade15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHQgfe-H-DQ/T_7g5C_dq6I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/S1GAVuaEgSg/s320/lemonade15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because I spent more than a week fussing over this layout, I added lots of little details. Such as dots with my Viva Gel. I managed to do this without making a giant explosion. (Yeah, last time I used it, I squeezed too hard as the end was clogged, and the whole lid came off and made a giant mess! Even worse, it was brown and colorfast. Looked nasty on my capris. :( )</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIm1u41ahCE/T_7hGg1fROI/AAAAAAAAA_g/WV_Es7Ex3Iw/s1600/lemonade2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIm1u41ahCE/T_7hGg1fROI/AAAAAAAAA_g/WV_Es7Ex3Iw/s320/lemonade2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used the Kraash font to make the STAND title. I used more of the lime green glitter cardstock and used my Cameo to cut it out. Each letter has an inside and an outside cut. I coloured the outer line of the letters with dark brown Copic and popped them back together. I like the font on this page... it's cartoony and matches the bright colours.</div>
<br />
LEMONADE is made from Heidi Swapp Color Magic letters. I tried colouring them with Copics, but the white part didn't stand out because they're alcohol inks. I resorted to using my kids' Crayola markers. The white stood out perfectly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOcgMr8HyAc/T_7hJPYtgII/AAAAAAAAA_o/UZoAJ1PDWmk/s1600/lemonade3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOcgMr8HyAc/T_7hJPYtgII/AAAAAAAAA_o/UZoAJ1PDWmk/s320/lemonade3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made a mistake in cutting the frame so I wanted to cover the mistake... washi to the rescue again. I ripped it into little bits and covered it in a decoupage manner.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7SBWpccEXQ/T_7hKiMiAPI/AAAAAAAAA_w/upySoFodC2k/s1600/lemonade4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7SBWpccEXQ/T_7hKiMiAPI/AAAAAAAAA_w/upySoFodC2k/s320/lemonade4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Supplies:</strong> Copic markers, shrink plastic, BoBunny "Ad Lib" patterned paper, Technique Tuesday chipboard frame, Heidi Swapp Color Magic Letter Box Alphas, orange Crayola marker, various washi tapes, Viva Gloss gel, Bazzill cardstock, Smash date stamp, glitter cardstock (manufacturer unknown)</em></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-44573501380941728212012-07-02T17:54:00.002-04:002012-07-02T17:54:25.508-04:00Some New FontsEvery now and then, I like to just surf for new fonts. Oftentimes, they'll inspire me to start a new layout. I just downloaded three new ones, two of them I think will work great with my Cameo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fonts101.com/fonts/view/Uncategorized/33223/Hayseed"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUup-Mkjpug/T_IWPPiRP-I/AAAAAAAAA9c/9tv53pGHGvo/s320/Hayseed.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hayseed is the equivalent of Quickutz Strawberry. I have a few Quickutz dies, and they always had the greatest fonts. This one looks nice and cute. I might thicken it up a bit before cutting it (use the offset feature).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dafont.com/kraash.font"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Esumnx9YAlY/T_IWRGkcGAI/AAAAAAAAA9k/Lr4KXHxMk5Y/s1600/kraash.jpg" vca="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This Kraash! font comes solid or in an outline. I can imagine doing a layout using this font incorporating some kind of accident involving my son done in perhaps a graphic novel format. This font would be great for that. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dafont.com/simply-glamorous.font"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhTO-AZtVcY/T_IWTeuvH8I/AAAAAAAAA9s/d1HErLxiEcg/s320/simply+glamourous.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This one is too detailed for cutting, but I think that Simply Glamorous will be a great journalling font. Will it give my favourite, <a href="http://the-creative-accountant.blogspot.ca/2012/03/journalling-fonts.html">Rockford</a>, a run for its money? Time will tell. :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-63331153564528335032012-06-24T16:35:00.000-04:002012-06-24T16:39:15.040-04:00Two Worlds Collide: Washi Tape meets my social lifeJust a quick post to share yesterday's revelation:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNfdygmq1kE/T-d646vkF2I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/M4UUYQy6m5A/s1600/wine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" rca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNfdygmq1kE/T-d646vkF2I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/M4UUYQy6m5A/s320/wine4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's right! Washi tape aint just for crafting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMhh0fG8AtY/T-d5oTOgvlI/AAAAAAAAA9A/vLM6OOp6x6M/s1600/wine1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMhh0fG8AtY/T-d5oTOgvlI/AAAAAAAAA9A/vLM6OOp6x6M/s320/wine1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Much faster to get on than those wine charms, and easy to remove. :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-18990680272860810912012-06-17T12:21:00.001-04:002012-06-17T12:22:03.328-04:00Happy Father's Day!I've been loving the origami t-shirt cards I've seen this year. I was then inspired by Teally from Two Peas as she posted on <a href="http://teallys.blogspot.ca/2012/06/happy-fathers-day-cards.html">her blog</a> the two Father's Day cards she made with Echo Park's This and That paper. Well, I thought I had that, but found my pack of Note to Self instead and got started.<br />
<br />
I looked up the how-to for making the t-shirt, and used the directions here: <a href="http://www.card-making-magic.com/foldedpapershirttutorial.html">http://www.card-making-magic.com/foldedpapershirttutorial.html</a>. I tried it first on a 8 1/2" x 11" sized paper, and found the shirt looking a little stubby for my liking, so I used a 12"x12" paper, and cut it down to 12"x7.5". This left a card that was (at it's widest points) 5 5/8"x 5 1/4". So plan accordingly if you're trying for a specific envelope size. :)<br />
<br />
I added a tie made from washi tape and a "No 1" sticker from the EP paper pack.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvb8oi3M5hc/T94DFD2Uj5I/AAAAAAAAA8s/v0x0Sk9Byno/s1600/fdc+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" pca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvb8oi3M5hc/T94DFD2Uj5I/AAAAAAAAA8s/v0x0Sk9Byno/s320/fdc+1.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And for the inside, I added some plain paper to line it and some more EP stickers.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUj9MnUM7YE/T94DGQqj0AI/AAAAAAAAA80/eVr_NTRn8vM/s1600/fdc+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" pca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUj9MnUM7YE/T94DGQqj0AI/AAAAAAAAA80/eVr_NTRn8vM/s320/fdc+2.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Materials</strong>: Echo Park Note to Self paper & sticker sheets, washi tape, plain cardstock</span></em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-72225680357350286442012-06-16T22:27:00.000-04:002012-06-16T22:27:00.712-04:00Page PlanningIf I'm going to a crop, I like to plan ahead so that I don't have to bring all of my scrapbooking supplies and the kitchen sink with me. My process has evolved over the years, and now I've expanded it so that I (generally - not always) buy my patterned paper with a specific layout in mind. This has definitely helped keep my pp stash down to a minimum. (leaving more $ to spend on other stash items, such as stickles, ink, dies, etc, etc, etc :) )<br />
<br />
The first thing I do is go to my photos. I have them stored on my computer (with a backup on an external drive, of course). I like to use the organizer built in to PhotoShop Elements. From there, I select the events that I want to scrapbook. Let's say I want to use the photos of my kids down at the stream. I highlight all of those photos and print a contact sheet of them.<br />
<br />
In PSE, highlight all the photos, then (right click) Print. <br />
Paper Size = letter<br />
Select Type of Print = Contact Sheet<br />
Show Print Options = turn on "Filename"<br />
<br />
I change the number of columns so that the pictures fill most, but not all of the page. I keep the filenames showing so that I can find the photos more easily later on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAtM2-M3u7k/T9SxQznTepI/AAAAAAAAA7I/iS0i7OnvYo0/s1600/planning1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAtM2-M3u7k/T9SxQznTepI/AAAAAAAAA7I/iS0i7OnvYo0/s320/planning1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If I'm heading over to my LSS (<a href="http://www.scrapbookqueens.ca/">Scrapbook Queens</a>) for a little retail therapy, I'll take a few of these contact sheets with me, so when I buy my patterned paper, I have the photos to match up to. Usually 2 pieces of patterened paper, and a couple of sheets of cardstock for each layout. Sometimes I'll buy matching embellishments, but often I'll shop my stash. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next step is to plan my layout. Sometimes it'll just come to me, or sometimes I'll look at online galleries and/or sketch books for inpiration. I like to draw a sketch right on my contact sheet. In today's example, I have a piece of paper that's a frame shape that I want to incorporate, so I'll sketch that in, too. I draw a dotted grid at the 1/2 and 1/4 marks, knowing that those are 3" increments. This is a step that is great for when you're travelling, as you only need a pencil and these contact sheets.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvMYZI77Vwo/T9S0_AxURqI/AAAAAAAAA7U/JwSaNOMro4Q/s1600/planning2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvMYZI77Vwo/T9S0_AxURqI/AAAAAAAAA7U/JwSaNOMro4Q/s320/planning2.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I look at the sketch to see what size photos I want (I need 1 4x6 and 4 smaller photos) and select the photos I want to print. I circle the photos and note what size I need. Sometimes, I'll use PSE to crop the photos a bit, or do a little photoprocessing to fix the white balance, remove weeds from my garden, etc. :) Then I can go to PhotoSheet and resize as needed and upload the photos to my printing site (Costco, Blacks, etc).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwFBghGPEdM/T9S2XGjs7pI/AAAAAAAAA7c/2ccahfy5yaw/s1600/planning3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwFBghGPEdM/T9S2XGjs7pI/AAAAAAAAA7c/2ccahfy5yaw/s320/planning3.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
My paper, this sketch, the photos, and any embellishments all go into a Cropper Hopper 12x12 folder. You could also use an XL Ziploc bag. If I have more time, sometimes I'll even cut a title on my Cameo, or print my journalling and stick it in there.<br />
<br />
Here's what a finished kit might look like...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKF5fce9IrE/T9TC9jCPx6I/AAAAAAAAA7o/YcU1GCxqP_k/s1600/PLANNING+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKF5fce9IrE/T9TC9jCPx6I/AAAAAAAAA7o/YcU1GCxqP_k/s320/PLANNING+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vc8rIVm-CFA/T9TC_CLw23I/AAAAAAAAA7w/ZLASvRtMA00/s1600/PLANNING+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vc8rIVm-CFA/T9TC_CLw23I/AAAAAAAAA7w/ZLASvRtMA00/s320/PLANNING+2.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b3gLRbjEZLM/T9TDA_9bmWI/AAAAAAAAA74/ojk72Ze0uEA/s1600/PLANNING+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b3gLRbjEZLM/T9TDA_9bmWI/AAAAAAAAA74/ojk72Ze0uEA/s320/PLANNING+3.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
These can be packed away for the real crop time! I find that if I invest my time in the planning, then I'm so much more productive when I'm cropping. I'm a slow scrapper as it is, so every little bit helps.<br />
<br />
Often, my layout ends up completely different than the sketch I draw on this paper, but I think that's just part of the process. And enjoying the process is the whole point of this hobby, right?<br />
<br />
Some favourite bits:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwC89TMbo_k/T90_vitnIHI/AAAAAAAAA8E/coRsuxxr9Qo/s1600/PLANNING+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" pca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwC89TMbo_k/T90_vitnIHI/AAAAAAAAA8E/coRsuxxr9Qo/s320/PLANNING+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NLsA3JxVcGs/T90_xjdycxI/AAAAAAAAA8M/jh4VfuDXGAg/s1600/PLANNING+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" pca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NLsA3JxVcGs/T90_xjdycxI/AAAAAAAAA8M/jh4VfuDXGAg/s320/PLANNING+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEafMatfN18/T90_zKXRirI/AAAAAAAAA8U/yvHac9PoW5Y/s1600/PLANNING+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" pca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEafMatfN18/T90_zKXRirI/AAAAAAAAA8U/yvHac9PoW5Y/s320/PLANNING+12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And the end result:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aII5ON4SKR8/T90_09_PMdI/AAAAAAAAA8c/fDO01RfoAiw/s1600/PLANNING+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" pca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aII5ON4SKR8/T90_09_PMdI/AAAAAAAAA8c/fDO01RfoAiw/s320/PLANNING+13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I might go back and add a title one day, but right now, I like to just think that this one is "Joy."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Materials:</strong> patterned paper and embellishments - LYB, push pins, fabric buttons - Maya Road</em></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324049006811138490.post-78865539265154010602012-06-09T08:43:00.000-04:002012-07-02T17:55:02.882-04:00Jumping Jills<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4c_eGSxcSY4/T9KCe8fOG7I/AAAAAAAAA6o/Mkh2H72XpVc/s1600/jumpingjills+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="311" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4c_eGSxcSY4/T9KCe8fOG7I/AAAAAAAAA6o/Mkh2H72XpVc/s320/jumpingjills+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, I had been jonesing for a while about getting a new camera. I've never scrapbooked so much before, and I was actually running out of photos that I wanted to scrap. The logical conclusion was that I needed a new camera, right? So, one thing led to another... sale at Best Buy... blah blah blah... I have a new camera.<br />
<br />
The first day I had it, I took it to my son's baseball game and took some photos of my daughter and her friend. I used the "vivid" mode, so the colours really pop.<br />
<br />
Here's the layout after I had the "structure" built. I used the Jillibean Pasta Fagioli line. There's some paper that has a filmstrip all over it, so I cut out a couple of strips of it. I cut an extra strip of the brown border to go alongside the smaller photos. The larger filmstrip border is cut using the Tim Holtz filmstrip Sizzix die.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--h6fpJVttAs/T9KCE8NRwGI/AAAAAAAAA5g/UE_GJLmm3FY/s1600/jumpingjills+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--h6fpJVttAs/T9KCE8NRwGI/AAAAAAAAA5g/UE_GJLmm3FY/s320/jumpingjills+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, at this point I know that I need "more" on this page, but I'm not sure what. I gathered a bunch of flowers and my Candi. The white flowers and Candi are coloured with Copic markers to match the layout. Still needs something else... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt9-rxK1isY/T9KCGizCJTI/AAAAAAAAA5o/mN9-AvKzQlo/s1600/jumpingjills+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt9-rxK1isY/T9KCGizCJTI/AAAAAAAAA5o/mN9-AvKzQlo/s320/jumpingjills+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Time to get out the washi. :) I accordion folded a long strip <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7jQj5HZGRk/T9KCH0MaZkI/AAAAAAAAA5w/dME1omKdXrE/s1600/jumpingjills+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7jQj5HZGRk/T9KCH0MaZkI/AAAAAAAAA5w/dME1omKdXrE/s320/jumpingjills+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then slooooooowly pull it partially apart so that some of the fold remains, but some of it's flat, too. Hard to describe, but the washi tape just does this. You can see below how it just pulls nicely apart, but with little tabs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VjvhgqBG6Ig/T9KCL1XVJhI/AAAAAAAAA6A/Zcq__vVww4U/s1600/jumpingjills+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VjvhgqBG6Ig/T9KCL1XVJhI/AAAAAAAAA6A/Zcq__vVww4U/s320/jumpingjills+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G8D2KSlFNN4/T9KCPQZC32I/AAAAAAAAA6I/2XYxXHYNOws/s1600/jumpingjills+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G8D2KSlFNN4/T9KCPQZC32I/AAAAAAAAA6I/2XYxXHYNOws/s320/jumpingjills+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pDKswguVGA/T9KCW8VfTiI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/fB176cFZrAw/s1600/jumpingjills+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pDKswguVGA/T9KCW8VfTiI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/fB176cFZrAw/s320/jumpingjills+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Adhere it to a circle (or scalloped circle). I found it easier to do this by working on the back side, but if you put some glue on the back of the circle, it would look really cool adhering it to the opposite side, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QzKwmuR2jc/T9KCaK55zmI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/YMpJFW3jCQw/s1600/jumpingjills+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QzKwmuR2jc/T9KCaK55zmI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/YMpJFW3jCQw/s320/jumpingjills+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lrgw4QQukw/T9KCdCiIvmI/AAAAAAAAA6g/J7h3-GEXsRw/s1600/jumpingjills+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lrgw4QQukw/T9KCdCiIvmI/AAAAAAAAA6g/J7h3-GEXsRw/s320/jumpingjills+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I added some fabric buttons on top to cover up the finished edge. And after all that, I decided that it was too big for my layout, so I cut it and put half on two different spots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm_w-QOHENg/T9KaRMfv9pI/AAAAAAAAA60/PPYM1ENTJtk/s1600/DSC_0498_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm_w-QOHENg/T9KaRMfv9pI/AAAAAAAAA60/PPYM1ENTJtk/s320/DSC_0498_edited-1.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
I added more flowers, and a little bit of washi under a flower next to the title, in order to complete a visual triangle of the red colour. The title is made of Jillbean letter stickers on top of some dark brown cardstock, and then cut out. It was necessary to do this so that the title popped enough. Some blue Studio Calico rubons added for good measure. NOW it's enough. Aaaaaaand.... done. :)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Materials:</strong> Jillbean Pasta Fagioli patterned paper, Bazzil cardstock, Tim Holtz filmstrip die, Candi (Icing Sugar), Copic markers, Nelly Snellen flower punches, Cosmo Cricket washi tape, Maya Road Canvas Button Pieces</em></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7