Must a greeting card be flat and fit in an envelope?

Absolutely not!

I love designing new dimensional cards.  And because I love dimensional cards, they don't always fit in an envelope.

With Cricut Design Space, its is so easy to design a box which is perfectly sized to fit my cards.  I also make the box a bit deeper that what the card requires, to allow me to add a little gift inside. And of course, if you want to add a but of hard cash, the bulk does not have to go into the card.  Just simply place it under the card, and when the receiver lifts the card out, the moola is revealed!

Let me know what you think?  Do you want to make a box for your next greeting card?

I am in the process of cleaning out all my templates - you know how it goes, you play around and then find what works, and then so exited to start making more, that you have to many hidden items in your project, and never go back to clean it up.  Once I have my template all nice and clean, I will share some of my favourate designs.

Keep an eye out on the blog for those links!  In the mean time, enjoy the video.

 How to create a watercolor effect with Cricut Infusible Ink Pens

Did you know that you can create a soft watercolor effect using Cricut Infusible Ink Pens?

Here is how:

1. Choose a design on design space that is a drawing.
2. Draw the design on copy paper using a black Infusible Ink Pen
3. Using a very fine paint brush, brush a very light coting on a section of the image that you want to color, like for instance one petal of a flower.  Do not completely drench the paper, as it is copy paper and will tear very easily.
4. Now color the section that you want darkest, with your darker shade of pen, like the center part of the flower.  
5. Using your wet paint brush, lightly drag the color away from the center.  It will get lighter.
6. Now use your lighter shade to color the outer side of your petal, and again, using your damp paint brush, drag the color around to blend.
7. Once all petals are done, let your design dry completely.  It should not have any moisture at the time of infusion.
8. Once your design is dry, press it to your substrate according to directions for the Cricut Infusible Pens and your press that you use.

 Cricut Infusible Ink Sheets and Pens - my new obsession

I first infused the background with my mini press, using:

*Cricut Infusible Ink Sheet - Mermaid (Cricut 2006768, 305x305 mm, 305 mm, 305 mm, 4 sheets) and

*Cricut Infusible Ink Sheet - Pink Lemonade (2008887 Cricut Infusible Ink, Heat transfer vinyl sheet, Smooth heat transfer vinyl, Pink, Yellow, Pattern, 114 mm, 30.5 cm)

I then infused the sentiment using the Black Infusible Ink Pen to draw on normal copy paper and then pressing with my mini press.

#cricut

#cricutsa

 Did SomeBunny say its almost Easter?

With such a passion for making and trying new things, you are bound to end up with lots of trails and errors until you master the art.  I love combining all my crafts.  Making unique gifts is something I strive to achieve every time.

I just love how these Easter eggs turned out.  Can be used as a key ring, a special tag on your Easter gift basket, or why not include it in the Easter hunt?

Using Cricut Infusible Ink Pens is one of my new obsessions!

#cricut

#cricutsa

#cricutmea

 

Juicy Summers

Double Page Interactive Shaker Layout

Created by Bernadette Siena

South Africa

Summer time is pomegranate time!  Growing up, we had 2 pomegranate trees and I remember so well how we watched them growing, eagerly waiting for them to be ready to pick.  Hours were spent breaking them open and picking out the fruity pips.  I know there are photos of us kids eating them, and my whole family has been tasked to find those photos, so that I can add them to this page.  That is where my inspiration for this layout comes from - precious childhood memories.

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/aEY72Zp58lA

For This Project You Will Need:

·        Base pages: FabScraps C138 Pattern Paper (PP) 007, 008;

·        Fussy cut sheets: FabScraps C138 Pattern Paper (PP) 009, 010;

·        Shaker: FabScraps C138 Pattern Paper (PP) 004, 010B, 011B;

·        Sentiment “Summer Love” and border: FabScraps C138 Pattern Paper (PP) 012

·        Photo background: FabScraps C138 Pattern Paper (PP) 001B

·        Photo Matt: FabScraps C138 Pattern Paper (PP) 003B

·        FabScraps Chipboard from Fab Box: “Summer Vibes”

·        Cardstock for matting: AC colours that match perfectly: Cherry, Shrimp, Grapefruit and Peach;

·        Basic tools – Trimmer, fussy cut scissors, palate knife, poking tool or small hole punch, Score tool;

·        Adhesive: FabScraps Glue or any good quality glue that you have, Double sided foam tape;

·        Distress Ink – Artistry Ink Cranberry Crush and Ranger Dried Marigold;

·        White Gesso or Dew Drop ink pad;

·        Distress Glitter: Spiced Marmelate and Spun Sugar;

·        1 Brad;

·        Sequence in matching colours;

·        Flowers in matching colours;

·        Natural sisal (optional);

·        Laminator and sleeves, or acetate/transparencies;

·        Photos:

o   2 photos – 6 x 4 inches;

o   1, 2 or 4 to be added behind the shaker element.

Instructions:

1.      Fussy cut and ink the curved flower arrangements and other desired elements on the Fussy Cut PP 009 and 010.

2.      Fussy cut and ink Sentiment and border from PP012 – only fussy cut one side of the border, and leave the other side as a straight cut.

3.      Cut and ink photo mats for the 6 x 4 photos, starting first layer with PP003B, then a darker shade of cardstock, and lastly the lighter shade of cardstock. Layer using foam tape.

4.      Cut and ink the photo background from 001B, to size 8 x 11.75, and then mat with a light shade of cardstock.

5.      Adhere the border piece to the to top of photo background with foam tape.

6.      Cut 1 ¼ inch of the left side of the photo background, to overlap the left page.

7.      Adhere the 2 pieces to the base pages 007, 008 as per the photo.

8.      Adhere the photo matts to the photo background on the righthand page.

9.      Colour chipboard with white ink, allow to dry, then create an ombre effect with the Artistry Ink Cranberry Crush and Ranger Dried Marigold, using a sponge dauber. Adhere to the bottom of the right hand page.

10.   To make the shaker element

a.      Use one of the 2 following methods to cut your elements from 004(Top cut 2), 010B(Middle), 011B(bottom):

                                                     i.     The Cricut Cut file (https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/6224bf05584056a6d2d89e3c); or

                                                   ii.     If you do not have a Cricut electronic cutting machine, use the templates provided, print, fussy cut, then trace onto your pages.

b.      Once you have your elements cut, laminate the top pieces that have the openings like the fruit, or adhere acetate or transparencies with double sided tape.  I like to laminate, as it provides more support for interactive elements, and less static than acetate.

c.       Cut your lamination or acetate so that only the pattern paper layers are covered.

d.      Align both pieces, and punch a hole in the top centre in both layers at the same time, to ensure it is aligned once you have your shaker completed.

e.      Cut your double-sided foam tape into very thin strips, and add 2 layers around the edge and middle of the one layer – ensuring the hole that was punched in the previous step, is not covered and that the double-sided foam tape goes around the bottom of the hole, so that your shaker elements don’t fall out. Do not remove the non-stick paper from the top layer yet.  Tip: I use double sided foam sheets – its easier to cut into the desired width with my guillotine, as both sides have non-stick paper on.

f.       Fill the cavities with glitter, sequence and beads – any small elements that will “shake”.

g.      Remove the non-stick paper and align and attach the top layer of the shaker, making sure it is secure and your shaker elements won’t fall out.

h.      Glue the bottom and middle layer of the pomegranate down onto the left base page.

i.        Align the shaker, mark the position of the punched holes are, and pierce the base page at the the mark.

j.        Adhere the shaker to the base page using a brad.

11.   Finish off with layering sisal, fussy cuts, flower embellishment and glitter.

12.   To place right shaker page in an album, remove the brad, insert the base page into the page sleeve, mark the hole and pierce the front layer of the sleeve.  Re-attach the shaker element on top of the sleeve but inserting the brad thought he shaker, then the sleeve and then the base page.

 

 

 

FabsScraps C126 Circle of Life

Brand Ambassador project; End of the Journey

Created by Bernadette Siena

South Africa

After 12 years of school, your matric dance signals the end of this journey, but the start of an exiting new journey.  This layout is perfect for those beautiful matric dance or wedding photos, taken in a beautiful pictures park or for nature loving photographers alike   

For This Project You Will Need:

• ·        FabScraps Circle of Life Pattern Paper (PP) 002, 005. 006, 007, 009, 010, 011, 012;
• ·        FabScraps Cardstock CC 018 Sky x 2;
• ·        FabScraps Metal Charms;
• ·        FabScraps Flat Back Pearls and Diamante;
• ·        Craft Cardstock x 3;
• ·        Basic tools – Trimmer, fussy cut scissors, scoreboard and bone folder, craft knife and ruler;
• ·        Embellishments: flowers (I made mine from the Fabscraps cardstock and punched from the off-cuts from the fussy cutting sheets);
• ·        Adhesive: FabScraps Glue, foam tape/squares, double sided tape, Hot Glue gun (optional); and
• ·        Ranger Forrest Moss Distress Ink.
• ·        Photos:

o   1 x A4

o   2 x A6

o   Several, as desired, that can go into the pocket on page 1 under the flaps.

Instructions:

1.      Fussy cut the elements on the Fussy Cut PP 009 and 010.

2.      Cut the Sentiments you would like to add to your pages, from PP 011 and 012.  You will need 1 for the fish tail banner and one for the photo pocket.

3.      Page 1 Flap: Using C126 005:

a.      Fussy cut the centre of the wreath.  Glue down on 12x12 craft cardstock and fussy cut again.  This is to strengthen the page as it will be handled a lot when opening.  And to fussy cut through one layer is easier, so I find it easier to cut, stick and cut again, but you can glue the full page onto craft and fussy cut once if you find that easier.

b.      Cut ½ inch off the top of the page so that the page measures 11 ½ inches.

c.       Score the left edge at ½ inch and fold back, burnishing with a bonefolder.

d.      Ink edges with Forrest Moss Distress Ink.

4.      Page 1 Backing: Using C126 007 B side:

a.      Cut down to measure 12 x 12 inches.

b.      On the left side, cut a slit down, measuring 11 ½ inches, ¼ inch from the side and ¼ inch from the top.

c.       Slide Page 1 Flap ½ inch scored lip through the slit and glue down at the back.

5.      Page 1 Photo Flap:

a.      Cut A4 photo down to 8 x 11 inches.

b.      Cut craft cardstock to 8 ½ x 12 inches.

c.       On the 12-inch side, score ½ inch from the side (down the 8-inch side) so that it makes a top folding flap.

d.      Cut a photo mat from FabScraps Cardstock CC 018 Sky measuring 8 ¼ x 11 ¼.

e.      On the top edge of the Page 1 Backing, cut another slit ¼ inch from the top, measuring 8 ½ inches long. 

f.       Slide the craft flap lip into the slit and glue to the back of the page.

g.      Mat the photo and glue down onto the flap.

h.      Glue the Page 1 Backing onto another 12 x 12 craft cardstock.  This will ensure the page is re-enforced for the movement of the flaps.

6.      Photo pocket on Page 1, under all the flaps:

a.      From page C126 002, cut a matt measuring 8 x 6 inches.

b.      From FabScraps Cardstock CC 018 Sky, cut a matt measuring 8 ¼ x 6 ¼ inches.

c.       Cut craft cardstock to 9 ¼ x 8 ¾.

d.      With the 8 ¾ side along the top of the scoreboard, score ½ inch from the left.

e.      With the 9 ¼ side along the top of the scoreboard, score ½ inch from left and from right.

f.       Mitre the corners where the core markings cross.

g.      Fold back and burnish the scores.

h.      Matt the papers cut in steps a and b, and add a sentiment panel of your choice.  I cut mine a bit smaller than the original size, about a ¼ inch from the top and bottom, and only glued 3 sides, forming another pocket, this way I can add more photos on sentiments.

i.        Glue the pocket down onto page 1, under all the flaps.  You can fill this pocket with more sentiment panels as photo matts and photo matts cut from CC 018 cardstock.

7.      Page 2:

a.      Cut another photo matt from C126 002 paper, measuring 8 6 inches. Ink the edges.

b.      Cut 2 photo matts from FabScraps Cardstock CC 018 Sky, measuring 7 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches. Ink the edges.

c.       Cut photos to 3 ¾ x 5 ¾ and matt with CC 0018 matt. Ink the edges.

d.      Glue both down onto the C126 002 paper cut in step a, leaving boarders between and around the 2 photos.

e.      Glue down onto the centre of the page.

8.      Decorate the pages with fussy cuts, flowers, pearls, metal charms and diamante, as in the photo, or as desired.

The Supervisor

 

 FabScraps C124 Reawakening

Theatre Fold Scrapbook Layout

Requirement List

• 1)      2 x (12”x12”) thick cardboard (mounting board -about 2mm thick)
• 2)      4 x Matching Cardstock
• 3)      2 x Pattern Paper (I used Fabscraps – you can choose any paper – 1 sheet will be for the front that will be cut in half for the opening of the “stage”, and 1 sheet for the background)
• 4)      2 x strips of acetate or transparency of you want to make some “floating” elements - optional
• 5)      Photos: 3 x landscape
• 6)      Embellishments: fussy cuts or ephemera, flowers etc.  
• 7)      Adhesive: Very strong glue – I prefer Art Glitter Glue or Magic Glue – something that dries clear – not tacky else if you mess a bit, your mechanism gets stuck together.
• 8)      Tools: (all measurements will be in inches) Metal Ruler, Craft Knife, Trimmer, Scoring Board & Bone Folder, Scissors, Pencil, Circle Punch (1 – 2 inch) or you can use some small round opject to make markings and cut by hand if you don’t have a circle punch.

Instructions

1)     Front Frame:

a.      Measure 1” from the outside of all 4 sides of 1 of the mounting boards.  With your craft knife and ruler, cut out the center square to form a frame.

b.      From the matching cardstock, cut 3 strips measuring 1”.

c.       Cut 1 of the strips in half and glue halves to the other 2 strips, overlapping about 1” – you will now have 2 strips measuring 17”.

d.      Take each strip and place it over the frame with the center of the strip in the center of the frame – it will overhang on both sides.  No fold it back around the frame.  This is just to get a bit of play on your strip and will ensure that you have some movement space for your mechanism. Lift the strips up, fold the overhand pieces in onto itself, and glue only the short sides of the strip, to one side of the frame. Repeat for the other strip, and glue onto the opposite side of the frame.  You will now have a frame with 2 slots, one on the left and one on the right.

e.      Flip the frame around so that the slots are at the back.

f.       To cover the mounting board: Glue the front of the 1” frame and Adhere a 12 x 12 sheet of matching cardstock on top.  Burnish well. Cut out the center of the matching cardstock (using your craft knife and ruler and cut from the back) so that you end up with a covered frame.

g.      You will now have a frame that is covered with matching cardstock in the front, and 2 slots at the back, left an right.

h.      Measure the center of the left and right sided (6”) and With your circle punch, punch halfway into the frame to make a notch.

 

2)     Doors:

a.      Score 2 matching cardstocks at 6” and 9” (you need to make 2 of these)

b.      Fold on all score lines and burnish.

c.       Glue the doors to the second mount board as follows:

                                           i.     Mark the left and right sides of the mount board.

                                         ii.     Fold both cardstocks on the 6” score line and make sure the 6” sides are at the top, and at the bottom, you will have a score in the middle of the back half – your fold will be on the right.

                                        iii.     Now flip one of the cardstock pieces so that the fold is on the left. You will now have one piece with the fold on the right, and one with fold on the left.

                                        iv.     Left door: Adhere glue ONLY to left bottom 3” and adhere to the left side

of the mountboard

                                         v.     Right door:  Adhere glue ONLY to the right 3” and adhere to the right side of the mountboard.

                                        vi.     You should now have 2 doors that lifts up and out.

3)     Inside background and door cover:

a.      Lift both doors up and out and push doors flat to the sides.  You should now have a 6” center section, with a 3” and 6” sections of the doors on both sides.

b.      Mart the center of you background pattern paper and the 6” center section of your background and glue your pattern paper down with the centers aligning.  This should now cover you center background the 3” sections on both sides.

c.       Cut the pattern paper that you want to be on the doors, in half – you should have two 6” x 12” pieces.

d.      Close the doors again and glue the door front pattern papers to the front of the doors.

4)     Slots for the theatre effect:

a.      You will now cut slots in the door mechanism that will have the sliding pieces that give the theatre effect when the doors are opened.  Do one door at a time.

b.      Take your left door and fold it open over your right door – you will now see the back of the right door.

c.       On the 3” panel that is not glued down, draw horizontal line 1” from the bottom and 3” from the bottom.  Make a 1” and 2” pencil mark on each line.  Now connect the pencil marks so that you have 2 vertical lines running from the 1” line to the 2” line.  This marks the 2 slots.

d.      Placing a cutting mat or a thick piece of cardboard underneath the door, cut the 2 slots with your craft knife.  You have to cut it about 1mm to 2mm wide to allow for movement of the card that will be pushing through these slots.

e.      You will now have 2 slots measuring 2” long.

f.       Repeat steps a – d for the right side door.

5)     Inserts:

a.      Cut 2 pieces of cardstock measuring 8” x 3”.

b.      On the 8” side, measure 1” in from the left and 1” in from the right – top and bottom.  Connect the dots so that you have 2 vertical lines, left and right.

c.       On the 3” side, mark at ½ “ from top and bottom.  Connect the lines so that you have 2 horisontal lines, ½“ from top and bottom.

d.      Cut out the sections that are marked in red in the picture below

e.      Now fold the flaps that formed on the sides, in on the log side, so that you end up with an 8” long strip that will fit through the slots that was made in step (4).

f.       Slip the strips through the slots, and bend the flaps open again.  This will ensure that they will not slip through the slots when the page is opened and closed.

6)     Adhere photos:

a.      Cut 3 strips of cardstock, 1” wide.

b.      Score as follow:

                                           i.     Piece 1: ¼”, 3 ¼ “, 3 ½”, 6 ½”

                                         ii.     Piece 2: ½”, 3 ½”, 4”, 7”

                                        iii.     Piece 3: ¾“, 3 ¾”, 4 ½”, 7 ½”

c.       Fold on all score lines to make rectangles and glue.  Gut of excess.

d.      Matt photos.

e.      Space the rectangles on the inside of the theatre, using your photos to make sure they are spread evenly. Glue rectangles to the inside of the folds – gluing only the bottom and side.  Ensure to close the pages to make sure the rectangles fold flat when the page is closed.

f.       Adhere the photos by gluing them to the top of the rectangles.  The photos will now pop up on different levels when the page is opened and closed.

7)     Assembling final page:

a.      Slip the doors through the slots that you made at the back of the front frame, and move the frame to the center so that is all aligns.

b.      You can now pull the doors open and closed by pulling them where the notches were made on the side of the frame.

8)     Decorating:

a.      Add fussy cuts and flowers to the frame as desired, making sure you only glue on the frame, and not getting glue on the doors.

b.      To decorate the inside moving inserts, you can add some pattern paper and fussy cuts.  Just ensure not to stick them all the way from left to right, so that they can still move through the slots when closing the doors.

 

And that is a theatre fold layout.  I hope you enjoyed this project and I cannot wait to see your finished projects.