Can you stamp with a die? Check out how I made a shrink art keychain.
Maker’s Movement sent me the Nesting Doll die set. I decided I wanted to try something a little different with the dies. I wondered, can you actually stamp with a die? The answer is yes, well, kind of. Doing so leaves a light image but it is enough to work with and I make this sweet keychain using the technique.
Thank you to Maker’s Movement and Grafix for providing materials that are used in this project.
CrossOver II and Graphix shrink film
Materials:
CrossOver II
Nesting Doll Die Set
Grafix shrink film in white
Alcohol ink markers
Paint markers
Black thin line marker
stamp pad
washi tape
keychain element
jump ring
2 jewelry pliers
UV Resin
UV light
toaster oven
Directions:
Nesting Doll Die Set
To begin, I clipped the pieces of the die apart that I needed to work with. Then I cut out the doll shape from the Grafix shrink film.
Video Tutorial:
Look at the difference in size from the die (the original size) to the shrink film after baking. Not only did the size change but the colors got more intense.
Suggested Materials:
Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook
Grab a free SVG file to make a curvy box. #sponsored @cutcardstock
The design team at CutCardStock is featuring projects made with Astrobright card stock this month. I love the three colors I was sent and how they work well together. I created a curvy box SVG to use with them.
————————————————————————————– This post contains affiliate links Some products used in this post were provided by Cricut, and CutCardStock ————————————————————————————–
The full post and tutorial can be found at: [curvy box]
I just bought a Cricut, what tools do I need? Find out here.
You bought a Cricut and now you want to know what to purchase next. This question gets asked a lot by new Cricut owners. Of course, we each have our favorites but the list below can give you some suggestions and possibly save you money.
This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing to use them and does help support this site.
Scoring tool $ 9.99 There really is no alternative to this tool. In addition, Cricut has a scoring wheel assembly for the Maker. This basic-level tool in my opinion is a requirement
Scissors $24.99 (2) – currently not sold individually Cricut sells a combo pack, no individual so the pricing is hard to compare. These scissors are super cute and extremely sharp! As a crafter, I imagine you have a pair of scissors you can use. I also realize you may want everything to match which would mean you want a pair of Cricut scissors.
Scraper (and spatula) $10.99 A scraper is really handy. But you don’t necessarily need to buy one. There are alternative tools that can be used. Even an old credit card can do similar work. An additional option is the extra large scraper $10.99
Trimmer $16.99 I absolutely love my Cricut trimmer, but I realize that as a crafter you may already own one so this might not be a necessary item for everyone. This Cricut version is light and compact and I use mine for a lot of different crafts.
Weeder $8.99 This is a helpful tool but there are so many alternatives I don’t know if I can even begin to list them all. A weeder is very similar to a dental tool. In fact, many crafters use dental tools. Similar tools can even be found at Dollar Tree. Others like to use a pin or a weeding pen which is a pen with a needle-type tip. Yes, you need something for weeding, use what works best for you.
Tweezers
While tweezers are included in many of the Cricut kits, they can not be purchased separately. You probably already own tweezers although they may not be in your craft supplies. Buying a kit from Cricut you will probably get a pair, if not, you can purchase them at a variety of different stores. Even though I have Cricut brand tweezers, I just bought a pair from Dollar Tree to add to my craft supplies.
Spatula
Once again you can’t buy this item separately from Cricut it is included above under scraper.
Bottom Line
If we add up all these tools separately we end up with a price of $59.46. I subtracted half the price of the scissor set since you only get one pair with the Essentials tool kit. So buying the kit altogether is a savings of $9.47.
Of course, you might find any of these items at a sales price and that would be an additional bargain. But you need to decide what tools you already have and compare them to the kit and see if it is worth the investment.
Alternative tool set
Basic Tool Set $26.99 If you already have a paper trimmer that would take a significant cost away from the basic necessary tools. Cricut offers a Basic Tool Set that costs $26.99. The five-piece toolset does not include a paper trimmer or a scoring tool. Even if you add the scoring tool to this set for $9.99 you are still below the Essential Tool Kit price.
To Get Started
You will want scrapbooking paper or card stock, which I recommend you start with to get familiar with your machine. Paper is so much more inexpensive than other products and it is a good place to start. After which, if you are interested in working with vinyl you will want to purchase some to play with. A great alternative to get you started would be to purchase some shelf liner from Dollar Tree to practice with at an affordable price.
At some point, you will want to add more mats to your arsenal. Check out my post about the different mats and what they are used for.
As with most things, there is a learning curve to working with a Cricut machine. You just bought a costly machine you need to learn how to use. It is the same with most expensive devices. Take your time, build experience, and work up to bigger projects. I can’t stress this enough. Many crafters jump in and expect to be able to craft a hugely difficult project their first go at it. They get frustrated and want to get rid of the machine. Don’t let that happen to you.
Decorating for Valentine’s Day or just showing someone you love them? Grab this free SVG file.
Decorating for Valentine’s Day or just showing someone you love them? You can create this piece of modern art with just a few steps. I’ve placed mine on our fireplace mantle.
This project used Red and Silver brushed metal vinyl from Tape Technologies. The graphic is one I created and will offer in this post as a free svg.
Special thanks to Cricut and Tape Technologies for providing items to make this project possible. This post may contain affiliate links. Using them will cost you nothing but allow Try it – Like it – Create it to earn a small amount to continue this site.
Directions:
Use the SVG file linked above and upload it to cut on your personal cutting machine.
Use transfer paper to prepare the vinyl for application to the canvas.
silver vinyl
red vinyl
Aline and burnish the vinyl onto the canvas. Place the silver vinyl first and then the red.
The project is finished!
Tape Technologies Vinyl is sold through a variety of retailers as well as on Amazon with the name StyleTech.
A free SVG file about love just in time for Valentine’s Day. This post is a part of an SVG blog hop.
You might not know Robert Indiana but I bet you are familiar with his Love sculpture. Based on is idea, I created this love graphic with the o being replaced with a heart. It’s great anytime of the year but especially for Valentine’s Day.
A bit about Robert Indiana:
Robert Indiana, an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker, is frequently associated with Pop Art, though he has said he prefers calling himself a “sign painter.” Indiana is most famous for his Love sculpture series, which can be seen in more than 30 locations around the world.
Two ways to slice in Design Space, I think my way is easier. @CricutMade #DesignSpace
The easy way
I know a lot of people have trouble when it comes to slicing. In my opinion, there is an easier way to slice in Design Space. Using a simple rectangle and some type, I will show you how to do both slice versions in the video below and you can decide which is easier for you.
Grab this free SVG file to create a layered greeting card. @scraperfect #sponsored
Today I have a post on ScraPerfect for this beautiful layered greeting card. I am sharing the free SVG file below but if you want to see the entire post and the video tutorial follow the link: [layered card]
Cricut Maker
I used a Cricut Maker to cut and score the card stock. Don’t forget to set the red line to score before cutting.
SVG image
The SVG file contains additional layers that weren’t used in this project. Feel free to use as many or as few of the layers as you desire. The additional layers are shown in blue and create a slight outline.
