Farewell Cricut FANatics and a final Project Tutorial

By Debbie O'Neal of www.scrapmequickdesigns.com

 

Well Cricut FANatics, today is the last posting day on the blog. Sniff, Sniff. I know how you must be feeling as my heart is heavy today too.

 

It has been my privilege to host this blog for you and I want to thank everyone for visiting us here to get your Cricut inspiration.  I also ask you to join me in sending a big thank you out to my other two administrators Rebecca and Amy for assisting me with hosting challenges and blog admin advice. You ladies were a joy to work beside.  

 

And a really really really BIG THANK YOU  to all the Cricut FANatics Design Team members, past and present who have so inspired us with their Cricut creations.  The variety of projects we have had posted is truly astounding and goes to show how the Cricut products really push our creativity in new directions. I encourage you to follow the individual designers on their blogs to keep the inspiration coming to you.

 

As mentioned before, I will NOT be deleting the Cricut FANatics blog.  Please continue to use the blog as a reference. The database of project posts is searchable and you can use the labels list to quickly find projects for inspiration.  The blog will stay up as long as Blogger allows it to do so.

 

As far as myself, I will still be crafting and continue to post all kinds of die cut projects including Cricut on my website at www.scrapmequickdesigns.com and welcome you to follow me there for inspiration.  When you stop by, please leave a comment to say hello !  I also have a die cut focused  Facebook Group "Crafty Cut Ups" and I invite all of you to join us there for more crafting fun too !

FINAL CRICUT FANATIC BLOG PROJECT - MAKING A CRICUT MINI ALBUM TUTORIAL 

 

I wanted to leave you all with one last Cricut Project Tutorial to inspire you.  One of my all time favorite cartridges is the Close to My Heart "Artiste" cartridge.  There are so many amazing things you can do with this cartridge.  I LOVE all the fun mini albums and decided to make one for my final Cricut FANatics project. It was hard picking but I finally decided to use the mini album on page 59 in the image book/page 37 in assembly instructions.  It is recommended you make your mini album no less than 3.8" tall/wide. I decided to make it an even 4" to fit my photos a bit better.

 

1. First thing you want to do when making a mini album with your die cut machine, you want to pick a good quality double sided patterned paper to add some pizzaz to your album.  I love the heavy quality of the paper in the amazing Teresa Collins Collections and decided to use the Everyday Moments Collection I had been hoarding :)

 2. Take a few minutes to decide what order you want to use the patterned paper. Don't forget there is a front and backside so be sure and check to make sure the patterns look nice on both sides together.

3. It's important to give some thought to which paper you are going to use of the front and back cover of the mini album.  Give a little thought to the way you may want to decorate the front cover to give you some idea of what might look best with what you have in mind.

Here I selected the dark blue pattern to be the front and back cover for my book. The bird paper is the B side of the same paper so that becomes the inside of the front and back cover.  (and yes, I realized After I cut the paper that I should have made sure to turn the paper on my mat so the inside design was horizontal but it still looks fine to me ).

 

4.  Cut the inside pages according to the diagram in the Cricut manual. I cut all the pages at 4", same size I cut the cover. As you can see, the pages automatically cut out at the right size without adjusting each page manually to get the graduated sizes of the mini album pages.  Cool, right?

 

5. Layer the inside pages in the recommended order according to the assembly directions on page 37 within the back and front covers.  Add book binding rings to hold it together. 

6. Now for the fun part...DECORATING THE MINI ALBUM ! One of the great things about using a collection pack is that they generally come with embellishments of some kind that make decorating your mini album super easy !  For this mini book I used the stickers and die cut pieces that were in the collection and a few little embellishment gems from my stash.  And my trusty Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, ATG and some foam pop dots.

 

7. Start out decorating by selecting which of the embellishments you want to use for the front cover. Nothing is worse than using all your matching embellishments on the inside and running out for the cover...yes, I am speaking from experience :)

 

Here I layered some stickers on the binding edge and across the bottom of the cover.  Next I decided to use the circle flower cardstock piece on the rounded flap of the album cover as part of the closure  feature. To do that, I adhered it to the rounded flap so that it hangs off the edge as shown towards the center of the front cover.  Next, I added the label sticker in the center of the front cover, then layered on top with a foam pop dot the Every Day Moments cardstock piece, placing it so that the Circle Flower piece would tuck under it just slightly to hold the mini album cover together when closed. To finish the cover off I added a rose shaped pearl cachabon to the flower center, a bit of yellow/white twine a the bottom edge and tied some crinkled seam binding ribbon to the top binder ring.

   

 

8. Decorate the inside pages using the selected embellishments of your choice. Think about photos you may want to use, add some places for journaling spots along the way and embellish to your hearts content to get the look you want in your mini album.

 

Here are some pictures of the inside of my album to show off ideas of how to decorate the inside of this particular Cricut mini album. I added the tabs to top of some pages with my tiny attacher stapler, layered stickers and journal spots on others for variety.  I like to add in journaling cards mixed in with some of the pages to add more interest to the overall book.

 

I have photos picked out to put in here to make myself a little reminder book to stop and enjoy the Every Day Moments of my own life.  Unfortunately I didn't have time to add them to the mini album before doing this post. But rest assured, this one will be used.  I hope this tutorial inspires you to create your own mini album using some of the amazing shapes found on the Cricut cartridges.

 

Well, I think I have dragged my feet long enough about ending this last post. Time to say Farewell Cricut FANatics and thank you for the fond memories we have made here at Cricut FANatics Blog !

 

Hugs to you all,  happy die cutting !  Debbie O'Neal

 

 

Announcements and Technique Tutorial Day

ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY  

We are no longer going to be able to continue the blog.  We are so sorry but it is just too much work to keep creating the awesome projects our design team contributes every day.  We are sure you understand that this is an april fools joke. Ha, Ha....GOTCHA . Please dont tell people we are closing the blog...just trying to be funny and celebrate April Fools Day.

 

First, let me apologize by telling you that I totally forgot to edit the Inlinz Linky for our Cricut Crafty Challenge #6 when we extended our challEnge date ! (Thanks to MicheleG for bringing this to my attention.) So we are extending the contest once again just through today, April 1st.  Go link up your projects pretty please. Becka puts a lot of work in to creating each challenge and we would love to see more of your projects posted in any of our challenges.  We will announce the winner on April 5th.  This is NO APRIL FOOLS JOKE !  Now hurry up and go post your projects...you have until tonight, April 1st at midnight CST. 

 

Encase you haven't figured it out, this is Debbie of www.scrapmequickdesigns.com/  and the sometimes forgetful administrator of Cricut FANatics :)   It's Technique Tutorial Day here on Cricut FANatics and I decided we should explore something many of you may not take the time to do with your die cuts....Today, it's ALL about GLITTERING !  

 

TECHNIQUE TUTORIAL:  GLITTERING YOUR DIE CUTS

 

Sometimes as you are working on a project, you may think to yourself...self, I need a bit of sparkle here.  Admit it, I know you do.  We all need a little bit of shine in our projects now and again. But how to achieve that is something you may NOT think to do with your die cut shapes.   And glitter doesn't just have to be on a girly page...you can use glitter on any die cut element such as stars, moon, suns, bumper of cars, apples...you name it, you can glitter it and use on any project type.

 

There are several ways to add a bit of GLITTER to your die cuts.

1.  USE GLITTER PAPER - Cut your die cut shape out of Glitter Paper. Simple enough.  Grab the glitter paper color that works well with your project colors and cut out your selected die cut shape.
 

TIPS: I have one of my Cricut blades set aside just for cutting glitter paper because it dulls
the blade so much. Plus I have started using the new Cricut Strong Grip Adhesive  that PC sells now.  This mat is great for helping keep the glitter paper from sliding around on that mat as it cuts.  If you want to read an unbiased review of the new Cricut Mats...check out my post HERE.

2.  USE LOOSE GLITTER - grab that loose glitter you have laying around in your stash and put
it on your die cut shape(s).
 

 TIPS:  I like to use ultra fine glitter, like Martha Stewart brand, because I get better coverage. I also prefer to use my Xyron adhesive machine to add the adhesive to the die cut shape and then shake on the glitter to cover it.  I also like to use a similar color of paper to cut the die cut shape as they color of glitter I want to use.

3.  USE GLITTER GEL PENS -  Use glitter gel pens to trace around the edges of your die cut
shape or to color them in.  This is more subtle way to add glitter to your page but gives it some
pretty glittery shine.

TIP:  I like to add one layer of the glitter pen to my die cut shape, then wait a minute or so to
make sure it is dry and go back over it again to add another layer.

4.  USE GLITTER GLUE -  Use glitter glue, like Stickles on your die cuts.

 TIP: Be sure and use it in small controlled amounts. If you add it tooo thick it will take along

 time to dry and might warp your die cut image.

I hope this helps you think a little outside of the norm and encourages you to try something new on your die cut shapes.  Happy Die Cuttting !

Technique Tutorial Day - March

Welcome March and special hello to all the Cricut FANatics !  Its time again for our new monthly feature, Technique Tutorial Day with Debbie O'Neal of Scrap Me Quick Designs, home of die cutting inspiration. Before we get started I wanted to share a fun March fun fact with you.

Did you know that March used to be the beginning of the calendar year? "The word 'March' comes from the Roman 'Martius'. This was originally the first month of the Roman calendar and was named after Mars, the god of war. March was the beginning of our calendar year. We changed to the 'New Style' or 'Gregorian calendar in 1752, and it is only since then when we the year began on 1st January."  I found this to be interesting and hope you do too.

Cricut FANatic Announcements 

1) We are looking for a few more designers to add to our monthly guest designers.  If you are interested in sharing a Cricut project with us on Cricut FANatics Blog, please contact us at CricutFanaticsOwner@gmail.com . Your term would be from March to July 2013 on your assigned day each month. 

 

2)  If you have not signed up using our new subscribe link, please do so because we want to increase our communication to you of challenges and other information.  Just for  taking a moment to do os, you get a FREE download of a 30 Ways to Embellish Die Cuts Checklist.  

Technique Tutorial - Using Glaze Pens on Die Cuts

This month.  I wanted to show you a way to embellish your die cut that you may not have thought to use before.   

1.  Lets talk about Sakura Glaze Pens.  These pens are great for adding some shiny pizzaz to

     your die cut images.  You may already have some of these in your stash or they are easily found

    in sets or separately at your local craft stores. They are easy to use and don't require any special

    skills. The Glaze pens give you a different look than the popular alchohol pens like Copics

    or Spectrum Noir. Note: If you want a softer look you can always use the Sakura Souffle pens

    which gives you a milky color instead. 

Sakura Gel Pens

 

2. Give it a try.  Cut any Cricut image of your choice

 

Cricut Image out of cardstock

 

3.  Using the Sakura Gel Pens, outline or draw patterns on your Cricut image. The pens dry in

     seconds and are easy to layer multiple colors with each other such as shown below with the

     pink and purple.

 

 

See how shiny and pretty the Sakura Pens look on your image

 

4.  Use the pens to color in some of the cut out shapes on your images. See how I used the pen

     to color in the nose, mouth, eye lashes and even outline the bow, ears and added finger marks.

     You can even use the pens to draw added pieces on your die cuts not foudn on the original image.

     I even added some shoes to the bear below so don't be afraid to do a little free-hand drawing on

     your images too.

See how the cut image is so much more defined and personalized now?

 

Your final project will be a real standout by taking the time to enhance your die cuts with the Sakura Gel Pens so give them a try some time.

 

Have you used the Gel Pens before? Did you like them?  Have any questions about them?  Leave a comment what you think about these for embellishing your die cut images.

TECHNIQUE TUTORIAL DAY - INKING

Greetings Everyone !  Welcome to our new feature TECHNIQUE TUTORIAL DAY by Debbie O'Neal of Scrap Me Quick Designs.  There are so many wonderful ways to enhance die cuts to give them that WOW factor !   On the first day of each month I am going to share with  you a different tip to help you grow your technique skills when working with any die cut images. 

Today I am starting with the most basic of tips, Die Cut Technique Tip #1: INKING

Before you get started: When using ink, I like to have a few basic supplies on hand. 1). A craft mat such as the one made by Inkessentials shown below that you can purchase online or at local craft stores OR you can use an oven splat mat from the kitchen department. 2.) Wet Wipes and paper towels for cleaning up my hands and my craft mat. 3). Ink and ink applicators.

INKS:  I prefer to use either Cats Eye Ink pads or a Ranger Distress Pad with applicator for greater control when applying the ink to my die cut shapes. Many other inks work just as well: Stampin Up, Hero Arts, Close To My Heart, Color Box, etc.  You can use dye, chalk or even pigment inks. Each gives you a slightly differnt look so it is a matter of preference. Play around and see which type you like to use most. MY TIP: You can use the Ranger applicator with any ink pad OR a foam make up sponge too.

 

Inking Technique # 1 - You can create shadowing by adding lighter or darker colors to your die images. If you use a distress ink and applicator, lay the die cut image on the mat, ink up the applicators and in circular motions start adding ink to your image. MY TIP: Use your hand or a tool such as a tweezers to hold the image in place while you do this.

 

 

Here I used the same color of distress ink and the applicator, and just kept layering the color on the die cut leaf until I had created some shadows to the image. MY TIP: Remember, there is no right or wrong here...keep adding ink until YOU like the way it looks.

 

Inking Technique #2 - You can add more than one color of ink to your image to add even more depth.

 

Here I used the Color Box Cats Eye Inks in two different colors. I started with the lighter color to create a shadow, then added the darker brown on the edges.

 

 

You can see that by adding two colors you get a much richer look to your die cut image.

 

Inking Technique #3 - Don't be afraid to add even more colors to your die cuts. Here I used three different colors of Distress inks, starting with the lighter brown, then adding the green, then using the darker brown around the edges to get this wonderful layering of colors. MY TIP: You can really get a realistic look on many of your die cut images by using colors that would be found naturally on the real images.

 

So there you have it, some INKING tips to add some pizzaz to your die cut images. I challenge you to give it a try and see what you like best.

 

My TIP: Practice makes perfect. Cut out a few die cut images out of scrap paper and practice applying ink to it until you get used to this method. Try different types of ink to get the look you prefer.

Stay tuned for other die cut tips next month ! I am working on how to video tape future tutorials to share with you. Post questions in the comment section and I will respond back to you.

Cricut Info & Supplies Used:

Designer :  Debbie O'Neal

Cricut Images: Leaf - Destinations Cartridge

Other Supplies Used: Inkessentials Craft Mat, Ranger Distress Inks and Applicators, Color Box Cats Eye Ink Pads, wet wipes and paper towels