Keep Calm and........

Today's post is not been easy to do.  I know I try to say possitive on my post, but I'm having trouble staying focused.  For the last couple of days we have been having some really bad tornados, One being listed as the largest ever.  My family is safe, but we know several that have lost homes. And I just can't stop thinking of the children that have been lost and trapped inside the school.  So If you have time, just say alittle prayer for families that have lost homes and or relatives in this horrific storm.

I love all the Keep Calm sayings that are going around.  Of course one of my favorite is Keep Calm and craft on.  I could do that all day if I had the time.  But for todays post I decided to do one that says Keep Calm and shoot for the stars.  I have to brag on my niece, Caleigh. She inspired me for this one.  She just received 11 awards and 3 trophies in school.  I  think she is shooting for those stars.  I am sooooo very proud of her.  She is a very sweet, smart, beautiful, talented little girl and I love her soooo much along with her mom, dad (my brother) and my handsome, sweet, smart, talented Godchild (her brother), Blaise!!

So for my card I used:

KEEP CALM AND REACH FOR THE STARS PRINTABLE SET

*Sneak Peek*

*Sneak Peek*

 This KEEP CALM AND REACH FOR THE STARS printable set features 10 different images in both black and white and color.

The images are approx.

 2.5 by 3 inches.

The set also comes with a matching envelope.

The envelope template comes in SVG, MTC, PDF and WPC format.

The Printables come PDF and JPEG format.

Hope you enjoy the card. 

Don't forget to stop by The Cutting Cafe! 

Leave a comment to win FREE sets from the store!

Happy Crafting!!!

 

 

Shhh....Baby Sleeping tutorial

I'm pretty excited and just have to share.....My very first tutorial for   Peppermint Creative has been posted on the Peppermint Creative Blog. 

 

Yeah....New Vectors at Peppermint Creative.  I love vectors and of course I already have some new ones picked out.  They are GREAT if you have a cutting machine (my favorite is the Silhouette Cameo...I'd like to get a portrait) and like to make projects with vinyl. 

 

Commercial Vectors on sale 20% off right now at Peppermint Creative until  May 22nd.  Check out the NEW RELEASES! 

 

 

 

This is the vector that I used for my tutorial

 



 

Shhh......Baby Sleeping
By: Tanya Alley

Supplies Used:

• Commercial Vectors – Baby Sleeping Word Art
• Fun with Felt – Flower Mix
• Silhouette Cameo with Silhouette Studio Software
• White Vinyl
• Transfer tape
• Weeding Tool
• Scraper (or old gift/credit card)
• Spray Paint
• Wooden Door Hanger
• White Ribbon
• White Yarn
• Button
• Hot Glue

Step 1: Spray paint the door hanger and let it completely dry.
Step 2: After cutting the vinyl out with the Silhouette Cameo, “weed” out the excess vinyl. Weeding is the process of removing extra vinyl bits around the graphic. You can use a special weeding tool to make the job easier without damaging or tearing your finished artwork.

Step 3: Apply transfer tape over your graphic.
Step 4: Using the scraper press down the tape and make sure that it is smoothed out and sticking to the vinyl.
Step 5: Once this vinyl is completely stuck to the transfer tape, apply it to your dried door hanger.
Step 6: Use the scrapper again to apply it to the hanger. Remove transfer tape.

Step 5: Embellish with button and bow.

Another fun idea is to use the vinyl lettering as a mask and create your sign using paint.

Paint your sign with acrylic paint in the colour you want your letters to be. Let it dry completely and apply the vinyl letters.

Paint over the entire sign in the colour you want to sign to be. Once that has dried completely, use your weeding tool to remove the letters to reveal the yellow paint below.

Hope this post sparked some creative ideas in you.
Happy Crafting!
Tanya

I Love You A Latte..........

(Not real sure why this post isn't layed out correct~ it's a mess and I can't correct it~Sorry)

I can't believe I actually finished my project for The Cutting Cafe.  I had one problem after another.  First, the silhouette studio kept freezing me up and I kept having to start over.  It happened, not one, not two, but three times.  Yes, I said THREE!  My husband said, "That's why you are suppose to save your work!"  Yep, I know that, It wouldn't let me before it would freeze up again!  Oh, the next problem was cutting.  I've had a few issues in the past with cutting, but not like this.  It would cut each image at least 6 times and still not cut all the way through the paper.  Oh well, I finally got it done!

    Do you like coffee?  I like it more now than I use to.  Today I had two BIG cups (I usually only have one, but I had to wake up).   I haven't had alot of fancy coffees or lattes.  Heck I'm not even sure what a latte really consist of.  When Regina at  The Cutting Cafe designed this adorable cutting file I immdiately had a idea of what I wanted to do with it.......One was use the saying "I Love You A Latte" 

For my project this week I used:

COFFEE CUP SHAPED CARD 2 template - cutting file is approx. 4 by 5.25

The set comes with 9 sentiments (will punch out using a 1.5 inch circle punch), 4 misc images and an inside pocket to hold a gift card.

  This is the sentiments that comes with the set.

I hope you like my card!

I used my Silhouette Studio to cut out the SVG files that come with this set.  I really enjoyed making this card despite all the problems I had with my Cameo and the Studio progam.

Additional supplies:  Craft cardstock, white cardstock, double sided tape and red ribbon

Go to The Cutting Cafe Blog to see the rest of the design team's projects.  Don't forget to leave a comment to win free sets.  Every week Regina has a winner for free sets out of the store, she's sweet that way!!!

 Oh, I almost forgot to post the picture of the problem I was having with my Silhouette Cameo.

It would cut each image at least 6 times and it still would cut all the way through.

I had some really bad cuts this time.  It was very frustrating.

This circle is a close up of the mess it was making....UGH! 

If you like this project or have suggestions on my cutting problems, please feel free to leave comments at the end of this post.

My first Silhouette Challenge Group project.......

Hello everyone.  This is my first time to post to the group.  I'm sooo darn excited.  I just hope my project is up to par. This project has been rolling around in my head for some time. 

I got a my Cameo about 6 mos. ago and it is by far my most favorite tool in my craft room.  I am on two design/creative teams right now and I have used my cameo for all projects but one (so far).  It's not that I don't like other mediums, It's just so darn easy to use my print and cut feature on the cameo.

For this project I used vinyl.  I love vinyl, you can put it on soooo much. You can make a project look so nice with it.  I really want to try other types of vinyl, like iron on vinyl or outdoor vinyl.  I did just do a project with the regular vinyl from the silhouette store on an outdoor metal chair for a friend's grandaughter.  I used a clear spray sealer because I don't have any outdoor vinyl right now.  I told her to let me know how that goes (for future projects).

So without futher adieu....here is my project.  Hope you enjoy....now on to see everyone else's projects....Whoo Hoooo!

I bought this frame years ago thru Stampin' UP!  I found it while cleaning out the garage attic.  Another wooohoo!! (for cleaning out the garage and finding this frame)  It's a white canvas type frame.  I came up with this little tutorial to show you the steps.


Step 1 - First I bought the Artisian Flourish image at the Silhouette online store.  I used Silhouette Studio and sized it to the desired size and cut it out with vinyl.  Be sure to check your settings for vinyl.  This way it doesn't cut all the way thru.  For the "The Alley Family"  I just played around until I got something I thought went with the medallion.  Most of my fonts I get for free at Dafont.com

Step 2 - I put a base coat of tan down.  This is the color that will show thru at the end when you remove the vinyl.  Make sure this coat is dried completely.

Step 3 - After "weeding" out your vinyl and applying transfer tape to it,  I eyeballed where I wanted it to go and layed it down.  Once down you will want to smooth it out with a scraper (even a credit card or a scraper that comes with your Pampered Chef stones will work) Make sure that the vinyl is down good. 

Step 4 - Top coat of paint.  I used black.  I completely covered my frame with the black.  Let dry, but still have a little tackiness to it. 

Step 5 - Take your "weed" tool, I got mine from the Silhouette Online store, (You can use and exacto knife if you don't have this tool) and remove all the vinyl pieces from your project.  At this stage you can do any touch ups with the paint if needed.  I didn't do this, but I read somewhere that once you put your vinyl on your project you can go over with modge podge and let dry.  This helps with having crisp lines.

Step 6 - Add any embellishments and of course your pictures.  My husband didn't like the picture of my youngest, well it isn't that he didn't like it, he just thought it was too big for the frame.

Hope you enjoyed my project! ~ Tanya 

Want to check out some more  Silhouette Projects?  Here's a collection of projects by my Silhouette Challenge buddies.

Spring Hoop Home Decor - Daily Dwelling

I Heart Labels: Flour & Sugar Jar Edition - The Thinking Closet

Bleeding Heart Card with Free Flower Download - Creative Turn

A Numbers Game - Learning Numbers with Your Preschooler - Lil Mrs. Tori

Personalized Garden Post & Grandma Book (Silhouette Mother's Day Presents) - Whole New Leaf

Girly Superhero Decor - Coley's Corner

"A Cup of Tea" Customizable Art Printable - Tried & True

The Lady in Hat "Thinking of You" Card - An Elegant Touch

Interested in joining us for our group posting event next month? We'd love to have you. Simply contact Lauren from The Thinking Closet by email.



WHOOO HOOOO.....Another Silhouette Portrait Giveaway

Head on over to The Thinking Closet for a chance to win the Silhouette Portrait. 

While you are there check out the promotions going on using The Thinking Closet code....see below

Happy Graduation!!!

Oh man, it's that time again.  For me that means my youngest is almost a Senior.  I'm not ready, I'm not ready, I'm not ready!!!!!!!  I know as soon as he graduates, he's moving on and out.  He's very independent.  I know this is what they are suppose to do and it's the healthy thing for him to do (It is
NOT healthy for me) 

This week The Cutting Cafe Desgin team could use any file they would like. It's our first project for the new term.   Since my son has several friends graduating so I decide to make these keychains for my Cutting Cafe project.  I used one of the stamps from the:

GRADUATION HERSHEY KISS BOTTOMS....PRINTABLE STAMPS. 

These are the bonus images (and the ones that I used) that comes with this set. 

I used the congrats one for this key chain, but have a couple others to make so I will probably use all three.

I recyled/repurposed a key chain that I had bought at a school garage sale years ago.  I only bought a couple not knowing what I was going to do with them.....now I wish I had bought them all.  I originally had a christmas wreath on it.  I used the print and cut feature on my silhouette cameo.  I left it black and white because that goes with our school colors.  For this one, I added ribbon because it is for one of the girls.

I also used THE TINY DOT PRINTABLE STAMP

 

I created an inside to the box so that I could attach the key chain to it.  I love polka dots!  I was going to use one of The Cutting Cafe's box cut files, but this key chain already had a really nice box with it.  If I threw it out, it would defeat the purpose of my recyle part of my project. 

So are you ready for the project?

 TADA!!!

I used my silhouette to do a print and cut on the below stamp. 

I used modge podge and let it sit for at least three hours.  I added ribbon to bling it up a little.

Please stop by and say "Hi" to all of the new team members and take a look around at there projects.

Also comment on your favorite project for a chance to win sets!!!!

Free Facebook Timeline

Right now if you go to Peppermint Creative's Blog you can download Free Facebook Timelines for FREE....yes, I said FREE!!!! 

And EVERYTHING else it 34% off!

 

Here is the one that I made......

Of course I had to use the pictures that I just took at Prom of my handsome son and his lovely girlfriend.

 

I used the New Year Cheer Kit (see below) from Peppermint Creative

EVERYTHING is on sale at 34% off until tomorrow.  I just snatched up some kits for myself!  Don't miss out on this great deal! 

 

She has other freebies too!!!

Spring is in the air...........

It has been a beautiful last couple of days....Finally!!!  The weather here is so unpredictable.  On Thursday is suppose to get back down in the low 30's.  I've got everything planted so I hope it doesn't freeze or I will loose it all.  With spring comes gardens, plants and lots of flowers (and weeds....hopefully not too many~lol)

This week at The Cutting Cafe we were able to choose anything we wanted to work with!  I bet you can't guess what I chose! ....Why, yes, the flower!!!

FLOWER SHAPED CARD TEMPLATE - CUTTING FILE... This flower shaped card is approx. 5.5 by 5.5 inches....It comes with an extra top piece for layer and a circle word that will punch out with a 2 inch circle punch...circle word reads: if friends were like flowers, i'd pick you.

I still can't pick the one I like the most. 

 

I used my silhouette cameo to cut the file.

 

Make sure you stop by The Cutting Cafe Blog to see all the Design Team's creations.  Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win not 1, not 2, but 3 free sets.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Thought I'd share....

Have you ever wanted to make a solid "lined" cirle or a dotted circle?  Well I figured it out, by accident.   I can't believe it!!!  While was working on my next project for The Cutting Cafe, it happened, a dotted circle!   It took me a few minutes to figure out what I did and how I did it.  I have been wanting to do this in photoshop elements and never really figured it out.    I can't believe how easy it is to do in silhouette studio.  I'm sure everyone but me knew this, but I thought I'd share anyway (just in case I'm not the only slow one out there). 

(click on picture to make larger)

I'm not the best at explaining this, but I will give it a shot.  So here it goes..........

1.  Select the Draw an ellipse (circle) shape.  It's the second section down on the left. 

2.  Select Line style window.  When you open the window you will have several choices that you can do with the line (right side of screen)

3. When you choose the solid line, you will get a solid outlined circle.  If you choose the dashed line (only the one right below the solid line) you will get the dots.  Depending on the dashed line you pick will determine how close together your dots will be.  (Examples shown)

4.  Also in the line style, you can pick thickness.  For the solid line,  you can slide the thickness bar to make your circle thin or thick. (different thicknesses shown above) For the Dotted line, you will chose the dashed line directly below the solid line.  So far I have found that this is the only one that will do the dotted line.  For the dashed lines you can choose one of the evenly placed dashes.  Moving the thickness bar will make the dashes small or big depending on the thickness you choose.  I have also found that you can pick one of the lines that has different size dashes and it will give you the look pictured on the last row above.   



You will see quickly the more you play with the different dashed lines and the thickness bar, the different looks you will get.  EASY PEASY!!!!

Well I hope this will help you.  I only wish I would have figured this out days ago.  I searched google for hours trying to figure out how to do this in PSE. 

Finally, spring weather today...........

Yes, we finally got some spring weather today!   We are not out of the woods yet though, it is suppose to freeze next week.  Of course it is, this is Oklahoma.  We will probably skip spring all together and go straight to 100 degree summer!!! 

With spring here (I hope it stays) I really wanted to work on a milk can my friend and I got last  summer.  We like to go "junking" together.   That's what we call it anyway.  She has several of these cans.  I got one, not really know what I would do with it.  I had to do something with it, It just took me a while to figure it out.  Here is a sneak peek.  Keep reading to see what the final project turned out like.

I started first by spray painting it black.  After that I used my favorite craft tool, (I'm sure you haven't heard that before) my silhouette cameo to cut out a commercial vector from Peppermint Creative.  It's called Elegant Welcome word art. 

 

I couldn't decide on what to do after.  I didn't know if I wanted to put a dry flower arrangement or a live plant in it.  My friend, Teresa, does beautiful arrangements and did one in hers.  I just couldn't make up my mind (that's nothing new) so I decided to go the cheap way with the ivy.  Oh and the ribbon, yeah that took me forever to decide too!!!!  I hope you like the finished product.  It's sitting on my front porch.  My husband even said he liked it.