Thursday, June 13, 2013

Silhouette Welding Tutorial

Hello everyone!  I hope that everyone is having a great day.  It's one day closer to Friday and that makes me happy.

I made this card for my Godchild to congratulate him on a job well done in school.  My husband said "You made it, but you probably won't get it to him until school starts again."  He knows me well.  My intentions are good.  Anyway, I proved him wrong!  I made it and mailed it along with my niece's card the next day!!  Wooohooo.....there is a first for everything and that was definitely a first.

Some of my silhouette/facebook group friends ask me how I made the card.  I'm pretty new to writing tutorials, so I hope I didn't miss anything.  I've written a few for Peppermint Creative (you can see them here and here).  The more you write, the better you get....so here it goes!!


 
You Rock!!!
 
 


First I opened a star that I bought at the Silhouette online store.  I'm sure there are plenty of free, but I needed this one pretty quick.  I used it to make this project for my friend, It was her Dad's 70th birthday.  It was also my first project. 


 
Next thing you will do is open this image on a new page. You can probably do it all on the same page and move images that you aren't currently using off to the side.  However, I like to open a new page. 
 
This is what it looks like (above) when you open it.
This was a free image I got here
 
 
 
Next step is to pick Select Trace area (top red arrow).  You will drag the square to cover the entire image until it is all highlighted.  Once that is done, you will UN check (sure there is better terminology)  the High Pass Filter (second red arrow).  After un checking the high pass filter, go to the threshold and slide it all the way to the right or until the entire image highlighted yellow.



 
 After highlighting it all you will select the trace outer edge option.  You can see the red lines around the image.  It should look like the image above. 
 
 

After selecting the trace outer edge option, you will drag them apart. At this time you can move the original image off to the side if you like the looks of it (the texture) or delete it.  I deleted the image because I wanted the solid look.



You should end up with an image that looks like this.  Next step is to fill in the color.


 
Next, make sure that your image is selected.  I have tried doing new steps without making sure the image is select and nothing happens.....of course....then it clicks....I forgot to select it...UGH!  Okay so now it's time to select the paint bucket at the top of your screen.  Once you hit the bucket tool, color options will appear on the right.  Pick black, it will fill your image with the color selected. 
 
 
 
Now you do a copy and paste of the image.  You will have two images on your screen.
 
 
 
The next step is to make sure one image is outlined and one is not.  To do this you will select the scissor tool at the top of the page.  This will pop up the cut menu.  It will show that both images have cut lines, you will want to turn the cut lines to one of them off.  Highlight one of them and then select the NO CUT button.  This should remove the red lines. 

 
 Following so far? 
I know it's a lot of info and some of it very basic, but I trying to think about the ladies that  have never done these steps before. (and/or need step by step instructions like I do!) 
Okay, so let's continue...this was the confusing part for me. 



 
Okay, here is where it gets tricky.....
We need to bring both images to the same page.  So just copy and cut the image of your star and paste it to the page where the "hand" images are.
 
1. Move the "no cut" image off to the side.  You will be using at the end so you can just leave it off to the side for now. 
2. You will now highlight the whole hand/guitar image. 
3. Once it's highlighted you need to RELEASE compound path under the modify menu
 
 


 
Now you are going to slide the bottom image up to the star and place it where it looks nice to you.
Highlight the whole image.
 
 
  
 
Next you need to click on Modify button at the top menu bar.  It will pop up options on the side.  Now hit the subtract button under the modify window.   After clicking on the subtract button, it will look like the picture above.   The pictures are joined and the red are where it is going to cut. 
 
 

Now select the whole image (star) and group it together.  The group button is all the way on the bottom left.  This makes it all one piece instead individual pieces and you are able to move it around.
 
 
 Next take the image that was over on the side of your page and line it up with the top image (star) Remember to make sure the cut lines are off on the image you are dragging back up the where they were welded together.
 
 
 
Now that you have it all lined up.  You will select the whole image together and Group them together.  
 
 
 
This would be a good time to check your cut lines to make sure it is done right.  It should look like this image.
 
 
Now after you have accomplished ALL of these steps, you are ready to make the rest of the card.  I used a card base from the Silhouette Store.  The digital paper is from Peppermint Creative. It's listed below.  It's one of my favorite paper packs.  Actually, I have several favorites.
 
Houndstooth Heaven Papers
 
Now you have everything you need to make this card.  I hope that the steps are all there and that you can understand my instructions.  Please feel free to ask me any questions.  I know there may be an easier way to do this.  I discovered a few while making this tutorial. 
 
 
Have a great Day!!!
Tanya



 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Happy Father's Day!........

For this week's project at The Cutting Café, we got to choose from the following 3 sets.  These sets are perfect for Father's Day. 

SHIRT AND TIE CUTTING FILE / TEMPLATE SHAPED CARDS

These are two of the stamps that come with the set
Shirt and tie circles
Here is a Sneak Peek of the set I used.  Keep reading to see the finished project!
 
 
This set features 98 images plus 14 sentiments in 3 ways!
 
Cars
 
CLASSIC CAR SHAPED CARD SET
These are the sentiments for this set:
CLASSIC CAR

 This is just a sneak peek of what are in the sets to view complete sets or to purchase, stop by The Cutting Café, you won't be disappointed.

 
 
I choose the Shirt and Tie Set.  This set is so much fun and so easy to work with.  My son and I are going to design one that suits my husband (his dad..lol) personality.  He wouldn't wear a tie like this unless one of the boys bought it for him! hmmmmm.  I like argyle and the colors, so I made this one.
 
 
 
Here is a close up of the details
 
Hope you enjoyed my project. 
 
Don't forget to stop by The Cutting Café's blog to see the rest of the teams projects and don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win free sets.  At the store there are so many NEW sets. 
 




 
 
 
 
 


Monday, June 10, 2013

This month's Facebook Silhouette Challenge..........

This is my second time doing the Silhouette Facebook challenge.  I love being a part of this group.  Because of some wonderful ladies on this group, I was encouraged to do a fundraiser for my friend Jessica.  Jessica was part of one of the many families that lost everything to the horrific tornados that went over Carney, OK two weeks ago.  Because of this fundraiser I raised enough to order Jessica a Silhouette Portrait.  If I get more donations, I will get her supplies to go with her handy dandy Portrait.  I can't wait to see the smile on her face.  THANKS LADIES!!!

This months project was done using vinyl again (sorry)  I love vinyl.  I've kept it pretty simple so far.  There are many other things that I want to do with vinyl like layering, HTV (heat transfer vinyl), etc.

Of course I used my Cameo to cut this cute bird cage I bought from the Silhouette store.  I bought this plate from a second hand store.  I don't get to go very often, but this is one of the things I always look for.  I think this plate cost me a quarter.  How awesome is that.  I did get one at a "junk" store the other day and paid $5.00 for it.  I thought that was high, but is an unusual shape.   The plate holder I got at our local craft store for half off.


Supplies used: 
Plate - second hand store
Vinyl - craft store
Transfer tape - Silhouette store
black ribbon- craft store
plate holder - craft store
Not Pictured - glue gun

After cutting the bird house on my cameo I took the excess vinyl off

I then cut around the image and the "weeded" the small pieces out with a tool I purchased from the silhouette store.


After weeding out the excess I then applied the transfer tape and smoothed it out with a Pampered Chef scrapper.  I couldn't find my tool I got from the Silhouette store and I have several of these from stones I bought.  An old credit card will do the same.  I've have tried using contact paper and it just is not the same.  It was a big pain in the rear.  Transfer tape is more expensive but so worth it.  Contact paper just isn't sticky enough for me.  I have heard that it works for others.  I just don't have the patience for it. 



I then positioned on the plate and smoothed it out with the scraper

Remove the transfer paper and VOLIA!
 
I then added my embellishments.  I hot glued the bow on.
 
The pearl is from Stampin' Up! It already has adhesive on it.

I bought the plate stand at my local craft store when it was 50% off.  I'm going to put it in my craft room (if it ever really becomes MY craft room)
 
What's a bird cage without a bird?  I just didn't think about it when I made it, so it's just photoshopped in.   
 
The last two pictures are just me just being silly!........



Make Your Own "Rubber" Stamps by Coley's Corner


This Month's Facebook Silhouette Challenge by Tanya's Creative Space

3D Tea Gift Box Download by Creative Turn

File Cabinet Makeover by Super Sweet Life

Jewelry Box Creation by Joy & Gladness of Heart

Retro Chair Silhouette by Tried & True

Toddler Train T-Shirt by The Thinking Closet


Placecard & Card Medley by An Elegant Touch


Pretty & Personal Birthday Bundle by The House on Hillbrook

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Hello Everyone!!......

First I just want to say "THANK YOU!" for your prayers and donations.  I was able to get my friend, Jessica a Silhouette Portrait, it's ordered and will be here soon  THANKS AGAIN!!   I will continue to take donations to get her stuff to go with her new machine.  I can't wait to give it to her.  They are still cleaning up as well as many others.  This tornado season has been horrible.  I'm so ready for it do be over and DONE!!!

With all the bad weather I have a lot of time away from my computer.  I've been staying off so lighting won't mess it up or sitting here waiting for sirens to go off  to go into our storm shelter.  So this project is brought to you with BIG smiles because it means a break in the weather. 

Regina from The Cutting Café  has really been on a roll designing some really great cutting files for our cutting enjoyment.  I really love Regina's style.  You can use a cutting machine (I have a Silhouette ~ love it) or something as simple as a pair of scissors. 

For this weeks project we got to pick from the following sets:
DIAPER SHAPED CARD or BABY BOTTLE TREAT BOX 1 OR 2 OR BABY BOTTLE SHAPED CARD 1 OR 2 cutting file.  I used the Baby Bottle 2 template-cutting file. 


Baby bottle shaped card 2
 
 
 
I used cardstock from Stampin' UP! and my silhouette cameo to cut out this cute baby bottle card.  I embellished with a button and some ribbon I got from Stampin' Up! some time ago.
 
Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out everyone's projects that will be posted on The Cutting Café Blog tomorrow.  Leave a comment there for a chance to win some great sets.
 

 


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Doing an Online Craft Fundraiser to help a friend (victim) of the recent tornadoes

Okay, here it goes. With the encouragement from Lauren and Cindy, two of my friends from the Silhouette Challenge FB group, I have decided to order My friend in Carney that lost EVERYTHING to a tornado the day before the big Moore one, a Silhouette Portrait. She loved scrapbooking, making gifts and cards. I know this is not on her mind right now. But when things calm down, hopefully her love for crafting will return. Soooooo.....
 

Here is the fundraiser...they're are a few of us (so far) that are going to go in and donate money to get her a portrait that is on special by this Friday. If you are interested..I have a donate button that is through paypal. Lauren has tried it and it worked.  woooohoooo!     So what do you say....want to help me make one victim from this devestating tornado enjoy what she loves to do again some day.
Thanks~ This is my first time doing something like this...so please bare with me!!!
Any funds raised over the amount of the portrait will go to a Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's gift card.  I will let everyone know the totals and where it will go. 

Monday, May 27, 2013

Memorial Day news......

Hello Everyone!!  I hope that everyone is having a safe Memorial Day weekend.  My husband and I went to Carney, OK to help the victims of last Sunday's tornado.  It was the one the day before the Moore, OK one.  I can't begin to tell you the devestation there.  Some friends (and others) lost EVERYTHING they had.  It was so nice to see sooooo many people coming together to help this community.  Carney is just 8 miles from our home, so close. 
 
The family we helped yesterday lost it ALL...They lost their home, cars, business, craft room, horses, etc.  I know this is not even on her mind right now and it's not a necessity, but I would like to do a craft fundraiser of some sort.  Maybe get like Hobby Lobby or JoAnn gift cards.  I know she would love this.  Right now she has no storage as well, it was taken in the storm as well.  If anyone would like to help, send me an email.  I still have to work out the details (because I have never done anything like this)  I have time to work on it.
 
Tomorrow is Memorial Day and I would like to THANK all of our Service Men and Women for all that they do!!
 
With Memorial Day comes lots of great sales.  One of the sales I would like to share with you is from The Cutting Cafe!!!   It's a great sale and you don't want to miss out!!!!! 
 
The Cutting Cafe
 



CYBER MONDAY SALE FOR MAY 27TH 2013 - ANY 5 SETS FOR $5.00 DOLLARS OR 10 SETS FOR $10.00

Hello friends.............
We would like to thank all of our Service Men and Women today...WE SALUTE YOU TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER
This card is for you!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

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.
KEEP CALM


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!!!

 

 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

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
 

COMMERCIAL Vectors - Baby Sleeping Word Art
 

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



Supplies Used:
Vinyl wood sign baby
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.
Vinyl weed silhouette graphics
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.
Vinyl how to transfer tape
Step 5: Embellish with button and bow.
Doorhanger baby wood sign
Another fun idea is to use the vinyl lettering as a mask and create your sign using paint.
Paint cut transfer vinyl baby
Paint your sign with acrylic paint in the colour you want your letters to be. Let it dry completely and apply the vinyl letters.
Yellow cut transfer tape
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.
Paint cut transfer tape
Hope this post sparked some creative ideas in you.
Happy Crafting!
Tanya