Crafting on a Budget: cardstock

Showing posts with label cardstock. Show all posts

Thursday, July 1, 2024

Making A Plan For A Make-it Christmas

2020 was something else. As the pandemic raged on, I decided to make most of the gifts I was going to give for Christmas. It was a well recieved idea. I did some sewing, and some 3D printing, and I was able to give some thougtful, handmade gifts. I started printing the 3D projects in September, because I knew they would take a long time to make. I printed lithophane lightboxes for all the younger grandkids, and a couple for some adults. I also sewed the younger grandkids a set of pajamas, or a gown.

This year, I want to continue what I hope will become a yearly tradition, and again have a Make-it Christmas. So, now is the time to start planning what a Make-it Christmas will look like. My first step is to take inventory of all that I have and utilize as much of it as I can. This is also a good time to stock up on items that aren't in high demand, like flannel and fleece. For 3D printing, knowing how much filament you might need for your projects could save you time and money now. Starting in October, the demand for lithophanes will become very high, and good quality, white filament will be hard to source.

A lot of paper crafters start making their Christmas cards now and several of the more popular SVG sites will put out a bundle for them. As of this writing, there are 177 days until Christmas. That's 25 weeks or 6 months. For those of us who are chronic procrastinators, this seems like an eternity. But, as one who usually falls short on a dozen different projects I was going to get done for Christmas, that isn't enough time!

What's my plan? I'm going to make out my gift list, (get the link here) and start planning what I want to give to each person. Then I'm going to plan to make one gift each week for the next 25 weeks. That should give me plenty of time to find all the supplies I already purchased, but don't remember where I put them. I might even have time to actually make a few cards this year! Wish me luck! I'll make a blog post each time I complete a Christmas gift. (but I won't be able to post picture) Hopefully, this won't be the last post! 🤣

Tuesday, May 11, 2024

Spring Is Here

These lovely birdhouses are just a couple of the many 3d svg designs you'll find at Dreaming Tree. With a few fun touches, like little birds and moss from the Dollar Tree and even a few of the silk flowers they have, you can have a beautiful gift for a friend or neighbor, or put a touch of sping in your home decor.

Friday, February 26, 2016

My Cinderella Carriage

After making my more pumpkiny carriage, I thought it would be fun to make one that was more like the one in the Walt Disney's Cinderella movie. This was the end result. It was given to my granddaughter. I used glitter paper from DCWV Shimmer stack, and a mat size from Once upon a time, also from DCWV. The little lanterns needed to have little rectangular pieces of gold glitter paper put inside so the white didn't show so much. I glued pieces on the back and bottom. I added the letter "C" to the door. It's on the Cinderella coach, but could be for my granddaughters name too. It was the Forte font.

From SVG Cuts Enchanted Autumn

My inspiration

I had to do some hunting for the crown sticky jewel on the lid. I finally found some at Michaels. The glitter paper does cause a challege when gluing. It takes a little more time to adhere. (I don't have much patience.) In the end I was very pleased with my carriage, and I hope it's something my little princess will enjoy for years.

Cut Once and Craft for a Week.

With the addition of two grandchildren, my crafting time has been drastically reduced. I get an hour here and there to put a small project together, but not the real craft time I desire. In a effort to get more projects done, I decided to borrow an idea from some busy mom blogs. "Cook once, eat all week." So this week, I am cutting once to craft all week!

(previous years projects)

The Bunny Hop kit by SVG Cuts from a few years ago, has one of my favorite projects for Easter. I love the Bunny box! I made all the grandkids one several years ago, but with new family members, everyone is getting a new bunny. I have papers picked and I'm cutting out 8 bunnies to put together this week. It's the setup process that takes me the longest. Although this project is easy to pick paper for, cutting and weeding still take a while to do. It seems I can be in my craftroom, unbothered, for several hours on Friday nights! I have two more bunnies to cut out, so I shall get back to it!

Friday, February 12, 2016

It's Been A While

Someone may be wondering where I disappeared to, so I thought I would take a minute and update by blog. In September, a new grandson was born. Then in October, and new granddaughter was born. I watch the grandson and his sister (who turns three in a few days) Monday through Friday and I watch the new granddaughter about 2 Saturdays each month. That doesn't leave much time or energy for crafting these days. I do manage to sneak in an item or two here and there. I did make a free file from Dreaming Tree for preschool teachers.

It was quick and very easy, but looks so nice! The papers are from my stash. I got them several years ago. Makingmemories Je t'adore. And foil paper I found by chance at the Dollar Tree. It's called Do It Yourself Projects Holographic and Foil Sheets by Jot. It came with 20 sheets of varying colors. I was shocked. It cut very nicely. The trim around the bottom was from Micheals. It's called Fabulous Finds Adhesive Trim. It's a really fun touch that looks so sparkly.

I hope to get a rhythm back for more crafting soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, October 9, 2015

Black Cat Paperscape Box Card by Dreaming Tree (3D Svgs)

Today, in very little time, I made this super spooky paperscape box card by Dreaming Tree. This was really fun to put together. I did make a couple of changes to fit my desire to showcase some nice 2 sided paper I have by making memories. I used the 2 sided paper as both base and panels. In other words, I didn't cut out the panel pieces. I did cut the fence out though, because I wanted the contrast. This is going to look great on the mantel all lit up tonight! I'll be putting the other two together either later tonight or tomorrow!

If you are wanting an easy but mind blowing project be sure to check them out (Click here)

Friday, October 2, 2015

Facebook Give Away!

This fun Stingy Jack Lantern 3 from Dreaming Tree is my Halloween give away. Head over to my facebook page (click here) and leave a comment on the post to be eligible. Winner will be announced on October 15, 2015.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Dreaming Tree! Check them out!

I got an email today from a company called Dreaming Tree. At first I hit the delete button, but as it was whisked away to my trash bin, I saw SVG in the preview line. So I went searching for it again. I was sad to read that this new company was due to the parting of my beloved SVG Cuts. SVG Cuts is still around, and Mary is still delivering wonderful projects, but what Leo is bringing to the world of 3D paper crafting is going to appeal to a whole new group of crafters! I am mad for the Christmas Paperscape Boxcards! They look so cool and different!

Christmas Paperscape Boxcards

He also has a more manly vibe going with the Vegas and Halloween kits. One of the bonuses is you can buy indivdual projects, or bundle them.

Be sure you check out his assembly tutorials on Youtube.

I've been avoiding my craftroom for a few months, but I'm feeling crafty again. Stay tuned!

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Day 11 of my 30 Day Challenge

I spent day 11 watching a video tutorial and then designing a word mini album. Below is a picture of my prototype.

I downloaded the free font Cafe Rojo for the letters. Watched a video by Krafting Kelly. She uses the Silhouette Studio software, but I found it to be very similar to ecal 2. Then made my own cut files. I cut each letter out two times using AC cardstock. I tried to use some chipboard I have, but it was way to thick. I then used my Cinch to punch the holes and put in the wire binding ring. Now it's ready to be decorated with pictures, sentiments and pretty embellishments. And, I have learned a new and very useful skill today! Which is what I was hoping to do during my 30 day challenge!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to drop by again!

30 Days of crafting day 10

Today did not get the results I hoped for. I was trying to do a scrapbook layout, but my computer and printer would not communicate. After two hours getting pictures to print, my crafting time was over. I hope to finish the layout and design a word album tomorrow. Be sure to check on my progress!

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Day 8 was a personal challenge!

It has really been a challenge these last few days to get into my craft studio, but I have managed! I have a teapot cut out and ready to assemble, but I got a request for a baseball cap for a high school prom. Prom wins! Here is what I put together. It will carry the boutonniere for a prom date! How exciting! This is the baseball cap from Fun and Games by SVG Cuts. I used AC Cardstock for the entire project. I did a print2cut for the indian head logo from the school.

(Please excuse the mess)

If you haven't made the cap for yourself, it is very roomy.

Thanks again for stopping by. Be sure to check in tomorrow for the finished teapot!

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Day 7 of My Personal Challenge

First, let me start today's blog with a customer service story. Yesterday's project didn't turn out the way I had invisioned, and I want to make another cap, correctly. One of the problems I encoutered was the shape I wanted to cut didn't maintain the score lines when I broke it apart and copied it to a different page. This is something that is really easy to do, if you know what you're doing. Clearly, yesterday I did not. I had to hand score the tabs for the front panels. I don't enjoy scoring by hand. I knew that what I wanted to do could be done, I just didn't know how to go about it. So, I sent an email to SVG Cuts. They are the designers of the file I was using. Within 2 hours I had a response and a link to the video I needed. 2 hours! That's just the kind of service you can always expect from SVG Cuts.

Now on to todays challenge. It was a double challenge, because my granddaughter is sick, and that always limits any time I have for anything! This project is going to take two days. I spent this evening cutting it out and will put it together tomorrow. Here's a picture of my progress

Be sure to check back tomorrow to see what it is!

Monday, April 6, 2015

30 Day Personal Challenge Day 6

Well, today's project didn't turn out exactly as I had planned. I'm a visual person. So I don't alway get the end result I want, until I see what I have done wrong. The baseball cap from Fun and Games by SVG Cuts, was going to be fashioned after the WSU Shocker mens baseball caps. Gold on the front and black on the back and bill. For some reason, I could only see (in my mind) that two front panels needed to be gold. Nope, needed to be three. Oops. I went ahead and cut a third gold panel and glued it on over the back. I can't give this one away. I'll have to keep it as a reminder that I need to cut three different panels. It doesn't look terrible. But it's not right. I didn't measure the area for the logo very well either. This one is a little too big! So, today's crafting was a learning experience!

I used AC Cardstock for this entire project. I also did an internet search for the team logo and did a trace into ecal2. I did some tracing in the original ecal, but I like what ecal2 does, so much better. I don't usually have to do much to the image to make it cutable!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop in again soon!

Saturday, April 4, 2015

30 Day Challenge, Day 4

WARNING! This one hits high on the cute scale!

This egg from the Poplar Street Tulips by SVG Cuts is a favorite. It always looks so good when it's finished!

This egg turned out too darn adorable! The base is pink AC Cardstock. The top panels are by We R Memory Keepers, Cotton Tails. I got several sheets at Hobby Lobby in a clearance pack. Love it! The bottom panels are from First Edition Papers. The collection is called Spring Drop. I'm going to be looking for that stack again. It is sooooo cute.

This egg is a hostess gift. I was hesitant at first about the pink makng a statement, but I really do love how it turned out! I think it will be well recieved!

Tomorrow I will have a post, but I made the project a day early. Hope you don't mind!

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to visit my facebook page and give me a like!

Friday, April 3, 2015

30 Day Personal Challenge, Day 3

I'm really having fun spending evenings in my craft studio and thinking about what project to do next! Last night I made the birdcage from Playful Parlour by SVG Cuts

I used AC Carstock for the entire project. The pieces cut out beautifully on my Sizzix eclips2. I think this will be something I actually keep on a shelf in my livingroom.

My next project will have to be Easter related. I want to make a hostess gift for a egg hunt party that a family member is having. I will also have a post on Easter Sunday, but it will actually be a project I make today or tomorrw. I'm hosting Easter dinner and doubt that crafting will be something I can do til very late on Sunday.

I'm just 3 page likes away from reaching 200 on Facebook! I'll be having a spring theme give away when that magic number is achieved!

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Day 2 of 30 Day Challenge

It is day 2 and I do have another project to share. Today it's from the SVG Cuts Box Cards file.

To make this card I used one full sheet of white AC Cardstock and the the rest of the single colored paper was from scraps. The fun flower paper that is on the inside flaps is from First Edition Paper. The pad is called Spring Drop. It is full of bright happy cardstock! I used two different embossing folders for the outside panels.

Making this card was a double challenge for me. I don't really care for "fussy" projects that force me to make a lot of decisions about what papers to use. I buy the majority of my paper in 12x12 format, so when I have to cut an entire sheet for a small project, it causes me great grief. I thought I would branch out and buy some 6x6 pads for box cards, but the pads I got didn't fit this card. However, I did find this card to be delightful and fun. I'll make another box card before the month is over!

Still trying to get to 200 facebook likes for a spring theme give away. Will you help?

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check in again tomorrow!

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Day 1 of the 30 Day Personal Challenge!

For my first day of the 30 day personal challenge I have completed the beer mug from the Feeling Lucky kit by SVG Cuts.

Feeling Lucky by SVG Cuts

This was suprisingly easy and very fast to put together! Another one for my favorites list!

To put this together I used AC Cardstock for the base and The Guy Stack by DCWV for the panels. I embossed the white panels with a Cricut Cuddlebug folder I've had for a long time. (I will be on the lookout for a more sudsy one though!) This is a great example of how versitile the kits are at SVG Cuts.

As I continue my challenge, I will use it as an opportunity to stockpile some gifts and cards that I will need in the very near future. I'm terrible about starting on projects at the very last minute, or not getting them started at all. I hope this challenge will help me do a better job of planning and executing!

While you're here, be sure to stop by my Facebook page and give it a like! When I get 200 page likes, I'll have a spring theme give away!

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to stop by often (or daily) and see what else I have going on in the craft studio!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

April Personal Challenge

I have been very busy since the craft show making bunnies for Easter. The total tally is 40! But now I'm ready to move on. I have decided to do a 30 personal challenge. I'm going to make a new item each day for the month of April. I will showcase each new project here and on my facebook page. So, be sure to check in often and see what's crafting!

Saturday, January 24, 2015

The Check is in the Mail!

Well, I did it. I committed to a craft show on February 7 at Explorer School in Goddard, KS. I have been busy, busy, busy picking, and cutting and gluing lots of things to take with me. I have a goal to take 100 crafty cre8tions with me to the event. I admit, this takes a lot of planning and a person really has to dig in to get things done! And, I'm proud to say that I'm not neglecting the rest of the house! I have figured out that I can make 6 things each day to meet my goal. So the most time consuming thing is picking the papers.

Pricing items has me a bit puzzled. I had pretty much decided how to price my items, but then my husband said, "you're pricing them at wholesale, and this is retail!" So now I need to involve a third party so I don't end up taking home all my stuff!

Anyway, I'm excited and glad I finally made the commitment!

Stay tuned for the rest of the adventure!

Friday, November 7, 2014

10 Reasons Why I Love SVG Cuts!

Today I got a Facebook post from SVG Cuts alerting that there was a new free design available for download. It just reaffirmed why I love SVG Cuts and have since Easter of 2010.

This was a free file that they offered on 2-27-2010. It is also the day I discovered how wonderful they are! Below is what I made for a class of preschoolers for an Easter take home treat. I had just gotten my Cricut Expression in December, and hadn't really done any crafting like this before. SVG Cuts taught me a lot!

So today I thought I would share 10 reasons why I love SVG Cuts and only cut their kits. Here goes...

1. Free designs. They currently have 318 free designs to download.

2. Great kits! Every kit is carefully designed and tested to assure your crafting experience will be fun and rewarding.

3. Tutorials. All 3D projects have a video tutorial to help you assemble your project. Mary also includes crafty tips and highlights tools to help make crafting more fun and special. Because of her recommendations, I have gone out and purchased several crafty tools!

4. Product reviews. Leo has tested and reviewed all the new cutting machines that can cut SVG files whenever they come to market. His reviews are thorough and unbiased.

5. Customer service. They set the bar high, and deliver the best customer service in the business.

6. Personal interaction with customers. If you have a question, you're going to get an answer from Leo. If you have an issue, you're going to get support from Leo. And if you're lucky, you might just get a "because I wanted to talk to you" phone call from Leo. Not to mention the constant interaction Mary and Leo have with fans on Facebook.

7. Give aways. Lots and lots of chances to win something. Kits,cutting machines, gift cards, crafting tools, paper kits...the list goes on. I'm sure a big Christmas give away is about to be announced.

8. Affiliate program. If you have a website or blog, you can sign up for the affiliate program and earn a commission from every sale your site generates.

9. How to videos. Leo doesn't have to, but he makes videos to show us how to use different features in the Sure Cuts a Lot program/ecal. He has also made videos to show how to download kits to the software for the new Cricut and for Silhouette. These are wonderful value add items that don't generate revenue for them directly, but does have a positive impact on their business in the long run. It's a win/win!

10. Community. They have brought together a wonderful crafty community that can share ideas, and projects. We support one another. We cheer each other on. We cry with each other. We laugh with each other. They have given us a place to make friends with people all over the world, who share our passion for creating. A place to belong.

If you haven't gone to the SVG Cuts website or Facebook page, then I encourage you to look them up and browse their pages for a bit. I think you too will find your own 10 reason to love SVG Cuts!