thealliancetrader design blog

Inkscape Tutorial for creating a frame or border around a saying.

2012-01-25T23:31:00.013-07:00

Many of us like the welded letters and framing around words and sayings and I've been asked how to accomplish this using Inkscape. So I'll try to explain the steps I use to do this.

For this tutorial I'll use the phrase Baby Shower.

After selecting the font you want (this one is Curlz MT)
Path > Object to Path
Object >Ungroup

Use the Arrow Keys to connect letters

In my final version. I enlarged the first letter of each word. (I use the ctrl button to maintain proportion.) I also lengthened the lower serif on the H so it wouldn't be too close to the O.
I used the Edit path by node tool to select the two nodes on the lower serif of the H to extend it and create addtional space between letters

When satisfied with your tweaks, select all the letters
Path > Union
Path > Outset

As you can see, using Outset was too much weight so
Edit > Undo
Zoom in
Path > Dynamic Offset

Using dynamic offset gives one node that can be used to add weight in a more controlled fashion but I usually zoom in to see it better.

Move node by small increments until you're happy with the letters
(save your file)
Path > Object to Path

Now we want to create the frame so
Edit > Duplicate
Change color of duplicate and move.
Select your original image
Path > Dynamic Offset
You can also use Outset and keep selecting it until it has enough weight. I move the duplicate up to see if I like the size of the border.
Once I'm happy with it then
Path > Object to Path

I don't want the extra white spaces in the black frame so I'll edit the nodes and eliminate them.

If you feel ambitious and want an additional layer duplicate the lettering

Path > Outset
Path > Object to Path

Hope this helps those new to Inkscape to create their own special headlines!

By the way this file is here, seventh post!

Hatching in Inkscape...still

2012-01-24T23:57:00.004-07:00

Some techniques are fun to experiment with and the hatching option using the Calligraphy tool allows for a wide variety of effects. I've discussed how to do this technique in a post from May 2011 on Hatching. In the middled samples I've overlayed the two top designs, one using the Tremor option. There is Wiggle, too. Try different settings and play with it. The speed you use drawing over the letter or image will also affect it. In these sample I duplicated my letter and applied union to the lines and used the Difference option to create a different look from my previous samples

2012 Calendar - February

2012-01-23T23:54:00.003-07:00

Well, in the February calendar I experimented with the hatching feature again in Inkscape and will try to post some new examples in using the Calligraphy tool to create a variety of effects.

Balloon Bonanza

2012-01-23T22:39:00.002-07:00

I had an order for several balloons in blue tones...these are in 11", 8" and 4". Won't they be fun in a nursery?! Thought I'd share a few pics...

Life is fragile, Handle with Prayer

2012-01-20T00:41:00.006-07:00

I couldn't settle on one design so made several...zip file available with png files, individual as well as a full page. Files here...

Little Owl and Butterflies Digital Paper Freebie

2012-01-14T00:22:00.005-07:00

I created this image using a wonderful digital paper with owl, butterflies and little hearts. The post is from October 2011 but new to me and such an adorable image! If you want the digital paper follow the link below!

http://erinbradleydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/10/freebie-little-owl-butterflies-digital.html

Another day in paradise

2012-01-13T00:25:00.002-07:00

Well here are a couple of other options for the paradise heading...files in fourth post.

Paradise

2012-01-08T00:44:00.003-07:00

A request for the phrase paradise, incorporated the palm tree in the lettering...in Sayings and Phrases_2

Owl Always Love You

2012-01-06T23:41:00.004-07:00

Well, I haven't done that phrase yet but playing with my swirly owl design so here's another idea...

In these samples below I took my owl in Inkscape and in the Objects > Pattern > Objects to Pattern to create my own custom fill for the letters...whoo doesn't love that!! Whoo Hooo!

And speaking of things I love here is a great link to a printable 2012 calendar for all of you Owl Lovers!

Thinking of You and Memories

2012-01-04T23:26:00.003-07:00

Here are a couple of sayings you might have a use for...files here!

Personalized Balloons

2011-12-29T22:26:00.007-07:00

Just a little twist on the balloons I've posted earlier. I thought it would be fun to personalize them by using the Envelope Deformation in the Path Editor menu. I created a slightly curved band to give me a stopping point for my words. I used a font called Boulder because it's bold typeface and would conform to the shape easier. In order to use the Path Editor you will need to convert it to a path. Then in the Path Menu, as shown in the illustration, you will find the Path Effects Editor near the bottom. Click it open and the Effect menu will appear. There are a variety of options. Make sure you have your word selected and the click open the Envelope Deformation effect. I mainly use the Top Bend Path and Bottom Bend Path. The right and left manipulations can quickly distort the letters. After you are happy with the lettering, select object to path to save your changes before you close the path effects menu.

I do some additional editing and you can tweak some areas to suit. I prefer to edit the end letters with the node editor and shape them to the sides of the balloon. I've also used a variety of the patterns available as a fill for some of the backgrounds.

For some of you this could be a great Print and Cut project. I thought, for others, it could a fun project with kids, too, letting them cut out and paste together their own personalized balloon. I use rubber cement because it gives a little time to align the edges of the balloons.

Have fun!

2012 Calendar - January

2011-12-25T22:23:00.003-07:00

I'm using Inkscape 0.48 feature in the Extensions drop-down menu for creating calendars. It gives you a simple basic start for creating your own custom calendar. You can create a one page calendar for the year or individual months. So, I thought I'd try to have fun and create a different look for each month and play with fonts, shapes and textures. The purple rectangle is created from the Filters drop-down menu under Materials - Enameled Jewelry. I added a variety of rectangles and circles until I was happy with it. So this is first installment for the new year, soon to be here!

Name Game - part 2

2011-12-18T00:28:00.003-07:00

Just a quick visual with some simple options. I used the Boulder font for the background and the line spacing was adjusted to 50% in the top right sample. The next one below the line space is 80%. I think the first one gives a more abstract and less obvious use of the name. The next two samples are the same designs with the background shape of the letter added in black and the text changed to white.

Name Game

2011-12-17T01:36:00.002-07:00

A little more designing using the Path/Intersection feature of Inkscape as described in the last post...here are some ideas to create a personalized look. While these are for towns you could easily do it with someone's name, too.

Subway Art

2011-12-16T23:47:00.005-07:00

Well, I was inspired by some work I've seen for other cities so had to do my own take for our little town. Naturally I did my work in Inkscape. Most of it was just deciding placement and tones. I did decide to overlay a large "a" with the city, state and county names as the background.

In the sample here I've typed the background rotating the city and state. I also kept reducing the size and I adjusted the line spacing to 80% in the text editor. I duplicated about three times and then when I had enough copy for my "a" I selected Object to Path and Union to make them one unit. The "a" as you can see I set translucent enough to play with my placement then I, strangely enough had to Ungroup it in order to convert it with Object to Path. After both elements were path I selected both and using the Intersection feature in the Path menu.

Not sure why a couple of letters dropped out of the design...but not too hard to fill in...give it a try!

Whoo Loves Swirls?

2011-12-08T22:34:00.006-07:00

I was at Inkscape Cutting Design and saw Carolyn's tutorial on making shapes with spiral so it inspired me to create some swirl patterns and make these owl designs I'm sure there will be more to come!

Hanging Balloon Mobiles and Pink Star set

2011-11-23T21:59:00.004-07:00

After receiving a request, it got me in gear to finally put these together. I used a purse handle for the framework and some gold-colored thread for hanging.

Another layered star set...

Faux Door Knob Plate

2011-11-17T22:36:00.007-07:00

I noticed in someone's home a door knob plate had been added to a bedroom door complete with skeleton key hole and it seemed to add a simple charming touch so it sparked the idea for this file (doesn't take much for me!) so perhaps this will give you some fun ideas to run with, too!

The sample on the left is the basic shape (minus the monogram) provided in my zip file, one with the keyhole and one without. The rectangular sample was something I did in Inkscape just to inspire some other options.

After cutting samples, I embossed them with my Cuttlebug and then added a bronze ink.

I wanted to use one in my office on the outside of the bathroom door in the so I took the door knob off, found the center of my paper and decided approximately where I wanted to put it. I held the sample to the hole on the door so I could poke the in the center (with my screwdriver) then slipped it over the knob hardware and pressed it gently to get an impression for the area to be cut away. The size of my plate is 3 1/2" x 9". I glue it on with rubber cement.

It could be fun to make a space just for an initial or name at the bottom, too. Have fun! The link is here!

Onsie Favor Box - modified

2011-10-20T00:07:00.004-06:00

This design was based on a request a few months ago. I was asked about creating a larger base approximately 2 inch square for extra goodies. I found the mini size paper cups worked well.

The file is now available where the other onsies are located. You'll have to scroll down to the last post for it which is about the thirteenth. File link here!

Teo shared a photo of hers which is included and I love seeing pics so please send them along! Thanks, Teo!

The little flowers are from a Martha Stewart punch.
It makes it easy to utilize my paper and be all matchy-matchy!
I squeezed 2 up by using the "keep proportions" box and setting the height to 10.8" in my scal program.

Teo's onsies are below. She emailed and told me she made fifty! She said, "They were the perfect size for 4 pieces of Fannie Mae Mint Meltaways in their own little paper cups, and they were a big hit!"

Layered Dimensional Stars

2011-10-03T20:07:00.008-06:00

These sets show some possibilities for layering stars for a fun and unique look! Some are full stars layered and some are cutouts which allow the paper underneath to show through. Doing that extends the use of your paper.

I have found I prefer to separately fold the layers instead of gluing them and then doing one fold. One advantage is that you can move your elements around until your happy with the look. Another is that if you have not glued the star on centered correctly, that will show up when you go to folding it...so I glue at the end when I've chose placements of colors...hope this will inspire you to create some fun color and pattern combinations!

An earlier post show how to fold the stars for a more dimensional looks check my "stars" Label to find those posts...have fun!

Pretty as a Peacock...the continuing story.

2011-09-30T19:49:00.006-06:00

This file is inspired by a beautiful piece of art in our local Curiosity Shop at The Alliance Trader building. We bought this piece over a year ago and many, many admirers have wanted it. I shared it last year on my other blog, Designs by Laura.

http://designsbylkc.blogspot.com/2010/10/pretty-as-peacock.html

My frequent response when asked if it's for sale is, "No, but you have excellent taste! And you may come visit it anytime we're open and you're in town!

More than one has examined it and taken pictures in a desire to recreate this piece which was made from Shasta soda pop cans.

So, it was my inspiration for this fun and comparitively simple design. It's a 3 part layered design and I think I will have fun playing with it and I hope you do, too! The file is here.

The additional photos are provided for the artistic folks who have come into our shop and want to try and make something similar. It's an ambitious project and I hope they will share pics!

The body has some depth to it. From what I can see it appears to be some wood pieces shaped and attached to the main piece of wood. The depth does add to the beauty and realism of the bird.

This was one of the "feathers" which was nailed on. Some are longer, some shorter...hope this helps those who are taking this project on!

Little Butterflies and Inspirational Girls

2011-09-10T21:41:00.006-06:00

I have a new display in our Curioity Shop at The Alliance Trader. I've been filling some beautiful little bottles with bath salts and thought it would be fun to incorporate some little butterflies from the files I've shared earlier. I also thought it would be a nice option to present some Inspirational Girls along with the bath salt containers. Perhaps it will give you some ideas...and if you missed the previous blog posts, the girls can be found here and the butterflies here!

This great dessert glass is perfect for some bath salts and a bath scrunchie. I threw in the straw for effect! What a fun way to give a bath treat...just don't eat it!
Here is a vintage beauty!

The bath salts are scented with either lavender or eucalyptus so the shop is smelling especially fragrant, too!

More Origami Money Folding

2011-08-13T23:39:00.004-06:00

So, I had a request to do a flying dragon with a $5o dollar bill for a donation presentation so thought it would be fun to show it with the regular dollar bill version. Also have a couple of other folds I've done.

Notice the doggie eye and mouth in photo above!

The fifty is on the right side.

A quarter nestled in a heart-shaped dollar bill.

Dollar Bill Origami

2011-08-10T00:06:00.005-06:00

Well, for those who try to follow my blog...my apologies for the lack of posting. We have been swamped with a new furniture consignment shop and our own Curiosity Shop next door to it. So these little projects seemed fitting for our Curiosity Shop. I had a call requesting a dragon and frog out of a dollar bill so that led to a few new folds for me and I threw in some earlier ones, too.

Do a Dollar Bill Origami search to find some great artists out there!
Maybe this will inspire you to explore this unique artistic expression!

I call this one shirt 'n chaps. One dollar for the shirt and one for the chaps.

Frog
Cancer Ribbon
Flying Dragon (isn't he a cutie?!)

Bats!

Shirt Gift Card Holder

2011-06-13T23:27:00.016-06:00

So I was browsing Stetler Arts blog and saw an adorable shirt card design she shared. I love origami and so I thought it would be fun to do a little tweak to make the shirt a gift card holder and let it be the card rather than attach it to another piece of paper...so I will show the steps here. The beauty is you completely use your scrapbook paper.

Cut your paper in half to 6"x12

Fold in half.

Unfold and fold both sides to center as shown.

Fold the top out as shown...this will create the sleeves. I used the envelope as a guide to see how large to create the sleeves. It is approximately 2 1/4" from the top.

Turn over and fold the bottom up for the collar. Mine is about 3/4".

Turn over again and fold collar toward center as shown.

Fold so that the shirt body tucks under the collar and crease the bottom.

Fold the bottom up about an inch.

Open up and you will have to reverse to of the folds to creat an accordian effect...

it should look like this. I like to glue the back flap of the accordian fold to create more stability.

I will add three buttons.

The back looks like this.

Tuck in a note with a gift card, check or cash!

Birdie Bride and Groom

2011-06-13T00:58:00.004-06:00

A request for a bird silhouette with a veil prompted this little file, figured she need a partner...tweet, tweet!
File is here, seventh post.

Doggie and Kitty Cup Card Design

2011-06-12T08:34:00.003-06:00

I thought I posted these somewhere but I couldn't find them so I will show some pics of this design similar to the cup cards but perfect for a little special pet in your life. They are great for a little treat or gift card for a pet store or your favorite dog groomer, etc. The bands are cut from the edges of the paper and I used small die cuts for the circles and flowers on the band though you could add your favorite accents.

I have not offered these files before and if you are a member of our forum (of course, free to register!) you can purchase them for $1. They are a lot of fun and there are fun pet themed papers that are perfect for these! The offer is here. I'm also offering two other designs including my bistro set and a friends card.

Our "forum" is not so much a place to chat as it is a place for all my design files as well as a place for buying and selling of general merchandise in the Nebraska panhandle but if you are a member of the hobby forum please feel free to post comments and or links for your own blog(s) or if you've used any of my designs you are welcome to post them as well! I love pics!

And thanks to those who have shared the work and links to my files on their blogs! Happy Crafting!

Balloon Brigade

2011-05-30T09:28:00.009-06:00

I've been filling some balloon orders so it got me in a cutting mode to get some fresh ones done (I need more star sets, too, but that's another matter). But it's always fun to see what mixing and matching will create for fun balloon designs. I have been putting them on the wall but a few I have added a cotton string to hang from the ceiling or take a bamboo skewer and wrap your balloon around it to insert them into an arrangement. Smaller balloons would be cute in a card as a pop-up design or on the front! You might find other uses as well.

In the photo above I cut a page of smaller balloons in a variety of sizes just to be flat silhouettes on a wall or table.

Have fun and cheer up a room with this simple file...in case you missed it the first time I posted it the file is here.
Let your imagination soar! Happy Cutting!

Text on a circle in Inkscape

2011-05-24T08:08:00.023-06:00

Putting text on a arch or arc, on or in a circle is often asked so I will share some ways to accomplish this in Inkscape. I've used this method in 0.46 as well 0.48. I will assume you know very little about Inkscape, so you may want to skip through some of the explanations.

From the sidebar menu select the circle tool
and draw a circle. If you want it perfectly round use the control button. Then select the Text tool.

and type your copy. While in the text mode check the tool bar above and select "Align center".

You should have two elements like this...

Select both items and go to the Text drop down menu and select Put on Path.

Click twice on the circle only to get the rotating handles as shown, then use the control key and mouse to move it to the top.

If you want the words at the bottom, select your circle and go to the icon above that will say "flip selected objects horizontally" when you mouse over it, select it and your text will flip over.

The next step is to click on your circle to get the rotating handles as shown here. I grab it and use the control button to turn the text to the bottom. Using the control keys moves it in controlled segments so it's easy to see when you have rotated 90 degrees (you will see the degree of movement at the bottom of your screen in Inkscape) though you can turn without using the control key, too.

The second way to move the text (and you won't believe how easy it is!) is to simply grab the center arrow as higlighted here by the "E" and just pull it down. The only downside to this method is the integrity of your circle but it allows you to creat an oval shape, too.

You may also resize your circle for different effects and you can also adjust the size of your copy. Double click on it or use the text tool, then highlight and type in a new size until you like what you have.

You can also increase or decrease your space between the letters using the alt key and the right and left arrow keys. The arrow keys also allow you to move back and forth between the letters.

Moving the circle allows you to create an oval if you prefer...once you learn to use this feature you will find it to be a real time saver.

To save the image for cutting purposes, I like to ctrl + d to duplicate the text, from the Path menu, select Object to Path and then follow the steps below...

In the same menu, select Break Apart

Now we need the hole back in the R so select both parts of the R and use the Difference

Now select all of the elements, and apply Union. Happy Cutting!

Inkscape 0.48 Illustrator's Cookbook Review

2011-05-23T22:51:00.004-06:00

For the past few weeks, I have been trying out the "recipes" from the Inkscape 0.48 Illustrator's Cookbook. It guides you through using basic features of this open source drawing program as well as more complex applications for vector graphics. I've learned about many features that inspire creativity and ways to achieve more complex designs by combining what you learn regarding layers, editing colors, using the shape tools, manipulating text and cloning, to name a few. A number of illustrations are included to help you see what effects can be achieved for each graphic.

After stepping through the basics, they explain how each feature works and how you can expand your use of it. One of my favorite menus is the SVG Filters. There are many preset designs that allow you to create many fun, professional and unique design effects as well as customizing them for your projects.

My only critique- some directions aren't complete enough. For instance, on page 30 the directions for "text on a path" present simplified instructions which may get you through the upper text, however, people often ask how to reverse the direction of the text (like ILLUSTRATOR'S COOKBOOK as shown in my sample above) and the recipe is missing a few ingredients so it won't give the results illustrated without a few extra steps. Occasionally some directions didn't work for me like the Shift + R to reverse the path direction. Could be a bug or (gasp) user error.

Like any good cookbook, I've got some favorite recipes marked that I will use again and again. I would recommend this book for both the beginner and experienced user. There are many features that simplify the design process.

There is a pdf version of the Inkscape 0.48 Illustrator's Cookbook available which is convenient to have right on the computer but honestly, for me, there is nothing better than a real book in my hands. Either version (or better yet, both!) will be worthwhile to your Inkscape design experience as you create your own design "recipes".

I have been a long time fan of Inkscape and was delighted to review this book. I am in no way affiliated with the publishers or authors of this book, just a user of a great program available free to all! The book is available here . Thanks for visiting!

Connect the dots!

2011-05-16T00:42:00.005-06:00

How fun is it to create your own special connect the dots image! Inkscape makes it easy. I'll show you this "recipe" from page 163 of the Inkscape 0.48 Illustrator's Cookbook.

I'm having a blast trying out some of the features and this is an easy one! You could try it with a simple svg file. I used the silhouette of my dad but for this purpose I eliminated some of the from my original file for this project. Also you may see areas where you want to add nodes. I just open the node edit tool from the side bar (the second tool) and then I double click where I want to add nodes. Or if there may be too many and you may want to delete or move a few.

My image is selected in the node edit mode as shown, then I go to the Extensions drop down menu, follow the arrow for Visualize Path and select Number Nodes

I selected "Live Preview" so I can see how it looks. You can change the size of the font and the dots. Type in a different size to change. My samples changed automatically, if not, press Enter. You can continue to tweak it until it looks right for your project, select Apply. You will notice in my two samples they are different sizes. I need smaller ones for the second design.

The only problem I noticed was the first and the last dot numbers land on top of each other in my second sample so after I created my image I ungrouped it to move my overlapping numbers. I haven't printed one yet but will do so soon.

Have fun!

Congrats! Congrads! Editing text in Inkscape 0.48

2011-05-13T21:37:00.008-06:00

I was practicing editing text in Inkscape 0.48 and wanted to share the end results as well as sharing how to move text around easily.

The samples below show the text after moving it either closer, up and down or rotated.

The only rotation I did is on the bold red text and just the "C" and the exclamation are rotated. To do that, I select the text tool and type my copy. I use the arrow button to get over to the front of the letter I want to rotate and use alt key and [ to rotate counterclockwise and alt and ] to rotate clockwise. You will notice the letter seems to high and you will want to lower it so to move the text vertically (raise or lower)use the alt and arrow keys up or down. To move the text horizontally (closer or further apart) use the alt key and the arrow keys right or left.

The main advantage to doing this in the text mode is that you are able to save the spacing and try different fonts. I like to duplicate and have several on the page to see how I like them and in the samples below I decided to use several styles. When changing fonts it may need some additional adjusting to get the letters touching depending on the weight and style of the font.

When saving to create a cuttable svg file...you need to change to go the the Path menu and select Object to Path. It will then show your line of text as a group (in status bar at bottom of the page) so then go to Object menu and Ungroup. Then back to the Path menu and use Break Apart. If you have letters with a center like o,p, d, a, etc., it will turn solid and you will have to draw around a box around the two parts of that letter with your select tool (the arrow) and in the the Path menu select Difference and the hole will be restored.

(If the letter disappears, select Undo from the Edit menu. Go to the letter and select it again only the large part of the letter, hit the end button or go to the object menu and click on Lower to bottom then select the two parts again select Difference and the letter with its center should appear correctly).

After working with the letters, I select the whole line and in the Path menu select Union.

It may look unnecessary to do the break apart, difference and union because fter ungrouping, it looks like you should just be able to select union...but often importing into scal it will displace parts of the lettering so the extra steps seem to correct this. Occasionally there may still be a letter that doesn't look right. I'll go back again and select the whole line and try Union again. That does seem to be a snafu with 0.48 compared to earlier versions of Ink. If you have any trouble with these files please let me know!

The picture below includes my words with an svg from Sandy on the scal (Sure Cuts a Lot) forum. She drew the graphic with the grad hat and balloons...that file is available here!
There is another version she created in that post, too! Thank you Sandy!

File is here!

You will find both Congrats! and Congrads!

Congratulations if you survived reading this post!

Baby

2011-05-10T22:50:00.003-06:00

BABY on a curve

In Sayings and Phrases (eighth post)

Star in a star

2011-05-10T22:01:00.004-06:00

A file from playing with the star tool in Inkscape 0.48. I did do some editing but it gave me an easy start to create this design.

File here (4th post)

Inkscape 0.48 Illustrator's Cookbook - Star tool

2011-05-09T20:53:00.010-06:00

So, I have been perusing the Inkscape 0.48 Illustrator's Cookbook which presents a number of fun design "recipes" but the ease and diversity of this tool will keep you mesmerized and feeling like a real artist. I decided to keep the files in black and white so the focus could be more on the variety of design options. Once you start it will be hard to stop!

If you are interested in this book you can find it here along with a link for a sample chapter to download at the top of the page. I will be sharing more as I try different tools from this book. And while there is a pdf version available I love having a real book in my hands so I have it at my side for easy reference. The side bar is where you can find the star tool and the shot below shows options that will appear at the top of the page. You can adjust how many corners you use. My samples range from four to six corners. As you click on some of the other options you will see your image change. Spoke ratio and Rounded will keep more symmetry to your drawings but using the Randomized will give it wildly different looks. It's all quick and easy!

TIP - You can reset your star by clicking on the paintbrush icon next to the Randomized button (thanks gj1 for pointing that out).

You can also change your image by grabbing the one of the two nodes and moving them around...it's a blast! You can also try holding the control key while dragging the nodes. It will bring out the Picasso in you!

More hatching...

2011-05-04T22:29:00.004-06:00

I will move on...but I wasn't done playing!

Hatching Over a Photo or Image in Inkscape 0.48

2011-05-02T21:50:00.010-06:00

I'm working my way through some of the "recipes" in the Inkscape 0.48 Illustrator's Cookbook so I was attracted to the potential with the Hatching Technique, something I used to do by hand with pen and ink.

Import an image with high contrast to get the best results. My samples here include a black silhouette and some butterflies I had previously applied a pretty marble effect. The screen shot below shows the settings used. The lowest red circle on the left indicates where to find the Calligrapy tool and the other settings will appear at the top. First, you will need to open the drop-down menu and select "Tracing" and then you will set the Width which will vary depending on the effect you desire. In the samples here, I varied it from 1, 10 and 20. The Caps is set at 1.5 and the Mass at 6.

I'm really only stepping through the first part of the instructions. Width set a "1" here. In this sample I did a number of short strokes in several directions to create a stronger silhouette. Moving the photo away would let me see if I had enough detail. You can put it on a separate layer from your hatching and hide it, too.
The thin lines outside the image show where I started drawing...as you go over the image the line thickens to produce the effects shown. Width set at "10" here.

After you draw the first line, you can hold the control button and see a small circle tracking across the line you've just made and it will follow the previous line to help you space your lines...well at least that's what the book said. I didn't find it was always willing to cooperate so you may prefer to take your chances and freehand it. You can edit each line and delete nodes and rotate to make adjustments in your drawing. There are additional instructions on using the Tweak tool but I found it a little tedious. However, having said that, compared to drawing by hand, it's definitely a feature I enjoyed using and will work with more. Width on this image is set at "20".

Some of the irregularity in the strokes of the butterfly is likely due to the color variations in the marble effect I was tracing over but it gives and opportunity to create a stylized look that can be used for a variety of projects. In the last picture I have grouped all my lines, duplicated them, change color and size and softened them by adjusting the opacity level so they were more translucent.

Give it a try and have fun!

Inkscape 0.48 Illustrator's Cookbook

2011-04-30T15:55:00.007-06:00

I have been given an opportunity to read and review the Inkscape 0.48 Illustrator's Cookbook. I am delighted as it has been my favorite drawing program to date and as an open source program is also free. Bonus!

So, as I have done with earlier versions of Inkscape, I will try to share some of the features I find useful in my design work as I learn to navigate and use it more efficiently myself and hope it will inspire some of you to play with the features of this great software.

The book is designed to highlight some of the illustrator tools it has available giving you the recipe for creating your own designs! It will help on a basic and more advanced level to create and editing objects, editing colors, working with patterns, cloning and paths and more. I look forward to sharing it with you.

Like many recipes, we may find we add or delete some things to suit our taste. It may also help you feel less intimidated. In my first project I will share, I won't go through the whole "recipe" but I hope the exploration of Inkscape 0.48 will let you enjoy it's many design tools.

To read more about this book you may can check out this overview...you can even download a sample chapter here.

To the Moon!

2011-04-13T23:01:00.004-06:00

Having a little fun with these files...thought it might be fun to incorporate a silhouette to customize it, too, so I used the one I had done of my dad but think of the possiblities! Hope this inspires some fun ideas for you! File link is here!

Up, Up and Away....

2011-03-25T00:00:00.008-06:00

in my beautiful, my beautiful ballooooon! As a public service, I'll spare you my YouTube version but I will share this fun file and some ideas in using it. I've created two variations on the balloon but also have made a 3d version by adhering six sections folded in half and glued. You could do just three but I liked the fuller version better. I've used adhesive putty to attach to the wall but you could add a ribbon in the center and glue together completely and hang it from the ceiling, too!

File here!

Bear on Rocking Horse

2011-03-24T16:29:00.003-06:00

This is a design converted from an adorable stencil book I've kept forever. It is for personal use only...enjoy! Link here...

Butterflies...

2011-03-12T01:16:00.005-07:00

As per a request, I've done a layout with butterflies on an 8 1/2"x11" format. I also have a couple of samples of butterflies done using some of the filters in Inkscape .48 and the Clip feature in the Object drop-down menu. They make it easy to create a variety of custom designs to suit your needs with the filter options. For those using the Print and Cut techniques, it's great for that too! If you want the svg and png files it's here.

3d Mother of Pearl

More Kusudama flowers...

2011-02-21T22:13:00.006-07:00

Well, I did indicate I was obsessing a bit with these so I'm sharing a few more I've done. The size ranges from 12x12" to 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" petals. I can picture a ceiling area with large flowers dangling at different heights...wouldn't that be fun?!

With the amazing array of scrapbook papers, the design schemes can be endless!

For size reference, these are sitting on a business card. I think they would be great for earrings. I've attached a Martha Stewart Dimensional Pearl Sticker in the centers.

The large one hanging from the ceiling.

Kusudama Flowers

2011-02-20T10:24:00.010-07:00

I have a current obsession and it's this beautiful flower design. These are five individual petals I folded from either a six or three inch square of paper. Of course you can do any size square, I was just maximizing my scrapbooking paper. I will refer you to a wonderful tutorial here, (no point reinventing the wheel). It's simple but elegant. I chose to use some coordinating papers but they are beautiful in all the same paper, too. Have fun!

and the greatest of these is Love

2011-02-19T14:28:00.003-07:00

Just a little wall art piece or a sweet saying for a card. The beautiful font is called Lavishly Yours...thanks for stopping by. The download is here,
sixth post.

Word Art & more

2011-02-05T23:23:00.005-07:00

So, I've been playing in this great web site called ImageChef.com and you'll find all kinds of fun and creative things to do...so here is a shout out to the many prolific and helpful posters on the scal(Sure Cuts a Lot) forum!

We banter and tease but we are there to share and learn...
but some days you may get more of one than the other
(I won't name names...we know who we are...*smile*)

ImageChef.com Poetry Blender

Some additional things I've done there are these...and you can make your own. As you see I've created cutouts of the images. You'll find lots to do...check it out! Click on the square images to go directly to the site!

Name Art

2011-02-01T10:31:00.011-07:00

I'm having such fun with this font and wanted to show some ideas to customize with names and using digital patterns for a fun look. I used some designs I bought from a fellow designer on Etsy, martora is the shop name, and she has some wonderful digi pages!
I'm using the name of the great-neice, Miya and the font is called Misirlou Day. I overlap the letters and add a little thickness but I love fonts like this that are chunky...great for photos as shown in my previous post but also patterns. Of course, you can beautiful scrapbook paper on your Cricut but here I did some digital imaging in Inkscape. I took the letters and converted them under the "Path" menu "Object to path' and then 'Break apart'. That allowed me to take the middle of the letter out and overlay any design (I also went to the "Object" menu and selected 'Raise to Top' and I decrease the color of the fill so I can overlay it on the design and decide which part I want to use (the same process I use with a photo).

By the way, I used Import under the File menu to bring the digital files I wanted into Inkscape and the sized them for my project...

After I've decided I select the pattern and the letter and go to the "Object" menu and select 'Clip', 'Set' and that will give me just the part I want to use for my letter...pretty easy. I'm using Inkscape 0.46 so I don't know if there is any variance from this menu in the newer versions but for more ideas or questions, join us at the Inkscape Cutting Design forum!

Wouldn't this be a sweet notecard? Put it on the front of some cardstock and make a post-it note holder!

Make a custom bookmark or card set or header for a scrapbooking page. I think it could be a fun way to display a child's art too. Take a picture of it and then clip part of it in the name...well I hope this will give a little inspiration! Off to play...

Baby Word Book

2011-01-31T17:38:00.008-07:00

This is a fun little word book...I think it would great to cut photos in the shape of each of the letters, too!

File here...second post!

Here are some other fun options with this great font which is called Misirlou Day in my font lineup.

This file is another idea incorporating the name...it's in the same link that is posted. Have fun!

Lazy Quilters Series - Part 2

2011-01-26T22:26:00.002-07:00

This ribbon style design is easily changed by rotating it 45 degrees as shown in the sample...isn't it fun how easily a design can change! Again, one of my favorite color combos is used here...enjoy

Here's is an option using the design as a corner or border design...In keeping with my Lazy Quilter theme I felt it was eaier to keep the main piece as a whole unit and add in the small boxes to create the checkerboard...the bonus is that that design without the boxes has an asian flair to me so could serve other design schemes, too!

In these sample I show some additional options for variations...

I hope you have fun with this design! The link to the files are here

Saying with quilt background

2011-01-06T23:52:00.005-07:00

I will be providing some svg files related to quilting and sewing themes but in the meantime here's an image to print if you like...

Lazy Quilter's Series - Part 1 - continued

2011-01-05T22:57:00.006-07:00

I finally have the svg files ready to post and additional paper samples
and I'll show the two files I'm providing. In the first sample these two pieces comprise the design and are repeated four times and rotated as shown in the samples cut. The design above shows an alternative look by spacing the pieces rather than butting them up to one another as you would normally.

In this file only one of the shapes in each square is cut in it's entirety (after all, it is called the Lazy Quilter's Series for a reason)! As my samples will show I lay the square on another paper color and cut two different blue papers and play with the colors and including turning it to the back which is just white.It allows for a lot of variations.

Play and have fun! File is HERE!

Lazy Quilter's Series - Part 1

2010-12-27T19:57:00.009-07:00

Let me make a disclaimer right now. I'm not a quilter and have no intention of becoming one but I do admire the variety of amazing and beautiful quilt work I've seen over the years and there are some designs that I think would be great fun to cut in paper...so I thought I could present my Lazy Quilters series...I hope to post the svg files soon but thought I'd share a couple of designs I really like. And since I love the combo of red, white and black I played with a few different combos with that color scheme.

This design was called Tumbleweed and in the sample below I've just spaced the pieces a little further apart for a little different look.

I also thought it could be fun to create a special card for a quilter, too! In this sample I've overlaid a smaller pattern over the larger one in the center.

Paper Lanterns

2010-12-05T11:50:00.004-07:00

A request led to creating a simple paper lantern but then it led to offering a couple of additional ideas and options. By extending the top it allows a place to add a phrase, saying or name(s).

I've lined the one on the left which is very pretty too...also a great opportunity for your double-sided paper.

I'm also including a scut file that has the smaller version that is perfect for a battery operated tea light. Charming and fun...what a cute way to create table markers with individual names, too! Or give a personalized gift. The Stencil or Steamer font is ideal. If you don't want to crease it, you can gently push the ends together to create a softer rounded effect.

The zip file has several files including some scut files. I've created an optional scalloped top and have a file with the word Welcome included. All were done in Scal 1 so it should be compatible with both versions. File link here!

Sorry I haven't posted more lately...

2010-11-22T23:42:00.004-07:00

I've been busy with other projects...recycling t-shirts and ties and a few other things as shown below...more pics of this character on my other blog
Recycling on a whole new level
...I'm trying to decide on a name for her...any suggestions?

Mini mini cup cards!

2010-11-03T22:45:00.005-06:00

Just a little idea...emphasis on LITTLE! Well you might be able to put an Andes candy in these but not much else! However, I thought it would be a fun little bookmark or you could put a small magnet on the back, too. I also put one on a pencil. I used these as Thank You for my little Etsy store and to promote the name of my shop LKC Design. So, I created a background of copy (about 10 point size) and did a repeat of my shop name but you could put anything on it. I printed it out on the printer and then cut it on the Cricut to line the inside of the cups. It could have Thank you, Thinking of You, I love you a latte, Expresso Yourself, Java Nice Day, it's a fun little desisn...happy cutting!

Follow the Coffee Cup and Sayings link in my sidebar for this cute cup file! Thanks for stopping in!

Blog Candy!

2010-10-14T01:15:00.001-06:00

Get it while you can!
Going Buggy!

Check out the goodies!
Thanks Enfys!

Fight Like A Girl

2010-10-09T01:01:00.004-06:00

This image designed for Breast Cancer Awareness is one of my favorites and I have colorized and made into a laminated bookmark and I thought I would share the link for it so others who might want to use it can find it.

Whimsie Doodles

In addition to this are two others called "Faith Fights" and "Chance Fights" which are for children fighting cancer.

It's a way to acknowledge and support those in the battle of their life.

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month I thought it would be an appropriate time to share this.

Blog Award

2010-09-22T15:05:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Carolyn at Cutting Time for this sweet blog award! Her blog is a great place to learn the ins and outs of Inkscape with many tutorials available highlighting its many features.

She said I had a "quirky sense of humour" and I'm always delighted when it transcends the miles. Some things really are universal!

So, after thanking the giver and displaying the award as shown, I am to tell three things I love and post a favorite picture. (I'm trying to do this before I forget since I dropped the ball, the last time I received a kind blog award).

Well, the picture was easy...this is my current computer background because seeing those two faces of my nieces just make me smile!

Now, what do I love? So much to choose from but in the framework of crafting and design, my current love is working with paper and seeing what others do with paper.

Designing new files is also something I love to do which is why I've gotten better acquainted with Inkscape, a favorite (and free) drawing program.

I also love seeing and making things that are recycled and upcycled and given a different lease on life from what it was originally intended.

So now to pass this on to other bloggers...ooooh the choices.

http://freescrapbookingsupplies.blogspot.com/
This site gives lots of inspiring clip art and layout designs and kits...fun to explore!
http://jennyscraftycreations.blogspot.com/
Jenny's blog is rather new but she's been a frequent contributor on the scal forum and I think it's great for her to have a place for her many pretty files.
http://going-buggy.blogspot.com/
I subscribe to this blog so I regularly see her creations as well as read some of the funny stories from her travels and wildlife encounters...
http://imagesbyheatherm.wordpress.com/
Heather, of course, has been a big help on a number of forums giving valuable information in understanding how to use various software programs. Aside from that she has created tons of files and fixed many for others, too! Thanks for your all your hard work!
http://extremecards.blogspot.com/
I love the creative work on this site!

I'm batty for you...

2010-09-21T18:28:00.005-06:00

Same name, different blog! Bats have been on my radar since my husband was bitten September 1 so I thought I would use the experience as a creative outlet. I created an origami bat so now I have a cut file to share...files here! (sixth post)

Here's a link to an article about his experience...if you're interested.

These boots are made for walking...

2010-09-16T01:17:00.006-06:00

Okay...the title may be misleading. I don't have any boots here though there is a great pair on the Inkscape Cutting Design forum but it did inspire me to create this file from a picture on a old album my mom had when I was growing up. I did a charcoal drawing based on this picture as well when I was a teenager...I loved the light and dark contrast in that photo of her and had to post a svg file as well! Link Here!(keep scrolling...you'll find it!)

Giveaway!

2010-09-16T01:09:00.003-06:00

I'm having a lot of fun making the cup cards and decided this would be a great time to do a giveaway...so click this link in the upper right corner of my blog for details!

And thanks for visiting my blog!

Mini Cup Cards

2010-09-08T23:33:00.004-06:00

I had a request for a smaller version for a gift card so this file allows for cutting four on a 12x12 mat. Same design as previous post but I've provided a scut file as well as the svg files for this.

Just right for a tea bag, Emergen-C packet or gift card. Someone suggested a mini candy cane which would be great with some peppermint tea! Add a business card, too, and use as a special little thank you gift! Go to Coffee Cup and Sayings link in sidebar or link in the last post.

Cup Card

2010-09-06T21:39:00.009-06:00

Here's my version of a cup card based on a similar design I've done some time back but this one is designed to hold items...it could be tea bags, apple cider, hot cocoa, gourmet specialty coffee servings or a cup-a-soup package along with a spoon. You could include a gift card to a favorite coffee spot!
File link here! (11th post)
In my side bar you can follow the Coffee Cup and Sayings link, too!

This pic shows how I use the leftover paper for the coordinating bands and bookmarks.

The rest I cut 1" squares and flower with punches I have so it all gets used up! I use a corner rounder on the bookmarks, punch a hole and run some curling ribbon through.

I also used my Cuttlebug embosser to create texture...I love the swirl design. On several I cut a liner in a complementary paper.

Along with the svg I've also included a scut file so you will have the exact size I've cut these at since it's a suitable size for larger pouches like the soup and cocoa. It is a larger size so if you plan to mail it you will need the 6"x9" envelopes.

It has a lot of uses for a thank you, thinking of you or just because kind of gift!

Enjoy and make someone happy!

I'm puzzled...

2010-08-31T08:53:00.003-06:00

Here are some images that you might want to cut...there is a separate file provide for the two on the left but if you have scal2 you will be able to easily separate the four in the main file. Link Here!

A Pink Elephant...

2010-08-30T23:47:00.002-06:00

just what you need! Another adorable elephant...link here (fifth post).

I've got a friend...

2010-08-28T09:50:00.004-06:00

I posted a friends file similar to this one some time back but decided to change it up a little and play with it so here are two of my latest cards.

The little flowers are from a Martha Stewart punch and it's perfect for getting the most out of my papers after I've cut other images. The friends wording is a font called Doodle Love Letters. I've tweaked them a little and joined them for easy cutting.

just a little elephant

2010-08-24T22:07:00.003-06:00

I have this fun little elephant inspired by a beautiful little stone one I have.

File here!

Bistro Set

2010-08-02T22:52:00.006-06:00

This is a case of art imitating life...on my other blog I posted an easy awning design with a picture from my shop and decided I should create a bisto set to cut on the cricut...it is available for $3.50. I have a link on for it in my sidebar. (Paypal will accept credit cards...you don't need an account.)

It's a fun little set...I show it with an optional signs to
personalize but seem to prefer it without them.

In some of the designs I used some scenic wallpaper
behind window panes to create additional depth.

Flamingo Outline

2010-07-28T09:14:00.004-06:00

This kind of looks like a paper clip gone awry! But I think I can have fun with this file...hope you do, too! Link here (3rd post)

I'm fine...really

2010-07-21T10:08:00.006-06:00

Ever have on of those days? Perhaps it feels like one of the those lives?!
I have a flamingo collection and thought I should finally get around to designing a few...the saying I've included with this will be provided as it's own file as well so you can use it with other images. I have it on a mug with a cow on it's back and feet straight up...may have to create a similar cut image of that, too!

At any rate here's my first silly flamingo...in case you can't tell that's what it is! I have the small white part of the eyes and beak included but it is easier to just put a scrap piece of white paper behind the black outline for those elements. The small colored eye parts are a little tricky getting just right but they do add some dimension to the eyes.

Sorry for the delay in posting the file, (second post)...link here!

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

2010-07-11T20:27:00.004-06:00

One of my favorite songs and a fun phrase so I thought it would be fun to combine with my previous dancer files I posted...the first one is the saying and the second one I thought could be a bookmark or a pendant with earrings. File is here with the earlier dance post in case some missed them and want to use them.

More ideas for the dimensional star

2010-07-11T19:59:00.003-06:00

Just a couple of quick ideas for the dimensional star file in the previous post...

A frame...

or a wreath...

Dimensional star

2010-06-30T23:24:00.009-06:00

Here is a simple design that can be cut with two contrast paper to create a dimensional look or you can also score line to fold it for a 3d effect

This file provides the template for easy scoring and folding!

This file gives the option to create the dimension with contrasting papers which can also be done dimensionally as well. Could be used with an Americana or primitive decor, too! File is here!

Dragonflies and more butteflies

2010-06-22T00:17:00.007-06:00

I had a request for a group of dragonflies so I worked on this today and thought I'd share the file with any who want the dragonfly page set up...the photo shows all the dragonflies from one sheet...file is here!

You can use a removable adhesive putty to easily apply and move these around or add to a gift box, too! I found some at local stores with glues and adhesives...Kmart had a blue putty, don't recall the brand and Scotch makes an off-white putty. I roll it in a small ball and attach to the upper body. It takes very little to hold them in place. I also added some embossing with the small swiss dots.

And here is another butterfly set...I reversed some since I was using two-sided paper though some designs aren't worth reversing, I really like the variety on this paper. As of 7/6/10 I just posted the scut file set up on 12x12 format...same link as dragonflies above!

Butterflies Flutter By

2010-06-17T23:28:00.007-06:00

Just wanted to share an easy and fun way to dress up a wall and create a little whimsy...these butterfly clusters we're all cut from a single sheet of paper, scored fold line on either side of the body and used my cricut bone folder to gently create a little curl on the butterfly wings. I used small balls of reusable adhesive putty that allows me to attach them and easily move them, too. I took two different simple butterfly silhouettes and fit about 13 butterflies on a sheet...so easy to change colors schemes or would be great on a gift box as well. Scut file in 12x12 format here!

Breast Cancer Symbol & People

2010-06-10T04:51:00.005-06:00

A friend recently passed away after a long battle with cancer, so I have been playing with a few ideas related to breast cancer awareness...hope they can provide some inspiration and opportunities to support others in your life... files here.

Also some card ideas...

Birds of a feather

2010-06-06T13:05:00.003-06:00

A parakeet request...here's an option for a simple budgie. File here!

Flamenco Couple 2 versions

2010-06-04T00:20:00.002-06:00

Couple more files of dancers here

Flamenco Dancer

2010-05-29T00:15:00.002-06:00

This is in response to a request for a flamenco dancer...file here!

Paper Doll - Grown Up Version

2010-05-23T15:39:00.006-06:00

Okay, I refuse to grow up! Here's the same girl from the last post in the dimensional dress, except now we're playing dress up!

With 2-sided papers the variations increase. I cut three girls and it's like having six! Here's some examples...the file is here if you want it.

I did laminate the girls to preserve them with handling...could be fun to cut in plain paper and let girls draw and/or stamp their own designs, too.

Girl in dimensional dress

2010-05-17T23:26:00.009-06:00

This is similar to a file in an earlier post, a silhouette based on a statue I have at home.

So, this one will be making an appearance as a dimensional piece. The two mirrored images can be glued together and the skirt pieces are folded in half, glued to each other with three sections glued together on each side. The pieces will all be facing up with the small part of the skirt sections to the top - I flipped the middle piece just to maximize cutting.

You could also do a single side and have her on the front of a card or put a small magnet on the back. The skirt flatten easily for mailing, too. I wanted to put different sayings on the skirts. Both sides have different sayings. I also lightly inked all the edges. Hope you can have some fun with it...I will be adding a paper doll variance on this file, too, in a later post. Happy cutting!
File here!

All Things Girly!

2010-05-13T20:13:00.007-06:00

Well, if you have visited me much you will likely notice a recurring themes (aside from the baby themes) I love purses, shoes, jewelry and most recently a wonderful hat box by Penny Duncan and a lovely perfume bottle designed by Paulo. So here are the latest additions and the artists names above will link to their respective files! The link for Penny's blog is a little different from the previous post because she has posted an updated version of her hat box.

These two bottles are the same paper, one is embossed using my Cuttlebug.

On a few of these hats, I cut skinny strips from the edges of the paper and curled them and taped them together, then glued a little flower over the top of them. I think they add a little extra fun! On each one I also added hat band either from the paper of complementary ribbon.

Hats Off to Penny!

2010-05-11T21:04:00.008-06:00

I snagged this adorable file from Penny Duncan's blog...I must be a girly girl because these files just make me happy...purses, shoes, hats (have a nice real hat collection) so I was anxious to work with this file.

The original file is with a round base but I also wanted to try it with a scalloped base and extra texture courtesy of my Cuttlebug embosser on the little pink one. I added hat bands cut from the edges of my papers and flower embellishments (Flora Doodles by Petaloo)and the Hello came from my Stamped Cartidge. Projects like this are ideal for two-sided paper, too. Now really, who wouldn't love to get a little gift in one of these!

A light sanding made the embossing stand out nicely on this sweet hat!

DANCE like no one is watching

2010-04-29T22:40:00.002-06:00

This is an addition to my earlier Happy Dancers post yesterday
...such a fun saying!
Link here...(ninth post)

2010 Grad

2010-04-29T01:06:00.003-06:00

Just a couple of quick files for graduation...link here!

Happy Dancers!

2010-04-28T22:47:00.009-06:00

I designed these dancers based on a piece of beadwork I did a couple of years ago. I love the movement in the wire piece and decided to create an svg file with that wonderful feeling of motion...so here they are. I've done some as border pieces and a decorative element that could have a personal name or event like a recital in it as an idea...file in Silhouettes (eighth post)

Blog Candy Results...

2010-04-24T22:57:00.002-06:00

And the winner is...Gmapatty!

Thanks to all who took time to leave a comment...some I know better than others via the forums but I truly appreciate your notes!

We had a wonderful, busy open house in spite of rain and wind. We were glad so many came out in the weather to check out our new office/building space. We had lots of prizes to give away and I'm delighted to have one more to send...thank you fellow crafters!

Blog Candy!

2010-04-11T23:05:00.010-06:00

As part of the fun of our Grand Opening of the Alliance Trader Office in Alliance, Nebraska I wanted to offer some Blog Candy! I know several have joined thealliancetrader.com because of interest in the hobby forum and available svg files I post there. However, many are out-of-state and some outside the country and not able to join us so this is the next best thing. The blog candy is open to all! You do not have to be a member or follower - just leave a comment with your email!

It's a fun goodie bag! Included are some of the more popular files like the onsie cards and favor boxes. I've also included a butterfly sun catcher with suction cup, some gift card holders, a small purse and shoe gift set that includes nail polish and clippers as well as a custom pin I made of various unique woods layered and sealed with a high gloss finish. It has a traditional pin as well as magnetic holder. I will use random.org to select a winner so all you to do to enter is leave a comment on this post with your email address. The order of each commenter will be your number...the drawing will be closed at 6pm MST on April 24th. I will post the winner as soon as I can after that! Join the fun...and thanks for playing!

Baby Themes

2010-04-03T20:26:00.004-06:00

It's always fun to see what others do with a file...in this case, I adored the beautiful work by JulieH with the baby bootie file with a vintage flair...inspired me to do some more work with them myself. First though here's a preview of Julie's work and the link to her blog to see more pics!

I wanted to do a larger bootie to use for a table display setting it on a complementary pillar design and using the bootie to hold a onsies card or perhaps a baby announcement...on this one I cut out a monkey from the paper I used and I used a corresponding paper for the pillar tower. I also recycled a wooden bead necklace for the edging on the shoe and the base of the pillar. Pillar design here.

I fashion a simple wire holder and clipped it on with a mini clothes pin...I picked up a small bag of them from a party supply store.

Name cards and bookmarks - additions!

2010-03-25T00:12:00.010-06:00

I've had several recent additions to my list of names done in the aperture card and bookmark format so I thought I would repost with updates to the list!
(Latest update 7/25/10)

If you want a certain name done in a bookmark or card format let me know!
Names available in Bookmarks are:
Amber
Avery
Bruce
Chris
Cooper
Cortni
Crystal
Curtis
Dawn
Delores
Destiny
Donna
Graydon
Giulia
Heather
Hilary
Irene
Izybel
Jamie
Jim
Jenna
Jennifer
Joni
Karis
Kendall
Matthew
Michelle
Laura
Layne
Lexi
Lisa
Martha
Nancy
Nicholas
Nick
Norma
Rosemary
Sally
Tabby
Timothy
Wanda
Wenonah ...updated July 2010

The name cards are here
Amber
Andy
Arturo
Carmen
Cortni
Crystal
Curtis
Danyelle
Dawn
Destiny
Donna
Ginnie
Hilary
Izybel
Jamie
Jennifer
Joni
Kendall
Layne
Lisa
Maria
Martha
Matthew
Michelle
Nancy
Nick
Nicholas
Norma
Rosemary
Sharon
Sookie
Tabby
Wanda
Wenonah
Zonia

If you want a name done...let me know. Email me at laura@thealliancetrader.com
I also have the templates available for the bookmark and card if you want to do your own! Also a link for the script I like to use.
I learned to do this from a great tutorial from Dan99...I'm reposting that link here.
How to make aperture name cards in Inkscape

Diaper Card/Pocket

2010-03-12T00:05:00.008-07:00

This easy file is a diaper card or could be used as a pocket for small items as shown here...you may have pleny of other ideas for using it. If using as a pocket it will probably work best to glue the tabs. File is the 7th post here!
I also used my Cuttlebug for a variety of textures.

Just fold in half as shown and fold tabs in
and insert in slits, that's it!

Baby Bibs

2010-03-01T23:18:00.003-07:00

A request for a baby bib led to a design surge...hope you can use them!

The small square holes could be used for ribbon ties.

Baby Bibs file (Fifth post)

State your case!

2010-02-22T22:54:00.005-07:00

I started playing with some ideas to play with state identifications whether for a scrapbooking page or to show where your from or where you've been! Doing an internet search for "US states svg" gave me a state map that I could take into Inkscape and ungroup and pull the state I wanted which was Nebraska. There are also county maps that give you the option to pull out your county. I found mine by searching for "Nebraska box butte county svg"

I'll include this file with the nebraska state file for those that like this script -
File Here!

Another idea is to use parts of maps to customize your state silhouette or highlight where your from or an area you traveled to in that sate.

Creating a Monogram

2010-02-09T19:29:00.007-07:00

I found this beautiful font called monogram kk via a craft edge forum post (thanks, Kay!) and played with some color combos in Inkscape (still using .46) Using the inset and outset features in the Path menu makes it easy to create the shadows. I may set up a file for cutting but I think they would be beautiful for print projects like stationary, envelopes or seals for envelopes.

Another idea for creating a monogram for a couple...

This simple border available here. (It's about the tenth post.)

Helloooo Baby!

2010-02-07T01:57:00.004-07:00

This cheesy rhino was in some old sign files I'm going through so I thought I'd convert him for a scal cutout and png files....link here about the fifth post.

Old West Background

2010-01-25T16:50:00.004-07:00

Just a simple background, file here...

Once upon a time...

2010-01-21T19:23:00.007-07:00

Over on the Craft Edge forum is a prolific designer named Paulo. I have downloaded many of his beautiful and intricate files. This is my current favorite and I finally had an opportunity to cut it. When I first saw it I could immediately see it in 3d and when I showed it to my husband he was amazed and was anxious for me to cut the file to see it, so here it is and here is the link to Paulo's blog post if you would like to download his gorgeous file!

Gracias, Paulo!

Paulo's Blog link!

The overall dimension of this is 8" x 18". After cutting the first side I flipped the shape in scal and cut the second side. I used Paulo's top design and then just used shadow blackout set at 2 for the black outline.

Several have asked how I made it 3d...and it's a very simple process I used. I made a basic box shape to attach each carriage to. The width is about 4" and sides about 2" high so in the pic below the dark center is the base and the line are the cuts I made and then I just folded all four sides up and glued it together by the tabs created by the cuts and then glued it to each carriage above the wheels.

I added tabs a little lower on the wheel to stabilize it (and slightly crooked) and tabs between the horses. They were 4" in width with about an inch fold over on each side to glue down.

Then I cut a longer 4"x6" piece of black paper that rests over the top tabs to hide them and bent down in the front. It looked nicer than having the tabs show.

I created these simple tabs with a slit to help stabilize the unit. If I did it again, I think I would cut another black silhouette to double the strength. I plan to mount it to a piece of foam core board and glue the tabs down to help stabilize it. I think I may use some modgepodge on it to give it a little more strength, too.

I hope this gives those interested in making this 3d a good idea how to go about it...you could do this with a number of different images.

Thanks for visiting my blog and sharing the fun! Hope it inspires you!

Laura

Leave only footprints...

2010-01-11T19:38:00.004-07:00

Playing in Inkscape again... I used an image from the scal forum of a pair of sandals.

Files here - svg and png

Let's spice it up!

2010-01-10T00:33:00.003-07:00

I was working on some graphics for one of our local restaurants and thought I'd make some svg files while I was at it...

Chili pepper files here

Mini Album

2010-01-01T20:29:00.004-07:00

I thought I would post this simple file...it's a lot of fun to play with and I've made several mini photo albums to give as gifts and it incorporates another design...a mini purse. This design is posted with the svg for the mini purse.

SVG Link here!

After it's cut you just need to crease it in fourths and thirds and then accordian fold following the cuts. The patterned paper should show and you will need a quick glue stick to hold some of the pages together. You can cut additional ones to increase the size of the album. Also, if the pattern is too busy you could use the white side of the paper or offset your pictures with a black border.

This is creased for convenience but not necessarily for the accordian fold. When you have finished folding the inner pages should be a double thickness and the ends are a single that will be glued to a small book or the mini purse shown.

Pages have not been glued down yet but you get the idea, right?

Details for the purse in the April 2009 post.