Window Cards

So I saw a window die cut and thought it looked like a fun card project so I bought it and then began exploring what others were doing with it for inspiration.

I really love the dimensional effect of having the window appear open and adding flowers so this is my current summer inspiration. Perhaps it will inspire you, too!

 The flowers are from a Martha Stewart punch and the "hello" is a provo craft die cut

 More MS punches used here...the larger butterflies, the leafy branch behind them and the border on the card below.

 I used a punch to create the little white valance. The scene in the window came from an old calendar.

 I thought the paper dolls look so sweet with the cards, too!

New Aperture Cards

I had a request for some aperture cards and so added a few additions today including Mom, Dad and Mum (for those on the other side of the pond). SVG format.

They are in zip files to minimize downloading issues. See the link below.
Enjoy!

Link to Aperture Cards

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Mini Cup Cards

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

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've got a friend...

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.

Name cards and bookmarks

I had another request for some personalized name cards and bookmarks...and I'm happy to provide them for others...feel free to email me at laura@thealliancetrader.com and I'll get to them as soon as I can. I have some earlier posts on my blog that show others I've done and a link to video by dan99 on how to make them yourself if you care to try.
April 2009 post

(Updated list July 2010)
The following bookmark names available:
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

Bookmarks here (4 pages)





These names are available in an Aperture Name Card:
Amber (page 2)
Andy (page 3)
Arturo
Carmen
Cortni (page 2)
Crystal (page 2)
Curtis
Danyelle (page 3)
Dawn (page 2)
Destiny (page 2)
Donna
Ginnie
Hilary (page 2)
Izybel (page 2)
Jamie (page 2)
Jennifer
Joni
Kendall (page 2)
Layne (page 2)
Lisa (page 3)
Maria
Martha (page 2)
Matthew (page 2)
Michelle
Nancy
Nick (page 2)
Nicholas (page 2)
Norma (page 2)
Rosemary (page 3)
Sharon (page 3)
Sookie
Tabby
Wanda (page 3)
Wenonah (page 3)
Zonia

Link here. (Updated list July 2010)

Coffee and friends...the perfect blend!

I saw that saying on a stamp and loved it so it inspired me to create a scal file to go with the saying...here's to all our Coffee Friends!





Check my Coffee Cups & Sayings link in sidebar for files!

Coffee Cup Card

The coffee cup cards utilize both the positive and negative elements of the design giving very different cards. The pieces of the design can be tedious but utilizing a great hint I learned has certainly helped. As the pictures below show, I use drywall mesh to hold the elements together so I can move them as a unit. You will need to gently loosen them from the cricut mat as you transfer the image.



There can be a few different ways to approach making the card so I thought it would be helpful to put everything together in one file and let you decide how you might want to approach the card design. The top card with the design in place makes the card delicate and requires extra care when creasing it...the elements to the right allow an overlay of steam and a decorative paper could be cut from the solid cup and saucer which would go under the deco cup outline.

File here



The solid design below can be used for the inside lining of the card or by itself as the card with the design to the right of it overlaying the front of the card. Additionally, you can use the shadow, blackout (shown below) or shadow blackout (I like the "1" setting) to give a more solid joint to the card.



The two lower designs are available in my More SCAL .svg files link...I will update here when the other file with all the elements is posted. Bottoms Up!

Aperture name cards

I had a recent
request for some name cards done with an aperture. I learned to do it from a video by dan99. His link is the Free Templates link in my sidebar takes you to his site and I've included here a direct link to the video for those that wish to try it themselves (though I'm still happy to take requests!)

The adorable bird is from the Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) forum page listed on the sidebar under Helpful Pages. My SCAL .svg files has some bookmarks with the names - Bruce, Chris, Delores, Donna (and a Donna card), Heather, Jim, Laura, Sally, Timothy. I will try to include a bookmark template there, too.

How to make aperture name cards in Inkscape

So, I've added a few names to the list and made a basic template available.
Arturo
Carmen
Ginnie
Maria
Sookie
Zonia



Aperture Name Cards and template svg files here!

The available files are done in a slightly heavier script than the Carmen card above so they are easier to weed without the letters falling apart...it would be easy to cut a rectangle around the name and put a translucent paper behind and personalize a night light. I did a star template in an earlier post this snowy weekend...guess these late winter storms are good for something!

Have Fun and Happy Crafting!

Scal Card Shapes

The top images are a couple of cards made using the coffeecup template along with my decocup file and the other...I set the words I drink COFFEE to cut out of the front of template, then put my rose paper behind the lettering and cut slightly smaller template for the inside and hand-printed the words, 'for your protection'. Found that saying and it tickled my funny bone!

SCAL Card files...check my sidebar link "More SCAL files" for the .svg files...would be cute gift tags and you could personalize by cutting a name or message in one side.