Feb 24, 2011

Animal Gift Boxes / Party Favors

I have wanted to make these party favors since laying hands on my Silhouette die cutter, as I've always been into boxes. After quite the learning curve, I've finally posted my patterns on Etsy. I've made 5 different animals, perfect for a baby shower or a jungle themed birthday. Thanks for looking!



 

 

Feb 15, 2011

Transformer Birthday Card (Vinyl)

My most complicated die cut vinyl card to date – 5 colors and tiny details that added up to a card I hope my 11 yr old neffy-poo will remember. I got the vector file at Vector Junky but some of the details were so fine I had to open up the areas, as it kept getting caught in my blade.

Feb 14, 2011

Silhouette vs Cricut Adhesive Mats

 
The debate over which model of digital die cutters has been going on for years. I hadn’t realized Cricut was not limited to cartridges, and was able to cut anything I designed using third party software called Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL). So of course I had concerns about my Silhouette (aka CraftRobo), which is not as wide and can’t cut as thick. My doubts were finally assuaged after seeing this wonderful post by Kwerner Design, showing the differences in cutting. So although Silhouette wins hands down on cutting finesse, I’d have to say Cricut’s mats trump Silhouette’s.

The Silhouette mat (8.9″ x 13.5″) is thin, so if I cut too deeply, I could go through it if I used the deep blade depth on thin paper = ruining my $25 blade. The adhesive is evenly coated, so my paper and card stock curls until enough lint has been worked into the surface. It helps if I put my paper face down on the table and peel the mat away.

Then I learned Cricut sold mats double in length (12″x24″) and cost half the price at Joann‘s – I just trim it down to fit. Not only is it thicker by far, you’ll notice a mottled texture in my close up shot – I think it helps with the release of my paper. I’ve seen videos showing blotting the mat with a clean white t-shirt until that perfect stickiness is achieved. I love having the best of both worlds.

On Cloud 9


The Encyclopedia of Origami & Papercraft Techniques is finally on sale. I’m walking on air – sorry hubby, not because of you, but um, I still love you… anyway, here is a prototype of the butterfly I show how to make in the book.