Friday, April 30, 2010

Who wants a Cricut Cake?

Hi Ladies,
Cricut Cake giveaway!
At 4000 Followers we will add Superman Cartridge from Provo Craft! 8th Winner
Help us reach 4500 Followers by Saturday Night, we will add
Sentimentals Cartridge  9th Winner! 

 All the info for the Cricut Cake on this post, Good Luck
Maggie

PS This post will stay on top until the 30th, so scroll down to see daily Inspiration.
Don't forget to leave comments on all posts for more chances to win :) Email your friends, Twitter, Facebook, tell your friends at forum where allowed about this Giveaway..

Thursday, April 29, 2010

ASK TAMMY - Episode 1

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Hello Everyone!!

This is Tammy from CRICUT CRITTERS and I am so honored to have been asked to host this column here on the CUTTLEBUG CHALLENGE blog once per month! It's kinda like a 'Dear Abby' column, but instead of telling me your troubles with your mother-in-law (not saying you don't have any! lol!) you would share your questions about your gypsy. Now, I'm not saying I know EVERYTHING about the gypsy! I know it well, but I'm sure there will be a question or two that will stump me, so what I can tell you is that I KNOW people who do know the answers if I don't.

So, how is this going to work?  Every month on the last Thursday, I will have a GYPSY TIP or video for you.  Then, I will be on standby all day to answer questions you might have about that tip or your gypsy.  So, feel free to leave your questions in the comments section.  Check back later for your answer!

Today I want to tell you why I love my Gypsy so much. This is a little video that I had made for my blog Cricut Critters, but I am going to share it with you here because the reasons are really good ones. Especially Reason #5! My dh, Glenn was such a good sport for this!



Hope you enjoyed my video! Please feel free to share why you love your gypsy so much or ask any questions you may have about your gypsy! And for those who don't have a gypsy... stick around... because Maggie has some exciting news for you!

We are working directly with Provo Craft to answer any technical questions we may not have the answer...

To celebrate our new ASK TAMMY column, the Cuttlebug Challenge is giving away a GYPSY, donated by Provocraft!  

We have cartridges to give away too!  What do you need to do to win?  Leave a comment (or question) on this post, become a follower.  Its that easy!

Let your friends know on Facebook, Twitter and the many forums you visit, we are answering questions on Gypsy at Cuttlebug Challenge :) 


Don't forget the Cricut Cake Giveaway 

Have a fabulous weekend,
Tammy

QUESTION/ANSWERS:

1)  Short Scrapper said...
Woohoo! A Gypsy!!! Okay - first question . . . how do I set my preview on a Gypsy to see only one page at a time? If I want to check my welds and I'm working on a multi-page project, my eyeballs are all confused when I preview it.
Thanks for the help

Hi Short Scrapper!  Right now there are two ways to 'preview' a page on the gypsy.  First, by using the 'eyeball' icon on the ADVANCE tab.  Second, by using the exacto knife icon on the BASIC tab.  You can simply move to the 'cut screen' and the gypsy will show you only what is on that page, even when working with muliple pages.  I will do that when I get the dreaded 'double cursor' to get rid of the second cursor!  Then just simply exit (at the bottom) to go back to your project.  NOW... with that said... Provocraft has improved this feature in the upcoming update! (woot woot!)  You can see a sneak peek HERE.

2) Alison said...
I am so glad that there is someone out there that can answer Gypsy questions! Thanks so much.
How do you delete a page?
I added a page 2 and then I added some shapes on it, but they ended up off the page, now I can't see them to delete them and I don't know how to delete the page. I started the progect over, but it would be good to know.
Thanks!!
www.craftali.com
pal635@yahoo.com

Thank you Alison! This is a question that came up this past weekend in Chicago and many people want to know. If you have added muliple pages to your project (intentionally or by accident! lol) you can delete them by saving the project and re-opening it. Make sure that the pages you want to delete are empty and the gypsy will get rid of anything that does not have content on it. And if you are like some of the ladies that were in Chicago and you are adding multiple pages and you don't know how you did it... be careful of how you are holding your gypsy. I found that many were gripping the gypsy in their left hand and were placing their thumb over the little 'plus sign' in the top right corner of the screen, accidentally adding multiple pages.

3) Clare D. said...
Thanks for the drawing! My question is, can you share your proof reading tips for Gypsy files? My eyes are getting older, and I would love to know how you make sure all is well with your cut files.

Clare, I know what you mean! My eyes are not as young as they used to be either! lol But, I just recently got some cute Tiffany & Co glasses, so it makes it better! I proof read everything with the 'eyeball' icon on the ADVANCE tab. Everytime I weld something I automatically 'preview' it, just to make sure that everything is connected well. Don't forget you can use the top silver button on the left of the gypsy screen to zoom in, not once, but three times larger!

4) Melissa said...
Just thought of a question I'd like to ask! Do you know when the next Gypsy update is going to be released? I'm anxiously waiting for the hide and contour feature!

Gypsy updates are generally released each month on HELLO THURSDAY, which is the third Thursday of the month. So the next one is scheduled for May 20th. Now, there are some great things in the works for our gypsies and whether they will all be released next month will depend on how well these updates are working. Provocraft does not want to release something that could potentially give us glitches, so patience is key! But, rest assured... they are listening and working hard to bring us the best features for our gypsies!

5) Bobbi said...
Yeeeaaaa!! Thank you Tammy. I am trying to design a sticker type stamp on my Gypsy for a wedding shower favor, I want to have their names welded to the top and bottom of a small circle which is going to be attached by a brad to the favor but the letters will not rotate right. Any suggestions?

Hi Bobbi! What a great idea! When you click on the ROTATE icon on the ADVANCE tab, try using the single arrows below it instead of the double arrows. The single arrows will rotate in smaller increments compared to the double arrows and you should be able to place them more accurately.

6) Kelly Rae said...
I wish I could use my Gypsy. I got it when it first debuted on HSN. But they said you didn't need a computer. Then I found out you did, so I bought a refurbished one. I have tried to download the Gypsy software more than a dozen times but am unsuccessful. I contacted the technical support team. They just sent me an email telling me how to download the software (exactly how I had been doing it) and closed my ticket. So, in all truthfulness, I haven't even turned on my Gypsy since last November. I'm sad I know! Kelly

Oh no Kelly! Gosh, I'm sorry that you have had so many problems. It sounds like the issue is probably with your computer and that's unfortunate. Do you have a family member or friend who could download the software for you, just so you can sync your gypsy? You would only need to do it at the most once a month, if even that much! The first sync is important because there are several features that have been added since you bought yours. Other than that... the computer really isn't necessary. I would also advise you to visit the GYPSY FORUM over on the cricut messageboard, those ladies know their stuff! And there is a Gypsy Tech section that could really walk you through troubleshooting.

7) 4kids4 said...
I love my Gypsy!! But I've never used multiple pages...what is this feature used for?? Thanks

I love mine too! And the multiple pages is one of the reasons why! My favorite thing to do with this feature is to measure my photos (no matter what size they are!) and place a square/rectangle the same size on a multiple page on my gypsy. Then I can go to another page and still see the square/rectangle image through the virtual mats. That allows me to design around my photos perfectly and then cut my images without cutting the square/rectangle because it is located on a different page! That's one of many things to do with the multiple page feature!

8) CuttlebugCourt said...
I currently have Design Studio and was wondering what was different about a Gypsy. However, I'll keep my questions short: can you put two (or more) images from different cartridges on the same mat and cut them? To use your video as an example, could you cut the grass from the Easter Cartridge and the cross from Designer's Calendar on the same mat? Thanks! I really loved the video!

Hi CuttlebugCourt! Love Design Studio, too, but the GYPSY... well, ahhh... just improves on the DS! It's like DS is your first boyfriend, you will always have a soft spot for it... but, then when your soul mate comes along (GYPSY) and you never turn back! LOL! Sorry... was wearing my DEAR ABBY hat for a minute!! LOL! As for your first question, let me list the differences:
Portability - holds up to 7000 cartridges!
Grouping/Ungrouping - LOVE that feature!
Search - both have it, but Gypsy does it better
MAC compatible - DS is not
There are more I've not listed I'm sure, but those are the ones that stand out to me. And YES! You can mix and match images from different cartridges and cut them all out on the same mat at the same time!

9) cricaholic said...
Tammy, you stated this column isn't a dear Abby for the "Love of your life" answers......What?sniff sniff... The GYPSY is MY ONE AND ONLY TRUE LOVE though> LOL....OK my question is...When I make a design and title it "Mothers Day" and save it and later on how can I change the name of that saved file? without having to redo the whole design?
I'm a follower cause I LOVE this idea!!! Thanks

LOL! Cricaholic, I totally agree! As for your question, simply open the file like normal and make whatever changes you want to it, but then SAVE AS and it will prompt you to retitle the file. Then you can either keep the older file (because it will not apply the changes to it) or delete it. Hope that helps!

10) Camden said...
Yeah! I keep figuring things out on my Gypsy by trial and error, but one thing I haven't figured out is if I put a shape on a mat, have it all just right, then decide that I should put it on a second page...I can't figure out if I can cut and paste...any hints??
Oh - and another thing, can we put our Gypsy creations on the computer and convert them for CDS? Or do you have to create them twice?

Good for you Camden! Trial & Error is how I learned too! The copy/paste can be tricky though, so let me explain. I want to copy and paste a heart from page 1 to page 2, I add the heart to page 1, then make a new page (pg2) go back to page one and highlight the heart by tapping on it... go back to page 2 and click on the copy/paste (2 squares overlapped) icon that is located on the ADVANCE tab of the gypsy. It will then copy whatever you have highlighted on the first page to the second page. Want to copy several images at once... just make sure they are grouped together!


Yes! You transfer your gypsy files to your computer through the GYPSY SYNC software that you use to update your Gypsy each month. When the software box pops up on your computer, there will be a tree under it that gives you the choice of 'designs' or 'photos'. Choose 'designs' and all of your gypsy files will be displayed there (btw, your gypsy should be plugged into your computer when doing this). That is how you save the files to your computer, then it is a simple matter of converting the files from .gypsy to .cut to be used in Design Studio. I will focus more on this process for the next ASK TAMMY column and will provide a video for those who are visual learners like me!

11) Anonymous said...
Quick couple of questions:
1. When I get a Gypsy, what are the have to have accessories to go with it? (Clutch, sleeve, car adapter, extra stylus, etc.
2. Will they becoming out with a sturdier version sometime soon? Some of the reviews seem to say it is just a little delicate.
Thanks, Lynette

Hi Lynette! Here's your quick answers!
(1) All of it (lol!)... okay, at least start with the skin (I have 2 and can't wait for the new ones to come out!), then definitely the clutch! I have the car adapter because we take road trips alot, so that would depend on how much you travel.
(2) Sturdier version? I compare my gypsy to my laptop... if I drop it, am I gonna have problems? Maybe. Could my laptop one day die on me? More likely than my gypsy. Are there sometimes bugs that need to be worked out? Definitely in both cases. But, Provocraft provides you with a one year warranty and backs their product up. I personally have not had any issues (knocking on wood) and I swear, I use my gypsy 6 days out of 7 every week! I teach with it and it goes everywhere with me and has since I first got it 7 months ago. I'm pretty please with how 'sturdy' it is. Back to your question... to my knowledge there are no plans to release a 2nd generation of gypsies, they will continue updating what we all already have. Which, btw, is better because all of us who have invested in the gypsy do not have to worry about being left behind. Should I find out differently, I will be the first to let everyone know.

12) Babyfaces4 said...
I have a question. If you design something on design studio can it be saved on the Gypsy? I as because I attend a lot of crops and it would be great to not take a laptop with me all the time, but I have designs save on it. Can they be copied onto the Gypsy and saved? If it can be done, I'm getting a Gypsy right away! (Unless I'm lucky enough to win!)

Yes! You can transfer design studio files to your gypsy through the GYPSY SYNC software. (refer to question #10) The gypsy will not recognize any hide contour commands (at this time) and you will need to convert the .cut file to a .gypsy file. I will go more into detail on this next time. So go get that gypsy because you are gonna love it!

13) Jodie R said...
How fun is this?! Tammy my question is this. Right now we don't have the ability to control the cutting speed using the Gypsy. I want to make a couple things using felt, but I've heard you want to make sure it cuts at a max of medium speed. Have you tried cutting images designed on the G in felt? Was the speed an issue?

Hi Jodie! Well, from what I understand, the speed that Gypsy dictates is suppose to be considered MEDIUM. But I will check on that to make sure, it does seem to be fast. I haven't cut felt yet personally, but it is on my long list of fun things to do. I would recommend trying it on a 'test' piece and if the speed is an issue then just use the cartridge. I know that it has already been suggested to Provocraft to allow us to control speed, but do not know yet if that will be in a future update. Good question for me to ask Provocraft and I will let you know as soon as I do!

14) Sherri said...
My question is do you know if there is a way to trick the Gypsy into hiding a feature? I know that feature is currently not available. I apologize in advance if someone has aked this.
Thanks for all of your help. You rock.

Thank you Sherri! Well, there are some tricks to hide some things by welding circles or other shapes over them. OR I will simple hang part of the image off the matt so that it doesn't cut out and waste my paper. Here is a video example of what I'm talking about.



15) Got2BCrafting said...
QUESTION! QUESTION! Oh I am so happy to have someone to answer my question (hopefully) I was wondering if it is possible to Stretch an image on my Gypsy? I know it can be done on the DS but I don't see how on the Gypsy. Thank you for your help.
Lori

ANSWER! ANSWER! Lori, I am so happy to be able to answer these questions! Seriously... just have had so much fun today! Stretching an image is definitely a cool feature of the gypsy. Look on the BASIC tab and you will see a little yellow link that sits right under the width & height sizes. It's a toggle and can be turned on and off simply by tapping on it. On (yellow) keeps everything proportionate... off (not yellow) allows you to stretch! Cool, huh? Don't forget to turn it back on though because it doesn't toggle automatically!

16) GabrielaD said...
This is great!!
I have a question... how to you make the search easier when looking for particular image. For example, I was looking for a specific label but could not find it anywhere I had entered "label" in the search button. I finally found it but the problem was that the keyword was label1 rather than just label. Is there a way to include all images ie all labels regardless if it is called label1 or label3 etc. I hope I am making sense...

Hi Gabriela! The search feature on the gypsy is designed to be either very specific or even gives you a list of keywords. So, if you were searching for LABEL and entered that word on the keypad, you will get only LABEL. Another way to search is to click on the bughead, then click on (keyword) on the top bar. It will bring up an alphabetical listing... choose the letter "L" and a list of all the "L"s will come up. If you scroll down you will see LAMP1, LAMP2, LAMP3, etc in that listing. Hope that helps!

17) WAM Family said...
Ok, I have 2 questions actually.
1) Where can I find the Manual for the Gypsy? I need help with the keys.
2) How much longer till the Gypsy DVD is released? I need it really badly.
Thank you for all your help and inspiration.
Kathryn

Hi Kathryn! The gypsy manual can be found on cricut.com at GYPSY MANUAL along with a quick start guide and great videos to get you started!  As for the Gypsy DVD... it is suppose to release this weekend!  Thanks for asking!  You can go to http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/early-bird/ and order the dvd starting Saturday, May 1st.

18) dcravens said...
This was a great post! I have a Gypsy and have learned so much by trial and error...and from others. It is fun and sometimes frustrating (when I can't get the idea in my head to come together in paper). I have a burning question though...what do the colors I sometimes see on screen mean? For example, yellow means lines are exactly matching up (one image on top of another). What do purple or green mean (I forget all the surprise colors I see!)?? It feels quirky and random, but it probably has meaning...I hope!

Trial and error is sometimes the best! Black/grey means unactive, BLUE means active image, RED means welded image, YELLOW means overlapped (sometimes error) and I don't think I've see the green! Gonna have to go research that one!  LOL!

19) Marcie said...
Hi Tammy,
I am a regular follower, and new to the qypsy, and am so thankful to finally be able to ask someone this question.
My question for you is: If I want to cut say for instance, the chandlier on the Home Decor Cart. But, I want it much larger then 12 inches, can you cut just a 1/4 of the project at a time so that you can then piece the four parts together and make a very large image? If so how? Thanks.
Marcie

Marcie, Marcie, Marcie! You are a girl after my own heart! This feature is not available (at this time) on the gypsy! I thought almost the same thing, but I was wanting to cut out the chair and put a large one in vinyl on the wall of my entry way. I passed that idea onto Provocraft at CHA this past January, so I've got my fingers crossed that it might make it into an update some day. LOL!

21) Scrappymax said...
It is probably a stupid question Tammy but does your Gypsy flicker when you turn it on until the main screen showing the mat shows up. Mine is really flickery and I was just wondering if this was normal.
Max x

HI Max! No question is stupid! And I hate to tell you, but my gypsy only flickers if I have left it on too long while plugged in. If you are getting a flicker, I would recommend going to the GYPSY TECH section of the cricut messageboard and asking them about it. Sounds like it could be a technical issue.

22) Kathy W. said...
Hi Tammy, Thanks so much for doing this, I will really be looking forward to last Thursdays now...I have already learned so much from just today.
My question is, do you know when gypsy-cricut replacement cords will be available from Provocraft? I got an Expression at Christmas, and donated my baby bug to the hospital where I work, and it would be so nice to keep a cord there AND have one at home...in just the last month I've taken the Gypsy but forgotten the cord twice when I needed to cut letters for a sign... Thanks!!

Thank YOU Kathy! So happy to be helpful! As for replacement cords, depends on which ones you are talking about. There are replacement power cords available at cricut.com and as for the cord to connect to your cricut or computer... those are standard cords that can be found at your local office supply store.

23) Valerie said...
Thanks from me too. Tammy I love this idea for the Dear Gypsy column. I know in Ds you can add keywords. Is it possible on the Gypsy? There are quite a few things they have missed that I would LOVE to add.  Plus for those who haven't gotten the photo app when will it be avaiable again?

Ah-ha! It's the end of the day and this question is one that I am really not sure of. To my knowledge, there is not an option to 'add' keywords for the search feature on the gypsy. But, I am going to check and make sure with our PC professional. I will get back to you on this one!  As for the Photo App... YES!  They are working hard on it now and should be in an update soon!

Well, thank you EVERYONE for making my first ASK TAMMY so much fun!  I truly appreciate everyone's support!  It's been a long day and I'm off to watch some tv with hubby before retiring for the night!  Thanks again!

Cricutingly yours,

Tammy   

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Provo Craft New Release for Cuttlebug & “Be inspired” Purse-On-Ality!

Hello,
We are excited to explore PURSE-ON-ALITY with you today, but before we begin, we have a wonderful announcement to make.

Provo Craft, our wonderful sponsor, is at it again!! They are determined to feed our passions this year... not only are they coming out with over 100 Cartridges this year... But, they are feeding our Cuttlebug passion as well..

I had a chance last month to spend some times at the Offices of Provo Craft before they moved to their new Headquarters..

I want to tell you, if you have not been to CHA, this will be a great time to get to Chicago this Summer!! Yes, we will be doing demo's showcasing all the new products, so stop by to say hello :)

Here are some of the items coming for Cuttlebug.. We can't tell you the name of these Cuttlebug folders yet, due to the fact they are companions to a new Cricut Cart coming out soon...

You will agree with me ~ the Cuttlebug releases have been more than Yummy... AND there’s more to come, so get ready for the most exciting fun times!! :)



CL_5x7 MM_A2
MMrs_5x7 MM p_5x7
CL_s_A2 CL1_5x7
CL_paisley_A2 Heritage





♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Did you know that Purses evolved from pouches that were depicted by the Egyptians? Then in the 14th century it became fashionable to carry pouches, thus started the trend of decorating purses with embroidery, and the more affluent you were the more elaborate those pouches became. Later on they became what were called Reticules.

As Pouches, Reticules evolved and became functional. Women were no longer carrying them around the waist, rather it became fashionable to explore ways to carry them by hand.

The Fashion Institute Museum in Paris has a huge collection of books, etc.. on what the heyday of fashion was like.

Today, purses can truly be a fashion statement of our personality. We are thrilled to showcase a variety of styles and ideas with the help of our fantastic sponsor, Provo Craft...
Our Designers have create a myriad of wonderful purses using the Cuttlebug, Cricut and a number of other products, to entice you to create and show off your own PURSE-ON-ALITY

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Your Challenge is......


create your own PURSE-ON-ALITY project…

A few things to remember.....
1.Enter the link to your project below.
2.Leave a comment, and you have until May 5th, Easy!


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Don't forget the Cricut Cake Giveaway HERE



Come back this Saturday. Maggie will have a tutorial on how she made this purse with Glimmer Mist.


Details

Meanwhile, enjoy another tutorial from design team member June Houck who will teach you how to make this elegant purse and many more, plus a template for your personal use. Enjoy:



Cut card stock @ 10.5"x10.5". On one side, score at 3.5" and 7". Rotate and score at 2", 2.5". Also score only the middle third at 6" and 7" (see template.) Score all dotted lines following the measurements on the template.



Emboss card stock front flap and top flap with Provo Craft Cuttlebug Textile (or your favorite Cuttlebug embossing folder.) Fold on score lines, and add adhesive where necessary to create the purse.


Add ribbon for the purse handle. To create the purse clasp: add a decorative brad and a velcro dot.


To create cards:
Cut card stock @ 6"x3". Score @ 3" to create a 3"x3" card. Emboss front of card with Provo Craft Cuttlebug Textile. Decorate as desired.



Betty Brett

































































Karen Maldonado



Beth Ulman








Sandee Shanabrough



Ellen Sosnoski




Shantaie Fowler




Deborah March




America Kuhn




Anja Curvers







Cindy Royal



cuttlebugchallenge81-anjacurvers


Be Sure to come back for National Scrapbook day on Saturday, May 1st as we have some fun things in store for you!

Don't forget, too, we are on a journey of 5000 followers, Email your friends, update your Facebook wall, Twitter about us :)

Have a wonderful week,
Meda

PS Tomorrow Miss Tammy Start a new Column "ASK TAMMY" anything you ever wanted to know about the Gypsy :)
I heard that Miss Tammy is going to be giving a Gypsy away...fun fun stuff...



Sunday, April 25, 2010

Happy Mother's Day! Rendezvous Monday!

Happy Mother's day everyone, from our team to your family.

Did you know what Mother's day is not a Universal date of the 2nd week of May for most Countries in the world? Example Norway celebrated Mother's day this year back in February.. in Russia November 28,in egypt it was March 21 of this year... isn't it kewl eh?

Hello, My name is Deborah March and welcome to Rendezvous Monday!
Today I have a fun tutorial on altering a paper mache box, for any occasion.

Here's a wee box I did for my daughter for Mother's Day. My own Mum is long departed, but I keep her memory alive, in part, by creating things for my daughter, who's raising four little boys.

How to:

I started with a simple paper mache box, used gesso to cover the box, then painted it pearly white.




Next I use regular old plumber's foil tape (available at any hardware store), and use the Cuttlebug machine to embossed the tape with the Textured Textiles folder from Provo Craft.





Once embossed, I painted it with matte black acrylic paint.




Then I sanded it lightly, so it looks like this:




Once it was sanded, I peeled of the back layer, and adhered it around the perimeter of the box, so it looks like this:




Then I painted some grungeboard flourishes with the same black acrylic paint...



...then added some little feet to the bottom with dimensional glue dots...



...adhered a large flourish to the top, added a handmade paper flower, and this is the result:





My little box is ready to hold handmade dark chocolate truffles...a treat for my daughter for Mother's Day, to be kept all to herself, not to be shared with anyone! (lol)

Thank you for stopping by today. If you check my blog tomorrow, I'll post a tutorial for the paper roses too!

Thank you for leaving a comment and letting your friends know about the awesome
Cricut Cake Giveaway!

Don't forget to become a follower we are on a journey of 5000 followers :)

Have a great week,
Deborah


***************************

Cuttlebug Home Decor: Black & White Butterly Canvas

by Meda Halmaciu




Here I am from the other part of the ocean in Romania where we celebrate mother's day on March 8. My name is Meda Halmaciu and I currently experiment with textures for my final exam at art school.

What better way to achieve texture than the cuttlebug? How about mixing cuttlebug with fine art? This butterfly canvas is also a perfect gift for the mother in your life and very easy to make too.



Supplies:
-20x20 cm stretched canvas,
-cuttlebug butterfly die, cuttlebug embossing folder,
-gesso, acrilic paint, paint brush, palette knife (credit card), jar wit water, scratch paper,
-pearls or rhinestones, scraps of cardstock (black or other color)


How to:

1. Apply thick gesso on canvas front and sides with credit card or palette knife. Don't forget to protect your work surface and don't wear your best clothes :).



2. Use a piece of cuttlebug embossed cardstock to obtain random texture on your wet gesso.



3. Adhere cuttlebug butterflies decorated with pearls or rhinestones. If your gesso is thick and wet it will be enough to bond your butterflies. No glue is needed.



4. Wait till gesso is dry and paint the edges of your canvas. I used black, silver and a hint of fuchsia.


Wait till your canvas is dry and the gift for Mother's Day is ready.
Experiment with different colors and embellishments, different ways of texturing your gesso coating.

I would really love to see what you create using this technique. Please leave a link here when you do.

Have a great week and see you on Wednesday with a Be Inspired Challenge dedicated to Mother's Day.
Meda

Friday, April 23, 2010

Fab Friday TV - Be Inspired #80: Shadowbox

Hello Everyone!

This is Tammy from Cricut Critters and I have Fab Friday TV for you today! 

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I just love these new compartment shadowboxes!  My design team member, June made a beautiful one of her two daughters this past Wednesday, along with some other gorgeous frames from our team!  Click HERE to see them!

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I used the cricut cartridges BLACKLETTER & EASTER 2010 to embellish my frame.

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And the FLEUR DE LIS cuttlebug embossing folder behind the cross.

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If you want to see how I got my cuts so shiny, your'e gonna have to watch this video :-)



Click HERE if you can't see the video above.

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Thanks for visiting us today!  Don't forget about our CRICUT CAKE giveaway!  Deadline is April 30th!  You can also see more Shadowboxes that I have done at http://www.cricutcritters.com/!

cricutingly yours,

Tammy