Video Tutorial - JPG to SVG

I know there are several tutorials already out there on how to do this, but since someone asked me to do it, I thought I may as well give my take on it!

Although I use Paint Shop Pro in this video to get my image ready for tracing, all graphics packages these days have similar tools, so you shouldn't have too much trouble adapting it to your own program. It also demonstrates the basics of tracing an image in Inkscape. I hope you find it useful :)

I talk of saving the file as an SVG and cutting it on the Cricut in Sure Cuts a Lot, but obviously, you could also save it as a DXF file and cut it on the Craft Robo or related machines.

Saturday Freebie #31!

Coin Envelope and No glue Circle Flap Envelope

Following on from last week's freebies, I'm still in an envelope mood, so here are 2 more cute envelope designs for you to download!

You don't need me to tell you how useful these are, so I won't bother! I will remind you that they can be resized or stretched to cut any size you wish!

Again, these templates will be "live" for 1 week. Next Saturday, they will be taken down, and new ones will replace them. Don't forget, if you have any requests, pass them on! I can't promise, but I will take suggestions into account when planning future templates.

These files may not be uploaded to a group, forum or website for sale or redistribution, or shared among individuals. They are expressly for the personal use of each person that downloads them from this blog.

There are 2 files and I have put them into a zip file to make downloading easier. After saving it, open in the usual way, and drag the templates out onto your desktop or wherever you wish to save them.

There are 3 versions of each template:

• A printable version (PNG files) that you can import into a program like Word, then resize, print, cut out and use like any other paper template (these are NOT Word files, so don't use File/Open in Word! Use Insert/Picture to bring them into a Word document).
• An SVG version which can be imported into the Sure Cuts a Lot program and then cut out on your Cricut.
• A DXF version which is Craft Robo friendly, and ready to be imported into your Robomaster software (I'm not a Robo user, so if there are any problems with this, please let me know!)

Simply right click on the appropriate button below, and choose "save link..." or "save target..." and save your template!

Any feedback on the templates is more than welcome, and if you have any suggestions for possible future templates you'd like to see, please let me know! If you make anything using one of the templates, please post a link to it here so that others can be inspired by how you've used them!

I hope you like the templates - let me know how you get on! :)

Templates © dan99crafter@gmail.com 2008

Video Tutorial - Aperture Name Card in Inkscape

Following a couple of email requests, I decided to make a video showing how to make one of these cards in Inkscape. Soon after, someone else in one of the Cricut groups made a video on the same topic (great job Heidi!), so I changed my plans slightly. I'm still making the card, but I've included some stuff on how to use rulers and guides and a couple of methods to manipulate text so that the letters join up to make a continuous word.

Video Tutorial - Setting Inkscape's Default Page Properties

When I was making last night's video, I thought to myself "maybe some people will wonder how Inkscape always starts up with a 12x12 page on my computer" and thought I might do a short video on how to set that up. Then today, someone asked about that very thing, so I knew it was a good idea! :)

UPDATE April 2015
I received a comment on this post today, saying that this technique no longer works on Inkscape v. 0.91 (the current latest version at time of writing). I have stuck with version 0.48 ever since I installed it so I thought I'd better install the new version and check it out for myself! I installed v. 0.91 and the process for setting up the default page size to 12", as shown in the video below, still works just fine as far as I can see, it's worked for me anyway.

Video Tutorial - Creating Word Books in Inkscape

Following several questions in various groups I belong to, I've decided to make this video. There are several ways of making word books like these, so I stress that this is my way of doing it, others may do it differently! :) Although I mention Sure Cuts a Lot frequently during the video, obviously you could save your files as DXF and use them to cut on the Craft Robo or related machines.

If you want to see a full screen version of this, click here.

It was a *really* tight squeeze fitting this into the 10 minute limit, so I had to remove the title page and opening introductory comments, so forgive me for that! :)

Saturday Freebie #30!

How many envelopes does it take to change a lightbulb?*

[Edit - These files are no longer available here. Email me to find out how to access earlier designs!]

This week there are 3 cute envelope designs for you to download!

Obviously perfect for birthday and greetings cards, these envelopes could be used as the basis for an envelope book, or why not use them to hold photos or ephemera on a scrapbooking page?

Designed in the perfect proportions for cutting at A2 size, they can be resized or stretched to cut any size you wish, even square!

Again, these templates will be "live" for 1 week. Next Saturday, they will be taken down, and new ones will replace them. Don't forget, if you have any requests, pass them on! I can't promise, but I will take suggestions into account when planning future templates.

These files may not be uploaded to a group, forum or website for sale or redistribution, or shared among individuals. They are expressly for the personal use of each person that downloads them from this blog.

There are 3 files and I have put them into a zip file to make downloading easier. After saving it, open in the usual way, and drag the templates out onto your desktop or wherever you wish to save them.

There are 3 versions of each template:

• A printable version (PNG files) that you can import into a program like Word, then resize, print, cut out and use like any other paper template (these are NOT Word files, so don't use File/Open in Word! Use Insert/Picture to bring them into a Word document).
• An SVG version which can be imported into the Sure Cuts a Lot program and then cut out on your Cricut.
• A DXF version which is Craft Robo friendly, and ready to be imported into your Robomaster software (I'm not a Robo user, so if there are any problems with this, please let me know!)

Simply right click on the appropriate button below, and choose "save link..." or "save target..." and save your template!

Any feedback on the templates is more than welcome, and if you have any suggestions for possible future templates you'd like to see, please let me know! If you make anything using one of the templates, please post a link to it here so that others can be inspired by how you've used them!

I hope you like the templates - let me know how you get on! :)

Templates © dan99crafter@gmail.com 2008

Saturday Freebie #29!

A pocketful of .... pockets!
[These files are no longer available from this site. Email me for details on how to access earlier designs!]

After a break for the holidays, Saturday's free cutting files are back!

This week there are 3 cute library pockets for you to download!

Perfect for holding journaling cards on a scrapbook page, why not use them to add interactivity and dimension to your papercraft projects? They work wonderfully for holding gift cards or money inside a greetings card, or for tucking away a personal message inside a card or mini-book project!

There are 3 to choose from, a lattice, window or scallop versions. If you want a plain pocket, just cut the lattice or window pocket with the blackout feature!

Again, these templates will be "live" for 1 week. Next Saturday, they will be taken down, and new ones will replace them. Don't forget, if you have any requests, pass them on! I can't promise, but I will take suggestions into account when planning future templates.

These files may not be uploaded to a group, forum or website for sale or redistribution, or shared among individuals. They are expressly for the personal use of each person that downloads them from this blog.

There is only one file but I have put it into a zip file to make downloading easier. After saving it, open in the usual way, and drag the templates out onto your desktop or wherever you wish to save them.

There are 3 versions of each template:

• A printable version (PNG files) that you can import into a program like Word, then resize, print, cut out and use like any other paper template (these are NOT Word files, so don't use File/Open in Word! Use Insert/Picture to bring them into a Word document).
• An SVG version which can be imported into the Sure Cuts a Lot program and then cut out on your Cricut.
• A DXF version which is Craft Robo friendly, and ready to be imported into your Robomaster software (I'm not a Robo user, so if there are any problems with this, please let me know!)

Simply right click on the appropriate button below, and choose "save link..." or "save target..." and save your template!

Any feedback on the templates is more than welcome, and if you have any suggestions for possible future templates you'd like to see, please let me know! If you make anything using one of the templates, please post a link to it here so that others can be inspired by how you've used them!

I hope you like the templates - let me know how you get on! :)

Templates © dan99crafter@gmail.com 2008

Moo Two!

A friend asked me to make her one of my framed "moo" pictures for her for Christmas. I used the file I gave away here recently, but I couldn't post the finished result here in case she saw it, so here it is now!

The mount was cut on the Cricut using Sure Cuts a Lot, and then I created individual stamped pieces to go behind each "hole". The frame had a bit of space behind the glass, so I was able to fit in the metal embellishments!

Saturday Freebie #28!

Look, no glue!

[Edit - This file is no longer available from this site. Email me for details on how to get earlier files!]

It's Saturday again, and so it's time for more original free designs for you to download and cut out!

This purse-shaped gift box is really quick to assemble, because you don't need to use any adhesive! It's perfect for wedding or party favours, or why not put a couple of nice chocolates inside each one and use them as place cards on your festive table?

Click on any image to see a larger view.

Again, these templates will be "live" for 1 week. Next Saturday, they will be taken down, and new ones will replace them. Don't forget, if you have any requests, pass them on! I can't promise, but I will take suggestions into account when planning future templates.

These files may not be uploaded to a group, forum or website for sale or redistribution, or shared among individuals. They are expressly for the personal use of each person that downloads them from this blog.

There is only one file but I have put it into a zip file to make downloading easier. After saving it, open in the usual way, and drag the templates out onto your desktop or wherever you wish to save them.

There are 3 versions of each template:

• A printable version (PNG files) that you can import into a program like Word, then resize, print, cut out and use like any other paper template (these are NOT Word files, so don't use File/Open in Word! Use Insert/Picture to bring them into a Word document).
• An SVG version which can be imported into the Sure Cuts a Lot program and then cut out on your Cricut.
• A DXF version which is Craft Robo friendly, and ready to be imported into your Robomaster software (I'm not a Robo user, so if there are any problems with this, please let me know!)

Simply right click on the appropriate button below, and choose "save link..." or "save target..." and save your template!

Any feedback on the templates is more than welcome, and if you have any suggestions for possible future templates you'd like to see, please let me know! If you make anything using one of the templates, please post a link to it here so that others can be inspired by how you've used them!

I hope you like the templates - let me know how you get on! :)

Templates © dan99crafter@gmail.com 2008

Video Tutorial - Removing Parts of an SVG Image

In one of the online groups I belong to (SureCutsALotUsers) there has recently been some discussion about ways to remove parts of an SVG image using the Inkscape program. I decided to make this short video to demonstrate a couple of the methods I use.

I hope you find it helpful!

Video Tutorial - Sizing my Moo Frame in SCAL

A few people have sent me questions about how to correctly size this file in SCAL. I used 8.5x11 cardstock and cut the file at 8x10 inches with no problem.

I've created a quick video to demonstrate the process. I know that when I host my videos in Photobucket, some of you can't see them. The quality of the video is so much better that I am continuing with that, but I have also included a Google Video version for those who may have problems! If you can see both, notice the quality difference - Google Video is fuzzy by comparison! You can see why I prefer to use Photobucket for my videos! :)

Photobucket Video



Google Video

Crafty Gift Idea and Freebie!

A-moo-se yourself with this idea!

[Edit - These files are no longer available from this site. Email me for details of how to access past files.]

Recently I had a fun day with friends doing our yearly "Secret Santa". We each had picked a name "out of the hat" and we had to make a gift for that person. I cut this mount on the Cricut and created little pieces of art to go behind each space. I think it looks awesome, but then I'm biased! LOL

If you cut this at 8x10 inches, which I did, you have spaces for the following pieces:

11 "moos" - a moo is a 1x3 inch piece of artwork
3 "twinchies" - 2x2 inches
1 "inchie" - 1x1 inch
1 half-twinchie - 1 x 2 inch.

It's a great way to use up little offcuts of card or paper or stamped images you have left over from other projects, don't you think?

Again, these templates will be "live" for 1 week. Next Saturday, they will be taken down, and new ones will replace them. Don't forget, if you have any requests, pass them on! I can't promise, but I will take suggestions into account when planning future templates.

These files may not be uploaded to a group, forum or website for sale or redistribution, or shared among individuals. They are expressly for the personal use of each person that downloads them from this blog.

There one file but I have put it into a zip file to make downloading easier. After saving it, open in the usual way, and drag the templates out onto your desktop or wherever you wish to save them.

There are 3 versions of each template:

• A printable version (PNG files) that you can import into a program like Word, then resize, print, cut out and use like any other paper template (these are NOT Word files, so don't use File/Open in Word! Use Insert/Picture to bring them into a Word document).
• An SVG version which can be imported into the Sure Cuts a Lot program and then cut out on your Cricut.
• A DXF version which is Craft Robo friendly, and ready to be imported into your Robomaster software (I'm not a Robo user, so if there are any problems with this, please let me know!)

Simply right click on the appropriate button below, and choose "save link..." or "save target..." and save your template!

Any feedback on the templates is more than welcome, and if you have any suggestions for possible future templates you'd like to see, please let me know! If you make anything using one of the templates, please post a link to it here so that others can be inspired by how you've used them!

I hope you like the templates - let me know how you get on! :)

Templates © dan99crafter@gmail.com 2008

Saturday Freebie #27!

The Bear Essentials!

[Edit - These files are no longer available from this site. Email me for details on how to access my past files.]

It's Saturday again, and so it's time for more original free designs for you to download and cut out!

This is my first paper-piecing template, I hope you like it!

How cute is this teddy? Perfect for cards and scrapbook pages, or why not cut it out extra large and use it to decorate the wall of a child's bedroom?

Click on any image to see a larger view.

I've had no time to make samples this week, so why don't you show me how YOU use them?

Whether it be on a scrapbook page, a card or wall art, I'm sure you'll find some creative way to use this design!

Again, these templates will be "live" for 1 week. Next Saturday, they will be taken down, and new ones will replace them. Don't forget, if you have any requests, pass them on! I can't promise, but I will take suggestions into account when planning future templates.

These files may not be uploaded to a group, forum or website for sale or redistribution, or shared among individuals. They are expressly for the personal use of each person that downloads them from this blog.

There one file but I have put it into a zip file to make downloading easier. After saving it, open in the usual way, and drag the templates out onto your desktop or wherever you wish to save them.

There are 3 versions of each template:

• A printable version (PNG files) that you can import into a program like Word, then resize, print, cut out and use like any other paper template (these are NOT Word files, so don't use File/Open in Word! Use Insert/Picture to bring them into a Word document).
• An SVG version which can be imported into the Sure Cuts a Lot program and then cut out on your Cricut.
• A DXF version which is Craft Robo friendly, and ready to be imported into your Robomaster software (I'm not a Robo user, so if there are any problems with this, please let me know!)

Simply right click on the appropriate button below, and choose "save link..." or "save target..." and save your template!

Any feedback on the templates is more than welcome, and if you have any suggestions for possible future templates you'd like to see, please let me know! If you make anything using one of the templates, please post a link to it here so that others can be inspired by how you've used them!

I hope you like the templates - let me know how you get on! :)

Templates © dan99crafter@gmail.com 2008

Saturday Freebie #26!

Birds of a Feather...

[Edit - These files are no longer available on this site. Email me for details of how to access previous files!]

It's Saturday again, and so it's time for more original free designs for you to download and cut out!

Autumn is in the air, and this week's files were inspired by a walk in the woods I took with some friends recently. Cracking twigs, rustling leaves, crisp, damp air, the loud squawking of the crows and the chattering of the thrushes as they bed down for the night, all distilled down into two SVG files! :)

I've had no time to make samples this week, so why don't you show me how YOU use them? Whether it be on a scrapbook page, a card or wall art, I'm sure you'll find some creative way to use this design!

Again, these templates will be "live" for 1 week. Next Saturday, they will be taken down, and new ones will replace them. Don't forget, if you have any requests, pass them on! I can't promise, but I will take suggestions into account when planning future templates.

These files may not be uploaded to a group, forum or website for sale or redistribution, or shared among individuals. They are expressly for the personal use of each person that downloads them from this blog.

There are two files and I have put them into a zip file to make downloading easier. After saving it, open in the usual way, and drag the templates out onto your desktop or wherever you wish to save them.

There are 3 versions of each template:

• A printable version (PNG files) that you can import into a program like Word, then resize, print, cut out and use like any other paper template (these are NOT Word files, so don't use File/Open in Word! Use Insert/Picture to bring them into a Word document).
• An SVG version which can be imported into the Sure Cuts a Lot program and then cut out on your Cricut.
• A DXF version which is Craft Robo friendly, and ready to be imported into your Robomaster software (I'm not a Robo user, so if there are any problems with this, please let me know!)

Simply right click on the appropriate button below, and choose "save link..." or "save target..." and save your template!

Any feedback on the templates is more than welcome, and if you have any suggestions for possible future templates you'd like to see, please let me know! If you make anything using one of the templates, please post a link to it here so that others can be inspired by how you've used them!

I hope you like the templates - let me know how you get on! :)

Templates © dan99crafter@gmail.com 2008

Butterfly 13!

This is the last of the butterflies I made at my local craft shop, Puffin Crafts, at their Butterfly Project make'n'takes day.

Don't forget, if you want to make some butterflies for the project yourself, my free template is still available here!

Butterflies 11 and 12!

2 more butterflies, made at my local craft shop, Puffin Crafts, at their Butterfly Project make'n'takes day.

Don't forget, if you want to make some butterflies for the project yourself, my free template is still available here!

Butterflies 9 and 10!

My local craft shop, Puffin Crafts, had a day of make'n'takes today, in aid of the Butterfly Project. There was lots of making, but no taking - the butterflies will be sent on to the museum in Houston. I just want to say a big "thank you" to all the people who came down and made butterlies in support of the project - it was a great day, and I hope we can do it again soon! Thanks too from Jayne at Puffin Crafts for getting on board with the idea so enthusiastically!

Above are two that I made on the day - apologies for the less than brilliant photography!! :)

Don't forget, if you want to make some butterflies for the project yourself, my free template is still available here!

Saturday Freebie #25!

It feels like reindeer!

[Edit - These files are no longer available from this site. Email me for details of how to access my previous week's files!]

It's Saturday again, and so it's time for another original free design for you to download and cut out!

The festive season is fast approaching, so this Santa's sleigh with reindeer is sure to prove useful! There are so many ways this can be used, the only limit is your imagination! I've had no time to make samples this week, so why don't you show me how YOU use it? Whether it be on a scrapbook page, a card or wall art, I'm sure you'll find some creative way to use this design!

Again, these templates will be "live" for 1 week. Next Saturday, they will be taken down, and new ones will replace them. Don't forget, if you have any requests, pass them on! I can't promise, but I will take suggestions into account when planning future templates.

These files may not be uploaded to a group, forum or website for sale or redistribution, or shared among individuals. They are expressly for the personal use of each person that downloads them from this blog.

There is one file, but I have put it into a zip file to make downloading easier. After saving it, open in the usual way, and drag the template out onto your desktop or wherever you wish to save them.

There are 3 versions of each template:

• A printable version (PNG files) that you can import into a program like Word, then resize, print, cut out and use like any other paper template (these are NOT Word files, so don't use File/Open in Word! Use Insert/Picture to bring them into a Word document).
• An SVG version which can be imported into the Sure Cuts a Lot program and then cut out on your Cricut.
• A DXF version which is Craft Robo friendly, and ready to be imported into your Robomaster software (I'm not a Robo user, so if there are any problems with this, please let me know!)

Simply right click on the appropriate button below, and choose "save link..." or "save target..." and save your template!

Any feedback on the templates is more than welcome, and if you have any suggestions for possible future templates you'd like to see, please let me know! If you make anything using one of the templates, please post a link to it here so that others can be inspired by how you've used them!

I hope you like the templates - let me know how you get on! :)

Templates © dan99crafter@gmail.com 2008

Believe Tag

I've joined an online swap on the UKScrappers forum, where you make a tag 8"x4" and receive one back in return. I thought I'd have a try at it last night, because I've never worked at that size before and wanted to get a feel for it!

I used my new Santa stamp again (I'm sure I'll get bored with it eventually, lol) and created most of the embellishments myself. I painted a black bookplate gold and then distressed it with sandpaper and the nutcracker soldier has an acrylic fragment on it for a bit of gloss. The 25 numbers were cut on the Cricut, and the Believe word was created in Inkscape and printed onto card.

There are a few things I'm not satisfied with here, so I won't be sending it in to the swap, but I thought I'd share it anyway! Click on the image for a larger view.

Monday Freebie Madness #3

Not exactly a partridge...

...or a pear tree if it comes to that! :)

[Edit - These files are no longer available from this site. Email me for details of how to access past files.]

I've had a few emails asking if I had the whole tree that I cut down to make Saturday's freebie, and the answer is yes, so I've decided to give that away as todays freebie!

This is such a versatile design, with all sorts of uses... I look forward to seeing what you do with it!

Again, these templates will be "live" for 1 week. Next Tuesday, they will be taken down, and new ones may replace them (I make no promises!) Don't forget, if you have any requests, pass them on! I can't promise, but I will take suggestions into account when planning future templates.

These files may not be uploaded to a group, forum or website for sale or redistribution, or shared among individuals. They are expressly for the personal use of each person that downloads them from this blog.

There is one file, but I have put it into a zip file to make downloading easier. After saving it, open in the usual way, and drag the template out onto your desktop or wherever you wish to save them.

There are 3 versions of each template:

• A printable version (PNG files) that you can import into a program like Word, then resize, print, cut out and use like any other paper template (these are NOT Word files, so don't use File/Open in Word! Use Insert/Picture to bring them into a Word document).
• An SVG version which can be imported into the Sure Cuts a Lot program and then cut out on your Cricut.
• A DXF version which is Craft Robo friendly, and ready to be imported into your Robomaster software (I'm not a Robo user, so if there are any problems with this, please let me know!)

Simply right click on the appropriate button below, and choose "save link..." or "save target..." and save your template!

Any feedback on the templates is more than welcome, and if you have any suggestions for possible future templates you'd like to see, please let me know! If you make anything using one of the templates, please post a link to it here so that others can be inspired by how you've used them!

I hope you like the templates - let me know how you get on! :)

Templates © dan99crafter@gmail.com 2008