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

Video Tutorial - Santa Ornament Card!

I've had a few email requests asking questions about exactly how I made the card I posted here yesterday, so I've made a video tutorial for it. It's a bit rough and ready, 'cos I did it in a hurry, but hopefully you'll get the general idea!

What you need:

Distress Ink pads in Fired Brick, Broken China and Faded Jeans
Versamark ink pad
Black waterproof ink pad (Archival, Staz-on or Versafine)
Santa rubber stamp (I used the "A letter to Santa" set by Stampers Anonymous)
Paint-splatter stamp (or you could use a snowflakes stamp)
An ink blending tool and foam pads
An ornament-shaped or round card blank
Post-it notes
Scrap paper
Water brush (or regular artist's brush and water)
Green watercolour pens
Red Stickles glitter glue
White embossing powder
Heat tool
Non-stick craft mat
A dry artist's paintbrush

Santa Card

I'm lucky enough to have a friend in the US who will get things for me and ship them over, so a couple of days ago I received some of the new Christmas stamp sets that were launched by Stampers Anonymous at a stamping convention in California last weekend. This is their first outing... I love the Santa image!

The card blank was a design I created and cut on the Cricut using the Sure Cuts a Lot progam. The main image was stamped in Archival Black ink and then masked with a second copy stamped onto scrap paper and cut out. The snow was stamped and embossed with white powder and then Broken China and Faded Jeans inks were applied to the rest of the card. Finally the main image was coloured with distress inks/water brush and Marvy pens and Stickles glitter glue. I hope you like it! Click on the image for a larger view.

Saturday Freebie #24!

A Winter Scene!

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

It's Saturday again, and it's time for another collection of original, free shapes for you to download!

This is a verse from a poem I wrote around this time last year, and it's the inspiration for this weeks designs....

"Blackened branches quiver, lit by Winter's moon
Moved by winds that feed on season's onward change
Leaves long gone, by Autumn they were cruelly hewn
Leaving jagged trees, both sinister and strange."

Don't these bare branches just remind you of cold crisp winter days?

I've created an embellishment plaque that can be used to stunning effect on both scrapbook pages and cards. The same design has also been used to make this delicate latticed card.

Won't they look amazing cut in plain white card, with just a hint of glitter on some of the branches to suggest winter snow? How about cutting the plaque to place in a glass block light? Or cut the plaque in black cardstock and lay it over the top of one of your winter photos for a wonderful effect!

The possibilities are endless with this versatile design!

As ever, I have tested these designs on the Cricut before sharing them with you.

Again, these templates will be "live" for 1 week. Next Saturday, 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 are two files, so 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

Advent/Gift Box Freebie!

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

I can hear you! Yes... you... I can hear what you're thinking just as if you were saying it out loud... "Oh no, not another advent idea!". :) What can I tell you? Roll on December 1st, then I can stop thinking about this stuff!!

This idea was actually prompted by an email I received, asking if I knew of a box template that you could cut on the Cricut that would make a box with 10cm sides (approx. 4 inches). Conventional box templates have a row of 4 sides together, with a tab at the end, and so can be cut no larger than around 2 3/4 inches per side on a 12" mat.

So, I came up with 2 designs: A conventional box template (which doesn't solve the problem but is always good to have) and a large box template, which will allow you to cut a box up to around 5 inches or so in size.

These work great in a small size as advent boxes that can be hung from the tree or arranged in a bowl. They're faster to make than the takeout boxes I showed earlier, and unlike the sour cream container there's no need to rip them to open them, so they can be packed away again and used next year!

Here is the folding guide for the conventional box template:


The large box template requires you to cut 2 pieces. If you are using double sided cardstock, remember to flip one of them, otherwise you will have a box with two different patterns on it!. I've included a video at the end of this post with a reminder on how to flip a shape in SCAL before cutting it. Cutting each piece as large as possible from 2 sheets of 12x12 cardstock will give a box of sides just over 5 inches in length.

Here is the construction and folding guide for the large box template:



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 this time, so 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

Butterflies 7 and 8!

So, another day, another couple of butterflies for the Butterfly Project. If you don't know what that is, take a look at my earlier post here. If you want to participate in this very worthwhile cause you can find more information about it there! These butterflies were cut on the Cricut using one of my free templates.

I've heard some amazing stories of how you're all trying to spread the word about this project! Thanks so much for taking this on board, and for your continuing efforts to get more people involved in this!

Monday Freebie Madness 2

Christmas Heart Baskets!

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

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

"Alive" Mini-book

I've the idea for this book floating around in my head for quite some time. The words are from the Psychedelic Furs song "Alive". I'm not a big fan of theirs, in fact this is the only song I know by them, but I like it a lot! :)

I set myself the challenge of using no adhesive on this project. Instead I painted each page with a layer of molten beeswax, placed the text on top then painted another layer of wax over it. Finally I used a scraper to remove excess wax and buffed it to a sheen with a lint-free cloth. I love the way the wax has made the paper on the text go translucent!

You may have seen beeswax techniques demonstrated using a Melt Pot. I don't have one of those, so I placed the wax in the top section of this oil burner, and it worked just fine!

If you look carefully you can see that I've used at least 2 recent freebie files. I'm pleased with the end result, I hope you like it too. Click on an image to see it larger.

Butterflies 5 and 6

2 more butterflies for The Butterfly Project. The one on the left has quite a lot of tattered angel glimmer spray on it, so it's scanned a little oddly! Still, hopefully you get the general idea!

The one on the right uses a couple of masks from yesterday's freebies. I hope you like 'em! :)

Saturday Freebie #23!

Identity Crisis!! Lattice Borders or Inking/Stamping Masks?

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

Of course, they're both! Or either. I'm not sure, but you get my drift, no? :)

Earlier in the week, when I was trying Tim Holtz's November Technique Challenge, I had a play with some of the new acetate masks he's released as part of his idea-ology range. As ever, it set my mind a-whirring, and I thought "I could make some of these, in my own designs!", thinking I could cut them in card or paper and use them a few times and then throw them away..

I spent some time creating some designs, and then thought I'd try to cut a sheet of acetate on my Cricut. Turns out that acetate cuts like a dream in the cricut, like a hot knife through butter!

I put some repositionable adhesive on the back of the masks and I was ready to go! Take a look at the video below to get an idea of how to use them.

Of course, if you don't want to use them as masks, cut them out of your favorite cardstock and use them as wonderful latticed borders for a scrapbook page or card!!



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 4 files this week, so 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

Butterfly Project - part 2

So, another day, another couple of butterflies for the Butterfly Project. If you don't know what that is, take a look at yesterdays post here. If you want to participate in this very worthwhile cause you can find more information about it there! These butterflies were cut on the Cricut using one of yesterday's free templates.

I think I was in a more sombre mood when I made these tonight, and while I worked I was conscious of what they were commemorating. I think that was reflected in the stamps I chose (the barbed wire on one, with the text about memories and yesterdays, and even more obviously on the 2nd one). Anyway, I hope you like them!

The Butterfly Project Freebie

 [Edit to add - The Holocaust Museum have now reached their target of 1.5 million crafted butterflies. If you took part and sent some, well done!! I will still keep these butterfly templates free here for anyone that wants them!]

Can you help?

The Holocaust Museum in Houston is planning a major exhibition to commemorate the 1.5 million children who died during the Holocaust.

And that's where you and I come in - the exhibition will take the form of a breathtaking display of 1.5 million butterflies, 1 for each child that died needlessly. The museum is asking for our help. They want crafters/scrapbookers/stampers like us to create the butterflies for them and send them to the museum. This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of something that is so worthwhile and meaningful!

There are no rules other than your butterflies can be no larger than 8" x 10" and must NOT have glitter on them. The examples I've shown here have been stamped, but you can use patterned papers and embellishments, paint and inks, whatever is your style.  The submission deadline is June 30, 2013.

You can find more information about the project here:

http://www.hmh.org/ed_butterfly1.shtml

You can draw your own butterfly shapes, or if you don't want to do that, I'm including 2 butterfly templates which you can cut if you wish. Unlike my usual templates, these will stay available here indefinitely. Feel free to pass the link on to others who might be interested in taking part. Please consider cutting out several and giving them out at your local crop or see if your child's teacher would be interested in doing it as a class activity in school (there are educational guidelines for a lesson based around the activity on the museum's web site).

There are 2 files , so I have put them 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!

Please feel free to post links to your completed butterflies, I'm sure that others who want to take part would welcome the inspiration, and it might help to persuade others to join in!

I also want to thank my friend Annette, who brought this to my attention on her wonderful blog.

7 Feb '10 - Edited to add this amazing picture sent by Eileen on the UKScrappers forum of the butterflies made by the children at the school she is involved with. Thanks Eileen!

Templates © dan99crafter@gmail.com 2008

TH November Technique Challenge

I thought I'd take a crack at Tim Holtz's November technique challenge, seeing as I already had most of the elements needed to complete it! I had to use regular red stickles instead of the distress one, and a text stamp I've always liked by the Artistic Stamper rather than the one he used, but apart from that it's pretty much the same!

I really enjoyed using his mask, and I think I might try and make a few of my own using the Cricut. Watch this space! :)

Holly Jolly Monday Freebie Madness!

It's Tuesday again, and that can only mean one thing - I've forgotten what day it is, and it's time for some new, original, FREE shapes for you to download!!

So, I was sitting at the computer, mind wandering, as you do, when I had what I thought was a good little idea. Inspired by the holly wreath I showed in my Inkscape tutorial the other day, I thought "why not just cut out a bunch of holly leaves and MAKE a wreath?" It only took me 5 minutes to put together the shapes, and it wasn't substantial enough to save for a Saturday freebie, so I thought I'd post it today!

I've created a file with 32 holly sprigs in it, so you don't need to bother with all the endless copying and pasting, along with a ring to cut to use as a base.

All I did was apply dark green ink to the edges of some of the leaves to give a little colour variation, and fold some in half to add a little dimensionality. Glue (or in my case ATG) them to the ring, at random angles and cover any spaces with holly berries punched with the Crop-o-dile from some scraps of red card.

Add a nice bow, and bob's yer uncle! :) Doesn't it look great!? Why not cut extra leaves and use them to decorate your Christmas gifts? They'd look really good next to a red bow on a package. Why not go for the winter frosted look and cut out holly leaves in shades of blue and use silver berries? Gift tags, Christmas cards, the uses are endless!!

Again, these templates will be "live" for 1 week. Next Tuesday, they will be taken down, and new ones will NOT 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, so 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

Video Tutorial - Advent Sour Cream Container

Let's start by getting one thing straight, I'm not claiming to have invented these! Originally I thought they'd started out on Split Coast Stampers, but after googling it, they're all over the place! One thing I haven't seen is a video on how to make them, so I thought I'd give it a shot!

These are really simple to make and look wonderful hanging on the tree or piled up in a big bowl, ready for the morning scramble to find the next package to open!

I use circles and scalloped circles on these that I have cut on my Cricut with SCAL. Hopefully many of you downloaded the scalloped shapes when they were a freebie on my blog. If you have the scalloped Nestabilities dies, you could use those instead! These are really fun to make, so why not try 'em? Enjoy!

Video Tutorial - Basic Inkscape Tools

In this tutorial, I show how to create a simple holly wreath in Inkscape which can then be saved as an SVG or DXF file, for cutting on your Cricut or Craft Robo. Hopefully you'll see that the techniques I use can be adapted to create any shape you like!

I don't claim to be an Inkscape expert by any means, but hopefully, if you're new to the program, you will see how shapes can be created simply just from a collection of straight lines and a little tweaking! After cutting the wreath shown here, I added "berries" created from red card with a hole punch!

[Edit - Thanks for your question Carolyn, I should have mentioned that in the video! Yes, when you're finished if you save, it will save as an SVG by default. If you want to save a DXF for cutting on the Craft Robo, choose Save As and select DXF from the filetype list at the bottom of the save window.]

Saturday Freebie #22!

Heroic Hardware!

[EDIT - These files are no longer available on my blog. Email me for details of how to access enhanced collections of past files.]

It's Saturday again, and that can only mean one thing - it's time for some new, original, FREE shapes for you to download!!

Ok, so it's not exactly heroic. Cut me some slack, it's hard trying to think up a snappy title EVERY week! :)

These hinges and keyholes are perfect for embellishing your cards and scrapbook pages! Imagine how great they'll look on a mini-book or album to give it that distressed feel! Why not use them to create a spooky album for your halloween photos. Can't you almost hear them creaking as you open the cover?

As ever, I have cut these myself before uploading, to make sure the files work as they should! Thanks go out to Gloria who suggested this weeks theme! :)


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 8 files this week, so 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

Video Tutorial - Alcohol Inks 101, Part 2

Part 2 of the video on Alcohol Inks, with 3 more techniques for you. The two small tags at the front of the picture above were created using the Dragging Technique from this video.

I suddenly remembered while typing this post that I'd made an ATC a long while back that uses two of these techniques - Tortoiseshell acetate and colouring embellishments! Here it is: