Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Back to school blog hop
The blog hop is happening this weekend! Check back on Friday to see lots of great ideas for school projects!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Conical warp feature
With the new release of MTC, a lot of questions have surfaced about the new tumbler feature. Specifically, the need for designing in multiple colours has come up several times. I've created a word document tutorial that shows how easy this is to accomplish. I've also included some other design information to help make the new feature easier to use.
Black Cat forum - Christmas in July Crop
What a great time! Over two weeks of crop time resulted in lots of fun and an amazing number of fantastic projects!
With a family gathering at our place half way through the crop, I wasn't able to complete as many as I would have liked, but did manage to get 14 done.
Here's a sampling of some of what I created.
With a family gathering at our place half way through the crop, I wasn't able to complete as many as I would have liked, but did manage to get 14 done.
Here's a sampling of some of what I created.
If you would like to see many more projects, check out the challenges that were posted. http://www.blackcatus.com/viewforum.php?f=36
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Tumblers, Cupcakes and more
Has the newest craze of tumblers got you in it's hold? I've created a new tutorial using my Cupcake Calculator to show you how to enter the basic dimensions of the tumbler and guide you through a couple settings in MTC so that you get that perfect warp.
Here's a design that I quickly threw together with the help of Dana's Day 4 graduation file and the settings from the calculator. The calculator is very easy to use and there are only a few settings in MTC that you need to do to achieve your own great results! Give it a try. I did the math, so you don't have to!
Download Tumbler Tutorial
Download Cupcake Calculator
Although the Tumbler Tutorial was made specifically to help with this newest craze, the techniques can be used for cupcake wrappers, wrappers for paper coffee cups, ice cream cone wrappers, or any other object that takes on a cone like shape, without the tip.
I've learned a lot along the way of trying to explain how to design with this tool, and I believe that this latest tutorial demonstrates the cleanest way to design while offering the most flexibility.
If you prefer to watch a video that guides you through the steps, I have created a two part video. This was created in November 2010, so you may notice some slight differences, but the content is still worth watching if you prefer videos over word tutorials or as an introduction to them.
Video Tutorial - part 1 http:/screenr.com/a3c
Video Tutorial - part 2 http:/screenr.com/TPc
Here's a design that I quickly threw together with the help of Dana's Day 4 graduation file and the settings from the calculator. The calculator is very easy to use and there are only a few settings in MTC that you need to do to achieve your own great results! Give it a try. I did the math, so you don't have to!
Download Tumbler Tutorial
Download Cupcake Calculator
Although the Tumbler Tutorial was made specifically to help with this newest craze, the techniques can be used for cupcake wrappers, wrappers for paper coffee cups, ice cream cone wrappers, or any other object that takes on a cone like shape, without the tip.
I've learned a lot along the way of trying to explain how to design with this tool, and I believe that this latest tutorial demonstrates the cleanest way to design while offering the most flexibility.
If you prefer to watch a video that guides you through the steps, I have created a two part video. This was created in November 2010, so you may notice some slight differences, but the content is still worth watching if you prefer videos over word tutorials or as an introduction to them.
Video Tutorial - part 1 http:/screenr.com/a3c
Video Tutorial - part 2 http:/screenr.com/TPc
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Day 11 MTC Blog Hop
Welcome to my day for the MTC Blog Hop! I'm excited to be participating in my first blog hop as a Hostess!
I've been incredibly busy lately, so I didn't have a chance to create anything new, but I hope you enjoy what I have to share.
My creations were all created with my Gazelle and MTC as well as some purchased SVG files from My Vinyl Designer. I love the flexibility MTC has given to my creativity. I never would have imagined 18 months ago when I purchased my first cutter how things would evolve in such a short time.
With the inspiration from my friends on the MTC forum, I have tried many new techniques and know I have barely scratched the surface of what we can do with these tools.
What I would like to share today is some vinyl I cut for my mother and adhered to her walls. The vinyl is the Greenstar brand and was purchased from US Cutter.
All three files I used are files that I purchased from My Vinyl Designer. They all cut great from MTC on the Gazelle!
The first image is the file exactly as it came from
My Vinyl Designer.
In this second image, I wanted the saying, but the entire saying was too long for the space I was working with. I decided that the three lines of the full verse would work nicely alongside the crucifix.
In this final one, the original file came with stars to separate the lines. I prefered the idea of hearts, so with the tools in MTC, it was very quick and easy to switch out the stars for the hearts.
The next couple pictures are some paper piecing that I created from some free colouring pages.
Once you get the hang of tracing colouring pages into MTC, it can really become addictive! I don't have a tutorial on doing this, but I know that there are several out there as well as information given on how to do this on multiple MTC webinars that are posted on the forum. If you are looking for more information on doing this, check out the MTC forum.
I've attached the MTC files for the images below. I hope you enjoy using them.
Last but not least, some blog candy! I will be awarding one person a gift certificate to My Vinyl Designer. To qualify, please
1. become a follower of my blog if you are not one already
2. leave me a comment on this post
Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. I will draw for a winner at the end of the month.
I hope you enjoyed sharing with me on my blog.
To learn more about MTC and the many cutters that work with it, make sure to check out the information in the link that follows.
There is still lots happening for the entire month of May. The link provided will allow you to visit everyone who is participating in this blog.
Welcome to my day for the MTC Blog Hop! I'm excited to be participating in my first blog hop as a Hostess!
I've been incredibly busy lately, so I didn't have a chance to create anything new, but I hope you enjoy what I have to share.
My creations were all created with my Gazelle and MTC as well as some purchased SVG files from My Vinyl Designer. I love the flexibility MTC has given to my creativity. I never would have imagined 18 months ago when I purchased my first cutter how things would evolve in such a short time.
With the inspiration from my friends on the MTC forum, I have tried many new techniques and know I have barely scratched the surface of what we can do with these tools.
What I would like to share today is some vinyl I cut for my mother and adhered to her walls. The vinyl is the Greenstar brand and was purchased from US Cutter.
All three files I used are files that I purchased from My Vinyl Designer. They all cut great from MTC on the Gazelle!
The first image is the file exactly as it came from
My Vinyl Designer.
In this second image, I wanted the saying, but the entire saying was too long for the space I was working with. I decided that the three lines of the full verse would work nicely alongside the crucifix.
In this final one, the original file came with stars to separate the lines. I prefered the idea of hearts, so with the tools in MTC, it was very quick and easy to switch out the stars for the hearts.
The next couple pictures are some paper piecing that I created from some free colouring pages.
Once you get the hang of tracing colouring pages into MTC, it can really become addictive! I don't have a tutorial on doing this, but I know that there are several out there as well as information given on how to do this on multiple MTC webinars that are posted on the forum. If you are looking for more information on doing this, check out the MTC forum.
I've attached the MTC files for the images below. I hope you enjoy using them.
As I mentioned, I've been really busy lately. One of the main reasons is that I've decided that I want to add a Black Cat Cougar to my craftroom. The Gazelle has done some great things for me, but I want the added functionality that I know the Cougar can deliver. To reach my goal, has meant a lot of supply teaching. This is something I've done for 6 years now and quite enjoy. I take pride in what I do and enjoy working with both the staff and students at the schools that I get called to.
Last night, I was busy attending our annual general meeting for our local teacher's union where I was honoured to be recognized for my efforts with an award for daily occasional teacher! When I'm pulling my hair out on some of those challenging days, it's nice to know that my efforts are appreciated.
Last but not least, some blog candy! I will be awarding one person a gift certificate to My Vinyl Designer. To qualify, please
1. become a follower of my blog if you are not one already
2. leave me a comment on this post
Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. I will draw for a winner at the end of the month.
I hope you enjoyed sharing with me on my blog.
To learn more about MTC and the many cutters that work with it, make sure to check out the information in the link that follows.
There is still lots happening for the entire month of May. The link provided will allow you to visit everyone who is participating in this blog.
Special thanks to Christy for organizing this blog!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Lacy Frames
Wow, has it been that long that I've been MIA! I've been keeping busy with work and with following the news with Make the Cut. It's really sad that Provocraft, the makers of Cricut, could not see the advantages of MTC to the crafter and required Andy to remove the interface to their machines. On the positive front though, many people are discovering that there are a lot more cutters available to them that not only work better, but also embrace creativity and third party software.
If you haven't been following what's happening in the crafting world, check out the Boycott Provocraft facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/BoycottProvoCraft
Today's Share:
I have a new file share for you. I was playing around in MTC and made these lacy frames and borders. The photo shows a sample of what's on the file. Make sure to check out all the tabs in the file. Hope you enjoy!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Valentine's Envelopes
I need to apologize for taking so long to get back to my blog. I designed these envelopes a few weeks ago, but then I was without my laptop and it threw my crafting routine totally off. I'm finally getting back on track and have a few things to share.
I just test cut a few of the envelopes to ensure they cut and fold properly before sharing.
There are lots of tabs in the project file with a variety of designs to choose from.
I just test cut a few of the envelopes to ensure they cut and fold properly before sharing.
I wanted a contrast of colour, so I printed a textured rectangle and cut the one envelope so the design would stand out in the splash of colour.
The envelope is a simple design that can easily be resized. The shared file has them all set to hold a 4.25 x 5.5 card, but the instructions to adjust the sizing can be found in the notes section.
I hope you enjoy these and find a use for them. I would love to hear from you in the comments if you get a chance.
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