Izbzee

trying a few new "to me" things

When I purchased the Skycut C24 a couple of years ago, I also purchased the embossing and etching tools.  I don't use them often, but a current project required use of the etching tool.  I was a bit wary and also glad that the acrylic blanks were fairly inexpensive, so ruining a couple wouldn't cause lots of worry.  

Here's the "test" result using a the Premium Monogram Font I found at Creative Fabrica.  

The steps to achieve this are pretty easy to do using SCAL and the Skycut.  
I chose an old grungy mat.  Not a lot of tackiness but using some redline tape  provided the tack needed to keep the 3 inch blank in place during the etching process.  In SCAL, I placed the image on the mat and set the X and Y to the bottom right corner at 11.00 inches.  Set the image to draw.  Hide the blank shape (the circle).  

As with most images, you may need to use line fill to complete the etching and fill in the shapes using the line fill option in the effects dropdown menu.  

Prepare the mat:  I placed the tape vertically on the mat so the tape was straddling the 11 inch mark on the right side of the mat and then straddling the 8 inch mark.  The strips were just a little more than 3 inches in length.  These strips held quite well for several etched pieced.  

Insert the etching tool into the holder.  Make sure that you have the mat and the post-it note stack (10 count) to set the height of the tool.  If you don't do that, the tool will drag across the blank and leave a few extra scratches that you really don't want!  Remove the protective sheets from both sides of the blank and center the blank between the two strips of tape.  Making sure that the blank doesn't extend beyond either 11 inch line on the mat.  Press the blank to the tape and to the mat to make sure it won't slide during the etching process.

Load the mat, and make sure that you have the tool centered at the bottom right corner in portrait orientation.  My Draw settings for this particular project was force 20, speed 6.   Click on Cut, Click on Draw -- and let the magic begin.  This etching took about 25 minutes.  Remember, I slowed down the speed a bit.  

Once the process has completed, remove the mat and carefully, remove the blank.  Wipe away the "sand," and clean carefully. 

Again, this is a test image and not the final version, I'm really happy with the outcome and plan on using the etching option for several other projects!  

Have a great day... thanks for dropping by and I hope you've carved out some creative time in the very near future.  

 

 

4 in one

It's so nice to find a file that can be adapted several ways.  I've shared a few of the ideas in this article now being shared on The Artistry.

3 of the four versions of this silhouette are made in paper.

The shaker versions were fun to create and while they require a little extra time, they are definitely worth it.  Shaker candy from Kat Scrappiness, Queen and Co and my stash.  

Paper versions are cut using the Skycut C24 and using SCAL 5 Pro. 

The fourth is from wood.  So much fun and we're looking forward to adding the laser cut wood version to our entryway tree. 

You'll find all the details for creating these fun holiday ornaments/tags here.  

 

February Tiered Tray

I had a lot of fun making a few things for this year's trays.  Even discovered a few things from the last few years we'd used on the Valentine tree in the past.  No tree this year -- there's no room for it!  

You'll find all the details for these makes on The Artistry, here.  

Digital paper, watercolor and twine decorate this wood piece.

Covered wood again -- love doing these book covers using the foil quill!  

Framed a mini vinyl piece.  The frame is lightweight because it's made from paper!  

Check out all the details here.  

Have a great day in your creative space today! Nurture your soul with color and fun!

12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 12

today's the last day of the Reveal.  It's kind of sad and even sadder that I didn't finish my 12th tag as planned.  It's still sitting in several pieces and not fully assembled.  

So instead, I'm sharing a duo I made using a couple of new word stencils that can be used for lots of different occasions on both cards, wood and canvas and even in a new journal I plan to start after the first of the year.  I'm looking forward to exploring some new ideas in that area in 2022.  


I pre-treated the wood by brushing on a light coat of Mod-Podge and let it dry overnight. Then using the stencil, a foam brush and some tube paint (it's thick), I created the stenciled piece.  I love how they turned out and I'm excited that there is a set of these now hanging on the tree.  

12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 11

another faux corrugated cardboard snow dude.  He was a fun one to make too.  Added a little brown ink this go round for a different look.  Everything cut on the Skycut using SCAL 5 Pro.  The paper crimper by Fiskars is definitely a tool I'll be keeping around for the long term.  

This particular guy is a a great scrap buster too!  

12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 8

This tag is a little different.  it's definitely dimensional.  

The frame file is from Creative Fabrica - designed by the Gentleman Crafter.  Christmas Dictionary words and a retired stamp from SU.  The background plaid paper is from an old stack - 

12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 7

Had to remember what day it was.  They're just speeding by with so many last minute things to get done in the next couple of weeks.  

Today's tag - 

didn't quite turn out as planned.  Creator error.  I didn't use the correct setting on the printer and the ink didn't dry like it should have on the transparency.  Oh well, it still adds a little bit of charm to this simple tag.  The base is embossed and some turquoise Staz-On ink is dragged along the surface to highlight the embossed snowflakes.  

Tag shape from the library, Buffalo check from CreativeFabrica, Embossing folder from Provo Craft

My cutting machine was acting up a bit so doing the print 2 cut option didn't go quite as planned, so I just stuck the transparencies to the cardstock with a tiny bit of vellum tape where it wouldn't be particularly noticeable.  

2021 Christmas Tags - tag 5

Adding a sentiment with the Foil Quill, cutting and then heat embossing and adding a few "gems" are all that this tag needed. 

I love this technique of wiping the versa-mark ink across the card and then heat embossing with silver embossing powder.  It's fast and has an interesting effect.  You can also add another layer of extra thick clear embossing and place the gems in that layer if desired for more adhesion than some glues offer.  That technique wasn't used in this tag, but it is an option.  

Faux Wood-Burned Ornaments

Now featured on The Artistry!  These were so much fun to create!  
Process video shared in the article as well.  

Hope you'll drop by and take a look at the article!  

 

Creating some fun summer embellishments

It's been a joy to be back in the craft room again and sharing some ideas over on The Artistry using some files from CreativeFabrica.com  They were fun and we're going to enjoy using several of them on some scrapbooking pages and cards. I'll have a few more to share in the days to come.  

Most of these can be made using scraps... so gather up a few in your summer favorite colors and prints and head on over to https://www.creativefabrica.com/the-artistry/paper-crafts/enjoy-a-cool-summer-making-fun-embellishments/ to learn more.  

All pieces created in SCAL5 Pro and cut using the SkyCut C24 plotter/cutter.  

Thanks for stopping by.  Hoping you'll be spending some time in your creative space soon!  Take care and enjoy the day!