Cuttlebug Tips via Videos

If you've read just a little bit of this blog, then you should know that I'm a big fan of the Cuttlebug. I've seen the new one, but I have no interest in it since the old, original one is a fine and sturdy specimen.

I think I've only purchased one new folder in the past year. But you can chalk that up to the fact that I'm not currently living in the U.S. Actually, I have three new folders if I include the two from Tim Holtz. Again, the classic early Cuttlebug folders go a long way. Some of the new Cuttlebug folders are too 'scrapbooky' to me - for lack of a better term (I can't seem to find a link for the news ones).

All that to say, sometimes I'm seeking to do something different w/the Cuttlebug. Enter two videos that can add some 'umph' to your projects.

The first one uses ink on the folder. I'm on the fence about this one. I like the look, but if all of the ink does not come off (even with cleaning), I'm afraid that I'll mess up my next project. Still like the technique and the videos really short.

Using Ink with your Cuttlebug Embossing Folders by Tania Brown

The next technique is also cool, but a bit more advanced. You'll also need Nestabilities for this one.

Double Embossing with the Cuttlebug and Nestabilities by Nilda

Hope that you like those vids. Please feel free to share the projects you've created using these videos.

VIDEO: Paperclip Embossing w/Papertrey Ink

This is so nice and simple. I like the look too. Thanks Papertrey Ink.

YouTube - Paperclip Embossing with Papertrey Ink

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 34

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge was quite simple for me: use Basic Grey. I love, love, love BG. I love the patterns and the colors and just the whole image of the company. Good stuff.

This week's sponsor is Mothers and Daughters Creations. I'm sure that there will be some fabulous prize.

This challenge was easy because I have lots and lots of BG papers. I prefer the 6x6 paper pads, but I also have a few single sheets as well as entire lines.

I did not use a great deal of BG on this card, but it's subtle and has a nice girly touch. I also got out my Nestabilties for this one. Oh, my new acrylic stamps from Autumn Leaves. The stamps are new for me, but I think they've been around for some time. I got them for $7 at Cord Camera. There are seven stamps in the set.

Oh, and this just in ... this will be my last submission on the Cuttlebug Challenge Design Team. New ventures are on the horizon. And make sure you come back on Friday, June 5, 2009 ... I'll have a giveaway!

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
stamp: Autumn Leaves
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
dry embossin: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots
oval and scalloped oval die cuts: Nestabilities
ribbon: Hobby Lobby

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 33

Cuttlebug Challenge #33 is to use a monogram. This week the design team was provided with journaling blocks/tags from Elle's Studio. I don't think that there is a prize this week, but we hope that you'll still play along.

My goal here was to keep it simple. I think I accomplished that. I do like the way that wine color pops out. And I do like that monogram. Just a cute little 'k'.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Co.
journaling block/tag: Elle Studio
ink: Color Box
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Leafy Branch
Stamp: Studio G/$1 stamp from Michaels
ribbon: Hobby Lobby

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 32

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge Be Inspired is to use butterflies and hearts. I like this one. Probably because I did not have to make any additional purchases and I do have a soft spot for the Cuttlebug butterfly die cut and embossing folders. I like the hearts too.

This card was easy enough, as you can see. But I did try one that is different. Though it was difficult to capture in my images. I took the script texture embossing folder and ran my patterned paper through the Cuttlebug, then I took the leafy branch embossing folder and I also ran the patterned paper through that one one top of the script texture. Interestingly enough, the embossing from the script did not totally flatten out. I started to ink the embossed section, but I really wanted to the focus to be on the butterflies.

Make sure you check out the other Cuttlebug Challenge Design Team work. Then get to the challenge and make a card or project for your chance to win this week's prize - which I believe is a prize package from ProvoCraft, the maker of the Cuttlebug.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
butterfly die cut and dry embossing: Cuttlebug
stamp: Stampin Up!
ink: Tim Holtz
button: unknown

Masking - Butterfly Card

I made this card for DIY Die Cutting week 2 on Two Peas in a Bucket. At first, I thought I would not be interested in this class, but there are always some nice tips and I love seeing their samples. This week's class was hosted by Kristina Werner. Love her work.

So I had some time to do this card. I used my Cuttlebug butterfly die cut. I don't use it enough, but it will show up again in the next few days.

I like the masking technique ... basically you are inking around the die cut. My problem is that I don't have a sponge, so I just used the small Color Box ink pad. I was unsure of how it would come out w/the butterfly since there are some fine details, but it works. I had intended to use the butterfly die cut on the card as well, but I always go back to my mantra ... "simple is best".

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
ribbon: Offray
die cut: Cuttlebug
stamp: Hero Arts
Ink: Color Box

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 31 w/a video

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge is to use or make a 3D project. I sort of enjoyed this one. I've come to like making mini books. But I did not feel like I gave myself enough time to do this one in my meticulous way.

The Cuttlebug Design Team was given tag book courtesy of Create & Treasure.

I like mini books because of the embellishing. It's all of the little things. I've also come to appreciate letter stickers. Who doesn't have some of these laying around?

I mostly like the way the book came out, but give me some quality time and I am going to change out a few pages. I couldn't determine if I should focus on food that I like or quotes or just random things. I over-thought the whole process. Can't wait to see what you all came up with.

Check out the video ... it's only about 90 seconds.



Well, thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
tag book: Create $ Treasure
cardstock: DCWV, Bazzill and craft supply
patterned paper: K&Co.
dry embossing and (some) scalloped circle die cuts: Cuttlebug
ribbon: American Crafts (I think; I bought it by the yard)
other embellishments: American Crafts Thickers and letter stickers, KI Memories letter stamps, Bazzill paper flowers, EK Success Circle punches and butterfly punch, American Crafts chipboard heart, Hero Arts 'happy' stamp, Basic Grey letter stickers, Jillibean Soup journaling block, Inque felt flower, Creative Impression rick rack, buttons (unknown)

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 30

First of all, a big thanks for those whose participated in this past weekend's Cuttlebug Spa Weekend and the Blog Hop. Wow, lots of folks stopped by and it was so much fun.

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge was to make a wedding/anniversary project. The die cuts were provided by Creative Cuts and More.

I used the purse die cut. Quite the cutie. Though it nearly left me baffled as to what to do with it. I'm just lacking my creative mojo these days. With wedding, I thought simplicity, so I kept the white (I was tempted to do some inking, but no ...). I did not think that the heart embossing would work out, but I did test it out on scrap paper first. So the heart is on both the front and back of the purse. Then I wanted to stamp inside of the heart, but ... simplicity, right? I thought that the ribbon was a nice touch to make it not so plain.

The card was super simple. I love the split embossing (NOTE: I did not have time to locate tutorials on split embossing, but try searching on Splitcoast Stampers or Mel Stampz) . I almost put a ribbon on this, but I did not like my white ribbon selection.

This was fun ... thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
die cut: Creative Cuts and More
stamp: unknown
ink: VersaMagic
embossing powder: Joann
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and Decorative Hearts
ribbon: unknown

Cuttlebug Spa Weekend, Relax, Rejuvenate, Be Inspired

The Cuttlebug Spa Weekend: Relax, Rejuvenate, Be Inspired

I'm Kim, known to some as ohradiogirl, and my flower is the tulip.

This is going to be a great weekend! Lots of fun and lots of giveaways.

For me, relaxing does not come enough. But I find myself most comfortable when I am hanging out with friends: having a cup of coffee or breakfast and just enjoying good company.

I used to walk alot and that was relaxing. It was also quite fun since I walked w/a small walking group and we'd, walk, talk and laugh. Good times indeed.

The tulip has a soothing effect for me. It just brings me calm.

So you want to get in on some of the fun and prizes for the Cuttlebug Spa Weekend ... here's what you need to do:

• make sure you leave a comment on my blog
• follow my blog/add to your blog list
• collect all 30 flowers name only (you do not need the name of the blogger)
  
• email the flower names to cuttlebugchallenge@gmail.com
  

Next up on the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog Hop is Heidi.

For more details, visit the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog Hop post.

Good luck in winning some of the wonderful prizes. Thanks for stopping by.

2 Sketches 4 You :: Take Good Care

I almost did not do this week's challenge because I don't have any large stars. I guess I could make one, huh?

But I was near Archiver's and that made it possible. I went to As, bought a piece of cardstock and used their Ellison dies. I was hopeful that I could match up the cardstock w/some patterned paper.

This ended up looking nice. At least I like it. I have been soooo critical of my cards lately, but this one has a bit of character.

Nothing new and nothing fancy; just the basics.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply and Bazzill
patterned paper: K&Co. Que Sera Sera
star die cuts: Ellison
ribbon: Offray
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Color Box
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Texture Textile

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 29

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge is a Mother's Day theme that includes use of some digital images from MyGrafico.com. Additionally we were to include an envelope w/our projects.

I normally relish the opportunity to rant about the challenges w/challenges, but I'll spare you the grumbling ... just because I feel like I'm beyond my whining quota for this month.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply, Archiver's, DCWV and Basic Grey (envelope)
digital image: My Grafico
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Texture Textiles and word filled hearts
ribbon and letter stickers: American Crafts
die cuts: Nestabilities ovals and scalloped ovals

2 Peas Stamp Camp :: Week 3 and 2 Sketches 4 You

I'm double dipping for this card. I like it.

2 Peas' Stamp Camp continues this week. The technique is background stamping. Very nice video and examples from Nicol Magouirk. The background stamping on this card came out more subtle that I would have liked. I guess I could have used black ink to get it to pop. I had wanted to heat emboss it, but I could not find my VersaMagic ink.

I also decided to combine Stamp Camp w/this week's 2 Sketches 4 You sketch. This week is Laura's sketch. Like always, the sketch allows for lots of improv.

I love my Tim Holtz stamp ... I am trying real hard not to purchase more of them. Just not really my turn to stimulate the economy. But that ribbon was a good get. It was something like 15 cents a yard at Cord Camera. I might go back and see if they still have some because I really like it.

And how about that journaling spot ... Jillibean Soup. I plan to get more of these. I know that the come in circles too. And maybe different colors.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply and DCWV
dry embossing and die cut heart: Cuttlebug
ribbon: Amercan Crafts
stamp and ink: Tim Holtz
journaling spot: Jillibean Soup

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 27

This week's Cuttlebug Be Inspired Challenge involves numbers. I don't own the Cuttlebug numbers embossing folder. That would be nice to use.

But I just got this Tim Holtz stamp and I've been wanting to use it. So maybe you thought that the paper already had numbers on it, but no, that's me and my stamp. Nice. I like it. But that's the look I like: a bit messy and antique-like and fun.

So I used the Cuttlebug for the heart die cuts. I used one from Cuttlebug and one from Cuttle Kids. Also, there is embossing on one of the hearts and that is the Cuttlebug as well.

Make sure you check out the Cuttlebug Challenge blog and get in on this week's challenge.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill and DCWV
patterned paper: K&Co.
heart die cuts: Cuttlebug and Cuttle Kids
embossing: Cuttlebug
stamps: Hero Arts (sentiment); Tim Holtz (stamping on the paper)
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
ribbon: American Crafts

Cuttlebug Challenge :: Button Cover Tutorial

I've been playing around w/my button cover tutorial. I originally posted it on Craft Critique a few weeks ago.

I used another software program to make this one. A program called SoundSlides Plus. I like SoundSlides because I can control the music and the images from than you can with Animoto (the program that I used for the previous slideshow).

There's nothing new, just different music.

Here are the resources for the Button Cover Tutorial:

• Button Cover SlideShow Tutorial on Cuttlebug Challenge
  
• Button Cover Review and Tutorial on Craft Critique
• Button Cover Card

Also, mark you calendars for the weekend of May 1-3, 2009. National Scrapbooking Day is Saturday, May 2, 2009. At Cuttlebug Challenge, there will be a weekend of festivities called the Cuttlebug Spa Weekend.

2 Sketches 4 You :: Many Thanks

I haven't worked on a 2 Sketches 4 You sketch for weeks. Feels good to be back. I picked a good week too. The sketch was super simple and it used circles. Oh, how I like circles and using my EK Success circle punches.

I got to do a lot of my favs on this one:

• used my Cuttlebug to do some embossing
• used my new Que Sera Sera patterned paper from K&Co.
• used fabric brads
• used circles

Good stuff.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Co.
brad: Making Memories
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Thanks folder
flower: Bazzill or Prima (sorry, I just don't remember).

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 25

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge is to use acetate along w/a sketch from SheetLoad.

I did not use acetate. But I did base my card on the sketch.

What I like most about this card is that I used somle new paper that I just got this weekend @ Michaels. I love K&Company and they have done a bang up job on this set of papers. The line is called Que Sera Sera. I have the specialty papers and the designer paper. And the image does not do it justice. I usually go for more muted papers and earth tones, but there's so much color here, but not too bold. I am not too crazy about the embellishments. But that's okay. Also, it was nice to get the paper packs using a 50% off coupon from Michaels (even though now they only allow you to use one coupon per day; they need some store signage on that one).

But as per my usual, this card is simple. I just don't feel as creative w/out a dedicated craft area. So the sketch was really helpful for me or you would have gotten another version of what I did last week or the week before only w/different paper and ribbon. Not really, but you get the picture. And one more thing, I did notice that my bow is upside down, I started to change it, but then I thought, nah ...

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: unknown (looks like Bazzill, but I know that it is not)
patterned paper: K&Company
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Texture Textile folder and Thanks
ribbon: Hobby Lobby
circle punch: EK Success

Craft Critique: Button Cover Tutorial

I have an article posted on Craft Critique. It's a review and tutorial on using button covers.

I do like fabric covered brads and buttons. They bring a classy element to the craft world. I've come to like making my own too. Especially since I don't have a lot to work with in my current craft stash. And when you purchase button cover kits, the only other thing you need is the fabric. And I must admit that I sometimes grab some fabric swatches from Joann.

So, if you get a chance, check out the button cover review and tutorial on Craft Critique. I'm especially interested in what folks think about the video tutorial. I sort of like it.

Here's the scoop on the card that accompanies the article:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
ribbon: Offray
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
scalloped circle dies: Cuttlebug
twine: Darice
felt: unknown