HELLO THERE!

Well hello my cuttin' friends! Yes, I know I have not posted anything in a year, but  I am back and ready to start all over.

This time, I am going to do things a little differently. I am going to make simple video tutorials to help crafters learn more about digital cutters and cut files. I plan to start out really basic and break the information up in small manageable chunks. 

I know most of you already know quite a bit about this. It would really help me out if you could follow along with the short simple videos to let me know if I left any thing out and check my facts. Since I do not have all the different types of cutting machines, it would help to have contacts that could tell me about the specific functions on the various brands.

In return I will be offering free cut files for you. :) 

You can download the "hello" caption and shadow cut files here; Hello Hello CUWC 

Thanks for your support. Hope to "talk" to you later. LOL

Shamrocks

Hello cutting gals (& guys if that applies)


I have a couple of shamrocks to share. 

They are a little different. Here is how they go together.

You can download them here: shamrocks CUWC

Please remember these are for personal use only. They are not to be sold or used for profit. You are free to use them for challenges. I would appreciate a link back here if you post a project on the web where you have used them.

You are also free to use them for non-profit fund raisers.

I also wanted to let everyone know that the Paper Playtime blog is starting a die cut challenge the first Monday of every month.

You can use any die cut machine! Yeah!

I know it might be too late to enter this month, but please go by their blog and show some support for including all of us Cutters. :)

Here is a link to their current die cut challenge.

Paper Playtime's Delicious Die Cuts Challenge #69 

New Paper Lines for Cutters

Hey cuttin' friends. I am so excited that some of the commercial crafting companies are starting to develop products that are geared towards digital cutting machines. I just watched a video from CHA Winter 2012 where  Megan Elizabeth has designed a paper that is customized for electronic die cutting machines. It is called Paper Layers. The idea is that there are several blocks of coordinating colors on one 12 by 12 scrapbook paper. This would make it easier to cut out different layers and embellishments. Instead of trying to find 9 different colors of paper and then trimming and positioning them on your mat, you could just use one sheet of paper where they have done the work for you.


For example, if I were to cut this schoolhouse image I cut place the cuts in the colored squares.

You can check it out by going to this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IueO6KiD7Ak&feature=colike

Bazzill paper has also considered digital cutters. They are coming out with 12 by 24 inch paper. That will be great for long projects and will be easier to use when we need to make several cuts with the same colored card stock. They are also coming out with 110 pound card stock for us card makers which will also be good for our 3D paper crafts.


You can watch that video here;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jevm9YSfo14&feature=autoplay&list=PL702B309B82A10D6A&lf=BFp&playnext=6

Loving eyes

I was playing around with my heart files and came up with these cute little heart shaped glasses.

Now, I am not the best stamper, bu that is ok because kids won't care. They will just think they are fun!

I embossed these images with some fun hot pink embossing powder. A word of caution though, you will want to stay away from using glitter or even glittery embossing powers since kids will have these near their eyes.


I made mine from cardstock. You could easily cut plain cardstock and add a layer of patterned paper over it.


Here is how I put them together. You can add plastic to the center if you wish.

You can download the cut files and the PDF printable file that you could print out and cut by hand. Whatever you do, just have fun.

Heart Glasses CUWC

Note: The "adult" size should fit most of us that are older. The "child" size may need to be

re-sized. I do not have a small child any more to try them out on. I used my best guess.

I would love to hear feedback on whether or not the "child" file should be re-sized and measurements. Thanks!

Silhouette Design Studio or MTC

If anyone is trying to decide between MTC and the Silhouette Design Studio, Under the Cherry Tree has a blog post that you may want to check out...

http://underacherrytree.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-make-cut-mtc-vs-silhouette-designer.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UnderACherryTree+%28Under+A+Cherry+Tree%29

If you have compared these programs yourself or know of any other sites/ posts that compares them, please leave a comment and share with the rest of the class :)

Stamp2Cut from Tim Holtz

I have decided to start posting content that electric cutter users will find interesting. There are a lot of changes going on right now involving cutters and SVG's. I will try to highlight some of these situations so we can all keep up with them.

I might even through in a free cut file every now and then...LOL

Anyone have a Sizzix E-clips? Tim Holtz just made a video about his new cartridges that go along with his stamps the line is called Stamp2cut. He is introducing it at CHA and it should start shipping in March.

 I know, I am disappointed that is a cartridge based system. Look at it this way, if Tim Holtz is starting to include electric cutters in his craft line, then other companies are sure to follow suit in the future.

You can take a look at his blog post here and see the video:

http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/01/cha-winter-2012sizzix-stamp2cut.html

Or you can just go straight to the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLxmMkHv-wk&context=C31a2dc4ADOEgsToPDskI60psF2M2etjPJYFGYKhWg

Sizzix is also offering a version of SCAL to work with the Eclips. It is called ECAL.

You can find out more info here:

http://www.sizzix.com/ecal

I made some heart charms over a year ago and have never used them.

You can download them here.

Gingerbread man challenge

Well bloggers, It is sad to say this, but this will be the last cut file challenge for CUWC. We will still have a Show and Tell next week, but this will be the last challenge. Unfortunately, it is a lot of work and we are not having very many participants. Over 1000 files have been downloaded but we have just had a handful of people actually play along. I want to thank all of you who supported us. I have appreciated each and every project and comment. I have learned a lot and enjoyed this blog while it lasted. I will eternally cherish the design team members who went along on this journey with me. You ladies ROCK!


I hope to join up with the DT ladies soon for a blog hop. I will also be giving away cut files on my blog from time to time.


Well, if we have to go out, let's go out with a bang. The challenge this week is to use this gingerbread file on a project of your choice. 

You can email me at papercompulsions@gmail.com to request the file.

Here is what the awesome DT members prepared for us.

The extra gingerbread man accessories will be available on my Etsy store.

Gail

Jean

Cheryl

Rhonda

(coming soon)

(I messed up and deleted it my mistake.)

Jani (me)

I would love to see what you create with this file. Just remember to include a link, our name, and  post it up by next Tuesday.

Guest Designer Penny Duncan

Hello blog friends. We are honored to have the infamous

Penny Duncan as our guest designer today.

If you have not been by Penny's blog , Penny Duncan Creations, you will definitely want to go check it out. Penny has some wonderful creations, svg cut files, and tutorials. She very generously shares her files and experience with all of us.

Where do you live? 

Robards, KY - USA

How long have you been crafting? 

Approximately 30 years

What do you do when you are not crafting?

Spend time with hubby and youngest son (17)…..goof around with my computer and watch tv!! (but MOST of the time I’m in may ARTHaven!!)

What types of projects do you enjoy the most? 

I have a passion for creating greeting cards, but I truly enjoy all Mixed Media……ATC’s, Altered Frames, Journals, Flowers……I own a Black Cat Lynx cutting machine and I truly enjoy creating cut files to be used with the cutters on the market today.

What is you favorite craft tool? 

My Black Cat Lynx Cutter and my computer

What is your favorite form of bling? 

I LOVE to make my handmade flowers and add them to projects I create…..love love love rhinestones and ribbon

Is there a line of papers that makes your heart sing? 

K and Company they create some of the most exquisite designs….as I go into my next phase of creativity I’m going more and more to designing my own paper and finding them on line and printing them as I need them for a project…..it takes up so much less space and you have limitless possibilities that way….

What do you do with all the wonderful craft projects that you make? 

I swap a lot, give as gifts and also sell on my ETSY storehttp://pennyduncan.etsy.com

What is the next big craft item on your wish list? 

Hummmmmmmmmm…….well because I pretty much have EVERYTHING a person could want……I would have to say I’m very content with the ART treasures I already own.  I’m the type ARTist that if I can create something I’m wanting for a project from scratch I would rather do that then to purchase a premade embellishment to add to my project…..so I’m always on the lookout for items that will aid me in those ventures….

Here is a special project that Penny was kind enough to share with us:

Penny makes her own cut files for her flowers and beautiful decorations. Be sure to go by her blog at Penny Duncan Creations.

THANKS PENNY!

Let it Snow!

Wow! Christmas is almost here! Can you believe it? Well, whether or not your area of the country is having a white Christmas, you can still play with snow...paper snow that is. Check out the snowflake cut files for this challenge.

You can email me for the cut file so that you can enter the challenge.
papercompulsions@gmail.com 


There are more snowflakes and a couple of snowmen available at my Etsy store.


Here are some DT projects to inspire you.

Cheryl

Jean

Rhonda

Jani

You can head over to the DT member's blogs by clicking on each person's name.

For this week's challenge

Create a snow/snowflake project using at least one of the snowflakes in the file.

Mention that you are entering it in the Cuttin' Up With Class Challenge and provide a link back to this blog. The challenge will be open until next Tuesday morning.

Have fun playing with the snow :)

Guest Designer Yolie

Hello bloggers. Hope you are having a great time crafting whenever you can find an break during this busy season. Hope you are able to stay warm, too. Our guest designer, Yolie from Just Yolie, Just Create is sure to warm your heart with the project she is sharing with us today.


First, here are some questions in case inquiring minds want to know...

Where do you live?  I was born, raised and live in Southern California.

How long have you been crafting?  I have been crafting in one form or another for most of my life, but when it comes to paper crafts, I have been playing with paper for about 8 years.  My dry hands are testimony to it, paper sure dries up your hands.  Or is it just me?  Bring out the Kerri bottle!

What do you do when you are not crafting? What? Is there life out there besides crafting?  Kiddin’, my husband and I love to travel.  We have visited several states and traveled to Europe.  We would love to visit Ireland again, but currently planning a cruise. (I am building up the courage to book it)

What types of projects do you enjoy the most?   Scrapbooking is my first love, but at the time I write this, it’s card season.  Therefore, you will see many cards on my blog.

What is your favorite craft tool?  Well, that changes.  Sometimes my cutting machine is my favorite, but right now, my embossing machine is my favorite tool.

What is your favorite form of bling?   I love my rhinestones, all shapes and color.  I also like glitter however; it sure is difficult to clean up, cheesecloth or no cheesecloth, glitter lingers forever!

Is there a line of papers that makes your heart sing?   “Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do” I simply love all paper so I do not have a favorite line.

What do you do with all the wonderful craft projects that you make?  I create all my cards to give to someone.  I also create them to give away to charity.  My scrap pages are all mine to keep and eventually passed down to my goddaughter Dulce.

What is the next big craft item on your wish list?   Let’s see, I think the Big Shot or the Cameo cutting machine.   Dilemma!  I don’t have room for either! =)

And here is a wonderful card that Yolie made with the cut file for this week.

Love it!


Be sure to drop by Yolie's blog and leave her some love.


Thanks to everyone who "cut up" with us last week. The random number winner is...

#6 Sally

Congrats, Sally!

I will be contacting you.

Fireplace card challenge

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Show & Tell link up party last week.


This week's challenge is centered around a cut file that DT member Cheryl has made for us. She has made a fireplace card for us.

How fun is that! You can make this card and send warm wishes to family and friends. Just in time too since so many people in the country getting cold weather right now.

Here are some more projects to inspire you:

Jean

 She made a fun candy wrapper.

Rhonda

Jani

Here is a free Christmas stocking file to use if you want.    Christmas Stocking CUWC

You will need to go to Cheryl's blog CAFExpressions to get the fireplace card files.


Link up by next Tuesday. Remember, you need to use at least one of the files in some way on your project. Feel free to use any other files, stamps, or die cuts on any type of project. Please mention that you are entering it in the Cuttin' Up With Class challenge and provide a link back to the site.

November Show and Tell Link Up Party

Well it is the last Tuesday in November. That means it is time for the

November Show and Tell Link Up Party.

That's right. You can link up any project you have made (old or new).

You MUST however make a NEW POST that tells you are entering it in the 

Cuttin' Up With Class Show & Tell Link Up Party

and provide a link back here. 

You also, MUST go visit at least 3 other blogs in the show and tell and tell them you

dropped by from CUWC.

I can't wait to see what you have been up to :)

New DT Member

Hello bloggers! I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday.

I have some good news to share. We have a new DT member!

Jean from Jean's Crafty Corner will be joining us soon.

I know you will enjoy her creative projects as much as I do :)

Next Tuesday we will have another Link Up Party.

Start planning now what you would like to link up. It can be any project you have made. (old or new) All you have to do is make a new post with pictures of your project and a link back to

Cuttin' Up With Class.

Sorry, the penguin files are no longer available.

Oops! With all the excitement I almost forgot to announce last week's winners.

Lolis is the DT pick 

and

Lisa R is the random number winner!

Congrats ladies! I will be contacting you soon. 

Family Challenge

I hope you are all having fun preparing for Thanksgiving.
Friends and family will be gathering soon, but there is still time for a quick challenge.


In honor of the upcoming holiday, this week's challenge is Family.


Create a craft project using at least one of the "Family" captions or stick family files.


The "Family" captions can be downloaded here.

You can also use these stick family cut files or digi files.
To get these files, just email me at papercompulsions@gmail.com and tell me whether you would like the cut files or the digi files.

Take a look at what we came up with...

(If you would like to use the family set with clothes pictured below,

you can purchase it at my Etsy store.)

Cheryl

Rhonda

Tammy

Jani

Now it is your turn! Remember:


You must use one of the files provided (caption, cut file, or digi)


Include a link to the Cuttin' Up With Class blog.


Link up before next Tuesday.