Silhouette snowflake cutting file

I love being on the Get It Scrapped creative team (check out the link over to the right if you have never visited Get It Scrapped or to become a member) as it encourages me to try something new, or get around to doing something I've always thought about doing. This time it was getting to grips with my Silhouette Studio software and designing a cut file from scratch!

Here are the instructions for the snowflake decoration (there are links to a free download of the cut file at the end of the post):

1. Load the cut file (it should fit on either A4 or US letter size) so this can be cut on a Silhouette Portrait as well as the Cameo.

2. Cut 2 copies on white card-stock.

3. Fold the tabs upwards on each side and continue to fold up and down to concertina it.

4. Add strong double-sided tape to the tabs on the side shown on the photo.

5.  With the tabs on the left hand side, fold each piece in half at the centre. Then layout as shown in the photo, paying attention to the placement of the tabs.

6.  Thread a piece of embroidery or thin crochet thread through all the centre holes, leaving a tail of thread at each end.

7. Remove the backing from the double-sided tape that is between the two sections and stick together.

8. Pull the thread tight, wrapping around the centre, and tie with a double knot. Cut off the excess thread.

9. Remove the backing from the remaining double-sided tape and stick the sides together.

10. Thread a piece of thread through the top two holes (one hole is either side of the join).

11. Tie a knot in the top of the thread to form the hanging loop.

12. Your decoration is now assembled - leave plain or add glitter or gems for extra sparkle - and enjoy!

The cut file can be down loaded here (for a Silhouette studio3 file) or here (for a Silhouette studio file). 

Please note that this file is for personal use only and may not be shared (please direct people to this blog post where they can download it for themselves) nor resold either as a cutting file or as a finished product without my prior consent.

Best Friend - Paper Layout

Here is one of my recent paper scrapbook layouts. My paper style is beginning to move towards my digi style - although I still like patterned paper for my background and less embellishments!

Photoshop and Elements mini-album template and video tutorial

A quick hybrid project using PS or PSE to add photos to the template, then print at home, follow the video tutorial for easy assembly and finally customise the covers!

I love making mini-albums but sorting out the mini sized photos is often a pain. So I have created a hybrid project with a Photoshop template. It is the perfect size for putting in your bag, so use as a brag book, gift etc. Kids also love them. The album is so quick to do that you can make loads!

The main part of the album is made from one sheet of card (A4 or US letter). It has 16 photos and a finished size of:
A4 - 5.5cm by 7.5cm
US letter - 2 3/4 by 2 1/8"

The kit comes with A4 and US letter sized templates in both psd and tif file formats. There is also an instructional video showing how to fold and assemble the album.

Cost £3

Buy it now with Paypal and get a link to the zipped file (it is a large file around 1.1GB). If you have any problems please contact me using your Paypal email.

Free template

I had intended to get this free template up in time for iNSD but didn't manage it!

Here is the page I made using it:

Here is the template (obviously without the logo!):

Click here to download

This is my first free template - well actually my first template of any sort - so if you have have any problems with it please let me know. 

I hope you enjoy using it. I would love to see any layouts you do.

Watercolour brushes

I am in love with digi watercolour brushes!

Back in January I took part in the Month of Challenges over at the-lilypad. In the process I tried lots of new things and learned new techniques. My favourite by far was the 'watercolour' technique and I loved the page I created.

Here it is:

Product used: Laurie Ann - Stardust basics , Just Jamie - soft watercolour brushes, CD Muckosky - world of wonder papers, Elise Hanson - winter wonderland


I love the way this technique can be used to hone in on the subject of the photo and not show parts of the background that are cluttered or irrelevant. I have therefore used the technique again and again. For this page I wanted to tell the story about Briony laying her babies out to change their nappies, however the photo was awful with loads of clutter in the background (it was her bedroom that needed tidying and I had just grabbed my phone to take the photo). In fact I am so embarrassed by it that I don't want to even show the original photo - luckily using this technique means I don't have to!!

Products used: Pixels&co - for the love of..., Mommyish - for the love of..., Gina Cabrera - doodle border


I also used the technique again here:

Products used: template - Laura Passage - Stitched down Vol 1, Laura Pasage - Brady\'s room, Laura Passage - summer beach cottage, Mommyish - bradbits 1, Mommyish - enjoy the everyday, Creashens - Krafternoon, Shannon McNab - for the love of

If you'd like to learn this technique check out Farrah Jobling's tutorial here (I never did the pencil part just the watercolour bit).

I hope you enjoy this technique as much I as do!

Welcome

Welcome to my latest blog.

I've had my other blog - vickiward.blogspot.com - for quite some time but haven't updated it in over a year. As this was set up in my maiden name I've decided to start a new blog in my married name, as this is the name I am using now in the online scrapbook world!

I hope to add my digital scrapbook layouts, as well as photos of my other crafting projects. Check out the links in side bar to my other blogs and sites!