Give Thanks Easel Card

Machine Used: BossKut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Oak Leaves 0449, Maple Leaf by Judy Stark
Materials: Card stock, glitter, brads
Challenges: The Outlawz Saturday Paper a la Mode - Use Negative Space

Creating an easel card in Funtime is really very simple.  I'm going to use the very basics of tools, going step by step to make it super easy to follow along!  Be sure to check out the video tutorials available.  I've watched each of them at least once and many of them countless times.  I like going back to watch them because I've always seemed to forget something!!

I start out by creating a rectangle, making sure that it's selected, and then right click on it.  That will bring up a list of options; at the bottom select either height or width.  The transformation box will pop up with another list of options.  Select "Condense" so that it is highlighted in blue, then change the W. to 8 and the H. to 4, select apply.  These are just the dimensions that I chose for this project.

 

Then you have a couple of options, you can either create 2 score lines in Funtime or once you've cut the rectangle you can use a scoring tool and do it by hand.  For learning purposes, I'm going to explain how I do it in Funtime.

 

Now that the rectangle is the size I want it, I'm going to put it in the lower left hand corner so that I can make sure the score lines will line up where I want them.  I start by selecting the rectangle and then click on the transformation box again.  This time I'm going to select "Position," and then change the X Pos. to 0 and the Y Pos. to 0, select apply.  This will place the rectangle in the lower left of your mat.

 

For me personally, I like to make my cut lines and my score lines 2 different colors.  I do this just in case some times I want my Gazelle to score my lines and then other times I may choose to do that by hand.  It just depends on how many items I'm making.

 

After selecting another color from my color palette, I select the scoring tool.  In this tutorial I'm just going to place my score mark anywhere on my mat, concentrating on making sure that it's straight.  I do this because it's easier for me to use the transformation box options to change the height and the position.

 

Select the score line and select height this time in the transformation box.  Change the H. to 4, select apply. I'm using 4 as the height because we want to score the full height.  Then select the position, change the X Pos. to 2 and the Y Pos. to 0, select apply.  This will place the score line along the 2 inch mark along the X axis and right against the Y axis.

 

We need 2 score lines on this card, so we will use the same technique.  Create the score line, change the height to 4 but this time after selecting position, change the X Pos. to 4 and the Y Pos. to 0.

For my card in this example I rounded the edges of the card.  You can do this by first selecting "manipulate elements" and then "round corner."  When you first select a corner of your rectangle a box will pop up asking for the radius value.  I used 0.25 for this project, then click on OK.  It will change the corner you initially clicked on.  Click on the rest to change them as well; the box asking for the radius value will not pop up again.

 

Once I have the base of my card completed, I usually make a couple extra layers for future use.

One last thing I do before saving and closing my project (besides making something :o)) is select the entire base, including the cut and score lines, and group them together.
 

I hope this helps you in creating that special card for someone special!  Be sure check out the video tutorials  and don't forget to drop by the BossKut Forum Learning/Training Center.

Thanks for looking!!
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Jamie*´¨)
BossKut Design Team Member

For more projects and information, please click links below:
BossKut Gazelle Blog
BossKut Company Blog

Halloween Treat Bags (take 2)

Machine Used: BossKut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Batty, the ghost was a DC9 freebie
Materials: Card stock, glitter
Challenges: Designs on Cloud 9 - Anything Goes Halloween Challenge

Here's a few treat bags ready to give out to my children's friends.  I used a couple of the bats from DC9's Batty and a ghost that I got as a DC9 freebie that I don't remember where.  Sorry!!

It's been awhile since I've really got into paper piecing so I used this opportunity to try a couple different things with the bats to see what I would get.  I'm definitely happy with the bat on the left but I think that I'll need to practice so more before I'll be completely satisfied.  :o)

I'm already looking forward to DC9's next challenge so that I can continue to work on my skills and craft when it comes to such detailed paper piecing.

If you have any suggestions that would help me in my journey to expand my knowledge, please leave a comment below.  It is always appreciated!

Thanks for looking!!
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Jamie*´¨)

Halloween Welcome Sign

 

Machine Used: BossKut Gazelle

Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Bat Pop Kut by Judy Stark BKD039, Broom Riding Witch by Judy Stark BKD044, Haunted House by Olivia Myers 0486, Flying Ghost by Olivia Myers 0493, Ghost Pumpkin 0498, Happy Ghost by Olivia Myers 0494
Materials: Piece of wood, vinyl, card stock, Mod Podge, origami paper

I just love Halloween!  It's so much fun and I enjoy all the decorations that go with it.  I'm having a blast putting my Gazelle to work.

For this project I started out with a plain white wood scrap that I got for free at a local hardware store.  I've had this for the longest time and just wasn't sure what to do with it!  I used some fine sand paper on the surface I wanted to work with because I wanted to make sure that the scrapbook paper I was putting on it would stay.  I also sanded down the edges a bit for a smoother

 

Then using Mod Podge, I put a layer over the whole surface and put my scrapbook paper on top. Again, I put a layer of Mod Podge on the paper.

 

While I was waiting for the Mod Podge, I hopped on Funtime and got to selecting the images for my welcome sign.  Using the Funtime font Frankenstein, I typed out "Welcome" and "The Gillahan's."  I added a border and cut it all out using vinyl.

 

In Funtime, I placed the ghosts where I would want them in the windows and using the scissors I "cut" them so it appeared that they are in the house.

 

To help complete the look, I cut out a circle for the moon for the witch to ride across.  I added some chalk to the sides of the haunted house and some glitter to the ghosts.

 
I really enjoy making kusudama flowers!!  I make them for all sorts of occasions and enjoy giving them to family and friends.  When I first started making them, I started out by following this tutorial by Folding Trees.  It gives 2 different options for folding them and the instructions are really easy to follow.

BUT I could just stop at making kusudama flowers!  There's always has to be a way to incorporate them into the season.  For these ones, I started out by using a file that was shared by Jules in the Gazelle Owner's Forum during a challenge.  It's another great reason why if you're a Gazelle owner to visit the forum from time to time!!

Using the spider web that she created, I cut it into quarters and sized it appropriately for the size paper I chose.  If you haven't made or looked at the instructions for making these flowers, each pedal is a single sheet of square paper.  While I've used thin scrapbooking paper before, I used black origami paper for these.

I finished off my flowers by adding them to floral stem with a bead in the center.  13 flowers in total, with one of them housing a beaded spider.  :o)

This was one of those projects that I truly was able to incorporate several different crafting projects that I enjoy doing!

For more information on how I added each flower to a stem, please visit my blog post here.  Or for more information on this bouquet, please visit my Halloween Kusudama Flowers. 

Thanks for looking!!
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Jamie*´¨)
BossKut Design Team Member

For more projects and information, please click links below:
BossKut Gazelle Blog
BossKut Company Blog

Halloween Boxes

 

Machine Used: BossKut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Pumpkin Banner by Judy Stark BDK 138, Corner Spider Web Banner by Judy Stark BKD 141, Anime Eye Full, Pumpkin Leaf, Spider web provided by Jules at the Boss Kut forum during a challenge
Materials: Cardstock, ribbon, fishing line, pipe cleaner
Challenges: The Outlawz Twisted Thursday - Halloween Twist

One box, many uses!!  I started creating a cut file for this box a while back and finally decided to finish it up.  I started by making it into a pumpkin and then the ideas just started flowing!

My original thought was to use these a candy boxes but I loved them so much I didn't want to give them away.  :o)  SO, I went out and bought some battery operated tea lights to put in them.

 

For the bat, I folded down all the tabs but the 2 that I used for the ears.  I created the cuts for the eyes and the mouth in Funtime using very basic shapes, welding them together, and then manipulating them until I got the look I wanted.  I also created the wings (complete with tabs to attach on the side) using the freehand tool and then once again manipulated the lines.

For the spider webs, I took the file that Jules provided during a challenge in the Boss Kut forum and cut it into quarters.  I sized it appropriately and then centered them on the box cut file.  Then using the spiders from the Corner Spider Web Banner by Judy Stark I added them to the top of the box.

For the eyes on the cat box, I imported the svg of the eyes from clker.com and welded a circle to it so that I would have the full cut out of the eye.  The nose is a simple heart shape that was available in Funtime.  For the whiskers, I cut fishing line and then using a paper piercer I threaded the fishing line through the cardstock.

I absolutely LOVE the face that Judy Stark created for the Pumpkin Banner and "borrowed" it for my box.  For the top I added some pipe cleaners that I folded around a pen and added some pumpkin leaves to the ribbon.

Here's a look from the top:

 

 

Thanks for looking!!
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Jamie*´¨)

Halloween Treat Bags

 

Machine Used: BossKut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Materials: Cardstock, ribbon, rhinestone brad
Challenges: The Outlawz Twisted Thursday - Bingo

For this challenge we were to use this Bingo card and make a project.  I chose the ribbon, designer paper, and a brad.

Since I was already making some Halloween bags, I simply decided to play bingo while I created my bags.  I started by creating a cut file using the basics from a tutorial I found online and then modified it so that I got the look I wanted.

Using Cloud 9 Design paper that I picked up at my local craft store, I lined up the blade from my Gazelle on the paper where I wanted it to cut.  I wanted to make sure that when it cut, I got the skull on the front of my bag.  I almost feel like I'm cheating here BUT it did take some time to create the cut file!  :o)

I tied some black eyelet ribbon in a bow and secured it to the bag with a rhinestone brad.  What woman doesn't like a little bling?!

 

 

Here's a picture of the inside as well.

 

Thanks for looking!!

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Jamie*´¨)

Autumn Card

Machine Used: BossKut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Materials: Card stock, ribbon, brads
Challenges: The Outlawz CAS - Autumn and Leaves

 

I'm still working on mastering the clean and simple card.  It's really not as easy as I thought it should be . . .

 

For this card, I stuck mainly with my manual paper cutter and only utilized my Funtime to print out the sentiment directly on the card.

 

The images are from some designer paper that I simply cut out and added a border.

Thanks for looking!!

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Jamie*´¨)

Evening Purse

Machine Used: BossKut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Materials: Card stock, button, beads
Challenges: The Outlawz Paper a la Mode - Use what you don't

I created cut files for my Gazelle in Funtime awhile ago while I was still trying to learn my way around the program.  I'd find projects that I liked and would eventually like to try.  Then using the tutorials, I would learn the tools within Funtime.

For the challenge at The Outlawz, it required us using what we have but don't.  I thought this was a great opportunity to finally use one of the cut files that I had created when I first got my Gazelle (almost a year ago now).

This purse was inspired by the tutorial by Brenda over at Qbee's Quest. She has a ton of great tutorials that will inspire you to create some fun things!  :o)

I did change some thing around a bit so that I could cut the whole purse out of a single sheet of 12x12 card stock.  When creating the cut file, I also made the front flap attached.

 
The card band was another cut file that I created and just left in a folder for later use.  I know that it's called a cut and fold but honestly, I'm not sure where I first saw one.  I'm so glad that I've finally taken the time to cut these files and tweak what I didn't like.

The button on the front and the beads that make the handle are also items that I've had sitting around begging to be used.
 

Here's a look inside the purse.  Very roomy and a great gift box that needs to be filled for that special someone.

Thanks for looking!!
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Jamie*´¨)

Fall Banner

 

Machine Used: BossKut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Acorn Bear by Designs on Cloud 9, Leaves by Designs on Cloud 9, Small Acorns
Materials: Cardstock, google eyes, ribbon, gold stickles
Challenges: Designs on Cloud 9 Banner Challenge

For the bears, I used google eyes and made sure the shade the borders with chalk.

 

For the sentiment "FALL" is used the Funtime font Hobos. The I cut the letters out of the Leaves by Designs on Cloud 9 and outlined the border with gold stickles.  I then raised the leaves from the banner by adding 1/8" pop dots.

Make sure to visit Designs at Cloud 9 to add on to your already existing cut files from BossKut Die Cuts.  They also make sure to add WPC files to the collection that you purchase!!  LOVE that!  They make some pretty cute paper piecings!  :o)

Thanks for looking!!
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Jamie*´¨)

Friendly Ghosts

Machine Used: BossKut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Ghost Pumpkin 0498
Materials: Glad Press'n Seal

Back again with another Boss Kut Die Cut inspired and Pinterest twist project!!  I've been looking for that one project where I can attempt a project that is larger than my mat size.  So, following Terri's incredible training video I "cut" up the adorable ghost from the Ghost Pumpkin 0498.  I just love the smile on his face and friendly feel he brings to the house!

The for the "ghostly" effect, I used Glad Press'n Seal.  To keep the number of cuts down, I used the 12 x 24 mat.  The large ghost in the door wall is 41.15 inches high.  This ghost is in 5 different pieces and you can obviously tell that I didn't use the whole ghost.

Note: When putting the press'n seal on the mat only press down enough to make it stick to the mat.  Too much and it will cause problems removing it after you've made your cut.  Also, when you put the press'n seal on your window or glass, do NOT press it down.  The static cling, will keep it against the surface as you position it where you want it.  Then in places where it is curling up, use 1 or 2 fingers and press down there.  Pressing the whole cut will make it wrinkle and when you take it down, there's A LOT more clean up.

The ghost on the mirror is 18.75 inches high.  I used the 12 x 24 mat again so that I could cut him out in one piece.  Well, I guess it's technically 2 but that's just how the cut file is made.  :o)

I still can't get over how adorably cute this ghost is!!  My children love it and it makes Halloween less scary for the younger ones.  It's an incredibly easy project that can spruce up your home for Halloween!

 

Thanks for looking!!
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Jamie*´¨)
BossKut Design Team Member

For more projects and information, please click links below:
BossKut Gazelle Blog
BossKut Company Blog

Halloween Kusudama Flowers

 

Machine Used: BossKut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Spider Wed provided during a BossKut Challenge by Jules
Materials: Origami paper, contact paper, bead spiders

I just LOVE making kusudama flowers!!  They're so much fun and I'm always looking for ways to create them in the image of the currently season or holiday.

For these, I chose to use black origami paper that I purchased from Paper Jade.  Then using the spider web provided by Jules at the Gazelle Owner's Forum during a challenge, I cut the spider web in quarters.

After using the multiple option in Funtime, I filled my workspace with spider webs to then cut with my Gazelle.

I chose to use contact paper (what you can use to line the shelves in your pantry) instead of vinyl.  It's much cheaper and I personally think it looks just as nice.  The other benefit is that contact paper seems thinner to me and add less weight to the thin origami paper.

I folded each of the squares in half before applying the spider webs.

Using dry wall tape (made it easier to see where I was putting the contact paper) I transferred the web to the corner of the origami paper.

I felt, that you can't have a spider web without the spider!!  Soooo, after searching for ideas I came across a tutorial on how to create a bead spider.  I alternated it some by adding the floral stem to the body of the spider so that he was attached directly to the flower.

Here you can see the single bead and the bead spider that I build my flower around.

Here are a couple close-ups of the flowers.  One with the spider bead attached and one with a single bead.

 
For more information on assembling the flowers, please check out this tutorial.

For more information on making your own bead spider, I found this tutorial very helpful.

Thanks for looking!!
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Jamie*´¨)

Thinking of You Card and Kusudama Bouquet

 

Machine Used: BossKut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Pop-Kut Butterfly Border by Judy Stark BKD152, Ruffled Butterfly by Judy Stark BKD105
Materials: Cardstock, ribbon, shank style buttons, stem wire, rhinestone
Challenges: The Outlawz Paper a la Mode - Thinking of You

It doesn't matter what time of year it is or what holidays are around the bend, sometimes you just need to let someone you know that you're thinking about them.  For this project I wanted to send a very special someone a handmade card and a bouquet of flowers that she's mentioned she likes.  :o)

With the new Pop-Kut Butterfly Border available, I just knew that I needed to use it!  It's absolutely adorable and sure to put a smile on any one's face!  With the one on this card, I added some color on part of the wings and some glitter.

I don't have a large collection of stamps with just the right sentiments but the print and cut option, it's really easy to say just the right thing.  In Funtime, I create the sentiment, with the fonts and colors I like and simply cut the shape around it!

 

I wrapped some thick ribbon around my card and using pop dots attached the sentiment.

With the Ruffled Butterfly, I added some glitter on the pop kuts of the wings and a rhinestone on the head.  In order to incorporate it into the bouquet, I used a floral stem wire and glued that between the the 2 pieces.  A simple addition to the bouquet that really makes it!!

A simple card and a bouquet of handmade flowers are now on their way to brighten the day of one very special woman!

Thanks for looking!!
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Jamie*´¨)
BossKut Design Team Member

For more projects and information, please click links below:
BossKut Gazelle Blog
BossKut Company Blog