Thank You Card

Machine Used: Boss Kut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Butterfly Silhouette 0327, Sun 0652,
Materials: Cardstock, images, seed beads

Here's a VERY simple card that I made that will hopefully speak volumes to one special Nana.  My daughter received a butterfly kite, which she LOVES, from her Nana and we've had to go outside to fly it just about every day.  As you can tell by the smile on my daughter's face, she truly enjoys it!!

Using a photo of my daughter I started out by cropping her out on my PaintShop Pro and then imported it into Funtime.  Using the print and cut option, I printed her picture out and then cut the oval out around her.  I also used the print and cut feature to cut out the cloud with the "Thank You Nana" sentiment.

Since she received a butterfly kite, I used the Butterfly Silhouette available at Bosskut.  For the body of the butterfly, I used seed beads for some additional dimension and some ribbon as the tail of the kite.

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

Bosskut Design Team Member

Celebrate America Card

Machine Used: Boss Kut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: 4th of July mini collection BKD 021
Materials: Cardstock, Glitter Cardstock

For this project, I started out with a tri shutter card template provided by Terri on the Gazelle Owner's Forum.  Thank you so much Terri!!

I used the sparklers and the "Celebrate America" files from the 4th of July mini collection. 

For the Statue of Liberty I used a coloring page that I found here.  I imported the jpeg into my Funtime and used the auto vecto to create the cut file.  Then I used a very fine black marker to "color in" the inside cut lines.  I replaced the pen with the blade holder and cut the outline.
 

The Liberty Bell is a true type font, US-Bats that I downloaded from dafont.com.  Using the same technique as I did the Statue of Liberty, I started with a very fine black pen to "color in" the inside cut lines.  I then replaced the pen with the blade holder and cut along the outside line.

This is the first card that I've submitted for challenges!!  So excited that I've finally taken the plunge!  I hope that I haven't broken etiquette on this but I did submit this one card to 2 different forums for their challenges.  I didn't see anything that said that I couldn't but I just wanted to make sure to add this disclaimer.  I have no intentions of offending anyone!  :o)

CHALLENGES SUBMITTED TO:
Bosskut CHALLENGE: make it your own! (tri-shutter card)
The Outlawz 2000 Member Party Twisted Thursday Challenge

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

Colin's Birth Plate

Machine Used: Boss Kut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Tiny Cloud by Olivia Myers 0337
Materials: 8.5 plain white plate, repositionable vinyl, ColorBox fluid chalk inkpad

Making a lasting present for someone else that they will cherish is why I love crafting so much!!  What parent wouldn't LOVE something that takes the birth of their child and memorializes it for all to see?!  For this project I made a birth plate for a couple of dear friends honoring their son.

In Funtime I started with creating a circle that is the same size as the plate that I'm using.  Then I created another circle to "show" me where the border of the the plate is.  These circles are strictly for guidance and I didn't cut them.

Using the true type font Disney Print, I started by typing out "Colin William" and then fit the text to the inside of the outside circle using this great tutorial by Jules.  After I finished playing with the spacing, I added an outline to it.  I applied his name to the plate using transfer tape, this made it easier to keep the integrity of the spacing and the arc.  With the same technique, I typed out Colin's birthday, August 18, 2010, and applied it to the plate.

For the weight, length, and time I used the true type font Disney Simple and added an outline to it.

The beautiful diecut, Tiny Cloud by Olivia Myers 0337, is made using different color vinyl and layering them as you would with paper.  For the cloud, I used ocean ColorBox fluid chalk inkpad to shade the outside and blended it using my finger.

An easy gift for any new parent that they will love!!  And according to this article, July, August, and September are popular months for birthdays.  :o)

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

Bosskut Design Team Member

EXCITING Gazelle Announcement!!

Magnetic Puzzles

Machine Used: Boss Kut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Materials: Cardstock, Family Photos, Xyron laminate/magnet cartridge

With all the wonderful benefits from digital photography, I shamefully admit that after the hundreds of pictures that I take of my beautiful family, my pictures get loaded onto the computer and that's where they stay.

Both of my babies just LOVE to play with magnets on the refrigerator.  They also both enjoy helping Mom and Dad put together puzzles.  Soooo, that got me to thinking about this project!!  I could easily combine the 2 activities using pictures from our family activties that we love the most.

I started out watching this video, available through the Bosskut Training website.  Making a puzzle from an image is as simple as a print and cut!!  Funtime allows you to choose from a 2x2, 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, 10x10, 12x12, 14x14, and 16x16 puzzle.  For this project I created two 4x4 puzzles and two 6x6 puzzles.  I wanted to keep them smaller so that it would still be easy enough for my babies to work.

After putting 2 pictures on my 8.5x11 work space in Funtime, I added in the crop marks.  In the "print setup" menu I made sure that I was printing the best quality.  I choose white cardstock to print my pictures on because I was getting better results than using regular computer paper.

Then using my Xyron, I ran the cardstock through the laminate/magnet cartridge.  Using a deep cut blade, force 3, speed 2, and ONLY 1 PASS I set up the print and cut.  My Gazzy cut B-E-A-uuuutiful!!!

Here are the first 2 pictures that cut still on the mat with a few of the pieces removed.  I sized both pictures to be 4.5x6.  The top photo of my son is a 4x4 puzzle and the bottom photo of my daughter and son is a 6x6 puzzle.

This photo shows a close up of just how well my Gazzy cut the puzzle pieces through the laminate, cardstock, and magnet!!!

The top puzzle piece is from a 4x4 puzzle and the bottom is from a 6x6 puzzle. 

I've successfully found a way to decorate my refrigerator with the ones that I love most and create a fun, learning environment for my babies!!  Now I don't have to worry about losing the pictures that I've taken to digital space.

This has truly been one of my most favorite projects to date!  I hope that you've enjoyed it as well and it has inspired you to find a creative, fun way to display your most cherished memories.

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

Bosskut Design Team Member

Clean and Simple Father's Day Card

Machine Used: Boss Kut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Materials: Cardstock, Ribbon, Silver Brad

I started by using the option to utilize any pen in my Gazelle and typed out "Happy Father's Day" in the Funtime font Brody.  Then I removed the pen and put my blade holder back in and cut the shape of the card around the sentiment.

Then I cut out "Dad" in the Funtime font Friz Quadrata Bold and cut the rectangle around it.  For the finishing touch, I added some embellishments to the top left!

Clean and simple BUT still made with all my Love!!

I really LOVE all the options my Gazelle offers me and she cuts so beautifully!  I've learned so much about how she actually works and what to look for when I'm having problems through the Gazelle Owner's Forum.  They truly have THE BEST customer service there!  I never learned or understood so much with my other electronic cutter . . .

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

Doll High Chair and Crib

Machine Used: Boss Kut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Butterfly Doily by Judy Stark BKD 101
Materials: Vinyl

My daughter received this beautiful high chair and crib for her baby dolls for her birthday last January.  The only problem I saw with it is that it's so white and boring!!  Nothing a little vinyl and some great Bosskut Diecuts can't fix.  :o)  There was more I definitely wanted to do but my daughter thought that my playtime with her toys was up.  She loved the new additions and even called them her new "toys."

For this project I simply used repositionable vinyl, available for purchase through Bosskut.  With just about all of my vinyl projects, I used transfer tape; also available for purchase through Bosskut.  This helps to keep the integrity of the design and if I'm applying words, it keeps the spacing as I intended it.

For the high chair, I simply added the Butterfly Doily by Judy Stark BKD 101 to the back of the seat.  I have to note here that once I had this cut and weeded, my daughter saw it.  She LOVED it and was so excited that it was for her!

With the crib, I added a Butterfly Doily by Judy Stark BKD 101 to each of the doors.  I also added the bedtime prayer, "Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Bless the bed that I lie on.  Four corners to my bed.  Four angels 'round my head.  One to watch and one to pray and two to guide me through the day" to the inside of the where my daughter puts her dolls head.

It still amazes me the difference a little vinyl can make!  With the colors available now, it's easy to personalize just about ANYTHING!!  Another thing that I absolutely LOVE about repositionable vinyl is fact that it's not permanent.  You can change with the seasons or as your mood suits.  What will you let your Gazelle help you to "improve?"

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

Bosskut Design Team Member

Father's Day Card 2012

Machine Used: Boss Kut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Materials: Cardstock

For my Dad's Father's Day card I started by typing the word "DAD" out in the Funtime font Windsor Bold.  Then I created a rectangle and rounded the corners.  I overlapped the top of the letters to the bottom of the rectangle and welded them together.

I then typed out a Father's Day poem I found available on the internet in the true type font Aeolus.  Using the print and cut option with my Gazelle, I print out the poem and cut the card shape around the poem.

Using the true type font Tagettes, I typed out "Daddy" and added an outline to it.  I used 3-D dots to adhere it to the card for some added dimension.

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

Completed Kusudama Bridal Bouquets

To create these beautiful Kusudama Bridal bouquets I started out following one of these 2 websites that show you the process in folding each pedal of the flowers:

• Origami Kusudama Flowers
• Kusudama Tutorial

Then on 05 April 2012 I posted this tutorial on how I attached the stems to the flowers.

On 27 May 2012, I shared how I created a bouquet out of all the stemed Kusudama flowers.

To complete the look of the bridal bouquets, on 10 June 2012 I explained how I decorated the bouquets by adding fuller with tulle and wrapped the stems with ribbon.

This is the Bride's bouquet.  It consists of 50 Kusudama flowers and tulle with added embellishments.  There are 3 different size flowers, assembled from 3", 4", and 4.6" squares.

 

For some additional personalization I made some flowers with "sentiments" that are special to the couple.

The first 3 bouquets are for the Bridesmaids.  They are made up of 25 flowers, assembled from 3", 4", and 4.6" squares.

Here's picture of the stem of one of the Bridesmaid bouquet.

The bouquet on the left is the Junior Bridesmaid bouquet and the one on the right is one of the Bridesmaid bouquets.

The Junior Bridesmaid bouquet is made from 25 flowers all assembled from 3" squares.

This is by far the most extensive crafting project I have done but definitely the most rewarding.  I'll admit there were times when I dreaded having to fold another piece of paper but I am VERY pleased with the results!!

Once my hands have recovered from all the folding, gluing, steming, and wrapping, I have so many ideas for these beautiful flowers!!  First off, I'm definitely going to try my hand at making a Kusudama ball.  :o)

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

Decorating a Bridal Kusudama Bouquet

Materials:  Tulle, Wire Cutters, Ribbon

After I wrapped the stems, as I show on this post, I cut the stems leaving a 4-5 inch handle for the bouquet.

I added some tulle between the flowers as filler,  I personally feel that this gave the flowers a completed look.

First I used my Mickey Mouse paper towel holder and put the tulle on it (hey, you work with what you got!!  :o)).  For the junior bridesmaid and bridesmaid I used plain white 6" tulle. Then taking one end, I put it into the bouquet and slowly wove the tulle in between and around the flowers.  Time consuming and a tedious task but, in my opinion, definitely worth it!!  With the Bride's bouquet I choose a tulle that was decorated with rhinestones and pearls.

Then I added some hot glue the end of the stem and putting the ribbon at an angle started wrapping the stem.  I should note here that before I started wrapping the stem, I folded up the ribbon that was at the bottom so that the ribbon "capped" the stems.

As I went up the stems, I would pull the ribbon tight and periodically add more hot glue.

Using a thinner ribbon and my dearest husbands assistance (he had to hold the bouquet for this part), I criss crossed the ribbon up to the top.  I did make sure to add small amounts of hot glue to the ribbon as I worked my way to the top.  At the top I tied the ribbon in a knot and made sure to leave some ribbon to hang down.

Well, as you can see from the top picture I have finally completed all the bouquets for my sisters wedding <sigh>.  I am looking forward to posting additional pictures of all her bouquets just as soon as I have her OK (which may or may not be after her wedding).

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

Etched Beer Mugs

Machine Used: Boss Kut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Scroll by Phyllis Parkins 0986
Materials: Glass Beer Mugs, Etching Cream, Repositional Vinyl

Here's a great, personalized Father's Day gift that he'll sure to love!!

I started out by purchasing a set of 6 glass mugs.  In the past I have used contact paper available for purchase at your local grocery stores but have unfortunately not had much luck with it.  For some reason, it doesn't seem that the contact paper adheres to the glass very well.  So, I have been using repositional vinyl, available for purchase at Bosskut.

For the first glass (the one on the right) in Funtime, I used the true type font AmericanUncIniD and typed out the Irish toast, "May there be a generation of children on the children of your children."  Added the Scroll by Phyllis Parkins 0986.  Then typed "Happy Father's Day" in the Funtime font Bookman Bold.  With the alignment tool, I centered all 3 vertically.

When it came time to cut my vinyl, I made sure to use the weeding option in the Cutting Control Panel.  This made it signficantly easier when I started weeding out the vinyl that I wanted to place on the glass mug.

Here's a picture of just how small the letters were cut and how well the Gazelle did!!  I used a vinyl blade, force of 1, and a speed of 1.  She did just BEAUTIFUL!!  Honestly the worst part was weeding each of the small letters.  Amazing how you don't notice how many letters have small bits in the middle of them until you have to weed them.  At this point you'll see that I was still arguing with where I wanted the small bits placed.  :o)

With the second glass I created an image in my PaintShop Pro for the bar that my husband is currently building in our basement.  Due to his military background, he's decided to name the bar "Check Point Pub."  The beer mugs are from the true type font PrositBats, "Check Point" is the true type font Army, and "Pub" is the true type font BrushScrD.

I saved the image as a jpeg and then imported it into Funtime.  After using the vectorization, I cleaned up the image a bit so that I would have a cleaner cut.  With a vinyl blade, I cut the image into the vinyl and applied it to the glass mug using transfer tape.  I've personally found that the transfer tape is a MUST HAVE when working with vinyl on any project.

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

Father's Day Card

Machine Used: Boss Kut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Materials: Cardstock, Vellum, Metal FX Creative Covering by Con-Tact, 1/8" thick 3-D dots

Here's a card that I made for my dearest husband from our babies. 

I'm not sure how it started but for fun (no matter what we're drinking) we "cheers" each other.  So, taking this little family tradition I decided to incorporate it into his Father's Day card.

I couldn't find a beer mug or sippy cup cut file that I like SO I decided to make them myself.  The Funtime software that comes with the Gazelle is that easy to use!!  Using the basic shapes, the ability to manipulate those shapes, and the option to weld the shapes together I created simple paper piecing cut files.  I've made these files available to other Gazelle owners at the Boss Kut Forum in file sharing.

• Beer Mug
• Sippy Cup

I used the metal Con-Tact paper as the base of the beer mug.  I chose a darker color for the beer because my husband prefers a full bodied beer, of course, a yellow would also look good!  For the "frosted" look, I used vellum and the "head" of the beer is simply white cardstock.

With the vellum, I started out by embossing the lines down the glass.  The embossing mat and embossing tool are available through Boss Kut!  For the embossing, I used of force 2 and 2 passes.  I'm thinking that I possibly could have used 3-4 passes to get a "deeper" look.

For the sentiment, "Cheers" I used the print and cut option on my Gazelle.  In Funtime, I typed out the sentiment in the true type font First Grader and added an oval around it.  With the special effects option, I used the scissors to give the oval a jagged edge.  I then added the crop marks and printed out the sentiment.  I cut out the oval and high lighted the edges.  With 1/8" thick 3-D dots I added them behind "Cheers" for some dimension.

A simple card that brings in a little family fun that I'm sure he'll keep forever!!

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

Father's Day Gift Box

Machine Used: Boss Kut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Vintage Framette II by Karen Taglia 0372,
Materials: Cardstock, silver brads, 1/8" thick 3-D dots

My dearest husband is always so hard to buy for!!  I always look for that special something for him that I know he will truly cherish and appreciate.  Since he has always been VERY supportive of my crafting and gets to see firsthand the time and love I put into each item, I decided it was time to make something special for him.

I started with a basic origami style box that I created a cut file in Funtime.  Then decorated the box with matching cardstock that I cut to size based on my dimensions of the box.  Using the Vintage Framette II by Karen Taglia 0372, I framed the sentiment "Happy Father's Day."  I also attached 4 silver brads to the corners of the vintage framette.

Using the option to use ANY pen of my choice, in the Funtime font,  Architec, I "cut" out the sentiment "Happy Father's Day."  Then I removed my pen and quickly put the blade holder back in to cut the rectangle out around the sentiment.  So EASY and I LOVE it!!  :o)

I attached the "Happy Father's Day" sentiment to the box using 1/8" thick 3-D dots for some added dimensions.

With the box finished, my daughter, son, and I will fill it with "treasures" for Daddy!!  Of course, with my babies being 3 years-old and 22 months I'm sure that Dad will get rocks, weeds "acting" as flowers, and whatever other goodies we can find!  :o)  I know that he's gonna LOVE it!!

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

Bosskut Design Team Member

Spring Wreath

Machine Used: Bosskut Gazelle
Software: Funtime Scrapbooking III
Files Used: Ruffled Butterfly by Judy Stark BKD105, Wildflower Cutout 0690,  Parker Pop Kut Flower by Judy Stark BKD103, Wildflower 0687
Materials: 12" Styrofoam Wreath, Fun Fur Yarn, Cardstock, Quilting Pearl Head Pins, Ribbon

So, we're almost into summer and here I am posting a spring wreath!!  I started this around Easter and then other projects took priority.  This was for fun and I'm glad that I finally took the time to complete it!!

My inspiration for this project was from a fellow Bosskut Design Team member Becki, you can find her project here.  I very much fell in love with the look and decided that it was something I had to try! 

With my dearest daughters influence, we choose the fur with pink, purple, blue, and green.  I picked out the colors pink, purple, and green to use on the flowers because those are my daughters favorites and she's my influence for this project.  :o)

I started out wrapping the yarn around the wreath.  I thought for sure that it would take a lot more time than it actually did!!

Then months later ;o), I finally get to cutting out the "Welcome" sentiment, the beautiful Bosskut die cut flowers, and the Ruffled Butterfly by Judy Stark BKD 105.  I attached the flower and butterfly diecuts to the wreath using the pearl head pins.

With the butterfly, I added some glitter to the wings and used ocean blue ColorBox fluid chalk inkpad to the edges.

The original intent was for this wreath to hang on the front door at spring time BUT once my daughter saw it, it was hers!  :o)  She asked if we could hang it on her bedroom door instead and I'm not about to tell her no on this one.

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