Free SVG Files

Had to share - love this website!  Not only do they have a great selection of files for purchase, but there are also a number of free files for download.  This site is specifically targeted to the Sure Cuts a Lot program, but there might be information about other systems as well.  Enjoy!

http://svgcuts.com/

What the Heck is Washi Tape?

I wanted to share this really great article that helps explain what exactly Washi Tape is.  I'm a HUGE fan of this stuff, simply because it allows me to quickly/easily add layers to my cards and pages.  I have to admit that I've also pretty much restricted myself to using it for straight lines only (so far) - but I have plenty to play with thanks to A|Muse Studios' great collection!

http://omiyageblogs.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-is-washi-tape.html
(photo courtesy of the Omiyage Blog)

https://www.amusestudio.com/ourproducts.asp
(check out AMS's tape collections!)

DCWV Stacks

OK.  I just got done writing an ECSTATIC email to the papercrafting company DCWV - they're the ones that make those "stacks" of paper that you see in the big box crafting stores all the time?

Well let me tell you--- on second thought, let me just show you.  See below for the email I sent - it was so fun to send a "happy customer" email to a company!

(To learn more about the Lemon Flower stack I reference below, visit: http://www.diecutswithaview.com/new.php?id=440)

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On Tue, Nov 1, 2011 at 8:48 PM, Christine Zani wrote:

I had stopped buying the DCWV stacks a while ago because of the glue binding on them.  I just didn't have the patience to tear the pages out properly and always (and I mean ALWAYS) managed to tear the ONE PAGE that I absolutely needed for xyz-project I was working on at the time.  I decided that it was easier on my mental wellbeing to just avoid the problem all together.

This weekend I made an exception.  I have a retreat coming up this weekend for my birthday, and I was trying pick up a few essentials.  I walked by the DCWV island at my JoAnns and happened to catch the Lemon Flower Stack out of the corner of my eye and I. Was. In. Love.  I literally had a "devil on one shoulder, angel on the other" moment standing there in the store!  I decided to buy the stack to treat myself, but was definitely not looking forward to the battle I'd face.

Tonight - two full days before the retreat - I sat down while I could give my full attention to the paper/glue mess to start the agonizing process of extracting the paper from the binding ----------------- and what did I discover?????  PERFORATED PAGES????  And perforated pages that actually TORE EASILY.  CLEANLY.  WITHOUT FORCE.  NO EXCEPTIONS???????????????????????

I just finished the stack and had such a huge grin on my face that I had to sit down and immediately write this email to you guys.  In the process I found what a great site you have setup, and I am also about to go post all about this on my blog.  

Let it never be said that design/packaging don't matter as much as product.  If you keep doing this, I am proud to admit that I will be a longtime DCWV customer =D

THANK YOU!!!
--
~Christine

Custom Embossing Folders/Plates

There are definitely some awesome crafters out there, and when you're into a hobby as expensive as rubber stamping (am I right?) its important to find ways to pinch your pennies.

This past year my biggest purchase was a Big Shot - I love it, I actually prefer the non-electric version, and I've found so many wonderful ways to use it that it has become a staple in my supply stock.

But. Accessories, die cuts, embossing folders and the like are all pretty expensive. So for my crafty find of the week, I'd like to share some awesome sites that have shown us how to save some money and still get all the cool embossing we want!

1. Embossing plates using grungeboard: this post over at Mel Stampz looks to be the easiest method. Using pre-cut shapes, Mod Podge, and some cereal box cardboard she was able to make these beautiful clouds!
2. Hand-Cut embossing plate: this one (again at Mel Stampz)is a little more time-consuming, but gets you the ultimate custom look. Totally hand made! I think of all the samples I've seen this one is my favorite! Be sure to check out the variations in this post.
3. Layered cardstock embossing template: this post comes from the Pink Cricut blog. Here she just uses three layers of cut cardstock (from her Cricut) and runs it through a Big Shot with some silicon mats. Nice!