25 DAYS OF CUTTLEBUG TIPS AND TECHNIQUES BY JOWILNA NOLTE

My dear and VERY talented friend Jowilna Nolte decided to do 25 techniques and tips using her favourite die-cutting machine - The Cuttlebug! 

I am very guilty in having one, but not really using it...........  So for the next 25 days, I will be following Jowilna's posts and trying out these 25 tips and techniques. 

Here is the first post, written and designed by Jowilna. 

25 days of Cuttlebug tips and techniques.

so I had this crazy idea to do 25 techniques and tips using my favourite die-cutting machine - The Cuttlebug! along with this crazy idea was to use if combined with my December daily album so that I could get everything done in 25 days and be good and ready for December. [insert LOL] anyways so I am off to a slow start, since by now I have done so many Christmas events and layouts and cards I could move right on to Valentines.

 

So here's where I am at. We will officially start tomorrow with the first tip. but if you are new to scrapbooking and machines here's a little background. 

 

 

I first fell in love with the green machine at it is affectionately referred to in my house with the V1 model. The machine was green which was a shock to every scrapper who had a pink room (not me) but it worked. It was a sturdy machine that would stand the test of time. And if you are like me you will try just about anything in this little sucker. And even after 7 years I am yet to be disappointed by it's strength and versatility. But why I like this little guy so much is because I use it every day! It's small and compact but big enough to emboss and cut almost anything apart from the obvious large dies. It folds into a tiny manageable size and fits into most cupboards easily. You can use other dies and embossing folders with it without a problem and above all it is a really good price.  With the V2 model came a slick and sexy machine - same sturdy and hard working, affordable machine.

 

Here are a few tips you will need to know:

• the Cuttlebug has a suction function so that when you unfold the base to open the machine it will sit firmly onto your smooth work table
• the plates in the machine are used to build up the height needed for either embossing or die-cutting
• the plates need to be aligned on the front and back for the machine to work correctly. if the plates are lined up correctly and inserted the handle will start turning on its own and you know you are good to go
• the sandwich configuration - the order in which the plates are stacked - is very very important. if done incorrectly it may damage your machine (i experience this in a class once - and very unpleasant)
• apart from that this machine is so easy to use! 

so if you are considering buying a machine or have one, then stick around or come back for a visit to learn my easy approach using this versatile little bug.

 

Keep a look out, the first 2 techniques are to follow.........................

1/25 - Add tape before you die cut delicate and detailed images using your Cuttlebug. 

Welcome to tip # 1 using your Cuttlebug and dies

 

I hate a big mess with adhesives, and can't stand it when glue seeps from underneath a great piece of art work.  So what do I do when I want to die cut a delicate piece...

1. Choose your patterned paper;
2. Adhere strips of double sided tape to the back of the paper large enough to cover your die;
3. Place the die onto your cutting plate, then the paper face down and send through your Cuttlebug;
4. Remove the die cut paper from the die;
5. You know have a ready to adhere die cut element - no fuss no mess

 

This is such an easy thing to do and yet people are still struggling with liquid adhesives. this quick and easy way will save you lots of time.

 

if you have a sticker maker machine that works too, but I have found that they also have limitations, where this way I am yet to find any issues.

 

so there you have it - add tape to die-cuts even before cutting....

And now for tip number 2 :-)

2/25 turn your die cuts into cost effective stencils.

So you've bought all these lovely dies to die cut pretty shapes like flowers, butterflies, hexagons, circles and.....you get the idea. No sooner did you receive your beautiful shipment of new dies and the next craze hits the scrapbooking world - stencils.

tip #2 - turn your die cuts into stencils

1. Use your die to cut your shape out of the selected cardstock. Ink, emboss or use as you please.
2. Use the left over piece together with a sponge applicator and ink pad to ink through the cut out section directly onto the background of your layouts, cards, tags and even on white spaces on photographs.

Tips and tricks

 

This is the cheapest stencil you will ever own and you can throw it away without feeling guilty when it gets mucked up.  To cover an entire background, simply rotate and move the stencil and ink again using different colours and different mediums.  Avoid inking over the straight edges - and if you are scared you will, then simply extend your stencil with some clear acetate or cardboard around the outside edges only.  You can also die cut your shapes out of a larger piece of acetate for a more permanent and durable stencil that will last for longer.

 

 

I can create beautiful unique stencils to my hearts content - I have the equipment I might as well use it to the max.

 

So remember to come back tomorrow for some more tips and techniques on using your Cuttlebug!

 

This entire post was written and designed by Jowilna Nolte.  The originals can be found on http://jowilnanolte.blogspot.com/

Read more

BLACK WITH TWO NOVEMBER CHALLENGE

Oh my word, November is almost over which means Christmas is getting closer and closer :-)

Over at Black With Two there is still a few days left to complete the November challenge.  This month is DOMINANT BLACK CARDSTOCK BACKGROUND (this is a must), CHERRY REDS, COFFEE/TOFFEE BROWNS plus allowance of 5% WHITE. 

Here is the colour board, along with my take on the challenge.

 

 

Here are some close-up pictures of the detail.

 

 

 

So head on over to Black with Two and join in the fun!

Read more

LET'S SCRAP DESIGN TEAM CALL

Over at Let's Scrap our current Design Team term is coming to an end :-(  This means we are again on the lookout for a new Design Team.

We are looking for experiences and new, talented designers from all over the world that can do awesome things with our sketches and challenges.  The term will be running from January 1st to April 30th, 2014.

If you would like to apply to join our wonderful team, we would love to receive your application before December 25th, 2013. 

This is what you will need to include with your application:

• Your take on the sketch above - it can be a 2 page layout or you can do either side;
• A short paragraph about yourself, explaining who you are a why you want to be on the Let's Scrap Design Team - what are we getting when we have you on our team?
• A link to your gallery and/or blog (if you have one);
• List of any teams that you are on right now and/or responsibilities;
• Your contact information. 

Each design team member will be expected to do the following "chores":

• Make 2 layouts/cards per month from our sketches;
• Provide a challenge or tutorial (at least one of the two per term);
• Be an active member in our forum and in the gallery;
• Be a team player.

If you think you are the new DT member, please send your application to letsscrap2011@gmail.com
Anyone thinking of applying for the DT please contact us for a more detailed information sheet about what would be expected of a member of the Let's Scrap Design Team.

Please note, any layouts made with this sketch CANNOT be posted in our gallery or any other place on the internet before January 1st, 2014.

Read more

FROSTED DESIGNS FRIDAY CHALLENGE - 11 ITEM CHALLENGE

I am very excited to be hosting the challenge this week here at Frosted Designs.

Since we are in the 11th month of 2013, I thought it would be nice to have an 11 ITEM CHALLENGE, whereby you must USE AT LEAST ONE of the following 11 items (you can use as many items as you want, all 11 as well).
 

1. Tags;
2. Paper layering
3. Washi tape
4. Flags/banners
5. Patchwork
6. Circles
7. Stitching
8. Stars
9. Flowers
10. Buttons 
11. Arrows

I cannot wait to see what you come up with.  Here is my take on the challenge:
 

Products used from the Frosted Designs Store:

Echo Park Reflections Fall 12x12 collection kit

Color Wash Cold Pressed Watercolor Tags

Cut&Paste Charm Decorative Tape

I used the following items on the list:  Paper layering; washi tape; flags/banners; stitching & tags.  I combined the washi tape and flags/banners, by making the flags out of washi tape.  For my tag, I used Tim Holtz' alchohol inks to colour the tag. 

 

You know the rules... you have to play to win!! We can't wait to see what you create! And remember all projects are welcome... scrapbooking, cards, mixed media, off the page projects... anything you create and want to share!

 

You have until noon (Central Time) Thursday, December 5th to link you your project on the Frosted Design blog - here http://frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/ 

 

Read more