Simple Silhouette Card

Quick inspiration day:

In a hurry but need to make a card for some occasion?  I found that using my Silhouette machine (or Cricut) to make a...well Silhouette card (aka...card with a Silhouette of something on it), works great, cuts back on decisions, and is simple, yet classy.

Just use some scraps of plain black cardstock, pick your image, and cut.

Family Book of Thanks

So, I heard of this idea awhile back: creating a Book of Thanks for your family (and guests) to record something they are grateful for each Thanksgiving.  Take a group shot of everyone at your Thanksgiving feast each year, save room for it on a

Thanksgiving Napkin Rings (Lincoln's Proclamation)

Have a little humble history and thanks with your holiday meal, by sharing quotes from Lincoln or Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamations setting forth this great holiday of remembrance.  

Do a little remembering of your own.

Napkin rings.  As a college student, I have just had little use for them.  When do I hold dinner parties that consist of much more than pizza?  Okay. So I'm not that stereotypical; I actually really like having people over for dinner, and love a nice spread (ever see my Cheese Party post?).  But because I have a hard time limiting my guest list, still share most things with roommates (so keep my good dishes, etc, boxed away), and because I'm usually trying to cram all those people into my small living room to sit around a card table, a folding kitchen table, and my couches--my dinners usually end up looking something like this: 

Pixy Stix Witch Halloween Card or Party Invitation

This card or invite combines the festiveness of Halloween with one of the other things so loved about this holiday: CANDY. :)  

Using Pixie Stix Candies from the dollar store, some obliging bark from a branch in my backyard, some cardstock, glue dots, and my Silhouette--I was able to make these tasty lil' cards in no time at all. 

Don't send out Halloween cards?  I think these are even better used as the front of an invitation to a Halloween Party.  

Just Because

Sometimes, friends just need roses.  Other times,...well roses are just always nice, aren't they?  That's what I thought.

I love flowers.

So, I saw some flowers at the grocery store one day and thought, "why not?"  I bought them and thought I'd pass them on to a few friends to brighten their day, "just because." :)

I found a few simple labels/tags that I had in my Silhouette Library and added in a few very small circles as "hole punches"

Simple Summer Craft for Kids

Looking for an easy craft project for the kids to keep them busy one of these summer days?  Try this fun paper tissue art. Here's all you need:

Materials Needed:

* Colored or pattered tissue papers

* Die cut shapes (heart, butterfly, etc.) in cardstock

* Glue sticks

For this project, first cut out a few simple shapes on cardstock using your Silhouette or Cricut.  My nieces really love butterflies and flowers, so those were easy choices for me.

Next, using some scissors, cut the tissue paper into small squares, about 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches.  You can make them bigger if you want the design to come up...taller. ;), but I found that this size works well.

And now...you hand it over to the children.  :)   Because this craft will include children using glue, having a table cloth down is always a good idea. :)

To make the design, you put a little glue on one side of a piece of tissue paper.  Then put your finger into the middle of the paper square on the opposite side and press the paper down onto the cardstock, glue side down.  Repeat with other squares of tissue paper.

Put your finger in the middle and then put a little 

Press the tissue paper down onto the cardstock using your finger and "fluff" the tissue on top.

The kids can have fun making patterns with the different colored tissue papers on their shapes.  If your kids like art, this can keep them occupied for awhile and not make much of a mess.

Isn't my niece a good little design maker?  This is her butterfly. :)  Hope your kids enjoy it just as much!

Treat Gift Box

Are you tired of just sticking some cookies/treats on a paper plate, covering it with foil, and calling it good?  To be honest, that's what I usually do. However, recently I got thinking about how easy it would be to cut out a simple box using my Silhouette or Cricut and putting my homemade treats inside it instead of just on a boring paper plate.

So I made some fudge the other day, found this simple box from the Silhouette store, and cut it out. To top it off, I cut out the word 'fudge' using my 'off set' tool on Silhouette Studio and glued it to the top of the box.  (If you don't know how to use the 'off set' tool on your silhouette, simply go to 'object' then 'off set'- simple as that.)

I loved the way it turned out and it made giving this fudge seem extra special. Also, make sure that you use a heavy card stock for you box so that it isn't too flimsy. 

This would also work for Christmas treats, birthdays, and other holidays.  You can add whatever words you want on top, or just leave it blank.  The possibilities are endless!  Make gifting treats fun again!

You + Me

How are these for a few simple lil' "love decor" ideas?  

You + me = aWEsome.  :)  ('Aint it true.)

Or, you can try "You [I love using a heart as the 'o'] + me = us," and then adding the wedding date at the bottom.

You + me = us, and wedding date.  Perfect to make and give as a shower or wedding gift.

Easy as can be!  The first is just made using Silhouette Studio (or Microsoft Word, etc.) and sent to the printer, and is then stuck in a frame of your choice.  This particular one was actually made for a cousin's wedding and set next to the sign-in scrapbook along with a few other framed photos.

[Idea: Instead of a sign-in wedding book, try making a few mostly empty scrapbook pages of engagement photos, etc, and using those pages as the sign-in sheets.  Much more interesting and memorable than just signatures, and it's a great way to add meaning TO your engagement scrapbook photos.  See examples below.]

The second was just a simple block, painted black, with the words cut out using white Silhouette vinyl.  (You could also easily use clear stencil vinyl to paint the letters on; or, in the reverse, paint the block white, put the letters of the stencil vinyl on once it dries, paint over it black, and then pull off the letters.  So, ya' know, a lot of possibilities.)

Simple as can be, and perfect for decor, to put on gift tables at a wedding reception or on your own mantlepiece at home.  Here's to you (+ me) (to we) (to being awesome).

Cheap End of the Year Teacher Gifts

Need a quick and cheap gift for your child's teacher this year?  Here are two simple ideas that cost less than $5.00! I created both of these tags using my Silhouette machine and then printed them out on my printer.
 The first idea, is a potted flower with a tag that says: "Thanks for helping me GROW this year!"  I changed the 'o' in grow to a flower to make it look a little cuter.

 Our next idea is some nail polish with a tag on it that says: "Teachers like you PAINT bright futures!"  I like to this one for the specialty teachers that my child sees- computer, art, music, aids, etc.  They tend to get forgotten and this is a cheap gift that you can give to a lot of different people.  If your child has a male teacher- change up the nail polish for some finger paint or watercolors.

And there you have it, two simple and cheap ideas that you can give to your teachers at the end of the year!

DIY Bathroom Decor

How many of you have ever decorated a room and struggled to find wall art that matches? Then, if you do find something in the right colors- its ugly! I run into this problem all the time. My solution- PAPER!  I love to decorate with scrapbook paper, and with my Silhouette and Cricut machines, it makes it so easy to do!  I go to my local scrapbook supplies store, find paper that matches my colors, break out my Silhouette/Cricut and next thing you know… you have a custom picture that matches perfectly. 

I recently redid my girls’ bathroom and wanted a cute picture to hang up- and this is what I created.  I used a 12x12 picture frame and 12x12 paper for the backdrop.  Then I found this cute bird and branch on Cricuts cartridge Straight from the Nest (buy it here: http://www.makeitscrappin.com/products/cricut/cricut-cartridges/straight-from-the-nest.php 

for only $29.99).   

After I cut it out, I inked the edges and glued it all together.  So simple and it was just what I wanted! After I hung it up, I cut out a swirl design in vinyl and placed it directly on my wall right above the frame.

I also thought it would be cute to add some vinyl saying to the wall.  Using my Silhouette, I used the font Throw my hands up in the air, which was a free font I downloaded online.  I made the first letter in each sentence slightly larger than the rest of the letters on my sayings to make them stand out. 

To top off the girls' bathroom decorating, I took some old 5x7 frames that the glass had broken out of and wrapped strips of fabric around them.  To get a more frayed look, rip your fabric and take off some of the loose strings of thread.  For a finishing touch, I found some matching buttons and glued them on.  So simple and easy!

 I also had been looking for a quote to put in my master bathroom for some time and while I was at my friend’s house, I found it!  I wanted something uplifting to think about as I was getting ready in the mornings, and not something ‘bathroom related’.

Since it was going to be in my small toilet room, I didn't want to put it on a big, clunky wooden board. So, after I cut out my vinyl I just stuck it right to the wall.  The font I used was called Digs my hart, which was another free download.  Then, I just created my tally marks.  I love the way it turned out and now everyday as I get ready, I am reminded to count my blessings!

"Egg"cellent Easter Card

Remember how I told you not to throw away your scraps from your Easter banner?  (See this post: Fabric Easter Banner.) Well here's why.

Did you know that your Silhouette interfacing can be used to adhere fabric to cardstock? Yep.  Not just to adhere fabric to fabric.  Seems like it would make sense, since this was primarily a scrapbooking or paper crafting die-cutting machine.  But yet, this stuff is great! So, with all those extra little scraps and edges you had left over from your banner making....

Put these scraps to good use!

...you can make a simple and delightful Easter holiday card.

Make this "egg"cellent card with fabric or paper scraps.

Supposing you didn't make a cute Easter banner like in our last post, or supposing you (gasp!) accidentally threw away all your little scraps, you can easily replace the fabric with paper scraps, and just use glue to adhere it instead.  But I think it's easier with the fabric because you can adhere it all in one fell swoop of the iron.  Yep.  Fell swoop.  Irons do that?  Yes.  They do.

Here's your step-by-step instructions.

A Lil' Card Lovin'

So for my post today I am just going to share a couple of cute cards.  Simple?  Well....one of them is. :) But both are great for weddings, holiday's etc.  And the second works well for a gift card holder. Anyways.  Here's a lil' card inspiration and then tutelage for you.

First card, I just used my eBosser on a plain sheet of white paper, cut a lil' black strip for the bottom, and then used my Silhouette sketch pens to write the Mr. & Mrs. using a free font I got offline called Riesling.  I really like this particular font.  I cut out a very small heart using a scrap of some of my double-sided adhesive and there you have it.  Super simple and yet very cute!  Perfect for a wedding. If you don't have an eBosser, try using a pearl or patterned white paper.  Yay.

Okay, so onto the second one.

I'm just telling you ahead of time--stick with me on this one. This cute card/giftcard holder looks more tricky to make than it really is, but I think you're really going to want to pay close attention to the pictures, as it is easier to show than tell, so to speak.  Just keep in mind, once you get this down you can use this for any holiday, birthday, etc.  People will think you're awesome and should probably move on to being an origami professional.  So let's jump on into folding... (after a picture of the finished product, of course.)

The card doubles as a gift-card holder with it's nifty pocket.

First, you need to start with a 8x10 inch sheet of double-sided print paper.

Picture frame message board

Who doesn't love finding little love notes around the house addressed to them?  And almost everyone has those little "to-do" note pads that they keep around the kitchen, office, bedroom, etc. to write down quick notes, missed calls, or just random reminders.  White boards are obviously pretty popular for just such needs as well.  Well this easy to make alternative is better than a white-board, because it's cuter :), but works just the same.

It's simple.  All you need is an old picture frame that still has it's glass-- I picked this one up at the thrift store-- and some scrapbook papers.  For this particular one, I also added a piece of ribbon and some rhinestones for a little bit more detailing.  

After choosing my papers I cut out this tree using my Cricut and the Wall Decor and More cartridge. I've said it before and I'll likely say it again, I love that cartridge.  If you don't have it yet, check out our website and finally succumb.  

"Let's Stick Together" Valentines

It's that time of year again--where kids are making adorable little valentine boxes and passing out valentines to friends, classmates, etc.  I still remember all the candies and how much I loved getting all those valentine's cards.

Unfortunately, I actually really dislike those conversation hearts that are so prevalently attached to said valentine cards.  What I did always love as a child was when I got stickers. Yes, stickers.  I loved putting them in my "sticker book."  It hardly even mattered what the stickers were, so long as I could put them in my cool book.  And I'm sure my Mom loved it when I showed her EVERY SINGLE ONE that I added in. :)  (Maybe not eeevery one.)  Really, she loved that I got something other than candy. :) This next simple Valentine would have met both our needs. 

In these next few posts I'll share a few last minute Valentine card ideas for you, if you are still in need, in.  

Countdown to Kisses Advent Calendar

With it almost being time for Valentine's Day, I thought this wonderful little advent calendar would be a fun addition to your loving decor for the holiday.

Countdown to...Kisses. Valentine (and other) advent calendar

One of the great things about it, is that the "Kisses" word is also just hung, so you can reuse the board to countdown to whatever holiday you like!  Just change the word.  ("Christmas," "Thanksgiving," "Our Anniversary," etc.).  I love things I can get many uses out of.  Countdown to...perfection. ;)

Wedding Drink Table: Pucker Up!

Ahhh...weddings.  Everyone knows that with the advent of Pinterest all of our minds are constantly filled with images and ideas of fanciful and delightful decorations and ideas for weddings--everything from how to do our hair (up-do, or down?), apply our make-up, venues, and especially DIY decoration ideas. :)  (Or perhaps this is just me, what with my about one billion friends getting married these days, inundating their Pinterest boards with wedding ideas.)  But I love it.  Rather than miss the boat....;) I thought I'd share a few cute things that we did recently for my former roommate's wedding.  Specifically, I want to showcase one of the fun uses we had for our Silhouette Chipboard.  I know that it is the holidays, but who doesn't get to planning their wedding ideas months early?  So here it is.  Pucker up, love birds!

"Pucker up" swag/banner on lemonade drink stand for a wedding drinks' table

Items needed for banner/swag:
Silhouette Chipboard
Jute or ribbon
Hot glue gun
Silhouette Double-sided adhesive (optional)
Glitter (optional) (we have a variety of colors)

Another Thankful Tree :)

So... have you ever had one of those times where you think you come up with a good idea and can't wait to share it, only to find out it's been done before?  And in my case, not just once before--it's like all over pinterest and the web? haha.  Such was my case with this "Thankful Tree" or branch.  I thought it'd be cute to cut out some fall leaves with my Silhouette, have my roommates and I write things that we were thankful for on them, hang them in falling chains or something in front of a window, etc.  Then I got the idea that it's be cute to hang them like ornaments from an empty tree branch--almost like those last leaves hanging on at the end of fall.  I'd put the branch in a tall vase and...well...you get the idea.  You've probably seen something like it on Pinterest. :)  I got this idea, went online to look for some fall leaves, and found out that I wasn't the only one with this idea. haha.  Oh well.  I still like it, and am glad that I'm obviously not the only one.  Apparently my ideas are all the rage before I even know I have them.  Beat that. ;)

So, here's my take on the "Thankful Tree," or branch.

Items needed:
* One tall, branching...branch :).  You can use a real branch pruned from your yard, or purchase one from the floral section at your local craft store so that you can reuse it. I got mine for $4.79 using the 40% off coupon code at Hobby Lobby.
* Fall colored papers (preferably two-sided)
* Christmas ornament hooks 
* Cricut or Silhouette Hook Tool to serve as a small hole punch.
* One tall vase (also got this at Hobby Lobby in their home accents section for 1/2 off, so it was only $3.99!  What a steal for such a great vase!)
* Small rocks or pebbles, etc., to weigh down vase.  Can get them from the yard; I got a bag from the dollar store for, you guessed it, $1.
* Jute, twine or ribbon (optional)

Silhouette Studio Designin'

One thing that I love about Silhouette Studio, which I have said before, is the fact that it is also a design tool, meaning it's not just good for placing shapes to be cut by your Silhouette.  Let me use this post as an example.

I apologize ahead of time for the blurring I had to do to the photos where the addresses and phone number were.  

I have a friend getting married soon. Decided to make up a bridal shower invitation that I could easily print and maybe just add an embellishment or two to, without a lot of fuss.   And yet...I have my Silhouette...so why not dress it up a little more?  Forget using Microsoft Word or some other word processing software to create my design.  If you have ever tried that, you will know that an invitation like the one I made would take ages, if not be impossible.  But with Silhouette Studio, I was able to design the following card using a variety of fonts, images, lines and shapes, all without fuss.  Sure it was a little annoying when the background image moved around a bit if I tried to drag the wrong image :), but really it was easy, and I could get just the look I wanted. I could pick font colors to match her wedding colors, etc.  Great.  What is also nice about this, is that I was able to save it in my library and then use it again with simple modifications should I want to use the same invite for another shower, invitation, etc. in the future.  Planning ahead. :)

Anyways, here are just a few tips/ideas for when you make your own designs:

* To make the dotted-line separator, I created a small circle and the duplicated down multiple times using the option from the replicate window.  Then I deleted every other dot (to get the spacing I desired).

Roll a Jack-O'-Lantern Game

Want a last minute, quick and easy idea for a child's class Halloween party, or for your own festivities Halloween evening with your children?  Try this simple "Roll a Jack-O'-Lantern" game.  Should take you just a few minutes to make, and then you'll have some fun entertainment for young kids ready to go!

Here is all you need:

* Black paper
* Orange paper
* A die (aka, singular of dice :) )
* Your Silhouette or Cricut (Cricut if you have the Monster Bash cartridge, or Pumpkin Carving seasonal cartridge)

Witch's Shoe with Oreo Striped Stocking, Halloween Craft

It's Halloween season, and that means time for some fun Halloween crafts. Make this fun, but fitting Halloween gift for a friend, teacher, etc.  

I found this 3D heel on the Silhouette Online Store.  Cricut has a similar one with their Princess Party cartridge.