Merry Christmas!

We're getting ready to head south for a little sun and sand over Christmas, but I wanted to take a moment to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas and all the best to you and your families in 2011.

I look forward to more crafting with you next year!

Using the New Basic Shapes in MTC version 3.2

If you're new to Make the Cut!, or if you just updated and can't figure out where Basic Shapes went, this tutorial will show you how to access Basic Shapes and all the great new shapes that are available, as well as how to add your own custom shapes to the Basic Shapes library.

More Great Deals from Lettering Delights

Lettering Delights has a great holiday deal and a whole bunch of new SVG files! Use coupon code HolidayDelight to save 30% on purchases of $15 or more.

Plus check out some of the great new sets they've just introduced! There's tons of new Christmas images including snowflakes, trees, ornaments and so much more. Just click on the image below to see the whole collection. And make sure you check out pages 2 and 3 to see the cards, envelopes and boxes they've introduced as well!

Free Cutting File - Paper Pals Summer Clothes

We're headed to Jamaica for Christmas and I'm looking forward to a week of sun, so I thought my Paper Pals could use some summer clothes! :-) The download includes a sundress and sandals for a girl, and shorts, tank top and sandals for a boy. And if you haven't picked up the Paper Pals doll body yet, you can grab it here.

Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

Fabulous News about Make the Cut!

Woohoo! Version 3.2 of Make the Cut! is here and it's fabulous! Some of the great new features to play with:

• Create rhinestone patterns
• Wrap objects and text to any path
• Over 130 basic shapes are now included with MTC
• Rotate the mat to portrait or landscape orientation

And lots more! I'll be doing some more tutorial videos very soon, demonstrating the new features.

If you've already purchased Make the Cut!, the upgrade is free, just like all upgrades! You can download the new version here. It is recommended that you uninstall any previous versions of Make the Cut! that you might still have on your machine when you upgrade.

And if you haven't purchased yet and want to try it out, there is a free 30 day trial version available, which you can download here. The trial version is fully functioning, but cuts a watermark when you cut. Once you've decided to purchase (which I'm sure you will once you've had a chance to play with it!) you can purchase a license code here, then just enter it the next time you start up Make the Cut!

And on a totally different topic, I just received my first stamp order from Peachy Keen Stamps. I ordered the assorted face collection to use with my Paper Pals, and I have to say I was thrilled with the stamps. I also got an adorable little snowman stamp, so of course had to try him out right away. Here's what I came up with. I colored him in using water color pencils, and embossed the background using my new Texture Boutique, which I'm just loving. Too cute!

Video Tutorial - Cutting with Lettering Delights SVG Files

I'm back and as promised (in the post below) I have another video tutorial for you! This one shows you how to import Lettering Delights SVG files into Make the Cut! and get them ready for cutting or print & cut projects. The video also demonstrates a number of features of the Layer Properties palette including renaming and recoloring layers and breaking items into their own layers. The tutorial is done in version 3.0 of Make the Cut!, so remember that if you haven't upgraded yet, you'll be looking for the Gear icon rather than the SVG button to import your file. I hope you find it helpful!

JOY - Mojo Monday Challenge

I finally got a card made for a Mojo Monday challenge, and I'm so pleased with how it turned out!

Here's the challenge sketch:

And here's the card I made:

And another view:

The snowman is from one of Lettering Delights new SVG sets, Merriment. If you'd like to try out their new SVGs, the Merriment and Merriment Alpha sets are free right now.

I cut him out of Coredinations cardstock using Make the Cut!, and added flock to his collar and cuffs, then popped him up using Pop Dots. (I'll also be posting a video tutorial very soon, probably later tonight, showing you how to prepare Lettering Delights SVG files for cutting or print & cut projects in Make the Cut!) His button and the bling are from Imaginisce, and the Joy stamp is from Inkadinkado.

The gorgeous background paper is from the Lost and Found line by My Mind's Eye. When I spotted this paper with the glittery stripes, I couldn't resist, I had to have it!

Free Cutting File - Gift Tag

Are you getting your holiday gifts wrapped? Here's a pretty layered tag that you can add for a personal touch.

Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

My Stocking is Hung, Sort of

Here's a simple little card I made using my Christmas Stocking cutting file. I've got a few other ideas in mind for this file, and as luck would have it, I have a scrapbooking day planned with my sisters this weekend, so you might be seeing some more projects soon! :-)

For this card, I snipped off the ribbon piece and added a piece of real ribbon. I inked the edges of the stocking and used a white pen to add some faux stitching around the patches. I also inked the edges of the card itself.

Exciting News! Lettering Delights now offers SVG files!

Have you heard the news? Lettering Delights just introduced their brand new line of SVG files for all us cutters! Their first few sets are out now, hurry and check them out! And while you're there, don't forget to grab the two FREE sets, Merriment and Merriment Alpha. Merry Christmas to all of us!

Free Cutting File - Christmas Stocking

Here's another freebie file for you, a cute little Christmas stocking to dress up your scrapbook pages or holiday cards.

Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

Snowman Card

Does this ever happen to you? I felt like making a card tonight, so I started browsing through some Mojo Monday sketches for inspiration. Here's the one I picked:

And by the time I was done, here's the card I came up with, looking nothing at all like the original sketch:

How does that happen? Oh well, I had fun and like how the card turned out so I guess that's all that matters, right? :-)

Free SVG & MTC Cutting File - Christmas Holly

Here's a simple little cutting file for you that could be used in so many ways; on scrapbook pages, on cards, on gift tags, the list goes on. The file includes the holly cluster with three leaves as well as a single leaf.

Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

Quick and Easy Gift Basket

Are you looking for a unique way to wrap your Christmas gifts this year? This gift basket is so easy to make, but looks very elegant. Tuck a little present, package of goodies or other surprise inside for a one-of-a-kind gift.

The patterned paper I used for my basket is from Making Memories' Noel line and the cardstock is from Coredinations

Click the image below to download the free poinsettia cutting file in SVG and MTC formats, and watch the video to see how easy this little basket is to create.  Enjoy!

40% off Lettering Delights!

Lettering Delights is having another great sale! Between now and December 2, use coupon code GiveThanks to get 40% off your total order. What a great deal! And they've got some super cute new Thanksgiving sets out now as well, just click on the image below to check it out!

Winter Scene from Easel Card Tutorial

I had a request on the Make the Cut! forum to provide the cutting file I used to create the front of the easel card in my tutorial, so here it is. But, I'll let you in on a little secret...I used basic shapes in Make the Cut! to create this file. The trees are three triangles and a rectangle sized appropriately and welded together, and the hills are made from a heart that I turned sideways and sliced pieces off, then stretched to get the size and shape I wanted. It's amazing what you can do with Make the Cut!

As for the rest of the scene, the snowflakes in the background are stamped on with white ink. The whole thing is on a piece of cardstock 4" x 4" which is then mounted on another piece of cardstock measuring 4 1/4" x 4 1/4".

And here's the cutting file, just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

Video Tutorial - Creating an Open Line

This video tutorial demonstrates how to create an open line that Make the Cut! can cut using just the basic shapes that come with Make the Cut! 

Free Cutting File - Snowman

I have a new free cutting file for you, a cute snowman complete with top hat and scarf.

Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

How to make an Easel Card

This video demonstrates how to make the easel card shown here. The trees and snowy hills on the front of the card were created using only the basic shapes that come with Make the Cut! Can you guess how I made them?

Free Cutting File - Paper Pals Snowsuit

Since we're starting to get some snow here, I thought a winter outfit was appropriate for my little Paper Pals.  A two piece jacket, snowpants, boots, mitts, scarf and toque are included. And if you haven't picked up the Paper Pals doll body yet, you can grab it here.

Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

Free Cutting File - Paper Pals

I'm very excited to introduce Paper Pals, my own line of paper dolls. The first download includes the doll body as well as hair and clothing for a boy and girl. Over time there will be lots of additional hair and outfits added, if you're looking for something specific please let me know!

Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

Free Cutting File - Autumn Frame

For all you scrapbookers (and cardmakers) here's a cute clustered frame that you can use to decorate your autumn and Thanksgiving projects. The leaves and pumpkin are separate pieces so you can cut them individually to use as additional embellishments on your project as well! Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

Free Halloween Cutting File - Haunting Scene

Yup, still in Halloween mode.  :-)  Here's a little Halloween scene, great for all your haunting layouts and cards. Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy! {{link has expired}}

Birthday Candle Easel Card

I'm having fun making easel cards, here's another one I made for my nephew's birthday, using my free Birthday Candles cutting files.

Just 4 days left on Lettering Delights Dollar Days!

That's right, there's just 4 days left on the amazing Lettering Delights Dollar Days sale. As of midnight on Monday October 11, the sale ends (has kind of a Cinderalla-ish sounds doesn't it? LOL) Anyways, if there's any sets you've had your eye on, now's the time to grab them!

Plus, there's an bonus coupon code for an additional 10% off: enter balloonfun in the coupon / promo code box when you check out and you'll receive an extra 10% off your entire order.

Here's a couple of their new sets that looks like a lot of fun, click on the preview image to go right to that set.

This is Spooky Soiree:

And here's Balloon Festival:

And you'll find lots more fun stuff in the store, so have a look around!

Free Halloween Cutting File - Happy Ghost Couple

I had a request on Facebook for a non-scary ghost, so I thought I'd create a cheerful little ghost couple.  The bodies, eyes and mouths are all separate, so you can mix and match to come up with several different ghostly combinations. Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy! {{link has expired}}

Jack-o-Lantern Easel Card

Well here it is, my first Halloween card. And I don't just mean my first card this year, I mean ever! I've never made a Halloween card before! I used my free Jack-o-Lantern cutting file, and cut that and the word Boo using Make the Cut! I used Bazzil card stock, and used my VersaMark pad to add a little shading around the edge of the pumpkin and stem for dimension. I think it turned out pretty cute, what do you think?

Free Halloween Cutting File - Spider & Spiderweb

I definitely seem to be in Halloween mode right now, and having fun creating all these spooky cutting files. Here's a delicate spiderweb and a little spider to call it home. Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy! ((link has expired))

Free Halloween Cutting File - Jack-o-Lantern

Just in time for Halloween, here's a happy Jack-o-Lantern to dress up your spooky cards, scrapbook pages and paper projects. (Just a note, the contour shapes on the pumpkin are not individual pieces, they are little slits that allow the base layer to show through.) Just click on the preview image to download the files. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy! ((link has expired))

Free Cutting Files - T-Shirts

I had fun creating today's free file, these little t-shirts, one for girls and one for boys. They can be decorated however you like to use on scrapbook projects, and the shoulders are straight across, making it really easy to weld two together to create a card as I did. Our friend's daughter is turning 16 and her birthday party has a pink / black / silver / white color theme, so I made her this little t-shirt birthday card.

And here are the cutting files.  Just click on the preview image to download the files.  MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

"Love" Breast Cancer Ribbon

Here is another breast cancer ribbon, this one with the word Love embedded in it. Click on the preview to download the cutting file. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. And as I mentioned in earlier posts, I'll be running (well, ok, walking!) in the CIBC Run for the Cure on October 3, to help raise money for breast cancer treatment and research. If you'd like to support me with a small donation, please click here to visit my personal fundraising page. Thank you!

BOO Album Cover

Here's a photo of the front cover of my BOO album. And it's kind of funny, I didn't even realize it at the time, but my husband pointed out that the title actually has a double meaning; I was thinking BOO was a good name because it's a Halloween album, but our daughter's nickname is Boo (it got shortened from Jaynee-boo which is what we called her when she was little) so he automatically assumed it was an album about her, which of course it is!

Also don't forget, there's just a few days left to get in on the fantastic dollar deals at Lettering Delights, click on the image below to check out all the great deals.

Free "Hope" Breast Cancer Ribbon

On October 3 I'll be participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure, to raise funds for breast cancer research (more details are in my last post). To help in my fundraising efforts, I'll be posting some themed cutting files for you here.  The files are free as always, but any donations would be very much appreciated.  To donate, you can just visit my fundraising page and make a donation online.

And here's today's free file, a breast cancer ribbon with the word Hope. Click on the preview to download the cutting file. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy, and as always, I'd love to see what you do with the file!

Some Free Halloween Files and a Special Request

I'm going to start off with the special request.  On October 3, I will be participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure here in Canada, to raise money in the fight against breast cancer.  I lost my mom to breast cancer a little over six years ago, and have had other family members and friends affected by it as well, so it is a cause that is very meaningful for me.  I would greatly appreciate any support you can provide in my fund raising efforts for this very worthy cause.  A donation can be made directly to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation through my personal fundraising page. Over the next month, I'll be posting some "Join the fight against Breast Cancer" free cutting files that I hope you'll like.  Thank you for your support.

And now on to the free stuff!  Every year, I sew my daughter's Halloween costume.  When she was little, I chose the costume for her, and as she got older she decided what she wanted to be, and even designed her own costume a couple times (she had an absolutely amazing Medusa costume a couple years ago that she designed).  And so of course, I have a ton of Halloween photos, and decided to make a little album of all her costumes over the years.

I decided to make a paper bag album as I've never made one before, and found a fabulous video by Christine at Scraptime showing how to make them. I decided to sew the spine on mine rather than punching holes and threading ribbon as she shows in her video, but either way works great.  As I work on my album, I'll post pictures and also post the cutting files I use to make it.

For today, here are the files I used to create the cover, and I'll post a picture of the cover tomorrow.  Click on the preview to download the cutting file. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy! {{link has expired}}

Scarecrow Pop-up Card

Linda from the Make-the-Cut! forum shared this cute pop-up card she made using my Adorable Scarecrow cutting file, so I had to share it with you too!  Doesn't he look ready for Halloween?  :-)

Free Cutting File - Adorable Scarecrow

I just love this little guy, he's so cheerful looking! And he'll be a great addition to your fall or Halloween scrapbooking and cardmaking projects. [[This file is no longer available.]]

Dollar Days at Lettering Delights!

Lettering Delights is having another one of their fantastic Dollar Days, where almost everything in the store is only $1! To check out all the great deals, click on the image below.

Free Cutting File - Set of 4 Tags

Today's free cutting file is back to basics a little bit, I created a set of four tags that you can cut and embellish to add to cards, scrapbook pages, or use on gifts. Click on the preview to download the cutting file. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

Housework is highly over-rated

Looks like I'm to blame for Lisa (of lisakizer.blogspot.com) not getting her housework done, because she was too busy making purses! Lisa, I just have to say, I think your purses look great, and the housework will always be there for another day! :-)

Check out what Lisa made with my 3D Purse project, and while you're at it, check out her blog as well! She's a new blogger but she's already got lots of cute cutting files and projects for inspiration.

Can you handle the cute? 3D Purse Project

I love this latest project, a 3D purse complete with movable handle and velcro closure that you can use as a gift bag or as a goodie bag at a party.

I also decided to try a different background on the preview picture, so I took the purse outside and was taking pictures of it on the stone wall in our backyard when our neighbor came out onto his deck. I'm sure he thought I was crazy sitting on the wet grass with my zoom lens taking picture after picture of a pink paper purse, but c'est la vie! I like the way the picture turned out, what do you think? The purse is available for just 99 cents in the store.

The cutting files and assembly instructions for the cutting file are available for just $0.99, click on the preview above to purchase.

A card using the "hinge" print and cut method in Make the Cut!

Just wanted to share a card I made using the hinge print and cut method described on the Clever Someday blog, which allows you to cut out a printed image using Make the Cut! The image I used is from the "Sew in Love" graphics set by Lettering Delights. If you'd like to check out more of Lettering Delights great graphic sets, just click the ad in the right hand column.

Cre8ive Cutz is now on Twitter!

I set up a Twitter account for Cre8ive Cutz a while back, but never really got it rolling. I finally decided today is the day! So now I'm looking for people to connect with on Twitter, to talk about Make the Cut!, Cricut machines, and paper crafts in general. If you'd like to follow me, this is where I'm at on Twitter.  Hope to see you there!

Free Cutting File - Truck

This cute little toy truck will add some vroom to your projects on the go!  Click on the preview to download the cutting file. MTC and SVG files are included in the free download. Enjoy!

Adorable Rocket Onsie

Steph posted a picture on the Make the Cut! forum of this adorable onesie that she created using my free rocket cutting file, I just had to show you! Thanks for sharing Steph!

Video Tutorial - Turning Cutting Files into Shaped Greeting Cards

I had a few requests for a video tutorial on turning cutting files into shaped greeting cards as shown in this post (using the rocket file) and this post (using the Happy Birthday wordart), so here it is. Enjoy!

Balloons

Here's another in the birthday series, some colorful balloons.  The strings can be cut individually if you want just one balloon, or all as one piece if you are going to use all the balloons together.  {This file, along with other birthday cutting files, has been moved to the 99 cent store. Click the preview below to see the full set.}

Rocket Card

Just wanted to share another card I made using Make the Cut! and cut on my Cricut.  I used the free Rocket cutting file from this post to create this cute little rocket card. The face in the window is from a Close to My Heart stamp set. I used the method described in this post to create the card base, and I've had a couple requests for video tutorials on the method, so watch for that soon as well!

Birthday Candles

Here's the next in the birthday series, a set of three birthday candles that you can mix and match to fit any birthday themed card or scrapbook page. {This file, along with other birthday cutting files, has been moved to the 99 cent store. Click the preview below to see the full set.}