Crazy For The Cricut Class
Featuring the Storybook Cartridge
The Cricut Expresion Machine by Provo Craft is definitely one of my favorite scrapbooking tools. I use it constantly for layouts, cards and other projects. I love the versatility and unique looks that you can create. For this class, we are going to create a card and a layout using the new Storybook Cartridge!
Here are a few tips for when you are using the machine:
1. I always keep painters tape handy. If the mat that I’m using loses it stick, then I use the painters tape to secure my paper. Nothing is worse than having your paper move right in the middle of a cut!
2. I usually put the speed of the machine to minimum to avoid the paper ripping when creating delicate cuts. I adjust the pressure of the blade as necessary.
3. I keep a cheat sheet on my computer to keep track of items I’ve cut out and the sizes. You’ll have an easy guide to look at if you ever want to go back and recreate a project.
4. I always keep an extra mat and extra blade on hand just in case.
5. The manual for each cartridge is really a fabulous way to get to know your machine especially with the storybook cartridge. The images are much easier to read.
Here is a look at the card we are going to create!
Supplies Needed:
- Ivory/White cardstock for base of card (7"x10")
- 2 complimentary patterned papers or one double-sided piece of patterned paper
- 1 black or dark color piece of paper.
- layered flower with button
- sentiment for card
First, you'll need to create the base of your card that is 5"x7". (Take ivory cardstock that is 7"x10" and fold in half) You'll need 3 different sheets of paper that compliment each other. Or you can use one double-sided piece of paper like I have. The 3rd paper should be black or a darker color.
I put my double-sided patterned paper into the machine. You're going to need to use the following: "shift" "P" "Accent Frame". Set the size to 7 1/2". Cut! This is what you'll have when you are done!
You can adhere the frame to the card. You will have a little extra hanging over the card that you can cut off.
Next, take the inside oval and you can use a phrase stamp or rub-on's to add a pattern if your cardstock is solid.
You can adhere the oval to the center of the card.
Next, you'll need your black or dark cardstock. Load it into the machine. You'll need to use the following to create the leaves for the bottom of the card. "Shift" "J" "Tall Border". Size is 4 " Cut a quantity of 2 because we'll be using one on the next project!
I used two pieces of the leaves that we just cut out. next, I layered three flowers on top of each other, added the button and sentiment. You're done! :)
Next, we'll be creating a layout with the Storybook Cartridge. I've used the same papers to make things easy!
Supplies Needed:
- 3 complimentary patterned papers (one should be black or dark color)
- several flowers
- photo approx. 5"x7" or 6"x8"
- flower centers (crystals, or buttons)
- journaling circle
This is what our layout is going to look like when we are done!
Here are the 2 papers that I've decided to start with!
You are going to load one of the papers into the machine to make the frame. (I used the darker of the two colors for my mat). We are going to be using the “M” Accent Blackout design. (page 40 of your manual)
Set your machine to: Shift, “M”, and then Accent Blackout. Size 11".
This is what the mat will look like after it is cut out. You can adhere to your page!
Next, you'll need your photo for the center of the page. (Mine is 6"x8", but you could use 5"x7")
Because I had some open space on the left side of my photo, I decided to place the title directly onto the photo. These letters are printed out using a size of 2". Once your photo is ready, leave it on the center of the layout WITHOUT adhering it. I suggest put the rest of the elements down first before you adhere the rest of the page.
Next, we're going to use the rest of the leaves that you cut out from the first project.
Then, you can begin to layer your three sets of flowers in the bottom right hand corner.
I decided to add a strip of the black cardstock behind my photo. Cut a strip that is approximately 2" x 12" and adhere behind your photo.
I added a few journaling pieces to the top of the photo and one underneath the flowers. I also added a few crystals for the flower centers and one on top of the "L".
These are just two examples of some of the beautiful designs that are available on the Storybook Cartridge! Stay tuned for more projects and articles using this and other Cricut cartridges!
About the author ...
Diane is an ACOT Design Team member living in New England with her husband, Dave, and two children, Lauren age 7 and Colin age 5. She has had over 60 projects featured in magazines and idea books such as Simple Scrapbooks, Scrapbook Trends, Paper Trends, Paper Crafts, and Cards Magazine. Currently, she is a "PrimaDonna", an Endorsed Teacher for Prima Marketing. In the past, she has been on the design teams for Creative Imaginations, Imagination Project and Scrapworks. Diane teaches throughout New England and also offers project and card kits through her blog at Diane DiTullio Designs. For more information, you can visit: http://dianeditullio.typepad.com
Submitted by Dianedi
