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Photography Tips for Paper Crafters – Aperture and Bokeh

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SVGCuts.com on May, 22, 2012 at 8:19 PM

The day I decided to learn the ins and outs of my camera was the day I stumbled upon the terms; aperture, shutter speed and ISO. All three of these camera settings are interconnected and play a major role in determining the final appearance of your photo. This article will focus on how aperture affects bokeh. We’ll dive into the rest of the settings in future installments of “Photography Tips for Paper Crafters”.

What is Bokeh?

In photography, bokeh is the blur,or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image. (source: Wikipedia). The image above features the tea pot from our Tea For You and Me SVG Kit and was taken using various aperture values. As you can see, the lower the aperture value, the more blur! How much blur is best? That is completely up to you and your artistic vision! I personally think the 1.4 photo has too much blur! The 2.8 is just right!

Bokeh Tips and Tricks

If you are not comfortable shooting in manual mode and want to try this right away, turn your camera’s dial to Aperture Priority (Av on Canon and A on Nikon) and set your aperture to the lowest value possible (1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6). Aperture priority forces your camera to take a photograph using the aperture you specify. The camera will then automatically adjust the shutter speed and ISO in order to properly expose the photo. (Hey, you are two steps away from shooting in manual mode!)
Remember, lower aperture values equal more blur! Note: It’s possible to have too much blur, especially when shooting small objects. Take your shot and see if you like the level of blur. If it’s too out-of-focus, increase the aperture value and shoot again!
If you have your aperture value set as low as it goes and you’re still not happy with the blur, create more space between the background and your subject (by physically moving the subject away from the background) and shoot again!

Leo Kowal

Keep in mind that some lenses don’t go as low as 1.4 or even 2.8! Low aperture values are normally found in more expensive lenses. You’ll rarely find these lenses bundled with cameras because of the cost involved in producing them! When you buy a camera with a bundled lens, don’t expect that lens to be amazing. You get what you pay for! I would recommend buying ONLY the body and purchasing a lens separately! Ahhhhh! Lenses, lenses and more lenses. Why are there so many? I’ll answer this question in my next installment of Photography Tips for Paper Crafters!

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Free SVG File – Sure Cuts A Lot – 05.18.12 – Animal Prints

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SVGCuts.com on May, 18, 2012 at 5:05 PM

Get wild and crazy with these two square animal print design elements! Use them for sassy girly projects or for scrapbooking your trip to the zoo. Create a square card with a zebra print background featuring word art, such as “Girls Night Out” with a cute little high heel and an invitation inside for your favorite party girls. Or use the leopard print behind a caption of the name of the zoo you went to with pictures from your trip. Or make a birthday card for a little one who loves animals or you could even cut them out in edgy, girly colors like pink and black or neon green and purple. Get wild! Happy crafting!

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Wild Child SVG Collection

All downloads are in Zip format and include the .svg files for use with your Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) software. If you like this file, please leave some feedback below!

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Free Gift – Wild Child SVG Collection – $6.99 Value

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SVGCuts.com on May, 18, 2012 at 5:05 PM

SVG Kit Description

Create adorable safari, zoo and jungle themed projects with cute animals and accessories! You get all 10 animals, including the zebra, the elephant, the turtle, the snake, the lion, the gorilla, the cheetah, the giraffe, the hippo and the crocodile! You also get three captions, lots of trees, leaves and vines, tribal-style design elements and binoculars! Scrapbook your trip to the zoo, or create a jungle-themed birthday party!

Compatibility

Any software and cutting machine combination that cuts SVGs. SCAL1, SCAL2, SCAL3, ECAL, MTC, etc. Works with all cutting mat sizes.

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Free Gift How-To Video

FREE GIFT INSTRUCTIONS

Visit www.SVGCuts.com and make a purchase of $9.98 or more between now and Thursday, May 24th 2012.
Add Wild Child SVG Collection to your cart.
During Step 2 of Checkout, type FREEGIFT into the Discount Coupon section. Doing so will subtract the value of the SVG Collection from your total. This gift is a $6.99 Value!
All of your files, including the free gift, will be available for immediate download after you complete your purchase!
Happy Crafting!

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Free SVG File – Sure Cuts A Lot – 05.04.12 – Square Doily Frame

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SVGCuts.com on May, 12, 2012 at 2:23 PM

We hope this pretty little square design element comes in handy! It ought to! Add buttons, die-cut elements, stickers, rub-ons and bling in the center or on the inside corner of it. Add a photo and/or put it on a square card. Spritz on some Glimmer Mist or even use it as a stencil with Glimmer Mist to leave its design on another part of your project. Get creative! Happy crafting!

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Tea For You and Me SVG Kit

All downloads are in Zip format and include the .svg files for use with your Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) software. If you like this file, please leave some feedback below!

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Tea For You and Me SVG Kit

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SVGCuts.com on May, 11, 2012 at 10:37 PM

SVG Kit Description

Create gorgeously amazing 3D teacups and teapots for your next hostess gift, tea party or birthday! You’ll have a blast choosing your papers and embellishing them, and you’ll be shocked how easy they are to assemble. The teapot lid is finished nicely inside and fits perfectly, and you can even create an adorable 3D spoon embellishment for your teacup. You also get a Teabag Dispenser and Teabag Carton to give or display favorite teas in, as well as a card with a single teabag holder on the front. A perfect gift for someone who loves tea, or as a “get well” pick-me-up for someone feeling under the weather.

Dimensions: The Teabag Carton measures 3.5w x 2.75h x5.75d” and the Teabag Dispenser measures 3.25w x 4h x 2.75d. The Teabag Holder Card measures 3.75 x 6.75 and all of the above hold standard-sized teabags (about 4 x 2.5″). The Teacup measures about 5.75w x 2.75h” and the Teapot measures about 5.5″ tall.

Trailer

Assembly Tutorial

Compatibility

SCAL2, SCAL3, ECAL, MTC, etc. Works with all cutting mat sizes, except for the card and envelope, which are too large to fit on a 12×6 mat.

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Mother’s Day Printers Tray by Thienly Azim

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SVGCuts.com on May, 08, 2012 at 7:59 PM

Printers tray (shadowbox) is so popular right now – as you can customize to your theme/occasion, and they make a great gift too! Have you ever thought to make one of these out from SVG Cuts files? Mary has made one of these recently (Curio Box from the Attic Treasures SVG Kit) but I’ll show you how it can also be done with the Classic Advent Calendar SVG Kit!

SVG Collections Used

C lassic Christmas Advent Calendar SVG Kit
Kate’s Silhouettes SVG Collection
Crush on You Boxes SVG Kit
Doilies SVG Collection
Amelie’s Accessories SVG Kit
Chamomile Friendship Cards SVG Kit
Antique Skeleton Keys SVG Collection
Window Townhouse SVG Collection
Crafty Mice SVG Collection
Sew Crafty SVG Kit
Celeste’s Cutesy Corners SVG Collection
An Afternoon at Auntie Elaine’s SVG Collection
Iris Fold Cards SVG Kit

Supplies Used

American Crafts Cardstock (white)
Patterned Papers (I used My Mind’s Eye: Stella & Rose and Miss Caroline collections)
Eyelets
Twine
Crinkled Ribbons
Lace
Buttons
Pearls
Mini Pearl Strand (purse handle)
Pins
Hitch Fastenator (Tim Holtz) – used as a knob to hang the cameo
Stamps (Unity Stamp Company, Martha Stewart and Basic Grey)
Ink (for stamps and distressing)
Scotch Quick-dry Glue
Heat Glue Gun
Foam Tape

Dimensions

Printers Tray Face (Click Here To Download)
printers_tray_face.svg	11.6″ wide	white
Classic Christmas Advent Calendar SVG Kit
sides. svg	0.8″ wide by 11.6″ high (cut 2), 0.8″ wide by 6.764″ high (cut 2) (IMPORTANT: see instructions before cutting)	white
back.svg	11.6″ wide by 6.764″ high	white
interior_boxes1.svg	17.25″ wide (see instructions before cutting)	white
interior_boxes2.svg	17.25″ wide (see instructions before cutting)	white
Kate’s Silhouettes SVG Collection
Mom1 with Baby
dress.svg	2.02″ wide	pink patterned paper
figure.svg	1.297″ wide	dark brown
Cameos
top1.svg	0.707″ wide	dark navy
middle.svg	0.984″ wide	cream
bottom.svg	1.129″ wide	dark brown
Crush on You Boxes SVG Kit
rose.svg	3.16″ wide, 3.41″ wide and 3.91″ wide	pink, light pink, butter yellow
Doilies SVG Collection
1_long_corner.svg	2.823″ wide	white
3_long_corner.svg	3.067″ wide	white
Amelie’s Accessories SVG Kit
Adele’s Purse
purse.svg	2.75″ wide	pink patterned paper
Sabine’s Shoe Card
shoe.svg	1.282″ wide	cream patterned paper
sole.svg	1.281″ wide	dark brown
card_base.svg	2.459″ wide	tan
Chamomile Friendship Cards SVG Kit
fence.svg	3.125″ wide	wood patterned paper
Antique Skeleton Keys SVG Collection
1.svg	2.38″ wide	gun metal grey
Window Townhouse SVG Collection
1.svg	1.911″ wide	white
1_bottom.svg	1.911″ wide	blue patterned paper
Crafty Mice SVG Collection
ruler_top.svg	0.456″ wide	kraft
ruler_bottom.svg	0.456″ wide	dark brown
safety_pin.svg	1.452″ wide	silver
thread_spool2.svg	0.745″ wide (blackout)	beige
thread_spool3.svg	0.802″ wide (blackout)	tan
Sew Crafty SVG Kit
tag.svg	1.344″ wide	kraft
Celeste’s Cutesy Corners SVG Collection
easel1_top.svg	0.955″ wide	tan
easel1_bottom.svg	0.962″ wide	brown
An Afternoon at Auntie Elaine’s SVG Collection
teacup_top.svg	1.112″ wide	tan/brown
teacup_bottom.svg	1.112″ wide	green patterned paper
teapot_top.svg	1.243″ wide	dark brown
teapot_bottom.svg	1.243″ wide	green patterned paper
flatware.svg	1.40″ wide (blackout)	silver
Iris Fold Cards SVG Kit (Baby Buggy Card)
Extras – Simple Baby Carriage
awning.svg	2.736″ wide	pink patterned paper
bottom.svg	2.736″ wide	floral patterned paper
handle.svg	2.736″ wide	white
wheels_bottom.svg	2.736″ wide	grey
SCAL Basic Shapes Library
rectangle_vertical.svg	2.875″ wide by 0.5″ high	wood patterned paper (for tea set box)
Background Box Liners	(see instructions for simple way to do this, but here’s the measurements for your reference)
rectangle_vertical.svg	Box 3: 2.349″ wide by 2.531″ high	various patterned paper
	Box 4: 2.875″ wide by 1.227″ high	various patterned paper
	Box 6: 2.348″ wide by 3.098″ high	various patterned paper
	Box 7: 2.875″ wide by 2.646″ high	various patterned paper
	Box 8: 2.875″ wide by 1.260″ high	various patterned paper
	Box 9: 5.021″ wide by 2.288″ high	various patterned paper
	Box 10: 3.239″ wide by 3.341″ high	various patterned paper
	Box 11: 1.296″ wide by 3.341″ high	various patterned paper

Instructions

Cut the printers_tray_face.svg and back.svg.
Cut the pieces needed from interior_boxes1.svg and interior_boxes2.svg. To do this, resize both of the svgs to 17.25” wide. Break apart, then select each of the interior boxes with scoring marks and group them together. It’s easier to work with if you delete the unnecessary boxes. You’ll be needing boxes: 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. To cut boxes 9 and 10, you’ll need to rotate the file diagonally to fit into the mat.
Open the sides.svg on the mat. Do Not Resize. Select break apart, and select each strip with its scoring lines and group. Then, you resize to the measurements given and then cut.
If you would like a string at the top (allows you to hang), make two holes on one of the longer sides.svg (mine was 4.5” apart) and reinforce with eyelets. String through the holes and tie on the inside.
Assemble the printers tray.
Cut background box liners: take the printers_tray_face.svg, break apart and delete the frame. You can cut these rectangles with various papers to form the background liner for each boxes.
Embellish as needed.

Design Tips

Thienly - SVGCuts Design Team Artist

Think of each box as one ‘message’. What kind of message do you want to convey? What items would signify your message? Then look of items that would fit that space. Don’t choose too many items – or else, it gets way too busy!
Each box has its own message, but they are all part of one story. Do each of the messages flow to another? Even if it doesn’t, using similar colors/styles of paper will bring it together.
Have a focus point (or points)! It grabs people’s attention. It makes the project more interesting. For my project, the initial focus point should be the silhouette. Then, hopefully you see the flowers. Finally, you see all the details inside all the boxes.
Don’t be afraid to use some texture! Ink it! Tie with ribbons! Dress up with lace! Instead of round little circles, can you use some pearls? Eyelets? Get creative! As long as you can adhere it – anything goes!
Use foam adhesive! In these types of projects, it’s important to have dimension. Instead of adhering all embellishments all at one level, give it some style by making some items pop! I even used several layers of foam adhesive for some items!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can adjust the depth of the boxes by widening the sides.svg and the interior_boxes.svg. (If you make yours deep – you will need to trim off the tabs a bit between the boxes to fit).

By using this method, you can totally customize your own printers tray! Don’t panic about the number of collections/kits that I’ve used – all you need is the Classic Christmas Advent Calendar SVG Kit to make the tray! Think of mine as an example, and you can make it exactly like this, or if you’re feeling adventurous – how you want to embellish the tray is up to YOU!

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Tackle Box Gift Set by Tamara Tripodi

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SVGCuts.com on May, 07, 2012 at 7:28 PM

If you’re like me, you’re always stumped on what to get him. Your husband, dad, son-in-law, etc. I came up with this fun idea to create a tackle box gift set for the outdoorsman in your life! You could adapt this to any theme; camping, boating, hunting, etc. Have fun with it! It’s sure to surprise him!

SVG Collections Used

Ryan’s Play Date SVG Kit
Attic Treasures SVG Kit
Forest County SVG Collection
Crisp Days of Fall SVG Kit
Caramel Apple Pie SVG Kit

Supplies Used

Echo Park Paper – This and That ’Charming’ collection
American Crafts solid cardstock
Memento Ink
Brown wire
Twine (Trendy Twine and The Twinery)
Eyelets
’Screw’ brads
October Afternoon buttons
Canvas Corp. kraft paper bags
Dark brown thread for machine sewing
Jillibean Soup wood label
Tan twill ribbon
October Afternoon ’bear paw’ flair

Dimensions

Here are the exact shapes, sizes and colors I used. Size to the dimensions shown below. If chart only indicated width OR height, Use “Keep Properties” or “Aspect Lock” to size files.

Ryan’s Playdate SVG Kit (Playful Box)
handle.svg	6.10w	brown patterned w/ green pattered on ‘top’
lid_sides3.svg	11.50w	plaid
lid_top.svg	11.50w	plaid
lid_sides1.svg	11.50w	plaid
lid_sides2.svg	11.50w	plaid
lid_liner.svg	11.50w	tan
bottom_sides1.svg	11.50w	wood pattern
bottom_sides2.svg	11.50w	wood pattern
bottom_sides3.svg	11.50w	yellow pattern
bottom.svg	11.50w	green pattern
bottom_liner.svg	11.50w	green pattern
Attic Treasures SVG Kit
shelf_exteriors.svg	11.00w	dark brown and ‘paper’ print
shelf_interioris.svg	11.00w	wood pattern
sectioned_frame.svg	7.246w	green pattern
nameplate_top.svg	5.50w	dark brown
nameplate_bottom.svg	5.50w	paper print
label_top.svg	2.00w	dark brown
label_bottom.svg	2.00w	tan chevron pattern
tag_bottom.svg	1.75w	brown pattern
tag_top.svg	1.75w	tan
oval_bracket.svg	2.50w	dark brown
cigar_band.svg	3.449w	light aqua blue (will weld with band.svg)
Caramel Apple Pie SVG Kit (Crate)
crate_board.svg	4.638w	dark brown (cut 2)
Crisp Days of Fall SVG Kit (Matchbox)
outer_box.svg	10.00w	dark brown
inner_box.svg	10.00w	wood number pattern
band.svg	10.00w	light aqua blue (will weld with cigar_band.svg)
Forest County SVG Collection
Bass (flip)
eye.svg	1.274w	off white
fins.svg	1.274w	light blue
fish_top.svg	1.274w	light green
fish_bottom.svg	1.274w	dark green
Long Bobber
top.svg	.697w	orange
bottom.svg	.697w	grey
Regular Bobber
red.svg	1.060w	red
white.svg	1.060w	white
Fishing Hat
lure_top.svg	.75w	orange
lure_mid.svg	.75w	green
lure_bottom.svg	.75w	grey
hat_top.svg	.75w	tan
hat_bottom.svg	.75w	dark brown
Hook
hook.svg	1.00h	dark grey
Loon
top.svg	1.00w	black
bottom.svg	1.00w	white
Lure 3
top.svg	1.323w	orange
middle.svg	1.323w	cream
bottom.svg	1.323w	grey
Prine Spring
pine_spring.svg	.50w	dark and light green (cut several for embellishing)
pine_spring.svg	.342w	dark and light green (cut several for embellishing)
Pine Trees
top.svg	.724w	green pattern
bottom.svg	.724w	dark brown
Pole
metal.svg	3.50w	grey
color_accents.svg	3.50w	green
pole.svg	3.50w	tan
Rowboat
top.svg	2.75w	light brown
middle.svg	2.75w	medium brown
bottom.svg	2.75w	dark brown
Basic Shapes Library (rectangle)
1.542w x 2.465h
Pocket – Free SVG (Click Here To Download)
pocket_bottom.svg	3.372w	book print pattern
Panfish – Free SVG (Click Here To Download)
fish_bottom.svg	1.796w	tan
fish_top.svg	1.796w	teal
Vest Card – Free SVG (Click Here To Download)
card_base.svg	9.00w	tan
pockets_bottom.svg	9.00w	green pattern
pockets_top.svg	9.00w	paper patten
Waves Element – Free SVG (Click Here To Download)
waves_bottom.svg	2.50w	light aqua blue
waves_top.svg	2.50w	light blue
Dad text – Bernard MT font

Instructions

Start by cutting and assembling the ’Playful Box’ from Ryan’s Playdate. I inked all my edges in grey to give it a ’worn’ look. I LOVE the look of the ’screw’ head brads for this project! They worked great on the handle!
Adhere the ’name plate’ to the front using glue and brads. Emebllish with pine springs and fishing pole. I ran some twine through the pole before adhering it.. keep it ’long’ so you can run it through the tag as well.
Cut and assemble the tag. Add an eyelet. Cut a rectangle in your basic shapes library sized to 1.542w x 2.465h in tan paper. Adhere to the tag. Cut the hook and lure. String twine through the hook and lure then tie into a knot. Secure in place with adhesive. Finish off the tag with ’lettering’, button, and pine springs.
Finish embellishing the lid with various buttons, twine, etc.
Cut and assemble the curio shelf. This will fit nicely inside the box! I decorated mine with the ’label’, bobbers, twine, and wire. Set aside when complete.
Cut and assemble two ’crate boards’. These are used to hold up the curio shelf inside the box. Adhere them towards the back and about 2.00” down from the top of the box. I marked where I wanted to adhere the boards with a ruler and pen so they would be even. Adhere boards inside the box.
Cut the side pockets and embellish. Stitch, add eyelets, buttons, washi tape, etc. These are great for holiding a note or giftcards! Adhere one to each side of the box.
Finish embellishing the box with fish, waves, loon, boat, hat, and pine trees.
Cut and assemble the vest card. I sized it down to 9.00” wide so it would fit nicely inside the box. Stitching the pockets and embossing the vest make a ’simple’ card look great!
Cut the matchbox ’inner’ and ’outter’ pieces and assemble. I inked the edges heavily in dark brown so it would look a bit ’worn’. I also embellished the ’inner’ part with wire and eyelets. For the matchbox band, you will want to weld on the cigar_band.svg sized to 3.449w. In eCal, SCAL, MTC, etc. layer the cigar band right over the middle of the matchbox band, group together and check the ’weld’ box. Cut and assemble. Cut the oval bracket in dark brown then ’break apart’ and just cut the ’inner’ oval piece in a wood print paper. This is going to create the ’wall mount’ for the fish. String twine through and tie around the matchbox. Cut panfish and pine springs to finish off. I adhered the panfish with adhesive foam for dimension.
Finish off your gift set by filling with various candies, little gifts, photos, giftcards, etc. What a FABULOUS presentation, right?!

Design Tips

Tamara Tripodi - SVGCuts Design Team Artist

When creating this project I had originally picked some papers that just did not fit the ’theme’ or ’feel’ that I wanted for this. I wanted a slight vintage theme, muted colors, etc. So, pick out some subtle ’guy’ papers and got busy! If you want to go ’loud and outrageous’ then feel free to do so! Thinking about what your guy likes may help in choosing the feel and look for your design. Age could play into it as well! Little 10 year old Timmy might appreciate colorful and fun designs that are more ’childish’. Whereas, good ol grand-pappy Joe might like a good old fashioned look to it!
Do they like fishing, hunting, camping, etc? You could even turn this into a racing/toolbox theme for the ’car guy’!
Pick your embellishments! When I embellish I do it two ways, I either cluster things in corners/certain spots, or I add 1-2 little subtle things here and there. This has a little of both! I do like to keep things simple, solid colored buttons, solid ribbons, etc. I ’clustered’ some embellishments on top of the lid. Everything ’flows’ though. I like to stick to things in the same color tones as my paper choices, when making a project with so much going on, you don’t really want one single thing to grab your attention, think of embellishments that will work well and keep a nice ’flow’ to your project.
As I always say, ink the edges! I really feel with this particular project, it added a lot! Gives it a worn ’old’ look. I like it!
I kept the curio shelf very simple. Fill it up with giftcards, candy and such! A few small photos would be great, too! And when he’s used the ’gifts’ that were in it, it could be used to hold paper clips, pins, anything small!

I do hope you’ve enjoyed this project! I had a LOT of fun making it… I really could have added so much more to it! Take my design, tweak it and make it your own! If you give it a try, please share it with the SVG Cuts team! It’s always fun to see others take on the DT projects!

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Free SVG File – Sure Cuts A Lot – 05.04.12 – Running Woman

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SVGCuts.com on May, 04, 2012 at 2:20 AM

Know any ladies that pound the pavement? Whether it’s a casual run around the block sometimes, a 5K or a marathon, we’ve got you covered with this cute running girl. Create a cute card for the runner in your life for her birthday or create an encouragment or congrats card if she ran a half marathon, etc. Scrapbook Track and Field or Cross-Country photos or even work on a special project for your team. Happy crafting!

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Kate's Silhouettes SVG Collection

All downloads are in Zip format and include the .svg files for use with your Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) software. If you like this file, please leave some feedback below!

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Free Gift – 3D Numbers Party SVG Kit – Expired

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SVGCuts.com on May, 03, 2012 at 11:13 PM

SVG Kit Description

Create any combination of 3D numbers for your next birthday, anniversary, or graduation! Perfect for birthdays from one through 101! Use baby or toddler-themed paper or capture someone’s interests, for example, by using fishing-themed paper for Dad’s birthday. So fun to embellish, these numbers will be the centerpiece of your parties! You also get the sturdy, useful Cupcake Box which holds four cupcakes perfectly and can be adapted to any theme or holiday. You also get the Simple Box (which is all one piece and so easy to make), the Party Hat and the Pennants!

Dimensions: The Cupcake Box fits standard-sized cupcakes and comes with options to fit slightly smaller and slightly larger cupcakes (not mini cupcakes). The box itself measures 9x9x4″. The 3D Numbers measure 6.5″ tall and can be made slightly smaller or slightly larger. The Party Hat measures 7″ tall and the Simple Box measures 3x3x3″.

Assembly Tutorial

Compatibility

SCAL2, SCAL3, ECAL, MTC, etc. Works with all cutting mat sizes, except for the Cupcake Box, the Party Hat and the Simple Box, which are all too large to fit on a 12×6 mat.

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Free Gift How-To Video

FREE GIFT INSTRUCTIONS

Visit www.SVGCuts.com and make a purchase of $9.98 or more between now and Thursday, May 10th 2012.
Add 3D Numbers Party SVG Kit to your cart.
During Step 2 of Checkout, type FREEGIFT into the Discount Coupon section. Doing so will subtract the value of the SVG Collection from your total. This gift is a $6.99 Value!
All of your files, including the free gift, will be available for immediate download after you complete your purchase!
Happy Crafting!

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Family Tree by Amy McCabe

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SVGCuts.com on May, 01, 2012 at 12:38 PM

Looking for a perfect Mother’s Day gift? Well I have it for you ~ a family tree. Sometimes Moms and Grandmas can be hard to buy for, but I can guarantee they will cherish this gift. As many of you know I love creating shadow boxes. I love the dimension and of course cutting and assembling SVG Cuts files. On this project I used the Print2Cut feature on my Sizzix eclips. I will share another option if you do not have this feature on your machine. So sit back and get ready to have some family fun!

SVG Collections Used

Attic Treasures SVG Kit
My Happy Garden Hideaway SVG Collection
Iris Fold SVG Kit
Happy Birthday To You SVG Kit
Retired Freebie Halloween Tree (Click Here To Download)

Supplies Used

12×12 Shadow Box Frame
Adhesive
Patterned and Solid Papers
Foam Core
Chip Board (I use cereal boxes)
Twine
Gems
Printer (optional)
Sewing Machine (optional)

Dimensions

Attic Treasures SVG Kit – 12×12 Scrapbook Page
background_bottom.svg	11.000″ w x 11.003″ h	light blue
My Happy Garden Hideaway SVG Collection
picket_fence_long.svg – Cut 2	7.183″ w x 1.090″ h	craft brown
Iris Fold SVG Kit – Birthday Flower Card
petals1.svg	10.119″ w x 10.082″ h	green patterned paper
petals2.svg	10.119″ w x 10.082″ h	green patterned paper
petals3.svg	10.119″ w x 10.082″ h	green patterned paper
petals4.svg	10.119″ w x 10.082″ h	green patterned paper
petals5.svg	10.119″ w x 10.082″ h	green patterned paper
background.svg	9.583″ w x 9.156″ h	green patterned paper
background.svg	9.583″ w x 9.156″ h	chipboard
frame_top.svg	9.567″ w x 8.696″ h	cream
frame_top.svg	9.741″ w x 9.213″ h – shadow 7	cream patterned paper
frame_top.svg	10.061″ w x 9.592″ h – shadow 8.5	craft brown
(for leaves)
petals1.svg	Import at 3.951″ w x 3.937″ h – break apart and keep only leaf shape. Remove circle and dashed lines from this shape. See Step 5 in Instructions for details	this is the cut
Retired Freebie Halloween Tree
halloween_tree_bottom.svg – unclick proportions – flip horizontal	5.535″ w x 5.713″ h	craft brown
Ryan’s Play Date SVG Kit – Playful Box
clouds.svg	2.858″ w x 2.519″ h	white
kite_top.svg	2.446″ w x 1.760″ h	yellow pattern paper
kite_bottom.svg	2.446″ w x 2.014″ h	green patterned paper
Happy Birthday To You SVG Kit – Three Tier Cake Box
flower_petals.svg – Cut 3	2.098″ w x 1.370″ h	light blue

Instructions

I picked up my 12×12 white shadow box frame at Joanns. Michaels and Hobby Lobby also carry them. Adhere a 12×12 piece of patterned paper to your shadow box backer.
Cut the background shape and ink edges. I used foam core under this shape to pop it off the background.
Cut the fence and apply to the background.
Cut the elements for the iris fold. In the assembly video (Click Here For Video). Mary applies glue to each piece. I decided to stitch each piece. I came in about .25″, not only did it save from me gluing, it also looks great! If you have a sewing machine and have not stitched paper give it a try, it is great fun. If you do not have a sewing machine glue as in the assembly video. Cut the background in both a patterned paper and chipboard and adhere to each other. Assemble the iris fold. Add a layer of foam-core under the chipboard and adhere to the background shape.
Cut the tree trunk and tree outlines, ink and assemble. I added two layers of foam tape under the tree outline to pop it off.
Now comes the fun part…Print2Cut!
First off watch this video Leo created as a refresher (Click Here For Video)
Import the petals1.svg file and size to 3.951 X 3.937. Select and hit break apart. Delete all the pieces except for the one that resembles a leaf. Select the dashed line and circle and delete. This will be the shape you cut.
Now duplicate the shape and add a shadow of 1. This is called a “bleed” in the printing world. This will be the shape you print – it is slightly larger so when you cut it will not give you any white areas on the edges.
Now color the leaf. I did some experimenting and tried different greens. I selected CCFF66 in Ecal.
Type the names and birth dates. I used the font Adobe Garamond Bold Italic for the name & Adobe Garamond Regular for the date. I also did a few tests on the font color and selected 663300 in Ecal.
Take both the “cut” leaf and “print” leaf and duplicate for your total number of leaves.
Now do the print and cut.
Hide the print layer and cut each leaf out of the chipboard (I use cereal boxes). Adhere the printed leaves to the chipboard, ink edges and adhere to the tree. I added foam tape.
Note: If you do not have Print2Cut no worries – cut the leaves and hand write the names. I did a tree in the past and did calligraphy on the leaves.
Cut, ink and assemble the clouds, kite and flowers and adhere. Watch this video for the flower assembly (Click Here For Video). I added some twine to the kite, fence and some gems to the flowers. I also popped off the clouds & kite by adding foam tape.

Design Tips

Amy McCabe - SVGCuts Design Team Member

I used a solid color for my background cut – the tree is very busy so this helps to balance things out.
When selecting papers for the iris fold tree I kept to a similar color pallette. All 5 of my papers have dots on them. Two of the five are less busy papers and I intermixed those among the other papers.
This project would also make a great scrapbook page for a family album.
Don’t forget to save your SCUT file – just in case you have to expand the family tree.

Once you get the hang of the print2cut you will love it. Hope you give this project a try. This one is going to my sister-in-law, Janice, who lives in New Mexico and know she will love it!

- Amy

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