nichol magouirk

Q&A: Silhouette Print & Cut

Q: What kind of paper did you use. I'm thinking the bazzil cardstock might not be the way to go since it is textured, I'm not sure it will print properly. Is here some thing in particular you like and where do you get it?

A: I used Epson Premium Luster Photo Paper. This is the exact same paper I use to print all my photos. I chose photo paper for two reasons:

One: when you print the images on cardstock they are more muted and not as vibrant because the ink is absorbed into the cardstock. 

Two: I have been told that Presentation Paper will hold the ink colors and prints nicely but I wanted to use what I had on hand so I used photo paper. It's just a personal preference. :)

*I have tried the Print & Cut on cardstock and it does print and cut exactly like on the photo paper. I just like the vibrant color that photo paper provides.

I purchase all my Epson supplies at the Epson Online Store HERE.

Q: Do you have to buy the ink or it already comes with it? 

A: You actually print the designs on your own printer first, then you load the printed sheet onto a cutting mat and cut the designs on the Silhouette. Sorry I wasn't very clear about that in the tutorial. :)

Q: Will this work on a mac? Do I need to download new stuff?

A: (this is from Kerri Bradford) "You can totally use the images for Mac, IF you use that parallel program that runs Windows on your Mac. With it setup that way, you can totally use the Robo Master software along with all it's wonderful image glory!"

I have an iMac and use it for everything...except my Silhouette. I still run it on my old PC laptop. I have considered trying out the Bootcamp program that comes on the Mac that makes it possible to run Windows on a mac but haven't taken the plunge yet. I will definitely post about it here when I do.

Want to learn about Bootcamp? Click HERE.

Q: I own the Silhouette but not the Sihouette SD, will the program look the same on it? I noticed you have different cutting mats, do I have to have the same ones to print and cut?

A: I own the original Silhouette, too. :) The images will work on both models. 

A: You can use either style of cutting mat but I do think the newer style (clear mat) works better than the older style. That has been my experience, anyway.

Q: Do you use the Sillouette or the Sillouette SD?  Which would you reccomend purchasing?  Also, where do you purchase your downloads that you use?

A: I have the Original Silhouette. Because I don't take mine with me to scrap it works for me and I don't currently have plans to purchase the SD. However, I think if you like to take your supplies/tools with you to a crop or to scrap with a group of friends, the SD is a great choice because you can use it without a computer. HERE is more information on the SD model. 

A: The downloads are all purchased through the software that comes with the Silhouette or Silhouette SD. HERE is more information on purchasing and downloading the die cut images.

Q: I was wondering after you download the print and cut designs they no longer have a 'p' by them how do you remember which ones are print and cut? Also do you always cut twice?

A: (This suggestion comes from Kerri Bradford and is also what I do to keep my P&C's separate from the rest of my designs). "I would suggest creating a folder of just Print & Cuts, select all the P&Cs that you've downloaded, and drag them into your new folder. Other than that, when you click and place it in your document, you'll immediately be able to tell which ones are P&Cs because they will be in color, whereas the regular diecut images will just be an outline." 

You can create folders in your "My Library" in the Craft Robo software to make it easy to find designs. 

I will try and do a tutorial on this next week for a step by step on how to organize your digital die cut designs. :)

A: I do almost always cut every design twice (unless it is really thin paper). The easiest way to do that is to import your design into your new document, resize it to your liking and then click "copy" and then "paste". It will layer the image one right on top of the other. Then just cut as you normally would and the machine will go over the design twice as it cuts. :)

Q: I was wondering, can you customize the print and cut images as far as color?

A: No, you can't. However, a little birdie told me that with the next release of designs there will be several choices in color for some of the P&C designs. :) 

Additional information that you may find helpful:

• If your computer crashes or you purchase a new one, click HERE for information on recovering your purchased digital die cut designs. (This is an AWESOME feature. I had to use it last year when my hard drive failed.)
• (This comes from Erin Bassett) "Wanted to mention that to resize images in the RM software I right-click on the image & then click on "position settings"...I then put in the size I want it to be & usually tell it to hold the aspect ratio so the image doesn't get distorted."

Hope this information helps. 

Please feel free to email me or leave any other questions in the comments section and I will do my best to answer them. :)

Have a great weekend! 

Q&A + Garden Shares

Here is a little Q&A regarding questions I've received about the Silhouette:

(please note that some of these answers are only my opinion. :) thanks.)

Q: Since you use the Silhouette a lot, I was wondering if you would recommend purchasing a Silhouette even though I already have a Cricut Expressions.  I love my Cricut but I am really liking all the cute images and designs that the Silhouette has.  I was just wanting to know your opinion on if I would use it to get my money's worth out of it since I already have a Cricut.  Also, do you feel limited by the paper size as it isn't 12 x 12?

A:  I purchased my Silhouette first and that is the machine I am most passionate about (but I do have a Cricut as well). Confession time: I only bought the Cricut because I wanted to use the Graphically Speaking cartridge. I really have only used the Cricut with that one cartridge and I admit the 12x12 cutting size IS a nice plus. However, I don't really mind not having the 12x12 option on the Silhouette. The gal who designed Graphically Speaking for Cricut (the talented Miss Kerri Bradford) is actually working for QK Silhouette now designing their digi download designs which makes me SUPER happy. 

Here is my personal list of things I love most about my Silhouette:

• I can use ALL the fonts on my computer, no extra software needed.
  
• QK releases new digi designs twice a month (and there are a lot of them to choose from for purchase) and the designs are absolutely amazing.
  
• I can design my own shapes for cutting.
  
• Welding script fonts for cutting is SO easy (and with the new welding feature you can weld other fonts/shapes as well).
  
• No cartridge storage necessary.  

Q: I just wondered how do you apply intricate cuts like that to your page, adhesive, Xyron?

A: I do use my xyron sometimes but I really like Krylon Spray Adhesive.

Q: I don't have a Silhouette... yet, but I am curious about the downloads. Where can I read more about it? How much they cost, what they look like, etc. 

A: Check out this website HERE. It's still relatively new so I think it's still under a bit of construction. HERE is a bit of info about the downloads.

Q:  I have a question for you...when you use the Silhouette, what kind of cs do you use?

A: Anything and everything. Stampin' Up Cardstock, Bazzil, American Crafts, etc. The key to getting a good cut with cardstock is to change your media type setting to Index 90 (you will need to use the pink cutting tip). Sometimes I will cut the design twice (do not remove it from the machine in between cuts). It also helps to have a clean cutting mat (although I don't replace mine nearly often enough and don't have too many problems).

And here's a few other random questions & answers regarding recent projects.

Q:  Could you tell me where you got the tape dispenser with the glue dots on it?

A: HERE it is. LOVE this thing!

Q: i feel like i've searched everywhere for the foam app from tim holtz but all i can find are the felt applicators. would you mind telling me where you got yours?

A: HERE is the tool and HERE is the foam refill.

Q: Could you share where the corduroy button is from, I've been on the hunt for those forever!

A: They are from Stampin' Up! And I see that they have a couple new colors available for a limited time. Yay! 

The new Garden went up on the first of May at 2Peas and this month's theme is die cutting (yes, I was SO excited about that!).

Here is the die cutting layout I contributed for the first (there will be a couple more on the 15th! whoohoo!):

(c) Two Peas In A Bucket

I love the new circle die cut border...so fun! The circle border, scallop border and title was all cut using the Silhouette.

The flowers are Cookie Cutter dies for the Revolution. Click HERE for supply list and more info.

And here's my new product focus layout:

(c) Two Peas In A Bucket

New Lily Bee papers...yummy! 

Click HERE for more info and supplies.

And here's a couple of fun projects from NSD. 

The first one I lifted a great design from Peg Manrique:

The butterflies were all die cut. The big one using the Silhouette and the smaller ones using the Sizzix Stampin' Up Butterfly Die. :)

Click HERE for more info and supplies.

And this one was inspired by Severine:

The alpha borders were cut using the Silhouette and the matted part of the layout is all adhered with pop dots for dimension.

Click HERE for more info and supplies.

I'll be back tomorrow with another Stampin' Fun Friday. :)

Until then...

New Month/New Class Layout + Q&A

So I started this post on Monday and here it is Thursday....I have no idea what happened. LOL

First I had a few questions + answers that I wanted to share here this morning. 

Q: Where do you purchase your kraft cardstock.

A: I have been buying all my kraft cardstock at Hobby Lobby. It comes in a 25 sheet pack, I think, and it's cheap and the perfect "kraft" color. 

Q:  I was just wondering, do you have to use the Big Shot die machine for the Bigz dies?

A: I am not sure about the longer Bigz dies, as I don't have any of these yet, but for the regular Bigz dies (i.e. the Top Note label die, it works with the Cuttlebug. The Cuttlebug is wide enough to accept these Bigz dies and I have used mine with this die. As far as the longer Bigz dies, when I get the extended cutting pads and longer Sizzix dies I will try them with the Cuttlebug and let you know for sure. :)

Q: Can you please tell me if the birdie embellishments are stamps also? (on THIS layout)

A: Yes, they are. HERE is a link. I stamped them once on the background and then on several sheets of patterned paper, then cut the individual pieces from the different papers and glued them over the first stamped image.

Q: What did you do for the inside of the cover? (on THIS album)

A: In the album I used the inside was paper covered so I didn't do anything, left it "as is". But on my Christmas album I painted the inside cover. (see photos below)

do stuff today album inside cover.

christmas album inside cover (painted).

Q: Are these albums still available through MM? (same album as above question)

A: They are from the 5th Avenue Collection which isn't new so I'm not sure if they've been discontinued or not. I did find a few in stock HERE. I have ordered from here several times (I get all my We R leather albums here).

Q: Can the goosebumpz be used in either the Big Shot or the Cuttlebug?

A: Unfortunately, I did try the QK goosebumpz with the Sizzix Big Shot and I wasn't very impressed with the impression it left and the goosebumpz didn't work at all with the CB. :( Sorry.

However, if you have the Big Shot and are looking for some great embossing products check out these new texture plates from the new Stampin' Up catalog. 

Backgrounds 1 Texure Plates

Texture Plates Kit #4

You can order them HERE.

And the Cuttlebug embossing folders DO work with the Big Shot. :)

Today is February the 5th so that means it's time for a new class layout, sketch, PDF handout and video for my class Celebrate the Seasons over at 2Peas.

This month the focus is on Valentine's Day and/or Love. (but if you are a fan of Groundhog Day, by all means, scrapbook that instead!). :)

(c) Two Peas In A Bucket

I chose to document and scrapbook one of our family's favorite holiday traditions: baking, frosting and decorating homemade sugar cookies. Yummy! We always try to make themed cookies around the major holidays. A fun activity and good to eat. :)

Click HERE to see more of the layout, the sketch, PDF file download and how-to video.

HERE is the link to the Education Board post where you can ask questions, share links to your layouts and more.

And HERE is a link to the GG Blog Post about this class with some additional ideas for creating your layout!

Okay, I have a BIG project I'm working on for THIS new class being offered by Shimelle at 2peas. One of Chad and I's favorite hobbies both as a couple, individually and as a family is to travel and it's a huge part of our life. I am so excited to be able to have a place to record everything about our HERE, THERE and EVERYWHERE. If you love Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas class every Christmas season take a look at this new workshop. I am providing one of the sample albums for her class. So fun! Lots to do so I better get busy!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thursday!

                     

Layout of the Day + more Q&A

I have the layout of the day today over at 2Peas. It is focusing on the Creative Cafe Glitter Papers. I think I've mentioned it before but I really adore any and all specialty papers and these are in some really yummy colors. I make mine stretch as far as possible (since they are a bit pricey) by using them in small doses on my layouts, usually with diecutting. :)

(c)Two Peas In A Bucket

Click HERE for supply list and details.

I also wanted to touch on just a few more questions I've received. I post the questions & answers here in case more people are curious about the same things and want to know the answers. I also started a category for this on my blog and you can access Q&A blog posts by clicking on that category HERE. I am in the process of going through my older blog posts and adding them to this section. I will finish that up when I get back from CHA in California next week. :)

Q&A:

Q: I love what you did for your first 3 weeks (of Project 365) and i'm dying to see that twilight addict page!

A: The finished Twilight Addict layout will go up in the 2Peas Garden on the first of February! It's one of my favorite layouts I've ever done about ME. I usually don't scrapbook as much about myself as I should. ;)

Q: What scanner do you use?

A: Epson Perfection 2580 Photo Scanner. I have had it for a couple of years now and it works great. It also scans in film negatives which is great for people like me who have made the switch to digital but still have some older photos that are on film that you want to manipulate or work on in PhotoShop. This model is discontinued however here is the newer model that looks similar in style and function: Epson Perfection 4490 Photo Scanner.

Q: How are you printing on your journaling cards (for Project 365)?

A: I am feeding them through my printer. I set up templates for both the small journaling cards and the longer ones in Microsoft Word and then I just type up my journaling and print. I do adjust the margins, etc. a bit for some of the journaling cards and I find that my printer prints straighter on larger paper so I apply a tiny bit of adhesive to a plain piece of printer paper and temporarily adhere the journaling card to the plain paper to feed through my printer. 

Q: Do you use rub-on's for the date at the top (for Project 365 weekly date cards)?

A: I am using a Heidi Swapp date stamp but rub-ons would work as well. (The date stamp is a couple years old, not sure if it's available any longer or not, sorry!) You could also set up a document in a word processing program to print the date on the cards.

Q: I saw your video of the album you did using CTMH products of your son with baby photos. The one thing I really wanted to know how you did was the words you have written on the photos you used in the album? Click HERE to see the album in question.

A: All the writing on the photos is actually digital overlays purchased from Designer Digitals. I am not very good with the digital stuff but I love these overlays and this is how I created the look easily. :)

1. I opened my photo in Photoshop and changed it to the desired size.

2. Open one of the overlays in Photoshop and change the size to fit my photo. 

3. Then just drag the overlay directly over your photo and move it around to your liking. 

4. Flatten the image and print.

Here is a list of the digital kits I used:

Photography Word Art

Remember Word Art

Loving Life Word Art

The Story Word Art

Hello Baby Hand Drawn Brushes

Q: Can you tell me the difference between a revolution and the big shot? Do you need a long platform for the big shot to do the 12 x12 stuff?

A: The biggest difference between the QK Revolution and Sizzix Big Shot is that the Big Shot will cut a wider variety of dies from OTHER manufacturers which makes it more versatile, in my opinion. The Revolution's platform is only 4" wide and the Big Shot is wider and will take wider dies. Unfortunately, I don't *think* that the Big Shot will accept the 12" border dies from QK. I don't think I have tried that yet so I can't tell you for certain. I would assume you could cut a portion of the border but not the whole thing. I will try to test that out later next week so I can give you a more informed answer. You do need the 12" platform with the Revolution to cut the 12" border dies. If you want to see how the Big Shot accepts other QK dies and Cuttlebug dies and embossing folders click HERE.

Q: I was wondering what are the plastic containers you are using to sort your flowers? Click HERE and HERE to see my storage.

A: The brand is Plano. I purchased mine at my local Wal-Mart and found them in the sporting goods section with the fishing tackle boxes. I believe you can order them online too, but not sure where. Maybe try a search for Plano clear storage boxes if you can't find them locally.

Q: Where are the plastic storage containers you use for your large chipboard and felt, etc. from?

A: They are from the Container Store.  HERE is a link.

Have a great Thursday!

Q&A

Going to play a little Saturday catch up here.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday. I am working on THIS today. My kit came a couple of days ago and I printed my daily photos (from the 28th of December to the present) out yesterday afternoon and now it's time to add some journaling and fun stuff. :) I'll share a page or two soon.

Also, Chad and I went to see Gran Torino last night. Clint Eastwood at his best. Seriously. Probably one of the best movies I have seen in awhile. I don't have a single bad thing to say about it. So good.

I've had lots of random questions and thought I'd put them all in one place. :)

Q: Would you please tell me what paper cutter you use?

A: I use the Fiskars 12" Rotary Paper Trimmer and LOVE it. 

Q: Just wanted to thank you for the hours I have been able to spend looking at your posts (especially storage and videos).  Is there a way for me to subscribe for e-mail notifications other than typepad?

A: I don't currently have a newsletter subscription but you can sign up to be notified when I post a new video on youtube by going HERE and clicking the yellow 'Subscribe' button.

Q: Is that white writing on your photo a digi element ...or did you stamp it? (THIS layout)

A: It is a digital overlay by Ali Edwards, Loving Life Word Art. HERE is a link.

Q:  I was wondering what you used for cutting out the bird in THIS post? 

A: I used the Quickutz Silhouette. It's from a digital design CD that I don't think is available anymore but if you have the Quickutz Revolution, Cuttlebug or Sizzix Big Shot you can use THIS die and get a very similar bird. :) If you are a Silhouette owner, THIS bird is super cute and very similar too. 

Q: I have tons of SU wood mounted rubber and have been unmounting them, but am not happy with what I am doing. Do you have any suggestions for them?

A: I really downsized my entire stamp collection over the last year or so and don't have that many wood mounted stamps anymore and now I keep them in THESE mesh storage bins on a shelf in my studio. I would love to know how other people store their wood mounted stamps and if you have any great storage ideas please post a link here in the comments. :)

Q: Seeing how you used the big shot, I'm presuming I could use the same dies you used in the Cuttlebug? I'd often wondered about the bigger QK dies and the Cookie Cutters but having seen your video I don't see any reason why I couldn't use them in my Cuttlebug.

A: Absolutely the QK dies and Cookie Cutters will work in the Cuttlebug. :) I should really do a video showing the Cuttlebug and other dies. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll work on that for this next week. :)

Q: . On your journal spots (circle, big brackety thingy) are those digital??? How are you typing your journaling and getting it to fit just right? 2. And on your photo collage... Spill the beans.. do you use a template or are you creating these on your own??? (questions in reference to THIS post)

A: I did use quite a few digital elements, either on the photos or printed directly on cardstock. As for making it fit, it was mostly trial and error. I would print it on regular, plain paper first, make any adjustments necessary and then adhere the journaling spot, etc. to the plain paper and feed it through my printer.

All the digital elements I used were by Ali Edwards for Designer Digitals.

The photo collage was made by creating a 4x6 background in photoshop, then I just resized my photos to fit within that size. All the photos are either 1"x 1" or 1"x 2". 

Q: I was just looking at your Christmas journal, I was wondering how you put the letting on the pictures?  Like where it says Seasons Greeting, Merry and Bright, Hello Santa.  Is that a program you use and print them with the picture or are they a rub on/sticker?

A: I used digital elements from Designer Digitals, just layered them over my photos to print or printed them directly on cardstock. Here's a list of the ones I used. :)

Holiday Title + Journal Photo Overlays

Holiday Word Art

Gratitude Circles

Holiday Hand Drawn Brushes

25 Days of December Photo Overlays

Holiday Phrases Hand Drawn Brushes

Q: Love this Christmas album you completed -- wow. What font did you use throughout the album (the simple printed one)? I really like it and I noticed you use it frequently.

A: AL Uncle Charles (you can buy it HERE). It is my absolute favorite font. :)

Okay, back to work on Project 365 before an employee bowling night this evening (and an opportunity for a fun photo for today's project 365 entry!)...

Have a great weekend!