<a href="https://nicholmagouirk.typepad.com/things_that_really_matter/" accesskey="1">Nichol Spohr LLC

Kraft Notecards w/ Envelopes (Hero Arts)

Raindrop Background Design Block Woodmounted Stamp (Hero Arts)

Versamark Ink Pad by Hero Arts

Zing! Clear Embossing Powder (American Crafts)

Vintage Photo Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Ranger)

Ink Blending Tool & 2 Foams (Ranger)

Ink Blending Tool Replacements (Ranger)

Simply Thanks Stamp (Stampin' Up)

Chocolate Chip Ink Pad (Stampin' Up)

Brad (Close To My Heart)

String

I am currently in the process of working up a list of tutorial ideas that you all have requested.

Tutorials on the list so far:

Text overlay on photos
Using the Silhouette Pens
Sewing on layouts
Printing journaling on die cut designs
Creating your own shapes to cut with the Silhouette

I'm thinking that I will start a new schedule where I share a tutorial a couple of times a month. I'm still working out the details and working on the content. If you have anything specific you're wanting to see please drop me a note and I'll see what I can do. :)

Have a great night!

Posted at 09:51 PM in TECHNIQUE | Silhouette Cameo Die Cutting | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

July 20, 2009

Treat Boxes & Matching Card

When I saw this cute Gable Box die design for the Silhouette I knew it would make a darling treat box paired with some of the fun Print & Cut designs. I made just a couple as a sample but wouldn't these make darling Valentine's? They took absolutely no time to make either. I just cut them out, adhered a Print & Cut label to each, wrapped some silk ribbon around it, added some tiny punched hearts and adorned each with a gem. So easy!

The matching card was super quick to create, as well. I had already pre-printed and cut out the designs so I grabbed this one, rounded the corners and die cut a scallop square for it to fit on, then just die cut another scallop square for the back of the card, punched a small hole through each and tied them together with some string. Then I just adorned the design with a button and a few tiny gems.

Silhouette Print & Cut designs used:

phrase_love_1927

tab_xo_1908

tab_hugs_1914

Silhouette die cut designs used:

gable_box_C0149

square_scallop_LG_1199

Supplies:

Salt Dotted Swiss 12x12 Paper (Bazzill)

Ballet 12x12 Dotted Swiss Paper (Bazzill)

Flocked Kiss with Grey Dots Love Letters Paper (Little Yellow Bicycle)

Assorted Crystal Gem Stones (Hero Arts)

Heart Punch (Stampin' Up)

ReplyJuly 17, 2009 at 05:42 PM

Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

Button

Have a great Monday!

Posted at 11:36 AM in TECHNIQUE | Silhouette Cameo Die Cutting | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)

Print & Cut Giveaway WINNER. :)

Good monday morning!

The randomly drawn winner of the P&C samples is: Anneinca!

anneinca said...

Thank you so much for the clear tutorial. I just got a Silhouette SD and thought the new designs were so cute but . . . how to print and cut???? Now I know!!!

Thanks so much everyone and if I haven't answered your question yet I am working on those today! Have a good one!

Posted at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

July 18, 2009

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!

Posted at 11:12 AM in Q&A: look here for answers to often asked questions | Permalink | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)

July 17, 2009

Stampin' Fun Friday + Another New Card Share

It's time for another Stampin' Fun Friday!

I am sorry that I have missed the last couple of weeks. :(

Today, I have a simple, yet elegant card to share with you.

Supplies:

Patterned Background Woodmounted Stamp (Hero Arts)

Just a Note Bird Special Edition Woodmounted Stamp Set (Hero Arts)

Great Flourishes Messages Clear Stamps (Hero Arts)

Acrylic Block (Hero Arts)

Memories Black Dye Ink (Hero Arts)

Pastel Collage Art Flowers (Hero Arts)

Pink Accent Pearls (Hero Arts)

Small White Accent Pearls (Hero Arts)

Light Green Accent Pearls (Hero Arts)

White 12x12 AC Cardstock (American Crafts)

Wallpaper Background Design Block Stamp (Hero Arts)

Ribbon, Button, Staples

Silhouette design used:

square_scallop_MED_1201

The video how-to, enjoy!

You may have seen this card on the Hero Arts Blog yesterday. I wanted to share it here as well. The design was inspired by THIS layout by Sheri Reguly. I just adore her work! Don't forget to check out Hero Arts new website and blog design. They are having loads of great giveaways this week as well!

I used the Wallpaper Background Design Block Stamp to create my own 'patterned paper' strips for my card. I stamped the background stamp on yellow, red and blue cardstock using Versamark ink, embossed each with white embossing powder and then cut the design apart into strips (I have lots of extra strips leftover to make more cards!). Then I cut each of the strips to 4" in length and adhered them along with the stamped message strip and an embossed (Cuttlebug) strip to the background before adding some zigzag machine stitching.

I cut a scrap piece of ledger paper, punched the spiral notches at the top and stamped the butterfly using the Soft Pool Shadow Ink from Hero Arts. I wanted the body to stand out so I used a fine tip black pen to add detail.

The button accents were created by layering buttons on top of the Hero Arts felt buttons and then adhering each to the layout. So easy but creates a nice effect.

Supplies:

Birds & Branches 12" Clear Stamp Set (Hero Arts)

Acrylic Block (Hero Arts)

Friends Clear Design Stamp Set (Hero Arts)

Soft Pool Shadow Ink (Hero Arts)

Memories Black Dye Ink (Hero Arts)

Versamark Ink Pad (Hero Arts)

Spring Felt Buttons (Hero Arts)

Zing! Opaque White Embossing Powder (American Crafts)

Slice 8x8 Ledger Pad (Making Memories)

Black Precision Pen 01 (American Crafts)

Assorted Crystal Gem Stones (Hero Arts)

White Florals, Tag (Making Memories)

Buttons (Stampin' Up)

Spiral Punch (Stampin' Up)

Just My Type A2 Embossing Border (Cuttlebug)

I have been getting quite a few questions regarding my last post on using the Print & Cut feature on the Silhouette. I will be answering and addressing all of those in a blog post tomorrow (as well as answering those emails personally a bit later today).

Have a good one. :)

Posted at 05:08 PM in TECHNIQUE | Silhouette Cameo Die Cutting | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

July 16, 2009

Silhouette Print & Cut + a Tiny Give Away. :)

Happy Thursday everyone. If you are a Silhouette owner and haven't seen the new digital download release today, be sure to check it out. Lots of great designs. Lots and lots of Print & Cut designs (you can distinguish the P&C by the little box with a "P" next to the design). So much fun!

Here is another layout I created using both a die cut and Print & Cut from the new release:

The P&C tabs add just the right amount of "pizazz" to a page. Such a small thing but oh so fun.

Silhouette designs used:

tab_play_1916

small_circle_pattern_1570

phrase_life_1885

Supplies:

Neutrals 12x12 AC Cardstock (American Crafts)

Leave It To Weaver Border Punch (Fiskars)

Kraft Cardstock (Hobby Lobby)

Instant Setter (Making Memories)

Photo Turns, Silver Brad (Close To My Heart)

Clear Buttons

Star Brads (Making Memories)

Cherry Hill Label Sticker (October Afternoon)

12x12 Laugh Three Little Birds Rub-ons (Lily Bee Designs)

...Print & Cut How-To...

Be sure to check out the great P&C Tutorial over on the Quickutz Blog HERE for additional tips & tricks and inspiration.

I am simply sharing my process for using the P&C. Here goes:

First, open up a new document in your Craft Robo software. Make sure and choose 'Letter' for the page size and check the box to 'use registration marks'.

The 'use registration marks' setting will add these grid-like areas to your document. You will want to be sure to avoid inserting your P&C image in the shaded areas.

I always like to use a grid when die-cutting or using the P&C feature. You can resize your images easily. Go to Edit, then Grid Settings. Check the 'Show Grid' box and then adjust 'Grid Spacing'. I like to set it at 1" for easy measuring.

Time to add an image from 'My Library'. I am choosing the tab that I used on the above layout.

I have dropped the image into my document and it's really large. Much larger than I want for my layout.

I will just resize the image (I like to make most of the tabs about 1" in height, maybe a bit less). Then I will just make sure and place it within the red line of my document but not in the shaded areas.

When creating a Print & Cut image I find that it's easy to just print and cut a bunch of images at one time, on one sheet. I'm just inserting a monogram and additional tabs and resizing them to fit within the document.

Here's what the document looks like once I've filled it with Print & Cut images:

Now I'm ready almost ready to print the images. I like to use the same photo paper that I use to print my photos (Epson Premium Luster Paper) so I need to change the 'Output Settings'.

Once you've chosen the print settings for the type of paper you're using it's time to print. Here's what the sheet looks like after it's gone through the printer.

You can see the black registration marks in the corners. That's what the Silhouette will "read" to perfectly cut the images. Load the paper on the cutting mat following the directions printed right on the sheet.

To cut the photo paper I don't do anything different than when I cut cardstock. I keep the 'Index 90' setting and cut the images TWICE. Make sure the 'search registration marks' box is checked and follow the regular steps for cutting.

And here's what the images look like all cut out. :)

...Give Away...

Because I already have a stash of these sweet little tabs (and monograms) I thought I would share the ones I made for this how-to. :) If you would like these please just leave a comment here on this post by Sunday evening 11:59 p.m. CST and I will announce a winner Monday morning, July 20th (which just happens to be my husband and I's 13th wedding anniversary). :) I might even make a few additional Print & Cut's to send your way, I love to share!

Have a great evening!

July 15, 2009

July Mid-Month Garden

Sorry I have been a bit MIA this week. I have too many things going at one time and can't seem to catch up! The good news is that I have lots to share with you the rest of this week with lots of new projects. :)

Today the Mid-Month Garden went up at Two Peas. I just loved this month's theme: Fashion Inspired.

I saw this dress at Gap Kids and loved the color combination:

It inspired the following layout of my daughter:

As always, I used lots of die cutting here, combining my Silhouette with Cricut images and Quickutz' regular die images. The extra large label (die cut from the Narratives paper) was die cut using an awesome new Project Cut kit designed by Jen Allyson for Two Peas. You can check it out HERE. You can cut these images on a variety of different digital die cutting machines. I used my Silhouette and it cut perfectly!

I can't seem to get enough gray lately. I love combining gray with everything. :) And right along the same lines as gray, I can't get enough of this Metallic Silver Paper from Making Memories. I bought a bunch of it to have on hand. I love how it cuts on the Silhouette (as well as other die cutting machines) and you will see as I share upcoming projects that I have used every little bit of it!

Silhouette designs used:

number_border_1254

Supplies:

Slice 12x12 Metallic Silver Paper (Making Memories)

Pinky Damask 12x12 Die Cut Paper (Narratives)

Sunday Dishes Cherry Hill Paper (October Afternoon)

This Little Piggy Ducks in a Row Paper (October Afternoon)

Neutrals 12x12 AC Cardstock (American Crafts)

Orange Patterned Papers (Narratives)

Black Purkey MiniMarks Rub-ons (American Crafts)

Flourish Rub-ons (Making Memories)

Ducks in a Row Word Stickers (October Afternoon)

Ducks in a Row Label Stickers (October Afternoon)

Cherry Hill Word Stickers (October Afternoon)

Cherry Hill Label Sticker (October Afternoon)

Smooth Clear Gemstones (Hero Arts)

Photo Corners (Heidi Swapp)

Metal Rim Tag (Making Memories)

Journal This 6x8 Clear Stamps (October Afternoon)

Ali Edwards Today You Clear Stamp Set (Technique Tuesday)

Define Your Life Stamps (Stampin' Up)

Spiced Marmalade Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Ranger)

Worn Lipstick Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Ranger)

Butterfly 4x4 Die Cut Shape (Quickutz)

Classic Butterfly Craft Punch (Martha Stewart)

3-In-1 Butterfly Craft Punch (Martha Stewart)

Circle Punches

Notch Tool (Making Memories)

Mini Dot N' Go 300 Ct (Glue Dots International)

DigiKit Project Cuts Specialty Edged Shapes by Jen Allyson

Cricut Die Cutting Machine (Provo Craft)

Graphically Speaking Cricut Cartridge (Provo Craft)

Click HERE for more information.

Also new for July's Mid Month Garden is a Summer Seasonal Layout:

Again, I used lots of the Metallic Silver Paper from Making Memories. I love the look. :)

The surfboards were die cut using the Graphically Speaking Cartridge for the Cricut using MM Just Chillin' Patterned Papers and the Metallic Silver Paper and then layered. The flower and flourish on the one surfboard were die cut using the Silhouette. I also die cut the silver border and flourishes using the Silhouette.

Silhouette designs used:

flouish_1830

Jane_paper_doll_beach_set_C0021

flower_diamonds_1824

Supplies:

Slice 12x12 Metallic Silver Paper (Making Memories)

Crown Brocasde Boy Just Chillin' Paper (Making Memories)

Star Boy Just Chillin' Paper (Making Memories)

Oilcloth Green Girl Just Chillin' Paper (Making Memories)

White 12x12 AC Cardstock (American Crafts)

White Number Stickers (Making Memories)

Silver Chipboard Alpha (Heidi Swapp)

Silver Photo Corners (Heidi Swapp)

Boy Just Chillin Badge Brads (Making Memories)

Silver Brads (Stampin' Up)

Notch Tool (Making Memories)

Mini Dot N' Go 300 Ct (Glue Dots International)

Cricut Die Cutting Machine (Provo Craft)

Graphically Speaking Cricut Cartridge (Provo Craft)

Click HERE for more information.

July 11, 2009

More Silhouette Print & Cut Sneek Peeks

Yesterday I shared a layout and card featuring new Silhouette Print & Cut designs that will be available this coming Thursday (July 16th). Here's another layout showing a couple of the tabs and another monogram in use. :)

On the left side of the layout I added one of the P&C tabs into the background design by placing it right above the die cut square of the boy and girl. On the right side I added a P&C tab above my photo and placed the P&C monogram next to the photo. I added a date sticker and a punched heart to dress up the monogram a bit. :)

When designing this page I already had a bunch of tabs cut so I that I could just pick and choose. In fact, that's my tip for this post (regarding the P&C feature and designs for the Silhouette): resize a bunch of the P&C designs in your Craft Robo software, print them out and then cut them out and you have a bunch of great accents ready for use on your next project.

Print & Cut designs used:

tab_love_1913

monogram_love_1903

tab_live_1918

Other Silhouette designs used:

medium_circle_pattern_1567

restroom_boy_1758

restroom_girl_1759

square_nested_1214

Other supplies:

Salt Dotted Swiss Cardstock (Bazzill)

Slice 12x12 Aqua Dot Shimmer (Making Memories)

Slice 12x12 Mixed Pattern Acetate Multipack (Making Memories)

Black 12x12 AC Cardstock (American Crafts)

Specialty Embossed Paper (American Crafts)

Hardware (Close To My Heart)

Stamps & Ink (Stampin' Up)

Gems

Ribbon

I absolutely love that circle background. Perfect framing for adding little embellishments, stamping, etc.

The nested squares made the perfect frame for my die cut boy and girl. I just ungrouped the image and deleted any of the lines/squares I didn't need. I cut the frame first and then deleted the inner line and cut it twice more: once from the white background and once from the acetate for the background.

I'll have more shares this coming week plus a tutorial on using the print and cut. Check back on Thursday for more fun!

Well, it's getting late and I better head to bed. I'm a single mama this weekend while daddy is out of town. Lots to do tomorrow. :)

Have a good one!

July 10, 2009

Silhouette Sneak Peek + Hero Arts Announcement :)

...Hero Arts...

I am really so, so honored to be able to play with Hero Arts stamps and do projects for them from time to time. They are an absolutely amazing company. So nice to work with. Incredible stamps that are made in the USA. They are a green company and hands down some of the nicest people I have ever had the honor of getting to know. :)

Next week they are launching a new look on their website & blog and are having a week-long celebration! The celebration starts Monday and the new look will be unveiled on Wednesday!

...Silhouette Sneak Peek...

I always look forward to the new Silhouette release every two weeks but I am more excited than usual for this coming week's Silhouette release. Why you ask? What makes this release different from all the others?

Print and Cut.

That's right! Fabulous new designs that you print out using your computer and then cut on your Silhouette. It's SO easy and SO fun! I had a blast putting together samples using the Print & Cut designs (as well as the regular die cut designs). :)

I have to admit, I was so intimidated by this feature. I had tried it twice before with no luck but once I saw these new designs I was determined to figure it out. I'll share my tips on what worked for me after the samples.

First, here's a layout utilizing a new monogram Print & Cut and also a tab.

These are the Print & Cut shapes used:

monogram_happy_1904

tab_remember_1924

Additional Silhouette designs used:

butterfly_0921

butterfly_1510

Bug_0616

scallop_border_SM_1234

Other Supplies:

Black 12x12 AC Cardstock (American Crafts)

Neutral 12x12 AC Cardstock (American Crafts)

Tea Towel Cherry Hill Paper (October Afternoon)

New Apron Cherry Hill Paper (October Afternoon)

Cookie Jar Cherry Hill Paper (October Afternoon)

Ducks In A Row Word Stickers (October Afternoon)

Tuxedo Assorted Sugar Coated Brads (Doodlebug)

Lucky Green Glass Brads (Creative Cafe)

Greenhouse Paperie Brads (Making Memories)

Black/White Dot Paper, Green Dot Paper (Scenic Route)

Silver Metallic Embossed Paper (American Crafts Specialty Paper)

Notch Tool (Making Memories)

Date Stamp

How about a card using a Print & Cut Monogram:

I love that you can resize the images to work for your particular project, just like with their regular die cut designs. This card was so quick and easy to put together.

Print & Cut Shapes used:

monogram_friend_1901

Other Silhouette designs used:

flourish_1871

Other Supplies: