...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?
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/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:
Gems (Hero Arts)
Pearl Brads
Notch Tool
Kerri Bradford shared great tips and a tutorial over on the Quickutz Blog. Check it out HERE.
Tips on using Print & Cut:
- The Print & Cut designs I'm sharing here will be available for download just like the regular die cut designs. That means you can pick and choose which designs you want to buy (no buying an entire CD or anything like that), however, the designs are so fabulous you will probably want them all! :)
- Make sure and read through the tutorial HERE on how to use Print & Cut. It's pretty straight forward. I'm also going to attempt a tutorial here next week with screen shots (probably on Thursday when the new designs are released).
- I used Epson Luster Photo Paper to print out all the examples I am sharing on my blog. I found that the colors "bled" too much on regular cardstock. The colors are so rich and vibrant printed on photo paper. Love that! Kerri also suggests Presentation Paper as a great medium for printing on.
- If your Silhouette has trouble reading the registration marks for Print & Cut, try darkening the room (shutting the blinds, turning the lights off or even covering the lid of the Silhouette with a dark sheet of paper) and make sure and close the cover for cutting (I never shut it for regular cutting but it really does help for Print & Cut).
- The biggest thing that helped me....use a new style cutting mat. Seriously. I was having the worst time with getting my machine (I have the original Silhouette) to recognize the registration marks until I tried new style cutting mat. I don't like change much and have been using my stash of old style cutting mats but no more! My machine has cut the designs every single time now. No more sitting here for 2 1/2 hours in frustration wondering why it won't cut! (Yes, I really did that and I was majorly ticked off! ha!)
I'll be back tomorrow for more Print & Cut Sneak Peek Shares...have a great night!
