Blackout SVG Files

Here’s a tip I just learned about and have started incorporating into my paper piecing collections.

Blackout SVG files!

What are they?

A blackout file is an SVG file which contains the outline of an assembled paper piecing pattern.

Genius!!!

This makes it extra easy to assemble the patterns! Plus, makes the whole thing much sturdier!

Here’s a sample of one my latest paper piecing buddies and its blackout file:

So,

Send the pieces including the blackout file to cut and assemble the pattern by laying each piece over the blackout using the outlines as a guide!

Genius!

Happy Scrapping!

Tip for SCAL Users

If you’ve purchased my paper piecing patterns you’ve noticed that each pattern has several SVG files. One SVG file per color. This way you’ve been able to save on paper.

If you’ve tried to keep the pattern scaled properly it’s a bit difficult because SCAL imports files in crazy sizes, not the size the file has been saved in.

To solve this problem just:
1. Import one SVG file
2. Scale it to the size you want
3. Send it to cut
4. Then before you delete it import the next SVG file of the pattern
5. Scale that file to the first one you imported
6. Delete the first file you already cut
7. Send the remaining file to cut
8. Repeat steps 4 thru 7 until you have the whole pattern cut.

Give, Get, Grow

Quick post……. Nothing to do with scrapbooking, however, it’s something I’ve been involved with for several months now and the concept rocks!! Check out the video below, your comments are welcomed! If giving is not your thing maybe you know someone who will dig it. Send them back here or share with them this link: www.uServio.com/admin

Thanks to all of you who have given positive feedback to this opportunity!

video management, video solution, video streaming

SVG files for Cricut

Personal die cutters are gaining popularity by leaps and bounds! You all know my favorite is the Craft Robo but, most of my scrapbooking friends have the Cricut. And now they all have the Sure Cuts a Lot software, better known as SCAL, which works with the Cricut.

Haven’t heard about SCAL, click here to learn more!

SCAL reads SVG files. For those familiar with PhotoShop and Illustrator it is very easy to save a file in SVG format. For those who don’t have access to these programs I’d like to offer my services!

First I’d like for you to know that all my paper piecing patterns are available in various formats including SVG. You can find patterns at The Shop.

Second, if you have patterns you’d like to use with your Cricut and don’t know how or don’t have time to make them into SVG files you can send them to me via email and I’ll convert them for you. Go to The Shop or click here on SVG FILE CONVERSION and check out the options available.

Please email me BEFORE choosing an option and include your patterns so I can better tell you what can be done.

Send your files to: orders@cocscrapbooking.com or cristy@cocscrapbooking.com

About the Craft Robo II

What about the Craft Robo II? I really love it!

Up until YESTERDAY I liked my Craft Robo. Today, I love it!

See, I thought that by being a Mac user I was limited to a very narrow area of cutting because registration marks had to be printed on whatever I wanted to cut. Narrow, because the marks had to be about 2 inches in from the edges of the paper/cardstock so the digital eye of the cutter could recognize the marks. Then, I always have had to try positioning the paper/cardstock in slightly different ways until the cutter finally recognizes the marks. And then, if I used a dark colored paper/cardstock or one with a busy pattern, the cutter cannot see the marks at all. I did realize that by oulining the marks with my trusty white Galaxy Marker it helped the cutter see the marks…..but come on…… a bit frustrating to get something cut.

BUT……..the revelation! Read the rest of this entry »

Digital Scrapbooking Tip for Illustrator Users

New to Illustrator? Here’s a quick tip on how to create a “stitched” look. Make sure you check out my other Illustrator and Photoshop tutorials.

1. Open a new file or a file you’re working on. FILE < NEW or FILE < OPEN…

2. Select the shape tool from the tool palette on the left. I’ll be using the square tool for this tutorial (Figure 1).

Read the rest of this entry »

Quick and Easy Digital Chalking Effect

Here’s a quick way to get a chalking effect in your digital layouts.

1. Open your layout or a new blank file, I’ll be using PhotoShop CS2.

2. Create a shape or place a shape if you’ve purchased or downloaded a digital embellishment.

I’ve drawn out this butterfly shape (figure 1) using the custom shapes tool. You can find lots of cool shapes there. I want to use this butterfly in a layout just as I would use chipboard or paper piecing in traditional scrapbooking.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top 5 Reasons to Scrapbook

This is why we do it, this why you should do it.

1. Get those photos out of the shoe boxes!

Come on! In the words of Nicey Nash, “Get rid of the foolishness!”. The more time passes, the more damage your photos are in danger of acquiring.

2. Get the photos out of the folder jungle in your computer!

Going digital has made things much easier, BUT, in the end, if you don’t get to printing your photos the computer is just a way more expensive shoe box.

3. Your photos are special, you took the pictures to look at them, get through #1 and #2 and showcase your photos with all those great paper kits and embellishments you’ve purchased and keep purchasing and don’t use (see #4). (Same goes for you digital scrapbookers!)

4. Scrapbooking kits, papers, embellishments and tools just get cuter and cuter. Isn’t it hard to “just look” when you’re in the scrapbooking store? I know you’ve got lots of stuff already. USE IT!!!!! That way you can make room for new stuff and minimize the clutter in your scrapbooking corner.

5. Scrapbooking is rewarding.

Once you’ve finished a page it’s just satisfying. You’ve saved your photo from damage. The moments you’ve captured have been beautified. The memories are there for all to see. Your album becomes an heirloom.

Of course there are many other reasons why you should scrapbook, but give these top 5 reasons a whirl and you could easily get to another of my favorite reasons to scrapbook….get your pages published!

Be inspired! Happy Scrapping!

How To Create A Simple Single Photo Digital Layout

Digital scrapbooking is growing by leaps and bounds. Are you clueless when it comes to knowing how to get started? Here are 8 simple steps on how to create a single photo digital layout in minutes.

Step 1

Select a background “paper”.

Using a predesigned scrapbooking kit is the easiest way to get your feet wet. You can always design your own, but that takes a while. If you don’t have any kits to start from you can browse through my Shopping Nook and purchase one (they’re very inexpensive).

For this “how-to” I’ll be using my latest kit, Smiley Grunge, and I’ll be creating the layout in Photoshop CS2.

So then, go ahead and open the file you’ll be using as a background paper by clicking: File > Open > choose your file. Click OK. (Figure 1, 2 and 2b)

Read the rest of this entry »

Save Money by Creating Your Own Scrapbook Albums

Here’s a really great way to save money by creating your own scrapbook albums! Have your heard of the Bind-It-All from Zutter? It’s awesome!

What is it?

It’s a binding machine. But not just an ordinary binding machine, this one will punch and bind allowing you to create your own books, journals, calendars, craft projects and most importantly scrapbooks of any size!

Read the rest of this entry »