Tag: Design Space

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Overview of Flower Market Cricut Collection: More than just Flowers!

Today, I’d like to share some of the reasons I love the Flower Market Cricut Collection. Although the physical cartridge that contained these images is now retired they are now available using my special Cricut Affiliate link! 

This is the second post in a series focusing on the Close To My Heart Cricut image sets. 

An Introduction to Flower Market

If you have been keeping up with Cricut developments over the last few years, you have probably heard of Flower Market. It is one of the most popular Cricut collections ever because it has such a wide variety of flowers, including several that are 3D when assembled. But you may may not know that this collection has so much more! In addition to flowers, it has images of things to put flowers in like vases, jars and even off things like boots! It also has things to put flowers on like wreaths, laurels and even horse shoes! There are also titles and other images related to the symbolic nature of flowers.

For example, the Poppy flower is used worldwide as a symbol of remembrance, especially those who have died for their country. Along with both 3-D and flat versions of the flowers, there is also a jar, wreath, ribbon and the words “Always Remember”. 

Of course you can mix and match these images with others on the cartridges, but coordinating images are conveniently organized by pagethe handbook. Each page has 14 total images (some are automatically layered in Design Space) including a flower and related images. 

Links to Handbook & Index of Flowers

Are you excited to see it all?   

View the handbook >> 

View the shape index>>

Flower Market includes familiar favorites like the Daisy, Sunflower and Rose. But it also includes less well known flowers like Trillium and Delphinium. When this collection was released (with the help of Google), I identified each of the flowers and created a handy index that you can download for free! View Flower Market Index>>

Two Fonts

The Flower Market collection includes two lovely fonts. For each letter, you can choose the decorative or straight versions.  The collection also includes numbers and basic symbols. 

3-D Flowers

Have you been wanting to join the paper flower craze? This cartridge has several 3D flowers that you can cut and create in minutes. If you need some help with assembly, there are some basic directions in the back of the handbook. These are so much fun to make! 

Flowers and much more

As you scroll down and see all of the images on this collection, you’ll see why this is a favorite of mine. There are images and sentiments for all occasions. I frequently use images from this collection in my projects, yet I still see something new every time I look through the handbook. 

Posts with additional Flower Market Projects

Over the years since this cartridge was first released, I’ve shared several projects on this blog. See all of the posts featuring Flower Market >>

Videos featuring Flower Market

If you are looking for even more inspiration, you are in luck! When this amazing collection was first released in 2017, Close To My Heart made a series of 34 videos with inspirational art made using the images in the Flower Market set. Click here to see the whole Flower Market video play list>>

Watch the video below to see a beautiful spring layout featuring snowdrop flowers.

How to purchase

The physical cartridge is retired and out of stock, but the good news is that it is back! If you never bought the physical cartridge, you can now create with these images in Design Space. You can access them  several different ways. The Flower Markets images are now available with Cricut Access or can be purchased individually in Design Space for $1.99 for each project and $6.99 for the font. However, the best value is to purchase the full collection which includes all 700 individual images (projects plus font) for just $49.95. When you purchase the full collection, the images are yours forever, regardless of your subscription status. You can subscribe to Access or purchase the full collection on Cricut.com. (If you use the Cricut link in this post for your purchases, I’ll earn a commission without you paying extra. Thank You!)

I hope this post has encouraged you to check out or re-familiarize yourself with this great Cricut collection.

Keep creating!

Rebecca

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Mirror, Mirror… Evil Queen Layout (Free Design Space Project)

Anyone else missing getting out and going places? Today, I was thinking of one of my favorite places to visit and thought I’d share this layout from our trip to Disneyland a few years ago. 

 

These pictures bring back the memories of this trip. My daughter was totally into taking selfies at the time and collected them with each character she met on the trip. The exchange happening in these pictures was priceless. The Evil Queen, being from Once Upon a Time,  had never seen a cell phone of course and was very interested in the miniature “mirror”.  It was a moment of Disney magic that still makes me laugh when I see these photos.

To make this layout special enough for these special photos, I used red and green glitter paper (retired) and gold foil paper. I love how well these specialty papers cut on the Cricut. Be sure to use the custom material settings to get the best results. 

Want to make this project? Click the link below to open the Design Space file. 

I used images from Lyrical Letters 2 and Disney Princess Happily Ever After.  Open Design Space project>>

Keep creating,

Rebecca

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Make 3 Beautiful Projects in the Virtual Cricut Design Space Workshop

Get your Cricut out of the box or dust it off. It’s time to learn some new skills at the Flower Market Cricut Workshop.

You’re invited to join me for a virtual Cricut class next Sunday (May 17). We’ll make the three projects pictured and described below using the amazing Flower Market Cricut collection. When you make these projects, you’ll learn both basic and advanced Design Space skills. I’m so excited to teach you how to make these beautiful projects.

If you’ve attended one of my workshops before, these are two changes. First, this is now a virtual event which has both limitations but also some advantages over a live event. The most obvious benefit of a virtual class is that you will not need to pack up your machine, laptop, other tools and supplies to travel to where ever I am. You will have the convenience of working in your normal space without the inconvenience of packing and unpacking. We’ll also be able to share community without the pressure to keep up with the person across the table or feeling guilt for working ahead. 

Second, for this workshop, you’ll get a guide that includes both step-by-step directions and Design Space links to the completed projects. You choose whether to design the projects from scratch or to jump straight to cutting.

Learn more>>

Sending Sunshine Card

This cheerful card will brighten the day of whoever you send it to. Your kit includes the solid and patterned cardstock, foil paper plus the card base and envelope. 

May Flowers (Iris) Layout

Just in time for your late spring pictures, this layout features just one of then many flowers in the Flower Market collection. You’re going to love creating these iris and fern bouquets. 

Pot of Succulents

The last project is this gorgeous pot of succulents. Optional sponging technique adds fun detail to these 3-D plants. 

Register now>>

Workshop contents:

  • Cardstock
  • I Heart Us Paper
  • Foil Paper
  • Card base & envelope
  • Paper mache flower pot
  • Dual Track Printable Guide, with step-by-step directions plus Design Space links to completed projects
  • Virtual “Live” Workshop Meeting

New Dual Track Classes 

The printable workshop guide includes step-by-step directions for each project. For each project, you will be guided through the design, cutting and assembly process. These directions will give you the opportunity to learn how to do intermediate and advanced techniques in Design Space. The format will look very familiar if you have attended one of my Cricut classes before. 

New with this workshop, the guide with also include links to completed projects in Design Space. If you are new to Design Space or just want a fast track to finishing the projects, you can use these links and focus on basic skills rather than the advanced techniques used to design the projects. The addition of the Design Space links creates a beginner and advanced track for the projects. You choose which track is best for you! 

New Virtual Workshop Format

Each workshop will have a schedule date and time for a virtual workshop using Zoom. The session will begin with a walk through the steps of each project. I’ll point out any challenges that you may have along the way and give you tips to avoid them. Once I have finished this portion, the classroom will remain open while you and others in the workshop work at your own pace. Together, we’ll discuss any questions or issues that come up along the way. 

Additional Materials Needed:

  • Cricut Explore or Maker machine, mat and tools
  • Paper adhesives
  • Liquid Glass 
  • Thistle & Pixie ink pads (optional)
  • Sponge (optional)
  • Rocks
  • Images from the Flower Market Cricut Collection*

*You will need to either (a) subscribe to Cricut Access or (b) purchase these images prior to cutting the projects. If you wish to subscribe or purchase the entire Flower Market collection, you can do this using my personal Cricut affiliate link. Alternatively, you can purchase the individual images used in the projects in Design Space just before you cut. I also have two remaining copies of the digital-only collection on discounted to just $40. Let me know if you’d like to purchase one of them.

Register now>>

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What’s Old is New #2! The Hooray Bouquet Stamp set coordinates with Art Philosophy Cricut images!

Update 2/13/2020: I updated this post from 2011 because the Hooray Bouquet set used for this mini-layout is back for a limited time! Even better, it is part of our Stamptacular sale and just $12.25! This stamp set coordinates our very first Cricut collection Art Philosophy. This was one of the first Art Philosophy stamp sets and I sure got a lot of mileage out of it! 



This mini-layout is still hanging above my mom’s computer and it still makes me smile everytime I see it. My “little” girl in this picture is now in college and all grown up. Time sure flies doesn’t it?


Although this cartridge retired several years ago, it is back through my special Cricut link! In fact all of our Cricut images can now be purchased and used in Design Space with your Explore or Maker machines!!! Hurry, this stamp set will retire again on 2/29/2020!

I’ve decided to have a second create and take at my open house. Come to my house on Sunday, August 14(2011)from 2:30 – 4:00 pm to make this 6″ x 6″ page in addition to the card I showed you earlier.  This layout can be added to a small scrapbook, but you do not have to be a scrapbooker to enjoy this cute project. It could be framed, hung on your frig, stuck on your office wall, etc. It even would make a great gift. 

Bring a favorite 4″ x 4″ picture if you want to finish it here. (No need for specialty printing, just trim down a 4″ x 6″ print).

You will be surprised how simple it is to create using the Hooray Bouquet clear My Acrylix stamp set and the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.

Keep Creating,

Rebecca

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Overview of the Artfully Sent Cricut Collection for Making Cards and More

I’m so excited that our retired Cricut image collections are now available to purchase using my special Cricut Affiliate link! In this post, I’m going to knock the dust off the a favorite collection, especially for card-makers, Artfully Sent. Join my as to learn all the features of this amazing set of images.

History and Good News

The Artfully Sent Cricut collection was first released by Close To My Heart in 2014 in a physical cartridge bundle. This is was right after Cricut released the Explore, the first machine to use Design Space, but most Cricut users still used cartridge-driven machines like the Expression. The tiny pictures in the handbook, made this collection difficult to use on these older machines but the projects are perfectly suited for today’s Design Space machines. The collection retired a few years ago without being offered as a digital-only collection. When it retired, these images became unavailable to anyone who was unfortunate enough to miss out on getting this cartridge while it was available.

Last year, Close To My Heart began a new partnership with Cricut which allows all of our image collections, including retired collections like Artfully Sent, to be purchased using special links only available from Close To My Heart consultants! This is an exciting development because many of you missed these collection the first time around. This collection has so many fun projects and with the editing options now available in Design Space, the possibilities are endless!

This is the first post in a series focusing on the Close To My Heart Cricut image sets. 

An Introduction to Artfully Sent

To get started, let’s watch the introductory video from 2014. Note that the stamp sets and cardstock are no longer included when you purchase the collection.

Artfully Sent Handbook and Assembly Booklet

Are you excited to see it all? With the Artfully Sent collection, you basically get hundreds of ready to cut cards, plus a full font and envelopes to put your cards in.  Click here to view the complete Artfully Sent handbook >>

The cartridge was originally packaged with an Assembly booklet which is really helpful to know how to put together the cards. Click here to view the Assembly Booklet>>

Thumbnails of Images

Below is a preview of the font and envelopes, plus each of the the five types of cards. I’ve also included a thumbnail of each project, however as I mentioned before, these images are really small and it’s hard to see the details until you open the projects in Design Space. I’ve also includes links to a series of posts that I wrote when the Artfully Sent cartridge was originally released in 2014.

Font

The Artfully Sent font has fun decorative loops which adds a unique whimsical twist to your projects. The collection includes a full font with upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers and basic symbols. Click here for a more detailed look at the font>>

Envelopes

The collection has 13 different fancy envelopes and optional liners. Click here for more information about the envelopes>>

Pop-up Cards

The 50 pop-up card projects have several layers including a card base, liner and icons. These complete projects are grouped which means in Design Space they are added to your canvas as a single layered image. Click here for more information about these cards >>

Build-a-Scene Cards

There are three types of build-a-scene cards: Swing, Backdrop and Tri-panel for a total of 50 projects. Click here for more information about these cards >>

Sentiment Cards

There are a whopping 100 in this set of cards. Each card has icons and/or sentiments cut into the card. For all of these, you can leave the cut outs as windows on the card, or cover the back with paper to add color to the design. You can also use the cut outs to make creative shaker window cards. Click here for more information about these cards >>

Sleeve and Overlay Cards

This next group of cards have tabs that when folded and attached create a sleeve or pocket. These can be used in a wide variety of ways including gift card holders, invitations or photos. Click here for more information about these cards >>

The overlay cards have a solid back and cut outs on the front of the card. Most of these do not have any theme, so you can dress them up to use at any occasion.

Pocket Cards

The last collection of projects are flat cards that can be put into the pockets of a divided scrapbooking memory protector. These are also great titles for your full size pages or even for the front of a greeting card. I also like that you can punch a hole in the top (or add in design space) and have an instant tag for any occasion. Click here for more information about these cards >>

Posts with additional Artfully Sent Projects

Over the years since this cartridge was first released, I’ve shared several projects on this blog. Click here to see all of the posts featuring Artfully Sent images >>

How to purchase as of February 2020

This cartridge was retired several years ago, but the good news is that it is back! If you never bought the physical cartridge, you can now create with these images in Design Space. You can access them  several different ways. The Artfully Sent images are now available with Cricut Access or can be purchased individually in Design Space for $1.99 for each project and $6.99 for the font. However, the best value is to purchase the full collection which includes all 700 individual images (projects plus font) for just $49.95. When you purchase the full collection, the images are yours forever, regardless of your subscription status. You can subscribe to Access or purchase the full collection on Cricut.com. (If you use the Cricut link in this post for your purchases, I’ll earn a small commission. Thank You!)

Here’s one more video you can watch to see even more inspiring projects made with Artfully Sent.

I hope this post has encouraged you to check out or re-familiarize yourself with this great classic collection of card-making projects.

Keep creating!

Rebecca

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Here’s to You: Exclusive Stamps + Free Guide Download + Design Space Link!

I’m excited to share with you a brand new set of stamps a that are only available today through August 31. In this post, I’m also sharing with you a free download with directions to make the seven cards and layout pictured above, including the link to the Design Space file for the Cricut Cuts!

First let’s take a look at the new stamps.

These stamps are designed so that they can be paired to use on the front and inside the same card. The two on the left have a similar font and scroll designs and the sentiments together complete a thought. These stamps will help you create cards that express friendship or appreciation. The two on the right also coordinate and are perfect sentiments for congratulation cards — wedding, graduation, new job, etc. 

Now let’s take a look at the workshop projects. First we have this beautiful wedding layout. Isn’t it gorgeous? Can you see the rose embossingon the bashful cardstock? This is a really simple detail to create, but it really adds so much!

The workshop also includes directions for seven cards. As you’ll see in the pictures below, these cards also include embossed pieces.

If you are inspired by these pictures like I am, you can’t wait to get your hands on this kit and start creating! We’ve made it easy but creating a Here’s To You Bundle bundle that includes all four stamp sets, 10 sheets of cardstock, a sheet of silver glitter paper, a sheet of vellum, a pack of White Pearls, Rose Embossing Folder plus 7 cards and envelopes. 

Once you’ve ordered your workshop, use the links below to download the FREE workshop guile and Design Space project below. 

FREE WORKSHOP GUIDE

DESIGN SPACE PROJECT LINK

Additional tools and materials needed to complete the projects as shown:

  • Artistry Cricut Collection and Cricut Machine (Explore or Maker family)
  • Embossing Machine
  • Exclusive Ink Pads: Glacier, Lagoon, Pacifica
  • Various blocks
  • Adhesives 
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Online Cricut Workshop featuring Hello USA coming in August

Earlier this summer, I hosted a Cricut workshop at my home to make three projects using the Hello USA Cricut collection. It was so much fun that I’ve decided to offer it virtually. Before I get into the details of how the class will work, let me tell you about the projects.

Register now>>

THE PROJECTS

The workshop includes materials, directions and online instruction to make three projects using the digital Hello USA Cricut collection. Once you sign up, your materials will be mailed to you (or available for pick up if you choose the “local” option) and you will be added to the online classroom.

The first two projects are pictured below and include a home decor page titled “Home of the Brave” and a “Happy 4th of July” card. The final project is a little more open ended. It is a two page layout featuring the state of your choice. I will talk more about that in a post in a couple days.

No automatic alt text available.

Each of these projects uses features available in Design Space such as grouping, slicing, welding and more. Because this class is online, it is appropriate for both beginners and experienced Design Space users. You can pause the videos, ask questions and take as much time as you need. If you are comfortable you can dive right! Help is available as much or little as you need it.

If you have not yet pulled your new Cricut out of the box, this class is for you! In addition, through the interactive online class, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions that have come up as they work in Design Space even if on other projects. I’ll work with you one-on-one though messenger if you need additional help getting started.

If you have been using your Cricut for months or even years, this class is for you! If you are like me, I tend to do the things I know rather than try new techniques or learn what else if available. In designing the projects for these classes, I try to stretch myself to try new things so that you learn something new with each project.

Register now>>

CLASS SCHEDULE

Once you sign up for this workshop, materials for the projects will be mailed and you will be invited to join the online classroom. 

Each Tuesday morning in August, I will post instructions for a new project using the Hello USA collection in the private online classroom. In addition, I’ll go live with an instructional video with pointers for that week’s project. Busy on Tuesday mornings? No problem! The videos will be recorded and the directions available for you to watch on demand at your convenience.

Throughout the month, additional tips and ideas will be posted in the classroom. You have access to all of this material as part of the workshop.  On the final Tuesday, I’ll wrap up the class with ideas for future projects using the fun Hello USA collection.

SUPPLY LIST

In addition to the workshop kit included when you register for this class, you will need the digital Hello USA collection, a Cricut machine that can be accessed through Design Space (Explore and Maker families), Cricut mat, laptop, basic papercrafting tools and favorite adhesives to complete the projects.

The Hello USA collection of images features 60 layered images including shapes, overlays and names for all 50 states in the US as well as a local flower, slogan and state-specific icon. The collection also includes 10 extra images about the US, including regions and the US flag. You can order this collection on my Close To My Heart website.

Register now>>

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FREE Cricut Design Space Project links!

I’ve added a library of Design Space project links to the resources on my website. On this page, you’ll find some of my favorite Cricut projects.

Click link below to open this page.

Open FREE Design Space Links Resource Page>>

On this page, you’ll find both scrapbooking and card-making projects. Simply click on the link to open them in your Cricut Design Space account. Save as a new name and they are yours forever! You can cut them as is, or modify at will!

Here’s an example. Here are the Design Space images for the first project, Springtime in TEXAS layout.

Note that the Design Space project only includes the images that were cut on the Cricut. Making the layout as pictured requires additional straight cuts of paper. Although the papers, embellishments and other materials used may no longer be available, you can substitute and create a similar layout.

If you have any questions about any of these projects or how to get your hands on the cartridges used, I’d be happy to help.

Open FREE Design Space Links Resource Page>>

While you are on my website, feel free to explore the other resources I’ve compiled for the Cricut and other topics.

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Disney World Captain Hook Scrapbook Page (Free Design Space File!)

Over the last year or so, I’ve realized that I use most of my creative time to work on projects for my business. My old scrapbooks have been somewhat neglected. When I have worked on my personal pages, it is often when my energy and creative juices are depleted. The goal is often to just “get it done” and as a result the pages are over-simple.

So, I’ve decided to be sure to have a little time carved out each week to focus on a project or two JUST FOR FUN!  This page is a result. Note that NONE of the images are from my beloved Close To My Heart cartridges — gasp! Instead, I pulled from the Disney Classics cartridge to create this Captain Hook themed layout. (However, I did use CTMH cardstock of course and also our Silver Foil Paper.)

Want to make this project? Click here to open project in Design Space.

Are you like me and need to start making time for your personal projects? Maybe you don’t have a scrapbooking business distracting you, but I bet you have other things that fill up your days. I started with Close To My Heart for this very reason — I was not finding time to scrapbook and thought that doing it as a job would force me to make time. I had found that I needed regular creative time to handle the stresses of life. My plan has worked well for me most of the time, but I still have to be careful to carve out time for my personal projects.

I’d love to hear from you! In the comments, I’d love to hear your struggles with making time for your hobbies — scrapbooking or other. If you are inspired to mark off some creative time, please share what you are working on!

Keep creating!

Rebecca

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Scattered Hearts Cricut Blog Hop: Beach Vacation Scrapbooking Layout using the new You Are Here Cartridge

Today’s post is brought to you by the Scattered Hearts Team! I’m proud to be a member of this leading team at Close To My Heart. This team is full of amazing artists and I have a real treat for you today: a blog hop of projects made by team members using the Close To My Heart Cricut collections.

If you arrived from Pink Cloud Scrappers with Lori, you are on the right path. My project is this beach layout using images from the You Are Here cartridge and stamp sets.

The hardest part of this project was deciding where to start since this cartridge has 700 images. They are all travel related and I love to travel, but the sand castle really won me over so my first You Are Here page has a beach theme.

If you’d like more information about this project, continue reading. If you are ready to see the another Cricut project, hop on over to Scrappin with Heather to see what she’s made.

Project Details

One of the things I love about this layout is the use of our new two-toned cardstock. The front of each sheet is the original color, but the back side is a slightly lighter shade. I love how it works for the sandcastle — using two different colors in our palette would have made the contrast too bold. But cutting the layers out of the two sides of our new Toffee paper made it just enough to highlight the details.

You can also see the difference two-toned makes in the Lagoon water. Our paper still has a white core which helped me create the waves in the ocean.

This layout also introduces our new Color of the Year, Bashful. This beautiful soft pink is so trendy and was the perfect addition to my beach layout. 

We have a full lineup of Bashful items including Cardstock, dye and pigment inks, reinker, glitter paper, albums and even the pearls.Don’t they add so much to the cute beach bag on this layout? You will also see this trendy color pop up in other products through out the year.

The You Are Here cartridge is part of a bundle that includes a paper pack plus three great travel stamp sets that coordinate with the images on the cartridge. This tag was made from a cut on the cartridge and stamped with one of the includes stamps. Toffee paper and ink were used to get the soft tone-on-tone look which was perfect for this layout.

Design Space Link

Click on the link below to open to the Design Space file I used to create this layout. Remember you have to purchase the You Are Here Cricut Collection before you can cut the images.

YOU ARE HERE BEACH LAYOUT DESIGN SPACE LINK

Project Recipe:

Lagoon, Bashful, Toffee and White Daisy Cardstock

Toffee Exclusive Ink Pad

You Are Here Cricut Collection (Z3389 for physical cartridge, Z3387 for digital only)

Bashful Pearls (Z3369)

3D Foam Tape