Yep, it's the semi-annual Coffee Loving Cardmakers Blog Hop
Click on the link above to see all the projects. win awesome prizes and even play along!
And I know - It's onto Day 4 already (blog hop time not Aussie time) but this week is the last week of school for the SmallCraftyOne!
The school year coincides with the calendar, so it's Summer holidays again! Chaos reigns this time of year and not much time for making, but nevertheless, I'm determined to get something done.
⬅ (yes that's a school shirt being last-minute dried with a heat gun - see what I mean?!)
I'm going to continue my projects and leave the giveaway open beyond the end of the blog hop, but more about that later.
I know the theme is supposed to be fall/winter, but it's summer here now! TBH I think the cards I ended up making could work for any and all seasons. Hope that's OK!
My first make started off as a "Can I make a card ONLY using the Silhouette?" challenge to myself, and while the answer is a definite yes, there are a few limitations. I have plans for more Silhouette cards later in the hop so stay tuned if this is something that interests you.
I found a cut file that was actually shaped like a coffee cup! It's basically a tent folded card and fits in a standard envelope. These are meant to hold gift cards inside (presumably to a coffee establishment) and if used for this purpose would make a really nice way to present an inexpensive gift.
However...since I didn't want these to have the slits for a gift card, I removed those in the software. I separated all the parts of the card (base, card front, lid and band) and made a sheet of each part so I could bulk cut and I did in various colours. I stuck to white or cream for the lid and neutrals (especially shades of kraft) for the base.
There are plenty of cut files with coffee sentiments either free or available for purchase. Buying a set of dingbat fonts can be useful and I've done this, BUT (and here come the limitations) cutting something detailed (like a script font) in a small size especially through stubborn cardstock can result in plenty of wasted paper so test cut and not just with the little test cut symbol.
★If you click on any of the images, you should get a bigger version
If the cut comes out neatly, you can save the inside bit for another card! Save the little inner bits in rounded letters for the original card, since it will be much more legible.
The other and (in my books) bigger issue is that if you choose to use a sketch pen or any pen in the pen holder, it will only draw the outline of the font (unless you specifically purchase a sketch friendly font).
There is a way to get around it by adding internal offsets, but having done this before I just couldn't be bothered so I filled it in by hand, Fast and easy.
The combination of pen and paper is another issue. Trial and error is essential to avoid bleeding.
My absolute favourite pen to use in the Silhouette at the moment is the Tombow Fudenosuke (procured from the UK by my lovely friend Joy!) in the fine point. The brush tip is firm enough not to be damaged and it doesn't bleed.
Some people swear by gel pens and that's something I plan on trying too.
If the cut comes out neatly, you can save the inside bit for another card!
You can also stamp a sentiment and do the rest with the Silhouette. Not my original objective, but just a small variation.
Embellishments can be cut from the Silhouette too (like any of the ones featuring paper embellies) or small wood veneer, enamel dots, gems, cabochons, sequins, twine...anything! I was in a rush and tinkering with prototypes potentially for sale, so I kept things minimal (I know, very unlike me!).
Twine would look lovely and maybe dry embossing on the band? They really come together super fast once you have all the bits cut out! I managed to make 10 without trying. Not much else to say about them really, so let;s get on to the fun bit, shall we?
Giveaway NOW CLOSED
Love and copious cups of coffee!
Wow! So many cup designs and all are so lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you Verna and thanks for entering!
DeleteAll the lovely cup designs created, love them all.
ReplyDeleteForget to add my favorite drink : Mocha Latte
DeleteThanks Vivian! You didn't have to add the drink - just a prompt for anyone not sure what to say. My husband's favourite is a mocha too!
DeleteALL of your to go cups are beautiful. I love the papers, images and all. I wish they were real cups. I'd want one of each to drink my coffee out of. Funny drying your shirt with a heat gun.. hope it does burn.. they get so hot.
ReplyDeleteI would love real cups to be so colourful too! His shirt was almost dry but just needed a few slightly damp bits finished. The heat gun has 2 temp settings and I moved it around a lot. Couldn't be worse than him getting paint that doesn't wash out on TWO of his school shirts!
DeleteWow Alex! Love all your gorgeous shaped coffee cups!!! The pattern papers used are adorable! my fave is your 3rd one. The combo of colors and the sequins are too cute!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite winter beverages are hot chocolate and tea.
!. Follow already this blog through Google Followers (Arianna Barbara)
2. Liked your Facebook page (Arianna Barbara)
3. Follow you on IG as raggiodiluc3
Thank you so much! Thanks for entering and for giving me your social deets. I love all sorts of tea as well!
DeleteYou've been a busy crafter with all those wonderful shaped coffee cards.
ReplyDeleteCracked me up with the shirt drying with heat gun!
Haha thanks Amy! you gotta do what you gotta do, right?
DeleteHello, Alex! I'm loving all of these gorgeous cup cards! So many different patterns, making me wish I had a Silhouette! My favourite hot beverage is Chocolatey Chai Herbal Tea - I drink it every day, sometimes 2-3 times, just love it! No calories but tastes like I'm indulging! I've never tried drying clothes with a heat gun but, hey, whatever works!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your giveaway, Alex! I already follow your blog (Fit Kitty), your FB (Karen Garber), and your IG (fitkit2018)! I'm not on FB or IG much, mostly I blog. Have a wonderful day!
Hey Kitty!! I LOVE chai as well! Dirty chai is my favourite, though!
DeleteMy favorite hot drink is cocoa, with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon...yum! Love all these different coffee cup designs! They would actually make cute tree ornaments for a coffee loving crafter too. I follow on blogger. Liked you on FB as Shannon Hart, follow on IG as shartl83
ReplyDeleteThanks so much and for your entry! I love cinnamon in everything!!
DeleteThese are all so fabulous and pretty! I love the pink & grey one; I love a script. And the plaid is perfect for Fall or Winter. My fave hot drink is a Peppermint Mocha, yummy! I am already following your blog, FB & Instagram. :-)
ReplyDeleterebyah1 @ gmail.com
Hi Becca! Thank you so much! I've never had a peppermint mocha, but you have me intrigued! I must track one down!
DeleteThese are the cutest coffee cup cards ever!!!! Love all the pretty patterns and colors...and your sentiments are so fun. You are like me....once you get started you can't stop!! LOL.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win one of your sweet prizes!! I follow you here (blog). Follow you there (IG). Follow you everywhere (FB). :)
<3 J
jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com
See....I just get so excited about your cards that I forget the question I am supposed to answer!! My fave beverage is a flavored latte....hot, anytime of the year!! <3 <3 <3
DeleteLOL Janis you are adorable! Thanks for the blog love and your entry! You didn't HAVE to do the question - just thought it would be fun! I've had chai latte and caramel lattes but nothing more adventurous. There is usually too little room for coffee shots in a latte!
DeleteWell I already follow you everywhere, and always love seeing your projects. If I had a cut file like this, I would probably keep making coffee cups in different colors and designs all year around. LOVE these! My favorite hot drink is french roast coffee with hot milk...no sugar. That way I can have it with cookies, cake and candy and not feel overwhelmed with sweetness (or so I tell myself)
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen! You get entries for already following. I don't have sugar in my coffee either! I'd much rather have cake too!!
DeleteOh my goodnes, what a lot of beautiful cups!
ReplyDeleteI just cannot imagine Summer and Xmas, but as I see you are in Melbourne.
Happy Holiday Season.
Hi Hetty! Thanks for entering! I don't celebrate christmas, but it does always seem to be associated with snow, doesn't it?
Deleteoh wow!
ReplyDeletethese are just super adorable!
love them!
Thank you so much Fikreta and thanks for your entry!
DeleteThanks for sharing your wonderful creativity. I enjoyed this.
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen and thanks for your entry! I appreciate you stopping by
DeleteThese are so clever! Love the fun coffee cups and the sentiments!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite coffee drink is a mocha!
Thanks Denise! The Silhouette is a gem when it comes to making things in larger numbers! My Hubz's favourite drink is mocha too!
DeleteVery cute cups. White hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream. Following with friends connect. Hugz
ReplyDeleteThanks for your entry! I don't think I have tried white hot chocolate, before!
Delete