Tutorial: My New Granddog and How to Make a Layered Monogram in Cricut Design Space

 

My son is almost done with his PhD and is focused on writing his dissertation. He's wanted a dog since he left for undergrad, and the timing was finally right for him to adopt and he found the cutest 8 month old shelter pup and is in total love! Of course being a Maker and a Mom, that meant I was going to make him something special, and I'm so happy with how this turned out. 

Now that I too have more time since I retired last year, I've been focused on growing my skills and learning new things.  I'm totally obsessed with layered cut files like the ones I've shared from Maggie Rose. I will have a couple more projects coming using her designs. And there are soooo many talented people out there making these, but since childhood, I've been one of those people who wants to know how to do things myself as well! I watched some You Tube videos and read some tutorials, but my brain works how it works ( ask Mr. Chocolate) and I had to figure out what made sense to me. In the event that your brain works like mine ( I'm sorry!) hope the tutorial in this post is helpful. 

First things first. Meet "Spinach Boy". The shelter was on a vegetable name kick and that's what they named him when they took him in. Poor guy was sick and sad but he's fully healthy now. PhD son wasn't sure he was going to keep the name but when they finally met he felt it suited him. He's calling him "Spinny" but his official name remains Spinach Boy. 

The "S" monogram can also work for "Socks" since he has a thing for them! Now for my attempt at a tutorial which I hope makes sense. Also on my list is making videos so look for one of those in the future. Since I haven't mastered creating an exportable SVG file yet, these instructions are specific to Cricut Design Space. 

Supplies: 

• Three sheets of scrapbook paper (I used a glitter sheet, a plain sheet, and a textured sheet) for Monogram
• One sheet of scrapbook paper for background ("Let's Wander" paper stack by Recollections, Michaels)
• Cricut Cutting Machine (eg. Explore Air, Maker, Joy.  I used my Explore Air2)
• Foam Squares or small dots
• Shadowbox Frame (I used a 12x12 frame) 

Both because of the name and because my son is also into plants, I went with a green palette with silver accents. Silver for the base, solid green for the middle layer, and textured green for the top layer.

Layer One: 

The first layer you'll create is your base layer. For this tutorial we'll call this the "Weld" layer since you're adding a shape to the letter and you want to create one piece for cutting. 

• Open Design Space (this tutorial assumes basic familiarity with the software) 
• Upload or Select Text to generate the letter you want to work with. 
• Size as appropriate
• I matched my colors to the color papers I chose because it made it easier for my brain to remember what was needed for each layer
• On the left side of the Design Space window, look for Shapes. Click on, select the shape you want to add. You can see I chose a star. 
• Size the image as appropriate and using your mouse, place where you want it on your letter
• What I did learn from one video is making use of the right hand tool bar. This is where you will see the images you've brought into your project. To work with specific images for specific steps you can select from here vs clicking on the images themselves. When you hold your CTRL Key down the space on the right side turns gray so you can see you've chosen it. In this case it's the star image and the S. 
• While holding your CTRL Key click "Weld" on the bottom of the right hand side of the screen
• This fuses, or welds, your two images into one

After Welding: 

After you've welded your image you can see how this is now one combined shape. For the next step, duplicate your welded image, change the color, and close the original by clicking on the little eye symbol that corresponds to it. Again, changing the colors of each layer helped me with this! 

Layer Two: 

Layers two and three will use the "Slice" function which is located to the left of the "Weld" function on the bottom right of the Design Space Screen. These will remain grayed out until images you want to use are selected. 

You can see here, I changed this now welded layer to green. 

• Again insert a shape ( I used the star again and sized slightly smaller than the welded star). 
• Position the star shape as appropriate
• Hold CTRL Key and select the star and the welded S and click "Slice" 

Now this is where I got frustrated. Once I hit slice the first time, it didn't appear anything had changed. By accident, I moved the S and that's how I figured out it had actually worked. 

The shape you previously inserted along with the shape you sliced out all appear as one until you move your image around and can see the white space. Several swear words resulted from this until I accidentally moved the image! You can keep or delete these images depending on whether you're going to need then again for your next layer. 

Layer Three: 

As you did after you welded layer one, make a duplicate of your sliced layer two, change the color to keep things straight, click on the eye symbol to close layer two. 

• Upload or select any additional Design Space images you want to use. 
• For this layer I added a paw and a dog bone 
• Repeat the "Slice" process for Layer Two

Here are my three separate layers: 

Now you can click on the eye symbols for any of the layers you've closed, overlay them, and then click "Select All" in Design Space or via CTRL Key to select as outlined above, lay them atop each other and you can see how all three layers work together and if satisfied, click "Group" just to ensure if you change the size of any layer they all stay in sync. 

(Ignore that my star is green here...I changed the color after I got the screenshot)

Then if you're satisfied that this looks like you want it, send your project to your machine to cut each layer. 

To assemble, use foam dots or squares in between the layers. I was lazy and just punched a couple of extra stars from scraps but you could easily cut these using your machine. 

I selected a coordinating background paper and framed in a 12x12 Shadowbox frame! 

And now, I may become a layered cut file maniac. I need my brain to slow down and stop thinking of everything I want to know how to do all at once! Like how to export these. And how to edit videos. And and and....

I hope this made sense! I figured if I was having a mental block others might be too. Or, could just have been me! Wouldn't be the first time. For sure won't be the last! 😂

Sharing At: 

Our Hopeful Home

Our Hopeful Home

St. Patrick's Day: Acrylic Paint Poured Shamrock Sign

 

This week's BFF Open House Link Party continues here

I've been having fun with some St. Patrick's Day decor. In addition to my Layered Shamrock I had fun with this $1 wood sign from Dollar Tree. 

Supplies:

• Wood Shamrock Sign ( Dollar Tree)
• Acrylic Paints 
• Zinsser Paint Booster ( Lowes)
• Silicone ( Hardware Store )

Ignore the red hearts. I thought I was going to layer them onto the sign and changed my mind. I found this line of Top Notch paints at JoAnn. I'm not sure if it's an in house brand or not but they are another line of reasonably priced acrylic paints. They make a whole host of other products as well. The Zinsser paint booster is an alternative to Floetrol which is used in a lot of paint pour projects. The silicone you can get at any hardware store. 

I chose to go with a more muted green palette along with some white and a couple drops of gold. So first step was to mix the paints. My formula for small projects is about a capful of the paint booster to 1/3 cup of paint. It's not scientific, I just found it gives the right flow. If you're starting out with paint pouring play around to find the consistency YOU like for your projects. There's no absolute. I squeezed 2-3 drops of the Silicone in and mix well until your paint just looks like paint again. 

Re-using cups is great in practice but I didn't think about pictures. Note to self. Use new cups. But I didn't, so don't be confused by the other colors you see. 

For this project I did what's called a "dirty pour". What this means is layering  the paints in one cup vs pouring each color individually. You can see them start to interact in the cup which they'll do more as they flow once they're on the surface you're painting. 

For a "clean pour" you pour your paints from their respective containers onto the surface one by one. For a "dirty pour" there's the flip step. Place your surface atop your cup, then holding the cup, flip until your surface is on the bottom and the cup with your paints sits atop it. Some paint may leak out but that's OK! 

When you lift your cup you'll see your paints begin to spread and how they've blended and their magic is revealed. I love this part the most! From here, just tilt your surface to spread your paint until your surface is covered. I ended up having to add a little more paint to my pour cup which was fine. I was trying not to have too much and ended up with too little. It's a Goldilocks process!

I love paint pouring so much because no two pieces are alike and each takes on its own personality. If you want exact replication, this art is not for you! 

Once dry, I finished with some black and white check ribbon and kept it simple, just hanging it on a mirror in our entryway. 

I'm happy with it and it was $1! 

BFF Open House

 

So many Happys this week! Happy March! Happy National Craft Month! Happy Spring! Hopefully the worst of Winter is over and Spring is around the corner. Both exciting and hard to believe that we're already into the third month of the year. Even harder is that it's been a full year of COVID but let's not talk about that except to celebrate that hopefully we're starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. 

OK you creative peeps! So many wonderful ideas shared last week. Here are a few to get you in full Spring mode!

Maybe you have an old piece of silverplate like this stashed away in a cabinet. I know I'm going to look for one next time I get the chance because I love these non-traditional Easter Baskets from Junk Journal. Perfect for any decor from Farmhouse to Contemporary. 

These Paper Butterflies from Priyam at Simple Joys just scream Spring don't they? Perfect for everything from garlands to package toppers. 

Linda, from Paper Seedlings made this adorable Name Sign for her grandson Enzo, whose name I love. I think it's such an adorable keepsake to treasure! 

Is it a Donut? Is it a Cake? It's a Giant Chocolate Fudge Brownie  Donut Cake! Perfect for St. Patrick's Day, a Spring shower (as in baby or bridal) or anytime! From Cindy's Online Recipe Box. 

Finally, this one hits home. Trinidadian Pepper Sauce from Kiku Corner. I grew up with this. There was always a jar of this on the table in my family's and extended family's homes. It was often a bit of a trick test when new people said they liked spicy food. We would watch as people took too much (after being warned) and then they proceeded to melt. Literally. This is extra special to me because the recipes my family had were never written down. There were always promises to but the elders were not so good at following through and the last person who could have shared, we've lost to dementia. So this is extra special to me. 

Alright! Let's see what you've all been up to this week and as always, thank you to everyone who linked up! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

St. Patrick's Day: Layered Shamrock from Maggie Rose Designs

 

Last December I attended a  workshop where I discovered someone who has become one of my favorite designers, Maggie, from Maggie Rose Design Co. She does a lot of amazing things including creating beautiful layered cut files that she generously shares with her readers. I made another of her designs last month using her Layered Floral Heart. 

Maggie's recently shared some changes in her life where she's paused her making, if not her designing time, and issued a call for anyone using her latest design to use their Cricut to cut it out and I happily answered that call! I really connect with her style. 

I haven't done a lot of St. Patrick's Day decorating in the past but this year since creating is my full time job, I've been having fun with it and have a couple more projects I'll be sharing. 

Supplies: 

• Layered Shamrock Cut File ( You'll need to sign up at Maggie's site to get the password to download for FREE!) Trust me, you want to do this as she has some gorgeous files in addition to this one. 
• Cutting Machine ( Her files work for Cricut or Silhouette) I used my Cricut Explore Air 2
• Four Sheets Contrasting Scrapbook Paper 
• Foam tape / Dots
• Shadowbox Frame
• Background Paper

I alternated my papers based on how I wanted  the layers to appear, using white glitter, black, gold glitter, and green. All of my papers are Recollections from Michaels. 

Once you've downloaded the design and imported into your design software, re-size as desired and then cut each layer. 

You can see the beauty of each layer as a standalone. I assembled the Shamrock using foam squares.

HINT: I start with the top layer and work backwards because the top layer is usually the most intricate and you want to ensure you don't place your foam squares or dots where they'll show. 

I love how all of the layers work together! 

I knew I was going to frame this like I'd done with the Layered Floral Heart. I used a 12x12 Shadowbox Frame from Michaels. But first, I needed to decide what I wanted for the background! 

Michaels got me again with their "Buy One Get Two Free" Hot Buy Paper Stacks. I have zero willpower when it comes to these. I loved this one called "Let's Wander" (in my house...it's COVID!) which I love with its watercolor and foiled papers. I chose this one. 

I thought the greens and golds went perfectly with the papers I used for the Shamrock. 

Taped it down to the background paper and then assembled it together in the frame. 

I'm so SO happy with how it turned out and it's all because it started with a FABULOUS design from a talented designer! Thank you Maggie! 

Sharing At:

Our Hopeful Home 

BFF Open House

 

Wasn't it just January 1? Normally I'd complain at how fast time is going by but not this year with vaccine rollout ramping up and putting us closer to being able to get back to some of our "normal" lives. So very thankful that my mom has gotten her first dose! Glad to see that things are thawing out in parts of the country that have been frozen and hopefully we won't have any more bad Winter storms. 

Lots of creativity at last week's party so here are a few projects that caught my eye! 

With St. Patrick's Day approaching, here's an easy, fun and inexpensive way to add some festive decor to your home. This is a fun sign from Dollar Tree ( I just bought one myself, coincidentally) decorated with an Irish Jig from Condo Blues!

I also loved this fun Leprechaun Jar idea shared by Creatively Beth. What a fun treat for everyone! 

If your green leans towards the variety of having a green thumb, here's a beautiful vignette from The House on Silverado that's a perfect way to bring some festive St. Patrick's charm to your decor. 

Finally, what's more perfect for St. Patrick's Day dessert than a Chocolate Pistachio Cake? Perfect for Easter and all Spring celebrations as well! From Master Pieces of My Life! 

Alright creative friends, let's see what you've all  been up to this week! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Vinyl on Enamel Sign : Forever Incomplete

This will be less of a tutorial post and more of a confessional one I guess the best way to describe it. If you want to skip to the creative part, it's at the bottom!

We were going through CDs, DVDs etc. deciding what to keep and get rid of and one of my favorite ones I kept was Alanis Morisette's "Flavors of Entanglement" which I hadn't listened to recently. It's fun to re-discover why you bought something and as I listened to it, purchased at a different time in my life, I realized why it spoke to me then, but I also realize how much I've grown and why it speaks to me still. 

In particular, one song stands out and it was the inspiration for this project: "Forever Incomplete". I'm now a "woman of a certain age". Young at heart but approaching 60. Seems so weird to write that since I'm fortunate that I get second looks when I give my birth date at the doctor or pharmacy. But facts as they say "is facts". I'm not a person who looks back with regrets but that doesn't mean I don't look back. 

Thirteen years ago when this album came out, I was at a different stage in my life. My son was just starting high school and I was then about 20 years into my career. Because of how life goes, my focuses and priorities were different then than they are now. I was still balancing work and family life. I was also still grappling with the self doubt and insecurities that had plagued me my whole life. 

I grew up, like many of us, with high expectations that I internalized A LOT. I put immense pressure on myself. To achieve academically. To be the best daughter, then wife and mother. To do well in my career and keep rising. To do and have it all and not realize what I was doing to myself in the process. 

It was around that time that I removed myself from my then company's "Top Talent" list. Something I'd been on virtually since I'd joined. I stopped being concerned with awards and recognition. OK a little...I'll always be competitive. That didn't mean I checked out workwise. Oh no. I was still putting in the hours, still hardest on myself, still afraid, as I have been my entire life, of failure. Pressure. Constant pressure. Put there mostly, but not entirely, by me. 

At that time, some of the songs on this CD spoke to me as someone struggling to figure out my life. If I wasn't going to push to become an Executive (the path I was on) then what? My child was getting older, my marriage was stable. I told myself my creative outlets were my therapy. But still...some confusion. some resentment, some sense of loss but of what, I didn't know. And I pushed those things out of my mind because who had time for that kind of self indulgence? So years went by. I continued to try to be the best of all my roles. 

When I turned 50 I said I would focus on me. Fits and starts and feelings of guilt and selfishness but slowly I kept at it. I'd get there right? There was an end point. Until there wasn't.  About 7 years ago, work, which had always been intense, went off the charts. Nothing was consistent except the constant change of leaders, teams, etc.  But hey, our family had its health, we were comfortable, son excelled in college and got accepted to five top tier PhD programs. Three years ago a major move to be closer to my mom. I just kept going. 

Last year  COVID came and really forced most if not all of us to really take a hard look at our priorities. Then my company moved almost all of the remaining jobs in my organization offshore and I found myself in retirement a couple of years earlier than planned during a global pandemic. Where am I going with all of this? 

That regardless of the plans we make or the direction we think we're headed life is never an orderly, bulleted list with a finite end point (OK yes, death!). And that is where I come back to this verse of the song "Forever Incomplete" that hit me and made me shout "YES!" in the car. 

I have been running so sweaty my whole life

Urgent for a finish line

And I have been missing the rapture this whole time of being forever

incomplete

 

I realized that for as long as I can remember I've been chasing things. Running. HARD. Being a good student. Getting a good job. Getting married, having a family, doing well, etc. And life, at least mine, doesn't work like that. I've been on a journey  that may never be complete. I may or may not ever do all the things I want or am supposed to do. And it's OK. I realized that focusing on the next thing, I've at times along the way missed the joy aka the rapture of knowing that it may never be and just live. I say none of that to suggest that I haven't had a joyous life, but it lifted some inexplicable weight. Maybe pressure on myself that was always self inflicted. I've given myself the permission and freedom to just "be" and be incomplete. And it feels great!  

OK now to the project! 

Supplies:

• Blank Enamel Sign ( Artist's Loft)
• Silver Foil (JoAnn)
• Oval Frame (Designbundles.net)
• Electronic Cutting Machine (Cricut Explore Air 2)

 

I actually bought this blank sign a couple of years ago at Michaels so it's not a current item but there are similar ones online. It ended up becoming the lid of my trash can to keep my then very nosy puppy out because she was obsessed with anything inside! 

I purchased a collection of frames from Designbundles.net which included this one. I flipped the image in Cricut Design Space and then chose a font, wrote out the lyrics I wanted to use, and cut using silver foil from my stash. 

Weeded and then applied the transfer tape and eyeballed the positioning on the sign and then that moment of pause before you adhere it, deep breath, hoping you got it centered! 

Peeled off the transfer tape and done!

Sharing At

Our Hopeful Home