I'm afraid my Blog's been a bit neglected over the last few months .... apologies for that. It's been a bit of a mad one lol :)
I've updated a lot of the download links so you should be ok now, if you can't get hold of something let me know and I'll try and get it sorted out asap
Thank you
Hayley x x x
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Monday, 10 September 2012
DIGITAL DIE CUTTING MACHINES - A CRAFTER'S INDEPENDENT OPINION
Author : 
Alan Scott
I have in my crafting space the following machines:
Cricut Expression
Cricut Expression 2
eCraft
Silhouette Cameo
CraftRobo.
Have to admit though since this has adventure happened l have had to research and visit various sites also my own personal opinion by using the machines..
The cricut does come off very badly. Its a great machine but there are draw backs. Like the cartridges cant be combined to another gypsy. I know they want to 'Protect the art work' but they have also to realize that some people due to one thing or another have to sell things.
I have approx 30 cartridges mostly bought from America as its a lot cheaper and they do work on my cricut with out any problem, [Shame on a person who stood there and toltaly denined that they would work and that the customer care would not be valid...] however the cost of them if l bought in the UK from a shopping Chanel would be approx. £1050 on top of the cost of the machine! So now l will just buy from across the pond via eBay or site here in the UK when they are holding a Sale of older Cartridges. A lot of the cartridges do contain a lot of graphic artwork, however they have started to introduce a much small content cartridge and not much difference in price. These are to me just a way of getting more money from us.
C&C do push the cartridges and they appear to be a 'Personal Fav of Mine' then its Oh this one is a Personal Fav... and on and on and on... The prices are not as was told C&C do not sell the cheapest cartridges.
The eCraft l find is not very good with very intricut designs and to be honest l only use it now for cutting out basic shapes and cards. [Not a great buy on my behalf. Other crafters may love the machine and think its the greatest just like the Cricut]
So if your in the market to buy a cutting machine then go for the Cameo. Its a lot more friendlier and craft ability is impressive. You don't have to buy a expensive cartridge filled with in some cases not very good artwork that only adds to the cost.
With the Cameo you log onto the internet store and only buy the design you want, they are mostly .99cents and there are a lot of free designs out there.
Only downside that l find is that when you download an file it can only be used for the cameo. This is okay if you only have the one machine.
That's the only the first of two issue for me. To use the 'Professional version so you can import SVG Files [This is the file format that is used for most of the die cutting machines] you have to upgrade and that's another $50.
There is a software package that's available on the market that works along most of the die cutting machines. [I am not sure if l can advertise the program so if you are interested send me an email and l will respond] Version 2 did work with the Cricut, however Cricut was the only manufacturer that took this company to court and made them remove the link. So version 3 [the current one] works with all of them bar Cricut. I guess they wanted crafters to buy into Cricut even more by this action.
There are Designers like myself making designs available for free. I hope to start to release a lot of my designs soon.
I design mostly Full Cards/Card Fronts and text items ie Happy Birthday, Get Well Soon etc.
I hope that this is some help, I just wanted to get something of my chest.
This is just my opinion and not anyone else's The events that have happened happened to me. Other people may have had a completely different outcome to their problem/situation.
If you want to know anything else please contact me
Have a wonderful weekend ahead.
Alan
Alan Scott
I have in my crafting space the following machines:
Cricut Expression
Cricut Expression 2
eCraft
Silhouette Cameo
CraftRobo.
Have to admit though since this has adventure happened l have had to research and visit various sites also my own personal opinion by using the machines..
The cricut does come off very badly. Its a great machine but there are draw backs. Like the cartridges cant be combined to another gypsy. I know they want to 'Protect the art work' but they have also to realize that some people due to one thing or another have to sell things.
I have approx 30 cartridges mostly bought from America as its a lot cheaper and they do work on my cricut with out any problem, [Shame on a person who stood there and toltaly denined that they would work and that the customer care would not be valid...] however the cost of them if l bought in the UK from a shopping Chanel would be approx. £1050 on top of the cost of the machine! So now l will just buy from across the pond via eBay or site here in the UK when they are holding a Sale of older Cartridges. A lot of the cartridges do contain a lot of graphic artwork, however they have started to introduce a much small content cartridge and not much difference in price. These are to me just a way of getting more money from us.
C&C do push the cartridges and they appear to be a 'Personal Fav of Mine' then its Oh this one is a Personal Fav... and on and on and on... The prices are not as was told C&C do not sell the cheapest cartridges.
The eCraft l find is not very good with very intricut designs and to be honest l only use it now for cutting out basic shapes and cards. [Not a great buy on my behalf. Other crafters may love the machine and think its the greatest just like the Cricut]
So if your in the market to buy a cutting machine then go for the Cameo. Its a lot more friendlier and craft ability is impressive. You don't have to buy a expensive cartridge filled with in some cases not very good artwork that only adds to the cost.
With the Cameo you log onto the internet store and only buy the design you want, they are mostly .99cents and there are a lot of free designs out there.
Only downside that l find is that when you download an file it can only be used for the cameo. This is okay if you only have the one machine.
That's the only the first of two issue for me. To use the 'Professional version so you can import SVG Files [This is the file format that is used for most of the die cutting machines] you have to upgrade and that's another $50.
There is a software package that's available on the market that works along most of the die cutting machines. [I am not sure if l can advertise the program so if you are interested send me an email and l will respond] Version 2 did work with the Cricut, however Cricut was the only manufacturer that took this company to court and made them remove the link. So version 3 [the current one] works with all of them bar Cricut. I guess they wanted crafters to buy into Cricut even more by this action.
There are Designers like myself making designs available for free. I hope to start to release a lot of my designs soon.
I design mostly Full Cards/Card Fronts and text items ie Happy Birthday, Get Well Soon etc.
I hope that this is some help, I just wanted to get something of my chest.
This is just my opinion and not anyone else's The events that have happened happened to me. Other people may have had a completely different outcome to their problem/situation.
If you want to know anything else please contact me
Have a wonderful weekend ahead.
Alan
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Saturday, 28 July 2012
SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 13 - BIKE
Hi there,
Sorry I've missed a couple of weeks with the freebies, it's been a bit crazy round here to say the least. We had an amazing show with the Cameo last weekend so thank you to everyone who took the time to watch :)
This week's freebie is in honour of Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish, and a lot of hobby cyclists too :)
Sorry I've missed a couple of weeks with the freebies, it's been a bit crazy round here to say the least. We had an amazing show with the Cameo last weekend so thank you to everyone who took the time to watch :)
This week's freebie is in honour of Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish, and a lot of hobby cyclists too :)
To save this in your library, open the download, it will automatically open in the Silhouette Studio Software, then click on File > Save to Library and add some keywords.
Sunday, 1 July 2012
Silhouette Keyboard Shortcuts
I don't know if you're aware but there are a variety of keyboard shortcuts you can use within the program. I doubt you'll use them all but some of the favourites like 'Select All' Ctrl+A can be useful.
Friday, 29 June 2012
DINGBATS TUTORIAL - SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 12
Dingbats are a fabulous resource for a variety of shapes. They are often free for personal use and sometimes you can use them in projects you sell too.
Hopefully this tutorial will reveal the mystery behind Dingbats and give you hundreds of new design images.
*TOP TIP* if you find a shape you want to add to your library rather than remembering the name of the Dingbat Collection every time you need it .... create the shape click on File > Save to Library and give it a name eg Perfume Bottle. The next time you need it it will be sitting in your Library :)
Hopefully this tutorial will reveal the mystery behind Dingbats and give you hundreds of new design images.
*TOP TIP* if you find a shape you want to add to your library rather than remembering the name of the Dingbat Collection every time you need it .... create the shape click on File > Save to Library and give it a name eg Perfume Bottle. The next time you need it it will be sitting in your Library :)
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Commercial Policy
Silhouette have recently updated their Commercial Policy with regards to you using Library and Download Designs in projects that you sell. The basic policy is that if you use the designs in cards etc that you give away then you are ok using the downloads without needing to buy a commercial licence.
You can draw inspiration from anywhere and anything you design from scratch you can use in projects you sell. There are also thousands of free designs without restrictions available through a variety of sources.
If you'd like to learn more you can via this link.
You can draw inspiration from anywhere and anything you design from scratch you can use in projects you sell. There are also thousands of free designs without restrictions available through a variety of sources.
If you'd like to learn more you can via this link.
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Tutorial Index
I don't know about you guys but I've struggled to find some tutorials on here, now that they're mounting up :) So I'm going to post links to them on the right of this area, at the top so as you should be able to find what you want quickly and easily.
There are some tutorials I'd forgotten I'd done !
There are some tutorials I'd forgotten I'd done !
Friday, 15 June 2012
TUTORIAL - TRICKS WITH TEXT
In these tutorials you will learn how to use the Silhouette software to merge letters together rather than cut them out individually and how to change their flow to create fancy sentiments and toppers. For best viewing read on screen rather than printing off. The second tutorial will enable you to create cards like the Dad Card Download from a few weeks ago.
Saturday, 9 June 2012
THINKING OF BUYING A CAMEO OR ACCESSORIES?
Just to let you know I'm now able to supply machines, consumables etc via my shop website Gatehouse Designs
We run a rolling discount, order from us one month, save 10% on an order in the following month.... and that rolls on to the next month, and so on. From time to time we publish a discount code to use so it's worth registering with us so we can help you save money !
We run a rolling discount, order from us one month, save 10% on an order in the following month.... and that rolls on to the next month, and so on. From time to time we publish a discount code to use so it's worth registering with us so we can help you save money !
FLOWERS & TAG ENVELOPE - SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 11
A double treat for you this week. A Studio File I've prepared on a floral theme and a 12" Folded Tag that Alan's designed for us. As usual, these designs are for your personal use and can be used in handcrafted projects you wish to sell but the designs themselves cannot be sold on. Enjoy :)
Saturday, 2 June 2012
BORDER DESIGN - SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 10
Alan is a relatively new Cameo user and has be blown away with it's capabilities and has written an independant users view on a variety of machines, It has already prooved to be extremely helpful to those considering a machine, thank you for sharing your views Alan.
Saturday, 26 May 2012
MUSIC NOTE TOPPER - SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 9
Since music is in the air with this weekend's Eurovision Song Contest I thought a musical topper might be quite apt :)
This is a studio file, so only suitable for a Silhouette machine (unless you have the means to convert it)
Top Tip It's an intricate design so I would suggest you don't cut it out any smaller than 10cm long. I'd also suggest that you use vinyl to save any intricate gluing :)
This is a studio file, so only suitable for a Silhouette machine (unless you have the means to convert it)
Top Tip It's an intricate design so I would suggest you don't cut it out any smaller than 10cm long. I'd also suggest that you use vinyl to save any intricate gluing :)
Saturday, 19 May 2012
BUTTERFLY CARD - SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 8
This freebie is one of my personal favourites. It's a topper I've used for all sorts of occasions. It's up to you if you want to double layer the Butterflies either way it always gets a good response so I hope you enjoy it too. Please note this download is a Studio File and you will need to have a Silhouette Die Cutting Machine to cut it out.
In downloading this file you are agreeing to use it for your personal use. Whilst you are able to use it in handcrafted products you sell you are not permitted to sell, or share the file in digital format without the permission of Hayley West
Thank you
Thank you
Friday, 11 May 2012
DAD CARD - SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 7
I was supposed to release this download on Bank Holiday Monday but got a bit distracted.... sorry x
It's based on a Silhouette File Diana Perry designed featuring a selection of Tools that you can print and cut. I've also added in a card base so you've got
everything you need to die cut a fab card :)
If you print off the card base, score and fold the front half over so as it just touches the welded letters you can stick the letters on to the front of the card so as they marry up when the card is closed (I hope that makes sense lol )
The way I created it was I took the letters D, A, D and lay them alongside a rectangle. When I was happy I created an internal offset for each letter and moved those out of the work area. Then I welded the letters to the right hand side of the rectangle. I'd run out of ink so couldn't print and cut so used some of the tools cutting part in silver mirri and the other part in black.
Thank you Diana
Saturday, 5 May 2012
SQUEEZEE - SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 6
If you like this style of card then why not take a look at my website for more Digicrafts designs on CDs, they're not in Studio File format but very easy to cut out in a variety of sizes.
Digicrafts.co.uk (for the latest CD releases)
BUTTERFLY BORDER -SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 5
Thank you Karen x
Monday, 30 April 2012
TEXT PANEL TUTORIAL
This tutorial will help you print off text panels and cut them with a decorative edge.
Saturday, 28 April 2012
KEEP CALM - SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 4
This week's studio file features a design we've seen on posters, cards, t shirts.... you name it it's everywhere.
Now you can create you're own version adding your own comment. To keep the same typeface you'll need to have the font Gill Sans MT installed on your computer.
Now you can create you're own version adding your own comment. To keep the same typeface you'll need to have the font Gill Sans MT installed on your computer.
Keep Calm Template
If you want to add the crown to your library, rather than the whole project, remove the text and choose 'Save to Library' (it's found under 'file') Give the shape a name and then you'll just have the crown to incorporate into any project you design.
If you want to add the crown to your library, rather than the whole project, remove the text and choose 'Save to Library' (it's found under 'file') Give the shape a name and then you'll just have the crown to incorporate into any project you design.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Cameo Cut Settings
I've been asked a few times for settings for cutting a variety of papers and card. These are the settings I use.....
All are cut on a cutting mat.
These are only indicated as a guide. Settings could vary as some cardstock may vary in density/weight and the 'life' of the blade may also contribute to these settings needing to be altered.
A test cut either using the standard test cut or a mini-shape eg,small circle in the corner of page, is always recommended.
All are cut on a cutting mat.
Speed
|
Thickness
|
Depth
|
|
Centura Pearl Self Adhesive Paper
|
8
|
9
|
3
|
Centura Pearl Card
|
3
|
33
|
4
|
Vellum (can vary depending on weight)
|
3
|
15/33
|
2/3
|
350gsm Card
|
3
|
33
|
6
|
Holographic/ Mirror Card
|
3
|
33
|
5
|
Self Adhesive Card
|
3
|
33
|
4
|
Doeflex
(settings will depend on the intricacy of the design)
|
3
|
33
|
8/9
Double Cut
|
These are only indicated as a guide. Settings could vary as some cardstock may vary in density/weight and the 'life' of the blade may also contribute to these settings needing to be altered.
A test cut either using the standard test cut or a mini-shape eg,small circle in the corner of page, is always recommended.
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Squeezee Cats and Dogs 2 from Digicrafts !
The fabulous people from Digicrafts have come up with an amazing new CD with the cutest of characters. It's just £12.99 with FREE P&P
Saturday, 21 April 2012
SILHOUETTE PAPER CLINIC SCHEDULED FOR MAY
Just to give you a bit of notice. It looks like there'll be a Paper Clinic featuring the Cameo mid May. If you have any questions you might like to be considered please email them to paperclinic@createandcraft.tv
PICKET FENCE - SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 3
I had a request to come up with a picket fence for the Silhouette range of cutters (I'm sorry I can't remember who asked now).
This will work brilliantly with any paper flowers you may have. If you don't have any there are loads to choose from in the Silhouette Store.
Silhouette File - Picket Fence
This will work brilliantly with any paper flowers you may have. If you don't have any there are loads to choose from in the Silhouette Store.
Silhouette File - Picket Fence
Friday, 13 April 2012
SENTIMENTS - SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 2
I've been getting quite a few requests for future Freebies, keep them coming :)
This week I've designed 5 sentiments tiles for you. If you'd like to create a mat, simply create a rectangle around the sentiment and cut that from a different colour.
My suggestion is to save the Studio File, open it up and delete all but one of the sentiments and mats then click 'File' and Save to Library (work through all five), this will save them as individual designs rather than one A4 sheet of sentiments then you can select them from your library at at later stage.
*IF THERE ARE INTRICATE PIECES THAT YOU'D RATHER NOT CUT, SELECT THE DESIGN, RIGHT CLICK, RELEASE COMPOUND PATH AND CLICK ON THE BIT YOU WANT TO DELETE, THEN PRESS DELETE*
This week I've designed 5 sentiments tiles for you. If you'd like to create a mat, simply create a rectangle around the sentiment and cut that from a different colour.
My suggestion is to save the Studio File, open it up and delete all but one of the sentiments and mats then click 'File' and Save to Library (work through all five), this will save them as individual designs rather than one A4 sheet of sentiments then you can select them from your library at at later stage.
*IF THERE ARE INTRICATE PIECES THAT YOU'D RATHER NOT CUT, SELECT THE DESIGN, RIGHT CLICK, RELEASE COMPOUND PATH AND CLICK ON THE BIT YOU WANT TO DELETE, THEN PRESS DELETE*
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
PICK OF THE WEEK HERE WE COME !
I am sooooo excited to be involved with the latest crafty contribution from Card Hut.
Launching at mid day on Friday, Nigel Lamden and myself will be showing you the fabulous artwork on this new CD. Chock ful of Decoupage, Pyramid Innies and Outies, Background Papers, Inserts, Slogans and Sentiments, Digital Stamps and 20 main characters, it's sure to be a popular one !
Sunday, 8 April 2012
SILHOUETTE TUTORIAL - CREATING A LATTICE SHAPE
Following on from the first 'Something For the Weekend' Freebie, here's a tutorial
showing you how you can design your own lattice shape.
Hopefully this one will print a bit clearer too.
How to Create a Lattice
Hopefully this one will print a bit clearer too.
How to Create a Lattice
SILHOUETTE TUTORIAL - SAVING A DESIGN TO YOUR LIBRARY
If you've created a design that you want to use in the future you can add it to your Library. This will save the actual cutting design rather than a project.
Saving a Design to Your Library
Saving a Design to Your Library
Saturday, 7 April 2012
PILLOW BOX - SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND 1
I'm starting a new feature.... Something for the Weekend. A crafty project for you to play with or save for a rainy day :)
This week it's a Silhouette Studio File for a pillowbox with a lattice heart aperture that can be lined or left open. If you want you can remove the heart and add something else in stead. Simply cut the template out, score along the perforated lines and glue the flap down, I used double sided tape for strength.
I'm happy for you to use this template for your personal or business use but only in respect of finished projects and not the distribution of the template.
Friday, 6 April 2012
SILHOUETTE STORE - FREE SHAPE OF THE WEEK
Thursday, 5 April 2012
SILHOUETTE LIBRARY - HOW TO BACK UP...
The
entire library folder and the licence folder can be copied to a CD and transferred to the same folder on new
machine:
Shapes
Library Folder
Windows XP :
C:\Documents and Settings\All
Users\Application Data\com.aspexsoftware.Silhouette_Studio.8
Windows Vista
/ 7 :
C:\ProgramData\com.aspexsoftware.Silhouette_Studio.8
Mac OS X :
Macintosh HD:Library:Application
Support:com.aspexsoftware.Silhouette_Studio.8
The one library folder is accessible to all
users of a machine.
License
Folder
Windows XP :
C:\Documents and Settings\All
Users\ApplicationData\com.aspexsoftware.Silhouette_Studio.license
Windows Vista
/ 7 :
C:\ProgramData\com.aspexsoftware.Silhouette_Studio.license
Mac OS X :
Macintosh HD:Library:Application
Support:com.aspexsoftware.Silhouette_Studio.license
Printable Tutorials
The temporary 'Overload' situation has been resolved so you should be ok to download the tutorials now. If you have any problems let me know.
Hayley x
Hayley x
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
SILHOUETTE TUTORIAL - WELD A SHAPE TO A FRAME
Learn how to weld a shape, number or text to a frame with this tutorial.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
SILHOUETTE TUTORIAL - WELDING SHAPES
If you're a bit baffled by welding shapes together this explanation might help....
SILHOUETTE DIE CUT DECOUPAGE TUTORIAL SHEET
Want to know how to cut out your decoupage sheets using your Cameo? Then this step by step tutorial is what you'll need.
Die Cut Decoupage Tutorial
Die Cut Decoupage Tutorial
Monday, 2 April 2012
FREE CUTTING FILES FOR THE SILHOUETTE !
If you have the Silhouette Software visit the store and type in 'Original 50' for some bonus free shapes.
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
Just thought I'd mention something. If you're thinking about buying the Silhouette Cameo you can download the software free of charge from http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/support.aspx . It will give you a chance to have a play before you buy the machine.
Well it's here .... a bit basic initially, but the twiddly bits will be added in time.
SO WELCOME TO MY BLOG !
This is where I'll be uploading tutorials, hints and tips plus details of upcoming shows. In theory, it'll be a place where you can find all the resources I mention on air, on Create and Craft. I'm a Blog Newbie so bear with me as I improve on it.... let's call it 'On the Job Training' :)
SO WELCOME TO MY BLOG !
This is where I'll be uploading tutorials, hints and tips plus details of upcoming shows. In theory, it'll be a place where you can find all the resources I mention on air, on Create and Craft. I'm a Blog Newbie so bear with me as I improve on it.... let's call it 'On the Job Training' :)
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