Ashbee Design Silhouette Projects: Cards

Showing posts with label Cards. Show all posts

1.05.2014

DIY Valentines • Accordion Cards

Note:
The Heart Accordion Card cutting file is available now here.
The XOX Accordion Card cutting file is here.

Project Description:
I have modified my 2013 Christmas Card design for several Valentine applications. All are based on the same two layer accordion fold technique. This tutorial covers both the Valentine accordion variations - the XOX and the Heart. Here are the finished designs. They are sized to fit in a standard A2 Invitation envelope.

Accordion Valentine Card Tutorial:

Tutorial assembled using Silhouette Software Release 2.7.18. This tutorial assumes you already know how to use the Silhouette and Silhouette software. It can be cut on both Cameo and Portrait Silhouette machines.

Supplies Needed:

Template from Silhouette On-Line Store.
Paper glue
Silhouette Cameo or Portrait
Card Stock

Steps for completing the Accordion Card:

1. Download the cutting file for your Silhouette Cutting machine from the Silhouette Online Store. This is how the file is set-up. It almost completely fills 1 8.5 x 11 sheet. If working on a Portrait Silhouette you will need to copy each half to its own file and rotate it to fit it within the 8" cutting width. It does not require resizing. More detailed instructions below.

The Heart Accordion Valentine File - download here (coming soon).

The XOXt Accordion Valentine File - download here (coming soon).

2. Prepare and cut the file.
For Cameo users it is set to cut.

If you cut the entire file once in red card stock, and once in white, you will end up with pieces for two cards in alternating colors.
In my samples above I have cut the design both with and without the Hugs & Kisses text. One is visually simpler and quicker to cut. I like one better, my husband likes the other better. Your choice. You can leave or remove the text. To remove UNGROUP the design. Click on just the text and delete.

For Portrait users do the following:

Note: If the file is grouped together, select it by clicking on it, go up to the OBJECT MENU in the Silhouette software, and down to the UNGROUP command. This will allow you to copy individual elements and paste in a new file (FILE MENU to NEW).
Copy and paste each card half (Plus all enclosed parts) into a new file and rotate it 90º.
Here are the cut parts for the XOX card in all red.

Here are the cut parts for the heart card. It has the two added extra hearts with a flat side.

Variations of both cards can be made using a variety of papers including prints.

3. Fold the each piece as shown in the photos below.

Fold along the dotted fold lines. These folds are the same for both card designs.
The front piece folds back on the center fold and up on the two side folds as shown. (Valley-Mountain-Valley folds).

The back piece folds the opposite way, forward on the center fold and back on the two side folds as shown below. (Mountain-Valley-Mountain).
It is important to remember tops and fronts. The X's of XOX are smaller on the top and the designs will not line up if you flip one around.

Practice intertwining the two halves together BEFORE you apply adhesive. You want to understand how they nest together so you can accurately place them once glued.
The front goes over the back. The two side designs (either X's or hearts) on the back protrude through the front layer.

4. Now glue the two layers together.

I used Zig Memory Systems paper glue but others will do.
Apply glue to the back of the front piece - on only one end flap at a time, and glue that in place.
Placement is key. The outside corners do not line up.
For the XOX design, line up the X edges BUT, the front X is slightly larger than the back X so you will see a small (less than 1/16" border) of the back color showing through. (This is to prevent the X from getting stuck when passing through.)

For the heart design, the hearts are the same size so just line up the left panel using the inside heart curve as a guide.

On both designs, glue one end panel in place, and then glue the other end panel in place. There is no glue on the center 2 panels.

The XOX card is complete at this point but there is more to do for the heart design.

5. Completing the Heart Accordion Valentine:

Fold each of the hearts in the center forward along the dotted fold line.

Add glue to 1/2 of the heart with the slice off the side. The glue goes on the half with the slice missing.
Line up the top of the heart and the bottom of the heart with the one you just folded forward and glue onto the back.
The flat edge goes toward the center so as to not show through the center heart.

Repeat with the other side as well.
Here is a back view with both extra hearts glued in place.

That completes the Heart Accordion card.

If you cut the designs twice on the Cameo you will now have a second set to assemble another card in an alternating color scheme.

Then decide who to send them to!

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Sharing this post at some of these link parties. They are worth checking out for other ideas.

12.09.2013

Accordion Tree and Star Card Tutorial

Note: The cutting file is already up on Silhouette here.

Project Description:
Over the past 30 years I have designed and made by hand many different Christmas Cards. (Click here to see all the many designs.) This accordion style Christmas Tree card is my design for 2013. You are getting to see it even before I send it to my friends and family! It is simply 2 cut files, folded and glued together, quick and easy yet fascinating because of the interplay between the two layers. The accordion fold allows it to stand on its own. The design is sized to fit in a standard A2 invitation envelop. I cut my card from 8.5 x 11 white index card stock and used a dark green envelop.

Accordion Christmas Tree and Star Card Tutorial:

Tutorial assembled using Silhouette Software Release 2.7.18. This tutorial assumes you already know how to use the Silhouette and Silhouette software. It can be cut on both Cameo and Portrait Silhouette machines.

Supplies Needed:

Template from Silhouette On-Line Store here.
Spray adhesive
Silhouette Cameo or Portrait
Card Stock
4" x 8" scrap piece of cardboard (optional)

Steps for completing the Accordion Tree Card:

1. Download the cutting file for your Silhouette Cutting machine from the Silhouette Online Store here. This is how the file is set-up. It almost completely fills 1 8.5 x 11 sheet. If working on a Portrait Silhouette you will need to copy each half to its own file and rotate it to fit it within the 8" cutting width.

2. Prepare and cut the file.
For Cameo users it is set to cut.
For Portrait users do the following:

Note: If the file is grouped together, select it by clicking on it, go up to the OBJECT MENU in the Silhouette software, and down to the UNGROUP command. This will allow you to copy individual elements and paste in a new file (FILE MENU to NEW).
Copy and paste each card half into a new file and rotate it 90º.
Here are the cut parts:

3. Fold the each piece as shown in the photos below.

Fold along the dotted fold lines.
The top piece folds back on the center star fold and up on the two side folds as shown.

The back piece folds the opposite way, forward on the center fold and back on the two side folds as shown below.

Practice intertwining the two halves together BEFORE you apply adhesive. You want to understand how they nest together so you can accurately place them once glued.
The front goes over the back, lining up outside corners. The two trees on the back protrude through the front layer.

3. Now glue the two layers together.

I have a cardboard box set up as a spray glue station. You can use regular paper glue if making just 1 or 2 cards. I will be making 70 so I work for mass production!
Glue is to be applied to only the two outside panels of the the front piece. I cut a piece of heavy cardboard 4" x 8".
Place the cardboard over the center two panels of the backside of the front card section and apply spray adhesive. Work carefully to not get ANY glue on the center 2 portions.

Place the card front over the card back, making sure the trees protrude through, then carefully line up the corners of the left side and press in place.

Working quickly, move to the right side and line up those corners and press in place.

This is what the card looks like from the top when properly assembled. Bend it back and forth to make sure everything is correctly lined up.

Now make enough for everyone on your list!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with creating!

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Sharing this post at some of these link parties. They are worth checking out for other ideas.

12.01.2013

DIY Christmas Card Design • Chevron Tree

Note: The cutting file is up on Silhouette Online Store here.

Project Description:
Over the past 30 years I have designed and made by hand many different Christmas Cards. (Click here to see all the many designs.) This Chevron Tree was first designed by me in 2005 (which was before I was blogging and before I owned a Silhouette). I cut 70 of them by hand. I have redesigned this card so that it can be cut using the Silhouette and made the file available at the Silhouette store. It is far faster! The design which features a 3-D folded chevron is sized to fit in a classic business-sized envelop which can be purchased in colors during the holiday season.

Chevron Christmas Tree Card Tutorial:

Tutorial assembled using Silhouette Software Release 2.7.18. This tutorial assumes you already know how to use the Silhouette and Silhouette software. It can be cut on both Cameo and Portrait Silhouette machines.

Supplies Needed:

Template from Silhouette On-Line Store here .
Glue - or adhesive tape
Silhouette Cameo or Portrait
Card Stock in red, green and white

Steps for completing the Chevron Tree Card:

1. Download the cutting file for your Silhouette Cutting machine from the Silhouette Online Store here. This is how the file is set-up.

2. Prepare and cut the file.

Copy and paste the chevron pattern into a new file and cut from white card stock. If making multiple cards, you can fit this pattern 3 times on each 8.5 x 11" piece of card stock.
Note: If the file is grouped together, select it by clicking on it, go up to the OBJECT MENU in the Silhouette software, and down to the UNGROUP command. This will allow you to copy individual elements and paste in a new file (FILE MENU to NEW).
Copy and paste the smaller plain rectangle into a new file and cut from green card stock. If making multiple cards, you can fit this pattern 3 times on each 8.5 x 11" piece of card stock.
Copy and paste the large rectangle plus the star into a new file and cut from red card stock. Only 1 will fit on an 8.5 x11" sheet.
Here are the cut parts:

3. Fold the chevron pieces.

Fold every other chevron down toward the base of the card being careful to fold evenly.

Apply paper glue or adhesive tape to the back edges of the white piece and glue onto the green rectangle. Place it to have an even border on all sides.

Glue the red star to the white space above the narrow end of the chevron.

Fold the red rectangle in half along the dotted fold line.
Apply paper glue or adhesive tape to the back of the green rectangle and glue onto the front half of the red card. Space it with a little more space at the bottom than the top.

Add holiday wishes to the inside and send to your friends and family.

Suggestion: Print the holiday wish on white paper, cut to size and glue to the inside of the card. I always like to add the year to the message as well. People tend to save handmade holiday cards. There are friends that have 30 years of my handcrafted cards!

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Sharing this post at some of these link parties. They are worth checking out for other ideas.

9.15.2013

Contour Cards • Silhouette Tutorial

Cutting files should be available at the online store on Tuesday 9/17/2013

Project Description:
I have designed a series of all-occassion greeting cards using a design concept inspired by contour lines on a map. Combining that linear element with using papers in gradated colors creates a stunning card design that is easy to cut and assemble. The series includes a variety of themes but all have a strong graphic element and the distinctive contour lines created by stacking cut paper. Most of the designs provided both a positive and negative shape both of which can be used resulting in two cards.

The first series I am releasing (and the ones used to create this tutorial) is the Sun, Star, Arrow series shown below. This tutorial applies to all of the contour card designs. The process is the same. The shapes are different.

Cutting File for Geometric Sun here.
Cutting File for Arrow here.
Cutting file for Triple Star here.

Here are the file images. Each image shows the two possible designs from the one file download plus little gray images that show the actual cut shapes and how many there are.

Contour Card -Geometric Sun

Contour Card - Arrow

Contour Card - Triple Stars

These cards are sized to fit in standard computerized invitation sized envelopes (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") so you can quickly create beautiful cards to send or to group and give as gifts. A collection of these would be a perfect hostess gift or a thank you gift to a teacher. Or how about getting some Christmas gifts done. These would be perfect for the neighbor, or the surprise person.

Group 2:

The second group of designs is a puncutation series including the ampersand, question mark and dollar sign.

Cutting file for Ampersand Contour Card here.
Cutting file for Dollar Sign Contour Card here.
Cutting file for Question Mark Contour Card here.

Group 3:

The third group of designs continues with the puncutation series. I find these shapes beautifully graphic and so appropriate for many types of cards. It includes the exclamation point, the hashtag and the @ sign.

Cutting file for @ sign Contour Card here.
Cutting file for Hashtag Contour Card here .
Cutting file for Exclamation Point Contour Card here .

Note:
I am a new Silhouette Contributing Artist. Both my Silhouette files and this website are the beginning. Send along any suggestions, problems, ideas or photos as we learn to create together. I'd love to hear from you! Marji Roy

eMail: ashbeedesignemail@gmail.com
Tutorial assembled using Silhouette Software Release 2.7.18. This tutorial assumes you already know how to use the Silhouette and Silhouette software.

Supplies Needed:

Template from Silhouette On-Line Store here (Coming soon).

Sunburst file
Arrow file
Triple Star File

Spray adhesive
Silhouette Cameo or Portrait
Card Stock - in many colors

Steps for completing the Contour Cards:

1. Download the cutting file for your Silhouette Cutting machine from the Silhouette Online Store (Link above).

2. Prepare the files:

The downloaded Silhouette file for the Contour Stars Card looks like this.

Different designs have different numbers of layers. Some have 4, 5 or 6.

3. Separate the files.

Copy each layer and paste it into its own new file.
Each layer must be cut from a different color of card stock.
You can duplicate each file and paste it 4 times on a 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of card stock and make 4 matching cards at once. This is a great time saver if you are making collections to give as gifts.

4. Cut the files.

The settings will depend on the paper you use. I have been using card stock and cutting at a speed of 3, a depth of 33 and the blade set to 4.
Cut each layer from a different color.
Carefully separate the parts and stack them up. It is easy to flip things over and then they won't match as precisely so work with an organized approach.
I also mark the back side and the top with just a pen dot, especially the circular designs like the radial sun. It helps from getting them mixed up if you accidentally drop them all on the floor.

5. Create the card backing.

These designs are made to fit on a 1/2 sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 card stock.
Choose a background color and cut it in half the short way using a paper cutter.
Crease the fold seam using a bone folding tool.
Fold in half. Make two.
Below are all the parts from the arrow pattern. It will make two cards

6. Set-up a spray adhesive location.

Here is mine:

I work in my sunroom with all the doors open for good ventilation.
I cover the table and floor with plastic ( I save old shower curtain liners for this purpose.)
I set-up a recycled large cardboard box as my spray booth.
I cut newspaper to use to spray on.
I have an assembly area off to the side.

6. Assemble the cards.

I put the first two layers face down and spray the back side.

I quickly and carefully position it on the white folded card and press. Alignment is important.

Quickly add the second color carefully lining up the outside edges. They match perfectly. The center stagger is correct if you line up the outsides.

Continue with each layer until all are in place.

Then do the same with the negative shapes on another piece of folded card stock.
You can be creative with these pieces. Here I staggered the arrows instead of placing them exactly on top of each other.