I had fun today making this tumbler for Alicia's day hab Open House tomorrow.  For those of you who don't know, Alicia is my 27-year-old daughter with Down syndrome.  Three to four days a week she attends an adult day hab facility, There's No Place Like Here, which is a wonderful, stimulating learning environment for her and about 40-50 other special needs adults in this area.  They recently moved into a new facility and are celebrating it with their Open House.  I was asked to make some door prizes and this is one I designed.  If you're interested in using these designs for your own project, go here Summer Time Fun designs.

Bringing the Bling

My goodness, October finally brought the rhinestone project classes and we had a GREAT time.  If you missed them, don’t worry.  There will be a rhinestone (RNST) class a month from now on.

 I was so excited to see the creative ways that the ladies used the designs I brought to the class.  I’m going to begin posting pics from our classes on the blog.  So, check every week or so to see what folks are doing in class that might inspire you.  decalpals.blogspot.com.

We Want Canvas!  We Want Canvas!

Yes, yes, we hear you all.  We want to teach you Canvas.  It’s important that you learn Canvas to get the most from your ScanNCut.  Here’s your chance to have some input into that process.  To learn Canvas, you will need to come to the class with basic computer skills including opening Windows Explorer and locating a file or a folder on your computer; knowing how to click and drag a file from one folder to another; knowing how to access the internet through a browser window and how to navigate to the scanncutcanvas.com website; and knowing how to download a file.  If you have those basic skills, then read on.   If you need those skills, check with your local library.  They may offer free classes.

We are discussing a couple of different scenarios for actually teaching Canvas.  One would be a lecture situation where I would use my computer to demonstrate what Canvas can do and you would be able to watch and take notes.  We would record this class and put the video up on YouTube for your future reference. 

To have a more interactive situation, there is this possible scenario.  If you have a SmartPhone that can serve as a personal hotspot and you have a laptop with wifi capability, you can provide your own internet connection.  Caution:  check with your plan provider to make sure this doesn’t incur extra charges. 

So, now, I need to hear from you as to which plan appeals to you:  a lecture situation where you watch the process and take notes with a video available afterwards or the more interactive scenario where you provide your own hotspot and work on your laptop.  I’m shooting for having some Canvas classes on the January 2016 calendar.  Yippee!! 

SNC Tips and Treasures

Tip – Static Electricity and Rhinestone Madness

As I leaned over my design, transfer tape in hand, and moved in to quickly drop it onto the stones, I got fightin’ mad when I saw some of the stones start dancing and then, whush, pop out of place before I could sneak up on them.  Well, I decided there had to be a fix.  So, I Googled (how did we ever live without it) “diffusing static electricity”.  I got several ideas but the couple that worked best for my situation involved my old metal thimble and/or an unused dryer sheet from my laundry area. 

Here’s how it works.  After you’ve gotten all your stones settled into the template and the extra stones brushed from the area, put the thimble on your index finger or wrap the dryer sheet around your index finger and trace around the outside of your design while touching the template material.  If you have big blank spots in the middle of your design, you might want to hit those areas, too, being careful not to dislodge any of the stones.

When you’re ready to apply the transfer tape, you can apply it without the stones being pulled from their spots by the static electricity.   

Treasure – applelover53 on YouTube

Can’t wait for our Canvas classes next year?  Go to YouTube and in the YouTube search box enter “applelover53 scanncut canvas tutorials”.  There are 72 of them and that should keep you busy until we get our classes organized next year. :)  Seriously, Ashley does a great job on these tutorials.  She’s thorough while be succinct and to the point.  She won’t waste your time.  If you have questions about anything she teaches, please reach out to her via YouTube.  She’s very good at responding to inquiries.

New Class Policies and Fees

Everyone seems to like having the materials provided for the class projects in the Christmas Card of the Month classes.  It saves your time and guarantees we’ll come closer to having the same experience in class.  As well, if your calendar clears at the last minute for a particular class, it will be easier for you to come if you don’t have to rustle up the materials for the project yourself.  So, from now on, the paper, vinyl and rhinestones for all my class projects will be provided and included in the cost of the classes:  Card of the Month (COM) $30; rhinestone (RNST) $35; and vinyl (VIN) $35.

There will be a set list of tools and other supplies for each class that you will be expected to bring to class and whatever item you wish to embellish in the vinyl and rhinestone classes will be your responsibility. 

As much as possible, my class times will be Monday, 5-7 pm, Wednesday, 5-7 pm, and Friday 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.  Each unique class will rotate through those times throughout the month.  Check the schedule below to see what I mean.

Class Schedule November 2015

Christmas COM – Like a Bowl Full of Jelly $30

Friday, November 6, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Wednesday, November 11, 5 pm to 7 pm

Monday, November 23, 5 pm to 7 pm

The last unique Christmas Card of the Month for 2015 will make you think of Jolly Ol' St. Nick who's "little round belly shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly".  All card materials provided.  You'll receive a list of tools and other supplies necessary for class when you register.  Limit of 8 to a class.

VIN – Seasonal Sayings $35

Wednesday, November 4, 5 pm to 7 pm

Monday, November 16, 5 pm to 7 pm

In November, you'll have a choice of three seasonal sayings that can be applied to a cutting board, the glass insert in a picture frame or mirror, a tote bag, or a garment.  That's right, we're getting versatile with vinyl this month.  All vinyl materials will be supplied.  You just need to decide what surface you're going to stick it to.  You'll receive a list of tools and other supplies necessary for class when you register.  Limit of 8 to a class.

RNST – Deck the Whatever You Want $35

Monday, November 2, 5 pm to 7 pm

Friday, November 13, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Wednesday, November 18, 5 pm to 7 pm

Our rhinestone class this month will offer you a choice of border decorations that you can use to dress up your clothes for the holiday season.  In class, we'll measure the areas we want decorate and figure how to duplicate the design components to configure templates to allow us to place the finished design where we want.  There will be endless capabilities with this method but this class will get you going.  Rhinestones will be provided to be able to decorate a neckline and sleeve hems or the top of a totebag.  You'll receive a list of tools and other supplies necessary for class when you register.  Limit of 8 to a class.

Well, if you’re still with me, let me know your interest in Canvas and how you think the class would work best for you.  If you want to register for any classes, who you gonna call?  Yep, the lovely lasses of Allbrands Sew Contempo, 281-333-5322.

Keep cuttin’ and stay happy,

Kathy

Vinyl – It’s The Real Deal

You may not realize it but vinyl is all around you.  Most of the lettering on the signage you see as you drive through the commercial parts of your neighborhood is made of outdoor grade vinyl.  More and more the decorations you see on clothing and fashion accessories is Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV).  One of the biggest home décor trends these days is to decorate the walls of your home with inspirational words, sayings or pictures that are cut from removable vinyl.  There’s glitter vinyl, vinyl that feels like suede when applied to a garment, vinyl that looks like a mirror, vinyl that acts like a chalkboard, vinyl that acts like a dry erase board, vinyl with animal prints, vinyl with polka dots, vinyl with a checkered look… goodness, I’m sure there are more but I can’t think of them without actually going for a Google and I’m not going to waste the time right now.  But, you get the point, right?  There’s a lot of vinyl out there.

Now, the really cool thing is that really professional results can be attained with your Brother ScanNCut or ScanNCut 2, your home iron, and a little vinyl savvy.  The best place to start would be to take the Vinyl 101 class being offered this coming Saturday at Allbrands (281-333-5322) starting at 10:30 am and going until 12:30 pm. 

This is a great class for newbies to vinyl, newbies to their SNC machine, and folks who need to get their SNC out of the closet and dust it off a bit.  It’s a simple class with simple designs where we learn the essential steps to working with any vinyl material.  It’s also a suggested prerequisite to the Frightful Faces and Happy Thanksgiving Word Soup classes later in the month.

Most of the materials in Saturday’s class are provided with the class.  We’ll be doing many vinyl projects in the future so the sooner you get your feet wet, the more things you can make to give as gifts or just enjoy on your own.  Call those lovely lasses at Allbrands right now, 281-333-5322, and register.  We’re keeping class limits down so that you’ll have enough room to spread out and enjoy your time cuttin'!

Hope to see you there.

Happy Thanksgiving Word Soup

Last week’s Happy Thanksgiving Word Soup was a really good class.  Sorry I neglected to take any pics of the group but here are a couple of pics of the finished product.  It’s a glass cutting board from Bed Bath and Beyond and we decorated it with different iconic words associated with Thanksgiving.  The class materials (vinyl and cutting board) for this project cost under $15.  Even a newbie to vinyl can assemble this work of art in under 3 hours.  Come to our next class for this project and be prepared to wow your family and friends with your expertise when you answer them with, “Oh, that?  I made it myself.”

If you’d like to make this project, we’ll have another class on 10/7/15 from 5 pm to 7 pm.  I’m telling you, every single student from last week’s class was very pleased with this project.  Pick up your phone right now and give Allbrands a call to register for this class.  If you have no vinyl experience or SNC experience, it would be best for you to attend the SNC Vinyl 101 on 10/3/15 first.  It’s not a must but it’s a good idea.

Tip of the Week

My tip of the week this week is short and sweet.  YouTube.  There are a lot of great videos on YouTube to show you how to make different things with your ScanNCut machine.  There are also a lot of instructional videos that just show technique.  You can learn a lot from these videos.  Just do a search for whatever you need help with.  Some examples might be, “Test Cut on ScanNCut” or “How to Change the Cutting Blade on ScanNCut”.  If you have any questions, you can always reach out to me via email, text or phone call.

Upcoming Classes

Look over the upcoming classes and call Allbrands this very minute (281-333-5322).  After you call and register for the classes of your choice, email me and I will send you the supply lists for the various classes you enrolled in.  Coming later in the month, Christmas Card of the Month and Thanksgiving rhinestones – bling, bling.  Be watching the calendars.

SNC Vinyl 101 (vinyl) – Saturday, 10/3/15, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm - $25

We’ll make designs to go on two items in this class:  a ceramic tile and a porcelain coffee mug.  Here’s the tile design for this month.  We’ll build the cup designs in class from the cutting files on your SNC machine.

SNC Frightful Faces (vinyl) – Monday, 10/5/15, 5 pm to 8 pm - $35

Everyone who attended this class in September really liked it.  We’ll decorate a glass block or glass flask (whichever you bring to class) as our first project with outdoor vinyl.  Then, we’ll decorate a T-shirt, tote bags, or some other garment or accessory with Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV).  If you’re new to your SNC or SNC2 or to working with vinyl, I would recommend you also take the SNC Vinyl 101 before this class, if possible.  It’s not a must but it would make your time more enjoyable in this class.

SNC Happy Thanksgiving Word Soup – Wednesday, 5 pm to 7 pm - $35

Like I said earlier, this project was a hit.  So, make one for yourself or as a gift.  Like I also said above, the materials for subsequent cutting boards cost less than $15.  At that price, you can give one of these as a memorable hostess gift or housewarming present during the holiday season.  If you’re new to your SNC or SNC2 or to working with vinyl, I would recommend you also take the SNC Vinyl 101 before this class, if possible.  It’s not a must but it would make your time more enjoyable in this class.

In Closing

I can’t say this enough, ladies.  I so appreciate your continued support.   Questions?  Give me a holler.

Keep on cuttin' – stay happy.

Kathy

Respite from the Heat

I read somewhere recently that only in Texas could we get a weather forecast predicting highs in the 80s and feel like it’s going to be cold.  But, yep, it’s cooling off and with that comes all those wonderful seasonal feelings of winning football games, or not :(, pre-holiday activities, holiday festivities, and memories of the fun had through it all.  I invite you to keep an eye on all the classes at Allbrands this fall where you can definitely make some fun memories as you make fun stuff for yourself, your family and your friends.

DecalPals.blogspot.com

Since I try to include tips and tricks in each weekly newsletter, I thought it might help you to be able to find all the newsletters in one place in case you need to reread something.  So, starting today, besides sending out the newsletter via email, I will put the newsletters in a blog at the this link, DecalPals.blogspot.com, and you can go there at your leisure to refresh your memory about something covered in one of the newsletters or to review some of the pics posted in each one.

Making a Vinyl Design to Apply to a Rounded Surface

ScanNCutter Jana shared the pics below.  Really cute idea.  Read on to learn from Jana’s experience and get tips on getting it right on your project.

Here are her comments to me in her email:  “I tried doing this as a wrap. I don't think I'll try that again. The thinner letters didn't peel off very well so I have some holes I'll have to fill in individually.  I think next time I'll try to do each name individually.”  She goes on to say that this project would be cute made up of the names of a group or team.  Jana, keep coming up with those ideas!

So, let’s talk about choosing a design to be applied to a rounded surface.  In this case, the surface is only rounded horizontally although the circumference gets smaller towards the bottom of the tumbler.  This is a bit different than, say, trying to decorate a wine glass where the surface curves on the vertical as well as the horizontal direction which makes it more challenging.

In either case, here are some things to think about at the design point of your project. 

• Choose designs that don’t have large solid pieces. 
• If you have to have solid pieces in the design, try to find pieces where the solid is wide rather than tall.  In other words, if the solid is a banner 3” wide and 1” tall, you’ll have better luck applying it to the tumbler than if it were 3” wide and 3” tall.  As you worked the design onto the lower part of the tumbler, you’d risk getting wrinkles in the vinyl as your tumbler’s circumference gets ever smaller but your piece of vinyl doesn’t.
• If you want a larger design, look for designs that give the illusion of being large but are actually smaller components assembled together.  That would allow you to separate the various smaller components and apply them one at a time to the tumbler.  Again, covering a smaller space makes it less probable that you’ll have excess vinyl that’s likely to wrinkle up.
• If you’re making something that is going to be handled, steer clear of really fine lines.  The Oracal 651 vinyl works really well in fine lines on our SNC machines but better safe than sorry.  If the surface is likely to be touched and washed on a regular basis, just look for fonts and designs free of really fine lines.  Dafont.com is a great place to find free fonts of EVERY kind.
• Don’t be afraid to try and try and try, again.  Oracal 651 vinyl can be removed easily from a surface by using a hair dryer to soften the vinyl where you can scratch it off with your fingernail.  Sometimes, you don’t even need the hair dryer.  If you’ve just applied the vinyl, you might be able to scrape it off with your fingernail or squeegee.  Take care not to use anything that would scratch your surface.
• Don’t expect perfection the first time around.  With every attempt, you’ll learn something and the next version will show your improvement.

Sharing and Inspiring

Here are some other things Jana did with the Frightful Faces files she got in class as well as with some designs she found on her own.

 

Please, please, share your pics.  If you’re not comfortable with me using your name, just let me know.  We’ll keep it anonymous.  No problem.  I just want everyone to see what creativity we’ve got going.

SNC Classes September 2015

I hope to see you all in classes soon.  Here are the remaining classes scheduled for this month.  If you missed the Frightful Faces classes (vinyl on glass home décor and Heat Transfer Vinyl on T-shirts or tote bags), email or text (713-261-7349) if you’d like me to schedule another one.  We can go into the first week of October with that one if there’s interest.  Here’s what’s coming next, ladies.  Call those wonderful wenches at Allbrands, 281-333-5322, to register and save your spot.  We’re only taking 7 people in each of these classes so we have plenty of room to work.  Make sure you call early.

Snow Globe Christmas Card of the Month (paper) – 9/23/15 5 pm to 7 pm $25

Don’t you just love snow globes, especially at the holiday season?  Our Christmas card this month will use the shaker card design to fashion a snow globe to wish everyone a happy holiday season.  By the way, shaker cards have a clear window in the card with glitter or confetti that moves around when you shake the card. 

Time permitting, we’ll make a second shaker card for another occasion of your choice.  Maybe you’ll choose to make a birthday card, anniversary card, get well card, or just a thinking of you card.  These shaker cards are delightful to make and delightful to receive.  So, join us for this class. 

Thanksgiving Word Soup (vinyl) – 9/25/15 10:30 am to 12:30 pm $25

 We’ll make this Happy Thanksgiving word soup on a glass cutting board.  Besides the word layout you see above, I’ll have some cute Thanksgiving icons that you can cut from the vinyl and use to decorate the design to make it your own.

Into the Future

Like I said, text (713-261-7349) or email me if you missed our Frightful Faces vinyl and Heat Transfer Vinyl classes.  I’ll see about getting another one on the calendar in early October, if there’s a demand.

As well, get ready for the bling.  We’ll be doing rhinestone classes in November and December.  I can hardly wait!!  As soon as those details are worked out, I’ll let you all know because I know a lot of you are waiting for the bling.

Word is that the new ScanNCut CM650W could be arriving at Allbrands any day now.  If you’re ready for an upgraded machine, get ready for some cool improvements.  If you’re not ready to upgrade, never fear.  Our classes will not require a new machine for what we do.  We want everyone to join in the fun and we’ll make sure the projects work for everyone’s machine. 

As always, ladies, I appreciate your continued support.  September is my 6^th month to be teaching the classes and I’m really enjoying getting to know each of you and having a good time in class while we make stuff! 

Keep on cuttin’!

Kathy

Beyond Labor Day

​​Anyone remember when Labor Day meant no one with any fashion sense could wear white again until spring?  Even though most of us don’t worry too much about making that ancient fashion faux pas, Labor Day definitely signals a shift in our focus from summer to fall and beyond to the holidays.  As crafters, we have to really stay ahead of the curve to get those things made or at least have plenty of time to dream of making them for the festivities of the coming seasons.  So, let’s get started. 

Colored Rice to fill Frightful Faces glass containers

If you have attended or plan to attend our Frightful Faces class, you’ll want this useful rice coloring recipe since green or orange rice would be a perfect fill for the glass containers.

You’ll need the following: 

• Inexpensive white rice
• White vinegar (about ½ tsp for each cup of rice)
• Food coloring (food coloring mixing guide attached to this email)
• Plastic container with tight-fitting lid
• Surface to dry the rice 

1. Determine how much rice your container will hold.  If necessary, work in 1-cup batches.
2. Mix the food coloring to reach the right color and mix with vinegar.
3. Throw the rice and liquid into the plastic container and shake, shake, shake—shake, shake, shake—shake your... well, you get the idea.
4. After the coloring is dispersed throughout the rice, spread it on a cookie sheet or counter to let it dry completely before placing it into the container.

Frightful Faces vinyl class – September 9, 5 pm to 8 pm - $35

I think it’s safe to say that in spite of the USPS snafu and me not getting the proper vinyl in time, we still had a good time in our first Frightful Faces class last month.  Don’t miss your chance to have fun with regular vinyl applied to home décor and, then, Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) applied to a T-shirt or tote bag.  Attached is a class description and supply list.  Check out what Marlene did in the first FF class.

 

Remaining SNC Classes in September – call today 281-333-5322

Frightful Faces (vinyl and HTV) – 9/9/15, 5 pm to 8 pm - $35

​

Christmas Card of the Month (paper) – 9/23/15 5 pm to 7 pm $25

Halloween Treat Boxes – 10:30 am to 12:30 pm $25

​ 

Thanksgiving Word Soup (vinyl) – 9/25/15 10:30 am to 12:30 pm $25

I hope you each had a great Labor Day holiday and are refreshed and ready for fall.  I hope to see each of your shining faces in a class very soon.  Here's the McCormick mixing guide for color mixtures to use with the colored rice recipe above.