Templates Reposted

You might have noticed yesterday that some of my templates are starting to reappear in the sidebar area. As I mentioned a bit ago, one of my readers pointed out that many (if not all) of the previous links were broken which I of course did not realize. What that meant was that in order to get the files back online for you, I had to relocate the original files.

So....I've started doing that now, and I will continue to load more as I come across them. The 3x3 Envelope Template, according to my traffic counter is one of the primary drivers of readers to my site - so I'm happy to report that that is back online now.

Enjoy!

Suffering Serious Neglect

If there was an award for blog neglect, I would surely win it!

One kind reader fancymelissa pointed out to me today that my sidebar links to the downloadable templates were broken. Sorry about that. I have removed most of the links temporarily, but will be returning them as soon as I locate all of the original files.

So I'll put them back soon, I promise, especially since I know that my 3x3 envelope template was getting a lot of hits and a lot of downloads before it mysteriously disappeared.

Watch for an update soon!

Template Tuesday - Dimensional Star

I'm in the process of creating a couple of canvas wall projects, and needed a fun 'star' as an accent on one of them. Here is what I came up with. It was modeled after one of the stars in the patterned paper I was using - and I'll post the finished project soon so you can see what I mean. (It's a really fun one I promise)

The file is for the Xyron Wishblade Create & Cut. Feel free to download and use it if you like.

The Template Files Are Up

but before I tell you how to get 'em, I want to thank a couple of people, both can be found on Splitcoast. First Sandra (Sandee74) from SCS who is the original creator of the Envelope Template that I used in creating my Create & Cut files. I found her templates on the SCS forum and right away I thought it was great. It even has a little tuck in-flap closure which is just awesome. The second is Cindy Lyle (StarLitStudio) who is the original creator of the flap-top box. I loved this one because the lid is attached - so it's all one piece, and there is actually very little adhesive required to get it assembled. Earlier today I PM'd both these gals and they graciously granted me permission to share their designs. As I said earlier, I took what they created and made it into a file that the machine would cut for me. (Am I lazy or what?)

I am using a free file hosting site called 4shared so I hope that doesn't cause anybody any grief. I don't think you'll need to establish an account to make the download, but if so I apologize. In fact, let me know if this is indeed the case and I'll see if I can't find another provider. Here they are in .FS file format (for use with Xyron Wishblade Create & Cut Software)

3x3 Card Box Template 3x3 Envelope (actual dimension 3.25" x 3.25") Here they are in .PDF file format (for use with Adobe Reader). 3x3 Card Box Template 3x3 Envelope (2 per page) If you print the pdfs at actual size (no scaling), they should be the precise size you need. Anyhow. Let me know what you think & have fun! Once i figure out if 4 shared is the right way to go, I will likely place more files there and a link in my sidebar so you can find 'em.

Time Wasted or Time Well Spent?

I guess it depends on how you look at things. Here's how my day went.

1. First I decided to make some cards.
2. Then making cards turned into making a 'set' of cards -- the SCS Whole Enchilada to be exact (sets of 3x3 cards complete with box and envelopes) which sounded like a good idea at the time.
3. A 'set' of cards turned into 3 sets. The stamping and design were so simple I figured why not? (In retrospect this is where things really started to go wrong).
4. Then I needed a box template -- but figured I should probably make a Wishblade cutter file and it would save time - especially since today alone I need 3 and who knows how many I might make tomorrow right?
5. I created the file -- which wasn't that hard but when I went to cut, I couldn't find my cutting mat.
6. Spent the next hour (yes a whole hour) looking for it. Note to self: Put things away when you are done so they are not scooped up and put in the toy cupboard.
7. So with mat in hand I proceeded to cut the boxes. Phew! 3 Boxes cut in less than 5 minutes. (well more like an hour and a half if you count development & my little game of hide & seek)
8. Time was getting on, so I needed to abandon the project for a while.

Several hours later......

1. I now have cards and boxes, but no envelopes. Realizing that I need 24 (yes they are 3 sets of 8 cards -- another probably not so bright decision), I figure the machine definately needs to do the work this time.
2. Developing the cutter file is tricky tricky to say the least. I try it this way and that way, and then something else.....all tolled I think it was a 2 1/2 hour venture (just how long would it have taken to trace and hand cut 24 envelopes?)
3. But now as I am typing the Wishblade is whirring away cutting exactly what I need in it's own perfect little way. I think I have 18 cut so far, and it's only been about 7 minutes. Now that's fast!

So I guess whether I look at this as time well wasted or well spent depends on whether or not I'm ever going to make this 3x3 box full of cards complete with envelopes ever again. I think with the time invested thus far -- I pretty much have to use them else it will be time wasted indeed wouldn't you think?

It's getting late now, but will post the completed set(s) sometime tomorrow or Wednesday. I of course still need to assemble all of my envies because unfortunately the machine isn't smart enough to do that as well. Also when I get finished, I will try to share my Wishblade files so that you may be saved from the same agony that I endured on this project. I just have to figure out where I can upload files.

For now I must go, my last envelope just finished cutting, and there is much gluing to be done.

Cheers!