My favorite crafting tool — the Silhouette!

You probably know how much I love and use my Silhouette, that’s why it’s my favorite crafting tool. Here a little project I made with it last week — Easy DIY Summer Pallet Art.

I was over at my friends house a couple of weeks ago and she showed me a sign she had found from a high-end online store. The sign was sold out and I mentioned to her that I thought it would be easy to recreate. So I took that idea and I put my own spin on it by changing up the wording the colors of the piece. I used my Silhouette Studio Designer Software to create this project. I will be sharing the full tutorial later in the week!

This month Silhouette has a SUPER discount on their Portraits as well as their Cameos and their Silhouette Studio software. The Silhouette Studio software is fabulous beacause it lets you bring in images to your Silhouette and allows you to tranform them into cuttable images. My friend Heather at Whipperberry has a great video tutorial on how to do that here. 

And here’s a video that shows what the Silhouette Designer Software can do:

Tatertots and Jello readers can get this exclusive discount by using this special link and the code TATER at checkout!

If you don’t have a Silhouette, it really is a fabulous tool. I think you will love it.

Tatertots and Jello readers can get this exclusive discount by using this special link and the code TATER at checkout!

And here’s how you can win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Retail Value — $229+

Note that this giveaway ends at noon MST on July 8!

xoxo

The post Beachy Summer Pallet Art! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Good morning Tatertots & Jello readers! Today I’m going to share a little project I put together for our front porch.

Now that the sun is shining and the weather is warming up the neighborhood kids are coming out to play! I love that even though my daughter is only 4, that the kids want to play with her. However I don’t love that they come knocking at all times of the day, and usually multiple times a day. I feel bad having to open the door and say, “we are working on homework”, “we are getting ready to go to ballet”, etc. If you have kids, you know what I mean. I decided it would be easier for me to make a sign that would let them know if my daughter was available to play, that way they would know as soon as they rode their bikes up to the door, whether or not they should knock.

To make the sign I gathered a few items I had around the house and printed the words “Let’s play!” and “Let’s play later” with my Silhouette.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:

* Small piece of wood, mine is 5″x5″
* Paint
* 2 Paint brushes
* Vinyl cut outs or stickers
* Mod Podge
* Twine
* Glue gun
* Staple gun

First I painted both sides of my wood square. You can paint them the same color if you’d like but I have lots of left over paint so I thought it would be fun to use 2 different colors.

After the paint dried I transferred my vinyl cutouts onto the wood.

Since the sign will be outside I wanted to give it a little extra protection so I painted a layer of Mod Podge on both sides.

After the Mod Podge had dried I used my glue gun to wrap all the edges of the sign in twine. I was going to use ribbon but since it’s going to be outside I though using twine would give it a more “outside” look. You can use whatever you prefer though.

I love the way it looked after adding the twine!

Once all the edges were wrapped I cut off a small piece of twine (about 6 inches) and stapled it to the top, using a staple gun. Then I took my sign out front and hung it on my chalkboard.

I think it’s a cute addition to the front porch and I love that now I won’t have to answer the door for the neighborhood kids as much!

What a great idea, Anna. 

I love it!!

Here are a few other awesome ideas from Ask Anna: 

Spring Cleaning Printable and Ideas

How to Organize Kids Crafts

Dairy-Free Marshmallow Pops

You will love following Ask Anna for all kinds of fabulous cleaning and organizing ideas! 

Have a Fabulous Day!! 

xoxo

The post Make a Front Porch Let’s Play Sign! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Good morning Tatertots & Jello readers! I’m Anna, and I’m happy to be back here, on this beautiful March morning, sharing a tutorial with you of something I recently learned how to do.

I absolutely love my Silhouette Cameo but a few months ago I was wanting to cut a custom piece, that was larger than the standard 12×12 square cut mat. Have you ever wondered how to do that? I’ve seen tons of extra large vinyl cutouts, floating around on Pinterest, and I’ve always thought, “gee, I bet I could do that with my Cameo…” And sure enough, it’s possible, and it’s even easier than I thought it would be!!

Step 1: Pull up the Silhouette program.

When you open the program this is what your screen will look like. Keep it on this page and we’re going to make a couple little tweaks to a couple of the settings.

Step 2: Adjust the Width and Height

You can adjust the width and height to however large you need it to be, as long as one of them is set not wider than 12″. For this project I set it to cut a 24″ x 10″ piece. I made one a few months ago that was 48″ x 12″ and it was awesome!

Step 3: Adjust the cutting surface

You want to make sure and tell the Silhouette machine that you will not be using a cut mat, so change this setting to “None”.

Step 4: Adjust the rollers

Since you will not be using your cut mat to cut the vinyl, you need to move the right roller over. Once you move the roller over it will be narrow enough to grab the paper. This is what it will look like once the paper is loaded.

Step 5: Create your design

Create your extra large design and then select “Send to Silhouette”. Once you’re there make sure all of the settings are correct and that it shows your design printing the right direction.

Step 6: Cut the vinyl

You don’t have to cut the vinyl, you can load the vinyl, still on the roll, right into the machine, however I like to cut it down to size. Once you’ve cut the vinyl to the correct size, load it into the Silhouette, and press the “Cut Page” button on the computer. Then watch it to its magic!

When the Silhouette has finished cutting your page unload the paper and peel off the unneeded vinyl. Here’s another trick for you… my favorite tool for getting off the tiny pieces of vinyl, is my seam ripper.

Yep! With it’s pointy edge it does a fantastic job at getting up all the tiny pieces of vinyl, that are normally hard to pull up.

Once you’re done pulling off all the extra vinyl you can admire your extra large work of art!

Here’s the other extra large project I created back at Thanksgiving, it was 48″ tall and I had to cut it in 3 pieces because the finished tree was over 12″ wide.

Now that you know how to cut an extra large vinyl project, what will you create? I can’t wait to see it!

Thanks Anna!! 

What a great tutorial.

It’s amazing all of the things you can create with your Silhouette.

And I also love that you can reverse out your vinyl and use it as a stencil if you don’t like the look of vinyl, but still want to print out an extra large vinyl stencil. Awesome!

Here are some other ideas that I love at Ask Anna: 

How to Clean Out Your Closet and Get Free Clothes

How to Make DIY Chalkboard Labels

How to Wash Windows and Mirrors

Vacuuming – How to Clean Rugs and Floors

If you want to keep your home better organized and clean – be sure to head over to Ask Anna for all kinds of tips and ideas!! 

Have a Beautiful Day! 

xoxo

The post How to Cut an Extra Large Vinyl Design with Your Silhouette Machine! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Hi, TT&J friends! It’s Amy again from Positively Splendid, and I am thrilled to be here today to share a new spring project!

Being a southern girl, there are few things I love more than to punch up an outfit with a feminine, flirty accessory. This lace-embellished tote features delicate lace and a bold monogram: the perfect combination of sweetness and sass! By using a pre-made tote bag, this is a fun DIY accessory project that you can easily make in an hour or less. These bags would make terrific gifts, too!

For this project, you will need…

• Plain tote bag (I purchased mine in a pack of 3 at Jo-Ann)
• Lace trim (yardage needed will vary depending upon the size of the tote used)
• Coordinating thread
• Embroidery needle
• Brooch or pendant
• Monogram embellishment
• Basic sewing supplies: machine, shears, pins, etc.

To begin, pin the lace trim along the top edge of the tote, as shown.

Overlap the ends of the trim on the back side of the tote at the center.

To make the trim look nice and polished, fold the end of the overlapping piece by about 1/2″ to conceal the raw edge.

Use a wide zig-zag stitch to affix the trim to the tote.

The lace trim looks very pretty all on its own, but I decided to add even more pizzazz to my bag by creating a lace flower accessory to pin to the front, as well. (I’ve linked to the tutorial for my Vintage Lace Brooches below.) A pretty brooch center really makes this embellishment pop!

For the monogram on my bag, I used my CAMEO to cut the lettering from vinyl using the Script Monogram designs from the Silhouette Online Store. No die cutter at your disposal? Don’t worry! You can also create a monogram with stencils and fabric paint, or for an embroidered look, use iron-on embroidered decals like the ones I used in my office chair slipcover.

Once your monogram lettering is applied to your tote, you are all finished! Wasn’t that easy?

In no time at all, you have a pretty tote to carry all spring long!

The lace is so delicate and pretty…

…and the brooch embellishment really makes this bag shine!

For the full details for how to create a lace flower embellishment like the one on my tote, be sure to check out my Vintage Lace Brooch tutorial.

And for even more fun spring inspiration, be sure to venture over to my Spring Project Gallery!

Thanks so much to Jen for having me over again today! I’ll be back next month with another fun tutorial, but in the meantime, I’d love for you stop by Positively Splendid to say hello!

Thanks Amy!!

What a fabulous Spring Project!!

Here are a few more amazing projects from Positively Splendid:

Easter Egg Wreath

Felt Carrot Garland

Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts

Positively Splendid is an amazing site and you will LOVE Amy’s ideas!!

Have a Beautiful Day!! 

xoxo

The post Make a DIY Monogrammed Lacy Spring Tote! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Thanks girls!!

You are SO amazing!!

I am SO excited about Creating With The Stars. 

Also – check out these other great ideas:

How to Make a Wood Framed Mirror

Outdoor Furniture Upcycle

And I can’t wait to see more projects from East Coast Creative – they are fabulous!! 

Have a Creative Day!! 

xoxo

 

The post How to Upcycle an Old Piece of Art Into Something Fabulous (Stenciled Typography Tutorial) appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Now’s your chance to get yours!

There’s a special bundle available for tatertotsandjello.com readers — but only until January 2!

You can get $20 off a new, limited-edition Silhouette Portrait tote bag and a Silhouette Portrait

… only $219.99 (MSRP $239.98)!

(This tote bag is brand new, and it’s the first chance anyone has had to get them!)

It’s the perfect way to carry the Portrait and supplies to craft nights!

Plus,

You can get  the limited edition advent calendar kit for 40 percent off!

Here’s the calendar I made:

(The kit includes a 20-shape download card,  a solid wood frame painted white, and 35 hanging clips)

And after the holidays, I am going to take the fabric backing off and use it to display Instagram pictures all year round. The clips are perfect for displaying square Instagram pictures.  There are a few companies like Printsagram that will print off your Instagram pictures in a small 2.5 x 2.5 size that would be perfect to display in this frame. Yay!

(here’s an example from the Silhouette Blog)

I can’t wait to get my pictures and get started! I’ll show you how it looks soon

* * * * *

I told you about the Silhouette Portrait, the Sihouette Cameo’s little sister

earlier this month.

(check out this project I made (you could use the idea for other holidays too) with the Silhouette Portrait!)

The Silhouette Portrait is only three and a half pounds — and easy for taking around on the go!

 * * * * *

 Here’s how to get these special prices:

Visit the special Silhouette Sale page, and

use the code TATER

I hope you are having a HAPPY day! 

xoxo

The post Advent Calendar to Year-Round Instagram Display and Special Silhouette Discounts appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Here’s an easy and simple idea for Halloween parties this year. You can find these clear boxes at any party supply store. And I love the idea of adding an image to the front of the container. This idea would work for Halloween, or change up the image for ANY occasion. The clear container is fun because then you can also show off a pretty treat inside.

Find out how to make this easy 10-minute party favor after the break. PLUS, great discounts on new Cameos, supplies and information on how to win TWO Silhouette Cameo machines – my favorite crafting tool!

Here’s how to embellish these cute containers:

• Select an image you want to use from the Silhouette library or you can also import a graphic and bring it into your Silhouette library.
• Bring the image onto your Silhouette Screen
• Resize the image up or down, making it as big as you need for your container. If you are making more than one favor, just click on the image and right click to copy the image. Then paste it next to the original image. Do this until you have as many images as you need.
• Select “cut” and adjust the cut settings, then cut it out.
• Transfer the images onto transfer paper and then apply them to the favor containers.

It’s super easy and I love being able to personalize parties.

I don’t know if you saw, but I am part of a BIG giveaway this week with almost $15,000 in prizes, including TWO SILOUETTE CAMEOS!!! Yay!! I love introducing you to new blogs AND new companies I love. And I know you know that I love my Cameo — it’s my favorite crafting tool. So I am SUPER excited to be giving away TWO machines this week. Yay!

Here’s where to enter to win those TWO Cameo machines:

Everything But The Kitchen Sink Giveaway ($5,000 value)

The PIN-acle Giveaway of DIY Goodness ($5,000 value)

Plus, if you are interested in buying a machine (you will love it for Holiday crafting), Silhouette is running an awesome discount: (almost $100 off)

Just type in TATER in the code box to get any of the discounts.

(click on the link above to get the specials. Put the items in your cart and then insert TATER in the box that says “apply code”)

And Silhouette is also running some awesome Halloween discounts on regular vinyl, heat transfer vinyl and their chalk pens:

Awesome!!

If you don’t have a Silhouette Cameo, be sure to put it on your Christmas list — you will LOVE it!!

Have a happy day!!

xox

The post 10-Minute Halloween Favor Boxes (and win 2 Silhouette Cameos) appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

And to celebrate — I have a FABULOUS giveaway from Silhouette.

 But first, here’s a project I made using the designer edition software.

DIY Laptop Skin

You know I have to embellish everything!!

So of course I really wanted to dress my computer up. And using vinyl is a fun way to do it. The vinyl just peels right off when you get tired of one design. Plus, it adds a layer of protection too!

This project was a fast and easy one. And before the Silhouette’s Designer Software it would have been hard to cut out the Apple logo. But now all I had to do was find a free .SVG file download of the apple logo and then brought it into the Silhouette editing window and selected the “cut edge” option so the Silhouette would cut around the apple image.

Then all I had to do was transfer the vinyl onto transfer tape and then transferred the vinyl to the laptop.

And I love how it matches my Silhouette Carrying Case — so fun!!

If you are thinking about getting a Cameo, here is a great deal this month. Almost $100 off!!

Just click on this Silhouette LINK to get the deal.

Put the Silhouette Cameo bundle in your cart and then enter “TATER” in the box that says “Apply Code”.

Here’s how YOU can win:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a Happy and Safe FOURTH!!

xoxo

The post DIY Laptop Skin Tutorial and Silhouette Cameo Giveaway ($350 value)!! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

I have this little area in my kitchen that I love to change out for the seasons.

From Summer {Summer Mini Gallery Wall}:

To Halloween {Creepy Specimen Art}:

To Winter {Snowflake Specimen Art}:

And I thought it would be fun to make some paper flowers to use as Spring Specimen Art!!

Here’s how to make it:

I used Ikea Ribba frames, scrapbook paper including Canvas Corp Chevron paper, vintage buttons and Command Sticky Nail Sawtooth Hangers and Command Picture Hanging Strips.

To make the flowers:

• I downloaded the 3-d Loopy Flower template from the Silhouette online store. I used my Cameo machine to cut out the pattern for each flower. But if you don’t have a craft cutter, you can make rectangular shapes, fold them in half and then cut lines through the middle of the rectangle.
• Then I took the coordinating piece of paper and wrapped it around a pencil, securing the end with hot glue.
• I attached the rolled up paper to the edge of the rectangle and used a pencil to curve the rectangle in half, instead of folding it.
• I wrapped the folded rectangle around the rolled paper until it was all folded up and secured that with hot glue.
• Then I pressed down on the top of each flower, spreading out the cut paper to make petals.
• The last thing I did was add a vintage button over the top of the rolled paper, covering it up. Then I flipped the whole thing over, holding onto the button and filled the bottom with hot glue, securing the button to the top of the flower.

I was thrilled to be contacted by Command Brand to make some projects for them last month. I had so much fun coming up with fun ideas using Command Brand products. I had never used Command Sticky Nail Sawtooth Hangers before. They ended up being one of my favorite Command Brand products. I used them in this project. I am SO excited to share all of the projects with you soon!!

It was fun finding vintage button to use for each flower. I found this bottle of buttons at a garage sale a couple of years ago.

I love that Command Brand products let me be creative with my decorating without putting holes in my walls.

Happy Monday!!

xoxo

The post Make Spring Specimen Art!! (paper crafting tutorial) appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

I know I’ve told you about the Silhouette Cameo. It’s my favorite crafting tool. And I am SO excited to be giving one away to YOU!!! Plus, have you heard about their NEW Designer Edition Software?? It’s fabulous!!

Update — Giveaway Closed.

The winner is Donna @ Epicurean Crafter

Winner chosen via Random.org

There are all kinds of great things you can do with this new software, like:

• Open, manipulate, and cut .svg files
• Rhinestone tools to convert designs into rhinestone templates and create your own rhinestone designs
• Sketch tools to convert designs into several styles of sketchable art
• Creative knife tools to allow you to clip designs using different patterns
• Enhanced eraser set to modify designs with more precision
• Built-in ruler and guide lines for precise alignment and drawing

So if you have an SVG file, you can bring it in and cut it out. So great!!

I made a paper wreath using some of the 3-d images from the Silhouette store. More information on how to make this wreath will be coming up this week!

In the meantime, this may be the best deal on Silhouette this year. Almost $100 off right now. And let me tell you, owning a Silhouette will change your crafting life. I use mine on almost a DAILY basis. And, if you have any questions, just shoot me an email and I would be glad to help you figure out your Silhouette!! So if you are thinking about getting a Silhouette, this is a great deal.

Just enter TATER at checkout for this $269 price. Code ends March 28th.

So tell your friends. This is an awesome deal on something that you will love!!

***Plus, if you already own a Cameo and want to get the Designer Edition software, you can get it for HALF OFF by using the TATER code at checkout.

And I am So excited to be giving one away to YOU!!

Here’s how YOU can win:

• Leave a comment here with why YOU want to win!

for additional entries:

• Comment and/or follow along with the Silhouette blog. You will love the tips and ideas they share there!!
• Follow Silhouette on Pinterest. (if you don’t have a Pinterest account, leave a comment and I will send you an invite)
• Follow TT&J on Pinterest — my newest favorite place to share great ideas!!
• Follow TT&J — don’t miss out on any great ideas.
• Tweet about this giveaway — here’s a sample tweet “Head over to Tatertots & Jello to win a @Silhouetteam Cameo from @jenjentrixie  http://bit.ly/qWfwPa “
• Share this giveaway — let me know how you did. The share buttons are at the bottom of the post.

Leave me a comment for each thing you do, so you can get credit.

Good Luck!!

This is a fast giveaway — it ends on Tuesday, March 27th at midnight. Open to US residents.

xoxo

Have a Beautiful Day!!
PS — for more chances to win a Cameo, Check out these giveaways:

Skip to My Lou, TipJunkie, Today’s Creative Blog

The post My Favorite Crafting Tool Giveaway — A Silhouette Cameo ($350 value)!! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.