SUPER-DUPER FREEBIE ALERT!

O.K., I've been pretty disgusted  that my camera isn't functioning, since I made some cool Christmas stuff and had some great ideas I'd like to share.  Since we are presently paying 2 mortgages, and two households worth of utility bills (other house hasn't sold yet due to a zoning snafu that effects loan qualifications, but that hopefully should be worked out soon), I can't justify buying a disposable or anything else.  SO... I'll just send you to someone else's freebies.  Which is probably better for you, because this person has MUCH more talent and experience than moi.

Go over to BIRD'S CARDS and you'll find an amazing assortment of freebies.  She's got free templates, free digital cut files of all kinds, free digital stamps, free sentiments and free papers all on her site.  AND if you sign up for her newsletter, you get even more exclusive freebies right to your mailbox.  The card cut file I got today just took my breath away.  

Here are a couple of the Card SVG's she has on her site:

Wouldn't this card look great with Christmas papers?

She's got lots more than cards, but I got stuck on that page today, there were so many things to check out.

AND FOR MY BIKER FRIENDS OUT THERE, CHECK OUT THIS CARD:

Gotta have it, right?  You'll find these and tons more at BIRD'S CARDS.  And don't forget to sign up for the newsletter!  You'll be glad you did.

Have a blessed Christmas! - Kat

More Free Stuff Links

As you know, if you've read my blog, I love free stuff.(Who doesn't?) I've been meaning to tell you about this site for weeks ... Echo Park Paper Company has free  paper crafting E-Books you can download.  There are all kinds of great ideas.  You can get them here: http://echopark.mybigcommerce.com/echo-park-e-books/

They also have free Project Downloads that you can find here: http://echopark.mybigcommerce.com/projects/.  Pages and pages of them.  Here's one for a Christmas Shadowbox:

 It's so much fun to shop and not spend any money!  It's almost like the library, only you don't have to return anything.  What could be better? 

Enjoy! Kat

Seasons Greetings!

Thank you everyone who downloaded my project, and especially those of you who sent such lovely comments.  I haven't felt well the last few days, and was still running around trying to get my Christmas gifts made, and didn't check my email until a few minutes ago.  It made me feel so much better!  Thank you for the e-hugs!  -- Kat

FREEBIE ALERT!!!
NEW & IMPROVED - Fireplace box

I wasn't all that happy with the fireplace gift box papercraft I posted a couple weeks back.  Besides being a bit too basic and square, it came out much darker than I planned.  Seems I have the brightness cranked up high on my monitor (more of my bad eyesight). 

As I saw it stated somewhere "It's amazing what you can accomplish when you are supposed to be doing something else"... I have a ton of work to do for my "real job", plus all the Christmas stuff I have to make, so here I am re-doing something I don't really need.  But, hey, they will hold some of the candy treats I hope I have time to make!

My camera is still not working, so I drew up a small rough sketch of how the box should look once assembled:

It is now more of a rectangle, brighter, the marble "mantle (box top)" came out nicer, and now there is an optional chimney to add on top.  It is still far from perfect, but what the hey, it's free!

You can download the template for this RECTANGLE FIREPLACE BOX/W CHIMNEY  papercraft at 4-Shared or BOX.  Enjoy!  - Kat

ECRAFT CUTTING MACHINE - possibly a very helpful hint

I used my hot pink eCraft cutter last night, first time since I moved.  Took me a few minutes to remember what I was doing, but got the hang of it again quickly.  Thought I'd share with you a couple of things I learned the hard way when I started using it.

I found the best way to get a good cut was to keep the paper from sliding about. Since there is no "sticky mat", I was using the covers off my paper stacks.  I'd just put little peices of tape around the edges to keep the paper in place.   Then I found something at my local "Wallyworld" (as we call it)... they are called flexible cutting mats.  Actually, I think I first bought them as disposible mats for the kitchen. They are "Mainstays" (but you may be able to find others, but look at these first to get an idea), thin, and measure 12" x 15".  I tape at the top and bottom , and insert the 12" side into the machine.  It keeps the paper from moving around, and you can look at the mat to see how deep you are cutting, making it easier to adjust.

I don't know if this will work with other machines, but it has been a blessing with the eCraft cutter. You can reuse them many times.  After they get pretty cut up, I use them as glue mats (because, as you may know, I'm a VERY messy gluer!).

Another thing I do, if you are having trouble, is I always insert from the front.  I feel I have better control, and I just couldn't get it to work right feeding from the tray.

AND ... if you just got your machine and can't find the tools and extra cutting blades, eCraft has  cleverly (maybe too cleverly) hidden the sliding compartment at the back of the machine.  Look behind where the read-out screen is (at least on my model). 

I hope this helps somebody!  Happy cutting.

Freebie Alert!

I just got the cutest papercraft in my email, which reminded me that I wanted to tell you about Scout Creative's Papercraft of the Month club.  Sign up for the emails, and each month they send a great free papercraft, with a calendar of the month somewhere on it.  I ADORE some of the past months, like last month's wild cell-phone charging station, and the hot dog stand from August, and the pool cat with boom box from July, and the Snails from March ... well, I guess I like 'em all.  AND if you go to the site, they have all the ones from the last couple of years posted.  Check out March of last year.  They are really cool, and totally free.  You don't even get any extra emails, just the papercraft link each month, on a PDF.  COOL!

A new papercraft FREEBIE from ME!!! 
A Christmas gift box or decoration.

I'm so excited, my hubby is coming to visit me for the week!   I wanted to post this project now, since I probably won't be blogging while he's here.  UNFORTUNATELY, my camera won't work for me tonight.  Not sure what's wrong.  I put together this little fireplace box ( a re-do of something I started last year), where the cover is the mantle, and I included some stockings to hang (some blank so you can color your own). A nice little Christmas gift box.  AND, you can always cut out the fireplace area, cover it with vellum, and use an electric tea light in it.  I included extra fire, I'm not sure why, maybe you can trace it onto the vellum, or put it behind.

I'll show you what it looks like on paper, and maybe someone can build it, take a pic, and post it here, since I can't. 

Papercraft Gift Box - A fireplace!

 



You can go grab this over at Box or 4-shared.  Print it out on cardstock, fit to page.
I hope you all enjoy it!   And please share a photo of it finished,  if you can.

And have an excellent Thanksgiving  -Kat

FREEBIE ALERT!

Hello out there!  I'm finally back online after 4 months, no internet.  We were going to wait and move the dish we already have along with the business , but the house still hasn't sold yet, and our business website (http://steelthundercc.com)  needed much updating.  I actually got connected a week or so ago, but made myself stay away from the blog so I could get "real work" done.  What with paying two mortgages and two sets of electric, oil, phone, etc. bills, I've really got to put my nose to the grindstone and try to make some cash. 

I've also had no TV all this time, but don't really miss it, except maybe for Glee. 

That didn't keep me from poking my nose around the net to see what was new.  I found a few things I want to share with you all, and this one just can't wait.  It is perfect timing before the holidays, for all of you who are making your own gift packaging.  It is a FREE TEMPLATE MAKER!  It makes a couple of basic shapes of boxes and envelopes, too.  Check it out at the Ideogram website.  What fun!

I've got more to share, but ta-ta for now.  So happy to be back!  - Kat

Oh, dear.  I was just watching the Today Show and got the surpising (to me) information that THIS WEEKEND was Father's Day weekend.  I would have gotten this 3-d project up earlier if I had realized (unfortunately, our Dads and Granddads are long gone).So, without further fanfare, here it the box template project I promised.  It's simple, maybe even a bit primitive, but I think it would make a cute box for a small gift (my Dad always liked candy!).


Beer Mug Box

Beer Mug Box with Cover off



It's fairly small.  Print "Full Page" on cardstock.

Beer Mug Box with cover template can be downloaded in ZIP file HERE at 4-Shared

Beer Mug Box with cover template can be downloaded in Zip file HERE  at BOX 

-Have Fun!  Kat

I wanted to post, since I haven't for awhile, mostly on purpose.  I've been thinking and coloring with my copics (it helps!) the last few days, whenever I had a few moments.  It's been a bit crazy here, with showing the house, MORE dental work ( I love my dentist, but I think I just bought him a new vehicle, pool, and/or house addition), closing on a house in another state, and various other things.  I have a bunch of files prepared, including something for the 4th of July, that I figured I could still get out even while I'm up to my ears in cardboard boxes.  BUT...  I'm really not too happy with the files I've already put out, I keep finding errors, and files that "changed" when I saved them.  I think I'm going to have to wait until I get my new computer and software (I'm using paint shop pro 7 and a senile computer) that I'll hopefully get after we move, to do what I want in the digital art area.  SO... I don't think I'm going to put out any more digiscraps at this point.  I do have a little 3-D project for Father's Day that I should have time to put up in the next few days, something I made a year or so ago.  A small beer glass gift box.  So if you are visiting, come back soon, and thanks for stopping by!  - Kat

Pretty Plaid Pink Part THREE:

One more FREEBIE in the series.

I had another motorycle for this one, until I saw how bad it looked on the darker papers.  It is now on my "to do" list for repairs.  So I threw in some motorcycle oriented word art and a few extra papers. There are some frames and various elements, too, all .png format and zipped.  Have FUN!

I wish Craft Crave would list me!

Download at 4-Shared HERE

Download at BOX HERE

PRETTY PLAID PINK: New and Improved!

I finally figured out what I was doing wrong, and now the files should be clearer, cleaner, and much "smaller".  I've gone through all the rest of the files for "Pretty Plaid Pink", re-packed them and made new previews.  Since I moved a bunch of stuff around, I may not have the exact amount of files I mentioned before, and I'm having problems with compacting some of the papers, but I've got a few zips done and ready to share.  Here is Pack #2 for "Pretty Plaid Pink" elements.  Enjoy, and don't forget to share your creations!

These motorcycle themed elements would be great to scrapbook a road trip. And they are FREE!

DOWNLOAD AT 4-SHARED

DOWNLOAD AT BOX

Pretty Plaid Pink

That is the name of the graphics set I plan to share with you.  Don't ask where the name came from, I do way too much of this stuff in the middle of the night.  The next morning I look and go "hmmmm...?"  I blame it on the gremlins in my computer.
Being new at this, I haven't worked with PNG files much, and didn't quite realize how huge they could be.  I couldn't upload the files as they were, so I have to go back through them all.  Got this first one done this morning.  I tryed to compress what files I could without loosing too much quality.  You'll have to let me know how they work for you.  I desperately hope you'll like some of these!  I've got 6 element packs, 1 papers pack, and 1 wordart pack, but there are some papers and word art scattered in the element packs, too.  Sometimes there will be extra stuff, not on the preview. All sets will have some motorcycle themed items, and some everyday items.  Here is the first set. Have fun!

So far, this is up at 4-shared.  I'll hopefully get it on Box  today. too.

DOWNLOAD AT 4-SHARED

DOWNLOAD AT BOX

Of Vicodin,  Ice Cream and Airsoft

Hello there!  So what do you think is worse, getting a cracked tooth pulled, or getting a root canal?  I didn't have to choose, I got BOTH!  Oh goody (not).  And a tooth grinding, too.  Luckily, I really like my dentist, and he's a no-pain type of guy.  Sooo, I have lived the last couple of days on Vicodin and Ice Cream.  (Can you hear me say "I'm Flying"?)  Now that I'm coming out of my pain-free fog, I've been working very hard at getting some zip files together, and previews, and such.  It has taken me loads more time than I thought it would.  My computer/art program can't handle the 12x12 pages, so I may have to stay away from the papers until I can upgrade my computer and software (I'm told MAYBE after we move).
Meanwhile, I just remembered to print out a "scrap page" of sorts for my airsoft warrior friends.  We have several acres of wooded land and a big field down behind our house.  So I let a large pile of teenage boys (2 of them belong to my best pal, Carl) camp out in our yard overnight, so they could play with their Airsoft Guns.  They started out in two teams looking pretty serious ... these pics I took off my back deck of one team (they didn't come out so good from that far up).  By later that night though, they were playing "Zombies".   I had such a blast just watching them!  I wanted the guys to have something to remember it by, besides all their tick bites, so I made this up for each of them:

Airsoft Warriors

I tryed to keep it "manly";  think they'll like it?

I have piles of files to put online, and I have a gift package template for Father's Day coming up.  So come back soon!

OK, I promised you some Motorcycle Themed Scrapbooking Elements ( high res, good for all sorts of crafts), so here they are.  They are my first attempts, so not so great, but maybe you can use them.  Then you can add more as I put out my color themed kits, which will have some motorcycle oriented items in each kit.  Soon you will be making lovely photo pages of your favorite motorcycle enthusiast, or creating a card (congrats, you FINALLY got that bike!), or decorating something.  And then maybe you will SHARE! I love playing with elements, and would love to see what other people come up with.

These are the elements included in the kit.  Down load the zip file below.

I signed up with 4shared, and it was easy (I hate signing up for things, but this was painless), but I know how it is.  You might just not FEEL LIKE joining  YET ANOTHER site.  So, I'm also going to place my files on Box (I don't think they make you sign up, let me know if I"m wrong).  That way you all have a choice (it's nice to have choices), and if I mess up the uploads, there's at least a 50% chance one will be downloadble! :)

Download at 4Shared HERE

Download at Box HERE

I think I'll put up some etched marble background pages I made, they might go nice with these.  But it might not be until the middle of the week, depending on how the weekend goes.  I have a "chest flattening" exam first thing Monday, and dental sugery early Tuesday, so I'm not looking forward to next week at this moment!

Have lots of fun with these!  - Kat

Good morning to you all, it's a beautiful Friday here in Missouri.  I really need to get off this computer and go OUTSIDE.  (Not likely. I also need to get off this computer and vaccum, dust, pack, etc.)

I just got my weekly DOVER SAMPLER delivered to my emailbox.  I love getting free stuff, and they have samples of their clip art books/dvds, coloring books, and much more.  AND right now that are having a CRAFT CONTEST!!

Go to their site to find out details, and to sign up to get free stuff if you're into it: Dover Publications.

ALSO:  if you are into MOTORCYCLES, or have friends/relatives that are, you may want to come back later for motorcycle oriented scrapbook elements.  I'll be including some motorcycle elements in most of my themed group kits, too (I'm working on them now, and will start posting them in deliverable chunks soon.)  They will be great for photo/digital scrapbooking of biker events, fun rides, etc., and making cards, decorating papercrafts, whatever.
If you CAN'T WAIT ... you can find a group of "unthemed" biker digital scraps at: Steel Thunder Custom Cycles Motorcycle Crafts Freebie Page.  And, as always, I'd love to see what you make.  Just post a link in comments! 

Enjoy your day, and CREATE!  -KatD

Freebie Fabric Flower Scrap Embellishments

Well, I've faced a few more learning curves, and hopefully this will work!  Here is my very first zip file to share.  It's some fabric flowers in various fun colors.  I hope you can find creative uses for them.  Please share if you do!  And if they don't work well for some reason, I want to know that as well.  I'm new and still learning :)!

They are high resolution, so these embellishment should be good for printable scrap projects, cards, ect.  They could be used online, as well.

You can download the zip off 4-Shared here:  http://www.4shared.com/folder/St16kHPp/_online.html.  They may want you to start an account, but it's quick, easy and free.

And then you'll be able to download the massive matched kits I'm going to have here very soon.

Go forth and CREATE.  Most of all, have FUN!- Kat

My Pinterest Boards

Good day to you! Just remembered, I've got some cool PINS on Pinterest you can check out:  http://pinterest.com/katdodge/pins/#

I've got a pile of freebies set up, and created my first zip file (I was intimidated, I don't know why, because it was so EASY!!) and after I do some real work to pay for my kibbles, I'll start posting them.  Come back soon!

And have a HAPPY HUMP DAY!

Click Here to Download.  Right click and save larger image.

Another Freebie download from me.  Because I'm THE MOTHER, That's Why! My Mom's favorite saying as my brother and I were growing up.  She still uses it, too.  It's a small scrap element, if printed out full size it's about 1-1/2".  Created it the other night about 2 a.m., and I know it's not much, but maybe you can use it for something.  (It's been good practice for learning how to link pictures too!)  Have fun... Kat

 

A FREEBIE to you, from me!

I'm not sure when I put this online, I just found it in my web album.  I must have meant to share it, but never got it on the blog.  I created it a couple years ago, before my eyes started falling apart.  Since it's my first upload, I hope I can figure out how to do this correctly (I'm on my 3rd try).  Maybe you can use this free printable box to gift your favorite cat lover (maybe MOM?).  Have fun! - Kat

Download free gift box here ... just follow this link, then right click and save.

P.S. - I should have a small Mother's Day scrap element for you later today.

Super-duper Major Freebie Alert!!!

 I just HAVE to tell you about this wonderful blog I found that has beautiful, high grade, and very generously sized FREE KITS.  I've been playing around with digital scrap booking (new for me) and have been using these kits in preference to others.  These are not measly tid-bits;  when I downloaded this kit, it came with 6 zip files!  One for papers, 4 for elements, and one tagger sized kit.  AND they are fairly easy to download (compared to some sites where you have to jump through hoops, and sometimes still can't download the offerings.)

I used many of the elements from these two kits on a project I'm working on:

This was one of the test pages I made:

But my husband said he liked this one better:

What do you think?

I think I'll rework this one to make the photos bigger.

Before I send you over to "a creative space between", I want to let you know about a "warning" you may get about "adult content".  What they seem to be referring to, is some of the designer examples use drawings or pictures of scantily clad girls.  Don't go if you're offended by this stuff, but there is nothing there that you've never seen or should shock you too much!

They list 26 Freebies,and seem to have new ones all the time. Go grab some (or all)!

A [SPACE] BETWEEN : http://acreativespacebetween.blogspot.com/2012/04/scrapkit-summer-berries.html

HAVE FUN! - Kat

A funny thing has happened ... I'm having fun and I'm NOT covered in glue!
As I've mentioned, I packed up most of my crafting supplies so I wouldn't be "distracted" while I'm trying to get us ready for the big retirement move.   But my need to create is an overwelming, addictive thing.  I always seem to find some way to be "artfully distracted". 
I wanted to make a Mother's Day gift, but without my papers and embellishments what would I do?  Well, I went DIGITAL!
I've been digging all over the internet for digital scrapbooking freebies, and having a ball creating right on my computer!  See, the thing is, I've never been all that interested in "Scrapbooking", as I don't take many photos, though I found I could use a lot of the same stuff for my cards.  I saw some examples out there of recipe book pages, done totally digitally, and thought that would be a fun gift.  I started collecting papers and kits, and ended up making more pages than I have recipes for, and a few desktops for myself.  FUN!  And no paper scraps, no glue on my clothes (and everything else), no crawling around under my craft table for lost buttons, no rogue glitter on my face.
Of course, I do prefer a hands-on craft. But this is such a great new challenge (I love trying new things!). I've even started trying to make some embellishments of my own ... If any turn out great, I'll share them.

MEANWHILE.... I'll post some of the great places I find FREE digital crafting supplies.  I love freebies. It's like going shopping without having to spend money!  Wow, what could be better?

If you are like me, you can't have enough embellishments.  I found the cutest little glass beads, buttons, shells and other good stuff at Designs by Nicole / Low Country Scrapper.  She does beautiful work, and has free kits, photoshop resources,  and all sorts of unique goodies to grab.  There are even SNOWGLOBES!  And lots of her stuff is CU Okay.  Check her out!

Click HERE to see Snowglobes

Having Fun at Home: Coloring Page: Girl with Piglet

Free Digis!  I found this site , Having Fun at Home - "Simple and Creative Ideas for Families", with "coloring pages" that are actually very charming vintage style illustrations.  Check them all out, I bet you'll find some (or many) you "NEED".  You can find all the coloring pages here: http://www.havingfunathome.com/search/label/coloring%20pages

I particularly liked this one (go to the website to get it bigger):

Having Fun at Home: Coloring Page: Girl with Piglet

On the personal side, we found an 1800's farmhouse in the mountains of New Hampshire that we are trying to buy.  Meanwhile, I'm still packing!- K

Shery K Designs: Free Card Making Kit - Happy Easter

Need a last minute easter card? 

 Check out this adorable FREEBIE easter card cut file from the wonderful Shery K Designs.  Before you download, though, check out the whole page of freebies and pick the one you want most, as she uses Hotfile, which only allows one free download per half hour.  That's always frustrating for me, as I want ALL her stuff!

Shery K Designs: Free Card Making Kit - Happy Easter: Zip Folder Contains: 1 SVG Cut File. 1 DXF Cut File. 1 GSD Cut File. 1 MTC Cut File. 1 .studio Silhouette Cut F...

I can see!  I can see!

The good news is my eye is repaired, and it wasn't the ordeal that the first one was.   They were able to repair it with lazer, so no major surgery.   I had to only spend one week leaning at a certain angle.  And now, all I need is a new prescription and I should be good to go.

Of course, now I have to make up for the few weeks lost in cleaning, packing, etc.  My husband took very good care of me, but my plants were about dead once I got to them.  We also both got the flu the last week of my recovery, so NOTHING got done around here then.

For your inpiration, check out my PINS on PINTEREST.  Some very cool ideas I came across!

It's off to the drag races for me today, to watch the hubby "test and tune" his drag bike. 

--  Kat

I started this blog tentatively, then got very excited about putting together some templates and tutorials (which isn't easy, as I've packed most of my craft stuff!), but nature has intervened.  A couple years ago I had a detached retina in my right eye.  Now my left one seems to be going, and I'm off to the eye doctor in a few minutes.  If I have to have the same surgery and  recuperation time, I'll probably be gone for awhile.  Last time, I had to leave my head down for weeks, and wasn't allowed to read ... so no blogging!  But when I can,
I'll be back! - K

Shery K Designs: Free SVG DXF | Spring



Since I can't find any of the files I was looking for on this over-stuffed computer, I'll let you in on some of the places I go to get freebies. I just got some great SVG files for my cutting machine (that I just packed!).


Check out Shery K Designs: Free SVG DXF Spring: Free 30 SVG, DXF and Silhouette studio cut files. You can Download the file. For Personal Use Only. She's got some amazing files, and the most recent are cut files of lovely stylized flowers, clouds, flourishes, birdcages, and birds.  And all for free!

More later...

Kat

First thing I can share is some inspiration ... here is a card I made for my Mother earlier this year after she had a bad fall.

Hello Webworld! Happy Valentine's Day!
I'm Kat, and like the title of this blog,
I am usually covered in glue  ... my fingers, my clothes,
my desk, maybe even my hair and face, ... I have glue
issues.  But I'm working on them!

OK, the last thing I think the world needs is another
blog, and I certainly don't have time to spare for one.
So why start one?   Hmmm... I'm still wondering.
No, really ...  I am very much into my "arts and crafts",
they are like oxygen to me.  I need them to survive.
I've become interested in maybe joining in some
challenges, and perhaps join a design team, and saw that
 having a blog would be helpful (and sometimes
required).  I am always trying new things and
experimenting, so I thought others could learn from my
mistakes (hey, some of my best stuff has come from
"mistakes"!), and that I could share some files, designs,
ideas, and web finds as I went along.

Finding that my chosen blog name was available
seemed like a good omen (that never happens!).  But
right after I got the blog, a couple of things happened
that caused me to sit on this awhile and re-think it.

First, I've been reading other blogs where the artist's
work was stolen and used for profit.  This seems to be
an ever increasing problem.  Then I got a notice from
Penny Duncan, a lovely, very talented lady whom I
follow, saying she could no longer share her work due
to negativity and harassment online that she was dealing
with that was hurting her creativity.  I was saddened by
this, and thought why would I want to put my self in
this position?

Then, at the same time, my sweetie pie husband (of 27 years!)
decided he wanted to move closer to retirement, and
from Missouri (where we are now) back to his "home
state" Vermont.  And ASAP!

So, instead of blogging, I've been packing, sorting,
throwing, and generally making a mess around here.  I
realized, if I was going to get this done in any
reasonable time frame (I'm easily distracted!), I'd have to
pack up my art supplies.  First, my ribbons went, and my
 glitter, decorative papers, paints and dyes,  and yesterday
my cutter.  (My husband gave me a big hug of sympathy for
 that one!)  I'm leaving  my copics until last, though. I have to have
SOMETHING to keep my sanity. 

While doing that I thought some more, and decided this:  
 I will start this blog, and I will see what I can find
already on my computer that I can share.  Since I can't
create much now, and I can't scan right now, that is all
I can do.  But I'll try to do a few things here and there
while my life is in upheaval, and I'll see how this blog
thing works.  Then, when I'm all situated in my new art
home (sooner or later!) I'll get more into it hopefully.
So visit back if you've found me here.  I'll try to have
some nice things waiting for you!