I got a little obsessed with this idea when I stumbled across these ridiculously cute mini plushies that are fruit-shaped (affil). My granddaughters LOVE Squishmallows (affil) and I totally get why—they are crazy soft, cozy and the characters are so fun. And, apparently endless. 🤣 Every time I think I’ve seen the cutest one ever, there’s a new drop! GAAAH!!!

Anyway, fruit-themed Valentines have been around f’oh evvah, and so have the puns associated with them. Combine that with the juice boxes I remember as a kid, and this idea hatched and I had to see it through to the end. Unfortunately, my perfectionist tendencies caused me to take faaaaaar longer than I’d like to confess. (insert teeth gnashing)

But, ohhhhhhhhh, it will be worth it as I can already hear the squeals of delight that are bound to erupt once they arrive . . .

At approximately 2” tall (give or take), these li’l guys are small enough take on the go (pocket sized, LOL!) and I couldn’t resist developing a set of tags with fruity puns to match the collection (plus 2 extras). The tags are a freebie in the shop and while they are sized to coordinate with the juice box, you could definitely enlarge them in your machine’s software.

The juice box is extremely easy to assemble and I created a snap-lock (a.k.a. “1-2-3”) closure on the bottom so you could fold them flat for mailing or storage, etc. What is it about cute boxes? Am I the only weirdo out there that has a thing for ‘em?

Call me crazy, but I think the cute paper straws make ‘em extra special!

Have a great day and hope you get some crafty time in soon!

Disclosure: I include affiliate links to the products used in my projects and make a small commission when you purchase via those links, at no extra dimes to you. Thanks muchly!

NON-SVG SUPPLIES AVAILABLE IN MY AMAZON SHOP:

• Squishville Mini Plush Fruit Salad

• Paper Straws (variety of colors)

• Burlap Twine

• White Card Stock

• Colored Card Stock

• Foam Adhesive Squares/Dots

• Mini Wooden Clothespins

• Bearly Art Glue

• Tape Runner

• Cricut Explore 3 (I use the Maker, which is an older model)

I design all my SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic or .svg) cut files using vector software, such as Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer.  I can export my designs directly from software like this to SVG format, which is compatible with Cricut's Design Space, Silhouette Studio's Designer Edition (paid upgrade) and other cutting machine softwares that are compatible with SVGs.

Many of you may own a Cricut (affil) digital cutting machine, as I do; it's currently the most prominent hobby cutting machine for crafters because it's most likely the easiest for novices/those less tech savvy to learn and use.  But a number of you may own or have recently acquired a Brother ScanNCut (affil). The ScanNCut is unique within the industry in that it is currently the only hobby cutter with a built-in scanner, making “Print Then Cut” functions, such as sticker-making, considerably easier.

While the Brother ScanNCut is considered a stand-alone machine that doesn't necessarily require a computer to operate, it uses a proprietary file format called FCM (or .fcm) to communicate with the machine.  To use an SVG cut file with the ScanNCut, it must first be converted to FCM.  You can do this using Brother's Canvas Workspace software, which is available for FREE.  You can either download it (MAC or PC) or use the online version/browser version; you'll need to register for a free account as well.

TIP:  The downloadable software is more powerful/has more features than its cloud/browser based counterpart.  I highly recommend downloading and learning it to get the most out of your ScanNCut. You can also purchase software upgrades (similar to Silhouette Studio) to access even more features.

I'm sharing how to use the free, downloadable software to convert any SVG file to FCM.  Please bear in mind I am not a ScanNCut expert and I purchased my ScanNCut CM350 nine years ago; it has since been discontinued. Granted, I haven't used it since I purchased the Cricut Maker (OG, not the Maker 3) four years ago and I can only assume there have been updates to the software.  I haven't used the cloud version, but I suspect the process is similar?

In this instance, I figured a video tutorial would be most helpful:

Important things to note with Canvas Workspace:

• Be aware that Canvas Workspace always imports an SVG file UN-grouped but sometimes at the incorrect size; BEFORE making any adjustments, follow the steps in the video to group all layers together and then resize accordingly; if you cannot determine the grouped file's proper size, you can use Cricut's Design Space (create a free account; paid subscriptions are only for their Access Library filled with design/project files and includes extra software features) and upload the file there to find out the dimensions.  Design Space always imports SVGs as grouped, making this an excellent hack for confirming file dimensions.  Once the grouped file has been properly sized, you can ungroup all the layers and manipulate each one individually.

• While most SVG designers, myself included, usually create our files in color, Canvas Workspace will often import the entire SVG file in black.  I don't know why.  It is up to the user to determine the colors for all the layers/shapes.

• Initially it will appear that all the pieces/layers are not there. This is because they are stacked on top of each other, in the order that the designer intended, and all black. But, if you click on the layers panel on the right menu, you will be able to see all the pieces are indeed there and you can move and rotate each piece individually to fit within the 11.5 x 11.5" maximum cutting area (12x12 mats; 11.5x23.5" for 12x24 mats) and maximize the space.  Any layers/pieces that extend outside the maximum cutting area (which is indicated as a red outline) will not cut.

• Solid score lines, while present and evident in the layers menu are often not actually visible until you apply a "line" color (not a "fill"; there are two options for applying color) to them in the properties panel, which really helps! These lines can also be converted to dashed cut lines, and then be grouped to their corresponding cut layer so that these operations will occur where they are supposed to in relationship to each other.

MY WORKFLOW FOR CONVERTING SVGs to FCM FILES:

1. Create a new empty folder on my desktop; name it similarly as the SVG file. This will be my "project" folder where all the FCM files specific to this design will be organized; makes everything easier in the future.

2. Import the SVG and once it's on the Canvas, without altering/moving anything, group ALL layers together; double check grouped file size in Cricut Design Space, and if necessary, resize file accordingly.

3. Ungroup all layers, then select and apply desired "fill" colors to each layer/shape.  Apply "line" colors to score lines for visibility (I usually use primary blue, as most designers indicate score lines in that color)

4. Convert solid score lines to dashed cut lines and group to corresponding layer/shape.

5. Pick a color to start laying out/prepping for conversion. As an example, I'll start with white.  Using the layers panel, I will HIDE (using the eyeball icon) all layers/shapes that are NOT white.

6. Arrange all white layers/shapes within the maximum cutting area (the red outline), taking care that none of them overlap each other.

7. Export to FCM, to the project folder on my desktop, giving it a distinct name, i.e. white-snow-layers. (It will give you a warning that all of the hidden layers will be excluded in this export; this is what we want.) The ".fcm" at the end of the file name should populate automatically upon export.

8. Now hide all white layers/shapes on the canvas, and UN-hide the next set of layers/shapes that are all the same color, such as "light green", repeating Steps 6-7.

9. Repeat the process with each color until the whole SVG file has been converted to FCM files, separated by color.

10. Now you can transfer the FCM files to your ScanNCut for cutting, using one of the following methods shown on Brother’s website HERE.

Once you develop a workflow, you’ll be able to speed through this fairly quickly; having your layers sorted and saved by color inside your project folder should make it much easier and faster for reproducing.

Happy crafting with SVG files and your ScanNCut!

Julie

If you’re interested in the SVG file shown in the video to demonstrate or either of the two machines, thank you for using my affiliate links.

• CHRISTMAS CABIN IN THE WOODS POP UP CARD SVG CUT FILE

• BROTHER SCANNCUT SDX125E (amz. affil)

• CRICUT MAKER 3 (amz. affil)

So, this just happened the other day. 😊 Some day, I would love to travel to the Mediterranean, but until that day, this is the closest I’m gonna get. LOL!

Click on the title beneath the photo above ↑ , to go see everything in this beautiful release! (affil.)

My design contribution to this release was small in product, but big on samples. Click on each of the below pics ↓ to enbiggan and see them in closer detail.

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I’m tickled to death to have been a part of this release!

So, what do you think? Do you feel as refreshed as I do, gazing at all this Mediterranean goodness?

Foil on greeting cards and other stationery items is such a gorgeous effect and, as paper crafters, we’re lucky to have a wide range of methods for DIYing that shiny, lush finish. Today, I’ll be sharing how to foil with a Cricut Maker, using the Cricut Foil Transfer system, as well as WRMK Foil Quill. The video runs a little longer than I would like, however, I didn’t want to skip over any steps I personally am using to get the best results from each. If you’ve been considering foiling with your Cricut or other digital cutting machine, I hope this test run of the Ditsy Floral Background SVG will help you decide between these two.

SIDENOTE: Silhouette has released their Heat Pen Set, compatible with: Silhouette Curio 2, Cameo 5, Cameo 5 Plus and Portrait 4 machines. I’ve never used this foiling system but if you own one of the aforementioned machines, it may be one for you to consider.

An overview of the two systems, in bullet points:

Cricut Foil Transfer:

• Exclusive to Cricut Maker/Explore series machines; Joy/Joy Xtra have their own foil tips.

• Pressure system, no heat involved.

• Fine, Medium & Bold Tips, interchangeable with one housing. Joy/Joy Xtra foil tip available only in one size.

• Foil available in 4x6” and 12x12” sheets (single color & variety packs) ↓

• Colors - Gold, Silver, Rose Gold, Red, Blue, Pink, Green & Purple.

WRMK Foil Quill:

• Thanks to pen adapters included in the kit, compatible with Cricut, Silhouette, Brother and Sizzix*.

• Pressure + heat system; requires power via usb cable.

• Fine, Medium & Bold Tips, each with their own usb cable for connecting to power.

• Foil available in 4x6” (single color & variety packs), 12x12” sheets and 12x96” rolls.↓

• Colors - Gold, Silver, Rose Gold, Aqua, Black, Bronze, Champagne, Copper, Emerald, Fuchsia, Lime, Navy, Red, Rose, Spearmint & Ultra Violet.

*As I write this post, the Eclips was retired a number of years ago and Sizzix no longer offers a digital cutting machine.

It’s important to note that the foil sheets are not interchangeable between the two systems, given that the Cricut Foil Transfer Sheets transfer via pressure alone and the Foil Quill Sheets transfer via pressure + heat. Also of note: Toner foils (the kind used with images that have been laser printed) are NOT compatible with either the Cricut or Foil Quill transfer tips. That said, I have had success using the WRMK Foil Quill with “hot stamping” foils, such as those by Crafter’s Companion (for paper), Spellbinders Glimmer Foils and Deco Foil “Hot” Foils.

You should be aware that foiling with a digital cutting machine equates to “open line” designs, not “filled” designs. While there are work-arounds to simulate a “filled” foil effect, digital cutters are not printers; the tips can only transfer foils by drawing, much like a pen.

In the video below, you’ll find more tips and insights, and I will also mention why I personally prefer the WRMK Foil Quill over the Cricut Foil Transfer system.

FEATURED SVG: SINGLE PATH DITSY FLORAL BACKGROUND

Foil is very tricky to shoot and often I find I have to tilt my camera or the project itself at an angle to get the foil to actually show up in photos.

One of the advantages to SVG files is that they can be resized; reducing can allow for an open/blank border, and enlarging will allow you to get complete coverage of your card front. You can even enlarge them for use as an art print. Although I’m not much of a trend follower, when I noticed ditsy floral patterns were on the rise I really wanted to develop one that would be fun to foil!

You can find the Ditsy Floral Background SVG in shop HERE.

Have you ever foiled with your digital machine before? It’s such a pretty way to add that extra sumpin’-sumpin’!

VIDEO

I don’t know anyone that doesn’t appreciate flowers. This design is a fun way to incorporate dimension and watercoloring, but it did take me some time (many test cuts/prototypes) to perfect it. As far as cutting and assembly goes, I do have some tips that I figured out that I think would be helpful to anyone—but in particular, someone new to digital cutters.

Cutting machines, such as the Cricut, are somewhat constrained in how intricately/delicately they can cut paper materials. Much is dependent upon sharpness of blade, the quality and thickness of the paper, the way the fibers are bound together, how much cotton is in the fibers, etc.

As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the weight of the paper/card stock, the more difficult it is for the machine to achieve clean cuts with intricate and/or small designs. Every machine (even among the same brand and model) is calibrated slightly differently; settings that work for me and my machine should be used as a starting point for you to develop and tweak to suit your machine.

For the above design, I used three card stocks types, with these settings on my Cricut Maker:

1. 140# Watercolor Paper → Poster Board

2. 80# Precision Card Stock by Park Lane (American Crafts Precision is identical) → Card Stock for Intricate Cuts

3. 80# Neenah Solar White (for the 5” square base card) 🚫 Cuts terribly on a digital machine; use a paper trimmer to make your base cards and low profile metal paper craft dies to die cut shapes with a manual die cutting machine, like the Spellbinders Platinum 6 or an electric machine, such as the Gemini Jr.

TIPS:

• The Cricut Maker is capable of using an optional Fine Tip Debossing Tool* that actually works better than the scoring stylus or the scoring wheel; well worth the investment, especially on thicker or textured papers! Anything you want to score make sure to change the operation in Design Space from a basic cut to DEBOSS. (Design Space automatically assumes every line is a basic cut when uploading SVG files.)

• ETA 04/30/24 If you’re working with an Explore (Air) Series or you have the Maker but don’t want to purchase the Deboss Tip, you can accomplish the same thing using the Scoring Stylus; watch a video about that HERE.

• To make faux chipboard from intricate cuts, cut multiples from 65-80# card stocks and glue them together; you’ll achieve much cleaner cuts; intricate designs cut from 100# card stock or heavier are better suited for a laser cutter.

• Use clean, sharp blades; use the plunger end of the blade housing to push the blade out to inspect and remove any debris or bits stuck in there. If the blade is gunked up, use alcohol prep pads to remove adhesive. If the blade tip is broken off or dull, replace the blade (they cannot be sharpened). If you cut vinyl or other materials, reserve a blade for paper and the other for vinyl, etc. to help extend the life of blades.

• Brand new Standard Grip mats may be too sticky at first; neutralize the tack a little by patting clean hands against the surface. It will help prevent tearing when removing the paper after the cut.

• Purchase back-up mats; it can save you time if you load different colors of card stock onto separate mats and have them ready to go.

• Use a brayer to make sure paper is secured to mat with no air gaps; you can use a scraper, but I find it doesn’t work quite as well and it can sometimes scratch/scar the material surface.

• Make sure cutting mats are clean; no debris or bits of material on the surface.

• Always flip your cutting mat over and curl/roll it away from paper materials to avoid curling/warping paper.

• Position images towards the bottom of the cutting mat whenever possible; when the cut finishes, do NOT press the unload button; instead check first to ensure the cuts are complete. If not, press the paper back into place on the mat and hit the “C” button again. The machine will run through the cut a 2nd time in exactly the same position. If you unload the mat and then decide to re-run the cut, you will not be able to line it up in the exact same position due to a 3% margin of play on the feed guides.

• Clean Color Real Brush Markers: Apply quick swipes of color and avoid coloring completely; use a waterbrush to blend the colors to create a painterly effect.

Does any of this written info help? I never know whether or not to include it. Personally, I prefer written instruction over video, any day of the week, unless it is impossible to describe with words, LOL!

SUPPLIES:

• 140# Watercolor Paper -

• 80# Precision Card Stock -

• Neenah Solar White, Classic Crest 80# Card Stock (for 5” square card, cut with paper trimmer)

• Clean Color Real Brush Markers -

• Waterbrushes (built-in reservoir) -

• Angled Tweezers -

• Pin Pen -

• Cricut Tool Kit -

• Brayer -

• Cricut Maker -

• Cricut Maker Debossing Tip with Quick Swap Housing -

• Cricut Stylus Tool -

• Standard Grip Mats -

• Cricut Maker Tray Extensions -

• Bearly Art Precision Glue -

• Alcohol Prep Pads (for cleaning blades) -

2023 was probably the worst my family has had to endure. It rolled in with serious health issues, cancers and cancer treatments (family, not myself), and sudden unexpected losses . . . I am fortunate that I was able to step away from work and completely focus on family when they needed me most. As I write this post, I’m sitting in a waiting room while a loved one undergoes another surgery . . . Being a care-giver can be mentally exhausting and emotionally draining; grief also takes its toll. For any of you going through, or have gone through something similar, you are not alone. ❤️

In the midst of some of the worst heart-aches last year, there was the gloriously bright spot of my son at long last completing his degree at the end of August and landing a job as a project engineer with a company based right here in our state, doing all the independent young adult things. My daughter’s husband (Navy) was re-stationed, after nearly 4 fantastic, precious years of having them live just down the street from us, and so their family has moved back to Japan for the 2nd time! We officially became “empty nesters”, but I am missing my grandbabies somethin’ fierce . . . I think a long visit to Japan is in order, once the Mister retires; he is coming with this time.

Other changes have also happened. My dear friend Ellen Hutson, who produced stamps and craft dies from my illustrations and design work for so many years, retired last fall—well, sort of. She did close her online store and warehouse, but moved her exclusive line of Essentials by Ellen stamps and dies to Amazon. I think she is truly enjoying this new phase of life immensely—which she most certainly should! Good news for those of you that have been inquiring with me about the availability of my designs: except for those products that sold out or were retired prior to that move, I’ve corralled my existing designs onto an Amazon page, which you can visit and follow HERE. Or just visit Ellen’s Amazon store! (affil.)

As I ease back into my creative work, I’ve been tinkering with changes to my own website; I have archived my old blog (links to the archives are in the siderail on the right) while debating the pros and cons of beginning a new one, and am going to be adding more digital files to my digital shop.

2024 may have come in dark and stormy, but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting a little brighter as each month passes. I am so thankful for that.