Hi everyone, did you think that I forgot about our Sunday Starter date today. Well, I didn’t forget but I was so busy that I am just sitting down to the computer and it is almost midnight here in my neck of the woods.

Which brings me to the title of my blog post today… Cutting it Close. I am cutting it close to getting this post in on the proper day, if I don’t type fast, I just might not! And our topic today is cutting tools.

There are so many tools out there on the market that are promoted to be the next best thing, the must have item for scrapbooking that it can be overwhelming to say the least. Especially if you are new to scrapbooking or hybrid and you are on a limited budget. Do you really need that $300 machine that can cut out a life sized model of your head… maybe it might be fun but no you don’t need it.

To start with Hybrid scrapping there are 3 things that you should have. They aren’t even must have’s but these are the things that are going to make your hybriding easier and you really won’t need anything else later on. Now if you want that $300 dohickey that is another blog post all together.

So what do you need.

1. A paper slicer.

There are a number of kinds, some have a slider, some are like those old choppers with the big handle that you used to have in elementry school and the teachers were always scared someone was going to cut off a finger or other appendage, or there are some that have a rotary trimmer that rolls along a track. They range in price but a simple slider one is what I purchased years ago is what I use and I have never had a problem so you don’t need to go fancy.

2. A pair of microtipped scissors.

These are essential for getting into those tight corners and trimming a fine scalloped edge or little tiny details on a project. Get the lightest sharpest ones that you can as they are what you will use most of all. But becareful, they are really sharp, I currently am sporting a bright pink bandaid to prove it.

3. A craft knife (AKA an exacto knife).

One of these is perfect for cutting out the insides of things like letters or circles, somewhere that you can’t get your scissors into without making a big dent or crease in the project. I also find them useful for lettering and words.

Here is a visual of what I use for my crafting.

So there you have it, all you really need to get started and stay hybrid creating in the line of cutting are these 3 little things.

I hope you all are trying out this hybrid adventure and having some fun while you are doing it. I will be back soon with another Sunday Started Blog Post!

Until then,

~Lori~

You are going to seriously LOVE the grab bag that PixelGeek Designs has created for you.

So I bet you are wondering what’s in the bag.  If I told you, I’d have to…. well you know.  Word on the street is that Mel said whatever you do, don’t show them what’s inside.  Being that I’m such a loyal, obedient person. I’ll obey her wishes, NOT!!!

So, what’s inside?  Bags.  Lots and lots of bags.  Technically, lots means 5.  I’m sure you knew that.

Our fabulous, intensely creative, awesome, and gorgeous CT made these.

These bags are all seriously AMAZING!!!   We didn’t even show you all the bags in the set either!  Run, don’t walk to Scrap Orchard and pick up a grab bag today!

My sweet cuppy cake.

What a special treat we have for you!  This week we’ve created a fun little cupcake box.  It’s absolutely perfect for birthdays, picnics, school parties, etc.  It keeps the cupcake nice and secure while giving it a special place to shine!  This template will fit one standard size cupcake.

Enjoy!

by Jennifer

by Samara

a Baby in a Baby Carriage.

Mel has OUTDONE herself. Can you even believe this amazing hybrid template?
It comes in three sizes.  The large template would be PERFECT for the packaging of a baby gift, while the smallest template would be amazing as a favor.   What ever you decide to use it for, it will be a HUGE hit!

Jennifer and Samara had an amazing time decorating this amazing template.

Hey everyone! I’m Jennifer, one of Mel’s hybrid chicks, coming to share a great tutorial with you!

The awesome Mel of PixelGeek Designs has given us this great free’bee’, available at ScrapOrchard:

And I have an awesome step by step tutorial ready for you, with pictures!

Step One: Digitally assemble your template. Add papers, elements, photos, etc. so it is how you want it. Print on matte photo paper or cardstock. Using scissors or a craft knife, cut out your template on the cut lines.

Step Two: Once cut out, use a ruler and a scoring tool(or the backside of a butter knife) to score your template on the fold lines. Score carefully, you want to press hard enough to make it easy to fold, but not enough to break the surface of the paper. It’s best to go slow and you may need to go over it more than once to get it scored properly.

Step Three: Fold your template on fold lines and ink edges if you desire for a nice finished look.

Step Four: Turn your template over so that the printed side is down. Starting with the half of the template that has long flaps, slowly apply glue to tabs and glue together. Make sure to press tabs firmly to the back of the pentagon shapes so they form a nice bond. DO not apply glue to long tabs yet, just to the necessary ones to form bottom half of the box.

Step Five: Repeat with tabs on other half. Make sure glue is dry on both halves.

Step Six: Apply glue to long tabs and other tabs needed to hold halves of box together. Carefully fold box halves together, applying gentle pressure to ensure a firm bond. Ink remaining edges if you wish to give it a polished look.
Allow to dry, and add any additional embellishments of your choice.!

I’ll be back next tuesday with another tutorial for you!
Have fun!

This week PixelGeek Designs has outdone herself!!!

Mel designed an amazing Gable Box, available in TWO sizes!! These boxes are seriously cute and the perfect size for small gifts.

created by Jennifer:

created by Samara:

Next is PixelGeek’s adorable “Build-a-Blog” kit,  “Rule the School”.  Doesn’t it make you want to redo your blog?  I know I want too!

As if that wasn’t enough…

We are having a sale!!! What a perfect opportunity to pick up some awesome templates with an amazing deal!

Click on the coupon to take you to PixelGeek Designs store.

I sure hope you’re still reading this post.  We have an amazing  free”bee” just for you!

Two download links for you:

Free’Bee’ Zip Download

Free’Bee’ Printable Download

Have a wonderful Hybrid Day!

♥Samara

For the past month or so I have started creating some fantastic Hybrid Templates, I am really enjoying this new designing venture and have had to dust the cobwebs off the stuff I learned in Geometry over.. ahem.. 16 years ago, ack!  I have 5 new Hybrid Templates out this week, which are 20% Off until Christmas Eve so hurry on over to Scrap Orchard and pick up one or two!! Oh! I forgot to mention, all my Hybrid Templates are Commercial Use Friendly.. yay!

Take a look at these gorgeous projects made with the Accordion File template:

by Kami

by Samara

Here is an adorable hybrid project made with the Square Box w/ Handle template:

Last but not least, I have release Medium versions of the Milk Carton and PopCorn Box templates previously released!

And to celebrate my new Hybrid Template venture I have created an adorable, little House Box template for you!

The house reminded me so much of the gingerbread houses my sister and I used to get every Christmas from our Aunt Kathy, that I couldn’t resist making it into a gingerbread house!

Click Here to download the House Box Template!

I used Lyndsay Riches & Wild Dandelion Designs delicious Sweet Sugar Holiday kit to make my Gingerbread House (above), it was absolutely perfect!

If I don’t get to chat with you before next week (I sure hope not!); please have a Wonderful and Safe Holidays!