Kaitlin Sheaffer

Print & Cut Label Series | Woodgrain

 

It's just about June and I am in 'getting down to business' mode as far as working on my checklist of things I need to finish before baby # 4 comes NEXT MONTH.

I can't even grasp this yet.

Sometimes I find myself thinking of scenerios of having four, well...particularly three smaller ones and then I have to stop myself because it makes me nervous. 

Still, it's happening because I am constantly thinking 'What else can I possibly clean/purge/change/decorate/fixate on before I have all four of my limbs being pulled simultaneously?'

Whereas obviously right now I have a free limb? Not usually. 

So, labels. Yes, woodgrain was on my list of labels to try when I brainstormed this series. I wasn't sure how they would come out and part of me wants to do a second version with a larger frame and minus the smaller line to really help the woodgrain *pop* so I think that will be coming in the future. 

But...I do like how these turned out. 

They are kinda like a neutral as far as labels go. 

 

 Look! I made a layout!

I also got slightly distracted this week and started doing a purge/ reorganize scraproom which caused me to accept that I probably wasn't going to use the vast amounts of stickers/ chipboard/ papers I purchased/accumulated eight+ years ago and I should make room for newer items.

Which, caused me to want to start using items...and "ta-da!" (as my nearly two year old exclaims frequently) I made a page! Feels good because as much as I do keep up with our Project Life album I get kinda antsy with the pockets after a while. 

 

SIde note: before you download these labels I have included a blank template inside the woodgrain label download to help out with the trace feature in Silhouette Studio. 

Here is what that looks like: 

This blank file helps out SO much with these types of labels because the labels are so light the trace feature is super picky and tries to include some of the interior. I managed to cut them out okay, but afterward I thought I could have made it a lot easier on myself by doing this first. This will work on every label file so far because I've just been doing color changes- no changes in shapes or sizes. Just be sure to trace these and overlap the scale correctly on your print file. 

I typically scale my labels down 95% when I place them on the grid so, in this case I would scale this down also and then copy and paste it over the woodgrain file. Make sense? 

Download KS Woodgrain Print & Cut Labels

If you've used any labels yet I would love to see how you've used them. Link me up in the comments so I can take a peek! 

Have a great weekend everyone! 

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Look for past labels and downloads in the download section (upper right hand corner) or click here

Instructions for using the print & cut feature with your Silhouette can be found numerous places online or check out my post here

 

Print & Cut Series | Red & Pink

I dropped the ball last week and didn't put a new label sheet up.

Justin had taken some time off work and was working on our laundry room (which is coming together nicely!) and our garden and I was helping or working on other design projects.

Then this Monday came around and Typepad wasn't working so I could not put this post up. 

Then Tuesday came around and I realized I didn't have food in our house so I ran errands instead. 

But then today finally came and I decided some days you have to get things done.

So this is my 'getting all of those little things done that haven't quite gotten enough attention day" (namely putting up this post and filling out paperwork for preschool and scheduling weeks worth of doctors appointments since I am at the point where I have to go in every. other. week.- yeah, I hate that part). 

I could not decide between getting some red labels up or getting pink labels up but then because I skipped a week I decided both would be perfect! The red labels are all one shade of red while the pinks are several different hues giving you a nice selection! 

Here are the downloads: 

Download KS Red Print & Cut Labels

Download KS Pink Print & Cut Labels

You can find previous downloads here

and tips on using your Silhouette to print & cut here

 

Print & Cut Series | Turquoise

Here we go with the second print & cut label!

I decided on turquoise because when I looked at what is out there right now, as far as scrapbooking products and maybe even some home decor, it seems turquoise is a common color that should get a lot of use. This turquoise leans on the more blue side because I plan to make a mint label set (soon!) and there are several varying hues in this set so some appear more light blue.

It helps that I recently succumbed to purchasing the infamous Raskog cart in turquoise. Although, it still sits empty in my scraproom. But that's okay- because I realized it will be perfect for filling up with baby gear and wheeling room to room since this little guy will be a nomad for quite some time before bunking up with his brother. Until then, I can think about how I want to use my Raskog and reclaim it when the time comes. 

After putting up the last download for print & cut labels I realized two things:

1. Zipped files on a Mac don't always translate to Windows properly (something about Macs adding extra 'hidden' stuff to a file that isn't hidden to Windows users and apparently messes things up)

and

2. Adding extra symbols on zipped files is a no-no. ( I had added a '|' aka- vertical line to my file name and it caused a second issue so even when the first issue was resolved there were still problems. 

These two things made some Windows users have issues downloading the file.

So, after I figured out the first issue...and then realized there was second issue and got that fixed, the files are good to go and hopefully we won't have issue with any files from here on out. 

These will match the Scraptastic May This Life Noted kit wonderfully in case you purchased that! 

You can download the turquoise print & cut files here: 

Download KS Turquoise Print & Cut Labels

And if you are interested in any of the past files I am keeping those all organize here: 

Downloads Page

 

 

Print & Cut Label Series | Black

For sure, my major go to for almost any project are simple labels. But they are sometimes tough to find in stores. I have used several labels from my last download and was wanting to create some more so I had this idea to do a full series of different colors. Of course, the first download is black because what is more basic than that? 

I have started storing all of my print and cut labels in these tiny jars under my work table. It makes them easy to see and easy to put away (which means super easy to use!). 

I tend to use them by layering them over photos and I even layer them over the page protector sometimes by securing them with a few stitches. I also will occasionally layer them over a filler type of 3x4 card when I want to write a small note or need some sort of small matting for an embellishment. I have also used them to label & organize home items. If you have any ideas on how to use them I'd love to hear!

 

edited:  Download KS Black Print & Cut Labels

Also, I have organized all of the previous downloads I have on my blog on the download page here (or you can access it on the menu bar at the top right)

You can find the tutorial on how to use the print & cut file with your Silhouette machine here (and also the previous print & cut file. 

I will be adding to this series of print & cut tags each week by offering a new color. I'm just so excited to fill up these little jars under my workspace with printable labels! 

What color do you think should be next? What colors do you frequently grab in your projects?
I'd love some ideas so I know which ones to work on first! 

 

March Scraptastic This Life Noted & Stamps

The March Scraptastic This Life Noted kit is up but it's sold out. But, I wanted to share because I love how this kit came out so much. Also, I designed the stamps for March and have already broken them in somewhat. 

The 'selfie' stamp from the It's My Life set was perfect for these photos that Jude takes (nearly every day!) on my phone. We jump in the car and he asks to play on my phone right away each time. He either takes photos, videos or looks on the map to see where we are going. I plan on using the Lost My Mind set to document some of this! 

The stamps on all of the sets can be used several ways (I am trying SO hard to come up with stamps that can be used over and over in different ways!) I am trying to use stamps more myself because I acquire so many! I love using them I just forget about them sometimes. It helps using the stamps and the kits because then I am always thinking 'I could totally use a stamp or card that says / looks like____'. So, I always try to scrapbook in between projects now because it keeps me thinking up new designs!

We've got the April kits ready to go and I am working hard on the next several months! So if you are looking to pick up one you can email Jessica at Scraptastic to get on the list because the last few months have sold out before they went live. 

Hello Baby #4!

I've posted this on Instagram, but we are expecting baby #4 here in July! We are all so excited and surprised it's a boy! Jude kept telling us it was a girl so we kinda got it in our head that it would be a girl. But the first image that showed up on the ultrasound monitor screamed boy...so much she didn't even have to tell us, but she did anyway. 

Am I nervous about having four kids? Yes and no and sometimes I guess.

I feel like the transition from 1-2 was the hardest so far and sometimes I feel like it's the ages that will really make it tough. I also feel like just when I am really getting this all down- the whole 'taking care of babies thing'- that is when I won't be needing these skills anymore. 

The three youngest will be all under 4 when this next one arrives and I feel like that is the biggest hurdle. On the other hand, the oldest is 13...which certainly helps me out. I am definitely worried about Arden the most, being only 23 months when the baby comes and she is the biggest glue stick of them all. I am hoping the transition isn't too hard for her. 

But, life is good. I am looking forward to meeting this next little guy!

 

February Print & Cut Labels

If you are anything like me you purchase blank labels anytime you see them. A few years ago I had several sets of blank labels in my shop and I used them up all the time. They just are a basic staple and I use them for several types of projects- not just scrapbooking. 

To go along with February's Scraptastic This Life Noted kit I put together this little sheet of print and cut labels. 

If you have a Silhouette machine...then you know how fun (and easy) these can be.

If you don't then you can still make use of them with a pair of scissors and the PDF that is included in the zipped file below. 

But, if you have a Silhouette machine and are familiar with the print and cut feature then you will have some fun labels cut in a few minutes. 

In case you are not familiar with the print and cut feature on the Silhouette, here are some basic instructions on how to get it to work. 

1. Open Silhouette Studio, set up mat size and paper size

 

2. Open the PNG file. You will see your label sheet open up without any cut lines (those are the thin red lines) 

 

3. Select the 'trace' button (looks like a blue butterfly on a mat (upper right hand corner))

 

4. Click 'select trace area'

 

5. Click and drag cursor to highlight area to be cut. It should make the images on the label sheet look yellow in the areas there are images and white in the areas there are no images. 

 

6. Use the trace settings to make the yellow highlight the images well (you might need to zoom in to check some areas. I usually check 'high pass filter' and play with that along with the 'threshold' button. 

 

*I just checked my trace settings and they were this: check high pass filter> 25.00 low pass filter> 1.00 threshold> 51% scale>4%

 

7. Click 'trace outer edge' This should trace each image with a red cut line. I zoom in usually to make sure it does get each area. If it doesn't, then just press undo and start over adjusting your trace settings.

At this point you will have a print file (with the images) on your mat and the cut marks (in the red lines). 

 

8. Click on the registration marks button (upper right hand corner)

 

9. Select 'show reg marks, move the reg mark margins to fit around the image and not on any of the images (I usually set the Left, Top and Right at .395 and leave the bottom .625 to make sure the bottom registration marks print on my printer. I also change the size of the registration marks to 5.0 and thickness to .50 because I want as much print space as possible. Alternatively, you could shrink down the label size by selecting the entire sheet of labels and the cut lines to make sure they are in the print/cut area on your mat. 

 

10. Make sure your registration marks are around your image, make sure your red cut lines are also in the right place

 

11. Go to File> Print and print your page. It should print with the three registration marks around the image (two on top corners and one on the bottom corner). 

 

12. Lay your paper on the cutting mat ( as it shows on your screen) Feed mat into cameo/ portrait

 

Note: Make sure your cameo/ portrait is on a flat surface, leave the lid up on it and make sure there is sufficient lighting (any of these things seems to throw it off a bit for me)

 

13. Select cut settings and adjust your settings as necessary. Select cut. 

 

14. Hopefully your machine starts reading the registration marks and when finished will cut right along the lines your file shows.

 

Download Kaitlin Sheaffer_Scraptastic February TLN print & cut

 

Vote Part 2 | Collection with Echo Park

We are in the process of voting on the second part of my collection with Echo Park right now. Right now we are determining the style. The color choice, from the last part of voting, was too close to call between color choice #1 & #3 so we might be revisiting that later on once we make a bit of progress on the style. Seriously, it was a one vote difference. Which is just crazy to me that it was so close. 

Above are some of the papers to help determine the style. There are a few that are shown in different color options. There will definitely be more papers, this shows just 15 examples and a collection typically has 24. We just want to get an idea of what people think about the overall direction of the collection. 

 

Also, we are showing a selection of elements to help determine the style. Because the goal of this collection is to appeal to a large amount of people, the style is not so specific and more everyday.

Side note: there are two ink wells and pens because I totally spaced out they were there and forgot to remove one. And I actually wasn't sure how they were going to show this part of the collection, I thought maybe they would just pull a few of the elements that they liked for the preview so I didn't think twice about having how it was layed out or how everything on the sheet related to each other. 

Side note #2: I actually put in the phrase 'Let's Make Pretty Things' as a place holder...and forgot to change that as well. Not that it is bad...I was just planning on putting something in that would work for more applications. 
And actually, when I was showing my husband the elements before sending them off I mentioned that the phrase was only a placeholder. He said I should use more fun placeholders like "Let's Have a Beer!" Which may or may not have gotten some votes... ;) 

If you are interested in voting on this collection you can do so here. 

If you are interested in joining the Facebook Group, Creative Agenda, which basically will keep you in the loop of this collection and other upcoming ones you can join here. 

If you have an amazing idea for this collection that would totally help me out...you can leave it in the comments on the voting sheet, or here, or even email me. 

I also want to thank everyone who is participating in helping me out with this collection! It's definitely an interesting process and it's been fun to read through the comments and see what people are liking or not liking about it. I'm learning a lot about what people are looking for, which is wonderful because it helps us all out in the end.

Obviously this collection is not going to appeal to everyone because everyone has different styles and tastes.  But to get such a large amount of customer input during the designing process is a new idea that hopefully helps us understand what the customer is looking for and how we can better the end design. 

Thanks again and don't forget to vote! 

 

Help Create My Next Echo Park Collection!

 

I have just started working on my next collection with Echo Park and for this collection we are designing a customer driven line. 

The collection is designed based on scrapbooker/ customer feedback and input and I invite you all to join in on the fun! This is a new concept and I'm excited to see how this all turns out! 

Echo Park has created a community called the 'Creative Agenda' over on Facebook. You can head over to the 'Creative Agenda' facebook page to read all of the details and stay up to date with the process of designing this collection and stay up to date with future endeavors. 

For this first item on our 'Creative Agenda' is to nail down the color scheme of the collection. To do this we are showing three of the papers in the collection in three different color schemes. Keep in mind, these are just three of the papers that were chosen to give a good idea of the overall color choices for the line. 

To get a better view and to let us know what color you prefer you can vote here. 

Also, be sure to like the Creative Agenda page to keep up with the development of this collection! 

I really appreciate your time in providing feedback on this collection and look forward to seeing how this turns out! 

My Word for 2014 and Thoughts On My Word for 2013

I've been scrapbooking. Actual pages and not just PL pages.

But first my word. 

In December I was trying to figure out what my One Little Word was going to be. I've never really relied on my word throughout the year. But I feel like choosing a word, rather than a resolution, makes more sense for me. And I figure I have to do one thing at least. If I choose a word it can morph into whatever my goals are, so to speak so I at least have some more flexibility rather than if I have a resolution. 

My word for last year was 'awake'. At first I thought it was more of a joke because I had a four month old who was still learning how to sleep. But I also knew that because I had this new baby, toddler and an almost teen that my life was going to be very different the following year and changes were going to made. I had been staying busy with my shop- so busy I could barely keep up. I realized something was going to have to change...but I didn't want to give up my shop just yet. I loved designing so much but the making and packing orders and staying on top of the emails was too much for me. I needed to downsize or rethink my approach completely. Choosing the word awake meant I needed to make a change of some sort although I wasn't sure what kind yet. 

A dear friend that I had made through this wonderful industry reached out to me at the beginning of last year and suggested a few things. Maybe having my products manufactured was the way to go, she said. She even offered to help out with having them produced. I had to think about it. Because it meant my little shop would grow in some ways but then maybe other tasks would be easier for me. I probably thought about it for several weeks and went back and forth on what to do.

One day I would be like- "Yes! I am going to do this! This is what my word is all about! Awake- hello, wake up and get going!" 

The next day I would be like- "How in the world am I going to do all of this with a baby and a toddler?! What am I thinking?! At least I know what I am doing now and have some control over how big or small my shop can be." 

Then one night I decided lets do this. Let's go ahead and inquire about having products manufactured.

By, 'let's' I mean ME. Because it's just me. My husband has a full time job that he is more than busy with and I don't really have anyone nearby that could help me out on a consistent basis.

See how crazy this thought was? I was already over my head in my shop and wanting so badly to have more time with my kids. I was seriously struggling but figured I needed to adapt or let go. But I didn't want to let go because I loved designing.

There was a lot of praying during this time. I just wanted God to tell me exactly what I needed to do because I didn't want to make any decisions. 

I did inquire about manufacturing. I did not have any designs in mind but wanted to understand exactly what I needed to have ready to do it. But looking back after learning so much with my two lines I have done with Carta Bella I would not have been ready for handling all of this on my own. 

The next day, after inquiring about manufacturing, I was out running errands. I remember looking out into the foothills while driving and thinking this is not what I wanted. I did not want the pressure of my business growing larger. I wanted more time with my kids and to happily balance that with designing. How that was going to work I was unsure. 

Later that day I got an email from the creative director at Echo Park asking if I wanted to work with them. 

I honestly read it and thought, "Nah, they have the wrong girl. I don't have a clue what I am doing! Crazy people!" 

Of course I called them to see exactly what it all entailed and after talking to them I thought, "These people are SO nice! This is totally what I need right now- even if it is only a temporary change I just need to give this a shot" 

Then a few days later Jessica at Scraptastic asked me if I was interested in designing the monthly set of cards for her pocket page scrapbooking kit, This Life Noted. 

All of this seemed like the perfect amount of work to keep me busy but definitely something that I could manage. It also was a welcome change. 

So, a few months later I had my first collection with Carta Bella (Carta Bella is a sister company of Echo Park) and I had so much fun putting it together. AND I didn't have to send out orders or make anything. 

I spent 2013 designing and spending time with my family. It was good. 

I want to do more of that this year and then add in a bit more. 

So this year I was deciding on my word but nothing was coming up.

Nothing except '+'.

Which is not really a word but a symbol. It's kinda like a Prince thing I guess (or the artist formally known as).

But basically I want to do more of what I have been doing and add some new things in. I want to create more pages, I want to blog more (and not just about announcements), I want to take more photos, I want to document more memories and I want to accomplish some smaller goals- some of these goals are just things that keep getting pushed further and further because I never made the time. Things like putting things up on the walls of our house that we've lived in for five years. I made a bit of progress last year but I just want to keep going with it.

I want to continue on with what I've been doing and do more of it.

I guess my word could be 'more' but I also like that '+' stands for 'positive' or 'plus' or 'add'. 

So I am leaving it as '+' (so it's open to my interpretation!) 

I haven't done much with my word (or symbol) as of yet, except create a few layouts because I realized I needed to finish up and fill in Arden's baby book.

Poor Arden, as the third child her book has just become more neglected. Reiley has handfuls of completed scrapbooks and Jude has... well, one.

Arden had a thrown together half completed one. But I decided to go ahead and at least give her a baby album and finish it up. 

 She's only eighteen months, yes, but here I am still scrapbooking pages from three months old to fill in gaps. 

 

For this layout, I even broke out some bamboo brushes and gouache- things I had purchased over the summer and had yet to use because I just 'couldn't find the time'. Little things like that are what I want to do this year. Use up supplies I have. Try a few new things that I always think I don't have time for. 

So that is what my year hopefully looks like. Have you chosen a word or have any big plans for this year? 

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If you haven't checked it out yet, Clique Kits has me in their Designer Spotlight this month.

You can read my Q&A here and see everyone's pages and projects they have created using the Wildlflower collection here in their blog hop. There are also some fun printables and a chance to win a new collection from Ruby & Hazel (cute stuff!)