So, I had so much fun making the bunny and chick boxes that I decided to make a few more! I used the same basket pattern for each of these--you'll find it on your Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge under Font Layer, Shift <Square1> (it's also the #3 on your keypad). I selected "Fit to Page," giving me the largest one I could fit on a 12 x 12 page. The two party baskets shown here are made with the new Dotty for You paper pack--with all those happy colors and patterns, it's perfect for parties! The gift <Gift> is cut at 5 1/2 inches (cut the bow the same). Because the bow worked as a handle for the basket, I just snipped off the arched handles of the basket. For the party hat, I used <Banner4> cut at 5". The trim at the bottom is made using the <Shape10> Font, Shift, cut at 1". Note that you'll have to hand-trim it to make the length fit your hat. The circle on top is <Circle3> cut at 1 3/4." The tags are also cut with the cartridge, <Tag4>, cut about 1 3/4."By the way, if you don't yet have the Art Philosophy Cartridge, this is one you absolutely must have! With over 700 images, I think you'll find that this is the cartridge you'll use more than any other. You can order the Cricut Collection (which comes with THREE coordinating stamp sets and three sheets of coordinating chipboard die-cut images) for only $99 HERE.
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| Okay, so I went nuts making animal gift boxes! But, I thought the bunny and the chick were sort of Easter-specific, so I wanted to create some critters you can use all year round. I'm pretty sure you can do a cat or a dog with no problem--why not an owl, penguin and chinchilla? |
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| Here are some directions for making the owl using the Close to My Heart Art Philosophy cartridge. Cut the basket "Fit to Page." I used Chocolate Cardstock. Body is <Shape9> (the egg shape), cut at 5 1/2" in Chocolate Cardstock. The face is <Oval3> cut at 2 1/4" in Bamboo Cardstock The wings are <Petal2>, cut 2 at 2 1/4" each in Chocolate The nose is <Petal2> cut at 1 1/2" in Creme Brulee The talons (feet) are each made up of 3 pieces <Petal2> cut at 1" in Creme Brulee The eyes are <Circle1> cut 2 at 1 1/4" each in white The pupils are <Circle1> cut two at 3/4" each in black The eyebrow (the best part) is <Bracket1>, cut at 4"--it cuts two, use only one |
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| We have pet chinchillas, so I thought it would be fun to come up with a chinchilla. You could also morph this into a mouse or a squirrel. Cut the body <Shape9> at 5 1/2" in Grey Wool Cardstock Cut his tummy <Circle1> at 3" in Grey Flannel Cardstock Cut his feet <Oval3>, cut 2 at 1" each in Grey Wool Hands are <Oval3>, cut 2 at 3/4" in Grey Wool Nose is <Circle1>, 1" in Grey Wool with 1/2" <Heart1> in Cotton Candy Eyes are <Circle1>, cut 2 at 3/4" in white Pupils are <Circle1>, cut 2 at 1/2" in black Ears are <Oval3>, cut 2 in Grey Wool at 1" and 2 in Cotton Candy at 3/4" Tail is <Oval1>, 2" in Grey Wool--I hand-snipped around the edge For whiskers, hand cut small tapered black strips To change him to a mouse, cut his ears round and then use <Tab2> Font layer/shift cut at 4 3/4" to get a fabulous flourish that will work for a tail. |
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| I think the penguin is my favorite, just because he's so simple and quick! Cut body <Shape9> at 5 1/2" in black Tummy is <Oval3> cut 3" in white Beak is <Petal2>, 1 3/4" in Creme Brulee Eyes are <Circle1>, cut 2 in white at 1 1/4" Eyelids, cut one <Circle1> 1 1/4" in black and cut in half Pupils, <Circle1>, 1/2" cut 2 in black Wings, <Oval1> cut 2 at 1" in black Feet, <Banner4>, cut two at 1 1/2" in Creme Brulee |
