Shape-a-Day: Day 31

Just as I thought, we’ve spent 31 days looking at ways to use some of the Art Philosophy cartridge’s versatile Cricut shapes, but there are still so many left! Oh well, I can’t have all the fun – I’m sure you all are using your Cricut machines to experiment on the other 669 shape options that we haven’t even touched on.

Today’s artwork showcases a different way of using the Cricut shapes. We’ve looked at shapes that have been stamped with coordinating images, and shapes that have covered coordinating Dimensional Element shapes, but today’s cut shape doesn’t even appear on the artwork! Instead the circle shape has served as a mask to create a unique background using the spray pen.

Shape instructions: Cut the circle by pressing the far left button on the top row with your size set at 2 1/4". Remember, you can use the “Autofill” function on your Cricut machine to cut as many as will fit on your paper.

Shape-a-Day: Day 30

The month is almost over and there are so many shapes that we haven’t touched on yet! In today’s artwork you can see one of the several decorative borders that you’ll find on the Art Philosophy cartridge.

Shape Instructions: Cut the numbers border by pushing the “Font Layer” feature key, and then the key in the lower left corner of the keypad overlay. This was cut at 1”.

Shape-a-Day: Day 29

They say that no two snowflakes are alike, but that isn’t the case with the Art Philosophy cartridge. Add these hassle-free snowflakes to your projects for a touch of winter beauty.

Shape instructions: Cut the snowflake by setting the size dial to 3 ¼”, pressing shift, and then the second key on the top row. Decorate it with a layer or a stamp image – try Snowflakes (D1480) for a perfect match.

Shape-a-Day: Day 28

Today’s artwork is just cute enough to eat up! The cupcake and its cupcake wrapper holder turn out perfectly when you use the Art Philosophy cartridge, and the frosting swirls were stamped using one of the stamp sets that comes as part of the Art Philosophy collection.

Shape instructions: Set the size to 2 ½”; push shift, and the key in the bottom right corner of the keypad. Press the same key with the “Layer” feature key to get the cupcake wrapper.

Shape-a-Day: Day 27

With Christmas less than two months away, now is the perfect time to start getting your holiday craft ideas underway. The mistletoe leaves on the Art Philosophy cartridge are the perfect way to dress up any card, tag, goodie box, layout, or other holiday project. And yep, you’ll find coordinating stamp images on the A Holiday stamp set (A1115).

Shape instructions: Set the size to 2 ¼”, press shift and the sixth key from the left on the third row. Cut the berries by pressing the same key with the “Layer” feature key activated.

Shape-a-Day: Day 26

Many of you are sure to recognize my dear friend Monica and her sweet new baby, Maya, in this layout. If you’re looking for flourishes to add a big WOW to your layouts, the Art Philosophy has several to choose from. This gorgeous splash of color calls on a few different flourishes to achieve its effect.

Shape instructions: You can see several flourishes on page 76 of your Art Philosophy booklet. For the large flourishes used on the left page of this layout, push the “Font Layer” feature key, then shift, and then the second key from the right on the fourth row. These flourishes were cut at 2 ½”.

Shape-a-Day: Day 25

Today’s rectangle shape is simple, which is what makes it so wonderful! Using the Art Philosophy cartridge and your Cricut cutter, you can cut even basic shapes that you cut all the time, and then you can take it from there to make them as fancy as you like!

Shape instructions: This rectangle was cut to fit the coordinating image from the Backdrop—Charmed stamp set (D1490) at 2 ¾”. Push the fourth key from the left on the third row to get this rectangle. You’re sure to cut this one many, many times!

Shape-a-Day: Day 24

Create your own pattern with shapes from the Art Philosophy cartridge. I just love the way the pattern turned out on this memory game box, and the Cricut is a real time-saver cutting out all of those identical shapes.

Shape instructions: This may look like two different shapes, but you only need to cut one. Set the size dial to ¾”, then press the “Layer” feature key, followed by shift and the third key from the right on the top row. Use the outside layer of this shape on the sides, and the inside part for the solid shapes on the top, front, and back of the box. Use the “autofill” function to cut as many as will fit on your selected sheet of paper. You’ll see this shape on p. 28 of the Art Philosophy booklet.

Shape-a-Day: Day 23

These lovely leaves are stamped with some more fabulously coordinating stamp images, found on the Harvest Happiness stamp set (C1463). And while I love the effect of the stamping on these leaves, they also look gorgeous cut out on colored cardstocks or Background and Texture papers – no stamping required!

Shape instructions: You’ll see these three different leaves on pages 34, 56, and 62 of the cricut booklet. You’ll find the size instructions listed on the carrier sheet of the Harvest Happiness stamp set, which appears on page 35 of this year’s Autumn / Winter Idea Book.

Shape-a-Day: Day 22

In today’s card, all three heart shapes were cut using different features found on the same button – and, as a result, you can see how the card cut-out, the heart, and the heart outline are perfectly matched.

Shape Instructions: For the basic heart shape, push the sixth key from the left on the top row, with the size set at 1 ¾”. For the outline, leave the size at the same setting and push the same key with the “Layer” feature key activated. For the card, you’ll set the size to 4 ½” and push the same key with the “Card” feature key and shift activated.

Shape-a-Day: Day 21

Today’s Cricut shape is this fun heart container. Use this container as a fresh way to let your loved ones know how you feel, or as a thank-you. Use it for decorating, or on a scrapbook page. Experiment with different sizes to see the multitude of uses this fun shape lends itself to.

Shape Instructions: Set the size to 9”, then push the “Font Layer” feature key, shift, and the sixth key from the left on the top row.

Shape-a-Day: Day 20

No matter what project you are working on, the Art Philosophy cartridge has a shape for you! With several pennant shapes to choose from, all you have to do is choose which to use!

Shape Instructions: Cut these simple pennants by setting your size dial to 5” and then pushing the second key from the right on the third row. To top it off, set your size dial to 3 ¾” and push the second button from the left on the bottom row to cut the decorative oval shape. Trim the bottom and top pieces off and attach it to your pennant base.

Shape-a-Day: Day 19

When you use your Art Philosophy cartridge to cut out an envelope for your card, you can make an easy lining for your envelope by cutting the same envelope ¼” smaller on a coordinating B&T or cardstock. Trim off the side and bottom flaps and glue the lining inside the outer envelope before inserting your card. Little details like this can have a big impact on the recipient.

Shape Instructions: For the square envelope, push the “font layer” feature key, followed by shift, and the second key from the right on the top row. The size dial was set at 4 ¾” for this envelope, and 4 ½” for the lining. Refer to page 29 in the Cricut booklet.

Shape-a-Day: Day 18

Don’t you just love a few well-placed butterflies? These beautiful wings work wonders for this door hanger. And yep, they were all cut with the Cricut.

Shape Instructions: Add an intricate layer to your butterfly wings by pressing the “layer” feature key, then shift, and then the fifth button from the left on the fourth row. The large butterfly on this project is 2”. See page 55 in the Art Philosophy booklet.

Shape-a-Day: Day 17

It’s hard to pick a favorite from among the Art Philosophy flowers featured on today’s layout. Each flower you see was cut using the Cricut cartridge, and most were stamped with a stamp set that features six coordinating images – Hooray Bouquet (D1491). The end result is irresistible!

Shape Instructions: You’ll find these flowers on pages 29, 48, and 57 of your Cricut booklet. If you already have the Hooray Bouquet stamp set, you can find the appropriate sizes printed right on the carrier sheet.

Shape-a-Day: Day 16

You may recognize this tag from the card I shared on day one. Now the tag is stand-alone and adorned by some more Cricut-cut shapes! You’ll notice that the green flourish on the center tree was made using the piece cut from the tree layer on the left. It’s like getting two shapes in one!

Shape Instructions: For the top layer piece, push the “Layer” feature key, shift, and then the first key on the second row. Refer to page 31 in the booklet.

Shape-a-Day: Day 15

Ready for more 3D excitement? The Art Philosophy cartridge can also cut this fun take-out box for you! It makes for a great container, or just a nice-looking decoration for your shelf.

Shape Instructions: Size 10 ¾”; Push  the “Font layer” feature key, then shift, and then the fourth key from the left on the top row. You can see this on page 24 of your booklet.

Shape-a-Day: Day 14

The Art Philosophy cartridge brings a whole new set of possibilities to your artwork. The intricate cutting on these doilies would have been impossible with scissors, or even a craft knife. The Cricut makes it a piece of cake.

Shape Instructions: The largest of the doilies was cut at 5 ½”. Push the “Font layer” feature key, then shift, and then the third key from the right on the bottom row. Make sure you reduce your speed setting on these intricate cuts for the best results. Look at page 68 in the Art Philosophy booklet.

Shape-a-Day: Day 13

One of my favorite things about the Art Philosophy cartridge is combining the Cricut shapes with coordinating stamp images. The sentiment on this card comes from the Holiday Cheer stamp set (B1381) and this image fits perfectly on one of the Art Philosophy shapes. Cricut and My Acrylix stamps – what a great combination!

Shape Instructions: Cut this shape by setting the size to 1 ¼” and pressing the 6th key over from the left on the third row. This key is highlighted on page 46 of your Cricut booklet.

Shape-a-Day: Day 12

If you enjoy going out on limbs, you’ll love today’s shape. The leafy branch on this My Creations card box is an absolute delight to  look at – and it was just as delightful to create!

Shape Instructions: Cut branch by setting your size dial to 2 ½” and pushing shift and the fifth button in from the left on the second row. Page 35 in the Art Philosophy booklet.