Friday, February 20, 2009

Stair Step Card



Lacy asked me if I could come up with a .cut file to make a card similar to one she had seen online. The card has cut-outs in a diagonal line and when folded will stand up with a see through effect. I thought it looked like a fun project. I have created files for both George and Plantin Schoolbook and I did some simple test cuts. The photos here are very basic -you can go wild with the embellishing these! I just wanted to post the files quickly so you could have some fun exploring all the variations possible with this concept.



Above is a photo of one of my first test cuts - viewed from above at an angle so you can see the three dimensional effect.



When these cards are folded they will fit nicely in standard envelopes meant for 8 1/2 x 11 sheets folded in half. The photo shows a box I got from Staples - I am sure you will be able to find these easily.



You can put almost anything in the space between the two sections of the card - just make sure that both sides of the shape are welded to the main card and that the top and bottom are free to move. Above you can see some stars in another test cut.



After folding, the card looks like this from the top - there is plenty of room to add a sentiment and embellishments.



Here are the stars folded and standing - the connections are rather small so this variation is delicate - some shapes will work better than others.



I tried another variation using the arrows from Accent Essentials. Above you can see the card before folding.



Here is the card folded with the smaller side on the left and the arrows descending.



If you choose a shape that has vertical symmetry it can be flipped and you can have a card with ascending shapes and the larger area to the front of the card. I used two sided paper and you can see how this has an entirely different effect. If you are using two sided paper you can also take your shape and flip it upside down in the file so that your card will have the shapes right side up in an ascending pattern. (If your two sided paper does not have an obvious direction to the pattern you can just flip the card over or reverse the folding pattern).



Above is a photo of one more view straight from the top so you can see how the card works.



You can add a four letter word (polite ones only please!) and make another variation. Some letters will work better than others but, with luck, there will be at least a couple of letters with strong connections in your word.



Above you can see the "Love" card folded.



I thought this look a little plain and decided to try to emboss the front. Rather than fuss with making a template for the Cuttlebug to shield the areas I did not want embossed, I created a cut for a separate panel and embossed it.



To adhere the panel to the card I applied adhesive to the card front (I probably went a bit overboard with the amount of adhesive here!).



Here is the card with the panel added - the embossing folder leaves a bit of an unembossed border on the top, bottom and left side.



Here is a closer view - maybe you can see the slight edge of plain paper around the embossing - I think it looks nice and it just happened by serendipity!



Here is one more view of the "Love" card from the back.



I did another file for the George cartridge and the baby bug. I test cut it on my Expression and it worked fine. I believe it will cut properly on the baby bug - the bottom line of the card appears to be in the cuttable area. If you try it and there is a problem you can just use a trimmer to straighten the bottom. The card should be 5 1/2 inches tall.



When you fold the cards you just bend gently along the straight edge to fold the shapes in the correct direction - I did not score anything to make the folds.



Be careful not to bend the neighboring shapes as you work your way down the line. Then fold the opposite side in the opposite direction. The direction of the folds will be obvious as you work with the card.



After folding in the air, you can place the card on the table and make sure that the two panels are aligned properly and sharpen the folds. You will need to use good quality paper that will not crack and I don't recommend using white core paper unless you plan to ink the edges.

The Plantin Schoolbook file has several variations from my test cuts and the panel for embossing. The George file has just one card and the panel. You can "save as" or copy and paste the elements to a new page in the file and create your own designs using any shapes you want. I have lots of ideas for variations for certain occasions and holidays and I am sure you will too.

I hope you have fun with these - I'd love to see the variations you come up with.

Stair Step Card - George

Stair Step Card - Plantin Schoolbook

33 comments:

  1. WOW!! I love this! Awesome job as ALWAYS! This is one of my favorites. Thank you so much for sharing!

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  2. What a great job!! I can't wait to make one , thanks for sharing your talent with us.

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  3. you are just amazing thanks so much for all the time you put into all your projects
    hugs
    Norine

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  4. Those cards are awesome, you did such a great job, I love them!! TFS

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  5. Diane you are amazing! Is there anything you CAN'T do? Thanks so much for your superfast response to requests on the Cricut MB, we love how you are so willing to share your expertise!!
    I love how you also managed to incorporate the Cuttlebug as well, like I asked about.
    Thank you thank you thank you!!! LOL

    Linda

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  6. You amaze me each time I visit. I am so jealous of your talent. Keep up the AWESOME job. And as always, thanks for sharing.

    doramiyi
    doramiyi@gmail.com
    -CANADA-

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  7. Capadia, Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent yet again. My mind is reeling with the possibilities on this one!

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  8. These are brilliant! Thank you so much! (((hug)))

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  9. Wonderful job as usual! Thanks so much for sharing.

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  10. I worked and worked on this and couldn't get it just like the sample, but I don't feel bad now as I see you weren't able to get it just like the sample either. At least I know I'm in good company. Thanks for doing this for us Diane.

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  11. Diane,
    This card is just so clever. I'm going to try to talk a friend into making them with the word Luck for St. Patty's day. You are so terrific for sharing and inspiring.

    Susan W.
    Gingerwood@gingerstamp.com

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  12. Thank you for sharing this great cut file. SharriC

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  13. Diane, I used this cutfile and was able to change LOVE into shapes to go with the paper I had. I would love to get your input on it. I have it posted on my Blog http://roseshappyplace.blogspot.com

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  14. I love this idea! I can't wait to try it.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  15. Thanks for sharing! I am new to DS and appreciate others sharing their files to get us newbies going!!

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  16. Ow wow what a very beautifull cards en what a idea.....I love this very much and THANKS for sharing

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  17. This is so absolutely neat! Thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful creations!

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  18. Absolutely adorable! Thank you so much for sharing your creations!

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  19. I need to just come here to your blog and spend a few days! oh just like a mini vacation! the stair step looks a bit confusing for now but I can not wait to come back and try it out! I just love what you do! xoxoxo BeeCherryLady!

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  20. I love the idea behind this design I will have to go have a play, thanks for sharing x

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  21. Love,love,love this file!
    You are so good at this, Diane.

    Everyone in my family will be amazed at the cards I can make with your file.

    Thank you for designing this.
    PJ (Jessie Adams)

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  22. Thank you so much for posting this - your genious never fails to amaze me!! And with all your pictures and descriptions I was able to make my own file really easily!! Here's my finished card: http://mycasestudies.blogspot.com/2009/02/party-like-rockstar.html

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  23. I've heard that one side of your brain controls the creative aspect of your personality and the other side controls the analytical side (don't remember which side..lol). Most days I question which side of my brain controls my personality but it's very obvious that BOTH sides of your brain are in prime condition and are in constant "work" mode. Your creations are so individual and just so....well, creative. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  24. great cards, i tried to make the one with flowers the 1st flower(looks like the picture)came out great the next one the heart only cut the top of the heart,the next flower cut the hole flower not attached & the last heart only cut the bottom. what am i doing wrong? thanks
    cheri

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  25. Hi Cheri,

    If you made your own file and had these problems you could send me the file to look at. From your description, it sounds like the flower that cut out completely was not touching the sides or did not have "weld" checked and the places that have only partial cuts probably need "burping" - copy, delete and paste back the rectangle beside those elements and preview - it should work.

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  26. Diane, thankyou so much for this cutfile, the card I made is on my blog if you fancy a nosey at it xxxx

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  27. You are incredibly talented. Thank you for sharing your gift.

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  28. Thank you very much for sharing this card. You are so creative and I check your blog at least 3x a week.
    Angie

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  29. Thank you very much for once again sharing your files. You are amazing. I was wondering if you could tell me how to change the images or letters. I know, I'm not very bright when it comes to DS. I wish I had found your online courses before. Thanks again.

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  30. Thanks for the file. I just purchased my Cricut Expressions over the holiday weekend. This file will be great for the engagement party that I am going to this coming weekend.

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  31. This is brilliant, thank you!

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