Register or log in —

Newer blog post
more in Blog
Older blog post
Newer blog post by Mrs. Duckling
more by Mrs. Duckling (oldest)
Older blog post by Mrs. Duckling
Mrs. Duckling's Picture
Mrs. Duckling, San Diego Age and Occupation: 23, Psychology Grad Student, Youth Diversion Specialist/Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee and an Executive Assistant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Marketing and PR Coordinator Engagement Date: May 17, 2008 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: Rancho Bernardo Inn About Me: I'm currently living in Orange County, but planning our wedding in my hometown of San Diego. We are a DIY wedding "2fer", as I'm the crafty one and Mr. Ducky is in charge of all of our graphic design and technical aspects. When not wedding planning or reading wedding blogs, I'm attending grad school and rotating between two different jobs to keep things exciting. My favorite things include shoes, Post-Its, Labrador Retrievers, traveling, psychology, delicious food, photography, reading, craft gadgets/supplies, and of course, my wonderful Mr. Ducky!
About Mrs. Duckling

Testing Out the Cuttlebug

February 25th, 2009 @ 8:27 am by Mrs. Duckling

I have yet to decide how I will actually use my Cuttlebug for our wedding. However, I need to start using the Cuttlebug to get familiar with how it works and experiment with different ways I can potentially use it. Now, despite my love of craft/DIY stuff, I would not consider myself an expert. I don’t do scrapbooking, nor do I have lots of experience in making paper products. And although I love Martha Stewart, I am far from getting anywhere close to her league. I am basically in the process of learning and experimenting while I create things along the way.

I recently went to Michaels to use some coupons that were going to expire, and to take advantage of their sales. I bought the Fiskars 1/2 inch corner rounder that I had been wanting for a while after reading about Mrs. Penguin’s DIY Essentials.

When buying paper I try to buy paper pads instead of individual sheets, which saves some money. I love the big paper pads because you get a huge assortment, and some of it coordinates, making it easy to tie projects together. Also, if you are patient they sometimes go on sale for 40% off at Michaels.

I wanted to share my first two creations using my Cuttlebug and Cricut. I made two simple cards.

The first card was for some friends of ours that recently got married that we are taking to dinner soon to celebrate. Their initials are L & J. I used my “Cricut sampler” cartridge and “opposites attract” cartridge to cut out the lettering. I used a polka dot embossing folder with my Cuttlebug for the background of the lettering.

(The lighting isn’t the best so I apologize for the picture quality in advance.)

The next card is just a straightforward Happy Birthday card. The “Birthday Girl” is from my “Storybook Cartridge”, which is my favorite cartridge. I used this cartridge from my bridesmaids’ cards as well. For the embossing, I used this fun swirly folder that I got at Michaels.

I even made envelope liners and embossed the flaps for an extra little detail. To make the envelope liner, I traced the envelope flap onto the back of the paper I was using for the liner and cut that out. I snipped each side a tiny bit so that it would easily slide into the envelope. The liner itself only goes half way down into the envelope and I used a glue stick to put it in there. I also got to use my new Martha Stewart bone folder to make sure I had a smooth crease after adding the liner.

They aren’t the best, but they’re not bad for my first 2 cards. I really like embossing the envelope flap, so that is something we could possibly do for our invitations.

Tags: , , , |   Link for this post | Share this post: Testing Out the Cuttlebug      
Newer blog post
more in Blog
Older blog post
Newer blog post by Mrs. Duckling
more by Mrs. Duckling (oldest)
Older blog post by Mrs. Duckling
advertisement below

37 Responses to “Testing Out the Cuttlebug”

1.
Miss Bear Cub
Bee
Miss Bear Cub (message)  1,350 posts, Bumble bee

This is SO awesome!! I want a cuttlebug! It seems cooler than the cricket - am I insane?

 
2.
MissStellar
Member
MissStellar (message)  435 posts, Helper bee

I want a cuttlebug too! It embosses AND die-cuts?? Is it difficult to use?

 
3.
StephMay1609
Member
StephMay1609 (message)  55 posts, Worker bee

It is really simple! I love mine…

How do you emboss the envelope flap?

 
4.
Miss Deviled Egg
Bee
Miss Deviled Egg (message)  892 posts, Busy bee

I love my cuttlebug! The envelope flap embossing is a great detail. It looks great!

 
5.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Bruschetta (message)  5,553 posts, Bee Keeper

Embossing the flap adds a cute little “surprise” to the package!

 
6.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Quiche (message)  2,175 posts, Buzzing bee

I LOVE your embossed flaps! What a great touch. I am seriously thinking of getting one of these. I don’t know what I’d use it for at this point, but I am sure I could think of something! My friend has one, perhaps I’ll try hers out for awhile and see how it goes?!

Lovely cards, Ducky!!

 
7.
LzzNYC
Member
LzzNYC (message)  877 posts, Busy bee

OMG I love it!!!!

I need to get one!

 
8.
purpleHaze79
Member
purpleHaze79 (message)  875 posts, Busy bee

What are you talking about “these aren’t the best..”?? These are awesome!!!! You did a wonderful job!!

 
9.
LatteLove
Hostess
LatteLove (message)  4,094 posts, Honey bee

I love how your envelope turned out! That is making me want to invest in all those crafty insect tools! The texture looks great!

 
10.
Member Icon
Member
dddd89 (message)  116 posts, Blushing bee

Embossing the envelope flap looks awesome! I’ve never seen that done before!

 
11.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Piglet (message)  629 posts, Busy bee

what a creative/busy bee you are! stop tempting me, duckling! i’m really trying to refrain from buying another craft tool! :)

 
12.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Ballet Flat (message)  642 posts, Busy bee

Wow….those came out cute!! I need to stay far far away from Michael’s!!

 
13.
TechGirl
Member
TechGirl (message)  269 posts, Helper bee

These cards are great! I love how you embossed the envelope flaps, such a simple touch but it adds SO much!

 
14.
heather25
Member
heather25 (message)  478 posts, Helper bee

Quik question re: embossing…with the cuttlebug what patterns can you emboss? The one you did has been featured in some other posts so I assume that sheet came with the device. Can you emboss other patterns and where do you get those sheets?

 
15.
Strawberry Gal
Member
Strawberry Gal (message)  26 posts, Newbee

I’ve never used a Cricut or a Cuttlebug, but I have always wondered, what kind of adhesive do you use to make such teeny, skinny letters stick?

 
16.
Jesso
Member
Jesso (message)  156 posts, Blushing bee

wow i think those are amazing! i love the embossed envelope–really great, interesting touch!

 
17.
Guest Icon
Guest
pinkparfait

I love my Cuttlebug! It’s really simple and you can create a myriad of things on it!

There are lots of types of embossing folders you can purchase for under $5. Though, ppl should note that it’s a small machine that can only emboss 5×7 items at a time. There’s a larger machine called “Big Shot” for larger items. If you have to emboss something that’s longer than 7 inches, i do it in increments.

I’ve also used diecuts from other companies on my cuttlebug and notice that it’s all the same. (You should google the board sheet table so you know how to align your boards for each company diecut - it’s different.)

If you’re crafty - go out and get one! :) There are lots of online/youtube tutorials you can learn from!

 
18.
Guest Icon
Guest
Vic004

ok I think you have just elevated the diy elements on this website to another level! I mean your embossed envelope flaps are awesome I have never seen it anywhere before. Love it!

 
19.
driftslikesmoke
Hostess
driftslikesmoke (message)  1,220 posts, Bumble bee

I love to DIY and craft, but I’m far from an expert. I’d say your stuff looks pretty darn good!

I’m one of those people who takes up a new craft long enough to get an above average skill level at it, then moves on to something new for a while. Jack of all trades, master of none! I’m currently on stamp embossing and cake baking/decorating. :-P

 
20.
Shay
Member
Shay (message)  438 posts, Helper bee

I love love your cards! I have been eyeing the Cuttlebug for a while but didn’t do any research as to how well of a machine or essential it is for a scrapbooking freak like myself!!

I think that you are well on your way to becoming a supreme DIYer!!

 
21.
sgarrison2
Member
sgarrison2 (message)  186 posts, Blushing bee

I just bought that corner rounder at Target (also on sale) and I love it! My roommates think it’s humorous how much I love rounded corners- they ad such a chic look so a simple project.

Also, my parents bought me a Cricut for Christmas and I’ve just started breaking it out. My creations aren’t up to your level yet…but I’ll keep working at it!

 
22.
sgarrison2
Member
sgarrison2 (message)  186 posts, Blushing bee

Does anyone know where to get cricut cartridges on sale? I want some new ones, but with my student income (read: none) I can’t see spending $60.

 
23.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Duckling (message)  1,349 posts, Bumble bee

@StephMay1609: I cut out the envelope liner first and then ran it through the cuttlebug. That way I didn’t have to worry about cutting through the texture. Luckily it was a smaller envelope so I didn’t have to worry about size fitting through the cuttlebug. If the envelope was bigger I’d probably just need to make sure that the liner wasn’t fit to go too deeply into the envelope and run it through vertically.
@heather25: As pinkparfait mentioned there a lot of different options for embossing folders. I have 2 or 3 and I just have some more basic ones that I can use for all sorts of things. You can look at the provo craft website to see the different options or I like looking at custom crops as well.

 
24.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Duckling (message)  1,349 posts, Bumble bee

@sgarrison2: Michael’s sometimes offers cricut cartridges at 40% off. Sadly you can’t use their coupons on cricut products on a regular basis though. I’ve seen some good prices and Walmart and JoAnne’s currently has some on sale. I don’t want to sound like a broken record but check Custom Crops website and other websites because I’ve seen even better prices there than the sales at store sometimes.

 
25.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Duckling (message)  1,349 posts, Bumble bee

@driftslikesmoke: I haven’t started stamp embossing, but I am getting very tempted. I’m trying to resist! I have a few random stamps and ink pad though.

 
26.
Guest Icon
Guest
Sheila

Really silly and simple questions, but about the envelopes and cards — did you just use basic white paper, or pre-made envelopes and cards?

 
27.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Duckling (message)  1,349 posts, Bumble bee

@Sheila: I will never think question is silly, because I ask them all the time! :) I got them premaid from Michaels. It is really great because they sell packages of premaid cards and envelopes in all sorts of colors and sizes for not very much. It makes it easy. I did the rounded corners myself just to alter them a touch.

@StephMay1609: I realized my answer was super confusing as I responded before I had my cup of coffee for the morning. I lined up the envelope so just the flap was covered by the embossing folder and then sent everything through the machine.

 
28.
Heather12457
Member
Heather12457 (message)  26 posts, Newbee

Do you think the embossed flap will affect how it will ahere to the envelope when closed? I was thinking about using it on our invite envelopes as well, but am worried it will spring open in the mail!

 
29.
sjacksn1
Member
sjacksn1 (message)  7 posts, Newbee

If you’re looking for Fiskars corner rounder, I just happened to go to Target during lunch and they have it on clearance for $3.98!! If you have a Target in your area, you may want to check it out. I got the last one here. Thanks for recommendation, Miss Ducking!

 
30.
MightySapphire
Hostess
MightySapphire (message)  2,608 posts, Sugar bee

I love what you’ve done with the flap! It adds a surprising touch, and looks very professional! I also love the envelope liner…

You are making it very hard not to buy one of these…

you’re what they call an “enabler!”

 
31.
Guest Icon
Guest
abby

what a great idea. love it. will try it on our own wedding envelopes.
thanks for sharing.

 
32.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Hot Cocoa (message)  1,715 posts, Bumble bee

ooh … these look great!!

 
33.
mrspaetz
Member
mrspaetz (message)  1,707 posts, Bumble bee

WOW!! it looks really easy yet classy. now i want one! haha

 
34.
Member Icon
Member
doublemint921 (message)  489 posts, Helper bee

I love your idea to emboss the envelope. It really adds something special that you don’t see very often. :)

 
35.
Member Icon
Member
von (message)  19 posts, Newbee

thanks for sharing duckling! I’m like you, so inspired (influenced) by all the creative bees here that I ran out to buy supplies. Now I’m staring at all the stuff and have no idea what to do with it.

The worst thing is I now am eying the cuttlebug/big shot.

I really love the embossed envelope flaps, classy!

 
36.
Firefighter_Prazs_Girl
Hostess
Firefighter_Prazs_Girl (message)  819 posts, Busy bee

Thanks for the awesome post. I have been out of town so I have gotten beehind on all the bees. I think I am going to get both the cuttlebug and the cricut. But at the same time I want the yudu. So many toys.. Again I love your post. These help me so much!

 
37.
Guest Icon
Guest
cheap cartridges

It’s a fantastic blog.
Thanks.

 


You can also just...

Newer blog post
more in Blog
Older blog post
Newer blog post by Mrs. Duckling
more by Mrs. Duckling (oldest)
Older blog post by Mrs. Duckling
Visit our sister sites Project Wedding
Wedding Songs
eHarmony Advice
Dating Advice
JustMommies
Pregnancy Calendar
Fertile Thoughts
Infertility Support
Copyright 2004-2009, eHarmony, Inc., Advertise
 


Sponsors
Mrs. Duckling
Mrs. Duckling Mrs. Duckling, San Diego Age and Occupation: 23, Psychology Grad Student, Youth Diversion Specialist/Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee and an Executive Assistant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Marketing and PR Coordinator Engagement Date: May 17, 2008 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: Rancho Bernardo Inn About Me: I'm currently living in Orange County, but planning our wedding in my hometown of San Diego. We are a DIY wedding "2fer", as I'm the crafty one and Mr. Ducky is in charge of all of our graphic design and technical aspects. When not wedding planning or reading wedding blogs, I'm attending grad school and rotating between two different jobs to keep things exciting. My favorite things include shoes, Post-Its, Labrador Retrievers, traveling, psychology, delicious food, photography, reading, craft gadgets/supplies, and of course, my wonderful Mr. Ducky!
Weddingbee PRO
 
Boards
 
Classifieds
 

Blog Calendar
November 2009
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930

Weddingbee Bios
Wiki
More