A tip, a card, and a free download

Here's a tip for new Design Studio Users:
When making a card, go backwards. Instead of starting by cutting the main image out with a size that you think will work, start by setting the perimeters of the card by laying a rectangle on the DS mat. You can find a rectangle in several cartridges including Plantin Schoolbook, George and Basic Shapes, and Don Juan.

For example, a typical quarter-fold card measures 4.25" by 5.5". Just input the width and length(height) in the shape properties box so that the finished card will be within that size.

Doing so not only ensure that your Cricut cutout sizes will work for that card size, you will also know that any layers will fit in the embossing folders should you want to emboss since most embossing folders that are sold in the market now are made in that quarter-fold size.

I find that it also helps to cut down on paper wastage when I preset the size as I know that I will not end up with a card that is too big or too small than I had intended.

For this card I used the butterfly image from the Hello Kitty Greetings cartridge. It is cut at 3". I made the green layer by welding the shadow of the butterfly with a rounded-corner rectangle (George and basic shapes). The card base was made by welding 2 rounded-corner rectangles.

By presetting the size, I know with certainty that embossing that green layer will be easy as it will fit in the Sizzix embossing folder. Also, I enjoy making cards more than envelopes and I usually buy the pre-made quarter fold envelopes (no. 5 1/2). Since I have started by determining the card's finished size, I have no doubt that it will fit in the envelope. :-)

To download the cut file, click on this link:

Butterfly Card 

The cut file contains the butterfly, the first layer, and the card base. 

Enjoy!