As you know (since I always disclose it) I work with Brother, specifically with the ScanNCut. It is my honor and pleasure to create all kinds of projects for their website, trade shows, and use on TV (as well as some that I share here!) and to challenge my creative limits. But did you know that the ScanNCut website has TONS of free downloadable project PDF files as well as videos?
Today I want to share three favorites of mine that I have up there. To find any of these or dozens of other projects just visit the videos page (link) or the project PDF page (link).
One of my most recent creations – a bouquet of paper flowers!
While I do a lot with paper flowers, I don’t often layer them in this way so it was a lot of fun to create and play with them – as well as discovering that buttons are in fact a FANTASTIC way to anchor and keep them all safe. This project has a video (video page) as well as a project PDF. I love that both versions are offered so you can choose what works best for you, or watch a video then go download the PDF and print it for future reference!
Speaking of the future – I was asked to make a pop-up card suitable for celebrations/graduations/etc.
My favorite part of this project is the stars. The glitter ones (cut out of super thick glitter paper – glad to get it used!) and the “star within a star” outline ones most especially. Basic shapes such as stars, hearts, and flowers are a signature of my crafting style so I always love challenging myself to find new projects and ways to use them!
Speaking of challenges – about a year ago I was asked to make a cover for the ScanNCut – and a tutorial. EASY! I thought. Well if you go and read my tutorial or watch my video it is in fact easy. What wasn’t easy is getting it to the point that it a) worked and b) the process made sense in a way that I could explain it for anyone else to follow along.
This was definitely the most complex sewing project I have ever successfully completed – and I am proud of that! I really believe in challenging my mind creatively and I am so very glad I got this assignment. If we are not testing our own limits, challenging our own “I can” boundaries – well we will never grow or improve in any way!
Whether you have a ScanNCut machine or not – I hope that you’re inspired by all of these projects that are available for anyone to view and learn from. I love how much free education and inspiration Brother provides – just one of the reasons I’m happy to say I work with them. When I need inspiration I like to check out the other brand ambassadors projects (Erin has a recent travel journal, Julie has an Eiffel Tower project that I want to try…) and see what they’re up to as well.
What creative limits have you pushed recently? Do share!
full disclaimer as always that I am a paid consultant for Brother, but all ideas and opinions about this awesome machine and all their products that I use and love are my own.
Every month I look at the free projects and saw your flowers. As soon as I saw the photo, I said “Those look like May.” Sure enough. I love the idea of making a cover for my scan n cut. Unfortunately, it’s getting dusty from lack of use. Although I am always inspired to break it out after watching one of your videos!
I saw your post in my email and had to pop over. I’ve been wanting a scan n cut for awhile, but haven’t taken the plunge. I totally identify with the challenging of one’s self. I struggled with setting specific goals for this year. For the last 3 years, I’ve set specific goals and accomplished each one. I’m not sure what’s holding me back this year. Maybe it’s many things, (ageing parents, finances, TEENAGERS!). Becoming more organized was a “loose” goal and I’m failing miserably at it. I have made a few strides, just not moving along as fast as I would like. I don’t often post here, but I do visit frequently. I love your blog! Have a great weekend!
I love your bouquet of flowers… and thanks for the links to all the great Scan n cut videos!
You are so clever May!