Winners are Pam in SD, Margaret & Anne...

Congrats to #4 Pam in SD, #12 Margaret & #21 Anne @8:57.  Ladies please email me at DarcysDesigns4U@aol.com to let me know which file you would like.  Thanks to everyone for playing along, this was great fun! 

Darcy :o)

3 MORE FREE FILES & Calling Becky W, Lorene H & Sandra L YOU WON!!

Happy Sunday!  Congratulations to Becky Whitney, Lorene H & Sandra L for winning yesterdays contest of commenting on our Creative Teams work!!  Please email me at DarcysDesigns4u@aol.com & tell me which single file of you would like to have.

And, on to the last 3 FREE file give away!  At our new web site Designing With Die Cuts, Tina & I are going to be doing tutorials, video tutorials & articles on all subjects relating to die cutting, die cutting software, & die cuts.  To WIN todays prizes, all you have to do is make a comment at the end of this blog entry telling me what you would most like to see us do with the Learning Center.  For example:  I would like to see you do an article on "how to make a flower in KNK Studio" or "a video on picking the best fonts to design with" etc.  OK,  you get the idea.

Have a wonderful day & we'll announce todays winners...tomorrow.  Keep an eye out.

BIG announcement, Winners & NEW contest for 3 more FREE files

What fun this party is!  Thanks for playing & partying with us!  Chosen randomly, yesterdays winners are #6 2:03 Melissa Z, #15 4:38 Jennifer & #22 7:17 Pam.  Congrats ladies!  Please email me with the single file you would like to receive.  Also, I still need to hear from Kasie to award your free file from the first give away.

Today I can finally spill the beans about the project Tina & I have been working on.  We have started a BRAND NEW web site, DesigningWithDiecuts.com!  AND, we are announcing our new CREATIVE TEAM members.  I am SO proud to announce my team...Amara, Hailey, Heather, Jackie, Judy-Ann!!  These ladies rock & make the most amazing things.  So, for todays FREEBIE GIVE AWAY....here is what you need to do for a chance at one of the THREE files.  Go to our new web site DesigningWithDiecuts.com & navigate to the "Creative Blog".  There you will see the projects these ladies have completed so far.  Now, just leave a comment for them in the comment section under their work.  You can enter as many times as there are projects!!  YAY!  So, if you like you can have 1 or up to 9 chances to win.  The winners will be drawn randomly from ALL the comments.

Happy Cutting!

Darcy

Winners are Melody, Joanberrie & Kasie PLUS 3 more FREE FILES!

Congratulations to #2, #3 & #8 posters (Melody, Joanberrie & Kasey).  Please pick any single file of mine from the VDBC store & email your choice to me at DarcysDesigns4u@aol.com.

OK, on with the next 3 FREE files to be given away.  Please visit the link above that takes you to the VDBC store & pick your favorite single file of mine.  Leave a comment here telling me which one you like, be sure you put your name in the post so I know who the winners are.  Thats it.  Three of the commenters will be randomly selected tomorrow to win.  WOOO HOOOO!

12 FREE File Give Away!! Party!!!

Hi all! Today, Oct 1st I am going to be giving away 3 files to 3 separate winners on my blog & EVERYONE is welcome...designers & CT members too ;). Here is what you have to do to win today...


Simply post a link to my blog that lets people know that I am giving away 12 FREE files over the next four days. You can post this link on your web site or blog, a facebook page or any forum that allows links. Then leave a comment on my blog showing the address where you posted the link & you are entered to win.

Don't forget to scroll down & scoop up the FREE flower file if you haven't already.  And, hop over to VDBC for the HUGE party Oct 1 - Oct 4 with TONS of fun, freebies, give aways & MORE!

Good luck!!

Darcy :o)

50% off sale & HUGE party at VDBC!!

Be sure to stop by VDBC and check out everything going on for the 1 year anniversary party!  I have 50% off my files, there are give aways galore, challenges, bingo, contests.  Please stop by...there is a lot to do & win, everybody is welcome!  Here is a link to the forum:  VDBC Forum.

I also posted 3 new Halloween files, including my first ever digital stamps. 

If you aren't registered over at VDBC forum...I'll give you a BIG hint.  Go register!  There is going to be a big celebration for the one year anniversary of the store with GOBS of GREAT prizes!!  It is going to be SO fun!  And, starting today I am holding a “Jazz up your die cuts” triple bonus challenge.   Please come join me, its my first challenge I've held & I need some participants!!  All you need to do is register at the forum http://www.visualdesignsbychris.com/forum/ & scroll down to the "Challenges" section and look under "weekly challenges" for all the details.  I'm also putting details of the challenge below.

The goods:

This is a triple bonus challenge!! 1) Each participant gets my 50 ways to Jazz up your Die cuts tip sheet 2) If anyone missed one of my freebie files from my blog & wants to use it for the challenge let me know & I will email it to you to use. Scroll through my blog to see any you have missed. 3) Random winner will receive $5 to spend on any Darcy’s Designs file in the VDBC store. Woo hoooo!!

The details:

1) Send me an email (DarcysDesigns4u@aol.com) requesting my “Jazz up your diecuts” tip sheet (which includes 50 fun ways to make your diecuts unique & stand out) & if you need a past freebie file let me know in the email which one you want & I‘ll send it to you along with your tip sheet.

2) Use any of my free or purchased files in a project, card or scrapbook page & jazz them up. You can jazz them up how ever you like, with one of my tips...or do it your own way! The most important thing is NO cutting & leaving it ;), you must JAZZ IT UP TO PLAY! YAY!

3) Then, post your pictures to the forum under the Jazz Up Your Diecuts thread by Sept 30th to be entered into a drawing for $5 to spend on my files.

Happy Cutting!

Darcy

New FREE Cutting File FLOWER in KNK GSD AI SVG & WPC

Well, Tina & I have been very busy working on getting our new project underway.  We are hoping to be announcing it very soon.  In the mean time, I didn't want to forget to give you your free file.  You would really laugh at the inspiration for this file!!  I don't know if I should tell you this, but I guess I will since it shows that you never know when or where you can find your inspiration.  The inspiration for this flower was found on a piece of toilet paper.  OK, I know what you're thinking!!  But, I was just staring at it...thinking this is WAY too cute to be on toilet paper!  So, I brought a piece down to my office...changed it up a bit, added my own touch & waa-la now its a cutting file!!  And, if I didn't have such a big mouth nobody would have ever had to know...lol!

So, I really love how this flower turned out & I hope you can still love it even though you know where it came from.  It is actually three separate flowers, with a mat for two of them.  Also included are two swirly stems and two separate leaves.  In my typical style, you will find this to be a very simple file to piece together.  All those dots & decorations were made into "cut outs" rather than "glue ons".  Even though I should be thinking fall leaves and such, I hope you will still enjoy using this.

You'll find my flower here:
DarcysDesignsFLOWER.zip

The password is:   iagreetotermsofuse

***Some TIPS for anyone having trouble downloading: If you have a space in the password without knowing it (even in the front or back end) it won't work for you. If you can see that it has been downloaded, then I assure you...it IS working. Couple tips since every time I list a free file some people struggle to get it...if you are having problems and normally you copy/paste the password in try typing it out. If you normally type it out, try copy/pasting. If it still doesn't work for you try another browser.

FREE Pumpkin Cutting File in GSD KNK AI SVG & WPC formats

It has been a very busy end of the month, so I apologize for not getting your freebie changed out. I do have some really exciting news!! Tina from Card-I-ology Creations and I have been working on setting up a new web site. I can't spill all the beans just yet, but it will be die cut heaven!! Lots & lots of inspiration, instruction & information. Tina & I have also joined forces to introduce our upcoming Creative Teams! Coming VERY soon, I promise!!

So on to what you've been waiting TOO long for...the free file. I think you'll love the way this cuts. As are most of my files, it is designed with "cut outs" rather than "glue ons". It is only four pieces, so it goes together very quickly without a lot of fuss. Enjoy it!!

This file is no longer available.
password is:  iagree2termsofuse

FREE Cutting File Lil' Devil TITLE GSD WPC KNK AI SVG Formats

We are off to our cabin in Michigan tonight, only for a week this year. We usually go for at least 10 days. I'm kind of sad about that, but it will still be awesome to get away. We are going to leave around 11 pm, and drive through the night & should arrive 7 or 8 am tomorrow morning. I have 3 suitcases packed & 1 to go (the twins packed their own this year...woo hoo), so I'm taking a break, and loading a FREEBIE for you. It comes with three titles, that are interchangable on the provided matt, little horns & tail, and a pitchfork with a matt. You will need to save & glue the insides of a few letters depending which title you use (D,R & O) so don't forget after you cut to save them.

I hope you enjoy it, see you all in a week.

DD065_LilDevil.zip

password is iagreetotermsofuse

Forum Candy...Ooo La la!

So check this out, I just noticed that Chris is giving away a free file to a lucky winner at the VDBC forum. Head over there, post on the following thread & get entered to win. Thats it. Her files rock, so head over & leave a post. It is only good today (Sunday) so hurry.

Happy Sunday!! Enjoy the rest of the day. Oh...keep your eyes out free file is in the works & should be listed by tomorrow night. YAY!!

link to the FREE file drawing

Cutting Files on Sale & 50-75% off & Hobby Lobby

Well, we are busy today. I'm driving my twins to camp in Wisconsin...after they watch their dad in the Demolition Derby at the Lake County Fair. My husband has done this Derby since he was 18, so for over 20 years. But...I wanted to tell you about a few sales before we head out.

Have you ever checked the dollar store at the VDBC store? The files are constantly changing and are reduced by 50% or more. You never know what you'll find. Also, there is now a section at the store called "On Sale Now" where you'll find what the designers currently have on sale. I just entered my sale items...so, if there is something you have wanted maybe it is on sale now.

http://www.visualdesignsbychris.com/store/home.php?cat=299

Hobby Lobby has 30% off their Prismacolor pecils & Art Markers (Copics). These don't go on sale as regularly as some of their things. So, if you have a Hobby Lobby near you this is a good time to grab them.

Have a great weekend!

Darcy

Garage Sale & Getting Ready for a NEW Creative Team!

OK, so my 13 yo daughter gasped when I told her I was going to put the this on my blog. "NO mom, your kidding right?"...kids are so funny! Anyway, I had a garage sale today. We are sitting in the back of our garage at the table & this guy pulls up to the end of our driveway...about 40 feet away, rolls down his window & yells "YOU GOT ANY %*^(*&^#?" And I yell back "WHAT??"...So, he yells "YOU GOT ANY %&*()&^(*)&_?"...And, I still can't hear him so I hop up and run down there. And, he says "YOU GOT ANY exercise equipment"? It was all I could do not to laugh right then and there in front of him!!!! He wanted exercise equipment, but wouldn't walk up 40 yards to see if there was any. LOL!!!! I don't understand why my DD couldn't see the irony in that, I thought is was so funny that I had tears running down my face from laughing so hard. Maybe part of why it was so funny, was that she didn't think it was funny.

Anyway...I have been working hard at getting things in place to start a Darcy's Designs CREATIVE TEAM. Woo hoo! If anyone is interested in being a part of it, shoot me an email with some samples of your work. It is very exciting...we are going to have our own blog, and a home at the VDBC store (because Chris is SO nice & helpful to us!!) & lots of camaraderie and fun. There are surprises in store, too...woo hoo. I can't wait!

New FREE Cutting File...YAY!! Scalloped Flower Frames in GSD, SVG, AI, WPC & KNK formats.

Wow, has this summer been flying by! I can't believe my kids are back to school in 3weeks. I'm sad, I love having them home! I could do without the sibling quarrels, but all in all summers are great.

I made this freebie to co-ordinate with a new series of cards I've designed. They are in my Card Cuts series, and all have Peek-A-Boo features that allow a sentiment or other die cut to pop through. You can add pop dots or Sticky Doos to give the die cut some dimension & it really makes them look great! Check them out, I'm really excited about them & hope you will be too! They can be purchased individually, or as a collection of 4 for 50% off.


Here is the link for the current free file:

FILE NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Password is: iagreetotermsofuse

Winner announcement & Creative Team Call! Four FREE cutting files in GSD KNK AI WPC & SVG formats

Big news tonight! Hailey has won my design contest & can choose any four of my files she chooses from the VDBC store. Check out her awesome work using my Snip Snip file! Thanks for submitting & congratulations to Hailey!!! Woo hoo!!!

Also, I am looking for some Creative Team members. If anyone is interested, please shoot me a quick email & I'll fill you in on the details. Basically, you would have access to my files in exchange for sharing pictures of your beautiful projects. There are some more details, but that is the gist of it.

Have a great night! Another free file coming soon!!

Free Vroom Vroom TITLE in KNK GSD SVG AI & WPC cutting file formats

Is anyone going to claim the 4 free files of your choice I'm giving away? All you have to do for a chance is send me a picture of a project you made using any of my files (freebies included!). Your odds of winning are REALLY REALLY good!!!! So go for it...scroll down a few posts to see the details.

One little note about the freebies I've been offering. Please read through this post for all the info you'll need to get your free file. Each file I give away, I have 5 or 6 people ask me where the password is for the file & you'll always find it right here...just read through (or skim through til you get to it, if you don't like to hear me ramble...that's fine too). Thanks for that.


Is anyone playing Bingo over at the VDBC forum? Wow, are there a lot of great prizes being given away. It's too late to get in this time, but you should check it out for the next session & just see how many goodies there are. Everyone who played automatically got one free file emailed to them this time. Woo hoo!!! There are a whole bunch of challenges going on too. You can click on my link to the forum at the bottom right of this page if you want to come visit.

OK, on to the goods. You will get the title from my file Vroom Vroom, sorry the car & wind swooshes aren't included in the freebie version of the file. Here is the link to my current freebie file.

THIS FILE NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Hope you can make use of it. Have a great day!

Darcy

Come Play BINGO & win FREE files MORE!

Hope everyone had a happy Fourth of July! Stop by the VDBC Forum & sign up to play Bingo with us! Tons of FUN & FREEBIES!! If you aren't a member at the forum, come sign up & please join us for a game of bingo. We'd LOVE to have you!! Here is how it works (it could vary a bit, but this is the gist of it)...you choose words from a list that will be given in the forum & email in your choice of 15 words. Words from the list are "called" at different times throughout the day. If all your words that you picked come up before anyone else you yell...ok...type BINGO & win. Sign ups are on the 7th & 8th (all the info about it will be posted up tomorrow) and words will be called the 9th through 11th. See you over there!

http://www.visualdesignsbychris.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=82

Girly Girl Layout & Blog Candy for Margie!

Have you used any of my files in layouts or on cards? Don't forget I'm having a contest. So far only one person has entered, so I'm going to up the anty for the winner to your choice of 4 of my single files from the VDBC store & extend it 7 days since this is such a busy time. So, send in a design in to me. You can see the details if you scroll down to June 22. AND...Big THANK YOU goes out to Melody for letting me share this amazing layout she did using my past freebie file "Girly Girl". Isn't it adorable?!? Melody is one of the wonderful designers on the VDBC creative team. Check out the teams work here:
http://vdbc-creativity.blogspot.com

If you missed the Girly Girl free file you can still get it now on sale for just $1 at the VDBC store.

Blog candy...random winner is MARGIE!! Thanks for leaving a comment on my last freebie file! You have won a FREE single file of mine...your choice from the VDBC store. Please email me with your choice of file. CONGRATS Margie!

Get Better Cuts on your Cutting Machine (Klik-n-kut KNK, Pazzle, Wishblade, Silhouette, Cricut, Craft Robo)

I posted this on in the forums over at VDBC, but thought I'd pop it up here too.
For Intricate SMALL CUTS:
* Cut SLOW!! I go all the way down to 50 on my KNK Groove sometimes & it makes a big difference.
* Use your "best cutting" paper on the tricky cuts.
* Keep your matt clean, nice & sticky. I stress clean...makes a huge difference for me. I Goo Gone mine & re-spray with Krylon Easy Tack respositionable.
* If you are having trouble with a cut, enlarge it a bit if possible & see if that helps.
* (KNK specific) If you didn't get the flatbeds, use photo boxes. I got mine at Hobby Lobby for 50% off & they are the perfect size. This is important because it keeps your matt from pulling down & will really help you get good cuts. You can also use shoe boxes...just have to have the right size. You also can keep your cutter "odds & ends" in them.
* Make sure you reduce & clean up the nodes if you designed the file. If you purchased it from VDBC, it should already be good.
*from Ginger* On the intricate or lacey like cuts the slow works best but also make sure your blade is sharp. Not dull or rounded on the end.
*from Pam in SD* I use an ink brayer (like for stamping) when I put my paper on the cutting mat, to make good contact, really works great when the mat is almost worn out.
* Don't always start the cut at the same spot. I move my paper around on the matt & reset the origin so my matt doesn't get totally worn out in the same spot.

KNK SPECIFIC: Remember to change your overcut & trailing blade when you are cutting something really big or really small & intricate.
*settings came from Char I believe* regular cuts: overcut 25, trailing blade 5
Small, curvy type cuts: overcut 20, trailing blade 15. Large objects, square type shapes 9" x 9" or more: overcut 55, trailing blade 5. Mixed objects, 5" or smaller: overcut 10, trailing blade 5.

Dollar Deals at VDBC Store LINK

I understand some people are having trouble finding the Dollar Deals section at the Visual Designs by Chris store...click on the title above to go there. Right now the files that go with the Freebie file are in there for $1 which is 50-66% off regular price. Check in there from time to time, the dollar deals are always changing. Its a great way to pick up some files on sale. I'm also having my first file sale...woo hoo. Use coupon code 40off10 to get 40% off $10 spent on my files. If you've been eyeing any of my files this is a great time to grab them.