Peony Cottage

Hi Guy's,

I wanted to do something a bit different from greetings cards, they say a change is as good as a rest, don't they? I started having a look around the web for some ideas, when I spotted this project on SVGCuts. It's a little gift box in the shape of a cottage, and I loved it, so I downloaded the file and decided to have a go.

The first box I attempted, my prototype if you like, was very similar to the one demonstrated on SVG's website. I made a couple of mistakes, not serious ones, but I know they're there. Can you spot them before I spill the beans?

I put the window frames too high, they should be flush with the step. This means the roof, or box  lid, doesn't go down far enough.  There's a little gap under the gable end. I didn't realise until much later, and by then the quick drying glue was a bit hard!!!  You can't really see it from this view, but I know it's there. Here's a view of the box open. 

I didn't realise the second mistake, until I went to watch the tutorial again. The re-inforcing bar ( the lilac strip on top of the roof which covers up half of the roof tiles!!! )  should be on the INSIDE. When I put it on I thought it looked out of place, but again, the glue dried very quickly, so it had to stay where it was.

 

I think the possibilities for different themes is endless for this little cottage, as you can see from my second attempt, my 'Gingerbread Cottage'.

To be able to make this cottage, you will need software which enables you to import and use SVG files with your Cricut. There are a couple on the market, the one I use is Sure Cuts A Lot 2.

I think the hardest part of the whole process was deciding which bits to cut out in which patterns, etc. All the plain trims, roof tiles and gable end, were cut using plain Papermania 12 x 12, 240gsm card. I'm going to try my next one with Core'dinations. Can you imagine a little seaside cottage using the whitewash card, the edges would look lovely sanded and distressed. Anyway, I digress, there are lot's on the market.

The patterned parts were printed on supersmooth paper using various CD's. The lilac one was mostly printed from the Docrafts Tatty Ted, Me to You cd. That's my fave cd at the moment, LOVE IT!.

The patterns for the gingerbread house come from two different sources. Clipart fairy for the background papers, I love her style, and finally, MCS Crystal Sparkles for the gingerbread men. I distressed the edges using Tim Holtz distressing inks in various colours. The card looked too stark and bright without distressing. Fiddly but enjoyable.

That's about it, hope you like them.

Jools

xx