Why did I start the Craft Test Dummy Blog?

Why am I the Craft Test Dummy? I specialize in craft disaster prevention so you don’t have to deal with craftastrophes. I call myself the craft test dummy because I just began my exploration of the wide world of crafts and I often find myself lost and confused amid the unfamiliar lingo and directions. You can imagine what a crash dummy looks like when a car fails a safety test. Sometimes my craft projects appear to meet a similar fate. Just like car companies, I have to try again and again to perfect my techniques until I have the best project possible. That is why I have become YOUR craft test dummy. I’ll test projects out, record my successes and failures as well as post tips for fellow crafters. We can decrease craftastrophres together! Let’s earn our craft license together and gain 5 star craft ratings on our projects! I will be you designated crafter and you can avoid anymore CUI’s (Crafting Under-Informed). Your Friend, Chrissy

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Making a Book using My Digital Studio

Drew is trying to learn a group of sight words for a contest at his school.  I made him this book that includes a list of the words, sentences to practice reading the words, and a little story for him to read.  It was a lot of fun to make. I didn't use one of their designer creations: I made this from scratch.  Many of the sentences are about topics that interest Drew like Thomas the Train or Bob the Builder.  You could easily make this for your child and customize it with words he or she needs to learn.  You could include sentences  on  topics that would interest him or her.  When Drew moves on to the next set of words, I can use the same template and make him a new book! 

Tip:
Think about what you are going to put on the page.  Just like in paper scrapbooking, you want the bottom layer (the background) to go first and then start adding the layers.  Make sure the layers that are going to be on top are put on last (buttons, embellishments, etc).  If something happens and you don't do this its okay.  You can send layers to the back or to the front but it is an extra step.


Coming soon: No sew ribbon and tulle tutu's, wands, and hair accessories that cost less than $5.00 per child to make. (Yes, $5.00 for all of it!)

Monday, December 12, 2011

Using My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up!

I made a photobook/journal using My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up!  My Digital Studio is software that can be used to create a variety of projects on your computer.  It saves so much time when compared to traditional paper crafting.  I LOVE IT!  Using it, I made this journal for my 7 year old, Abigail.  She is preparing to be baptised in June when she turns 8.  I made this to help her memorize and practice the Articles of Faith published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  The pictures come from the Gospel Art Book on lds.org  .  I watched videos for less than a half an hour and had already picked up a lot about the program. Here is a slide show to see what you can do!

Tips:
  • Go to mydigitalstudio.net
  • Watch the tutorials for beginners under the Training Tab. (Don't watch the getting to know MDS, it seems to be more designed for demonstrators of Stampin' Up! not users.).  As you progress, there are many other video tutorials to choose from.
  • You can create calendars, photobooks, journals, dvd's, cards....For your first try choose one of the designer templates.  It is all laid out for you.  You can add photos and change embellishments to help you get a feel for the program. 
Stay tuned for more tips on My Digital Studio.