Visual Designs by Chris

Chris Durnan

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Apron invite… Qmc file

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Here is a really cute invite created by my friend Heidi with my apron invite from the qmc. This file has the words “you’re invited” and the apron cut in the file. My friend is throwing a cookie decorating party. However, you could this invite for food parties, cookie swaps, or food drives for your local food bank. How about cute thank you’s for that after the dinner party hostess gifts. Or a gift card holder for dinner out. I just can’t stop thinking of the ideas. I hope you cut it and enjoy! Have a wonderful pre-thanksgiving evening. I am resting and hoping my cold goes away before tomorrow and tonight my guys make their apple pies. Lots of great sights and smells.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy!
Chris

***Updated May , 2012 for Card A Day Blog**
Here are some additional photos of the invite with the apron opened up a little and to see how it is made. Enjoy!
Chris

This photo you can see the glue dot on the left just barely where it holds the pocket closed. 

and here is one with the invite inside the pocket of the Apron. 


Joy Love Peace Happiness

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The Holiday Gift guide is coming out tomorrow with tons of ideas on how to use your digital cutter to make lots of gifts for the holidays. Sign up for the newsletter below.  Don’t miss it. You will be filled with great gift ideas!

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Today is my day on the Card A Day Blog. What a great spot for inspiration. Today’s holiday card is created by Zenita. Zenita used my Joy Love Peace Happiness Christmas Tree for her project. This card works well for a wedding card as well as it can also look like a cake. I love Zenita’s take on this file and its use. Thank you Zenita it is beautiful!! I have another project from Zenita to come so check back and see it soon.

Inside of the Card

A little about the card from Zenita…
The background was done on navy blue polka dot Bazzill. I used Tim Hotz Sizzix Snowflake Embossing folder to make snowflakes on the background paper and then took ColorBox Chalk in Alabaster to lightly go over all the snowflakes. In the middle of the snowflakes I adhered gemstones by the PaperStudios.  After cutting Chris’s great cutting file I used Ranger Gold Embossing Powder and covered all the file. I then adhered the words onto the blue snowflake background with ATG adehesive.

You can find the file Here in the store.

A little about Zenita….
A little about me. My name is Zenita Smith but most around the crafting world know me as ScrappinwithZ. I’ve been playing with paper for over 10 years. I became an avid scrapbooker when we began the adoption process of our two youngest sons William and Kyle who are 10 and 9. I’m also the mom to Chris 25 and Jackie 23 and their beautiful wives!! Soon to have a new grandbaby to scrapbook!!! You can see my work at my blog http://www.scrappinwithz.blogspot.com or find me on face book  ScrappinwithZ. Thanks Chris for letting me design these fun cards for you! Can’t wait to do some more!!
I have one more project coming up to show by Zenita. Just beautiful! Thank you Zenita!

Enjoy!
Chris

To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.
My files in the store can be located here. Thank you for stopping by!

Puff pieces… puffy cheeks

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Watching the news for me is a frustrating process. I  find myself purposely avoiding it. I don’t like my son to have to listen to it. I often wish there was a “do-gooder” news channel. I would watch it all the time. To see that others are doing something in life to be positive and make a change. I really don’t care that Kardashian’s got married/divorced. I think Mr. Bieber and his baby mama need to figure out their own issues.  I am not interested in so many of the personal stories they post. Yes it’s entertainment gossip. Maybe I am one in a million people who just really doesn’t mind not knowing. Maybe it’s because if a politician, charity or something is backed by a popular movie star I question it.  But this morning I found myself watching the news as I flipped laundry and prepped for the day and these stories really made me smile and happy.
First an article about a practice that allows you to barter for Doctor visits with “man” hours. Two hours of volunteer time trade in for a doctors appointment. What a wonderful idea. It builds you up as you accomplish a good job and you “earn” vital services you need. Just wonderful! Story
And the next was the new Ford Escape is being introduced here in the U.S. and manufactured in the U.S. Offering 2900 jobs to U.S. citizens in the United States. You won’t have to fly to china to work every day and learn a new language! Woohoo! And if the sales go well they will add another 1200 jobs for a third line . Fantastic! I may be biased. I have three Fords sitting in my front yard. But in all honesty, I would support any business that in this time can add jobs to our economy. (if this info is slightly inaccurate, I apologize. I was just happy to hear about the move to employee our own Americans) Story
And the next was an article about meals being made from Scratch for a school. In watching the food and veggies they displayed in the story, I had to smile. I wonder how many people eat out of a can or a box every single day. Or microwave meals. I chatted recently with a friend who stated that she truly believes that they will find in the future that all the cancers are caused by our highly preserved, genetically modified foods. I believe in simple foods. Yes we have boxes of cereal on the shelf and we have canned goods.  But I really try hard to change up that food. I cannot remember the last time we went to McDonalds. When we eat out it is a very picky process. We have a lot of fresh fruit and veggies at home. So when we go out the freeze dried kind just tastes Blah! In any case, I found it an excellent newstory to listen to. And the lady in charge is supporting her local farmers. She is purchasing locally! Excellent. In essence she may be the “lunch lady” but she is stimulating the economy in her area which are probably the families of the children in her school. Excellent! Maybe considered a “puff piece” but you know what I like the puff pieces . it makes my cheeks “puff up” in a smile.  ( I can’t find the video, but it is on the early show on cbs early show today. A show I rarely watch but maybe I need to rethink that)
I just wanted to share these few stories because they made me smile. Maybe with the times tough for many this is a sign of our America changing. A bartering system to volunteer for services.. excellent! Jobs in the U.S. instead of overseas… Excellent! Kids eating fruits and veggies instead of a flash frozen burrito…. Excellent!  And a lady who is changing lunch but stimulating the economy in her area… excellent! Seems like an upward swing to me.
If you see any positive stories I would love to read them, view them and continue to “puff” up my cheeks.
So yep I am rambling!  Have a wonderful day!
Enjoy!
Chris

Retro Post – Believe & QMC – Salt Scrub

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I love this project so decided to bring it back for a show for everyone.  Dana created this file for me and with plans of photos with Santa I started thinking about all the photos we have with Santa and where are they. This year I need to get a photo album for just the Santa pictures to put in with the holiday decorations. A great time to see how much my little one has grown.

Here is Dana’s project..  So cute!

And here is where you can get the file to make your own.

Also I am working on those QMC gift files. Now I have added the Salt Scrub file. If you haven’t joined the QMC yet. You can here.

This Salt Scrub is just awesome. My hubby has his “manly” cleaner on the sink and then there is my homemade salt scrub which makes my hands just smooth and awesome and it is almost gone. hmm… apparently it cleans the grease and dirt and paint and more off really good. Woohoo!! And it was an easy frugal gift to put together and I can make it specialized with different Extracts.
This file includes, pdf with directions, print outs for tags in varying colors, cutter files and just a great easy project.

Have fun!

Enjoy!
Chris

To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.
My files in the store can be located here. Thank you for stopping by!

Veteran’s Day Weekend.

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What a fantastic weekend!!! We did so much so let me show a few pictures. and if I seem proud… well it’s because I am. I am so proud of my guys our lives. I love to live it.

First on Friday we participated in the Veteran’s Day Parade.

Here he is standing in the back of the truck. We had such a great time. My hubby and I drove the trailer filled with the Scouts and the two of us sat together watching the crowd. There were times when I had tears in my eyes as we watched the Veterans not in the parade stand proud as the flags went by and salute the flag and cheer. Just a real honor to be around so many who have given so much. A real moment of pride to be able to be with such awesome boys in our Pack and the Veterans that were there.

Also, on Saturday, we had a “color guard” activity to do. We raised the flag for a business expo. Then we came home hung out together and had a fire with s’mores with some awesome friends. it was just cool enough for a fire and just warm enough to not be to chilly. When our friends get together and hang out, it is just wonderful. I am surrounded by some phenomenal peoples. Just a great night!

But on Saturday at the Business Expo the Sheriff’s and SWAT were there and the officer was so awesome with my son. He got to sit on the Bike, rev the engine, start the lights, start the siren… My son was on a “high” and just beaming from ear to ear. The best!
Thank you Mr. Officer! You made my son so happy!
And on Sunday I got to create a bunch and have started loading them to the QMC in the forum. I will post those over the next days as well.
For now, I must run and get some things together for the rest of the day.
Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
Enjoy!
Chris
To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.
My files in the store can be located here. Thank you for stopping by!

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I have been working on a huge project for Rebekah and Chris to celebrate Lachlan’s first year. I cannot believe that he is almost a year old now. This album started out life as a mini 4″ x 4.5″ and just kept growing.. a bit like Lachlan! The finished item has a cover of 5″ X 10″ and I have gone from 1″ ring to 2″ rings to hold it all together. In this day of iPhones and Facebook  and so on, not many photos are taken with an actual camera and certainly not many are printed out to share. I had to source these pics from phones, Facebook and my little supply I had on my camera. It has been a lot of fun creating this album and I really hope that Chris and Bec love it.

The album is made up of little pockets with tags in and other pockets that just hold pictures. The tags have photos attached or spots for journaling and I have added in extra pockets and journal spots in case they have extra pics I missed or want to add their own thoughts. The whole album was cut on my KNK Maxx, even the covers, which are paper covered cereal boxes. I had to purchase a Crop-a-Dile to punch the holes in the spine, but what a perfect reason to make the buy LOL

As well as my own designs for the album, I used a couple of cutter files from Chris Durnan and Jan Bryson from Visual Designs by Chris and The More Team! . From Chris I used CD00413 – Tab Book and CD00665 – Just a Pocket (can’t find this one in the Store yet) and from Jan, JB00212 – Itty Bitty File Tabs and JB00486 – Joy Fold Card .

Supplies:

DCWV – Cardstock
Little Yellow Bicycle – Snugglebug range  Journal spots and Rub-on
Creative Memories and Xyron – Memorabilia Pockets
Brandcorp – brads and photo tabs
Cre8tiv – paper, word stickers and chipboard Alpha
Dotty’s Craft Shop – Alpha
My Imagination – Ribbons
Kaiser Scrapbook – stamps
Versa Color – stamp pads
Ranger – Archival ink pad
Creative Memories – corner rounder and pens
Xyron – “X” , 2.5″, 5″ and 9″ Sticker Makers
Scotch ATG gun and Magic tape
Glue Glider Pro

and these are just a few pages 🙂  I am so pleased with the way it turned out… what do you think ?

Have a wonderful day wherever you are!

cheers, caz (cut on my KNK Maxx)

Digi-Cutter Files offered in SCUT, GSD, KNK, WPC & AI (SVG) at www.visualdesignsbychris.com

https://www.visualdesignsbychris.com/3009/

Happy Halloween!

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Happy Halloween!!
Here is to hoping your Halloween is awesome today and filled with fun.

Here are a few pictures from our pumpkin patch adventure. We went with some near and dear friends. We spent time in the corn maze. When my son came out he layed on the ground and thanked the Lord above for getting him out. haha. My husband thought he fell til he realized he was saying thank you thank you thank you!!! haha.

Also we play in the corn tubs. Not sure why these are fun, but they are filled with kids and are just the happiest thing. My son can’t wait to get into them every year. I keep thinking. Horse Feed, Pigs Feed, Cow Feed when I look at the dried corn, but hey who am I to judge. Everyone finds their good time and enjoyment and if it’s animal feed and jumping in without your shoes on. So be it! Good Times Commence.

Have a wonderful and safe Happy Halloween.
Enjoy!
Chris


My hubby’s choice… I know he is up to something. or Maybe he didn’t want to haul pumpkins. He is my man. love him.

Looking for the perfect one!

Two sweetie Cuties
Ms. Pretty

Hay Ride and Mom’s with Camera!

Caught the Corn Thief!

My cild might be exhausted or is blocking the way from Ms. Pretty jumping in again. He didn’t understand why she couldn’t jump in the empty tank. haha. This is training for later in life.

He is super happy grins here. Yes his hat is CSI stolen from Mom. His John Deere hats, Carhart and Caterpillar hats are beat to a pulp. Time to buy some new ones.

She is getting ready to jump in! So fun!
Here is happy baby! You’ve seen him in a previous post somewhere I am sure.

He’s really getting into it. Happy Baby this is…
And the perfect picture. Are you ready.. So my hubby took this on his phone. I loved it look at that corn throw. Happy baby is again so happy as he does what he isn’t supposed to. “throw corn” hahah. Anyways. Then I got to looking and it looks like we caught Ms. Pretty in the act bewitching with her beautiful smile all the while putting up the dreaded bunny fingers. hahah. again training for later in life for my kiddo. haha.

LOVE MY LIFE!
Thank you to our friends for letting us tag along! It was a fantastic day!

To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.
My files in the store can be located here. Thank you for stopping by!

Santa Card by Kelly S.

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Today is my day to be on the Card a Day Blog. So I am posting a holiday card for you to enjoy. I recently put out a call for any one who wanted to help me with a special project and that was Holiday Cards. I was not disappointed at all. I was very excited as all the Holiday Cards kept coming in and the requests to join the SPCT. Thank you to everyone who applied!

I chose this holiday card as they were made for me by Kelly. Kelly is going through a rough lot in life as she has just recently lost her husband. She has a young son. and the two of them are on their way in life surrounded by family and friends and all of us on the VDBC forum as we cheer her on whenever she can craft or come by the forum to “see us”. Such a quick loss and at a young age is so devastating and I know we are all saying prayers for her. (If you have any kind words to send her, I am quite sure she could use them. I know we crafters are a supportive bunch!)
Kelly whipped up this card and many more for me when I put out the Special Projects CT request. and here they are. Just beautiful!!! Thank you Kelly!!!!!! I post them with honor and gratitude! Also, I am in awe of Kelly’s strength and courage to tackle life and continue forward. We are thinking of you every day! May love and memories surround her and keep her warm.

I have lots of holiday cards to share. So come back and see the inspiration over the next two months! Just beautiful.

Enjoy!
Chris

Here are Kelly’s notes on her card she created.
Santa Claus Card

This card features 2 files from Chris, Milk & Cookies Santa (CD00381) and Better Watch Out (CDStamp001). For the background I used a piece of printed vellum I found at my local dollar store on top of a piece of green cardstock. The 2 layers are attached using snowflake and tree brads. I added Glossy Accents to Santa’s boots and Sparkly Fluff to the hat and mitten cuffs. I added pen stitching around Santa’s body and drew in a belt for him. I used 2 blue gems for him eyes. The digital stamp was printed out on plain white paper and then I added 2 layers of glittery clear embossing powder. It didn’t photograph as well as I hoped, but it looks really cool in person.

The files in the store…. I am running a special if you buy the Milk  & Cookies Santa below. you will also get the digistamp below that for free. Load them both into the cart in the store and login to the store it will show you in the cart that the stamp is free. Thank you!

This file is offered in SVG, KNK, GSD, AI, WPC, DXF
The digital file.
Don’t forget you have to load them both in the cart together! to get the offer! Enjoy!
Offer Good through Nov 4th, 2011

To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.
My files in the store can be located here. Thank you for stopping by!

jackolantern with Chris Durnan’s file

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This project was a year in the making. I bought these fake pumpkins at Michael’s last year when they went on clearance. I bought the light (the kind that goes in the Christmas village houses) after Christmas at Hobby Lobby. And the “G”, well it came from Chris of course!

The “G” is from Chris’s file set – Pack Collection. You can find it here. I cut the G out of cheap drawer liner material and put it on the pumpkin. Then I used a craft knife, a dremel tool, and a metal finger nail file to first trace, cut and smooth the G. I cut a hole in the bottom and put the light in. Reusable jackolantern!

Sussann

Digi-Cutter Files offered in SCUT, GSD, KNK, WPC & AI (SVG) at www.visualdesignsbychris.com

Win an October Grab Bag

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October Grab Bag Giveaway!!!

Enter a Comment on this post on my blog or a enter a photo
Photo if you already own October Grab Bag in the link party below and win next month’s bag.

The October Grab Bag includes the files below. Our Grab Bags include 3 designers who supply files for the theme. It is sold as a group for one month only and then is dispersed to the store for resale individually. If you want this group of files, October is the only month you can get it. It’s packed full of fun!  $7.00 for all these files is quite a deal!

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2 ways to win this grab bag or next months…


Post a comment here with the file you want to use in this grab bag or

post a link of a photo of what you created from the grab bag for October
in the linklist party and I will enter you in the winning for next month’s grab bag

This blog giveaway ends late in the day on October 29th.
Timezones are a pain to figure out.

(PS You can also join in the October Grab Bag Challenge
in the Forum to try another win for next month! Enter the forum Challenge until October 31st)

Yes you can link up from the VDBC gallery!

To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.
My files in the store can be located here. Thank you for stopping by!

To Buy the October Grab Bag … Purchase HERE