Freebie Cut File - Week #24

My weeks are going by fast aren't they? I'm trying to get caught up with all the box files I had people cut out for me! I hope you guys are as excited as I am about boxes, cuz that's where we've been and that's where we're gonna keep going for at least a little while longer! This file was requested by Gail...and I'm glad she did!

This first one was designed by Dawn at http://dawnday.blogspot.com. She also did the chocolate box you saw before. When I first saw this as a pdf, I thought it would be so cute to have patterned paper for his little "outfit". It turned out darling! And thanks to Dawn too for the tip on fixing the svg so it cut out right!

This second one was designed by Celeste at http://scrappingbutterflymom.blogspot.com . She's the same lady who designed the cute book box earlier. I love seeing how different people interpret these boxes! I thought she did a great job with changing up the face...giving him a mouth, a cute red nose, and changing up the eyes!

So fun ladies!!! Thanks again!

Here's the file:

Santa Claus box - .svg

P.S. There was someone who left a comment about not being able to open my files in scal. I can't find it now cuz I have no idea which post she left it under...but here's the answer! You have to open scal first. Then you can either go to file, open or file, import svg depending on what you downloaded. Then just browse until you find where you downloaded it on your computer. If this doesn't help, please leave a comment again (I promise I won't lose it this time!).

Freebie Cut File - Week #23

Calie designed this box for us using the Tall Rectangle Box file I gave her. Isn't it darling? The acetate is a really fun way to use this box...and I love her little bands at the top and bottom AND the sentiment! Thanks Calie for such a cute, fun idea for the fall holidays!!!

Here's her blog if you want to head over, check out her stuff, and say hi! http://caliescreativecorner.blogspot.com

Here's the file:

Tall Rectangle Box - .svg

Freebie Cut File - Week #22

Thanks to Tracy for this decorated version of a cupcake box file! I love that she used such cute fall colors! And the rub on on the acetate! (Why didn't I ever think of that?) She even used the baby bug to cut this out and so had to piece together the bottom. So cute, Tracy!!! Thanks again!

I thought this box would be a good one to do ages ago...and I forgot I had it done and ready to cut until I started looking through my files! I hate being so disorganized! I know it's a pretty common file, but most people want to charge you for it...and I thought it would double nicely as a plain box that could be stacked (those are getting popular now too it seems!). I left out the window so you could do either.

Happy crafting!

Here's the file:

Cupcake Box - .svg

Beef Stew

I don't have a picture of this one...but I promised my friend Kirsten that I would give this recipe to her, and then promptly forgot! It's a good thing she's so forgiving, right Kirsten?

Since I needed to right it down anyway, I figured I may as well post this since I have NEVER had a beef stew that compared to this. The flavor is fabulous and the meat turns out perfect every time. I love that it's not too tomatoey either. Cuz I hate big chunks of tomatoes in anything but Mexican food. So this recipe is just my style. Plus, as a bonus, you do it in a crockpot! And if there's one thing I love, it's not having to worry about dinner at dinnertime!

So here it is. Hope some of you get to enjoy this. I'll post a picture the next time I make this! Which might be soon now that I'm thinking about and salivating over it!

Crock Pot Beef Stew
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced (I dice it in my mini chopper)
2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
2 large potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
1 to 1 1/2 c peeled and diced rutabaga (I just use a little celery - cuz who has rutabaga?)
1 c fresh green beans, in bite size pieces (canned, if you please for me)
1 lb beef stew meat chunks
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried thyme
3 c beef stock
2 Tbsp light brown sugar
3/4 tsp salt
2 tsp Worcestshire sauce
pepper to taste
3 Tbsp flour
2 tsp tomato paste

Put everything but the flour and the tomato paste in a slow cooker; stir to combine. Cover and cook on the low setting for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are just fork tender. Stir the stew once or twice as it cooks, if possible. About 30 minutes before serving, transfer a ladleful of the broth to a small mixing bowl. Add the flour and tomato paste and whisk until smooth. Stir the mixture into the stew and cook for the remaining half hour. Makes 6-8 servings.

PROPOSITION!!!!

Hey all! As the title suggests, I have a proposition for you. You see, I have been working on boxes in svg form (during my extra boring classes), and I have a few done. Unfortunately, I don't have a whole lot of time at home to cut them out and decorate them and stuff. SO...does anyone want to try some box cuts and then email me pics so I can put them on here (credited to you, of course!) and then make the cut files available to everyone? I really want to keep posting new files pretty frequently, and this is a way I could still keep updating without it taking TOO much of my already limited time.

What do you say? Any takers? Right now, I have a book box, the Santa Claus box I was asked for, a cafe box, and maybe even a few others...I have to check. Please leave a comment with your email address and I'll get in touch with you and send you the file!

Halloween Jars

These are just some little candy jars I made for the holidays. I wanted to wait until I actually had candy in them to post them...but I can't seem to get to the store lately (thanks dh for going for me!). I'm thinking mini Reese's peanut butter cups, salt water taffy, and maybe candy corn. Or maybe just all chocolate...mmmmmmm!