A background tutorial with CorelDRAW .....

The minute I saw Edwin on Christmas Eve I was struck with the notion that he looks like he's walking out of a scene.  So, that's what I did with him.  The background is from Make It Crafty (don't you just love Zoe's backgrounds?) and, of course, Edwin is from Magnolia.  This particular paper is from Bo Bunny and I matched Edwin's clothes to it.  For full ingredients, see the end of this post.  This tutorial is how I created the background under my design paper so it matches perfectly to my circle.

Step 1:  Open your CorelDRAW and start a new file.  I like my cards to fit a 5" x 5" envelope so I usually make them about 4.50" x 4.50".  My base would be 4.75" x 4.75".

Step 2:  Add a circle to your new file.  This circle was 4" x 4".



Step 3:  Add a square around the perimeter of your file.  You will use this to cut out the background.

Step 4:  Insert your images into your circle.  Don't worry about any overlap outside the circle, it won't show.



Step 5:  Save this file in CorelDRAW for future use in your template.  Export this file as a .jpg or a .png.

Step 6:  Import your .jpg or .png file into the program you use to print.  I use Microsoft Word.  It should import the same size you created it. 

Step 7:  Print one copy out on printer paper.  This will be your template.  Cut out the square and then cut the circle on the line using an exacto blade.  Cut out a square of your design paper the same size as your file (mine was 4.50" x 4.50").  Use the paper template on top and attach with repositionable tape.  This template will fit the Spellbinder's Classic Circle Large Die set, use the largest die (3.75" x 3.75").  It will totally fit inside the circle you cut out of the template.  This will create a hole about an 1/8" smaller than your background circle covering the edges.  Run this through your Grand Calibur or Cuttlebug.  Your design paper should now fit perfectly over your circle background.  Save your paper template to use again.  You can emboss your design paper but remember, your paper shrinks after it's been embossed so you will have to trim the outside of your background square.  Your circle should still match very well.

Paper: Bo Bunny; Stamps: Make It Crafty Mistletoe Archway digital stamp; Magnolia Edwin on Christmas Eve; Distress Ink Vintage Photo; Martha Stewart Carrara Marble Glitter; Spellbinder Classic Circles Large; Pebbles Inc. Chalk; Liquid Pearls White Opal; Copics: [Skin E000, E00, E11, R20][Hair Y19, Y04][Coat, hat R89, R39, R37][Pants R37, R35, R24][Mittens E53, E50, E51][Shoes E57, E31, E55, E53][Apples R24, R27, R35, YG05][Basket E37, E34, E33][Package E13, E11, E15, YR24, E21][Archway R22, R37, C3, C5, YG17, R89, R39, R37]

Snippet 14: Excerpt from Housekeeping Monthly - 13 May 1955

The Good Wife's Guide:

"Make him comfortable.  Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom.  Have a cool or warm drink ready for him."