Storybook Lace with Diamond Centers

As soon as the Cricut Storybook cartridge came out I could see that it was full of wonderful elements for creating more complex designs. I have been putting together quite a few of these - here is the first in a series.

This design is created by a simple repeat of one element from the Storybook cartridge. I made the design in rows, similar to the Halloween design, but did not separate the elements with bars. Once again, I am reminded of quilt designs where the juxtaposition of one or two simple design elements creates new patterns and images.

Here is the basic shape used to create this design



By overlapping and repeating the design, a secondary shape is created



The effect of an entire 12 x 12 page of this element creates a design far more complex and interesting - there appear to be three rows of four of the oval designs with a fancy border around the edges.



This would be lovely as a page background or even as a doily for a tray of desserts. The elements are larger and thicker than the Halloween design so it is much faster to cut and easier to remove from the mat. One more idea (I haven't tried this - no time for baking lately) would be to use it as a "stencil" on a pan of brownies or a cake by placing it on top of the cake and sifting powdered sugar over the top and gently removing the paper (leaving the negative space creating the design).

Once again, this is set up to cut on a 12 x 24 mat. I have found that even when I use the full width, there is some variation in the loading process for the machine so I am making the design rows a bit less than 12 inches to avoid the possibility of the very edge of the design being flattened or cut off. Remember to place the paper starting at the one inch (1") mark on the mat.

I have also done a version for the baby bug - this is on the first page of the file. Be sure to change the view to the 12 x 6 mat. I have not been able to test cut the baby bug version - it previews fine but I would appreciate hearing from someone who cuts it so I can be sure there are no problems. Thanks!

Storybook Lace with Diamond Centers