Thursday, August 30, 2012

Expanding Teddy Bear Parade for Even More Options!




What do these Cricut die cuts all have in common?

They are ALL made using Teddy Bear Parade!  

Yes, really!  The heads are from different cartridges, but the bodies are actually bear bodies which means they can wear all of those cute outfits on the Cricut Teddy Bear Parade cartridge!

That means that you get a little extra bang for your buck if you have cartridges like New Arrival or Doodlecharms!  Yippeeeee!  You may know that I like to mix up the carts a bit, but this is so, so, so easy-- much easier than my normal process.  ...And, it gives new life to older carts...and to have a full wardrobe and a full ark is just awesome in my opinion!!  

So, I started with a 2" bear, cut on my Expression, from Teddy Bear Parade (using the shift function cut).  Then, I looked through my carts to find those with heads that were separate from bodies.  Those are the easiest to use since there is nothing to cut away!  I immediately thought of Doodlecharms.  That cart has a dog, cat, and several others that are just perfect to 'morph' with a bear body!

In no time at all, I had these critters!


Cricut bugs, cats, dogs, frogs, koalas, monkeys, and babies!  Oh, my!!

I did a little trial and error on the first few, then I started getting the hang of how big to guess on the size of the head.  (But of course I list all of my sizes here so you don't have to guess when using this size.  For other sizes, just try to keep the ratio!)  It doesn't really matter-- sometimes a giant head is fun on a tiny body, but if you want to use a Teddy Bear Parade costume that includes a hat, the head size will matter depending on the design.  Other than matching up the new head with the teddy bear head, I also simply covered up the bear head and compared sizes to see which I liked best:



So, one at a time....


I paired the 2" bear body with a bug head I cut from Cricut Everyday at 1-3/4".  I cut double eyes so they would pop up!  The easiest way to attach the head is the keep a tab on when cutting off the bear head.  Then, you can use a pop dot to attach the new head or just glue it in place!


Then, you can dress him using any of the outfits on the Teddy Bear Parade cartridge, also cutting them at 2"!



You can even make him look like your favorite Cricut Collectible!  (Did you know that the illustrator who created the Teddy Bear Parade cartridge also created the Cricut Collectibles?  Check out Curt Jensen's blog by clicking here!  (For the Pink Journey guy below, I cut the pink ribbon from Pink Journey at 1/2".  I hand-cut the notch in the hands and added dots on the antennae made with an office hole punch.)


Next, the cat!


For the cat, I paired the 2" bear body with a head I cut from Doodlecharms at 1".  I hand-cut the tail and used ink and a sponge eyeshadow applicator to make his stripes.  How cool that the 'charm' animals on Doodlecharms can finally get bodies!!


For the dog, I paired the 2" bear body with a head from Doodlecharms at 1-1/2".  I cut the ears twice and popped up the ends but glued flush the part of the ear next to the head.  I used a regular gel black pen to add details and a white gel pen for the shine on the nose.



For the monkey, the 2" bear body was paired with a head from New Arrival at 2-1/4".  I cut the full body this time so I could 'steal' the tail!  

Here he is in a little costume from Teddy Bear Parade cut at the same 2" as the body.  That just cracked me up.  You can see that this hat would work on almost any head so the size and shape just didn't matter in this case.  


How about a frog?  


For the frog, I paired the 2" bear body with a head from New Arrival at 1-1/4" real dial size.  I was experimenting with Real Dial size, but this is the only one I used that on.  I found it just as easy to guess a bit by now!

I need to tell you that I have a little thing for the idea of a frog prince.  It started when my daughter was a baby and I did her bathroom in that theme.  She is eight now and she is going to have to keep that theme until she moves out for the simple reason that I love it!  So... here is my frog prince:


Previously, I created a set of note cards.  On that post, I mentioned how I created a panda from the Teddy Bear Parade cartridge.  (click here to see that project)  I made him again here, without the nose projection and I like him even more!


For the panda, I paired 2" bear bodies in black and white, hand-cutting to remove appendages on the white layer.  I also hand-cut out big ole panda eyes from the white layer (but you could just as effectively draw in those eyes).  I inked in black and used white gel pen for the eyes and shine on the nose.  I used black gel pen for the little sideways smile.  

Again, a little outfit was cut at 2" from the Teddy Bear Parade cart, since that was the cut size of the body.  I didn't use all the layers or all of the accessories.  And you know one of my favorite things about the way that this cart was done?  I love the colors used in the illustrations!  So easy to just do what is illustrated!

This guy was my daughter's favorite!  


Have you ever noticed those heads on Everyday Paperdolls and Paper Doll Dress Up?  I thought of how fun a baby would be!


For the baby, I paired the 2" bear body with a head I cut from Paper Doll Dress Up at 3-1/4".  I inked in pink and used a regular black gel pen for tracing cut marks for the eyes and mouth. 

Below, I used two of the MANY heads on Everyday Paper Dolls at 3-1/4".  That cart has lots of 'head only' cuts with many different expressions!  (Paper Doll Dress Up, in comparison, has only one 'head only' cut; the rest are full bodies).  I used the baby accessories from the Teddy Bear Parade.  Aren't you in love with that pacifier!!??  The diaper is from the New Years bear on that cart!  All cut at 2" to match the body size!  (By now, I know you are clear on the 2" size; I only mention for it for those who have not had the prescribed amount of coffee today and need it repeated!)  I put a little black and red paper behind the crying baby's mouth that I glue in place behind the head.  


These babies illustrate an important bonus you get by having a separate head:  you can tilt the head for effect, body language, and added fun!  A tilted head is only possible with a separate head!  How fun is that baby who is eyeing the other baby's bottle!  Both heads are tilted here.

So, I know what you are thinking.... What about all those animals you want to dress up that aren't found on a cart as just a head?  Well, why not cut the whole body and trim away the head?!  It is not as direct as "head only" cuts, but look at my koala!  (Koala was cut from Create-A-Critter at 1-3/4".  The head was removed after all layers were glued in place.)


The bodies are similar, but by having the teddy bear body, you can use the clothes on Teddy Bear Parade perfectly.  



But, maybe this isn't the best example.  ....What I really, really wanted was a pig!  No pig heads in sight.  So, I used the pig from County Fair.  This body is totally different from the bear body but works just like all the others when the head is removed!


For the pig, I paired the 2" bear body with a pig body I cut from County Fair at 2".  I cut off the pig head, using the cut itself as a guide.  I inked in black to make him a hard-working (dirty) pig farmer.  I used a black gel pen to draw in the eyes and nostrils.  The clothes are straight off the Teddy Bear Parade cart-- colors just as illustrated, and yep, cut at 2" just like the body (of course).


Truth be told, I didn't just snip off the tail.  I actually cut in deep so I would have an easy tab to use to glue it to the back of my little altered piggie!  I used a tiny hole punch to punch that hole in his curled up tail-- much better than using the teeny tiny cut from the cart.

I am loving this guy!  That tail works on either side, by the way!  Don't you love how the cart illustrator added rolled up cuffs to the shirt and pants!  At this teeny size, it is just precious!


I had so much fun combining critters!  The easiest ones had separate head-only cuts.  

Doodlecharms has several 'head only' cuts:  
  • bunny (page 88)
  • lemon-head-shaped baby (page 102)
  • dog (page 112) - this is the one I used above!
  • cat (page 113) - this is the one I used above!
  • reindeer (page 126)
  • Santa (page 127)

New Arrival has 'head only' layers:
  • baby (page 102)
  • elephant (page 112)
  • monkey (page 113) - this is one I used above!
  • bunny (page 115)
  • frog (page 116) - this is one I used above!

Everyday Paper Dolls has several 'head only' cuts with great expressions.  Paper Doll Dress Up has one 'head only' cut.  They are sized exactly the same.  (Both were used above!)

Lots of different cartridges can be used if you are willing to cut out whole bodies and cut away the head to use.  I liked Create-A-Critter (for all kinds of critters) and County Fair (for cow, pig, and horse).  It is all in your hands!  (oh...what a segue!  Well, I did want to give an idea of scale when using this size bear...)



If you morph your own teddy bear body creations, please let me know!  I would love to see them!  I have a couple of fun projects coming up in mid-September using this concept -- can't wait to show you!

You can see many of my previous paper projects by checking out My Project Gallery, or click here.  


Edited Oct 18, 2012 to add:

I have more teddy bear morph posts on this blog!  Check these out:

And there are lots more head-only animals on Everyday Paper Dolls (really!!) and Animal Kingdom (it even has a "head" feature button).

61 comments:

Sis Patterson said...

Okay - you just "officially" sold this cartridge to me! I love what you have done here! The panda is my favorite too - but all are spectacular!!! So totally fabulous - can't wait for mid-September to see more!

Sara Andrews said...

Too cute!! I love each and every one.

Don't tell the others but I think the Panda dressed for his Summer vacation is my favorite!

Scrappin with the bug said...

OK this has to be the BEST illistration I've seen for disfiguring the critters. OH MY goodness I know for sure what I want to do now. I soooooooo think this is the BEST!!!! I won't tell you I told on you to Curt..... Just making sure he totally knows when he makes a cartridge we (umm you ) won't use it for what it was designed for. That we (ummm you will) find a clever way to expand on it. I love how you did this. I'm keeping this post for sure so I know exactly how to do it. I think it's perfect!!!!!

Leanne said...

OMG! I bought this cartridge (haven't got to play with it yet) but oh wow how brilliant of you and so sweet to share!!! I hope you don't mind but I will be pinning this so I can come back to reference (if that's not ok please just email me!) Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!! Hugs, Leanne

Melissa said...

AWESOME ideas!!! I will definitely have to scraplift these ideas!!!! Thanks so much.

Melissa

bird said...

Omg. Now I really wants this cartridge..Thanks again.

Cocoa's Mom said...

I'm just awestruck with your creativity, Nadia! Wow! TFS Christine

scootingranny said...

Leave it to you to open up a whole new world of image possibilities with that creative mind of yours! Thanks for all the ideas and especially the sizes!!

Diane Hodrick said...

These are so friggin adorable, Nadia! I knew you were going to knock my socks off with this adorable cart. Socks not only knocked off, but think they may have made it as far as China! So cute...thanks for all the info too!

rockinrobin721 said...

OMG, those are too stinking cute. I just love seeing your paper piecing projects.

Cindy@ Scrap-obsessed.blogspot.com said...

No Way! OMG, Nadia you just sold me on this cartridge. Your little characters are too freaking cute! I liked the bears, but didn't want to buy the cartridge because really how many bears can one person use? You have solved all my problems and going to look for that cartridge now. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us. Cindy

D- said...

I have this cartridge and it is my fav!
I made a bulletin board at school. I made two bears at 10.5 in.
I made 20 different outfits for them to wear.
I will change their outfits each month.
For February I cut the Cupid and then redesigned the sailor dress, changed its colors and gave her a Valentine's card to hold.
For May I made the bee and then used the redesigned sailor dress, changed its colors and gave her a bunch of flowers to hold.
Last night I used the free to use cuts for the new Create a Critter 2cart to make a pilgrim hat for Nov.
Next is to try the outfits on other carts with similar body type.
Love your great instructions.
TFS.
dmcardmaker (at AOL)
(email follower)
(fellow Cricut MB member)

Sherry D said...

LOVE,LOVE,LOVE all these ADORABLE cuts!! Thank you so much for all the time and details you have provided us with to re-create and use many of our other carts to make these CUTE animals and babies!! :) Much appreciated! :)

Gina piazza said...

Geez Nadia,
Is there anything you cant do with paper!
The critters and babies are wonderful!
I can't even pick a favorite because I love them all!
Thank you for being so generous with your time in sharing exactly how you create everything.

Ginger said...

Wow Nadia! These are amazing and such a great idea!

Jodie R said...

You are sooooooooo brilliant!!! PC needs to hire you right away to be on their creative design team!! Nadia, you just blow my mind! These are adorable!!!

Karon said...

Nadia - you just don't stop amazing us with the way you think out of the box. These are just so darn cute - I too would love to get this cart now! TFS your amazing talent my friend:-)

http://karonskraftykorner.blogspot.ca/

Curt Jensen said...

Those are stinky cute! I especially love the Miami Vice Cricut!!! Terri tipped me off to this post and I love it. You should definitely post this idea in Cricut Project Center. As you say, this definitely brings new life to old carts.

TheTulipCollector said...

You are awesome!!! I love the monkey!! Ok...I love them all. Great job!

Sukie said...

These are totally amazing, I absolutely love how you created so many fun characters from a few cartridges, just brilliant. Now I wish you would pack all those up and send them to me :) Thanks for all of the inspiration you provide!

Carrie K said...

These are all just too cute! Now I KNOW I have to get Teddy Bear Parade!! Your pig is adorable!!

JJewel said...

Once again Nadia rules!!!
I do not have this cartridge and I really hope to add it to my list!

Love the Frog all dressed up!!

Lori said...

I always love coming to your and this is why. You have the best ideas. I love the little babies. They are my favorite. A fantastic job on everything. I ordered my cart a week ago or I would call you an enabler! Lol. Thank you for continuing to inspire me :)

MelodyR aka Ry&MysMom said...

Ok I NEED this cart! Too cute!

craftymrs said...

wow! I would have NEVER thought of that. You are so creative!

Adrian said...

2 awesome!

Melissa said...

OMG, I cannot wait till I get this cart, you did an amazing job!

girlia said...

Amazing job! on the cuts. TFS

ScrappyMama said...

Geez, Nadia, shouldn't you be workin' or something????!! You have got to be one of the most talented people I have ever met...& the best part is that you're definitely one of the sweetest too!! If I didn't love you...I would hate you :D !!!

cricaholic said...

OH MY GOSH!!!!!Those are the most creative adorable things!! OK OK I HAVE TO GET THIS CART!!!! THANKS for enableing me..LOL!!

Mrs. Green said...

These are super cute! I love that no matter what, you can dress up any animal with the outfits. Thanks for sharing this idea!

Ladybug said...

OMG!!! Nadia --- only YOU could come up w/ something like this. You never cease to amaze me w/ your creativity, girl. I wish I had a "pinkie size" of creativity that you have!!!

TFS! You li'l enabler, you!!! Now I want/need that cart!!! LOL

gypsyrps said...

Those are fantastic. I smiled over and over again. I had no idea how much fun that cart could be...so thanks for the fun and adorable projects. The outfits really made them shine!

Wendy said...

OMG! I love what you have done and I wasn't going to buy anymore carts but you have made me change my mind on this one :).

Anna said...

I just Love the Farmer Pig !! So cute !!!

Anna

paperscribe said...

Brilliant!

Crafting Katie said...

These are incredible!!! You are brilliant, and now I totally need this cartridge! Everything you do is done to perfection! I loved your "20 seconds" of fame video too! Congrats on having the favorite layout - you rock!

Ohhh Snap said...

Awesome post! So much great information and Enabling lol. Thank you so much for sharing your talents, now about the enabling ... :D. It'll go on the wish list.

Diane said...

You're a genius! Now I have to get that cart for sure!

Di&Co

PamGram said...

OH WOW...this is awesome-normous,is that a word?lol I'm always combining carts for new looks but I would not have even thought of getting the Teddy bear cart until NOW. Thank you for taking the guess work out of(and it's alot of time consuming work) to figure all the measurements.

Unknown said...

I can not wait to play some more with my cart, what inspiration! First I must get kids off to college, this weekend

Hrvatica said...

Fantastic job on these. Now I really really want this cartridge!

Audrey Frelx said...

Nadia, you are unbelievably talented with that cart!!! All of these are just the cutest ever!!!

RAP said...

Woderful ideas!

ksqueenb said...

So I am not a "cutesy" person and didn't even want Teddy Bear Parade until you posted your cards. Then I decided I wanted it. Now you show the many options based on carts I already have and I "NEED" it. Hope I can find it!

What an enabler you are. LOL

Surprisingly Crafty said...

What a GREAT idea!! You are so creative! They all are so cute! Thanks for sharing!!! :o)

Debbie said...

wow I just love this you really did a awesome job, I want this cart so bad now thanks for sharing I am also a new follower with you
Debbie

angel4ever said...

Super, super cute!!!! I want this cartridge now, lol!
I'm a new follower!

Tiffany
angel4ever-thecraftyteacher.blogspot.com

Kathy Salido said...

Wow, these are really fabulous. thank you so much for sharing. now I cannot wait to try morphing my own characters!!
Kathy
http://3spoileddogs.blogspot.com/

Arcy Scraps said...

Wow!!! Your work is amazing!

nightnurse said...

PC should give you a commision on every Teddy Bear Parade! I had talked myself out of this cart but after seeing what you have done, I am inspired. I love the way you alter the cricut figures and animals and put your own spin on them, and I love even more that you share your details and intsructions with us. Thank you!

KOLA Designs said...

I am now more excited than ever that I just ordered this cartridge!! As always, your work is AMAZING!

TwoBlueHeelers said...

Hi! I just bought Teddy Bear Parade after reading your terrific ideas. For those who want to make the little farmer -- be aware that this cut is not shown in the array on the back of the cartridge box. It is in there, but was left out! It's to be found in between the "Bavarian girl" and the Halloween witch cut. Have fun, everyone!

Charlotte C said...

I'm not even sure how I came upon your amazing transformation page, but I have bookmarked it for posterity - and to refer to it because it is so incredible the way you've transformed all the critters. I love the Teddy Bear cart and can't wait to try some of what you've done.

Crystal said...

I've been wondering if the outfits from tbp would fit my paper doll's & more I know I can mess with it & get it to work. Provo craft needs to give you a commission because you just sold tbp to me!

jennabelle said...

I ordered this cartridge tonight BECAUSE of your post! Cant wait to make all kinds of possibilities! Thank you so much for sharing this!!! :)

Amy said...

I recently received the Teddy Bear Parade cart---I am so excited to find your blog and these tips! I will look at cartridges differently from now on. Thanks so much!

Marla said...

The post is great!! I would have never thought of mixing them up like that. They are all so cute!! Thanks for sharing!

Linda said...

Clever, clever clever girl!!!! Now that is using your imagination!!

Elizabeth said...

I always saw this cartridge but did not got it in the Cricut November box. I always thought of doing a panda. And I got to your page through Pinterest. You did an amazing job. Congratulations. This is one of those cartridge that is worth every penny. Thanks so much.

bearcatnat said...

I also found your post through Pinterest. This is just adorable! I love creating my own characters. I've had lots of fun with the Teen Paper Dolls cartridge and hand-drawing my own faces. Thanks for the tips!

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