Christmas Ornaments

It's been a while since I posted anything new here on the blog.  Sometimes life gets really busy and while I'm still crafting, I forget to take pics and really don't like to blog about things that I can't show you.  Anyway, here's an ornament that  my daughter and I made the other day using a new technique.  It's done using a glass ornamennt, Pledge floor finish with Future Shine and glitter.  We used the Martha Stewart fine glitter that I had on hand.   

Making them couldn't be easier.  First you pour in the floor polish and swirl it around to coat the inside.  Once coated, drain the excess out.  If you're only making one, you can set it back on the open bottle of Pledge.  Otherwise, I suggest having a few paper cups to place them in so can drain a few while glittering.  Next you'll dump some glitter inside the ornament and swirl it to coat the inside.  Pour the excess out, put the cap on the ornament and you're done.  We added Lex's name to ours using vinyl and the Cricut, and tied a bow to match.  Easy, peasy!

Cricut Cartridge Boxes

What do you do with your cartridge boxes?  I no longer use mine to store my carts, they just take up too much room.  I couldn't just toss them out though, they're great quality.  So, in true paper-crater form, I altered them and passed them on to someone else that might be able to use them.  This one was given to my niece.  I figure she can use it to hold her special trinkets, jewelry, crayons, make-up (when she's older of course), whatever her heart desires.  Of course, I gave them away before taking pictures, but was able to get some sent to me on my phone.  The quality isn't great, but I think you get the idea. 

Shadow Box Gift

Here's a gift that I helped my cousin put together to give to her future MIL as a thank you.  All the paper is Stampin' Up as is the ribbon.  The large rectangle was put there as a matte for a photo of my cousin and her fiance (they hadn't actually taken the photo yet, lol).  We were able to find a nice poem online and alter it a bit to fit the situation better and included that on the matte to the right.  It was really sweet when they presented it to her at thier wedding shower.  She's been blessed with a wonderful MIL, and I'm so glad I was able to help her with this special gift.

Speaking of Weddings

Last July, my cousin got married.  Of course, being the papercrafter I am, I offered to help with invitations as well as programs and favors.  I used Cricut Design Studio to design a pocket-fold card that would act as the invitation as well as the envelope.  On the inside left panel I hand stamped a peacock feather (her new name means Peacock in another language).  Anyway, it's difficult to see from the picture, but I was able to get both the purple and green that she wanted stamped on each feather by rolling the edges of the stamp in purple after having already applied the green ink to it.  Does that make sense?  The right inside panel was a pocket that help a postcard response card, which was computer generated and then stamped like the invite.  These invites fold up to about a 5"x5" square and are cut from one 12"x12" piece of cardstock. 

The wedding favors were made to hold tulip bulbs.  Nothing too fancy, just some paper, punches, stamps and ribbon.  They are triangular, and open ended.  The bulbs were put into cellophane bags and put inside the "boxes". 

Wedding Wishes

Here's another card made last July.  It's difficult to see in the picture, but I used the Cuttlebug and embossed both the layers.  The larger layer was embossed using Swiss Dots (probably my favorite), and the smaller rectangle used Divine Swirls.  The stamps used were Stampin' Up, and I colored the cakes using a blender pen and pastels. 

Happy Anniversary Derek and Yvonne!

Car Decals

Here's another great idea for vinyl...car window decals.  These are just a couple that I had special requests for.  The first one went on the back window of a Mustang, and says, "Momma's Pony".  It also has the Mustang icon above the wording. 

This second one is on the back window of an old El Camino.  It says, "Get Trucked" and includes the Chevy "bowtie".  I used SCAL2 and my Cricut to cut them both.  I've also done a few smaller sized decals like this stick family.  I put it on my sister's car back in December.  It was so cold I couldn't feel my fingers, but it stayed put!  Notice the pregnant mom...only 3 weeks until she'll need an updated version.

Lost my Mojo!!!

I'm in a crafting funk!  I want to do it, I really do, but I can't seem to get it together and actually do it.  So, rather than leave my blog without any updates, I've decided to look through some old pictures I have saved and post some of the projects that haven't been seen here yet.  I hope to be back really soon with something new...maybe from the new French Manor cartridge that's exclusive to the Cricut Circle members.

Today's card was actually made LAST July for a challenge using a digital stamp.  I used Stampin' Up paper, markers and punches.  Nothing fancy, but I figured it was fitting for today's post.  I'll be back tomorrow with another "oldie but goodie".

Toy Story 3D

So, my daughter celebrated her 17th birthday on June 18th.  What better way than to go to the midnight opening show of Toy Story 3D?  I offered to make her and her friends some shirts to wear, and they chose to have the alien from the movies on them (he's sooo cute).  Anyway, while I used my Cricut to do the cutting, the Toy Story cartridge hasn't been released to the public yet so I had to find my own picture and convert it to a file I could cut using SCAL.  I am loving the updates to SCAL2 that allows me to break apart pics that I have traced.  I was able to separate each part according to what color we wanted and then simply piece them back together when ironing the vinyl on. 

When the aliens were finished, the girls decided they wanted their names on their shirts as well.  Back to the web I went in search of a font that looked like childrens' builing blocks (it was the girls' idea).  After some tweaking, I was able to stack them and apply them to the shirts as well.  One more quick pic before I go (the morning after)...sorry Lex! 

SCAL File for Coaster Boxes

 

I had a request for the coaster box cut file that I made.  I origianlly used my Gypsy to design the box, and promised I'd re-do it in SCAL.  You can get it by clicking HERE.  It is sized to fit a set of 4 tile coasters that are 4"x4"x2" when stacked together.  I think I'm going to go back and add a window to the lid though.  It would be nice to see the image on the coasters while they are boxed up.  You can get that file HERE.

Cricut Lite Lacy Labels

Here's a quick thank you card I made using the new Cricut Lite cartridge, Lacy Labels.  On the keypad, it is #21.  I think picking the papers took more time than cutting and assembling the card.  Once I had decided on the paper, I used my Cricut Design Studio (because it hasn't been added to the G library yet) to place the elements on the mat so I could load the different papers and cut everything without unloading/reloading the mat.  After assembling, I added a few adhesive pearls and some faux stitching using a white Inkssentials pen. 

To see another project using this cartridge, visit my vinyl blog.  I used keypad #10 to make a decorative tile.  Hope to be crafting and posting much more in the days to come...SCHOOL'S OUT!!!! 

Blog Award

I got my very first blog award  from Lori over at Scrappin' My Stress Away.  I'm so glad to hear that someone enjoys what I'm posting here.  I really only started the blog because my 12 year old DS was sick of being asked what he thought about my projects.  He suggested I start a blog so other "people like me" could see (and he wouldn't have to, lol).  Thanks again, Lori. 

So it's time to pass this award on to 5 more inspiring blogs.  It's so hard to decide on only 5, but here goes:
http://www.thathandmadetouch.net/  she's got a new blog, with great ideas...check it out.
http://scrapnplace4me.blogspot.com/  If you like mini albums, you'll love Carol's blog.
http://www.scrapcavecreations.blogspot.com/ Tammy does some incredible layouts!
http://passionatelypaper.blogspot.com/ Here's another newer blog with lots of promise of great projects.
http://www.createdbybrandilynn.blogspot.com/ Couldn't leave our Candian friends out.  You're going to love what Brandilynn does.

Table Tiles for a Grad Party

This post will be picture heavy, since I was asked to make 10 tiles for a party.  The plan is to use the tiles to mark the tables that the guests will be seated at.  I was given a list of words along with the colors they wanted used, and this is what I came up with.  I used a mix of SCAL and Cricut carts.  I just got the Cricut Lite Lacy Labels cart and love it...sooooo versatile.  I used it last night to make a thank you card (you can see it later on my stamping and scrapping blog).  Anyway, here are some (not so good) pics of the finished tiles.

Tile Coasters

Here's a pic of one of the projects I recently finished.  I made 8 sets of tile coasters to be given as "thank you" gifts for some teachers.  Super easy to do.  I used 4x4 tiles found at Lowes, black outdoor vinyl (wanted it to be able to withstand being used), some adhesive cork on the back (to protect the table), and my Cricut, of course.  The font here is and was cut using SCAL.  I love that this program gives me the option to use any true type font I have installed on my computer.  It also gives me the option to design my own cuts and make really personalized items. 

Here's a look at the boxes that I made to perfectly fit the coasters.  Using my Cricut again, I designed the box and lid using my Gypsy so that I could cut it to the dimensions I needed.  Quick little tag and they're reading for giving. 

Waterslide Revisited

Ever have one of those projects that you think is finished but just can't get out of your head?  I went to bed last night thinking I wasn't crazy about my LO of the waterslide.  Something just wasn't right.  Fast forward to this morning, and there I was at the Cricut when I should have been making lunches.  I just had to cut the frames from a matching blue paper.  It's a small change, but it makes a big difference.   

"My Favorite" Challenge

I did a layout for this week's Gypsy challenge.  We were to use 3 elements from our favorite cartridge, one from our least favorite and weld something.  I have a difficult time picking a favorite, and since I've done so much with Create a Critter lately, I decided to try another.  My elements(sun, frames, curvy lines that are welded to the frames) came from the Wild Card cart.  This is another cart that has TONS of elements that can be used on cards as well as layouts.  I still claim that Plantin Schoolbook is my least favorite, but the more I force myself to use it, the more I realize how versatile it is.  I welded two waves together to make the border at the bottom of the page, and also used it to create the "mosaic" tiles.  I'm going to add some crystal laquer to the sun to make them more tile like, but I couldn't find it today.  The word art was created by welding the letters from Mickey Font.

 

Now, a little background about the layout.  This was a family trip to Six Flags back in 2000.  My son was just under 3 years old, and seeing the waterslide insisted on going.  Now, mind you, this is the "kiddie" slide that he's standing in front of.  I got in line with him and at the top was told I couldn't go down with him.  I tried to convince him not to go but he had his heart set on it.  As soon as he started down the slide, he fell back and was quickly flipped onto his belly by a curve.  He rolled back and forth all the way down.  I was horrified that I couldn't help him, and ran to the bottom to comfort him as soon as I could.  He got out of the water and was covered in scratches.  Poor thing...hasn't been on another waterslide since (and he's 12 1/2 now).

He came in while I was putting this layout together and told me he remembered the whole thing.  He swears the guy at the top PUSHED him down the slide, and can't get over the fact that he would do that, lol.

Last Minute Grad Card

So we were invited to a graduation party a week ago.  Like a dummy, I assumed that since I wasn't asked to make a card, Kev must have already bought one to give her.  WRONG!!!  As we were getting ready to walk out the door, he turns to me and says, "Can you make a card really quick?"  UGH...MEN!  Lucky for him, I can make a card really quickly.  Not my best, but it works.  Kristin was graduating from nursing school, so I pulled out my Gypsy knowing that Everyday Paper Dolls had just what I needed.  I designed it to fit my "card template" (just a rectangle that I place on the page and set the size to my card size), then separated it by colors and let the Cricut go to work.  When all was said and done, it took about 10 minutes from start to finish.

More Recipe Cards

I just found pics of the recipe cards I did for my first swap. I'm going to add a chicken or maybe a casserole pan to the enchilada card, it seems to be missing something. The Enchilada card uses Stampin' Up papers and ribbon. The "title" was cut from vinyl using SCAL.

The Cherry Coco Bars was assembled on top of some FREE digital paper that I printed off at home.  I cut the cherries from the Hello Kitty Greetings cartridge.  It's another cart that has lots of fun to use images that aren't necessarily "Hello Kitty"...suns, clouds, flowers, rainbows, etc.  Worth looking into if you like making cutesy cards and layouts.

We have a WINNER!

I want to thank everyone that took the time to check out my blog.  I'm thrilled that so many of you liked it enough to follow, and hope to not disappoint you.  I've also really enjoyed visiting your blogs as well, and am now following a few.   I've used random.org to pick a winner from all the comments listed on the giveaway post.  Congratulations.......
nikk said...
New follower here! I love the look of your blog. Very cute :) I love finding new blogs. Please come check me out @ http://weremakinmemorieshere.blogspot.com/

Please email me your address at misha_113@yahoo.com  and I'll get the sleeve out to you.

Round and Round We Go Challenge

Here's my latest challenge entry.  If you're a Gypsy owner, you should check out the message boards at Cricut.com.  In the G forum you'll find a weekly challenge designed to help us learn about and use all the fabulous features built into your Gypsy.  This week's challenge was to weld something around a shape.  The watermelon shape came from the Doodlecharms cartridge (great for year round shapes), and the font used is Plantin Schoolbook. 

I'm in the process of figuring out how to share my gyypsy files.  I THINK you can download the file for this card HERE.

Gypsy Sleeve Giveaway!

I'm giving away a brand new Pink Bling Gypsy sleeve to one lucky person.  All you have to do is leave a comment on this post...I wouldn't hate it if you commented on others as well, lol. 

You have until midnight (ET) on May 23rd to enter.  The winner will be announced on Monday, May 24th.  Good Luck!

Recipe Card Swap

Just finished up some recipe cards for a swap over at the Cricut message boards.  The first one is a recipe that my fiance's Grandmother makes, called Frog Eye Salad.  It's like ambrosia with a twist...itty, bitty round noodles.  Sounds weird, I know, but YUM! 

I used my Gypsy to weld together the letters and words, and cut the frog/lily pad using Create a Critter (my new "go to" cartridge).  Even if you're not a critter kind of person, this cartridge has so many other elements it's worth looking into. 

For the second card I used CAC (again) for the barn, and Everyday Paper Dolls for the chicken.  Not my favorite chicken, but the only one I have for now.  I used the Cuttlebug to emboss the barn (but I can't remeber the name of the folder...distressed lines maybe).  I was going to originally put the chicken on the "ground" in front of the barn but while I was inking the edges, one fell on top and I liked the way it looked more.  It no longer looked like a barn to me, but more of a chicken coop.  Anyway, with the chicken up there I had to make some changes for the recipe card as well.  That's when it hit me.  I could make the barn into a pocket and weld that chicken to a tag that slips behind it.  So, when you pull the chicken off the chicken coop, you find this...

Boxed In

Happy Mother's Day!  If you're familiar with the Cricut, then chances are you've heard about the Gypsy.  I'm happy to say that I've just become a "member of the club".  I got my G for Mother's Day from the kids (o.k., I admit I had to order it, but what better reason, right?) 

Here's a box that I designed using my new toy.  I'm doing some challenges over on the Cricut message board as a way to learn about the gypsy, and this week's challenge was to create a box.  I also tried my hand at making paper roses inspired by Tim Holtz.  I will definitely be trying more of these.  I think they'd look great in a shadow box with a scrapbook page.  I have added the link to download these files to the Gypsy page. 

Personalized Dry Erase Board

Did this project for a challenge on National Scrapbook Day.  The challenge was to make something with or for a child.  I made this for my daughter to hang on her bedroom door.  This way I have a place to write or hang notes that she needs to see, and can't tell me she didn't because she has to go past it to go to bed.  The circles and letters were cut from vinyl using SCAL2.  I love being able to cut any font I want with my Cricut.

A Bow Holder for Allison

My favorite two year old niece has beautiful locks of hair that can be a bit unruly if not pulled back.  She's got hair bows in every color imaginable, to match every outfit she owns.  I thought it would be helpful if she had a place to store them, so I set about to make her that place. 

I started with a plain wooden plaque that I painted white.  While the paint dried, I did some cutting with my Cricut.  All the images came from the new Create a Critter cartridge (it's my new favorite).  The images are cut from paper and adhered with Mod Podge.  Then I added her name in vinyl, and stapled some ribbon to the back.  She will be able to attach her hair bows to the ribbons and always know where they are.  I know it's kind of cheating since most of it is paper, but it doesn't really fit at my stampin' and scrappin' blog...

National Scrapbook Day Entries

I've just finished uploading the pictures of the projects I completed for the NSD challenges over at My Pink Stamper.  They are pretty straight forward, and I've included some instructions.  If there's anything you would like explained, leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer. 

MPS Challenge #12: Critter-licious

This challenge was screaming for the Create a Critter cartridge (I think these critters are too cute!).  Since it was still on my table from the earlier challenges, I chose to use the DCWV Latte paper stack once again to make this card.  The purple layer is punched with a Martha Stewart border punch (lattice, I think). 

Because I used such a dark color as the card base, I added a lighter shade inside in order to write a message later.  The liner was punched to match, and includes a small acorn embellishment (also cut from the CAC cartridge).

MPS Challenge #11: Colors of the Rainbow

For this challenge we were told to use 1 or all colors of the rainbow.  I used my Cricut to cut the "ric-rac" using the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge.  Then using SCAL, and the font bellbottom, I welded and cut the word "smile" from black paper and again as a shadow from purple.