Just wishing I could craft!

My family and I are going away for Thanksgiving and we are leaving tomorrow. I still have to pack and I just really wish I could craft right now! It's not that I don't want to go on our vacation but I have that urge to fiddle around up in my crafting area. :)

I will be missing all of you crafters while I am gone. I am hoping to get on the net once in a while to see what's going on. When I come back I will need to get some serious Christmas cards and handmade gifts done. I also have some grand ideas for making something "scrapbook-like" when I come back, too.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!

Joy

This week has been so busy largely due to parent teacher conferences at my boys' school. I had this penguin card in mind when I saw the sketch for Card Patterns Challenge. Getting the time to sit down this week and make the card was another matter entirely! :)

I wanted to keep the card simple. I used a Sizzix (Basic Grey) embossing folder on the tag that I cut using my Preserves Cart. I cut the penguin out with Create-A-Critter. I sewed a simple border around the card and used a snowflake stamp on the pattern paper in a silver Dew Drop ink. I used clear buttons, some fun baker's twine (MS), and a clear rhinestone from SU. Ribbon and cardstock are from my stash. Pattern paper is DCWV Christmas.

Thanks for looking!

Challenge(s):

Card Patterns Challenge. sketch #90

Homemade Jams

Something new that I decided to try this year was to make some homemade jams. I made only two varieties since I was just starting out: peach and strawberry. I loved the way that they came out. Plus it gave me a chance to decorate the jar as well. And boy, did I have the perfect cricut cart in mind! I used my Preserves cart to make the tag, lid and flower on the tag. I tied it up all pretty like with a satin bow; I also added some hemp twine to the tag as well at a mini pumpkin color safety pin.

These are my Thanksgiving gifts for some my friends. I am also entering it in the following contest(s).

Challenges:

Paper Cutz - #67 Thanksgiving

Christmas Memories

Christmas is filled with so many fun memories. Sometimes it is the smell of so many goodies baking in the kitchen. Sometimes it is the things we get to do around the holidays. Or even the things that we don't have to do around the holidays, like sitting at home and playing a new board game.

I liked the challenge over at Cricut Cardz Challenge. I have been wanting to use a card feature on my Joy of the Seasons cart for a while. I got the cart back in the summer and I haven't really explored much of it. I also want to play with some Heat and Stick powder I got from Stampin' Up. I love glittery cards but don't like it when the glitter ends up all over you (hence, the heat and stick powder).

The stamp that I used says "Christmas Memories". It is a little hard to tell in the picture but looks nice in person. I am not sure if I like using glitter on any sentiments, though. Next time I think I will use embossing powder instead. The paper is from DCWV. I added some stickles (frosted lace) to the pine cone and branch to resemble snow. I used versamark dazzle to add the snowflakes in the background. It has a hint of shimmer. :)

I can't wait to give this card to my cousin. She and her family came over for Christmas a couple of years ago and we went up to the mountains. We sledded and played in the snow with our kids for hours and hours. We were so tired by the time we went home but the memory is one of my most treasured Christmas gifts. I think she will enjoy this Christmas card.

Thanks for looking!

Challenges:

Cricut Cardz Challenge
Saturday Challenge

Turkey Time!

Thanksgiving is not that far away!

I always get so swept up at this time of year trying to make things for Christmas (gifts, cards, decorations) that I have to crunch in Thanksgiving cards. I made some homemade jams this year (first time for me) earlier this fall and so I had my gifts ready to go. The fun part was decorating the cards that I was to give away with them.

This card I made with the Jitterbuggin' Challenge in mind. I used Create-a-Critter cart to make the turkey.


Challenges:
Jitterbuggin' Challenge
Paper Cutz Challenge

Hello There

Can you tell that I just love making fall cards? I made this card with a sketch idea over at Jitterbuggin. I didn't enter it in any contest, I just wanted to make it. I love the fall colors and so I made this card with some browns and some rust, olive and sky blue. The pattern paper is from Imaginisce "Apple Cider".

I also used some tracing paper (i didn't have any vellum left) to make a frame in the center so I wouldn't have to cover up the pretty fall trees in the background. To adhere the tracing paper and to make a nice border I zig-zagged around the frame with my sewing machine. I don't like seeing any adhesive behind the vellum so if anyone has suggestions how to do it without seeing glue gunk I would appreciate the advice. The stitching idea came to me since I didn't want to see the tape gun glue showing through. :)

The raccoon was really fun to make from the Create - A-Critter cart. The layers on that cart are so easy to make and I have to say that the critters are off the chart fluffy and cute!I inked the raccoon a little and added some white gel pen highlights to his eyes. I stamped a greeting "Hello there" in Chocolate Chip ink (SU).

Now, I've got to wrangle up some grimy little boys and corral them into the shower! Have a great night, everyone.

A Bunch of Blessings

Time to count your blessings? The fall always reminds me to be thankful for the many blessings that I have. I can count YOU as one of my blessings because your creative blogs help me to grow in my hobby!

Here is a cheery card that I made using a sketch over at Jitterbuggin's Challenge #18 - An apple a day.

Cartridge used: Doodlecharms (basket and apples)

Paper: Bazzill cardstock, DCWV Autumn, Imaginisce Apple Cider

I stitched a zig-zag border around the edge of the card. I added an Offray ribbon, some twine, a couple of buttons and some inking. I used a mini tag punch (Martha) for the sentiment "splendor" and a heart punch (Fiskars) on the apple.

I guess when fall finally shows up I'll be ready for it! Thanks for looking.

"Hi Buddy"

Here is yet another fall card I made this week. I just love the fall, can't you tell? I can't wait to send this off to a friend of mine just to tell her hello.

Cartridge: Create-A-Critter (squirrel, cloud)

I used a sketch challenge over at Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #100 to make this fun card.Plus, I got to exercise my sewing machine a tad! I stitched wacky swirls on the cloud shape and I stitched along the border of the card. I added some pumpkin color ric-rac, some rust brads and some buttons from my stash. The pattern paper is from Imaginisce's Apple Cider collection. The solid cardstock is Bazzil basics. I used a corner punch (Fiskar) on the patterned paper and a mini tag punch (Martha) for the sentiment. I also used a Tim Holtz embossing folder that looks like wood. A little inking and a little white gel pen on the eyes finishes up this card!

Thanks for looking!

(PS I added this blog to late in order to enter my card. Poo!)

Thankful - Card Patterns Sketch #81

I am really in the mood for fall. It is still unusually warm here in Colorado so I will have to wait just a little longer. In the mean time, I have had some fun making my own fall cards.

For this card I used Card Patterns Sketch challenge. I liked the simple design and used a pumpkin as the focal point.

Cartridge: Create-a-Critter (Pumpkin; leaves)

I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder for the background, some buttons, ribbon, and twine from my stash. I used two circle punches to make the frame for my "thankful" sentiment. I doodled a little and inked a little. The fun paper in the middle of the pumpkin comes from Imaginisce's Apple Cider collection.

I had a great time making this card. Thanks for looking and leaving a comment.

Shake, Rattle and Dough

I saw a challenge this weekend that totally inspired me! When I saw it I knew immediately what I wanted to do and it all fell together fairly easily. I don't know about you, but that rarely happens for me. But when it does, it's like magic!

The challenge that inspired me is over at A Spoon Full of Sugar. Their challenge is to make a shaker card (which I have never done before) and/or use 3 flowers, 2 buttons, and 1 ribbon. In the back of my mind I had been tossing over an idea for The Pink Stamper's challenge called "It's cold outside". Her challenge is to make something with a winter theme. Well, in my house that is snow, mittens, and scarves. But it also is a fun time to bake cookies!!!! So here is my take on those challenges.

Cartridges used: PDDU (Gingerbread man), Joy of the Season (Candies), Wild Card (card base with circle window)

I made a shaker card with clear sugar sprinkles (we are sprinkle freaks in this house). Instead of using 3 flowers I used 3 candies and added some stickles to them. I did add 2 buttons and one ribbon to the card. I used my Sakura pen to add some "icing" to the gingerbread man. I also used my SU scallop punch.

This was so much fun to make and I will have to make more of these kinds of cards in the future! thanks for looking!

Up on the Rooftop

I can't believe that I made another Christmas card! It's not even September yet so I'm hoping that I will be more on top of it this year. Woohoo!

I really like the images that came on the Joy of the Seasons cartridge. I used that cart to cut out the reindeer, the jingle bells, and the holly border. I sewed a border around the background of the reindeer, added some stickles to him, and used my Xyron to add glitter to the jingle bells. I also stitched a border on the top and bottom of the strip that holds my easel card up. More stickles on the holly leaves.

Challenges:

Card Patterns - #79 sketch

Totally Gorjuss - Christmas is August

ABC Christmas Challenge - R is for Rudolph

Secret Crafter - Make a start on Christmas

Thanks for looking! Have a great weekend.

Enjoy your BERRY special day!

I just love strawberries, don't you? I made this special card for a friend of mine who loves to garden. She is much better at it then me so I can't help but admire her!

I made this card for the Jitterbuggin' Challenge as well. The challenge is to "bee" creative and to make a square card, follow the sketch, and use a "B" item in it. Berries are super sweet and fun so that is what I made for this card. It was a great way to use up some scraps, too.I also used my sewing machine (first time) to add some stitching around the edges. I was sooooo fun!!!! I can't believe that I put off doing that (I just was too lazy to drag out my machine).

The color ideas came from Color Cue {7} Challenge. Aren't they wonderful together?

Cartridge used - Preserves (For the strawberries and the lid/circle)

Challenges:

Jitterbuggin - Bee Creative

Color Cue {7} Challenge - aqua, gold, red, cream

As always, thanks for stopping by and looking! Have a great weekend. :)

Coffee Run!

Here is a fun card that I made for a coffee loving friend.

I used the Joy of the Season cart for the coffee cup. Cut out at 2 1/2". The back of the cup says "Enjoy".

Punches used were tag (by EK success) and scallop border (SU). Stamp set is one I picked up at Michaels. Paper is the Paper Company. It had blue and green on it so it also fits for Cupcake Craft challenge.

Thanks for looking.

Challenge - BBTB2 (JOS cup challenge)

Cupcake Craft (blue and green)

Doggie Doodle Dandy

I just recently got some paper (on clearance, dontcha love it?) that is perfect for pet lovers. It is from K*I Memories and it is super cute. In the summer I promised 5 friends that I would make them something handmade. This is one of the gifts that I will be giving to a friend. She owns a pet sitting service in the Denver Metro area and I thought she'd like this card set to write little notes on for some of her clients.

I made a card for her, a gift bag, and a set of 5 - 3x3 notecards. The all have the same paper so it all goes together nicely.

Cartridges: Doodlecharms (dog cut at 2 1/2" for the large card and 1 1/2" for the notecards); TBBM (gift bag cut at 5 3/4")

I used 2 different kinds of patterned paper, 2 different kinds of ribbon, and 2 buttons (on the dog tag) to go along with Cupcake Craft's Challenge. I also used the layout from Card Patterns Sketch #77 for the main card.

Here is a picture of the gift bag and the mini notecards that go inside.

Challenges:

Cupcake Crafts - Challenge #104 (2 papers, 2 buttons, 2 ribbon)

Card Patterns - sketch #77

Cricut Cardz Challenge - Anything goes

Thanks for looking!

Trick or Treat

Here is a card that I made for Halloween. I feel like I am a bit rusty after taking a week off. I had some things going on last week and wasn't able to head up to my craft area.

I liked the challenge over at PKS because it had a fun sketch and some wacky colors. When I looked at the colors I remembered a paper pack that I just got recently (DCWV- Autumn). It had some fun halloween papers at the back of the stack.

I made this card to be a s-fold card. I added some inking, some doodling and some thread. I crumpled up some paper too just to give it a worn look. I used a cute K*I stamp set that I recently got at Archiver's for the sentiment and the spider. I used silver Stickles on the web paper to highlight some of the spider's web.

Challenges:

Peachy Keen Stamp Challenge - #34

Thanks for looking!

So Sweet Baby

This ended up being a really cute baby card. I am hoping my friend is having a girl so I made it kinda girly-squirrel-ly. :) I was also able to get a really great sketch from Jitterbuggin' and for me it all comes together when I have a great sketch to start with!

The color palette came from the ColourQ blogsite. I made this squirrel to hold a baby bottle instead of a nut and added a flower and a bow to her hair(?). I used some silly border stamps from Recollections (the squiggle stitch border and the clouds border that I made into a background). I used a Tim Holtz Alterations folder (swirls). I also did a little inking around the edges and added some bling-bling on the flowers.

Cartridges used: Give a Hoot (for squirrel and flowers) and Doodlecharms (for bottle). Teardrop for sentiment.

Challenges:

Jitterbuggin' - baby card, sketch, ribbon

ColourQ - Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise, Early Espresso, and White

Papercutz- Squirrel, hedgehog, skunk or monkey

Thanks for looking!

Happiness, Health, and Harmony

There is a teen girl at my church who just loves Japanese culture. She likes the anime especially! I wanted to use a borrowed Pagoda cartridge and she instantly came to mind. I made this birthday card for her and maybe I can put a gift card in it to her favorite sushi bar. The characters on the right hand side of the card are for happiness, health, and harmony.

Cartridges: Pagoda, Accent Essentials
Stamps are from Inkadinkado (Far East).
Inks: Wasabi (MS), Cameo Coral (SU), Versamark (the sparkly one).
Punches: both MS (teardrop border and mini tag)
Ribbon is from my stash. It is also MS.

I folded the fan to give it some dimension and added a brad to hold the tag on the base of the fan. Inside the card will say, "Wishing you great fortune on your birthday!" I am squeaking in for a couple of challenges tonight so that is why I haven't printed the inside yet. :)


Challenges:
Card Patterns- sketch #76
CCC - Teen birthday

Distressed Purse and Cards Gift Set

I made this purse and card gift set for my friend's birthday. I used the Forever Young Cartridge to make the purse and the flowers. I distressed them by using tattered angels and crumpling the heck out of them. I also did some distressing on the edges of the cards and flowers and inked them with Close to Cocoa ink (SU). I put 3- 3x3 gift cards inside the purse with glassine envelopes. I used a SU stamp set.

Thanks for looking!

You're the Bomb!

I always loved the sound of the Ice Cream Truck as it made its way through our neighborhood when I was a little girl. And the best thing to get after a swim at The Plunge (our community pool) was a Bomb Pop! Pure summertime goodness. Mmmmmm.

So I made this silly little card for fun. I used the Doodlecharms cart to make the popsicle (I cut out the layer three times; one in red, one in white, and one in blue. I tore off a little of the white and red to fit on the blue). I added some stickles, some hand doodling, and a swirly background. I also used some checkered ribbon (I think I picked this up at Hobby Lobby) and made a tag (using TBBM) to stamp "Sweet" on.

Challenges:

Card Patterns - Sketch #75

FCCB - Challenge #21 (Summer BBQ)

Best Teacher Gift Bags

I can't believe it but today was the first day of school for my kids! August has just begun and they start school early out here. But hopefully they will be done by the end of May. Anyway, both of my boys have the best teachers in the county (I'm convinced) and since I've known them for a couple of years now it feels so great to have them again.

I picked up a couple of things for them and wanted to dress up a gift back to give it in. So here is what I came up with. I used Give A Hoot cart for the apple. The rest are stamps from Michael's.

Thanks for looking!

Celebrate - Child's birthday card

I made a birthday card to go along with the Jitterbuggin' sketch challenge #11. I used the Cricut Lite Cartridge, "Live Simply". I am really liking this cartridge and I hope my friend can part with it for a little while longer. :)

I used some really silly colors together: Purple, tangerine, green, and yellow. And black and white, too. I used some SU mini eyelets with my Crop-a-dile in the top right corner. Used a really nice border stamp and sentiment from Autumn Leaves. Hand stitched and doodled with my gel pens. Used SU Pumpkin Pie ink for shading on the froggie and filling in his spots. I used pastel chalk for his cheeks.

Thanks for looking and wish me luck!

Challenge:

Jitterbuggin' - Sketch 11

Treat Bag

Well, I guess I am in the mood to make a couple of things other than cards today. Here is a treat bag that I made for a dear friend. I'll fill it with some Dove chocolates since those are her favorite!



I got the treat bag tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. The paper is from my stash but I am pretty sure it's DCWV. The solid cardstock is Bazill. I used a dollar stamp for the sentiment (studio G). It says, "you have my heart". I also used a border punch from SU. The ribbon is something I picked up a while back when it was on sale at Michael's.

This was really fun to make and I was surprised that I didn't squeeze in a Cricut something or other in it! :)

Challenge:
Paper Cutz - Color challenge (red, blue, yellow, black & white)

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Back to School Treat Bag Cover

I cannot believe that it is already here! My two boys start school next week. Wow, the summer really flew by. I recently was at Michael's with my mom and we were looking for some paper that had the back to school theme in mind. I picked up a few sheets of TPC's School Days paper because it was sooooo cute in a very masculine sort of way. I wanted to make a little something for my boys (who are still in elementary school) and thought that I'd make them a little treat bag for their first day back.

I got the tutorial for this treat bag cover off of Split Coast Stampers website. It was really simple to make.

Cartridge: Doodlecharms (cut the backpack out at 2 1/2")

MS punch - mini tag (I used this in the pocket of the backpack and wrote their name on it)

EK Success border punch - notebook

MS writing pen for stitching

hemp twine for the ribbon closure

Here is a close up of one of them:

Challenges:

ColourQ - color challenge # 43 (Peach Parfait, Bermuda Bay, Early Espresso, Old Olive, white)

Pastel Christmas

I don't know about you but I have a hard time making pastel cards. Period. I really like these challenges for Christmas in July and this one for Cupcake Cards Challenge was to make one in pastels. Here is my take on it:
Cartridge used: Joy of the Season
Ice skate cut at 2 1/2 "
Paper used from my stash. I used an EK success border punch. I "laced" the ice skate with some light pink thread and added some SU dimensionals on it. The snowflakes and the sentiment are from a Hero Arts stamp set. I used Platinum Dew Drop ink to stamp the snow flakes and SU's Close to Cocoa to stamp the sentiment.

Challenge:
Cupcake - Pastel Christmas


Thanks for looking!

Get Well Flower Power

A friend of mine is going through some testing for breast cancer. I wanted to send her something to cheer her up. I also wanted to use the new Live Simply Cricut Lite cartridge. It has so many cute and cheery cuts on it.

I cut these flowers at 3.5 inches. I used my button bits set from PTI for the sentiment and the polka dot petals in the background. I used my gel pens for the stitching and ribbons and button from my stash.

I also used a fiskars border punch and an EK success 3/4" square punch. I used a hero arts polka dot background on the green paper strip.

Challenges:

CCC- #35 Get Well

Thanks for looking!

Inked Inspirations Giveaway!

Hi there! Don't you just love giveaways? Jodi at Inked Inspirations is celebrating her birthday and is giving away 5 great blog candy bundles. They are some very generous prizes with all sorts of stamps, copics, etc. Go to the link below to check it out!


http://inkedinspirations.blogspot.com/2010/07/its-my-birthday.html

Good luck!

Shroomies!

I don't know about you but I just love cute mushrooms! I borrowed my girlfriend's new cricut lite cart, "Live Simply" and it has some really cute cuts on there.


Cartridge used: Live Simply; mushrooms and flower frame cut at 2".

I inked the edges of them (SU Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie,More Mustard), added some gel stitching and some stickles (Cinnamon, Old Paper).

I used 2 embossing folders. For the frames in the middle of the card I used the distressed stripes folder (and inked those with SU chocolate chip). I embossed the red border at the top with the spots and dots folder and smeared Cinnamon stickles on it to give it some depth.


The paper punch used here is from SU (scallop border). The ribbon is Martha Stewart and I also added some hemp twine.


Challenges:
Peachy Keen Stamp Challenge - #33 Sketch
ColourQ- #42 Colour challenge (using Real Red, Tangerine Tango, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, White)

Thanks for looking! Have a great day. :)

I WON!!!!

I am sooooo excited that I won the Jitterbuggin' Top 3 Challenge badge!! This is the first time that I have won a contest for one of my card creations and I am so thrilled. I think I have to pinch myself!

Here is the card that was picked:

I hope you are having a great day, too! Thanks for stopping by. :)

Christmas in July?!

My children are almost at the end of their summer break and I am having a hard time with the thought of them going back already (they start August 6th). So when I saw a challenge to make Christmas cards I thought to myself, "Already?!" I guess this is why I am always scrambling to get them mailed in time.... I'd better plan more this year. :}


Anyway, I made this card and I really like how it came out. It gave me an excuse to test out my new cartridge Joy of Seasons. I bought it and hadn't even used it. Isn't that a shame?! So here is what I came up with:

Cartridge: Joy of Seasons, Poinsettia cut at 2 1/2"

I cut the layer on the Poinsettia twice for each flower so that I could add some dimension to the them. I used an embossing folder on the background, inked the edges of it as well as the top to give some depth to the embossed paper. On the flowers I used Stickles in the center (gold and pink), inked the edges of the flower and used a color pencil to add some highlights. I added some gold organdy ribbon that I scooped up at JoAnn's. Paper was all solid cardstock from my stash and so was the cream button. The punch is a MS one that I picked up on sale.


Challenges:

Fantabulous Cricut- Christmas in July
Paper Playtime - Flower Power
Cardz TV- Christmas in July


Thanks for looking!

Country Friend

When I saw the Just Because Cards Cartridge I immediately fell in love with the rooster you can cut on it. I don't use country decor in my house but I really like the look of a country kitchen. I think it is because my grandma had cute stuff like that when I was growing up. She also had a chicken coop in her back yard and I'd go with her to collect the eggs.

I couldn't wait to make a card with that fun rooster in mind. I had never made one before this (even though it was one of the big reasons why I just "had to have it"). I used the Just Because Cartridge and a sketch challenge over at Card Patterns (sketch #73).

I pen stitched the rooster with some gell pens and used a MS punch on the large square in the center and on the corner tabs. I used a couple of embossing folders (swiss dots and SU lattice). I did a little inking, added some hemp twine, and added buttons in the corners.

I like the cheery and colorful look of this card but I'm just not sure who I'll end up giving it to. So I left it blank for now. I'm sure when the times comes it will hit me!

Thanks for looking!!!

Sweet Summer Treat!

Watermelon always reminds me of the summertime! Here is a card that I made using the Preserves Cartridge. My friend Raquel also let me borrow her Teardrop cart to make a sentiment.

Cricut cartridge used: Preserves and Teardrop.Watermelon cut at 3"; sentiment cut at 1". Card feature on Preserves cart cut a 4 1/4".

Inked and distressed edges, embossed background (lattice folder from Stampin Up), used a gel pen on the watermelon and the sentiment, added some stickles (black soot) and tied a white ribbon on the card.

Challenges:

CCC - use card feature

Fantabulous Cricut - Sweet Summer Treat

Thanks for looking!

New Arrival

There has been a bunch of babies born in our church lately! Mostly boys, too. So my good friend Raquel let me borrow her cricut cartridge "New Arrival". It is such a fun cartridge. I really had a good time making this card for a friend who had a baby recently while knocking out a couple of challenges at the same time!

Cricut Cartridge Used: New Arrival. Train cut at 2"; sentiment cut at 1" (I think?)

Paper used: DCWV - The Glitter Stack (patterned paper); stash (solid cardstock)

Embossing Folders - Swiss dots, lattice (new one from Stampin Up)

Inked edges, added some buttons, gel pen on sentiment, and used stickles on the bubbles coming out of the train.

Challenges:

Jitterbuggin- sketch, pastel colors, cricut cut sentiment, buttons

Paper Playtime - bubbles

Thanks for looking!

Thankful

I love everything about fall. I love the cooler temps, the crunchy leaves, the colors of the season. It also holds one of my very favorite holidays: Thanksgiving! I find that every day holds the opportunity to reflect on what I am thankful for but I love that there is a holiday to celebrate it.

Here is a card I made inspired by a card challenge over at My Creative Time with Emma. She picked the Wild Card cartridge as her Throwback Thursday challenge. This was my very first cricut cart purchase!!!! I was so excited to use it and then, once I did a couple of my favorite cards on there, it sat on a shelf for a while untouched. I just wasn't sure how to make the card the size I wanted and I didn't know how to add some extra flair to the simple style cards. This challenge was just what I needed to dust it off and take a look at it from a new perspective.

Cartridge used: Wild Card. Leaves, card, frame, and envelope cut out on the Wild Card at 4 3/4 ".

Inked edges, embossed the front of card (Tim Holtz Alterations folder-wood), and added stickles(brushed cordouroy, cinnamon). I also used some stamps and paper in my stash.

** One problem that I still have is cutting out the sentiments with my cricut. How do you cut out things like sentiments that have intricate/delicate pieces without tearing them to shreds? I'd like some advice on this because I have tried adjusting my pressure, speed, blade depth, changing my blade...and find that if it is small and delicate it tears up my paper. Any tips???***

Challenges:

My Creative Time: using Wild Card Cart, holiday theme

Shell-o

When I saw the challenge on Jitterbuggin' I couldn't wait to try it. I love sketches and this one was simple and had a beach theme. So here is my take on it:

Cricut cart used: PPDU; shell cut at 2 1/2 "

paper scraps, Ranger distress stickles (brushed cordouroy; brass), MS ink, some jewelry shells, MS mini tag punch, hemp twine

I inked the edges of everything except the tag. I paper pierced the lower right corner. I attached the tag to the twine and used glue dots to help hold down the twine in a topsy turvy pattern. the background squares were cut at 2".

Let me know what you think. Thanks for looking!

Challenges:

Jitterbuggin'

Talk is Cheep!

Hey, there! I made a card for Emma's throwback Thursday challenge #60. She asked us to use Zooballoo or to make something with an animal on it. Unfortunately, I don't own Zooballoo yet. I'm still pretty new and I only have a few carts and most of them are fairly recent. So I thought I'd pull out the Just Because Cards cart and make one of the cute animals on there.

Here is what I came up with:

Cart used: Just Because Cards
Ovals: cut at 5 1/4 and 5
Chick: cut at 5 1/4
Sentiment "Cheep talk": cut at 5 1/4

inked edges, distressed edges a bit, used some gel pens for highlights, ribbon from stash, papers from stash
I love my new Tim Holtz alterations embossing folder! It is a woodgrain one and I used it in the background of my card.
I am going to give this to one of my girlfriends who had a surgery and just got home this week. I think it will crack her up! She is quite a chatterbox. :)

Let me know what you think! Thanks for looking and I always appreciate your feedback.

Color me Pink!

I just love the new Cricut Lite Cartridge "Hoot n Holler"! I made this birthday card with K & Company paper and a really cute stamp set from Hampton Arts (sentiment). I also tried something new to me by making this an easel card. Yay! The colors used were pink, brown, green and orange. I also used stickles to add some sparkle to the owl.

Challenges:

The Pink Stamper - Color Challenge

BBTB2 - Owls

A Purse for Paula!

The past two weeks have been really busy for me. We are having VBS at my church this week and I am in charge of the crafts (go figure). I'm really excited to do the crafts with the kids! So I've spent quite some time prepping for this week and now that it's here I'm hoping all that organizing will pay off! Especially since I have been neglecting my blog and my own personal crafts for weeks. It is painful to admit that I have had a new cartridge for over a week and I haven't been able to touch it or even make anything with it (it is the new Lite cart "Hoot n Holler").

My girlfriend's birthday snuck up on me and I needed to make a quick card and gift for her. It felt so good to head off to my craft table! Here is a quick birthday gift that I made for my friend, Paula. I used the Forever Young cartridge to make the purse and I covered the handle with some fun fur (yarn). I lined the inside of the purse with some patterned paper from My Mind's Eye. I also made some flowers using the Forever Young Cart, some hot glue, a glass pearl, some Tattered Angels and some stickles. I added some faux stitching to the edges of the purse.

Then I made a matching birthday card. I used the scallop Stampin' Up border punch and a scallop circle punch (i think it's a Marvy one). To go along with the polka dots in the paper, I used Platinum Dew Drop ink with a Hero Arts Cling stamp to add a little pattern to the inner circle behind the flower. I also stuff the purse with some of her favorite candies!!!!

Thanks for looking!

My Mom's Birthday

I made a simple card for my mom for her birthday. To me she is a classic beauty so I wanted a card that was simple and pretty like her! I used only a few supplies. I tried to distress the edges of the cards with some scissors (new technique for me; I will try to get a Distrezz It All eventually). I like the look of distressed edges that have a cute little curl in the corner so that was my inspiration for this card.

Cricut - Preserves (label background)

Stampin' Up - Friends, French script background stamp

Distressed Inks - Ranger "vintage photo"

Paper - Kaiser Craft

Pearl embellies (they are a rust color)

Again, thanks for looking! I always enjoy reading your comments and tips!!!! Have a good day.

YOU'RE QUITE A CATCH!

"YOU'RE QUITE A CATCH!" CARD

I thought I'd try this challenge! Using a fish for a Father's day card was the only requirement. Not bad, right?! So I headed upstairs thinking that I had a fish somewhere (be it cricut shape or stamp). My heart sank when I couldn't find one.... what to do? I did finally find one; a small one. It was in the Wild Card cartridge so at least I had a starting point!





This is what I used to make my "S fold" style card:
Cricut Wild Card (for the fish and the reeds)
scrap cardstock
Teal ink (MS)
Stickles (broken china and a brown cordouroy)
Distressed Ranger ink (vintage photo)
twine
metallic gel pen (stitching and sentiment)

I will be giving this card to my husband for Father's Day. Thanks for looking!

Challenges:
Bitten by the Bug 2 - Fish Cut
Fantabulous Cricut - Celebrate Dear Dad
Cupcake Craft Challenges - One for the Boys
Paper Cutz Challenge - Project for Dad

Throwback Thursday - Challenge

This was a challenge posted on My Creative Time with Emma. The challenge was to use the colors brown, blue and red in an "out of the box" creative way. Trying to kill two birds with one stone, I thought I could make a gift bag and still make something specifically for this contest.

We have the best babysitter in the whole world who is going to our church youth camp next week. So I thought I'd make a little treat bag and put some fun goodies inside of it; candy being the main ingredient, of course!

This is what I used to make the bag:

Cricut cartridges: Tags, Bags, Boxes & More; Give a Hoot

DCWV Paper - The Guy stack

hemp twine

Ink: teal (MS) and Distressed Ink by Ranger (I think it is frayed burlap)?

white gel pen, black gel pen

Bear in Trash Can (Give a Hoot) cut at 3"

Apple (Give a Hoot) cut at 1 1/2"

Shopping Bag (TBBM) cut at 5 3/4" (I did "fit to page" on a 12x12 piece of cardstock)

Thanks for looking!