Whoos Celebrating?

     Welcome to all my new followers, I'm so glad you are here! In case you are unfamiliar with what Imagination Mondays are let me explain. On Mondays Erica asks her Design Team to use their Imagine to create a project. She also has a swap for cards,die cuts and sometimes themes. I am in the card swap where you must include some form of embossing and also use stickles, liquid pearls and a form of glimmer mist. We make 8 each that are exactly the same that we send to our swap leader Doris. She in turns mails us back 8, one from each of the members who are participating. It is a fabulous way to build up a stash of cards as well as to see how each one uses the technique or theme. Whew, now that I have gotten all the details out of the way, you probably have guessed that my project for today is what I have done for this swap. They are already in the mail!

     I wanted to make a card that could be used for several occasions, congratulations, graduation, birthday and perhaps an anniversary. I also wanted to ensure it was sort of gender neutral so I went with the owl from the Imagine cart Better Together. The owl is on page 13 and I cut it @ 3". I cut one with the layers combined and then cut with the head and hat using separated layers.
     I used Provo Craft embossing folder "Leaves" for the background on a shimmery card stock.This was a great time to use my Distress marker "Peeled Paint" to add color to the stems and veins on the leaves and then brushed on some lime green stickles to the leaves. I love how this looks. It is so sparkly in person!

 Just look at that sparkle. Yay!!!

Isn't this just the cutest owl, lol. I pulled out my glaze black pen to add some texture to the feathers and wings. Before I put some pop dots on the owl head piece, I used some "Gold Pearl" liquid pearls on the beak (now that's one classy owl!).

     I didn't want my owl to just be hanging around so I decided to cut some grass to complete the scene. For the border I used All Occasions Cake Art cart. The grass is on page 85 and I used the cake feature 1"x6" and also >shift key. I used tattered Angels Chalkboard Fern to sparkle the grass up. I adhered everything to some card bases I had from My Mind's Eye card pack "Out and About".

     If you are looking for some great prices on the supplies I have used on my project today be sure to check out Erica's Store: She has a huge supply of great products.

     I hope you all have a safe and healthy July 4th and that you have wonderful memories to scrapbook later. God Bless America!!! Now be sure to check out what my DT sisters have created to share with you back at My Cricut Craft Room. http://mycricutcraftroom.blogspot.com/

    

Let's Play Street Hockey!

     Welcome back to another WYEGW!!! In case you are new to this concept let me explain. The design team creates a project using the feature keys on the left hand side of your handbook. We cannot use the main images. This is a fabulous way to explore the "hidden" images that you may have overlooked and to find images that can be incorporated in your projects. Today I decided to make a lay out. I usually am a card maker but I really want to challenge myself more and these pictures were too good to store away, lol.
     While my daughter Joelle and her husband Mark had a much needed weekend away to attend a wedding, I (AKA Mema) had the pleasure of watching their 3 little boys. The oldest had a baseball game one day and a semifinal for street hockey the next day. I forgot my camera for the ball game but made sure I had it on hand for the hockey game.

     You are reading that correctly, Ben got his 1st goal which helped them win this round. The chipboard piece "This is where the story begins" was a wonderful surprise from Erica with my last order and it just was perfect in every way: color, sentiment and shape. (Thank you Erica!!!!).  The title was cut from Alphalicious @ .75" using the short stack font as well as short stack shadow and my background paper is from DCWV The Guy Stack.

     There is a great image of hockey sticks in Everyday Paper Dolls on page 55 under the Accessories 2. I cut these @ 5" but hide the puck on my gypsy. They use a ball for street hockey not a puck, who knew, lol. I used a red Candi for the ball and it is over a pop dot. I used some distress emboss and clear embossing powder to give the hockey sticks some shine. Finally I added some liquid pearls to add some detail to the sticks. Did you know erica has a web store? Did you know she has great prices? Did you also know she carries the supplies I used on here? Well, if you would like you should check out her store here: http://www.shop.ericascraftroom.com/.
     Of course if you use Everyday paper Dolls you have to use a paper doll, don't you? I found this hockey/football helmet also on page 55 but the helmet is under Headwear>shift and the grill face plate is on Accessories 2>shift. I used Pink By Design stamps for the face (yup the princess set) and used my white glaze pen to add a sparkle to his eyes.

     I love how this came out. I also used the clear embossing powder on the helmet as well. The face plate is cut from silver card stock and they all were cut @ 5".

     This lay out would not be complete without a goal net since Ben was up close and personal with it, lol. I believe I also cut this @ 5" as well. I did cut this 2x, once out of burgundy color and the other of a metal gray card stock. After I matted all the pics, I used an extra layered mat to do some journalling. This helmet was a Pink By Design stamp from the set: Sports Fanatic. This set has the hockey sticks as well if you do not have EDPD.
     I hope you all have a wonderful rest of "Hump" day and be sure you head back over to Erica's Room http://mycricutcraftroom.blogspot.com/ and see what the rest of the team has for you.
     

It's May!

Erica's Craft Room 100 Cricut Cartridge Blog Hop Day ONE

Welcome to Erica's Craft Room

100 Cricut Cartridge Blog Hop

You should have started at http://mycricutcraftroom.blogspot.com/  if not please start at the beginning

     Wow, it's May already. Can you believe it? May means flowers, Mothers' day and, of course, since it is the first week of May that means it's time for Erica's Craft Room Blog Hop! Just wait 'til I show you what I made for this Hop! If you came from  Sarah's  then you are in the right place. If not you will want to start @ the beginning with the lovely Erica. 

     This Hop was so much fun to create for. I used the following cartridges for my projects: Luau, Art Nouveau and Damask Decor. First I'll show you what I used the Luau cart for.

     A few weeks ago I showed you my "Hang Ten" layout using this same cart. I made several of these Hibiscus flowers to play around with. These leftovers were the right size for a card. I cut these at 2.0" and 1.75". I sprayed these with Candy Apple Red Glimmer Mist. I wanted the centers to really sparkle so I pulled out my Xyron sticker maker and ran the shadow layer through it with the right side facing down on my machine. This made a perfect base for my glitter.

     I put the 2 layers together (flower and Blackout) and I then sprinkled some Martha Stewart glitter on the sticky side and pressed it down with my finger to make sure all the glitter was adhered. This is a super easy way to apply your glitter. I added some Liquid Pearls in Gold Pearl to the stamen of the flower and a few dots around the center. I cut the leaves @ .75" and inked with Rangers Peeled Paint. All that was left was to add some pop dots to the flowers for some dimension. BTW the card base was from a pack of ready made cards by DCWV. If you are looking for any of the products I used here you can find them in Erica's Store. This is a great time to stock up since she is having a great sale for the whole month of May. You can get 33% off everything except for Provocraft items. Happy Mothers' Day to all of us!!

     I wanted to make this card interactive so I added a hidden tag. I cut the tag at 2.5". I can't remember which cart I used but you could use any cart with a tag feature. The Greeting is a rub on and, with a little ribbon and a brad, you are done. I even added a rhinestone to one of the flowers on the background paper.

     This next card is one of my favorites. Erica has Swaps over on her blog and this die cut was one of the Swaps I participated in. We had to make a die that was 4" and use the colors: blue, purple and green. I cut the tulips from the Art Nouveau cartridge on page 30. + shift @ 4". I also used Layer 1 for the Tulip heads.

     The center petal was cut out of glitter paper however I used some Stickles on the outer petals. The leaves were misted with white Glimmer Mist and, once dry, I embossed them with my Cuttlebug and a folder from the Oriental Bundle. I was so fortunate to find this wonderful background paper in DCWV Tres Chic. It was perfect for the braid I used on the outer edge of this card. If you would like to take part in one of Erica's challenges,  you can find them here Swaps.  She also has challenges with sketches that are provided on a regular basis. I can't wait to see what die cuts I get in return from this swap but I thought you might like to see what I created with mine.

     My last project is this beautiful tag from Damask Decor. I used the image on page 51 and cut it @ 4". The top layer is from the Luxury Stack by DCWV. This has a wonderful pearlized print and went so beautiful with  this particular cut. I used a pearl ivory cardstock for the blackout piece and added a little silver ink to the edge. I had this silver leaf and baubles hanging around on my craft table so, with a little tulle, this became a great way to finish off this tag. I have already stamped the "to" and "from" on the back so I just have to find the perfect gift to attach this too, lol.
     Well I hope you have enjoyed my projects and that you feel inspired to try some of them. Now it's time to head over to the amazing  Heather E and she what surprises she has in store for you.
     In order to have a chance to win some prizes, you must comment on on the blogs. Should you get lost along the way, here is the line up:

Line up

Saturday

Host- http://mycricutcraftroom.blogspot.com/

Liz - http://tryin2craft.blogspot.com/

Jenny R - http://myimagitivity.blogspot.com/

Kathy- http://3spoileddogs.blogspot.com/

Dana- http://danascraftycorner.blogspot.com/

Doris - http://mybugandmecreate.blogspot.com/

Janet - http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/

Patti- http://sweetpsscrapbooks.blogspot.com/

Erica- http://ericasprojects.blogspot.com/

Miranda - http://www.nanasscrapspot.com/

Tonya - http://ittybittyladybugs.blogspot.com/ -

Sarah W. - http://www.craftingwithsarah.blogspot.com/<---- You came from here

Mary - http://mary-fortheloveofart.blogspot.com/ < You are here

Heather E. - http://pinkpunkcosmo.blogspot.com/   <----Next stop

Tracy - http://scrappininthewoods.blogspot.com/

Marji - http://fstampaholic.blogspot.com/

Blog Candy http://ericasblogcandy.blogspot.com/

A New Award And A Little Purse!

     Welcome back everyone. No you are not seeing things my blog has a new look. Ok so it's a work in progress,lol. Thanks Steve for all your help! First I would like to thank Yvette @ http://gammascreativecorner.blogspot.com/ for passing on this wonderful Liebster Blog Award. I feel so honored to receive this.

The origins of the Liebster Blog award are somewhat unclear but the general consensus is that it originated in Germany, Liebster meaning favorite or dearest, to showcase bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. Upon accepting the award the recipient must then pass it on to five more blogs of note.
           Here are my choices for the Liebster Blog Award. These ladies do such wonderful work and I am sure they will inspire you too:
1.Tamara @ www.sospoileditscute.blogspot.com
2.Teresa @ http://createenjoyshare.blogspot.com
3. Tess @ www.hiltonlife.blogspot.com
4. Janet @ www.janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com
5. Jen @ www.mybusycraftylife.blogspot.com
     

          I hope you had a chance to see my Hang In There post from yesterday. It was so much fun to do! If you didn't have a chance you can find it here: http://mary-fortheloveofart.blogspot.com/2012/01/hang-in-there.html.
     To create this cute purse I used Tags, Bags, Boxes And More. I found the image on pg. 118 and used the fit to page option.The paper is on the Imagine More Cards cartridge. I used the Spellbinders Shapeabilities Ladies Fashion Buckles and the Spellbinders craft foils in silver. In order to achieve a distressed look, I used alcohol inks by Adirondack in silver and pitch black. I love using alcohol inks!!!

      In order to add some texture I used a cuttlebug folder. I think it is Cherry Blossoms. Which ever one it was, it matched the design in the paper perfectly.I put some of Tim Holtz techniques to work on this one. After it was embossed I sanded lightly and added some Spun Sugar ink to the edges. Then, to give it a leather like look, I used an embossing ink and added clear embossing powder and then used my heat gun. So cool!!!! I did have to do it several times but I really love the results.  
 I used a piece of scrap ribbon to lace through the buckle. I just used my ATG gun to adhere to the card and trimmed it even with the edge and added a Celebrate It flowers from Michaels.

     I just wanted you to see the side view. The rhinestone was black but I stamped it with the silver alcohol ink and it blended in perfectly and still has it's sparkle!

     Be sure to visit http://www.shop.ericascraftroom.com/ from January 24th on. Erica has fabulous prices on all sort of crafting supplies. Tell her For The Love Of Art sent you!!!

Hang In There!

     Welcome to Imagine Monday! Today we could use the Imagine, Expression 2 or CCR, I chose to use the Imagine More Cards and the Snapshot Texture cartridges for the Imagine. Just make sure when you're done that you be sure to check back at My Cricut Craft Room and see what the other team members have to show you for their creative and fun projects.
     For now, sit back, relax and I'll show you how I to used the pattern papers  to make my project for today.

     I first printed out this great background paper. The Imagine comes with a built in cart Imagine More with some great shapes. If you scroll to the end you can print a 5x7 swatch that is printed to the proportionate size. I layered this on a piece of glossy card stock.

     As you can see I added some stitching with silver thread.

     I always pull my stitching to the back so there are no threads hanging around.

     I used the Ornamental Iron cart to cut out this "gate" . The image is on the last row, 5th from the left @ 4.75" with the shadow feature. I also did some distressing with Pumice Stone and Black Soot inks. I bet you are wondering what that little hole is for.

     Well a hanger of course! I cut the gate to go with the shadow out of black/charcoal card stock. I also used a Zig pen and silver embossing pen to add some more details. The hole was for this brad to hang a Tim Holtz hanger!

      I love this stamp by Pink By Design. I got to color with my Copic Markers (R22,R24, R27 and R29.) but I made a real bad mistake. While inking the edges I smudged some ink on the design after I had it all colored! I hate when that happens. So after my stickles dried I came up with a solution, why not add a pink ribbon!

     Voila I think it works. Shh, we are the only ones that know what lies beneath!

     After adding a few rhinestones, my sentiment from Pink By Design and some stickles on the lace, its time to hang it up!!!

     Be sure to come back tomorrow, I have a matching bag to show you! Now head back over to My Cricut Classroom. By the way, you won't want to miss all the excitement happening over there. Erica is opening her new store Jan.24th (and we all know how great her prices are!). So be sure to check out her store tab on the blog! Hope you have fun shopping!!!
     

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas #6

     Ok you are not missing the other tags. I watched Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas and played along when I had the supplies or time. (You know what I am talking about in regards to time at Christmas time, lol). Anyways this tag REALLY intrigued me because of the drill punch.
     I am always looking at Tim's section in my local craft store and saw this thing that looked like a huge hinge. I thought, what in the world does he use this for? (Guess I should have looked at the header to see what it was, lol). You can only imagine how thrilled I was when I saw Tim use it on the video for Tag#6! You use it to drill holes in soft metal. How cool is that!

     I decided to use this on an ornament. The wonderful thing about Tim's Tags is the inspiration he gives you. I had this glass ball hanging around and although I thought it would be nice, it didn't have the glitter I was looking for. I held onto it and decided it would be perfect for this technique of Tim's. Boy was I right!
     Thank goodness I had Tim's adornment with the wreath. I thought I could use it for something and then, along came Tim's 12 tags.First I started to drill the hole using the hand drill. The wreath was then painted with green acrylic paint and then distressed with Tim's sanding grip. After, I added some red berries also with acrylic paint. I used Ranger embossing ink to the whole wreath and covered with Kaleidoscope transparent embossing powder by Stamp N Stuff and heated the wreath to set the powder. The colors are just gorgeous!

     The inside image is from Tim's Seasonal Stack that I covered with paper glaze then cut to fit inside the wreath.You can tell from the top photo the image is of a wonderful winter countryside.I finished off the ornament by tying a red cording and a small jingle bell. After adding a white sheer bow to the top it is ready to hang. Thanks Tim for being the inspiration behind this ornament.