Erica's July Blog Hop: Birthday Reminder Book

July's 100 Cricut cartridge blog hop Day ONE

     

     Welcome to Erica's 100 cart Blog Hop! Here, each month, the DT showcases 100 different Cricut cartridges. We hope to inspire you and to take another look at the cartridges you already have or to peak your interest on one you may not yet own.  If you have come from Sarah's then you are in the right place If not then you want to start at the beginning so you don't miss a thing! Here's the line up in case you get lost along the way:

Start http://mycricutcraftroom.blogspot.com/

Jenn Lorist http://www.jennspapercrafts.blogspot.com/

Shelley http://shelley-scrapbookingforfun.blogspot.com/

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

Teresa http://www.createenjoyshare.blogspot.com/

Kathy Jo http://skrappindiva.blogspot.com/

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

Janet http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/

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

Bunnyfreak http://digipage-blog.everything-digital-scrapbooking.com/

Erica's Project http://ericasprojects.blogspot.com/

Lisa Ch. http://lisacustomscrapbooking.blogspot.com/

Ashley http://especiallymade.blogspot.com/

Ava http://scrapbookdesign4u.blogspot.com/

Sarah http://craftingwithsarah.blogspot.com/

Mary http://mary-fortheloveofart.blogspot.com/

pattie http://www.sweetpsscrapbooks.blogspot.com/

marji http://www.fstampaholic.blogspot.com/

samantha http://www.samanthascricutcreations.blogspot.com/

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

     For my project I used Designers' Calendar and the Imagine cartridges Snapshot Everyday and Yummy. I have a really useful and practical project to share with you, a Birthday Reminder Book. Since we have 5 adult children and their spouses (or girl friend) and 8 grand kids plus 4 wedding anniversaries, it can be hard to keep everything straight. That's not to mention the fact that that our oldest son and his family are in Florida and one of our daughters and her husband are relocating to California after 3 years in Hawaii. So let's get right to the details.

     Isn't this just the perfect size? It only measures 2.5" x 4.5" so it is perfect to slip in your pocketbook. First I started with some pieces of chip board. the cover is the balloon paper from Snapshot Everyday on page 3. I used the Imagine shape 3x5 that is built into the Imagine machine and print and cut a totally of 4 pieces. I used 2 for the outside covers and 2 for the inside. After I adhered them to the chipboard, used the Round it All by Zutter to round the outer corners and punched the binding with my Bind It all machine. You can find these great tools at Erica's Store. She has great prices and I have given you the direct link to the Zutter page but please take a few moments to do some shopping while you are there for some of the wonderful crafting supplies Erica carries. Oops, I digress, lol.

     After the cover was all dry I decided to ink the edges and much to my chagrin, I had some ink splotch where I really did not want it to go. No problem. You see the spotted balloon? I gave it a touch of Avocado liquid Pearls to cover the mistake. I decided to do it on the back cover as well so it looks like it was intentional! 

     I didn't want to use a cupcake since this is really for all sorts of celebrations so I used the present from the Imagine cart Yummy.This image is found on page 19 and I cut it at 2". I kept all the layers combined for this project.I inked the edges with Distress ink Worn Lipstick and added some smooch to the flourish on the present and more Liquid Pearls on the bow. Will you just look at all those envelopes, lol. I found these pkg. of mini envelopes at Michaels and they are just perfect for this project. Hmm, I wonder what is inside?

     I started by cutting the flaps off the envelopes and used a circle punch to cut out a little tab.The months were made by using Designers Calendar. I started with black card stock and the boxed feature. All were sized @ 1.25". This is a fabulous way to use all those small scraps of left over paper. I just glued the boxed month on scraps of colors and then cut them down by hand. It is best to punch your holes first so you can center the words correctly.

     I love using the CCR and my imagine together it makes a project go so much quicker. first i used a tag from Art Philosophy @ 3.25". Still in CCR, I added another mat and added the names of the months sized @ .75". This way when you go to print and cut, I use the separate layers option and print the months first, then cut the tags. I did want a lined area to write the dates in so I used George and Basic Shapes to cut a rectangle @ 2.75". The rectangle I used is on page 112 rectangle of the handbook. Boy did I use a lot of scraps on this project just look at the different tags, lol!

     After adding an eyelet to each tag I went through my stash of ribbons and brads to finish them all off. Here is a sample of a few of them:

     I hope you have enjoyed my little project. I plan on making more of these for Christmas presents to go along with the card boxes I am making. Be sure to leave a comment on each of the blogs in the hop this week end for a chance to win some goodies. Did I say goodies? How about I give away some blog candy? I will be giving one lucky follower a set of Pink By Design Stamps "All In The Family". This is a "Pay It Forward" I received from Erica. I was sent this extra set by mistake but asked  Erica if she would mind if I gave it away. Of course she said yes, lol.

     Next stop along the hop is Pattie http://www.sweetpsscrapbooks.blogspot.com/ be sure to hop over and see what she has created just 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/

Ornament Boxes

Christmas Ornament Boxes

     Well have I ever been busy, lol. Along with trying to do Christmas shopping, filling ornament orders and doing Birthday shopping/baking, I haven't forgot I had promised to show you the packaging my ornaments come in.
     First I ordered some clears boxes from www.clearbags.com. These turned out to be the perfect size but, they needed something to hold the ornament in place. I hope you realize by now that there isn't anything you can't do with a Cricut! I used the Sweet Tooth Boxes cart and used a cupcake holder cut at 6.75. The patterned paper was done using Santas Village cart and I even made a matching tag. I just love how the Imagine can resize the images to the appropriate size object so everything is proportionate! One thing if you plan on making these is to use a sturdy cardstock for the base.
     We have 6 December birthday's (ughhh!) so I finally bought a Cricut Cake to kind of help me out yet I haven't had a chance to play yet. This week I have to dive in so I'll post pics on how I do, wish me luck!!!
     Also Tim Holtz is in full swing with his 12 tags of Christmas and can I just say WOW! I hope to complete a few and I'll definitely share these gems as soon as I finish. I think it's going to be a creative week!!!

Love Always Album

     Surprise I made something not nautical, beach, ocean or water related, lol! I've been working on this for a while ( I am soooo slow). Anyways here are the details.
     First I started with Spellbinders Creative Pages by Donna Salazar.This is cut out of Corrugated card board by Zutter. I used Donna Salazar's technique with a combo of paint and embossing powder to create this great background.
     I also made this fabric flower out of satin and added some stickles to the petals. The small flowers are premade out of mulberry paper but, of course they needed some bling. I had just got some of Donna Salazars Fairy Dust. Wow, does this ever sparkle!
     I dug into my stash and found this great ribbon and also a roll of this flower ribbon.

     I can't remember which paper stack I used but some of the smaller pieces are from DCWV girls stack. More satin ribbon but this has a nice picot edge. I also have a nice pack of these pearl flowers from Recollections. The circle on the left is Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities scalloped circle.

     Isn't this paper cool? I love the silver foil effect. I had some silver card stock left over from a previous project so I made a pocket to hold my tag.
     The tag is a shipping tag that I spritzed with glimmer Mist and added a quote from Donna's crafty Chronicle: "A journet is best measured in friends rather than miles.I added this by using Liquid laminate by Beacon. The cute butterfly brad is from a Creative Charms value pack. I also had some rub ons that I had hanging around and used them throughout the book. This one says "I am going your way".

    
          I love to add a little interactive play to my albums and this one is no exception. Here you find a pocket that another tag is hidden in. Again I used Creative Charms, this time a felt flower. The tag inside is so cute. It has a shoe, pearls, shopping bag and purse on the left hand corner.

     This is the back side. Love all those girly things! The right hand side has a picture of a tube of lipstick.
     That's it for now guys. As always thanks for stopping by. ( I hope you enjoyed your visit!).
     BTW, this album is currently for sale in my etsy shop.http://www.etsy.com/listing/79254242/love-always-album

By The Sea

     I'm back!!! So I told you I have been busy with projects. I'm still working on the spare bedroom ( you know, the nautical themed one). I decided to make a wall plaque using a variety of techniques I have learned from my classes @ My Creative Classroom.
     The shape is from Donna Salazar's Creative Book Pages template from Spellbinders. I used Zutters corrugated card board for the base and used Donna's technique using white opaque ink and some white embossing powder. This gives such a cool effect!
      The stamp in from Inkadinkado ( I incorrectly identified this stamp in a previous post). If you want to see the color combos I used with copic markers just check out the post for the Graduate card.
     The tag is a shipping label that I used smooch spritz on and then used Beacons liquid laminate  to attach the quotes from K & Company Sea stack.I made a little pocket out of craft cork that I backed with card stock to give it a little stability. I also found these fish brads hanging around in my brad drawer just waiting to be used, lol.
     I dug into my treasure trove of embellies and found this metal art that says "Best of Times" and a small one in the corner that says " remember". The top of the tag is finished with some cotton cording and a small silver seashell charm.
     I always love to incorporate something of meaning into my art work and this piece is no exception. Do you see the seashell I used for the hanger? This is from a door tag that was on our hotel room door when we visited Hawaii back in the '90's! How this inspires you a little.

Joan's Gardens week #1 Challenge

   Well with all the snow we got today (18" +) it was a great day to do some challenges. After the laundry was done, cookies baked and supper over with it was time to set about a challenge. Joan's gardens has some beautiful projects over there and I finally have the confidence to enter their first challenge of the year. First it had to include an animal or bird (check) had to use a floral back ground (check) a die of some sort ( check) and something out of your comfort zone (UGH!).

   One of my personal goals this year is to use up some of my stash of scrap paper. This background paper seemed to be perfect for the background paper. I also had this negative image leftover from  another scrap project. At first I was going to use a Spellbinder die but I really loved how this sort of looked like a sign so I went with a simple stamp "There's a song in the air".
   The easy part was to use an image from my cricut library French Manor for the bird and birdcage. Now came the hard part: something out of my comfort zone. Okay so I have a confession: I'm a hoarder. Yup it's true and one of the things I've been hoarding is anything by Tim Holtz.  So it was finally time to pull out the grunge paper and gold dabber paint. I love how this came out! What a great dimension this paper gives! Everything was inked with Ranger distress ink antique linen.

   I also decided to use a Martha Stewart punch for this beautiful butterfly. Of course the front would not be complete without bling so I added some pale blue rhinestones.
   I also love to complete the inside of my cards so I used the Spellbinders Labels Ten (3 1/2") size stamped the sentiment and then shaded embossed area with blue chalk.
   Not bad for a card made out of scraps! Great start to the New Year!!

Twelve Days Of Christmas Tags

The Twelve Days Of Christmas
Thanks to Donna Salazar and her Artsy Fartsy
class I took over at My Creative Classroom, I was able to create these wonderful tags to showcase my twelve days of Christmas ornaments.
     We have had these for years and rotate them to different locations ever year. Some years they are on the tree, sometimes in a window , hanging from a light fixture (you get the idea!). This year I add them to the entrance way.

           
     After they were up I felt it was missing something and thought what about tags? I made the paper tags by using my Imagine machine and printed out the music paper. Next up I cut the tags using Very Merry tags@ 2 1/2". Then it was time to get inky! I used perfect pearls copper color and Tim Holtz rusty nail, spritzed, scrunched and finally inked with tea dye. The # were cut at 1" with Base Camp out of a gorgeous gold prism paper and then tied with red raffia to the appropriate ornament.

     Now its confession time. I actually had to look up the words to the song to make sure I had them in the right order. It's funny how you THINK the song goes, lol.

Christmas Mini Album

Just a quick post to share a few projects I've been up to. First up this cute little mini album. How cute is this lol. It's the perfect size for wallet photos and/or gift cards. They are so super quick to make that I guess I'll have to make a bunch!

Wedding card tags

     Here I go again! I love the challenges at Just Us Girls (JUGS). The great thing about doing challenges is that if you plan it right, you can get a future card or gift done using the challenge criteria. For example, we have a wedding to go to in September and the wedding party is in brown and pink. JUGS # 38 is to use brown. pink and vanilla so this was a perfect way to do my wedding card for the happy couple.
     The pink card stock and cream sparkle was by DCWV Mariposa , the brown and pink dot and brown card stock were also from DCVW stacks. I used the bride and groom tags from Provo Crafts Sweethearts cut at 3" and inked with Tim Holtz Timber Brown. The stamp is a wonderful set by Lauren at My Time Made Easy and is stamped on a nestabilities. Both ribbon choices are leftover from other projects and the charm is also left over from MANY wedding and shower projects.I finished it off with some pearl accents and a brad for the tag holes.
     I wonder what the next challenge is, lol.