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.

    

A Remote Birthday

                   It's another creative day @ My Cricut Craft Room. I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful spring time weather. Today we could either use our Imagine machines or the Letter U. I used the Imagine cart JT to create the background paper on this card.

     I don't know about you but my husband is always walking around with a tv remote in his hand. He doesn't so much watch a single program in its entirety but rather surfs from station to station. (Swamp people, Pawn Brokers, History Channel, Discovery Channel in addition to House Hunters, Cooking Shows and endless sports commentaries, lol). I swear he has attention deficit since nothing holds his attention for too long. But, I digress. Here are the details on my card:

     As I said I used my JT cart to create the background. This went perfectly with my remote. You can find this pattern paper on page 42. I selected a square 3 3/4" x 5" and flood filled the rectangle with the pattern. I backed it with red card stock and rounded the corners on both before I adhered them together. 

     I noticed that CCR is coming out with a similar remote but I made mine with the Fathers' Day cart and cut it @ 4" and all layers. I used a silver, cream and dark gray card stock to cut my various layers. I wanted to make this as realistic as possible so I had to hand write in the "vol.", "Ch" "DVR" and #'s. As luck would have it, Erica had sent me some "goodies" that included Sakura Black and White Glaze pens and they were perfect for writing on this glossy surface. Erica is great like that. She is always sending us free "stuff" to play with. It's almost like getting crafty products for Christmas, lol.

     I needed to add some buttons to the remote (if there are no buttons to push then he wouldn't have any fun!). I used some liquid pearls in Key Lime and Ruby Red for the stop and go buttons. I even added some Candi (faux brads) in gold, red and green.

     The stamp is from Pink By Design "age is only a #" and I used black embossing powder to add some texture. I also cut a small rectangle in red and wrapped it with some black and white twine from the Twinery again for a pop of color and to add some more texture.
     The finally step was to add a Wobble to the back of the remote. Hey he needs to have some action!!!      All of the supplies to make this card are available in Erica's Store .  It's  true: the liquid pearls, Candi, twine, stamps, embossing powder, card stock and Provo Craft Cricut cartridges are all in there.She is having a fabulous sale for the month of May. I would love for you to stop by and tell her Mary inspired you to shop there.

Please use the code 33 for 33% off your orderworks on everything not already marked down except Cricut and Cuttlebug products.

     Be sure to pop back over to Erica's Blog and see what the rest of the Design Team create just for you.

Until next week, Hugs to all of you~Mary

God Cares

    
     I'm back from Hawaii and crafting up a storm! I'm so glad you all stopped by today. As you know Mondays @ My Cricut Craft Room is either a letter or showing projects with the Cricut Craft Room (CCR) images or the Imagine carts. This week I used Lori's Garden.

     While I was away 2 co-workers had unfortunately suffered losses of loved ones so I had to make a few sympathy cards. I had bought some Studio G pre packs of cards and envelopes for $1.00 at Michaels so I decided to start there.
     This round image can be found on page 20 and I cut it @ 4.25". Since I am a floral designer, this is perfect with the flowers and butterflies. I wanted a subtle look to go with the solid card so I printed on cream card stock rather than the white. This is a wonderful option so you can get different effects depending on the color of card stock you use. Then you can add stickles, glitter, rhinestones, ribbon, etc. The skies the limit to enhance these images. I printed out 3 flowers and 1 extra large butterfly so I could add a touch of bling. (When don't I, lol). I also used some Smooch to add dots to the center of my flowers. Now a few pop dots and it's done.

     I cut a tag from the same page and used the same pattern paper that is on the scalloped edge of the circle. I cut this at 1" and , after separating the layers and cut 3 small butterflies to go on the corner of the tag. The sentiment is a Rub On.

     I love the inside as well. I think this is perfect since the person this one is going to isn't overly religious but she is spiritual.
     Finally I have to share with you that I found out why these cards were on sale. The envelopes are smudged! Since I will be delivering this card in person I found a way to still use the envelope: add more butterflies!

     You can separate the images from the original design and white out the parts you don't want and leave the parts you do want. I used just the butterflies and chose to add my own sentiment.
     That's it for my project. Please be sure to stop back @ http://mycricutcraftroom.blogspot.com/ to see what the rest of the Design Team has to show you.
     Also, if you are looking for some great Cricut products, be sure to check out Ericas Store for some great prices http://www.shop.ericascraftroom.com/. Hope you have a great week,  Hugs~Mary

Elmo Birthday Tags

     Happy Monday! Today is Imagination Monday and for this weeks project I used the CCR to design my project and the Imagine to print and cut. We have 2 grand nephews that turned 1 year old several weeks apart so I needed to make something to go on the presents. I decided to make tags rather than cards (they have a hard enough time opening gifts with out throwing an envelope at them,lol). I had just gotten my Elmo's Party cart in so thought this would be the perfect project to break in it,  plus the paper I used had Elmo in fire trucks. I love to buy my paper at the Dollar Store and then coordinate the card or tag to go with it!

     First I cut a tag @ 6" using the Imagine cart Nursery Tails and the tag on page 23. When selecting the image I separated the layers and only used the single layer. For the other layers, when you choose edit, you select the color box with the white square and the red line through it. This will make that image "invisible".
     Next I turned to the CCR to layout my Elmos.

     I selected all my layers and edited them to add my own colors. I used All Wrapped Up for my color palette but added the RGB codes that are specific for Elmo. I had Googled "RGB Codes For Sesame Street" and these are the codes I used but you may find other codes out there that are slightly different: Fur Color R238,G64, B53-Nose Color: R244, G 152, B41. The black was from the basic color pallette.

     Above you will find the color wheel where you put the codes in. This is what it looks like before you change the codes.

     Next I worked on the names. You will notice that you can select T for text and a box will pop up. This is awesome! You add all you letters at once and this groups them together for you to work with.

   On the left side of your mat there is all the features you need to play with your text. This is where you change the size and the spacing. One thing I love about this is that it shows you right away when they are welded. In the CDS and Gypsy you would have to show preview and then go back and forth until you got it right. With CCR you see it as you are playing with the spacing. So cool!!!

      The only problem I ran into was selecting the wrong cart (one I did not have,lol). I thought wow this is so cute they even have Elmo's hand in the font. When I went to print and cut in the Imagine it kept telling me to insert 3 Birds On Parade. I was so confused thinking why is it asking for this cart I didn't use it? Then I looked at the cart that came up and yes, I was wrong, it wasn't Elmos hand but a bird, so I switched to Base Camp. It really would have been cute with the other font, lol.

     Finally, for the birthday sentiment, I used the image on page 65 for caketop-s. I sized the whole image to get the Happy Birthday the size I wanted and then used the edit button to hide Elmo by clicking on him. Then I was able to pick a color with the Imagine and voila I instantly had 2 tags done. This was so easy to design and complete.

      I did cut 2 tags of each and glue together for stability. Of course, being me, I added some perfect pearls in white to add some sheen and used a metallic pen to do some faux stitching around the outside edge.

     The dot for the eye was so small that I lost it, lol. So Collin got a little bling. Here are the presents ready to go after adding a few stickles to the tag.

     Be sure to check back over to http://mycricutcraftroom.blogspot.com/ to see what the rest of the design Team has to show you. Before you go though I would love if you would leave me a comment and say hi to Elmo, lol.~Mary

Welcome baby!

     I'm having a hard time keeping up with all the cards I need to make, lol! We've had 2 birthdays  in the last 2 weeks and 1 more next week before I start on Mothers' Day cards now that the Easter cards are done, whew. However I have been remiss because one nephew and niece have both had babies in the last few months and I still haven't made a card let alone bought a gift! ( I am hanging my head in shame). I am glad they both had boys so I didn't have to think so hard to come up with these.
     First of all I had intended to use this as a color challenge for simply scrapping group but one of the colors was rose/pink so that would not have been appropriate. When doing something for the baby boys I usually do the typical blues and yellows but decided on a peachy color, kraft and blues instead.
     Once again I fall back on my scraps. Believe it or not the background paper was left over from a mini album I did a while ago and I had just enough for the 2 cards! Also, I get so upset with myself that I have small pieces of card stock hanging around that I cut out these baby monograms for boys and girls along time ago and put them in my embellishment box. I'm sure glad I did! I know they were cut from the Mini Monograms and I think it was 1". Next I took a scrap of peach color card stock and ran that through the cuttle bug with the tags die.
     The cute bunny is from Nursery Tails on the Imagine @ 2". I kept all the layers combined and printed the image however I really wanted a shadow on this. This particular image did not have a shadow so I used the background layer and chose a background print that would set it all off by cutting it @ 2.25". Its not quite perfect but I was satisfied enough to apply it to the card with pop dots. I even added a beautiful gradient gem to the flower center as well as the 4 corners of the card. Finished it off with some ribbon and a cute stamped sentiment.
     Now all I have to do is buy the gifts to go with the cards and I'm all set. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to leave a comment and say hi!

Little Chickie!

     This is the final Easter card I had using, what else, my Imagine and Celebrate with Flourish. For this card I cut the chick/egg image from Celebrate With flourish cart @ 2". I used the relative size so all layers match up nicely and used the Blossom color palette for all the layers. What's so nice about this is how well it all comes together.
     Once again I used scraps that were hanging around on my craft table so this card came together rather quickly. I wanted a more elaborate look to this card so I used my cuttle bug on the egg and did some distress inking on the chick. After looking at it for a while I decided to hand draw in its little eye.
     The tag is a spellbinders that I used the Just Rite Stamps for the saying "happy easter". I finished off with some creative charms gradient gems. There you have it!!!

Easter Basket Card

     How fun is this! I really love making cards with my Imagine. I used the Celebrate With flourish cartridge for the Easter basket @ 2.5". For the layers on the image I used the Elise imagine cart but the background square was an image from Paper lace using the Elise cartridge for the printed paper. How cool is this?
     What is so great about the Imagine is that I can select all my layers in relative size ( so I know they are all going to size together neatly) but I can go back and color each layer separately using a palette that co-ordinates well on that particular cart.
     I like to have my embellishments pop so I embossed the basket with my cuttlebug and then inked the edges. The eggs have glossy accents on them to add dimension to the eggs. Of course you have to add some prima flowers, gradient gems from creative charms and then some ribbon.
     Finally I use some new tags from Spellbinders and added my sentiment using Just Rite Stamps for the "happy easter". Quick and easy without wasting time looking for paper.
     You can purchase this card in my etsy store.

Read The Manual, Dummy!

   Okay I had a duh moment. I liked my Imagine but was having some trouble. The main thing was I could not seem to get a good shadow with my cuts ( rather no shadow) . It didn't seem to matter whether I used an Imagine cart or one of my older carts. I was going to call the company today but thought, hum, why don't I read the manual? What a great idea!!!
   Here's what I learned: true size is like real dial size so if you size with this everything does not cut to proportion in other words you have to use relative which sizes everything accordingly. What an amazing thing it is to READ how to do this, lol.
   A lot of people have asked can you use your older carts and color with the Imagine; the answer is YES.