What....? No card, layout or even my Cricut.

So has anyone heard of Pinterest? My daughter recently showed my this website where you can pin your interests to boards on your homepage that shows all your likes. Each pin usually has the link to the site it came from.  It is pretty amazing to see all the things people pin to there boards.  Well of course I came across some craft ideas!  I fell in love with the refrigerator magnets so I decided to start my quest on recreating these (I'm sure these are not new to many of you!).  Of course I combined the ideas of several of the websites on magnet making and started on my quest. After receiving all the supplies, I began my search for just the right pictures.  In these pictures I show the completed 1" magnets, how I attached them to the chip board and then the packaging. The first set of magnets were for my sister. She loves owls so I found cute pictures and made her a set.

Next I made a set for my other sister in Northern Michigan.  She loves to watch the different birds that visit her bird feeder so I found pictures of birds native to her area of the US.

Then my 3rd sister loves flowers so I thoughts a mix of different flowers would be appropriate.

After completing these, I decided to make some for both of my children to put in their Christmas stockings.  This time I used some personal pictures of them, their university mascot/logo, the Nike saying and Tom Brady's logo (of course my son thinks it's his since he has the same initials, is a QB and his number is 12).

 

I have since ordered the 2" glass tiles to make even more magnets.  I can't wait for them to arrive!!  Thanks for looking and I would love to hear your comments! If you would like the information I compiled to make these magnets, please email me and I will forward the information to you.  Have a blessed day!!

Christmas Cards 2011

So I have finally finished my Christmas cards. This year I decided to use my scrap paper and the Cricut Christmas Cheer Cartridge. The paper I used is the Wintertide paper from K&Company. All of my cards are A2 size and have a simple stamped message on the inside. I do want to share the most amazing product I found! It is called "Twinkling H2O's" by Creative Imaginations. This product allows you to add sparkle to any of your projects with just a little water and a paint brush. The two colors I have are Solar Gold and Heavenly. If you look closely to some of the detail on my cards, you will see the sparkle. You can add a metallic sheen to anything now.
I hope you enjoy my cards and would love to hear your comments! Thanks for looking!

Spice Rack

One of my Christmas gifts to my daughter is a spice rack. She has embarked on her career and has moved into her first apartment. During a recent conversation she mentioned that she wanted to make a recipe but didn't have any of the spices. This gave me an idea of a Christmas present! After researching all of the available spice racks, I came across a test tube type one that was compact and had 40 spices.Unfortunately  the price was in excess of $150 so I decided to recreate this spice rack. I found a test tube rack on Ebay for $11. I purchased 40 test tubes with stoppers off of Amazon for less than $25. I have a ton of spices so I split my supply and then ordered small amounts off of the website My Spice Sage. This a great site for spices since you can order quantities as little as 1oz. Next I wrapped strips of the "So Delish - Spice Rack" paper from TPC Studios.  The spice signs were cut from the Cricut Freshly Picked cartridge. I labeled each test tube with my Brother label maker.

Drum roll please..............................

I did it all for less than 1/3 the cost of the one they were selling online.

 

 

The total size of this spice rack is 6.5" x 3.5". It's compact yet has a ton of spices! Thanks for looking!

Travel Tales Suitcase Album

A dear friend of mine took a trip of a life time to Spain and France (Italy too, but I messed up! LOL).  Thinking of all my trips I have taken and that my pictures are either in my computer or still on the memory card, I decided that I wanted to make her something that she could use to display her photos. So once again I found myself at Kathy's blog - Paper Phenomenon.  This is her Travel Tales project that I just LOVE LOVE LOVE! Kathy has the most amazing projects and is truly a crafting genius!  Her blog is always my go to site for inspiration or just to pick up one of her projects and craft away! If you have never done one of her projects, please do, you won't be disappointed.  Thanks for looking and I welcome your comments.

I think my design skills need some help...

Ok, so I worked again on another page layout for my daughter's college graduation and have decided that I really need more practice.  I search and search the web and see all these beautiful layouts but then I can never seem to get it right.  So I ask myself........... is my problem too many pictures? the wrong color choice? or do I just need help? LOL  So I have started on my quest to find tutorials and books to help me create better layouts.  I did find the Get It Scrapped website very helpful. Debbie Hodge's techniques and tips are wonderful.  Additionally I opted to purchase a couple of books off of Ebay for inspiration (or to copy the layouts - LOL).  I will let you know what I think of these books once I receive them.  So here is my layout.  Hopefully my future layouts will possess some WOW!  Looking forward to comparing them!

2 Great New Finds

While searching the web I came across Michele Kovak's blog.  Michele is an awesome designer and her projects are top notch.  Michele mentioned that she had the honor of contributing to a fabulous on-line magazine called Papers and Pixels. So I hopped on over to Paper and Pixels and registered so I could see these magazines.  Let me just say if you are looking for some great paper crafting ideas, you have to check it out! They have currently released their July issue and the best news is that it is FREE! All of their issues are in pdf form that can be opened or downloaded and saved to your computer.  Paper and Pixels is a great place to make friends and be inspired!
Oh yea did I forget to mention that Michele Kovak is giving away a Gypsy and 2 Cricut cartridges on her blog! The opportunity ends on July 29th at 10:00 PM. So don't delay...........Check out these two great sites, you won't be disappointed!

Helpful information

So in my quest to get helpful hints on starting some of my scrapbook page layouts, I came across this website with a lot of helpful hints.  I am sure some of you may already know about this site, or better yet, some of the ideas are yours!  The site is scrapbook.com and the section is links.  If you need a little help or just some helpful ideas, check it out!  Thanks for all the helpful information!

Graduation Thank You Cards

So with both children having a graduation this past month, I knew we would be in need of thank you cards x 2.  I wanted to make something easy enough to mass produce but unique to each of my children's graduation.  So of course I started out on my extensive internet search for my inspiration (someday I will be able to think of something on my own - LOL).  I came across a card posted on the Cricut forum by a lady named A. Paperdoll. I knew I could mass produce these cards quickly so the process began.  I color coordinated the thank you cards to each of the school colors. Here is my rendition of the thank you card:

Michael's Coupon

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share this Michael's coupon for 25% off your entire purchase (including sale items).



The coupon is good from June 7th - 11th.
Click on the word link to print out this coupon.

Paper Layerz

So has anyone seen the new Paper Layerz cardstock that Megan Elizabeth from Above Rubies created? The paper is awesome! One side is a solid color and the other side is divided into 9 - 4x4 sections of coordinating colors. No more trying to figure out what color goes with what or cutting 9 different pieces of paper.
Since the paper isn't officially for sale yet, ClubRubyDesigners is giving you a chance to win this paper. The giveaway period runs through June 15th and there is no purchase necessary! Here is the link to the giveaway.
While you're there, you might want to sign up for your very own Club Ruby Crafter's Profile account. Megan also has a new video using the Birthday Bash Cricut Cartridge, Paper Layerz "Happy Dots" and Club Ruby Exclusive Stamps from the June Kit! Click this link to watch the video --> http://aboverubi.es/5hx

Graduations

The month of May was a very busy month for us.  Our daughter graduated from college and our son graduated from high school.  So yesterday I finally sat down and decided to scrapbook the graduation pictures.  Of course, I had to start with my daughter's high school picture first.  OK, so it was 4 years ago......I've been thinking about the layout all this time! LOL

 
The paper is from a local scrapbook store that specializes in creating pages for the local schools.  The Cricut cartridges I used were Elegant Edges and Plantin Schoolbook for the circles and letters.  I added the front of her graduation announcement and the actual ticket to the graduation. I hope you enjoy the layout and would love to here any comments, good or bad. Thanks for looking!

Pool Party Blog Hop

Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know about a great blog hop that is going on starting with Celebrate the Occasion! It's a pool party blog hop with 20 different blogs participating and blog candy on each one! The projects are awesome on each blog and I think you will truly love what you see. Most of the the chances to win the blog candy end at 11:59 PM tonight but several of them end Monday. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Prom 2011

I'm back!  It seems like this past month has been quite crazy.  Between my son's prom, my daughter's college graduation and my son graduating from high school next week, I have not had a lot of time.  I did manage however to make this prom mini album for my son's girlfriend.   I used the Cricut "Formal Occasions" cartridge and "Paper Lace" cartridge for a lot of the cuts.  I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Wedding Gift Baskets

I just wanted to share a special project my dear friend Jody and I made for our dear friend Patti.  Patti's son is getting married this weekend and she wanted to have gift baskets in the hotel rooms for all the out of town guests. Since we live in South Florida, Patti wanted to stick with a beach theme. So of course, Jody and I offered our services!  Everything was purchased at the dollar store except for the picture frames which were purchased at Michaels. Included in these beach pails were 2 bottles of water, pretzels, cookies, candy, mints, sunscreen, SPF chapstick , hand sanitizer, Advil, Alka Seltzer, mini sewing kit, a local map/vacation planner, a local magazine, a picture frame with a photo of the bride and groom, an itinerary of events along with pertinent phone numbers and directions to the events.  Each pail was then shrink wrapped, tied with a bow and of course, a Cricut tag in the wedding colors was added to the pail.  The champagne glasses on the front of the tag are from "Stretch your Imagination". Each tag had a special note on the back thanking the guests for coming.  I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Recipe Book

I would like to give a shout out to Kathy over at Paper Phenomenon for all her fantastic designs and creations.  Kathy is an awesome artist and has so many wonderful projects to share.  If you have not been to her blog, you can visit her at www.paperphenomenon.blogspot.com.  I promise you will not be disappointed! I would also like to thank Tuki @ Tuki's Place for converting all of Kathy's designs to DS files.  Without Tuki I would have never been able to complete the recipe album!

I have been in the recipe book mode lately and was looking for ideas when I came across Kathy's videos.  So after spending several hours watching her videos and taking notes, I attempted to create her Recipe Book! This book was so much fun to create and Kathy has so many helpful techniques. I also love how she makes regular items become interactive with pockets and such. My book is pretty much the same except for the paper.  I used DCWV Nana's Kitchen and the cover pages are from the "So Delish" series by The Paper Company. I purchased my charms from the Charm Barn and found the rolling pins on Amazon.  All my cuts were from the Cricut  "From My Kitchen" cartridge.  The border on the front of the book is a border I found and printed through SCAL.

Thanks for looking and remember to check out Kathy and Tuki's blog!

Cinch Giveaway!

In honor of National Craft Month, Consumer Crafts is giving away a Cinch Prize Pack tomorrow morning!   The prize includes a Cinch binding machine, Cinch pliers,Cinch Wires and Core'dinations paper - everything you need to get started!

Just click on this link Consumer Crafts Facebook Page and click 'like", then leave a comment on the giveaway!  A winner will be chosen and announced tomorrow morning.  Good Luck!

So Many Pictures ..............

Kit plus extra grid pages

Have you ever had a lot of photos that you want to put on one page but can never seem to find the right look?  Well that's me!  My son plays football which equates to approximately 10 games per season and four years of playing!! You can only imagine the amount of pictures I need to scrapbook.This past fall I was at our local scrapbook expo and came across a booth  Mosaic Moments by Tami Potter.  Her concept is to take several pictures and make a mosaic.  It is the coolest thing you ever saw.  So of course after I watched the demo I was hooked.  I purchased the entire kit for approx $50 and even purchased extra grid papers.

I have only done one page but there are so many neat ideas in the book that I can't wait to try.  It is very simple to do and so beautiful when finished.  Check out Mosaic Moments website!  http://tamipotter.com   Thanks for looking.

Friend's Birthday Card

 Here is a birthday card I made for my dear friend Clare.  We are always watching what we eat (actually watching it as it goes in our mouth- LOL) so I thought the card sentiment was appropriate! The cupcake was cut from the "From My Kitchen" cartridge. The paper used is from the K&Company Confetti pack and I printed the card sentiment through MS Word.  Thanks for looking!

Valentine's Cards

Here are a couple of Valentine's Day cards I made for my husband and son this year.  The heart card I stamped with a heart stamp and then heat embossed it.  The heart I cut from the "Accent Essentials" cartridge.  I added pop dots for a dimensional look and Stickles to the heart.  The picture did not do the Stickles justice, it made it look streaked. 

For the Bee card I used the "Opposites Attract" cartridge for the saying and the bee was from "Just Because" Cards.  I cut two sets of the body with the wings out of vellum and then bent them for the dimensional look.  And of course I added pop dots to the bee.  The bee in the center of the bow is a brad. I hope you enjoy these cards.

Cricut Whisper

With so much information and helpful tutorials on the web about the Cricut, you can usually find all the answers to your questions about the using the Cricut. Unfortunately I can never remember where I saw the information or I have it saved on my computer and have to stop what I'm doing and look it up. Well it looks like my problem may be solved..........I saw an AD on the Cricut Cutter Group about the Cricut Whisper.This is a booklet that was put together by Cara over at Let's Learn the Cricut. Cara teaches classes on how to use the Cricut and has put together a reference booklet that is constructed of 4x5 cards attached with a 3" ring. Cara's basic Whisper is full of all kinds of helpful Cricut information right at your fingertips!

• all about the settings
• booklet tricks
• what dials do what and sizing
• blades and mats
• features and modes like fit to page and mix and match, center point
• set paper size
• chipboard...and more! 
• Gypsy, Design Studio and Imagine sections can be added to your Whisper too.

The cost is $20 with free shipping and will also include a free Whisper membership thru 2011. Cara will be accepting pre-sale orders on February 19th and will ship on March 15th. I don't know about you but having something like this at my finger tips will be invaluable.  Way to go Cara!

Christmas Recipe Mini Album

Here is a chipboard mini recipe album I just finished for my sister Terry. My sister is an avid baker at Christmas time so I thought that she might like a recipe holder album just for her Christmas baking recipes! Not to mention the fact that she is my Guinea Pig for all my new projects! Also I was able to try out my new We R Memory Keepers-the Cinch Bindery Tool I received for Christmas. This machine is so easy to use. The Cinch is compatible with the wires for the Bind It All as well. The only thing I read is that you shouldn't go with anything less than a 3/4" wire for ease of movement. If you do not have a binding machine I really recommend The Cinch! .The Cricut cartridges I used were "From My Kitchen" cartridge for the album and "Christmas Cheer" for the word Christmas on the front cover. The paper used was from the K&Company Wintertide Collection. This mini album was inspired by Mary over at Cardz TV. Mary has such lovely work and has inspired me so many times to try something new. Thanks Mary!

Stylish Blogger Award and 8 Random Facts

Let me just say I was shocked when I received this award from Robyn at In Joy Stampin.  Robyn is such an amazing Artist/Crafter and to receive compliments on my work from her, leaves me speechless! Thank you so much!  Now I am to leave 8 random facts about myself and then pass this award on to 8 people who I admire and that inspire me.....

1. I have lived in South Florida for almost 29 years. I am originally from Toledo, Ohio.  Yes Toledo!!  I have 4 sisters of which I am the youngest.
2. The perfect ending to the day would be dark chocolate and a glass of red wine! 
3. I love warm weather and love to go barefoot.  I love swimming but hate putting on a bathing suit (so depressing). LOL
4. Besides crafting I love to cook. I especially love to bake. I have a passion for always trying or creating something new.  I try to grow herbs, the word is TRY.  I like to think that it is the South Florida weather and not me that kills the herbs!
5. The farthest destinations I have ever traveled to are New Zealand and Australia.  Words can't describe the beauty of these places.  We were there in the June of 2009 (wintertime) and hope to go back during their spring someday.
6. I love Sushi but would never attempt to prepare it myself.   
7. I am very handy............. I'd like to think that no challenge is too big for me.  I have installed garbage disposals, dishwashers, ceiling fans, faucets, etc.  You name it, I have either done it or tried!   And yes I am a directions reader, Google searcher, etc. I guess that is why I love to scrap-lift, I love to follow directions!!
8. I am addicted to E-bay.  I will always shop around and check E-bay last to make sure I am getting a good deal!

In no particular order, I pass this on to 8 lovely and talented ladies who inspire me...................

Sue

Shirley

Julee

Mary

Robyn

Jeannie

Christina 

Diane 

Resetting My Cricut

I just want to clarify that I have used the gel pen holder before and it works great! It was my Cricut that was giving me the problems. Good news, the dragging problem with the Cricut blade/gel pens is fixed.  I remembered there were instructions on the web on resetting  the Cricut.  I found Joy's instructions at Obsessed with Scrapbooking and reset my machine.  All seems to be working well and my cuts seem to be working better too!  Definitely try this remedy if you are having any problems with your Cricut.

Valentine's Day Gift Card Holder

My dear daughter Lauren has been dieting so I thought I would surprise her with a gift card from Marshall's/TJMaxx (a college students favorite store) for Valentine's Day.   Originally I was trying to write the word "LOVE"  with the gel pen holder I purchased from Amy Chomas at  Chomas Creations.  However, every time I got to the last letter, the pen would drag in a location or two.  I tried adjusting all my Cricut settings but no luck!  I guess I am going to have to practice using them a little more. So I opted to cut the letters using SCAL with a font I found called Storybook. The card is simple but cute!  Thanks for looking.

Birthday Card

I've been on a roll lately with this blogging stuff!  Here is a birthday card I made for my mother-in-law.  The card is 5x7 and the sentiment is from the "Paper Lace" cartridge.  I recycled the ribbon from a Brighton gift bag!  This was my first attempt at sewing on a card.  I purchased the Lil' Sew & Sew by Tivax at Amazon with my AMEX points.  The machine is just like the Janome.  There are 8 stitches, two speeds, a foot pedal and runs off battery or electricity. Amazon's cost is approx. $38. Not a bad little machine for sewing on cards.  Check it out!

Thank You Card

Here is an A2 size thank you card I made today.  I used the Cricut "Just Because" Cards Cartridge for the watermelon.  The black loops were made with a border punch from Martha Stewart.  I pop dotted the watermelon for some added dimension and used the Gina K Designs Bow Easy to make the bow.  This is the neatest template and it makes prefect bows every time!

Fruit Note Cards

I fell in love with all the cards made with the Cricut Preserves cartridge so of course I purchased the cartridge. The cards are an A2 size. I put them in the clear box that I purchased from Gina K Designs and gave them as a gift for Christmas.  The quotes are the Fruit and Veggie Puns Stamps from My Pink Stamper.  The paper for some of the cards was the Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety collection and the main inspiration for these cards was Everyday Cricut's Strawberry Card. The card's with the captions are the blogs where I scrap-lifted them. The inside of each card is blank.  I hope you enjoy!

Everyday Cricut

My Pink Stamper