What I Love to Do

Busy Hands, Happy Hearts Layout

2009-04-08T21:13:00.006-04:00

(sorry, having a hard time flipping this over and resizing)

It's wonderful when the kids are out of school. I can actually come home and scrap -- no homework to worry about! Woohoo

Tonight I opened my new Cricut Sesame Street font cart and used it on this layout. Our little girl went into her sister's makeup and found one that she got as a party favor. Don't ever give those out, they are horrible. It was so greasy not even bath soap would take it off. Thank goodness hubby thought of using dish soap or we'd be scrubbing for a long time.

Materials Used:

Cricut Sesame Street font cart
DCWV Spring Stack (cardstock & patterned paper)
DCWV Spring Rub-ons
Cuttlebug die hearts (in blue)
Martha Stewart heart punch (hearts in patterned paper)
Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder (embossed letters)

A New Cart - Hello Kitty Greetings

2009-03-22T21:07:00.002-04:00

I made this card for a friend of mine's daughter. I bought this cart on Friday. It's a fun cart and much easier to work with than any other of the character carts.

Fun Layout

2009-01-24T21:45:00.002-05:00

This was the last layout I did today and my favorite. I love how it came out.

Materials Used:

DCWV Sweet Stack

DMC & Bazzill Floss

Bazzill-In-Stitchz Templates (Circle & Alphabet)

Ribbon (from Michael's)

Basic Grey Fibers

Button Brad (from Target)

Grandma's Favorite Flowers Layout

2009-01-24T21:35:00.003-05:00

My grandma passed away 10 years ago. Last year was the first time I visited the country she was born in. The pictures on this layout were taken near the church where she got married and of the purple flowers my mother said she loved.

Doll Party Layout

2009-01-24T19:43:00.006-05:00

Woohoo.....finally had a chance to scrap. It's been too long! I've been working on my Brazil vacation album. I have several layouts done but haven't posted any pics on my blog yet.

My cousin threw a doll party for the girls. She handed out Cinderella invitations just like a real party and decorated the table with Cinderella partyware. It was really cute! Then she put out all sorts of snacks and brought out a chocalate heart with candles for the cake. The girls had a blast!

Materials Used:

DCWV Spring Cardstock Stack

DCWV Sweet Stack

Cuttlebug Birthday Die Set

Chipboard

Martha Stewart Glitter

DMC Floss

Button (from Target)

2009-01-20T22:17:00.002-05:00

I've been noticing this on a bunch of blogs and decided I'd post here and see how many I can check off/bold.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars (sure in a tent while camping)
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo NO WAY
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (not me but Dad & hubby have)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - wooops
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie independent movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (I did for a really long time but no more)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job (well not exactly fired but laid off thanks to the wonderful economy)
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Rosetta - 10 inches tall

2008-12-20T21:26:00.002-05:00

Fawn - 10 inches tall

2008-12-20T21:25:00.002-05:00

Iradesa - 10 inches tall

2008-12-20T21:24:00.002-05:00

Silvermist - 10 inches tall

2008-12-20T21:23:00.002-05:00

Tinkerbell - 10 inches tall

2008-12-20T21:19:00.003-05:00

Disney's Tinkerbell & Friends

2008-12-20T20:27:00.009-05:00

DD's birthday party is coming up and we are doing the Tinkerbell & fairies theme. I cut them all out at 10". I was quite surprised how even at 10" the eyes and lips were difficult so I turned to my stickles. I think I acutally like them better with stickles. :-)

Joys of the Season Arrved Today ~ Festive BDay Card

2008-11-26T20:05:00.004-05:00

Wooohooo Joys of the Season arrived today. I always thought having Christmas Cheer was good enough but I guess the sale price of $29.99 changes everything. I confess, I did like some of the cuts on this cart and the mittens is one of my favorites. So today after I came home from work I got busy making a festive birthday card for my friend's upcoming birthday.

The border was cut out using a Martha Stewart punch. Reminds me a lot of the famous threading water punch.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2008-11-25T22:29:00.000-05:00

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Halloween Tags Using Cricut TBBM

2008-11-22T15:29:00.004-05:00

Loved making these tags last year and did them again this year. I used Cricut's Tags, Bags, Boxes and More to cut out the tags. Then I stamped them using stamps I found in Michael's $1 bins. The only thing different about these tags from last years is that I used the witch's legs for last year and this year I used the witch's face.

Bella Baby Shower Card

2008-11-22T15:16:00.005-05:00

made this one for a friend who is expecting a baby boy in January

It's Been A While

2008-11-22T15:12:00.002-05:00

since I've posted. I went from working part time to working full time so haven't had as much time to play.

Back to School - Homework Assignment Book

2008-09-10T21:20:00.004-04:00

It's back to school and our daughter needed a homework assignment book. You've got to love the bind it all.

I typed up the inner pages on the computer, printed them out, and cut them with the Dreamkuts. Then I used Zutter's chipboard for the covers and covered it with DCWV's school stack. I used 3/4" wires for the book. She loved her new custom made assignment book and we hope you did too. :-)

MICKEY MOUSE ~ 7TH BIRTHDAY ~ CARD

2008-08-27T13:39:00.005-04:00

We have a birthday party this weekend and I was about to buy a Wall-e card for the birthday boy but hubby said I could just make him one. So off I was to create this birthday card. I didn't know what to do. It's easier for me to create for a female than for male. I feel like we're kind of limited in what we can do for the males. I'm really pleased with the way the card turned out. I used Cricut's Mickey & Friends cartridge for the Mickey. The font is Cricut's Mickey Font. I used a Studio G stamp for the word "Happy Birthday." I heat embossed it using red embossing powder by Stampendous. I embossed the letters with Cuttlebug's distressed stripes folder and the area behind Mickey with Cuttlebug's traffic jam folder.

The paper is by Making Memories. The ribbon is from Michael's. I used a Martha Stewart punch to punch out the circle. I love how it came out. I had never done that before and it was just an idea that popped into my head. I then stamped the number using a Martha Stewart clear stamp set I have.
I also used stickles (frosted lace) for Mickey's hands.
So I had the front all done and then I stamped the inside with Happy Birthday. ACK....I stamped it upside down. So I had to cover up my boo boo. The folder it was. I used Cricut's Fabulous Finds. I figured I could use it to stick in the gift card or $. So I went to stamp the Happy Birthday above the folder. Ugh....I did it again. So that's why I mounted the paper with the word "Happy Birthday." It actually turned out cute - it coordinates w/ the paper in the front. LOL

HIT A RECORD - SCORE 208,700

2008-08-27T10:06:00.003-04:00

I AM SO EXCITED!! I WAS PLAYING THE GAME ON THE BOTTOM OF MY BLOG - SOMETIMES I CAN GET QUITE ADDICTED TO PLAYING IT. ONCE I GOT INTO THE 100,000 I WAS TRYING TO BEAT MY PREVIOUS SCORE OF 120 SOMETHING. I DON'T RECALL THE EXACT NUMBER BUT I KNOW I POSTED ABOUT IT EARLIER. I WAS DOING REALLY WELL AND ALL OF A SUDDEN AFTER I CLEARED THE LAST COLOR BLOCK I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO GET MORE AND THE SCORE SCREEN POPPED UP. I GOT NERVOUS...I KNEW I DIDN'T LOSE. THEN I REALIZED THE GAME WAS OVER. I THOUGHT IT JUST KEPT GOING. THAT WAS PRETTY COOL. I TOOK A SCREEN SHOT OF THE RESULTS....SEE BELOW. HOW FUN!!!

SO HOW MANY OF YOU ENJOY PLAYING THIS GAME TOO? GO AHEAD AND LEAVE ME A COMMENT ON MY BLOG.

Fishing

2008-08-25T17:10:00.003-04:00

We went fishing yesterday. First time this year. We went once last year but the timing wasn't good and there were no fish. Before that I can't remember the last time - it had been a while. So we were excited to have gone yesterday and catch lots of them. DD fished for her first time and caught 9. We were all so surprised and excited for her. I caught 17. Woo hoo!! That was nice!! The weather was really nice too. Here's a picture of me with the first one I caught. Hubby told me to pick it up and I was trying to grasp it by it's tail....I don't like to pick up live fish (they're all squirmy).

Bella Birthday Card

2008-08-25T17:03:00.003-04:00

Mom's birthday is coming up and today I worked on her card. I took out my new Bella stamp and colored away. Hopefully she will like it.

A FORTUNATE ACCIDENT Layout

2008-08-23T22:32:00.003-04:00

Days before this happened I read a couple of stories on the MB of their kids cutting their own hair. I saw all the adorable pictures and found it ah well....CUTE. Uh hum....because it hadn't hit home. Well...I go out for a haircut and the bright kid that I thought I had - who would never think to do such a thing - ah well is still bright because she figured she deserved a haircut too. She knew Mommy was getting one.

When I saw what you see in the pic...THAT chunk of hair...my heart (ah well....you know the feeling). But it's funny how she didn't do it all in one place. She actually made it look really cute. Her ponytails looked adorable with the layers. I'm so glad I captured this moment and even more so that I scrapped and journaled it. It will be a moment we will never forget and "a fortunate accident."

Supplies Used:

Graphically Speaking cartridge - a fortunate accident
Stickles - Baby Blue
Embossing - Cuttlebug Snowflake Folder
Snowflakes - Martha Stewart Punch
Ribbon - Target

LITTLE SCOOPS LAYOUT

2008-08-22T22:55:00.004-04:00

This is the first layout I worked on since I got back from vacation (just some old photos I needed to scrap). I had such an urge to scrap - it had been probably 3 or 4 weeks since I had scrapped. I cut out my new Storybook cartridge out of that tuff packaging and tried it out. This cartridge ROCKS!!!

I used the Tall feature for the font and then I went stickle happy. I thought if I'd dot they could be sprinkles. Ok maybe not sprinkles but what are those round dots called? They're like sprinkles.

AWARDS LAYOUT

2008-08-22T22:10:00.003-04:00

Here it is....one of the layouts I worked on this week. Actually I just finished this one about an hour ago. It was a quickie one. The paper is from DCWV's Grade School Stack (great stack - I got it online from Joann's). I used my new cart Graphically Speaking cart for the phrase "School Zone." I used "Frosted Lace" stickles on the phrase.

The font is Mickey Font cut at 1/2". WOW....a font that doesn't tear my letters at such a small size. I attempted using Base Camp (thought it would work) but part of the letters were too narrow and it would tear.

The circles behind the letters are a Martha Stewart punch (such a fan of her punches). I inked the edges and attached them to the paper with eyelets using my Crop-o-dile.

I used my new Martha Stewart circle cutter I bought at Walmart. It works pretty good. I used an old Cricut mat underneath when I was cutting since I don't have a cutting mat.

The rounded corners were done with the Stampin Up corner rounder.

I'm Back from Vacation

2008-08-22T21:58:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm back! It was so AWESOME to be away. We had a GREAT time. It took me about a week to recuperate and get my energy back from all the walking in Disney World. I met two Cricut MB members (Melissa & Laurie) in Magic Kingdom. Photo included in post (Me/Laurie/Melissa). It was my first time meeting anyone from the MB. It was so much fun. They were both so nice and their kids are adorable.

The weather was perfect. We just beat the rain and the "Fay" storm. How lucky??!!

While in Florida I went to Walmart and got me one of those Martha Stewart circle cutters. I found another scrapper there and I got really excited thinking she may be from the boards. While she owns the Cricut she wasn't from the MB. She picked up one of the circle cutters too. LOL
I used it today and it works pretty good. I've been itching to scrap and I just did 4 layouts. I hope to post pics soon.

I also went to Target and of course had to pick up some more ribbon from the $1 bins.

When I got back home....there it was....my new cartridges that I got price matched at Creative Express - Graphically Speaking & Storybook. Do you have these??? These are definitely worth it especially Storybook. It's a MUST-HAVE!!

I am loving all the layouts that are being posted on the Cricut MB with the new carts. Everyday there are new ones popping up. Very exciting!!

I'm beginning to feel like I'm rambling....so I will say good-bye for now.

PACKING!!!

2008-08-02T16:40:00.003-04:00

We're packing for our trip to Florida. I'm excited at the chance of meeting two Cricut MB members who will be in Disney at the same time.

I have a few more things I need to post here but not so sure I'll have time to do it before I leave.

Storybook & Graphically Speaking

2008-07-30T11:04:00.002-04:00

they are on their way.....I just ordered them from Creative Express. I am so excited. They price matched Michael's sale. I also ordered the 3 different Cuttlebug embossing border sets. They price matched the price at Cutters Creek. I got some great deals today. :-)

The Addicting Bubbles Game On My Blog

2008-07-28T22:45:00.002-04:00

So one of my friends tells me today that she is not going to be my friend anymore because I showed her the game on my blog and she can't stop playing. She says my name gets mentioned a lot in her house because her family asks her if she's playing the game on my blog. LOL

I can sympathize because I find it hard to resist as well. I play at least one game a day. I was just at it again tonight and I beat my record. I didn't think it was possible....it wasn't by much but it sure was a great accomplishment. :-)

My final score was....
123,490

Princess Ariel Personalized Birthday Card

2008-07-27T22:10:00.003-04:00

This one was easier to do than the bottom Jasmine card. This is for a girl who loves Ariel and her middle name is Arielle. :-)

The font is Cuttlebug's Curl & Swirls alphabet dies (my favorite font). I used the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder to emboss the flower and bra top.

Princess Jasmine Personalized Birthday Card

2008-07-27T21:54:00.004-04:00

We have a birthday coming up for a special little girl who adores Jasmine. It took me a while to get this card done and realized again how frustrating the Cricut princess cartridges are to work with. There are so many little pieces that you don't know where they belong or they tear. Thank God for stickles. They come to the rescue all the time. They were my lifesaver with this princess doll. Even though I have my gripes about this cart, it's worth it. Just make sure you have stickles on hand. :-)

The font is Cuttlebug's Curls & Swirls alphabet die. I keep going back to this font - I just love it!!! It's so dainty and pretty.

Another Bella Card

2008-07-27T21:27:00.004-04:00

I read where some people used BIC Mark-Its to color in their stamping bella images. Since I have these at home, I decided to give it a try. They color in nicely (they don't leave marks) but I think I prefer the look of Primacolors w/ Gamsol. It was fun to color this in w/ the BIC Mark-its.

Tried Game on Blog (see bottom) Yet Again

2008-07-24T15:04:00.002-04:00

I just couldn't say no, you know what I mean? I had to try again. Remember yesterday when I said I had scored high and my screen went black. I thought that was the highest I could possibly get. I was at it again - playing the game. This time I was able to play until I lost. :-) Ready for my final score? I can hardly believe it. I was getting restless and tired at the end....it was a great game. Drum roll please.......

118,090

My First Bind It All Photo Album ~ Easter

2008-07-24T11:06:00.006-04:00

This is my very first bind-it-all photo album. I used 1" wires.

The paper is all from DCWV's Spring Stack except the pink strip on the left of the cover (it's Bazzill Bling)

The butterfly is chipboard from DCWV's Blossoms & Butterflies.

"Easter" was cut out with a Cuttlebug alphabet die.

I used Bazzill In-stitchz In the Garden template for the stitching

close up of stitching

more close-ups

and one more...

close up of stitching (Bazzill In-Stitchz template)

I used Martha Stewart's Ribbon Threader Punch & Ribbon from M's.

I found the these thin ribbons to work perfectly with this punch.

close up of ribbon threaded through paper

a cute little dragonfly brad

M Michael's ribbon with a small Prima flower dotted with pink stickles

Ribbon from Michael's. Used Martha Stewart's pop up punch and accented it with a crysal brad

Stamp is from Michael's $1 bin (wood mounted type)

I heat embossed it with Adirondack lettuce embossing powder.

It was my first time using this brand and I love it!

You'll notice that it leaves a nice shiny raised finish whereas the Stampendous brand I've been using leaves a flat dull image (you'll see it used below on the flourishes).

Here I used the Stampendous embossing powder brand. I added stickles (crystal) for a little bit of bling.

The stamp is by Fancy Pants.

This stamp is one of those Studio G clear stamps. I also added stickles (crystal) for some bling.

Isn't this flourish great? It's by Fancy Pants. I can't recall if it's the Fresh MOD or the Pollen Dust set as I have both. I added stickles (crystal) for bling. The flower is a Prima flower with stickles (crysal) and a clear skittle.

Now look at this flourish - aren't they amazing? It's also by Pollen Dust.

Again stickled (crystal) for some bling.

accented this page with tiny buttons as centers of flowers

Ribbon is from Michael's

Bazzill In-Stichz Temlate

Bazzill In-stitchz templates

I used my Fiskars threading water punch as the stem of the flower (cut on bazzill bling paper)

The flower is a Prima flower that came in my grab bag from CafePrima.

In the center are skittles.

Back Cover

Received My Imaginesce Stamps

2008-07-24T09:09:00.003-04:00

My Cricut friend Robyn posted this adorable giraffe card on her blog and I just had to hunt down the stamp she used. Here is it...I received it in the mail yesterday. :-) It's from Imaginesce. I also bought the chickie stamp. Aren't they adorable?

I got them off ebay.

Game on the bottom of my blog

2008-07-23T21:39:00.002-04:00

Have you tried playing the game on the bottom of my blog?? If you haven't, you should give it a try. It's lot's of fun. This morning I scored 49730 and I thought I would never beat that score. Well just a few minutes ago I was at....get this....80,000 and still going strong. All of a sudden in the middle of an AWESOME, INTENSE, SWEATY, FUN game....my screen goes BLACK. AHHHHH!!!!!

Want to take a wild guess at what happened? My daughter accidentally pressed the off button on the computer. Brilliant, huh?

P.S. I do have more projects I need to post but I just didn't get around to taking photos yet. Hopefully soon as there is one more bind it all project that I would like to share.

December Delights Layout

2008-07-20T17:06:00.006-04:00

This was the first time I used Embossing Puffs. So much fun!

It gives a raised velvety feel. I used it on the word "Jingle Jingle Jingle."

I received the paper as a RAK (Random Act of Kindness). Isn't it pretty?

Materials Used:

Cricut's Opposite Attract Cartridge (font)

Bazzill In-Stitch Template (stitching)

Colorbox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan

Stickles - Lime Green

Ranger Embossing Puffs - Brown

"Jingle Jingle Jingle" stamp from Michael's $1 bin

I forgot which carts I used for the arrow and tree

No matter how much I tried to rotate this picture, which it is on my photo loading site, it kept appearing here like this. Anyway, I just wanted to show the stickles close up. It's one of my favorite stickle colors.

inked the tree

The Bazzill In-stitchz stitching (the stuff that I love).

Close up of the Ranger Embossing Puffs (brown)

I Used to be Little but now I'm Going to School Layout

2008-07-20T16:38:00.005-04:00

Materials Used:

Paper from DCWV's Grade School Stack

Dyed Skittles (bronze) w/ Pearl Ex & Tim Holtz's Mixatives (Pearl)

October Stamp - Studio G

Ribbon - Target's $1 bin

Hand Doodling - Marvy Uchida Brown Pen

Stickles - Copper & Lime Green

Summer Reading School Project

2008-07-20T13:03:00.002-04:00

Do your kids have summer reading to complete?

One of DD's books was Junie B. Jones is (almost) a Flower Girl.

One of the projects is to make a movie poster for one of the books she reads.

So here it is, her poster.

We used Cricut's Paper Dolls cartridge to do all the dolls.

Bind it All Book ~ Easter Egg Coloring

2008-07-20T10:27:00.007-04:00

This is the first bind it all (photo) album I created.

The wires turned out to be a wee bit small. I used the 1/2".

I now got some 3/4" which would have worked out better. I think the 3/4" is probably the most versatile.

It's better to have extra room than it be tight and the pages can't turn freely.

Do you know what's under the paper?? Cereal boxes! They make great chipboard.

I used DCWV's Spring Stack paper for all the pages.

On the cover I use ribbons from Target's $1 spot (aren't they great?)

All the white rub-ons are from DCWV's Spring Stack.

The stitching is Bazzill In-stitchz templates.

I used Cuttlebug alphabet dies for the font. The word "Coloring" was cut out on Bazzill Bling paper.

The star, hearts, and bunny are rub-ons from DCWV's Spring stack

The "happy day" stamp is from Studio G. I heat embossed it using Adirondack's embossing powder in lettuce. I was use to using the Stampendous embossing powder and I was super impressed with the Adirondack one I used on this page.

It gave it a nice shinny raised finish.

The butterfly is a Martha Stewart punch.

Did you ever punch the wrong side of your paper? I sure did.

So I had to come up with a way to fix it. I used the threading water punch (the famous punch known to have been quite extinct - I only waited two months for this punch....only, huh?) and then applied some butterflies I punched out with a Martha Stewarts punch. I added stickles on the pink butterflies for some bling.

The bunny, star, and the word "bunny" are from DCWV's Spring Stack.

The word "Fun" and the egg are from DCWV's spring stack.

The eggs are DCWV's Spring Stack rub-ons

The arrow is Bazzill In-Stitchz. The star and eggs are DCWV's Spring Stack rub-ons.

The small stars are rub-ons and the larger ones are Bazzill In-stitchz.

On this page I used rub-ons from DCWV's Spring Stack (the flowers, the word Princess, and the heart on the picture).

I used my Bazzill In-stitchz "In the Garden" template for the flower.

I removed the flash to try and get the best close up pictures and some images came out a bit blurry but nonetheless you can see the detail. On this page I used rub-ons from DCWV's Spring Stack and the Bazzill In-stitchz templates.

I used my new Bazzill In-stitchz templates. I just love these. I really enjoy doing the stitching.

"Eggs" is a rub on from DCWV's Spring Stack

Back Cover

Teacher Gifts - Survival Kits

2008-07-19T22:14:00.020-04:00

This year I made survival kits for the "end of year" teacher gifts. They were a lot of fun to put together and the teachers really enjoyed them. We're sure it made the unique gift of the year and brought many smiles to their faces as it was pratical stuff (you know....not the ordinary picture frame, candles, and gazillion other housewares that you don't know where to put). ....and with this many things/assortment there sure has to be something the teacher will love.

I found these boxes at Christmas Tree Shops. Do you have one of those??? They are great!! The larger box was only $4.99 and the smaller boxes were $3.99. I love the colors and the handle is quite unique and pretty. You can use any box for this. I almost bought the photo storage boxes.

....and here's what the tags say....

Notepad - "Just a note to let you know you are appreciated."

Lifesavers - " Some days you are one, and some days you need one."

Hershy Bar with almonds - " Open in case of a chocolate emergency for when they're driving you nuts."

Note: I didn't include this because it's June and hot in school and I was afraid it would melt and ruin everything.

Post -its - "To remind you that this class sticks together"

Swedish Fish - " Open when you've ofFISHally had enough."

Gum - "To remind you that you are worth a MINT."

Kleenex - "To wipe the tears..... yours and theirs."

Starburst -"To give you a burst of energy when you need it."

Hand sanitizer - " You're always giving us a hand."

Pencils - "You are one sharp teacher."

Bella ~ Baby Boy Card

2008-07-19T20:15:00.010-04:00

My friend is due in two weeks with a baby boy and I made this card for her. Hope she likes it.

(We are experiencing a heat wave...it was 98 degrees today. Yesterday I took this image out in the backyard and colored away. It was like many say "therapeutic".)

Materials Used for this Project:

DCWV Spring Paper Stack

Stamping Bella Stamp

Prismacolor Pencils (Gamsol Technique)

Stickles (Crystal)

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (feet)

Ribbon

Skittle (Decorative Accent)

Brads

My 1st Bella Cards

2008-07-18T21:18:00.008-04:00

....well it was a hot day today and I didn't get around to posting my Bind it All books yet. I'm thinking I need to retake the pictures so hopefully I'll be able to post them soon.

Today I received some bella stamped images and created my 1st bella cards. I had so much fun coloring these in with my Prismacolor pencils (using the Gamsol technique). Whenever I would try to get close up pictures they either wouldn't come out or would look washed out. ....anyways, here they are. I used K & Company Wild Saffron paper stack for the green/blue/yellow card (I won this paper stack on Okielady's blog). The pink/brown/yellow is a stack I found at Amazing Savings for just .99 cents. "Gotta love a bargain!"

By the way, on the pink/brown/yellow card I cut out pieces from the patterned paper and applied it to the gift to coordinate with the background. It was my first try at this and it was a little time consuming trying to get the right size but it was well worth it.

I also used the Cuttlebug to emboss the green paper behind the bella stamp on the green/blue/yellow card.

Will Post More Tomorrow

2008-07-17T23:26:00.003-04:00

I will post my other bind it all projects tomorrow. I am just about getting there - I am almost caught up with posting all of the projects that I saved photos of. I can hardly believe how much I created over the past year. It always seems like there is never enough time to craft.

.....and to update you on the roller skating this afternoon. My daughter fell on the floor um....um.....quite a few times. She had so much fun though. By the time we left there she was skating freely in the middle of the rink.

Prima Grab Bags

2008-07-17T23:13:00.004-04:00

Have you ordered one of these yet? These grab bags are awesome - they contain at least 200 primas for just $10 and free shipping at http://www.cafeprima.net. This was my assortment and does vary from month to month.

Sweets - Valentine Layout

2008-07-17T22:48:00.006-04:00

My daughter had a Valentine's Day party in school. I baked cupcakes for the class. The font on this layout is Cricut's Cuttin Up. I used liquid glass for the cupcake frosting and seed beads. I used the Cuttlebug distressed stripes folder to emboss the cupcake liner. The hearts are a Cuttlebug die. Of course I couldn't help myself with the Bazzill In-stitchz. I just love them.....that MUCH that I want to use them all the time. For me they are fun to do.

Autumn Layout

2008-07-17T22:41:00.002-04:00

I love the style of the cuts on Cricut's Stretch Your Imagination cartridge. I received this cart for Christmas from my husband. He has good taste, ey? LOL

The font is Cricut's Pooh Font. It's one of my new favorite fonts. My 3 top favorite Cricut fonts are Pooh Font, Cuttin Up, and All Mixed Up.

I also used skittles. I actually couldn't find them in purple and someone from the Cricut MB RAK'd me some.

Playground Layout

2008-07-17T22:23:00.007-04:00

the lettering came out really nice and sparkly (the paper is glittered) but you can't really see it in the photo

.....remember the long awaited DCWV's Blossoms & Butterflies stack?

I recall seeing the advertisement in Scrapbooks etc. and I knew right away that this was one stack I had to have.

I used a Cuttlebug alphabet die for "playground" cut on chipboard and then covered with patterned paper. I added skittles to the centers of the flowers. I used Martha Stewart's butterfly punch - I set the butterflies on pop dots. I stitched the flowers with Bazzill-in-stitchz.

School Layout

2008-07-17T22:16:00.005-04:00

.....so I finally pulled Cricut's Speaking of School cart off my shelf and used it for the first time to make this layout. The starburst stamp is from Fancy Pants and I heat embossed it. The white @ stamp is a Studio G.

I Love Blueberries Layout

2008-07-17T18:33:00.011-04:00

I used Cricut Cuttin Up for the letters, scribbles for the dots in the centers, skittle dipped in Pearl Ex (heat setted it with heat embosser), and Bazzill In Stitchz template. I also added Pearl Ex to the journaling strip (it gave it a nice touch).

.....and would you believe the hearts are a Martha Stewart punch which some found it being sold on ebay for $100??? Yes, it's true!

Received My New Hero Arts Cupcake Stamps

2008-07-17T18:07:00.006-04:00

These are just too cute!! I colored the image in with Prismacolor pencils using the Gamsol technique and sprinkled some Pearl Ex on the frosting.

1st Time Using A Sketch

2008-07-17T18:02:00.007-04:00

This was my 1st time using a sketch. I had never used them before. For some they are God send and to others they seem to make the process more difficult. I feel it does make the process more difficult because you have to follow a certain pattern but they do come out nice.

Another Layout Using Skittles

2008-07-17T17:56:00.006-04:00

A super simple and pretty layout using the bronze skittles I dyed. The paper is also from K&Company Wild Saffron (thanks to Okieladybug).

Layout Using Bronze Skittles I Dyed

2008-07-17T17:37:00.008-04:00

Here is my layout using the bronze skittles I dyed with Pearl Ex and Tim Holtz alcohol mixatives (pearl). I also used my new Martha Stewart ribbon threader punch. I found that the .50 cent spool of ribbons at Michael's are the perfect fit for this punch. The brown flowers are also a Martha Stewart punch which I ran through the cuttlebug for the embossed look. And last but certainly not least, I give a big thanks to Okieladybug for sending me this great stack of paper by K&Company Saffron Wild (I won it on her blog).

My Dyed Skittles

2008-07-17T17:25:00.006-04:00

Some of you may wonder what are skittles as mentioned in my below post. Skittles is the name the Cricut MB gave these decorative accents found at Michaels. It was the Skittle craze. All the M's sold out of these once scrapbookers found out they could use these on their layouts. There is actually something like this on the market for scrapbookers called "Dew Drops" but they are way more expensive. I tried dying my Skittles with Pearl Ex Series 1 and Tim Holtz Mixatives (Pearl) and had great results. My favorite color is bronze (I have used it several times in my layouts). I will soon post layouts I've used the bronze skittles on.

Beauty Layout

2008-07-17T17:12:00.009-04:00

I used my new Fancy Pants stamp sets. I heat embossed all the white. I used Skittles (aka Decorative Accents found at Michaels). I also added some Primas and rhinestone brads.

Thanksgiving Layout

2008-07-17T17:01:00.011-04:00

I used the Cricut Speaking of Fall cartridge for the word "Thanksgiving". I used a Cuttlebug die for the leaves & net and then embossed with the distressed stripes Cuttlebug folder. The pilgrims were done using Paper Dolls and I used Bazzill In-stitchz for the stitches.

Haircut Layout

2008-07-17T11:11:00.009-04:00

and here I was starting to venture off using patterned paper. I found this pretty pack of paper at Amazing Savings for just .99 cents. Wahoooo...what a great find. I cut the word Haircut with a Cuttlebug alphabet die on chipboard and covered it with patterned paper. I used Bazzill In-Stitchz templates for the stitching.

More Cuttlekids Cards My Daughter Made

2008-07-17T10:59:00.003-04:00

she made these as thank you cards for her CCD teachers (they were young girls so they didn't go by Mrs.) and for her tutor

Cuttlekids Card

2008-07-17T10:52:00.003-04:00

I bought the Cuttlekids for my daughter for Christmas and she made this card with the Cuttlekids dies and some stickles

My Very First Scrapbook Album - 12x12

2008-07-17T09:33:00.027-04:00

used my favorite Cricut font - All Mixed Up

Father's Day

my mother-in-law made the adorable mermaids

used Cricut Walk in My Garden for the center flower

the flowers are a miscellaneous punch

I just love the first picture to the right - amazing how the camera captured her off the ground with water dripping off her feet

I had a Canon Powershot A620 but it broke February 2008 during our vacation in Brazil (it fell in a water puddle at the beach). I ended up going with the most recent upgrade of the same camera I own. I got it for Mother's Day 2008. It's a Canon Powershot A650IS.

this is my least favorite page - I didn't like the way all the pictures looked on the page but I really wanted to include them all

used Cricut Walk in My Garden (border feature)

Cricut All Mixed Up Font

You can clearly tell I didn't own the Cricut yet. These were alphabet stickers I had purchased.

Cricut All Mixed Up Font

This is the very first scrapbook album I created. We had just come back from our vacation in Portugal and thanks to my friend Donna who showed me her awesome scrapbooks I got the desire to do one. I had so much fun creating it that I started to search the internet for scrapbooking stuff. ......and guess what I found??? Did you say the Cricut Expression? Yes, that's right. I found it and purchased it in July 2007. I went back to this album and added a few cuts using my new machine.

Easter Layout

2008-07-17T09:17:00.008-04:00

and just like I did with cards I did with layouts....

I began by using solid colors but now it's rare that I don't use patterned paper for my layouts. I added journaling to these pages after I took the pictures. I used Alphabilicious Cricut Cartridge for Easter 2007 (these pictures were actually taken the day before Easter). The small dies are a Cuttlebug die. I made the yummy "Easter Basket" cupcakes in the pictures. It was actually my first time using food coloring. I couldn't seem to get good close up pics. I embossed the scalloped flowers and inserted an eyelet. I also embossed the photo with the word Princess. I think it gave the photo a pretty cool effect.

Fall Layout

2008-07-17T09:10:00.005-04:00

I'm trying to post all of the projects I have created since I purchased my Cricut Expression machine in July 2007. This was one of my first 12x12 scrapbook page layouts. I used stickles "copper" - just love that color. The leaves are Martha Stewart punches. I'm a huge fan of her punches. They punch really well and she has pretty designs.

My First 8 1/2 x 11 Scrapbook Album

2008-07-17T07:51:00.023-04:00

used Cricut Opposites Attract cartridge

stamped paper with Studio G stamp

Cut flower with chipboard, painted with acrylic paint, and stickled

more flowers cut with chipboard using Cuttlebug dies and stickled

stamped border with Studio G stamp

more chipboard - used Cuttlebug alphabet dies

flowers were cut from George using Silhouette feature

used flowers cuttlebug embossing folder to emboss the strip

embossed strip under the word Wiggles - gave it a pretty neat look

embossed the strip with the Cuttlebug

cut the letters using Cuttlebug alphabet dies on chipboard and stickled - love how it came out

used a Martha Stewart punch to create the border and cut the flowers out of chipboard (added some rhinestones to the centers), painted the pink flower with acrylic paint

********

Last August we went to Great Adventures for our 11th Anniversary. Above is the scrapbook album I put together from our trip. It was my first time working with the 8 1/2 x 11 size. The paper was a Christmas gift from a co-worker. I used lots of chipboard and cuttlebug and stickles. It was my first time experimenting with painting chipboard. I was pleased with the results.

Roller Skating

2008-07-17T06:57:00.002-04:00

So I only got 4 hours of sleep last night. I created this blog and who knew this too would be addicting. This afternoon I will be taking my girls roller skating. I also plan to upload more of my projects.

1st Framed Scrapbook Layout ~ Daughters are the Flowers of Life

2008-07-17T00:51:00.005-04:00

Here is my very first framed scrapbook layout. It was also the first time I used Bazzill-In-Stitchz. I am completely in love with Bazzill-In-Stitchz. They are so much fun to use. The paper is by DCWV Spring Stack. I also used Scribbles to add some dots (that was also a first). My daughter loved this so much she asked to have it hung in her room so in her room it is.

Father's Day Card

2008-07-17T00:08:00.004-04:00

I got this great idea to use clear transparency for the jar from another crafter. This was the card the girls gave their Dad for Father's Day '08.

and here is one in brown

2008-07-17T00:05:00.004-04:00

A More Recent Card

2008-07-17T00:03:00.003-04:00

I love making these....I scraplifted this idea off BrensDesigns.

.....you guessed it....another one of my first cards....

2008-07-16T23:57:00.002-04:00

Another One of My First Cards

2008-07-16T23:53:00.002-04:00

I should be sleeping right now....but who would've known how addicting this blog would be. I'm having so much fun with this and I hope you really enjoy all my posts. This is just another one of my first cards. I remember the one thing I did often when I did my first cards that is different now. I would use plain colored cardstock and now I like to play with patterned paper. :-)

and a card from hubby.....

2008-07-16T23:37:00.000-04:00

I was so nervous when I got this card, because you know what that meant? He used my Cricut. He had never touched it before and I was pretty amazed how he figured out how to use the Paper Doll cart. I loved the card though - it was very special.

What I Love To Do......

2008-07-16T23:25:00.001-04:00

not only do I love crafting but I love photography. It's been my passion since I was a teenager. I remember my very first camera. It was rectangular. You know those 35mm cameras. We have come a long way, haven't we?? Have to love digital!

....and the witch's sister

2008-07-16T23:20:00.000-04:00

with the creator of this blog :-) Hi everyone!

....and to complement the treats

2008-07-16T23:15:00.001-04:00

introducing the witch herself

The Treat

2008-07-16T23:05:00.002-04:00

I also made personalized candy wrappers for the Hershey's miniatures.

Halloween Treats

2008-07-16T22:53:00.001-04:00

Last year for Halloween I used the Cricut cartridge "Tags, Bags, Boxes & More" to create the orange Halloween tags for the goodie bags for my daughter's class. I stamped them with some stamps from Michael's $1 bin. I gave the same witch leg stamp to my daughter's teacher in her goody bag. She loved it!

Card for my daughter's friend

2008-07-16T22:50:00.003-04:00

Another one of my first cards.....I made it for my daughter's friend. I thought it came out quite cute but the coloring in the pick isn't that great.

One of the first cards I created

2008-07-16T22:42:00.001-04:00

I created this for my daughter's birthday. It was one of the first cards I created. I haven't done that many cards. I never even thought I would be creating my own cards but the Cricut opened up a whole new world of creativity.

......and one more autograph book

2008-07-16T22:28:00.001-04:00

The paper is also by DCWV's Blossoms & Butterflies. The font is a Cuttlebug font.

My First Bind it All Project

2008-07-16T22:26:00.001-04:00

We're going to Disney in August and I made this autograph book with the Bind it All. They were so much fun to make. Paper is by DCWV Blossoms & Butterflies.

My Scrap Space - Where I Do What I Love to Do

2008-07-16T22:05:00.001-04:00

This is my scrap space. I got these storage cubes from Michaels and I love them. I find it very efficient to scrap in my space with everything having a place of its own.

Off to see Kung Fu Panda

2008-07-16T22:03:00.000-04:00

We went to see Kung Fu Panda today. It was a really nice movie. I liked it better than Wall-e. My friends are surprised that I wasn't crazy about Wall-e. What's your opinion on these movies?

My Very First Post on My Very Own Blog

2008-07-16T21:45:00.000-04:00

All credits go to Phlenin (aka Jenn) for telling me how to start my own blog. Thank you Jenn. I can't believe how easy this was. I had to come up with a name really quick.....ugh....what do I choose was the question. I tried "My Paradise" because really that is what crafting is for me. It's my paradise. It is "What I Love to Do." It wouldn't take My Paradise (I think someone may have it) so I just needed to throw something in to get to this point so "What I Love To Do" it is.