Susan De Crafter

New Cartridge Cuts

2010-06-21T06:47:00.013-04:00

I had a wonderful weekend with just my sister and parents. Adults. Leslie and I may have done a little shopping so I had two new cartridges to play with--new to me anyway. Wild Card and Lite Lacy Labels. Mainly, I played with cuts just to see what I would get. But, I did use a couple of those for cards. Leslie offered a lot of (good) advice.

This card used Lacy Labels. There is not an actual instruction booklet with these carts and it took us just a minute to figure out the layering plan. Mainly it helped when I pushed the correct buttons on the Cricut. The background is embossed with my new Tim Holtz folder "Gridlock" from the Texture Fades, Dot-Matrix & Gridlock set. The embossing is a little more faded than it should have been as I was using my parents' marble rolling pin as the embossing tool. I'm looking forward to trying these folders out with the Cuttlebug. The "Happy Birthday" sentiment for both cards was cut from Wild Card.

Wild Card was used to create the argyle design on this card. Leslie suggested using good ole George for the diamond background under Happy Birthday and, although simple, I really like this card.

Happy Birthday Mom

2010-06-16T21:30:00.004-04:00

Today is my Mother's birthday and I will see her this weekend. I really wanted to make her a card but didn't have a good idea. While blog hopping at Peggy Loves Vintage today's post included a free image. EXACTLY what I needed. Check out Peggy's blog ( http://peggylovesvintage.blogspot.com/ ) and see that she has a web store and also an etsy store to purchase images at a very reasonable price. Wonderful vintage items.

I resized the picture to 4" x 5 1/4" so it would fit on the card with a little border. I had some teeny very light pink rick rack that I put over the rick rack edge on the image. Then I got to use some of those millions of flowers I have and added a few over the flower image, then put on little pearls for the centers. I am very happy with this card and hope Mom will be also.

Father's Day Card

2010-06-16T21:24:00.004-04:00

This is a rather pitiful card. But, I wanted to try out my new cut and emboss Mickey golf set (a $2 purchase at Big Lots). Mickey doesn't come with the set, so I used my Mickey and Friends Cricut cartridge and cut the first Mickey out at 5". He almost exactly matches the example on the Cuttlebug package for this set.

Christmas cards for Cards for Soldiers

2010-06-13T10:28:00.001-04:00

I am a shipper for the Cards for Soldiers project on the Circut message board. One of the cardmakers sent me a few extra goodies that she had and in with them were some blank photo cards.

I had just purchased (that seems to be a theme with me lately: "just purchased") the Holiday Lineup stamp set from Stampin Up! and the stamps fit perfectly where the photo would go. However, it looked a little plain, so I decided to add a border. The frames are cut from Graphically Speaking with a little size adjustment on Design Studio. The border made all the difference in the look of the card.

The images were stamped on white cardstock and colored with prisma pencils using the gamsol technique. The reindeer's nose and elf's pom poms were colored with Sakura glaze pens. I am trying to use up a large container of scraps but only found a few pieces I could use for the frames. So, I went to my stash and found self adhesive mat stacks by DCWV fall cardstock. I was somehow able to cut the cardstock without cutting the non-sticky back, so the frame just peeled right off and easily went on the card. Whew--that was lucky.

May COM - Brick with Beads

2010-06-13T10:17:00.001-04:00

I can't believe it's been a whole month since I've posted. Surely I've done something the past few weeks??

I was excited with this Card of the Month's theme. I had purchased the brick (red) flowers, with a little cluster of beads in the center, from Walmart's clearance area about a year ago. Of course, I had to purchase every package available and so had plenty of flowers for my cards.

I started with gray cardstock. The print paper is from the Basic Grey Ambrosia line. I love the orange, red, gray color combo. I had just purchased the ribbon from Stampin Up!: Whisper White Organza. I also just purchased the Seven Gypsies "Naked" stamp set from one of the deal-a-day web sites. My stamp was the border and Leslie had the saying to go between the lines, and the right color ink to use. I have to say that Leslie pretty much designed the card. So, simple, but I like it. Thanks a bunch Leslie.

April COM - Ecru with Embossing

2010-05-10T07:13:00.005-04:00

It's great when you finally use that paper you just LOVED and HAD to have. So, a couple of years later (?) I used papers from Close to My Heart Silhouette pattern paper and Basic Antique Combo plain cardstock.

The layout for this card is taken directly from Cindy at her "Royal Things" blog. http://royalthings.blogspot.com/ You really need to look through her creations. They are great. This is a direct copy of #36 in her "previous creations" slide show.

This photo really doesn't do the colors justice. They are black and a rich ecru with a little layer of brown and shades of tan and white. It took almost a whole roll of ATG tape to get all the layers together and on the card. (Not for one card--I made 12.) The embossed flower and the thank you square are raised with Stampin Up dimensionals.

Another chance for a great giveaway

2010-05-10T06:32:00.003-04:00

Joy at Obsessed with Scrapbooking is giving away some great prizes. She has reached over one million hits on her blog. I am personally hoping to win the Gypsy, but would be thrilled with any one of the gifts. Take a look by clicking on her blinkie--the one with the pink flamingo.

Scrapguy--World Traveler

2010-05-03T20:55:00.004-04:00

Scrapguy is taking us on a whirlwind trip around the world this week with the chance to win blog candy at every stop. He has a video of each location--you feel like you are there!

When you take a look, be sure to see his creations also. Some really great ideas.

http://www.scrapguy.blogspot.com/

Robotz

2010-05-02T13:10:00.003-04:00

The new Robotz cartridge was on sale and I can't pass up a sale. I had some 5 x 7 cards that were given to me I wanted to use. I cut most of these robots at 5" although there are a couple of smaller ones that were my first experiments.

Design Studio is really a great tool with these so you can see exactly how big the robot is going to be before cutting. The 4-legged fat lady robot was too wide. When I turned her around on the card I had to cut off a couple of her toes to fit.

I had lots of fun doing these and used my scrap stash too.

This is an example of the final card. I used a cuttlebug folder and inked it to resemble metal industrial floors. Can't wait for the coordinating cuttlebug folders for the Robotz cartridge.

Un-Birthday card

2010-04-25T07:51:00.001-04:00

I got a little carried away purchasing Cricut cartridges. Create-a-Critter is cute but I don't just LOVE it. Leslie LOVES it so I'm giving it to her. And it needs a card to go with it.

I guess because Alice in Wonderland is so very popular right now, the un-birthday song came into my head. (And now it won't leave!) This was a quick card. I tried cutting out and layering the cake. The sentiment was printed on the cardstock and the placement wasn't in the best spot. Overall, it turned out okay.

Mystery ATC

2010-04-24T15:00:00.001-04:00

I've been in an ATC swap with a group of gals from the Cricut message board for the last 2 1/2 years. We have decided to conclude this swap. The last ATC was a mystery. Everyone was to create whatever they wanted and we would try to guess who made each one. (The final result of that contest was that I got 4 right out of 12. Sounds like an "F" to me.)

I had a technique I wanted to try and there is no better place to try out something new than on an ATC. I saw this video on YouTube called Stampendous Painting With Powder. Someone had posted the YouTube link on their blog, and I apologize, but I can't remember who. Here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYGnmWTnPso

When I worked on my background I didn't review the video and instead of using Versamark, I used an embossing pad. As I heat-embossed the first color, the heat dried the "sticky" next to it, so when I added the next color, there was white showing. This was not what I intended but I did like the result. Also, as I tapped off the embossing powder before heating it, the layers thinned so there wasn't complete solid coverage. Which I also liked. I love it when mistakes work.

Finally, I stamped an image on my background, used embossing powder again and heat set that. The thing to watch out for there is that the background is slippery and a few times my stamp scooted giving me a blurry final image.

Disc Golf Mini Book

2010-04-21T06:33:00.004-04:00

I actually made this book last summer but forgot to take pictures. I got my hands on it again so now I have the chance to show it.

My oldest son LOVES to play disc golf and wanted to teach the rest of us. What patience! From what I can remember, the papers are from the Green Stack and from a mini stack I purchased because of the manly-type paper. Leslie had just found us a great deal on some Sizzix alphabets and I got Sunset (which I love) and used it for all the lettering.

I'm not going to say I'm technologically challenged, but even photo mistakes can be a good thing. When I first got my camera I was forever taking a picture before I was ready. The fairway shot was just one of those mistakes.

These are my three sons. The funny thing about this picture to me is that the youngest looks so small. He is 6' tall.

And Mom tried it. My disc dribbled about 20 feet down the fairway. Then I left the boys at the course to play and I found the nearest Michael's.

Heritage ATC Swap

2010-04-19T07:30:00.000-04:00

The April ATC swap theme is ancestors or family heritage. I decided to use the wedding photo of my parents.

I was introduced to a new web site that has digital images for sale. I wanted to see if I could figure out how to use them and for $1 I didn't think I would be out too much if it didn't work. The site is : http://www.twistedpapers.com/home.html This is the image I downloaded.

I'm not too handy working with digital, and finally was able to weld the scanned photo of my parents and the downloaded digital image in the Power Point program. I wish I had been able to figure out inserting the photo and keeping the flowers inside the frame.

After printing the ATC card, I used Prisma pencils and the gamsol technique to add a little peach to the tree flowers and yellow to the flowers around the bottom.

Word book

2010-04-19T07:12:00.005-04:00

This weekend Daughter came home from college and wanted to make gifts for her friends that are seniors and will be leaving this spring. I wish I had taken a picture of the "L" she covered for her friend's wall--maybe she will take a picture and send it to me.

But, she also wanted to make a name word book for "L's" sister Jamie. I LOVE designing books in Cricut Designer Studio and this was no hardship to help. I used George for the rectangle base and Stamped for the letters using the smooth edge feature. I did adjust the letters a little to make them fatter.

The book is first cut from chipboard (thank you Joyce). Daughter was looking for a set of papers to use so everything would coordinate. She looked through her supply, then my supply and just didn't see what she wanted. Then I broke down and showed her BasicGrey Kioshi. Well, suffice it to say I need to go shopping for myself again. Daughter had not put pictures or embellishments on yet. I didn't have time to photo every page as she needed to pack to get back to school, so this is the only photo I took:

Project 365 - Week 3

2010-04-09T21:06:00.007-04:00

I think I need to work on my journaling. I really do have more that two word thoughts about the pictures.

Cartridges used for journaling - I'll have to get back to you--I don't remember.

Okay--here they are: Amaryllis--part of flower from Tinkerbell, computer and bookstack from Cursive 101, cloud from Going Places, megaphone from Everday Paper Dolls and stairway from A Child's Year.

Project 365 - Week 2

2010-04-09T19:41:00.009-04:00

It's taking me a long while to get my scrap pages done. Getting photos printed seems to be what's holding me up. I am having fun finding Cricut cuts for my journaling. This is the second full week of January.

Cartridges used for the journaling spots: the amaryllis is a portion of a flower from Tinkerbell, Hoops from Sports Mania, pot and breakfast are on From My Kitchen, portrait is the inside of the apple of A Child's Year and the dog is from Paper Pups.

Cooper Word Book

2010-04-09T06:44:00.004-04:00

A couple of weeks ago when I visited Leslie, I worked on a word book. I love designing, cutting and assembling these books using Cricut Design Studio. This one is for my hairdresser's dog. It started as a picture of the day and then I decided every time I go to hairapy (Pat's lingo) I would take another picture of Cooper, the dog. His first picture was taken when he was 10 weeks old, so I plan to record his first year.

I love the papers. Most of them are from the Playful Pets paper pack from ki Memories and some have foil. I also found some papers to match from The Paper Company Studio. The bone paper is glittery. The letters are from Base Camp as is the rectangle that I used for the base. My pal Leslie put the dots on the letters with direction from Sherrie--really a group project!

March COM - Mauve with Movement

2010-04-02T21:23:00.001-04:00

Sister Leslie and Friends Joyce and Sherrie thought I should do this complicated card for movement. Obviously it was a case of they didn't want to and "Mikey will do it." Well, I did think about it very briefly.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/popuptwirl/

However, I went with the flip flop card again. The paper is My Mind's Eye, Bohemia line, Bliss "Darling Daughter" floral/pink. The Medallion stamp is from a $1 clear stamp set. The Thinking of You sentiment is from the Close to My Heart Gracious Greetings set.

Jewel ATC swap

2010-03-22T13:24:00.000-04:00

After Christmas, in an effort to spend my Archivers gift card (LOL) I was wandering about the store and found some great jewel flowers in the $1.99 hot spot area. It hit me right away that these would be perfect for my jewel ATC. A little digging and I was able to find 5 different colors: light pink, dark pink, light green, blue and lavender.

I thought I had the perfect stamp with stems and leaves at home but it wasn't even close to what I needed. So, I dug through the one or two (ha) stamps that I have and decided flourishes could be stems. For an unknown reason, I have lots of different colors of green ink pads, so I experimented with the colors and the stamps to create a garden.

I love the jewels because they are sparkly and they are not glitter.

February COM - Seafoam with String

2010-03-13T11:20:00.001-05:00

My designers choice, January, COM, was Jade with Jute. Ummm, sounds very like this month's theme so it was a little challenging not to just make the same card.

As a shipper for the Cards for Soldiers project, I get to see everyone creations. They are all so wonderful. One gal used cricut markers on her Animal Kingdom cuts, and I really liked the way they defined those decorative/defining cuts you can't see. You know what I mean? So, I purchased one set from Scrappersmusthaves.com which had the best price I found on the internet. I gave them a try with dinosauers from Paper Dolls.

The blue dino just seems to be looking at something above his head--maybe some birthday balloons? So, he was the inspiration for my card. AND I used all supplies I had on hand (well, after I purchased the cricut markers). The numbered paper is Basic Grey, Brigham, from the Oh Baby! Boy line. Dino and his darker spots underneath are Bazzill dotted swiss papers.

The balloons were cut from a Making Memories cardstock pad of basic colors. I used good ole George for the yellow and orange balloons and Stretch Your Imagination for the purple. Close to my Heart white daisy stamp was used to ink the edges. I stamped "happy birthday" with the set of stamps "Seasonal Thoughts" from Close to My Heart. The string is DMC Perle Cotton. Okay--TMI??

If you stare hard and squint your eyes just a little, you can imagine that the green is seafoam.

Dustin Pike Girlie Dragon Challenge - Take 2

2010-02-28T12:04:00.003-05:00

I didn't really like the first card I made for this challenge, so I tried again. My inspiration is the amazing work done by Cindy and shown on her blog: http://royalthings.blogspot.com/ Again, it was fun using supplies I had, especially the water drops that I knew I needed but didn't know why. Hope you like this one better also.

Dustin Pike Girlie Dragon Challenge

2010-02-27T15:32:00.003-05:00

I rarely do challenges but thought this one could be fun. I used some supplies I had never used before so that was certainly worth it! I used the birthday and the diamond plate cuttlebug embossing folders. The punch is a Fiskars. Used my Making Memories alphabet stamps and 6 of my thousands of flowers!!

Coffee?

2010-02-21T16:19:00.004-05:00

I had the "From My Kitchen" cart out and decided to make the coffee pot that was the deciding factor in me purchasing the cart. Well, sort of. So, I made two pots, put them on ready-made cards, inserting a little money and off they will go to college students for a little treat. I've been meaning to do that for a couple of months...

The First Robins of Spring

2010-02-21T15:55:00.003-05:00

This is obviously not something I have created, but I love those first Robins of Spring. These are perched in the neighbor's tulip tree, which I see has buds! Spring just has to be around the corner.

Project 365 - first full week of January

2010-02-19T05:52:00.002-05:00

I finished my first two page photo layout. I was having trouble finding paper in my stash that would go behind all 7 photos without clashing. Leslie decided that she was going to use a neutral background paper in her 365 book and I decided that was the best idea yet. So, I'm scraplifting from Leslie and I am going to use Kraft paper (which I actually already had). Some of the paper has subtle designs which I like.

I have enjoyed trying to come up with my journaling cards using Cricut cartridge designs. It's a great way for me to meet the cartridge challenge. I love that car--it is from Graphically Speaking. The flower is from Tinkerbell, the snowman from Christmas Cheer (I was a little worried how I would use that cartridge) and the basketball is from Sports Mania. The other exciting item I used was the sequin snowflakes. They could probably be considered antiques, they have been around so long.

I will work on photographing the layouts. Definitely needs help.

Sewing - February ATC Swap

2010-02-18T07:14:00.002-05:00

Here is another one of those projects where I started with one idea and ended up somewhere else. I used to quilt before papercrafts took over my room. So, I decided for the sewing-themed ATC I would like to incorporate some quilting project. I had purchased a Seminole Patchwork book (quite a few years ago) and thought that would be good for an ATC.

Well, I think I am a little out of practice in the sewing area. Geez.

Then back to the drawing board. I was able to locate "paint" on my computer without my kids' help and drew a tulip quilt block. I colored it in, printed it and then practiced sewing on paper.

Finally--finished card. It's okay, but maybe I need to get that sewing machine working a little more often!

Covered box

2010-01-31T11:47:00.004-05:00

I wanted to give some hand made cards to a friend's mother but wanted something prettier than a zip bag to put them in. As a shipper for the Cards for Soldiers project, I get a lot of packages. One gal, Joan, makes her own boxes for shipping. I'm a saver--aren't we all. So, I used one of her boxes and covered it.

This was the first I time I had covered a box and what I discovered was putting paper on the in and out of the sides for both the top and bottom makes the fit snug. So, I used the crop-o-dile to add a piece of ribbon with an eyelet to the bottom to help in opening the box. The "T" is from the Storybook Cricut cartridge. I just love the bird that is cut from Indie Art. On the final version, which I did not take a picture of, I put a dull yellow as the top layer of the bird. Just thought it needed a little more color.

This is some of my favorite paper. The flower print is from Anna Griffin. The lavender is from K&Company. I purchased quite a few sheets and have used it to alter several different items including this notebook that I write swap info in and a few other things I don't want to forget.

January, 2010 COM

2010-01-31T11:45:00.000-05:00

The Card of the Month swap starts off the year with designers choice. Mine is Jade with Jute.

I'm pretty excited about the card. I used my brand new cuttlebug embossing folder entitled Journaling and also used two stamps from my "collection" that I had never used. The flower image with colored with Prisma pencils. I wasn't wild about the white around the edges, but I had a limited supply of the color paper I needed. The paper was a giveaway at an Archivers swap by Bazzill Basics. The line is Fourz and these sheets are from the Mossy Green collection.

Project 365 - Introduction

2010-01-16T10:13:00.000-05:00

I'm off and running with my Project 365. The thing that is slowing me down is waiting for photos. I would prefer to print my own but I need a little more practice so I'm not wasting ink and paper. In the meantime, I'm "sending" them off to Shutterfly on a free 50 photo Archiver's deal. This is my title page. I needed Leslie and daughter to help with (well, really to do) the flowers.

Page 2 is a calendar that shows the whole year. I'm excited that I used the fancy cut paper and some Grungeboard that I HAD to have and have now finally used.

My first page shows Friday and Saturday photos. I'm going to begin my weeks starting on Sundays and ending on Saturdays. This page got me ready to start a full week with a 2 page layout. Right now, I'm having fun making my journaling cards match the subject. I'm finding all kinds of images to cut with my cricut. Who knew everything I could possibly want is on the cartridges I already own!

Crackle ATC swap

2010-01-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

The January ATC swap theme was crackle. I wanted to try the heavy embossing powder method. I did locate some Melt Art brand Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel at Michael's. I looked at Archivers and Joann's first and didn't see anything similar there although I may just have missed it.

I was thinking of the brown ware pottery when I started the project. Here is an example of what I mean by brown ware. I believe there are many interpretations on what it is.

I used the Inkadinkadoo Mindscape hummingbird stamp with Color Box Brown ink. I believe it is the first ink pad I owned and Leslie gave it to me. (See what she started...) I inked the edges and lightly on the front. The card on the left in the picture is before I started adding the UTEE. I put 3 coats of UTEE on the cards. It was fun to watch, sort of like melting puddles of water. I may have held the heat gun on the card a little long and that is why it is darker, however, it accidently made the card look exactly like I wanted. I put the card in the freezer for a few minutes and then crackled them. I ran the ink pad over the crackles to make them more noticable and rubbed off the excess ink, which also darkened the card.

Tangerine with Tears COM

2010-01-15T21:58:00.005-05:00

December's Card of the Month theme was Tangerine with Tears. I had seen some Basic Grey paper in the Ambrosia line that I thought would work perfectly and I loved the orange and grey papers. First I had to locate some because it is an older product and I didn't have any. Finally found some on the internet and had to order 3 - 6 x 6 stacks just to make sure I had enough. (insert sheepish look here) The orientation of this card is supposed to be portrait.

My daughter didn't think anyone would know what it was, so changed the card to open in landscape form. I was pleased with the finished card.

Gift cards

2010-01-15T21:48:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to post the last three flip flop cards I make to send Archivers gift cards to Leslie and friends. Used some Basic Grey that I had and the middle one is from the latest Christmas Basic Grey line-Eskimo Kisses.

ATC Swap - Fuzzy

2009-12-17T20:00:00.002-05:00

Okay--who chose this theme?? Oops, it was me. Fuzzy? I don't know what I was thinking.

I think I had some idea of fun flock and the Cricut Paper Pups cartridge. Since then I got some "Velvet Blossom Trim" in a grab box from Maya Road and decided it was a good fuzzy. But how to use it? So, here is my process and hope the final picture is an outstanding ATC.

Still wanted to use that fun flock. So, Maya Road ribbon and bugs...

YIKES!

I recently purchased some lovely stamps from Inkadinkado entitled Mindscapes. So, again, bugs and the velvet ribbon.

I think the ribbon is such a deep color that is where I am making my biggest mistake. So:

Well, better, but outstanding?? At this point I e-mailed pictures of my attempts to my wonderful sister Leslie and her response was: "Was there another option? LOL" Good ole Leslie.

Sorry some of the pictures are a little fuzzy (pun!) I think the camera needed new batteries. In the meantime and while several days pass: I want to give you a couple of links. I absolutely LOVE Maya Road products. Everything they have just appeals to me and I have purchased one or two of their items... Take a look: http://www.mayaroad.com/

Also, I would like you to see the Inkadinkado Mindscape stamps. Look closely to see that the designs are made up of other pictures. The butterfly has fairies, the dragonfly is made up of birds, the ladybug has a dragonfly, the 5 point star is butterflies and the hummingbird is also butterflies. See that butterfly that makes up the whole hummingbird wing? Here is the link: http://inkadinkado.eksuccessbrands.com/zoomimage.aspx?pid=95017

So, finally, I revisited and explored my original thoughts. Okay--maybe original ideas can work. I used the Paper Pups cartridge for the dog (of course), the card and the sun. AND I got to use that fuzzy ribbon I had. So, the ribbon, dog, and sun are fuzzy and I'm happy. And relaxed finally.

Cricut Cartridge Storage

2009-12-13T10:05:00.000-05:00

Before I begin my explanation of cartridge storage, I have to say that options 2 and 3 were both "designed" by Sherrie (Cricut MB name Cardjunkie). She is so clever and comes up with wonderful ideas no matter what she is working on--storage, cards, scrap pages--you name it, she has the best ideas.

I recently changed my method of storage for Cricut cartridges. I loved them in the original boxes until I got too many to store and access easily. Next, Leslie made me a "suitcase" that held the books in the bottom and velcroed the cartridges on the lid. That worked well also--until I got too many to store in that system.

So, now here is the latest storage solution which I like the best. The cartridges are held in a floss sorting plastic container available in about all crafting stores. I purchased mine at Hobby Lobby (but have also purchased them at Michael's and Joann's) for I believe about $2. It was found in the crafting area. There were also some in the sewing/floss aisle for about $5. Apparently, they cost more if you are going to store floss in them! You can store 36 cartridges in one case and then you have to quit purchasing carts. Yeah, right!

The keypad is stored inside the book and the books are set up right in this Sterilite container also purchased at Hobby Lobby. It may have been on sale at the time but was around $5. It measures about 5 1/2" high, x 8" x 13".

Then, the floss box will fit inside the large box on top of the books and everything is together and easy to carry.

Be inspired November ATC

2009-12-13T08:55:00.000-05:00

This is our last creation for the Be inspired ATC group. We are all so busy that we are taking a break from this swap. My card is pretty simple but kind of follows my original idea--which is pretty amazing since my first ideas rarely work. Here is the inspiration:

and this is my card:

Project 365 Scrapbook

2009-12-13T07:50:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how much time passes between my blog posts. I mean to post more, but life....

I got to do some Christmas shopping a couple of days ago. Well, I may have done a little shopping for myself also. I am so excited about this Project 365, and after consulting with sister Leslie about possible scrapbooks and scrapping options, decided to go with the 3-ring scrap binder for 12 x 12 pages. I did my shopping at Archivers with a 30% off coupon.

There were several options, including books by American Craft, We Are Memory Keepers, Pioneer and Making Memories--in fabric, fabric with stitched designs (very tempting), plain leather and embossed leather. Page protector options were the full 12 x 12 page and one with six pockets for individual photos. Prices were comparable. One company's albums were a little more, another company's protector sheets were a little more. So many choices! After emergency cell phone calls to Leslie, I finally decided on the green embossed leather from Making Memories with the full page protectors.

And here it is:

Next step on the project will be the title page.

Project 365

2009-12-06T10:54:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of last year I heard about Project 365. The idea is to take a photograph per day and scrap it with some brief journaling. It appears that a common layout is one week on a two page spread. I'm leaning toward that format if I think I can get 52 pages in a scrapbook.

But, of course, the most important part was preparation. I altered this composition book with Basic Grey Phoebe and LilyKate papers. I have printed some articles on the project which I will insert and also keep other ideas, lists and perhaps journaling until it is scrapped with the pictures.

Here are the articles I printed just in case you are interested too: http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/images/stories/magazines/creating_keepsakes/January2009/365GreatIdeas4.pdf

and also http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/images/stories/magazines/creating_keepsakes/January2009/365ideas.pdf

Flip flop card

2009-12-03T21:42:00.000-05:00

I finished a birthday flip flop card. As I stated in a previous post, I made a file on design studio to cut the card. It makes it so much easier to just score to the cuts and fold. No measuring! The cut file is available. Just let me know if you would like me to send it to you.

Your card base should be cut at 5 1/2 x 6 3/4. I designed the flip flop cuts so you can line your card up in the upper left corner of your mat with no space between the edge of the sticky part and the beginning of the card edge.

The paper I used is double sided from "My Mind's Eye". Bohemia, Bliss "Darling Daughter" floral/pink. The other shades of pink on the flip are from other papers in the line. The stamp color is Cranberry from Close to My Heart. And look--I actually used some of those thousands of flowers I have purchased. I tipped the edges of the flowers with the Cranberry also.

(I have to say this looks so much better in person!)

Gift can reaction

2009-11-29T09:16:00.000-05:00

My nieces really loved their gift cans. And that made me very happy also. The littlest one who likes Barbie asked my sister how I knew her favorite character was Sleeping Beauty. Kids--she was supposed to think it was Barbie!! But, it worked out.

Father's gift card

2009-11-25T11:31:00.000-05:00

Dad always gets a gift card from Golf Galaxy. I would have done a golf card but LESLIE borrowed my Sports Mania cart so she could make Dad a Golf Galaxy gift card holder. (No, really, I didn't have an idea anyway) So, I decided to try the flip-flop card. Jill posted on her blog the link to the Split Coast Stampers tutorial and I am including it here also: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/swing_flip_flop_card/

The paper was left over from a project last year. I'm not sure of the manufacturer. The snowflakes are from both Graphically Speaking and from A Child's Year. The gift card will fit perfectly on the back of the flip.

I finished this at about 1:00 a.m. and went to bed. When my eyes popped open this morning, I thought I bet I can use design studio to make this card easier to make. (I hate all that measuring, partial line cutting, partial line scoring.) So, I got on design studio and after a couple of minor adjustments, I think I have it right. Below is a birthday card I'm making. I'll finish it up later, but I wanted you to see the cut. Then, the scoring lines are easy--just score to the cut. I'll give more details later.

Mother's gift card

2009-11-25T11:15:00.000-05:00

Now, just so you know, I'm not waiting until the last minute. Our family Christmas is still a couple of days away! This is the card I made to hold Mother's Half-Price Bookstore gift card.

The card was cut from A Child's Year. The frame lines cut as strictly lines. So, I took my new utility knife because it was handy, and cut a little wider opening so you could actually see the frame. I'm thinking that I could alter it in Design Studio to widen the lines next time.

I have loved those eyeballs in Graphically Speaking since I got the cart and now I have finally used them. The book is also from Graphically Speaking. The paper is, of course, double sided Basic Grey from the Christmas set a year or two ago. The letters on the inside are the stickers from that set--not enough "r's" so two colors. The gift card will fit perfectly attached to the inside top of the card in the frame.

CFS altered notebook

2009-11-24T08:13:00.000-05:00

Okay--this isn't my work, but it is my paper and notebook. I needed a place to help keep the tally on the Cards for Soldiers challenges. My sister, Leslie, designed and covered this for me. The paper is Basic Grey--my favorite company for papers.

Tinkerbell gift can

2009-11-24T07:28:00.000-05:00

This may be my favorite can--perhaps because the flowers are so bright. I want to thank Jill for making some Tinks for me. After I did a little more planning, I decided I needed a few more cuts and bought the Tinkerbell and also the Happily Ever After cartridges.

Barbie gift can

2009-11-24T06:09:00.000-05:00

Good morning. I should be able to post pictures of my last two gift cans. Last night I purchased the last items to go in the cans--candy bars. So, the cans will hold the photo album, gift card, candy bar, Little Dover activity book, pens, pencils, and beany baby (some I purchased years ago and finally have someone to give them to!)

For Barbie I used Disney Happily Ever After and cut Sleeping Beauty (Aurora--did you know that was her name?) I cut the crown off her head which seemed to work fine. When I told my son it was Barbie he said, it looks like a Disney character to me. Oh well. This niece is almost 5 so maybe she won't notice...

Winnie the Pooh gift can

2009-11-23T21:31:00.001-05:00

Pooh came next and there were just too many great characters. In fact, I made too many to fit on the can and gave Kanga and Roo to a friend who was making a baby book.

Mickey Mouse gift can

2009-11-23T21:04:00.000-05:00

This is the first can I decorated. And, the first time I had used any character cartridge to such a large extent. It was frustrating at first, but then it became more like solving a puzzle and I really started enjoying it. So, Here's Mickey and friends:

This is their photo album and gift card holder:

A Child's Year Cards and Blog Style

2009-11-23T20:46:00.000-05:00

I changed my background. It is pretty boring but I do like that it actually uses the whole screen page. Everyone else's blogs are so fancy and pretty. Maybe I'll do my own thing; not follow the crowd; strike out in my own direction; take the fork in the road; be a lone wolf; yadda, yadda.

Okay--back to the important stuff:

These were the first cards I tried with A Child's Year. I made the two little sisters for my sister Leslie and the fairy for my daughter.

A Child's Year has some really great images on it. One feature I have found I really like is the font. It welds easily and I liked the look. I used it on the upcoming friends books that coordinate with the paint cans.

COM Plum with Points

2009-11-23T08:22:00.000-05:00

I really did like this card. The wavy strip was some cardboard-type material my daughter found when cleaning her room. We have it in almost every color imaginable...

The "point" cut is from Graphically Speaking.

COM Pineapple with Punches

2009-11-23T08:13:00.001-05:00

This is my creation for my Card of the Month group. The theme was Pineapple with Punches. My punch was simple--round. The metal filigree wasn't exactly what I was looking for. Apparently what I wanted is long out of production so I settled for jewelry/bead findings. Then I embossed with copper powder.

Coffee/Tea ATC

2009-11-23T07:40:00.000-05:00

I have just been too busy with other things. Time to post some of the projects I have been working on.

This is an ATC. The image that inspired this card was a photo of coffee beans. I am just not a coffee drinker, so I had to make some tea. The card was resized on design studio using a cut from A Child's Year. The teapot stickers were Mary Englebreit that I have had for a long time. Don't you love using supplies you already have??

Win a Gypsy from Cutting Above

2009-09-19T07:48:00.000-04:00

Here is an opportunity to win a Gypsy. The blog http://cuttingabove.blogspot.com/ is offering you the chance to win. Take a look at their site. They have great projects and tutorials AND the chance to win.

On Sept. 24th starting at 12:00 AM on HSN Provocraft is going to have the world launch of The Gypsy. I've been watching information on this Cricut tool and am thinking maybe I need one!

Cricut's 100 cartridge celebration

2009-09-11T15:55:00.001-04:00

Most of you are Cricut friends so you probably already know this. But, Cricut is giving away 20 cartridges per week for 5 weeks to celebrate Winter Woodland being their 100th cartridge. For a chance to win, go to this thread and register:

http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/tm.aspx?m=5248058&mpage=1

To learn more about the Winter Woodland cartridge, visit this link:

http://www.cricut.com/shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?id=361&s=1&sc=2

Spinning wheel cards

2009-08-27T00:20:00.000-04:00

I am doing exactly what I said I would not do. (No, not making another tri-shutter card) I am going to try a tutorial. This has gotten a little more complicated than I had intended and there probably will be much more information than you would ever need. I feel like I've written my life story.

I designed three different spinners and corresponding windows on Cricut Design Studio. One is a plain circle, the next has scallops on the edge and the last has points--I was thinking in terms of boys there. If you would like the cut file contact me and I will e-mail it to you.

Here is a picture and list of supplies that I used. Paper, Cricut with George and Christmas Cheer cartridges, scissors, Scor-it, bone folder or popsicle stick, which ever you can find easily, circle punch (mine is a 2" by Fiskars), brad, glue, ATG tape or other sticky stuff.

The cricut file has 8 mats, one for each spinner and 5 windows .

After cutting the window piece with Cricut, score it according to measurements below. I cut the corners out at a little of an angle to make a neater fold. Then fold to the back the four sides. I used my popsicle stick for a sharp crease. With your large circle punch, cut through the left folded side of the window sheet. It was just a guess on the exact positioning for the punch, but about middle of the side and cutting about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. The windows are a little off center so the spinner will be easier to touch and move.

The pictures show folds of 1/2 inch. It was flawed at that measurement because the points and scallops would get caught when turning. I need an arrow--see the caught point in the picture below?? So, back to the design studio. I tried a couple of different versions of the pointy circle. It still isn't the best. Even with smaller points and a larger back it still catches sometimes. So, this is my disclaimer about the pointed version. It may or may not work. Maybe I'll figure something else out some day.

Now comes something I didn't do for this demonstration. You need to print, stamp, color, your message on your wheel. If you are really clever you could use your computer to print in a circle and then cut. But, you are on your own there. The window measurements are shown below also. Attach the wheel to the window with a brad. I was thinking about an eyelet, which would work if you don't squeeze it entirely shut. However, I have the crop-o-dile, not the big bite and cannot reach the center.

When I started to glue the back flaps, I found the circle will spin better if you put down one flap, dab glue on the corner and going counterclockwise, adhere the next flap to the first, then put a dab of glue on the other side of that flap and continue. The last flap will tuck under the first. You want it to have a little room so I didn't glue super tight back there.

Here are pictures of the 6 spinners I made:

It's finally time to tape this contraption to the card. Got out my handy ATC gun and hummm, son used it last:

Okay--ready to go:

Actually, I don't have a card ready to stick the spinner to. When I get a completed card, I'll post it here.

Can you find my ruler in this mess? I love those C-thru rulers but I keep seeing through them and they get lost.

Found it--on the floor--how did it get there? Okay--now I can give you the measurements:

Supply list:

Circut

George and Christmas Cheer cartridges

Paper--cardstock

Scoring tool and bone folder.

Circle punch

Brad

Glue

Tape to adhere spinner to card

Important measurements:

Circle spinner: 3 1/2"; Inner circle: 2"

Scalloped spinner: 3-1/2"; Inner circle: 1-11/16"

Pointed spinner: 3-1/2"; Inner circle: 1-1/4" Finished size:

On all window pieces, fold the sides at a scant 1" EXCEPT if you are doing the pointed then fold at 7/8"

Banner Window: from brad to beginning of banner: 3/4"; banner height: 5/8" and width 1-5/8; finished size:

Side rectangle window: from brad to beginning of rectangle 1/4"; rectangle height: 3/4" and width 1-1/8"; finished size: 3-5/8" x 3-5/8"

Circle window: from brad to beginning of circle: 3/8"; circle size: 1"; finished size: 3-5/8" x 3-5/8"

Balloon window: from brad to beginning of balloons: 3/8"; Balloon height: 3/4" at smallest and width 2"; finished size: 3-1/2" x 3-1/2"

Thanks for taking a look and hope it's something you might want to try. Maybe you can make one and show us a picture. Or, maybe you can make some improvements to the file and share with us.

One time and one time only

2009-08-20T22:03:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh. I worked like a maniac on this card. Measure, cut, measure, sand, measure, glue, measure, etc. etc. And I still cut one piece wrong but I'm not gonna tell you which one. This is "cherry with chipboard" made for the card of the month swap.

I do like the look of this card, but if I ever try it again, I will go for a more simple version. I looked at several web sites for ideas and here are the links: http://craftiblog.wordpress.com/2009/05/26/2009-05-26-5-5-x-11-finished-tri-shutter-sample/ and http://craftiblog.wordpress.com/2009/04/23/2009-04-23-quad-fold-card-sample-tutorial/ and http://robinscraftroom.com/wp-content/uploads/TriShutter%20Card(3).pdf and Mary helped me again. This particular card was posted on June 23, 2009. http://kreateskards.blogspot.com/search/label/Tutorial%20-%20Cards.

I did start with a prototype that my sister Leslie finished for me and when I find the card I will take a picture. It was in black, white and beige. I thought it was boring but Leslie added pink and it really made the card look great.

Graduation Card

2009-08-20T21:53:00.001-04:00

I've gotten these projects a little out of order. This is a graduation card I made that I scraplifted directly from Papercrafts May/June issue on page 32. The photo is mine from a trip to my parents.

July/September - Music - ATC

2009-08-20T16:25:00.000-04:00

I cheated. I'll admit it. I am using the same ATC for two different swaps. (I think Leslie--my sister--is doing that also.)

My first thought for the music theme was my family. My parents were both music teachers and hard as they tried, they did get their four children to absorb a little knowledge. A few years ago during a family vacation we had a "talent" show. Leslie played a duet with Dad and I did with Mom. I thought those fond memories needed to be used for both of the music swaps.

August - Hand drawn - ATC

2009-08-20T15:13:00.000-04:00

The theme for August was "hand drawn." I was having such a hard time coming up with something and in fact had posted on the MB that "I've hit a brick wall" and eureka--an idea. The bricks are colored with prisma pencils and gamsol. Title and back are printed from computer (Matisse ITC font) and the graffitti is with zig pens. Whooppee. Finished.

July - Toy - ATC

2009-07-18T16:17:00.000-04:00

I don't think this will photograph well, but I had the most fun working on this ATC. Our theme was "toys" and I wanted to make a working toy, so I made a flip book. I used power point to make each frame. My boys helped me get started. I'm sure it could have been much less labor intensive than it was, but I did it!

Joy Fold Card

2009-06-21T11:08:00.000-04:00

If you are all like me, I'm trying to use supplies I have rather than go shopping. Archivers, Joann's, Michaels, etc, are such a temptation but luckily I have to drive 40 miles to get to the nearest scrap stores.

So, I was very excited to find papers in my stash that coordinated although they were not purchased together. This card is again possible by following the tutorial Mary has on her blog at: http://kreateskards.blogspot.com/. I really like the way this turned out.

Mary has all the cut measurements on the "Joy Fold Card Tutorial - Elephants" post. The spaceship and quote are from the Close to My Heart stamp set "Reach for the Stars." The hardest part of this card was the inchie. I used DCWV adhesive cardstock and had a time getting the paper to peal from the back of the cardstock. Any hints there would be appreciated.

Fan card

2009-06-21T10:52:00.000-04:00

I've been in the mood to try out new techniques and patterns. Luckily, I have lots of friends on the Cricut message board sharing links to web sites with lots of inspiration.

The idea for this card came from: http://ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/fan.htm. I used Cricut Design Studio to cut the fan blades. They are the exclamation point from Base Camp adjusted a little to get the width I wanted. The exclamation dots were hidden from the cut. I must like that silver embossing powder because I used it again with a flourish stamp from the "Love Flourishes" set by Close to my Heart. The fan blades are secured with a small eyelet installed with my crop-o-dile. When squeezing the eyelet open, there is a first and second stopping point. Squeeze easily and stop at the first hesitation and the fan blades will be able to move. Squeeze too tightly and I found they are impossible to move. A lesson learned!

Artist Trading Cards - Swap 2

2009-06-21T10:34:00.000-04:00

The second ATC group I am a member of is from the Cricut message board. Sherrie keeps us in line (or at least tries to) on this "Be inspired" MB thread: http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/tm.aspx?m=3707215&mpage=1&key=&#3707215. There are 11 of us and all 5 months' cards are now shown. My card this month was inspired by a greeting card Mary demonstrated on her blog. It is the stair step card and the tutorial was June 2. Mary has a wonderful blog with great tutorials. They are very easy to understand and have great illustrations and instructions. Check out her work: http://kreateskards.blogspot.com/.

I cut my cardstock at 3 1/2" x 8". I then scored the card at 2 1/2", 1 3/4", 1 3/4", 1" .

Artist Trading Cards

2009-06-21T10:22:00.000-04:00

[I just finished the most wonderful blog entry and pushed the wrong button...so here we go again]

I am in two ATC swaps. It is amazing what can be put on these little 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch cards. The first swap has been going on for over a year and has 14 members. Karen organizes us, sorts the cards and mails them to each of us. Her blog is http://www.paperockscissors.blogspot.com/ and you should be able to see cards from all the swaps.

This month's theme was angels. I have been using my computer more and typed the saying (an angel can illimunate the darkest path) on white cardstock. The background is prisma colored pencils and the gamsol technique. I then embossed with silver the angel from the Stampin Up! set Holy Triptych. I also embossed the edges.

I haven't quite figured out how to get the pictures where I want them on my postings.

Post #1

2009-06-12T23:36:00.000-04:00

I never thought I would be a blogger. And, this may not go far--but, I needed a spot to post an entry to a challenge. So, here is my experiment.

This card is for the Cuttlebug Challenge #35. It's the first challenge I've ever entered. The theme was favorite movie and so, here's looking at you kid...