LadybugLair

Stampin' Up Wheel Storage

2012-02-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

Hiya! Just wanted to share what I've used for storing my Stampin' Up wheels. It's a repurposed zippered pillowcase package. It had a little slot inside, which housed the pillowcase product description and I just computer-generated the logo of the Stampin' Up wheels and created my own product description. :-) It's amazing what you can find around your home, to utilize for your craft storage. :-)

Stickle Storage

2012-02-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don’t have a lot of Stickles, I foundthis neat li’l carousel at the thrift shop. It holds 18 Stickles quite nice, but I wanted to have them placed upside-down,so they wouldn’t have a clogging issue. I bought a long piece of plumbing pipe, in the hopes that hubby would cutit down to size for me. However, becauseit wasn’t as easy as it sounded and one needed the right tool, like a hacksaw,the li’l project never got completed. :-(

Saw a thread on the Cricut MB about how people stored theirStickles, using couplings. Well, thehubster and I trotted back to Home Depot and found exactly what we needed:- pipe adapters used for plumbing. They’re just the right size – ¾ in. and,because they have a smaller end, it fits into the carousel just perfect. Actually a nice tight fit. Then, the Stickles go in upside-down, beautifully.

Here's what it originally looked like, w/ the paints I got, for $4.00:-

Here it is, w/ my Stickles in it (upright):-

Here it is, w/ the pipe adapters, allowing the Stickles to sit upside-down:-

Here's what the actual adapter looks like:-

Works like a charm!!!! :-)

Happy Chinese New Year!!

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Faux Stampin' Up Wheel Guide

2012-01-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

Hiya! Have you ever wanted a guide to help you w/ either your Stampin' Up or other wheels, or even the Sew Easy paper piercers --- for you to have a straight line of either stamping or stitching? Well, want no more. I made a faux wheel guide by using a bunch of clear, plastic rulers. 5 to be exact -- glued together using my ATG.

Here's what the "real deal" looks like:-

You get 2 in a package and they clip together to form a 24" strip. I would have no use for the 24" size. The other use of it is to clip it together to form a right angle, which is beneficial for creating mitered corners. Again, I see no use for that.

So, I created my own.

On it's side, measuring 3/8" depth.

Works like a charm!!!! I LOVE it!!! So, save yourself some money. The rulers were bought at the $ store for a buck each. $5.00 for your very own wheel/stitch guide.

If you make one, let me know. :-)

Latest Cricut Cartridge Check List – January 2012

2012-01-20T15:35:00.000-08:00

Hiya. Do you have snow in your neck of the woods? Have you been enjoying it? I love to look at it, but don't take too kindly to driving in it, or even walking in it.

On a different note, Provocraftreleased 10 new cartridges:-

Cricut Imagine™ GreetingCards Inside & Out

Cricut® Lite Fun in the Sun

Cricut® Baby Shower

Cricut® Bridal Shower

Cricut® Elmo & FriendsHoliday

Cricut® Giant Flowers

Cricut® Letter Envy (CircleExclusive)

Cricut® My Quiet Book

Cricut® Ole

Cricut® Type Candy

Here's mylatest checklist:-

http://www.mediafire.com/?l12b4wi5r1bb2lx

Just to remindyou that, when you click on the Cartridge name in the checklist you downloaded,it will link directly to the Cricut website, whereby you can see more infoabout the cartridge(s).

Also, be sureto check out this website:- http://cricutblog.org/, where you’ll find projects you canmake w/ your new carts. J

For newbies to my Cartridge Checklist, here's what it looks like:-

Blog Award -- Irresistably Sweet!

2012-01-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

I have been awarded the “Irresistably Sweet Blog Award” from Stephanie of http://paperandi.blogspot.com. Thank you soooooo much, Stephanie! Her blog is about a “love affair” withpaper. Cute, eh? J

To accept this award, I have to list 7 random things andpass this award on to 8 people.

I LOVE chocolate! J
I won a singing contest at a Music Festival, many moons ago. J
I love walking by the ocean and watching the waves hitting the rocks. J
I used to be a computer software geek --- not so much now. L
I love doing crafts. (duh!!! Really??) J
I watched "All My Children", since Day 1. (but now it’s “no more”, becuz they cancelled it) L
I enjoy “reality shows”, like the "Bachelor"; "Big Brother", etc. J

I would like to pass this award on to the following great bloggers:-

Anita - http://www.anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/

Esther - http://www.forthejoyofcreating.blogspot.com/

Gaby - http://www.gabycreates.com/

Jessica - http://www.chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com/

Monica - http://www.monicascreativemadness.com/

Sandra - http://www.365daysofcricut.blogspot.com/

Sandy - http://www.thecraftycreationspot.blogspot.com/

Sylvia - http://bellascrapbookdesigns.blogspot.com/

Bailey's Haul; Angel; Santa

2012-01-06T12:26:00.005-08:00

Hiya. As promised, here's a pic of what Santa brought for li'l Bailey. The lion is bigger than he is!! LOL

Here's hubby's Santa and my Angel:-

They complimented our "blue tree" perfectly. :-)

Christmas Tree 2011

2012-01-05T18:17:00.001-08:00

I know, I know --- Christmas is done and over with! But I forgot to showcase our tree this year. Errrrr, last year. LOL

I'm usually a day late and a dollar short, so why should this be any different?! LOL

Here it is, in all its glory. Isn't it beautiful??

Consists completely of blue/silver baubles, birds, butterflies, lights, and ribbon. LOVE it!!!

Hubby retired just before Christmas, so we wanted something "special/different" for our tree.

Ohhhh, and the hubster got a "blue" Santa (for his collection) and I got a "blue" angel.

Tomorrow, I'll showcase the stash Bailey got from Santa. :-) Maybe take a pic of the Santa and Angel, too. Yeh, our tree is STILL up. We're keeping it up another week cuz it's soooooo purty!! :-)

Happy New Year!!

2011-12-31T15:19:00.000-08:00

I hope that 2012 brings you health and happiness!!!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-18T12:15:00.000-08:00

from:- Santa Bailey and his Momma J

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas season!

Latest Cricut Cartridge Check List – December 2011

2011-12-15T21:15:00.001-08:00

Hiya.

Provocraftreleased 4 new cartridges:-

Two Imagine cartridges:-

Art:- The Good Old Days

Colors/Patterns:- NotebookDoodles

A Creative Memoriescartridge:-

This & That

A Seasonal:-

Victorian Romance

Here's mylatest checklist:-

http://www.mediafire.com/?z4ihhu644pdwahq

When you click on the Cartridge name in the checklist you downloaded,it will link directly to the Cricut website, whereby you can see more infoabout the cartridge(s).

Also, be sureto check out this website:- http://cricutblog.org/, where you’ll find projects you canmake w/ your new carts. J

For newbies to my Cartridge Checklist, here's what it looks like:-

Enjoy! :-)

Rein-Beer

2011-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

Made this for one of hubby's presents:-

Saw something similar on Pinterest (LOVE that site!!!!) and just had to re-create it. I put my "spin" on it, w/ coloured antlers. :-)

Very simple to make:-
Antlers are pipe cleaners. Couldn't find the brown ones but I think the coloured ones bring "whimsey" to them. The eyes are googly eyes and the nose is a sparkly pom-pom.

Sentiment was computer-generated.

I think hubby's going to get quite a kick of out it.

Birthday Card for my Daughter

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Created this card for mydaughter.
Happy Birthday, Sweetie!!

Inside:-

Back:-

Tools/Items:-
Cricut Imagine

Cricut Imagine Cartridge: – Yummy

Cricut Cartridge – Sweet Treats

Martha Stewart Border Punch – French Scroll

CTMH stamp – Tender Tags

Glue – ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – pink; white(for the Imagine)
Patterned double-sided paper

Corner rounder –Deco

Prima flowers

Seed beads

Flowerembellishment

Ribbon

Pop dots

Createdon the Imagine, using the Yummy cartridge for the patterns/colors. Used the Martha Stewart border punch, adding ribbon and a flower embellishment.

Birthday Card for my Mother

2011-12-12T13:22:00.003-08:00

Created this card for my Mother. Happy 94^th birthday, Mom!

Inside:-

Back:-

Tools/Items:-

Cricut Imagine

Cricut Imagine Cartridge: – Imagine More Cards

Martha Stewart Border Punch – Monarch Butterfly

CTMH stamp – Tender Tags

Glue – ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – yellow; white(for the Imagine)
Patterned double-sided paper

Corner rounder –Deco

Flowerembellishment

Ribbon

Pop dots

Thiswas a really simple card, which came together quickly, using the Imagine MoreCards cartridge for the Happy Bird-day design. Added ribbon, flower, and a butterfly-punched sentiment.

I’mdiscovering the Close to My Heart stamps, which are really fun. I used the Tender Tags stamp for the“designed by”, on the back of the card.

Birthday Card for Hubby

2011-11-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

Made this card for my hubby. It’s his birthday today. Happy Birthday, Sweetie! J

Inside:-

He really liked the pirate card Imade for a friend’s BD, so it only seemed apropos to make him a “Buccaneer” BDcard, too.

Had a ball making this card,adding all the cute li’l designs found on the Imagine Buccaneer cartridge. I LOVE that cartridge. Such vibrant pix. Everything is pop-dotted but it doesn't really show up in the pix. I tried to get side shots of it, but they turned out blurry.

Tools/Items:-
Cricut Imagine

Cricut Imagine Cartridge: – "Buccaneer"

Cricut Cartridge – "Simply Charmed"

Glue – ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – red for thecard base; white (for the Imagine)
Patterned paper

Corner rounder –Ticket Stub

Rhinstone - for the pirate chest
Pop dots

Theentire card was created using the Imagine "Buccaneer" cartridge. However, the sun w/ sunglasses was from the "Simply Charmed" cartridge. Love the li’loctopus, wearing a pirate hat. J

Ilearned a li’l trick whilst pop-dottingthe sunglasses on the sun. The whitepopdots were too visible, so I coloredthem w/ a black BIC marker.

The sentiment was computer-generated.

Also made the 3-D pirate chest which is found on the Buccaneer cartridge. It looks so realistic. Filled it w/ gold doubloons. Actually, they're chocolates. LOL

Hopehubby likes it! J

Comfort Card

2011-11-24T12:00:00.001-08:00

Made this card for a friend’ssister, who is very ill. Thought itmight cheer her up a bit.

I had a lot of fun making thiscard, as I was learning different techniques, along the way.

The first technique was how toplace an image in a different place, on your Imagine mat. I saw a video, here, where it’s explained howthis could be accomplished.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN6A_CqDoQU&feature=player_embedded#!

Here’s a shot (not very clear,sorry!) but you can sorta get an idea of how I was able to input just 4 blanksquares on the mat, making my design move waaaaay over to the right.

When the paper is placed on the mat, oppositeto how it was done to begin with, I was able to get the design printed on theopposite side of my card base. Cool, eh? J

The second technique on this cardwas learning how to print a sentiment on the inside of the card. I now have a template I saved, to allow thisto occur on any 5 ½” x 8 ½” card base. I enjoymaking larger size cards, instead of the usual A2 size. J

Tools/Items:-
Cricut Imagine

Cricut Imagine Cartridges: – see below

Cricut Cartridge – Christmas Noel

Glue – ATG; Zig Two-Way
Cardstock – blue for thecard base; white (for the Imagine)
Patterned paper – sky background

Corner Rounder - Corner Stone by EK Success

Stickles – “Crystal”

Rhinestones

Cricut ImagineCartridges

Lori’s Garden

Better Together

Imagine More

Firstly,I used this design (bottom), from Imagine “Lori’s Garden” for the flourish on the card front.

TheAngel is from the “Christmas Noel” cartridge, using patterns & colors fromthe Imagine “Better Together” cartridge.

Theframe is from the “Imagine More” cartridge (Image 25, Layer 1), floodfilled w/the same pattern as the Angel’s dress.

Hopeshe likes it! J

Latest Cricut Cartridge Check List – November 2011

2011-11-19T20:59:00.001-08:00

Hiya.

Provocraftreleased 2 new cartridges:-

* Cricut Fontand Basic Shapes; and

* Snow Day

Here's mylatest checklist:-

http://www.mediafire.com/?j25ujie3lot5gk7

Just to remindyou that, when you click on the Cartridge name in the checklist you downloaded,it will link directly to the Cricut website, whereby you can see more infoabout the cartridge(s). Even tho theCartridge Library on the website hasn’t been updated, I had a “work-around” toobtain the link where the cart. is housed on the website. J

Also, be sureto check out this website:- http://cricutblog.org/, where you’ll find projects you canmake w/ your new carts. J

For newbies to my Cartridge Checklist, here's what it looks like:-

Enjoy!!

Kina Grannis – “In Your Arms”

2011-11-15T21:32:00.001-08:00

Sawthis gal, Kina Grannis, on the Ellen show today. Besides being the cutest li’l thing, she hasthis awesome video:-

A few more numbers:- the project took 22 months, 1,357 hours, 30 people, two ladders and onestill camera.

In the making of this video, Kina Grannis spends a lot of timelying down on top of glass, under which lies the jellybean scenery backdrop.According to director Greg Jardin, some frames would take five minutes toshoot, others three hours.

Checkit out here:-

http://www.kinagrannis.com/

I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did, and over 2 million other viewers. J

Martha Stewart Scallop Snowflake Punch All Over the Page

2011-11-13T13:09:00.001-08:00

Lookie what I just discovered. Well, actually my hubby first discovered it, cuz he bought it for me, J butI then I discovered what this li’l gem could do. J

These “Punch All Over the Page” punches aren’t new to me as I already havequite a few. But this one is DIFFERENTin that you can now align the designs all in a row, w/out breaking asweat. J Before, you were on your own trying to line it up properlyso you could have a row of the designs. Nomore. Now the punch does all thework. All you have to do is align yourlast punched design w/ the pictures on the base of the punch set. WhooooHooooo!

Here’s the difference between the older punch sets and the newer ones:-

Here’s a sample I threw together, just to show how it lined upbeautifully.

Thank you soooooo muchMartha, for adding this feature to your newer stamp sets. I just LOVE it!!!!! J

11-11-11 --- bringing hopes of good luck

2011-11-11T00:00:00.001-08:00

Today is the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 2011. How cool is that, eh? :-) It's supposed to bring "good luck". Not to forget, too, that it's also Remembrance Day.

Do you plan on doing anything to mark the triple convergence of 11's w/ a splash? I'm thinkin' of buying 11 scratch tickets. :-)

Some kids who are celebrating their 11th birthday today, are super lucky. Or what about loved ones celebrating their 11th anniversaries?? :-)

Here's what one numerologist said:

"Eleven is a number of illumination and enlightenment, a number of insight, blinding flashes of the obvious, and a number of transformation.

I think just from that --- really good things will come out of today!! :-)

Please share w/ me --- what this day means to you!!!

Blog Candy

2011-11-09T19:22:00.004-08:00

Hiya. The Cricut Couple are celebrating 500+ followers. How awesome is that, eh? You gotta check out their blog for the awesome creations that they share and. . . some awesome blog candy. :-)

http://cricutcouple.blogspot.com/

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a FUN and SAFE day!!!! :-)

Bailey's 4th birthday

2011-10-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

It's li'l Bailey's birthday and he just turned 4. Here he is awaiting his presents:-

We thought we would get him a li'l friend to play with. . . . .

Tee hee! It's actually li'l Bailey w/ a new haircut. LOL We had a new groomer and she trimmed him waaaaaaay down. :-( But. . . . . his gorgeous fur will grow back. :-)

Now, here he is w/ his birthday pressies:-

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, sweet li'l Bailey!!! Hope you had a wonderful birthday!!! :-) Hugs, Momma. xxx

Cutest li'l video

2011-10-26T20:31:00.002-07:00

Came across this video and wanted to share. It is sooooooo cute!!

Before watching, make sure you turn off my I-Pod, located at the bottom of this column. :-)

2011-10-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hiya.

WOW! Provocraft released 13 more new cartridges.They just keep comin' and comin', eh? LOL

6Cricut Regular Cartridges:- Go

Canada

;New Testament; Noah's ABC Animals; Ribbons and Rosettes; Paper Trimmings (Cricut CircleExclusive) and 'Tis the Season (Creative Memories)
3 Cricut Imagine Cartridges:- ChristmasWish; Floral Emporium; Santa's Village

3 Cricut Lite Cartridges:- Fast Food;Pet Shop; Sweater Weather

1 CricutProject Cartridge:- Stencil

Here's mylatest checklist:-

http://www.mediafire.com/?0x81d1gb9pn1t1k

I’ve alsoincluded a listing of just the new cartridges, in case one doesn’t want tore-print the entire checklist.

http://www.mediafire.com/i/?l2gaoizuqij91ru

Also, be sureto check out this website:- http://cricutblog.org/, where you’ll find projects you canmake w/ your new carts. J

For newbies to my Cartridge Checklist, here's what it looks like:-

Enjoy!! :-)

Cricut's new outfit. . .

2011-10-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

There's a li'l story behind all of this.

My hubby, when he saw me "workin' on an outfit" and li'l Cricut sitting beside me, said:-

"Watcha doin'????" I replied:- "I'm makin' an outfit for li'l Cricut". He responded:-

RUN, Cricut RUN ---- she's turnin' you into a GIRL!!!!!!

But, doesn't she just look the cutest in that li'l dress and bow in her hair/antenna?

Li'l Reindeer LO

2011-10-13T11:44:00.001-07:00

Hiya! A while back, I posted about this awesome digital software program, My Memories Suite. You can find the post here: http://ladybuglair.blogspot.com/2011/09/digital-software-give-away.html

Well, I've been playing around w/ it and it has sooooo many neat features. As an example, I just learned how to write text around a photo. Check this out:-

Isn't Santa's li'l reindeer simply the cutest??? :-) See his li'l antlers??? :-)

Halloween Birthday Card

2011-10-09T21:43:00.003-07:00

Made this gate-fold card for myMother-in-Law who has a birthday on Halloween. Gave it to her early, as we saw her for Thanksgiving, and I didn’t wantto put it in the mail, because of the bulkiness (from dimensions) of it.

when opened:-

back:-

Was madecompletely using the Happy Hauntings cartridge. I used, however, the Imagine More cartridge for the floodfilling of thepatterns on the pumpkins and the “B” in BOO.

Tools/Items:-

Cricut Imagine

Cricut Imagine Cartridge – Imagine More
Cricut Cartridge – HappyHauntings

Glue – regular; ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – double-sidedfor the card base; white (for the Imagine)
Patterned Paper

Ribbon –Halloween “Celebrate It”

Die Cuts – fromK & Company – bats, eyes, ghost

Stickles –purple (??) and orange (Distressed Spiced Marmalade)

Seed beads –cat’s eyes

Pop dots

Sentiment --used the following font:- “Lunacy More”

While using myStickles, I discovered a couple of things:-

(1) The purple one has an “unknownidentity”. The poor li’l thing wasn’tnamed. So, he’s just going to be knownas “Purrrrty Purple”. J Ihave a few other ones that are nameless. L

I wonder why these larger ones weren’t named??

(2) The orange one is a “Distressed”one. Noooo, he’s not suffering fromdistress, that’s just what Tim Holtz named him. Having said all of that, I discovered that he has a much larger nozzle,which made his outpourings a lot thicker than the usual thin line of theregular Stickles.

I wasn’t toosure whether I liked the Distressed Stickles, or not, because of thisfeature. But, I read on the Net that onecan use a heat tool on these ones --- making them shimmer, which cannot be donewith the regular Stickles. I’m going tohave to test these out to see the difference. J

Back to mycard. I wound a piece of ribbon aroundthe whole gate-fold card and then glued a backing piece of cardstock to theback of the card, allowing for the ribbon to be hidden. See pic.

Well, that endsmy spiel on this card. J

60th Birthday Card

2011-09-25T12:07:00.001-07:00

Made the following card for afriend who is having a rough time turning 60. I thought the whimsical humour in this card would help a bit. Happy Birthday, Rox!!! J

Inside:-

inside top:-

We're the Pirate Peg-a-leg family! :-)

Tools/Items:-
Cricut Imagine
Cricut Imagine Cartridge– Buccaneer

Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page – Deco Fans

Glue – ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – Ballet Blue (SU), which is kinda purple, for the card base; white (for the Imagine)
Patterned Paper

Rhinestone –Pink

Googley eyes

Popdots

Baker’s Twine

Created completely using the Cricut Imagine and the Imagine Buccaneercartridge. Love this cartridge. J The colours are so vibrant and the images arejust so darn cute. J

Used the pirate who had a li’l too much bubbly, layering his face, hat,and bottle. J Pop-dotted the parrot andthe treasure chest.

The background is the scroll available on the cart. Computer-generated the saying that’s on theplank. Baker’s twine is behind the sign.

Inside of the card:-

Used the MS punch around the page for the backdrop that has the pirate turtle, sentiment and jewel chest. (rhinestone for the jewel). Theisland has a palm tree and pelican.

Had a lot of fun making this card. Sure hope Rox likes it. J

Winner of the My Memories Suite software

2011-09-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please. . . . .

I have a winner of the My Memories Suite software. It's:-

which makes it:

Sharon said...

What a cute LO! Thanks for doing this give-away. I love that Dog Gone Cute Word Art.

Congrats, Sharon! I'll be contacting you w/ how you can get your new software program. I know you're gonna LOVE it!!! I do!!! :-)

Digital Software Give-away

2011-09-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wanted to try Digital Scrapbooking? Well, I’ve been thinking about it for some time now and all the planets must’ve been aligned because I was just given this great opportunity of trying out the MyMemories Suite software program, and just love it. :-)

And. . . one of my lucky followers will also get this chance, as I’ve been given another copy of MyMemories Suite (a $39.95 value) to give away to someone. How cool is that, eh? :-)

All you need to do is the following:-

1. If you’re not already, become a follower of my blog.

2. Visit Mymemories.com and choose your favorite digital paper pack or layout.

3. Leave a comment on this post, telling me which one is your fav! Easy peasy!

You will love this program. It’s really easy to use and has a ton of free downloads plus cute ones for purchase, with very reasonable pricing.

I especially love the “Quick Pages”, which is what I used for my Digi LO. Seeing as I had just created my very first LO the traditional way, using my sweet li’l Bailey as my subject, it only seemed apropos to use him again with my very first Digi LO. I added some Prima flowers, w/ beads, and badabing badaboom, a layout was borne. :-)

I have some more good news:-

If you want your very own copy NOW, My Memories is allowing me to offer you $10.00 off the purchase price of this great program. If you enter this special code (STMMMS86383), you pay only $29.95 (Reg. price $39.95). Just click HERE to get your software. And. . . you can also get $10 off in the MyMemories.com store. That's a $20 value just for using this code. Be sure to copy/paste this code (STMMMS86383) during checkout. The download will begin immediately and you’ll be able to play with this awesome digital software, sooner than later. J

For those entering the give-away, please don’t forget to leave me some way of being able to contact you, should you win a copy of this fabulous software. Just one comment per person, please.

You have until Saturday, Sept. 24^th, 9:00 p.m. PST, to enter. I’ll draw a winner, via Random.org. and post the winner on Sunday, Sept. 25^th .

Good luck, everyone!!!

Lookie what I got. . . .

2011-09-16T12:24:00.003-07:00

This is what I woke up to this morning. Isn't it absolutely gorgeous? It's from the "Love of my Life" of 34 years. (We got married a year to the day, after we met.) I think I'll keep him around for another 33 years. :-)

Happy Anniversary Card

2011-09-16T08:00:00.001-07:00

It’s our anniversary today ---- 33 years. Wow! It seems like only yesterday that I fell head-over-heels for the love of my life. Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart! J

I made him this card:-

Inside:-

Close-up:-

Don't forget that you can click on the pix to enlarge them. :-)

Tools/Items:-

Cricut Imagine
Cricut Imagine Cartridges – see below
Cricut Cartridges – see below
Glue – regular; ATG; Zig Two Way; glue gun (for the rosette)
Cardstock – double-sided for the card base; white (for the Imagine)
Patterned Paper
Bead – Blue
Paper Rosette
Popdots

Cricut Imagine Cartridges
Enjoy the Seasons – male and female hearts, and layers
Better Together – You Make my Heart Sing; Heart and layers

Cricut Cartridges
Beyond Birthdays – Happy Anniversary
Lyrical Letters – Sweetheart

Made my very first paper “rosette”, as a flower on the patterned paper. The swirls resembled a stem, so plunked a rosette flower on top. J

I just love playing w/ my Imagine. I took the two sentiments from regular Cricut carts. and floodfilled them w/ a pattern from the Imagine cart, “Enjoy the Seasons”. All of the colours and patterns co-ordinate w/ the already-made designs, so it makes creating a card very easy-peasey.

The paper rosette was made using patterned paper. There are many tut’s on the Web, but here’s one that I really liked. It has very detailed instructions/pix.

http://amymckeehan.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-make-paper-rosettes.html --- Thanks, Amy!!

Latest Cricut Cartridge Check List – September 2011

2011-09-15T21:46:00.005-07:00

Hiya. Hope you all had a great week. :-)

Provocraft released 2 more new cartridges. They just keep comin' and comin', eh? LOL

Here's my latest checklist:-

http://www.mediafire.com/?00butlm3d6lqfgo

Just to remind you that, when you click on the Cartridge name in the checklist you downloaded, it will link directly to the Cricut website, whereby you can see more info about the cartridge(s).

Also, check out this website:- http://cricutblog.org/. You'll find projects you can make w/ your new carts. :-)

For newbies to my Cartridge Checklist, here's what it looks like:-

Enjoy!! :-)

Cricut Cartridge Checklist for August

2011-09-12T22:30:00.003-07:00

Hiya! If you're wondering why I haven't updated my Cricut Cartridge Checklist for August, here's the reason:-

As you know, the entries in the Checklist are linked to the Cricut website, whereby you can see what the Cartridge looks like and other info.

For whatever reason, Cricut.com hasn't updated their Cartridge list, where I would get the "link" to their site.

But guess what? I actually figured out how to LINK the carts myself. I know. I couldn't believe it either!! I just kept playing around with the hyperlink and badabing, badaboom, it actually worked. :-)

But, having said all of that, I think I'll just wait until Hello Thursday (this Thurs.) when they will possibly be releasing some new carts and then update the Checklist. Do you all agree?

Here's a pic of the latest one, tho:-

Blog Award. . .

2011-09-10T20:52:00.003-07:00

Oh wow, when I was reading that the Cricut Couple received this awesome blog award, and I was about to comment how I thought they so deserved it, I noticed that they had nominated me for this award, too. I was completely blown away! Thank you soooooo much for giving me this beautiful award! :-)

Then, not much soon after, I received the same award from Stephanie. Thank you so much Stephanie! :-)

You really need to check out these two bloggers. :-)

In accepting this award I must answer the following 12 questions, and pass the award on to 10 others:
Name your favorite color? Gotta be blue.
Name your favorite song? Presently, it’s Bon Jovi’s “Make a Memory”. But I have many fav’s.
Name your favorite dessert? Chocolate Mousse
What wizzes you off at the moment? People who complain about anything and everything.
Your favorite pet? Even tho Bailey is my present furbaby, I have loved them all.
Black or white? If meaning color of clothing: then black over white. White washes me out.
Your biggest fear? drowning
Best feature? Being able to laugh at myself (which I do a LOT)
Everyday attitude? Every day is a new day!(cuz I tend to forget things a lot, everything is new once again!)
What is perfection? Yin and yang.
Guilty pleasure? Chocolate!
When you're upset? I go for a lonnnnnng walk to cool off.

This award is being passed on to:

Donna - http://donnamundinger-popsicletoes.blogspot.com/

Kelley - http://kraftieguru.blogspot.com/

Kendra - http://scrappincricut.blogspot.com/

Krystal - http://www.gettingcricky.com/

Mary - http://kreateskards.blogspot.com/

Sassy - http://sweetsassydiva-gspot.blogspot.com/

Sharon - http://craftroomtransformation.blogspot.com/

Staci - http://lizardnladybug.blogspot.com/

Tangee - http://www.kricutkrazy.com/

Theresa - http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/

Blog candy winner

2011-09-04T11:47:00.004-07:00

Hiya! Hope you're all having a nice week-end! The blog candy winner for the Mary Engelbreit stamp set was chosen by Random.org.

Congrats, Stephanie!! I'll be contacting you to get your addy. :-)

Layout (first) of Bailey

2011-08-26T09:00:00.003-07:00

Hello again. As mentioned in my previous post, I was approached by Theresa, theScrapbooking Queen, to be a guest designer on her blog. Well, actually it’s not really HER blog, it’s her li’l Yorkie, Penelope’s blog. (I just know Bailey would love to play w/ her.)

Anyway, Penelope’s blog is called “Princess Penelope” (see her blog button on right sidebar) and she has guest designers on every Friday. Here is my contribution:-

Just to let you know, this is my very first LO that I have ever done. And it only seemed apropos to make it of my sweet li’l Bailey.

For those of you who don’t already know, Bailey is a li’l rescue, sent to me from heaven by my dear, sweet Sasha, whom I lost 2 yrs. ago. I was in a really bad way when I lost my Sasha, so Bailey basically rescued me, instead of the other way ‘round.

When we first got Bailey, he took a shine to one of Sasha’s toys:- a li’l chick. Here he is cuddling the li’l chick. Isn’t that the cutest thing ever?? Hence, that's what I centered my LO around.

Bailey is telling the li’l chick:- “I paws-itively LOVE you”! And the li’l chick is returning the love by wearing a “Puppy Love” collar.

Tools/Items:-

Cricut Imagine
Cricut Imagine Cartridge – Imagine More
Cricut Cartridges – see below
Glue – regular; ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – white (for the Imagine)
Patterned Paper
Doggie stickers
Googly eyes
Popdots

Cricut Cartridges

Beyond Birthdays – I Love You
Create a Critter - chick
Four-Legged Friends – doggie

I used components from the “Paws-itively the best things” frame from the “Imagine More” cart. The other designs were from the Cricut carts., listed above.

Bailey’s name in paw prints is created with the “JLR Pawrty Hearty” font.

Also, I am giving away some blog candy. You don’t need to be a follower of my blog to win but I would love it, if you were. It’s a “Flower Alphabet” clear stamp set by Mary Engelbriet. Her famous “flower motif” is on each letter. Here’s a pic of it:-

This give-away will end on Friday, Sept. 2^nd. at 9:00 P.M., PST. So be sure to enter on this post for your chance to win. Please ensure you include some way for me to get hold of you, should you win. Good luck! And thanks for joining me on my first LO and first guest appearance on a blog. Don’t forget to visit both Princess Penelope’s blog and her momma, Theresa’s blog.

Puppy Kiss

2011-08-23T13:40:00.003-07:00

Hiya! Did you happen to notice that cute li’l doggie, wearing a crown? (on my side-bar) Well, I have a li’l hint as to what that means:-

I’ve been given a “puppy kiss”. . . . .

cuz I was asked to be a guest designer on someone’s blog. I was soooooo touched. I’ll have MORE about this on Friday, Aug. 26th. And. . . . . I’ll have some blog candy! So be sure to stop by, this coming Friday!! :-)

Labels breakdown

2011-08-08T16:23:00.003-07:00

Hi there! Hope you all had a great beginning of the week! Hopefully, the rest of the week will be just as nice for you. :-)

Just wanted to let you know that I have now inserted a "break-down" under my "Labels" w/ Cricut Cartridges, etc.

Here's the legend:-

C - Cricut cartridges used in projects

CB - Cuttlebug folders used in projects

CI - Cricut Imagine cartridges used in projects

MS - Martha Stewart punches used in projects

Hope this helps you a li'l better in finding something.

Cricut Cartridge Checklist Addendum

2011-08-01T21:05:00.002-07:00

Hey, guess what? There’s going to be a NEW WAY of using my Cricut Cartridge Checklist.

A gal on the MB contacted me, asking what the new cart’s were for the entire month of July because she doesn’t have a chance to come to the MB very often.

I asked her if she was able to alter/manipulate my Checklist, once downloaded and she said “yes”, that she was able to insert rows and then add the new carts --- which got my li’l brain thinking:- (which can be a scary place to be at times) LOL :-)

From now on, each time I update my Cartridge Checklist, I’m also going to attach a list of JUST the carts. that I added. They will have the “link to Cricut.com” so all one has to do is cut/paste into their own existing Checklist --- instead of wasting trees by printing off the Checklist each and every time. :-)

Do you think this will be more feasible for you? Would love to hear any and all thoughts on this.

I’m going to give it a go right here and now. :-) Here are the 5 carts that were just released, plus the Hello Kitty ones, which I had inadvertently left off the list originally.

Please let me know if this works for you or not. Thanks!! :-)

http://www.mediafire.com/?tkrr68zza4oa4kq

Updated Cricut Cartridge Checklist

2011-07-31T17:31:00.004-07:00

I have re-updated my Checklist because there were two cartridges that were missing from the original list. It was thanks to someone, from the Cricut MB, who brought this to my attention.

I am so sorry that you have to re-download the Checklist. The cartridges that were missing were:-

* Hello Kitty® Font Cricut® Cartridge
* Hello Kitty® Greetings Cricut® Cartridge

The reason they were missing is because I remember having a problem w/ deciding where to put them on the Checklist. Because Hello Kitty is the actual trademark, instead of Cricut, I have now decided to place them just after the Disney carts. :-)

Here's where you can find it:-

http://www.mediafire.com/?mz27wkapm7w0vvi

Latest Cricut Cartridge Check List - July 2011

2011-07-30T18:06:00.005-07:00

Hiya. Hope you're all having a nice week-end. :-)

Provocraft released 5 more new cartridges. They just keep comin' and comin', eh? LOL

Here's my latest checklist:-

http://www.mediafire.com/?18gzy7h913b8qnb

Just to remind you that, when you click on the Cartridge name in the checklist you downloaded, it will link directly to the Cricut website, whereby you can see more info about the cartridge(s).

Also, check out this website:- http://cricutblog.org/ You'll find projects you can make w/ your new carts. :-)

For newbies to my Cartridge Checklist, here's what it looks like:-

Enjoy!!

Christmas in July

2011-07-17T17:04:00.007-07:00

Well, I finally did it! I actually made a Christmas card before Christmas ---- and in July, yet! LOLInside:-

I absolutely fell in love w/ the Cricut Lite Jolly Holidays cart. But, when it first showed its face here, I missed out on getting it. :-( Then, just recently, a gal from the Cricut MB didn't want hers anymore and was willing to sell it to me. So, it was only apropos that I used it for my "first" Christmas card. :-)

Isn't the Santa and the li'l crow just an absolute hoot??!! :-)

Tools/Items:-
Cricut Imagine
Cricut Cartridge – Cricut Lite Jolly Holidays
Martha Stewart Punches – Snowflake corner punch; snowflake single punches
Cuttlebug Folders – Divine Swirls; Snowflakes
Stamps – Stampin’ Up "Alphabet Soup"; Hero Arts – inside sentiment
Glue – regular; ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – white (base); red; blue glittered; white (for the Imagine, snow and sentiment bases)
Stickles – Frosted Lace
Popdots

I was considering Cuttlebugging Santa’s beard w/ the Divine Swirls folder but I thought it might conflict w/ the snow and/or be too much. The sky is Cuttlebugged w/ the Snowflakes folder. Then I punched out individual snowflakes from the MS punches and pop-dotted them. I thought they complemented the Snowflake folder. :-)

Stickled both Santa’s and the li’l crow’s hat.
I’m still in shock that I’ve actually accomplished making a Christmas card in July. LOL That is definitely going to go down in history! :-)

Lookie see. . . who has new "duds"

2011-07-14T12:26:00.003-07:00

Why, it's li'l Cricut! He has a new night shirt. He was feelin' a bit of a draft at night. Now, he'll be toasty warm --- even his li'l antennae will be warm. :-)

These clothes originally belonged to Silvester, the Cat. . . . .
It's actually a win-win situation cuz li'l Bailey now has Silvester to play with. :-)
Hope you're all having a nice day! Thanks so much for visiting!! :-)

Blog Awards -- whooohooo

2011-07-13T22:12:00.005-07:00

Lookie what I just received from Terri at Two Pink Peas. Thank you sooooo much, Terri. What a wonderful birthday present!! :-)

Here are the rules for the Awards:
1.Post this award on your blog and a link back to the person who gave it to you.

2.Pass along to those you visit and those who leave comments on your blog regularly.

Because it's my party and I can do what I want to!! (just like the song!!! LOL), I'm going to pass these two blog awards on to "anyone who would like them". Please enjoy!!!

Thanks, again, Terri and thanks to all my blog followers and visitors!!! I really do enjoy reading all of your comments. It puts a smile on my face. :-)

Birthday

2011-07-13T08:00:00.002-07:00

That would be li'l ol' ME! :-)

Check out what the hubster gave me:-

And, noooooooo, it's NOT my 36th birthday. He switched the numbers! Cute, eh? :-)

It's a Chocolate Silk Torte cake that has dark Belgium chocolate cream, layered w/ six thin slices of chocolate cake. The top was decorated with huge chocolate slivers and strawberries. Mmmmmm, mmmmmm good. :-)

And, he gave it to me last nite, so I wouldn't be without something all day today. How sweet was that, eh? I think he's a "keeper"!!!!! :-)

Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award

2011-07-07T20:05:00.003-07:00

I was really excited when Terri at Two Pink Peas awarded me this wonderful blog award. Thank you soooooo much, Terri. Very sweet of you to do this. You really have to visit Terri’s blog and you won’t be disappointed because she has some really neat things goin’ on! :-)

The rules of the award are to thank the person who gave it to you, tell seven things about yourself, and then pass it on to seven other bloggers. I’m not going to bore you with the seven things about myself (I’d just be repeating myself!) :-). So, I’ll just pass on the award to the following great bloggers:-

Amy at:- http://amyscraftingspace.blogspot.com/

Barbara at:- http://barbaras-crafty-corner.blogspot.com

Christel at:- http://milomila.blogspot.com/

Jana at:- http://janabailey.blogspot.com/

Joy at:- http://joy-purttypaperz.blogspot.com/

Laura at:- http://www.ladybcrafts.blogspot.com/

Nadia at:- http://withglitteringeyes.blogspot.com/

Please make sure you check these bloggers out. They are absolutely AWESOME!!!

Thanks, again, Terri. :-)

Card for Angel's Momma

2011-07-06T21:45:00.008-07:00

Made this card for a friend whose li’l Chihuahua has a broken leg, because it was attacked by two larger dogs. The dogs’ owner didn’t even apologize or help my friend w/ her li’l pooch. The nerve of some people!!
Inside:

Oooops, I stickled "hugs" after I took the picture. :-)

Because I don’t have the “Four Legged Friends” cartridge, I had to improvise. I utilized my Cricut Design Studio, got the design/layers for the li’l Chihuahua; copied/pasted them and then cut out the design/layers with, you ready for it??? ----- scissors. Yeppers! --- the cutter prior to the Cricut. :-) Even tho it wasn’t a REAL troublesome design, I still really missed my Cricut cutting it out for me. And now that cart. is definitely on my “wish list”. :-)

Li’l Angel has a white spot on her forehead that looks just like a heart, so I had to put a heart on the li’l pooch. She also has a pink cast, so that’s why her hind leg is pink. She must love pink because she has this beautiful pink bed to rest her li’l body; hence, the pink pillow.

Tools/Items:

Cricut Imagine
Cricut Imagine Cartridges – see below
Cricut Cartridges – see below
Cricut Design Studio
Martha Stewart Punch –Double Loops
Glue – regular; ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – blue; white (for the Imagine)
Patterned Paper
Stickles - Pink
Popdots

Cricut Imagine Cartridges
Better Together – sun; sending your way
Lori’s Garden – butterflies

Cricut Cartridges
Disney Happily Ever After – pillow
Zooballoo – grass
Beyond Birthdays – hugs
Four Legged Friends – Chihuahua/layers

I sure hope li’l Angel is up and about, real soon. Hugs to her!!!

Warm Thoughts card

2011-06-29T16:12:00.007-07:00

Made this card for a family that’s going through a really rough spell.

Inside:-

Tools/Items:-
Cricut Imagine
Cricut Imagine Cartridges – see below
Cricut Cartridge – Lyrical Letters
Martha Stewart Punch – Monarch Butterflies Trim
Glue – regular; ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – green; white (for the Imagine)
Popdots
Flower
Rhinestones
Corner punch

Cricut Imagine Cartridges
Best Friends – frame
Better Together – flower and butterfly, w/ layers

Created completely using the Cricut Imagine. Used the frame from the Best Friends cart., w/ a rectangle Stock Image and the green pattern from the Best Friends cart, which was placed behind the frame. The flower and butterfly were from the Better Together cart. Put rhinestones on the butterfly’s wing. Everything was popdotted in layers.

The sentiment on the front of the card was “Warm Thoughts” from the Lyrical Letters cart. Used the Color Cop and the RGB codes to find the shades of pink and green. (Pink for “Warm Thoughts” and the sentiment on the inside of the card; and green for “FLUTTER”). The flower is hand-made by a special Cricut friend I met, through winning her blog candy. You should really check out her blog:-

CRICUTROOKIE .

She has some amazing creations! :-)

The butterfly border on the inside of the card was created w/ the MS Butterfly punch, rhinestoning various ones.

The font I used for "FLUTTER" is KR Butterfly.

The sentiment was computer-generated, using RGB codes.

Wedding Card

2011-06-24T21:07:00.006-07:00

Made this wedding card for our niece. Her colours are ivory and mauve, so made the card accordingly, using the Cricut Imagine w/ RGB codes.Inside:-

Tools/Items:-
Cricut Imagine
Cricut Cartridge – Everyday Paper Dolls
Cuttlebug
Cuttlebug folders -- Birds and Swirls; Divine Swirls; Swiss Dots
Martha Stewart Corner Punch – Loops Heart
Glue – regular; ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – glittered paper by Paper Reflections; white (for the Imagine)
Popdots
Prima flowers
Ribbon
Flower
Seed beads
Embellishments

Using the Everyday Paper Dolls cart, created the bride and groom w/ their layers. The bride’s dress/veil are both in ivory, w/ mauve shoes. She’s holding a bouquet of mauve Prima flowers. The veil was Cuttlebugged w/ the Divine Swirls folder, while the dress was Cuttlebugged w/ the Swiss Dots folder. The groom has a mauve tie and his ensemble is in black. Both were pop-dotted.

The flower/vine arch was also from the Everyday Paper Dolls cart, embellished w/ mauve Prima flowers and seed beads. The grass is also from the Everyday Paper Dolls cart.

The blue glittered cardstock was Cuttlebugged w/ the Birds and Swirls folder.

The sentiment was computer-generated and corner punched w/ the MS Loops Heart.

We wish them years of happiness. :-)

Latest Cricut Cartridge Check List - June 2011

2011-06-23T22:30:00.004-07:00

Hiya. As promised, I have now updated my Cricut Cartridge Check List.

ProvoCraft released the “Hello Thursday cartridges” three times this month. WhoooHoooo! -

Four new Cricut Lites:-

Then, they released two different styles of carts:- Events and Projects:-

If you haven't already discovered the new Cricut Blog, you can find more info about these new cartridges (& much MORE) here:- http://cricutblog.org/

Here's the latest Cricut Cartridge Check List.

http://www.mediafire.com/?9t85qctmusefwrb

Because of the two new different styles of Cricut cartridges, I decided to add two separate sheets to the Checklist. There are now 5 different sheets of Cricut cartridges:

Cricut (regular)
Cricut Events
Cricut Imagine
Cricut Lite
Cricut Projects

Hope you enjoy!!

Another Father's Day Card

2011-06-21T22:09:00.005-07:00

Made this card for my FIL. This is the first time I’ve created an origami shirt. Found this video which really helped:-

http://www.squidoo.com/origamishirt#module125524081

Inside:-

Tools/Items:-

Patterned paper
Glue – ATG
Popdots
Brads – for buttons on shirt

This card was a really quick/easy project. I was really surprised how easy it was to make the shirt. The instructions were great. After layering the front of the card, inserted 3 brads on the shirt and pop-dotted it onto the card. Sentiment was computer-generated.

Father's Day Card

2011-06-21T21:48:00.007-07:00

Hiya. Well, something else should've been added to the video below ---- forgetting to post my Father's Day cards. LOL

So, here they are. Better late than never, right? LOL LOL

Made this card for my step-FIL. He loves to fish, so it was just apropos to make a li’l fisherman.

Inside

Tools/Items:-

Cricut Imagine
Cricut Cartridge – Everyday Paper Dolls
Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page – Quilted
Glue – regular; ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – patterned; white (for the Imagine)
Corner rounder
Popdots
Baker’s Twine – fishing line, fish basket handle
Stampin’ Up Ink – Creamy Caramel
Brad – for closure on fish basket

Created totally on the Cricut Imagine, floodfilling the layers using RGB codes. Inked all the edges and parts of the layers to allow the cut lines to show thru. Used the border punch on the inside design edge and the corner punch on the sentiment. Sentiments were computer-generated.

Funny Video

2011-06-17T16:37:00.003-07:00

Someone sent this to me and I just had to share it. OMG, I laughed soooooo much because this is soooooooooo ME!! LOL LOL

Before you listen to it, be sure to turn off my I-Pod at the bottom of this column.

Hope you enjoy it, too!

Bee-lated Birthday

2011-06-14T11:22:00.005-07:00

Made this card for a dear friend’s mother, who is a real sweetheart! :-)

Inside of card:-

Tools/Items:-
Cricut Imagine
Cricut Cartridges – see below
Martha Stewart Corner Punch – Eyelet Lace
Martha Stewart Deep Edge Punch – Flower Bed
Glue – regular; ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – blue; white (for the Cricut Imagine)
Corner rounder – Corner Stone by EK Success
Popdots
Rhinestones – on bee and butterfly

Cricut Cartridges
Disney Pooh & Friends – bee hive
Disney Happily Ever After – tree
Paisley – bee
Wall Décor & More - butterfly

This card was completely created on the Cricut Imagine, flood-filling designs, using the regular Cricut cartridges. I used the “Color Cop” to obtain the RGB codes for the hive via DisneyClipart and mimicked the same colors in the Cricut handbook for the li’l bee. What an awesome way of getting the exact colours. No fumbling thru coloured cardstock to find the right shades --- the Cricut Imagine does it all!

I attached the branch w/ the bee hive to the main tree. By using the same color, via “Color Cop”, for both the branch and the tree, it makes it seem like the branch w/ the bee hive was actually part of the tree. :-)

The inside of the card was created using the Flower Bed punch, punching it on both sides of the paper, to create a double border. Rhinestones were placed on the butterfly, which was glued to the border. The sentiment was computer-generated. Used some cute fonts:-

“LMS Spelling Bee” --- gives the look of a bee buzzing along. You can see a li’l bee attached to the “W”.
“Hunny's Bees” – the first letter has a li’l bee attached to it, w/ the rest of the letters in a “flower”.

The rest of the words were done in “Tinker Toy”.

Hope she enjoys this card, as much as I enjoyed making it for her.

Thanks so much for looking and I hope you have a great day!

Cricut Cartridge CheckList update

2011-06-13T19:52:00.002-07:00

Hiya! Rumour has it that ProvoCraft will be having three "Hello Thursdays" this month. Rather than updating the CheckList each time, I'm going to wait until they release all of their new cartridges and then update the CheckList. :-)

It's Bella's birthday!

2011-06-08T21:11:00.004-07:00

Isn't this the cutest li'l girl you've ever seen?? Well, it's her birthday today and she's 3 yrs. old. My li'l Bailey loves looking at her pix!! :-) Bella and Bailey are both YorkiePoos. :-)

Bailey would like to wish Bella a HUGE:-

If you wanna see more pix of li'l Bella, check out her momma's blog: Two Pink Peas.

World's Smartest Dog --- Jesse

2011-06-05T21:39:00.001-07:00

OMG, if you haven't already seen this "wonder dog", you have to check this out. He even helps around the house!!!!! Super cute!!! :-)

Make sure you turn off my I-Pod, before watching this, tho! :-)

Storage container – repurposed

2011-06-04T16:15:00.002-07:00

Have you ever bought an item for a particular need, then decided against it and. . . . then it just sat there? Well, I have. I bought this container for the purpose of housing my Cricut cartridges. This was when I only had a hand-full of them. Since then, my stock of cartridges have mysteriously grown! Funny how that happens, eh? LOL I’m sure that poor li’l container has been feeling neglected. :-(
Until now! :-)

I just recently bought a Sew Easy Stitcher starter kit. I’m one who likes to keep these li’l gadgets all contained in one place; otherwise, I’d lose them and never find them again. So, this kit has been sitting in its original packaging, awaiting a home. Then I spotted this poor, lonely container. Look at how all the pieces fit so nicely in there. It’s almost like it was “meant to be”.

I only have 4 heads for the Stitcher, so I have one in each compartment; however, the compartments will hold two heads. So this container can house 14 heads and one more Fancy Floss.

Here's the back of the storage unit, which holds the piercing mat and anything else you want to put into there.

The packaging that the single piercing heads came in --- had this on the back of the package. I peeled away at the cardboard(s) until I just had the top image(s). Cut them to size and ATG'd them to a piece of cardboard. Now, I have an "easy to see, at one glance" other ideas for the piercing heads.

I just love it when a plan comes together.

Crafting area

2011-06-03T20:14:00.003-07:00

Creations with Christina wants you to show your desk in its natural state right now --- no cleaning up. Well, it just so happens that one of my desks still looks like this:-But. . . . shhhhhh! Don't tell her! ---- The rest of my craft area isn't so clean. Neither are my other 2 desks. (tee-hee).

Here's a li'l "chuckle" for you. . . .

2011-06-03T13:33:00.003-07:00

I got the biggest kick out of this. Hope you like it, too!!! :-)

Before you click on it, be sure to turn off my I-Pod. (located almost at the bottom of this column) :-)

Faux Scrap'n Easel

2011-05-30T16:28:00.004-07:00

As promised, I have something to show you that helped me tremendously w/ my last project, working w/ li’l design pieces. As we all know, these pieces can go astray at the drop of a hat. Some people work from their Cricut mat, while gluing the pieces together. I prefer not to have my mat exposed to the elements very long, so I remove my designs right away and then replace the cover on the mat.

I’ve been admiring the Scrap’n Easel for a lonnnnnng time. As I can’t justify the cost right now, I’ve been trying to win one from different blogs, w/out any luck. So I decided to create a "Faux Scrap’n Easel". Now, this one doesn’t completely mimic the famous Scrap’n Easel by no means:-

It’s not an easel; J
It’s not a fold-‘em-up item; J
It’s not 12 “x 24”; J
It doesn’t have set pockets on the corners; J

But it does have:-

Magnetic surface (11” x 11”), which is the “biggie”; J
Corners (which I made myself) that can be moved around on the board, for different sized paper;
Ladybug magnets (that I made using magnetic buttons and felt ladybugs).

Only cost about $15.00. Board was $13.00. Magnets and ladybugs were $1.00 each/pkg.

Worked like a charm when I had all the li’l layers for Tweedledee, Tweedledum and the Cheshire Cat. J

Looking forward to using it for all my projects, now. Hope I’ve inspired some of you!

"Just Because" Card

2011-05-29T16:43:00.008-07:00

Made this card for a dear friend --- just because! There’s a li’l story behind why it is "what it is":-my hubby would refer to my friend and I as “Tweedledee and Tweedledum”. Sometimes, he’d go one step further and call us “Tweedledum and Tweedledumber” and we’d always tease each other as to who was which one. :-)

When I got my Disney Classics cart, I knew exactly which design(s) I was going to use, first.

inside of card:

Tools/Items:-
Cricut Imagine
Cricut Cartridges – see below
Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page – Ribbon Loop
Glue – regular; ATG; Zig Two Way
Cardstock – purple; white (for the Imagine)
Corner rounder – Corner Stone by EK Success
Popdots
Rhinestones

Cricut Cartridges
Disney Classics – Tweedledee, Tweedledum, Cheshire Cat
Lyrical Letters – “You & Me”

This card was completely created on the Cricut Imagine, flood-filling designs, using the regular Cricut cartridges. I used the “Color Cop” to obtain the RGB codes for the Disney characters, via Disney Clipart. What an awesome way of getting the exact colour that the character is supposed to be. No fumbling thru coloured cardstock to find the right shades --- the Cricut Imagine does it all!

I found a background of Alice in Wonderland on the Net, using that as the backdrop for the “twins”.

Used the same background, for the inside of the card, only cut it down and used the MS punch around it.

Added rhinestones to the ties; then pop-dotted the “twins. The sentiment was computer-generated.

Tomorrow, I’ll showcase how I was able to “keep track” of all the teeny tiny design pieces.

Something Different Day 13

2011-05-28T17:45:00.002-07:00

Today's "something different" is going to be. . . . .no more hotels! I've noticed that they haven't been a very big hit, so I won't bore you w/ any more. LOL :-)

I'll be showing you a "just because" card shortly (as soon as I get the "recipe" together) and I have a "make-shift" item that I'll be showcasing. Something that really helped me w/ my "just because" card.

I have two Father's Day cards that I'll be sharing, too. Soooooo, no more hotels, just "crafts". :-)

Hope you're having a great week-end!! :-)

Something Different Day 12

2011-05-27T17:56:00.003-07:00

Coral Hotel Muscat, Oman

The Coral Hotel Muscat is an elegant boutique hotel built like a ship reflecting the tradition that depicts the seafaring history of the country and the hospitality that Oman is so well known for.

Something Different Day 11

2011-05-26T12:13:00.006-07:00

Grand Lisboa, Macau

Grand Lisboa (traditional Chinese) is a 58-floor, 261 metres (856 ft.) tall hotel in Macau, designed by Hong Kong architects Dennis Lau and Ng Chun Man. Its casino and restaurants were opened on February 11, 2007, while the hotel was opened in December 2008. The casino offers 800 mass gaming tables and 1000 slot machines. The hotel contains 430 hotel rooms and suites. The Grand Lisboa is the tallest building in Macau and the 118th Tallest Building in the World (by architectural structure).

Something Different Day 10

2011-05-25T13:15:00.004-07:00

Inntel Hotel Zaandam, Amsterdam

Now THIS is what I'm talking about ---- unique for sure!!! No doubt!! Right?? Gorgeous, eh? :-)

Using the iconic green wooden houses of the Zaan region, and the assumption that a hotel is your temporary home, as inspiration – Wilfried van Winden has created a truly unique structure by creating the illusion that various examples of these traditional houses, ranging from a notary’s residence to a worker’s cottage, are randomly stacked upon one another.

Something Different Day 9

2011-05-24T15:25:00.004-07:00

Imperial Palace, Las Vegas

Now, not to be disrespectful --- but I'm at a loss as to why this would be on the list of the "TOP unique hotels". I mean, I would choose either the Luxor or even the Excalibur over this one. What am I missing??? Can anyone give me some insight into what's so special about this one?

Something Different Day 8

2011-05-23T12:42:00.003-07:00

Holiday Inn, Sarajevo

This hotel was built for the XIV Winter Olympic Games. Does it not look like a giant LEGO block ---- or is that just me?? LOL

"Under the Sea" Birthday Card

2011-05-22T13:52:00.010-07:00

Made this card for a special friend, who loves the deep sea --- either diving or snorkeling. :-)

I printed/cut this on my Cricut Imagine, flood-filling the designs w/ patterns/colours from the Imagine Blossom cartridge. However, I used the Cricut Design Studio, to size all of the designs. Here’s what it looks like on the mat and the cut file is below, if you wish to use your Expression or Baby Bug.

http://www.mediafire.com/?emuvyb7hvazb7f7

You’ll notice some squiggleys beside the octopus. I inadvertently plunked them on the mat, thinking they were layers for the octopus, but they weren’t. (I was one button off. LOL) The circles are o.k., tho. They’re the octopus’ cheeks. :-)

Ohhh, and I added the turtle after the fact. Oooops, I just noticed that I hadn’t added the layers for the seahorse, either. Sorry.

I wasn’t sure which seahorse I was going to use, so I have two, from different carts. on the mat.

Tools/Items:-
Cricut Imagine
Cricut Imagine Cartridge – Blossom

Cricut Cartridges (see below)

Cricut Design Studio

Martha Stewart punch – Double Loops
Glue – regular, Zig Two-Way

Cardstock – blue

Cardstock – white (for Cricut Imagine)

Pop dots
Wiggly eyes

Cricut Cartridges

Birthday Bash – octopus & layers

Create a Critter – seahorse & layers

Life’s a Beach – fishies & layers; diver & layers; seaweed; turtle & layers

The sentiments are computer-generated. I found the cutest font (RM Fish2) for the li’l fishies.

I wanted to add Philip’s name to his swim trunks. Now, how to do this, w/out having it show “white”?! Soooo, I put on my thinking cap and came up w/ this:-

I went to Cricut.com and in the cartridge section found the Blossom cart. Copy/pasted the “swatch” that I used for his trunks and used MS Word to do “text boxes” for the swatch and his name. Grouped them together and bada bing, bada boom, I was in business. Blended in quite nice and I was very pleased. :-)

Punched the side, google-eyed all the li’l critters and his card was borne. Hope he likes it!!!

Something Different Day 7

2011-05-22T12:52:00.004-07:00

Hiya. Hope you're all having a great week-end! Are you enjoying these "unique hotels"?? Well, here's the next one. . . .The Standard Hotel, New York City

Doesn't look anything "standard" to me! LOL

Rising from one of the city’s most sought-after sites, in the heart of the Meatpacking District, two glass-curtain slabs literally jump the tracks of the High Line, the old freight railroad that’s been transformed into a park on stilts. The design spans—and expands on—a century of modern architecture.

Something Different Day 6

2011-05-21T18:06:00.003-07:00

Hotel Unique, São Paulo, Brazil

Wowsers! This hotel certainly lives up to its name:- Unique! and just what my "showcase" is all about. Isn't this one totally unbelievable?

A reference in modern architecture and originality, Unique’s spacey, green copper façade alone makes this hotel unlike any other. Located in the well-heeled residential area of Jardins, and just meters from Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo’s largest green area, the building rises like a gracious ocean liner in dry-dock.

Cricut-tastic Award

2011-05-20T20:13:00.004-07:00

Whoooo Hooooo! I was just awarded the Cricut-tastic award by ScrapCrazyyyy! at: http://tytyexplores.blogspot.com/

Thank you sooooo much, ScrapCrazyyyy! What an honour to have received this award. I LOVE all things Cricut!!!

In accepting this award, I must provide five Cricut-related things about myself and pass the award on to five other Bloggers.

My Cricut-related things are:-

I have a Cricut family:- Baby Bug, Create, Expression, Imagine, Gypsy and Design Studio. They all live happily in my craft/sewing room. :-)

I love my “Cricut kids” unconditionally, as they give me unconditional love back. :-)

I enjoy using the Cricut Design Studio to “map out” designs before cutting w/ the Expression or printing/cutting w/ the Imagine.

All of my Cricut kids have jammies. Don’t want any of them to catch cold!

I just recently got a new Cricut baby:- the li’l Cricut plushie. His name is:- “Cricut”. Go figure, eh? LOL (very original, I know! LOL)

The five bloggers I’d like to pass on this award to:-

Cricut Chick -- http://cricutchick.blogspot.com

Cricut Diaries -- http://www.cricutdiaries.com

Jamie -- http://jamielanedesigns.blogspot.com/

Janell -- http://thehomemakerscricutj.blogspot.com

Mary -- http://www.scrapbookinggrandmacrafts.com

They are all marvelous crafters. Be sure you check out their blogs.

Something Different Day 5

2011-05-20T10:34:00.003-07:00

Ryugyong Hotel, Pyongyang, North Korea

The building is also known as the 105 Building, a reference to its number of floors. Construction began in 1987 with planned completion in 1989. However, after several delays, construction was eventually halted in 1992; the Dissolution of the Soviet Union had resulted in widespread economic disruptions in North Korea and shortages of raw materials.

The hotel stood topped out but without windows or interior fittings for the next sixteen years. Construction resumed in April 2008 under the supervision of the Orascom Group of Egypt, which has invested heavily in the North Korean mobile telephony and construction industries. The company expected to complete exterior work on the building in 2010, with interior work on the hotel's 360,000 square metres (3,900,000 sq ft) of floor space taking until 2012 or later.

The hotel rises to a height of 330 metres (1,080 ft), making it the most prominent feature of Pyongyang's skyline and by far the largest structure in North Korea. Construction of the Ryugyong was intended to be completed in time for the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students in June 1989; had this been achieved, it would have held the title of world's tallest hotel. The unfinished building was not surpassed in height by any new hotel until the 2009 completion of the spire atop the Rose Tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Ryugyong remains the only hotel in the world with more than 100 stories, and it is currently the world's 35th tallest building (alongside the China World Trade Center Tower III) in terms of total height and has the 4th highest number of floors.

Latest Cricut Cartridge Check List - May 2011

2011-05-19T23:11:00.002-07:00

Hiya. As promised, I have now updated my Cricut Cartridge Check List. ProvoCraft just released the Hello Thursday cartridges:-

These are all exclusive to the new Cricut Expression 2 machine, w/ the exception of Paper Lace 2, which can be used on all machines.

Four new Cricut Lite cartridges:-

Five "Best of" cartridges from the years 2006, 07, 08, 09, and 2010.

Three new Cricut Imagine cartridges:-

If you haven't already discovered the new Cricut Blog, you can find more info about these new cartridges (& much MORE) here:- http://cricutblog.org/

There are pix of the designs available on these cartridges, plus some selected projects from the Cricut Designers.

Here's the latest Cricut Cartridge Check List. The cartridges exclusive to the Cricut Expression 2 machine have been highlighted in "RED".

http://www.mediafire.com/?hzphmagi0hp95hd

Hope you enjoy!! :-)

Something Different Day 4

2011-05-19T12:26:00.003-07:00

MGM Grand, Macau.

This casino resort is a 35-story, 600-room, 220,000 sq. ft. over two levels hotel, which officially opened on Dec. 18, 2007.

Something Different Day 3

2011-05-18T22:50:00.004-07:00

Sorry I was late in posting Day 3's unique hotel photo!

It's the Westin Times Square, New York City
Quite different, eh? :-)

Something Different Day 2

2011-05-17T10:30:00.004-07:00

Son of Heaven Hotel, China

Now is that unbelievable, or what????!!! Here's a li'l bit of info about it:-

Located in Hebei province, China, the Tianzi Hotel was built sometime in the 2000-2001 period. It is a ten-story high representation of Fu Lu Shou (good fortune, prosperity and longevity) that apparently holds the Guinness World Record for the “biggest image building”.

It’s also known as The Emperor Hotel and Son of Heaven Hotel.

Something different. . . .

2011-05-16T11:38:00.007-07:00

Hello blogger friends!

I thought I would try something a li'l different on my blog. For the next 2 weeks, I'm going to be posting a picture, every day, of something that "caught my eye" and thought you might like to see it, too. What is it, you might ask?? Well, I won't keep you in suspense :-) -- it's a "hotel" from different parts of the world. Not just any ordinary hotel, but a very unique one --- in it's architecture. You'll see what I mean, once you see the first one.

If you're from that City and have actually seen this hotel, I would love to hear about it in my "comment section". :-)

Hope you enjoy this, as much as I did. :-)

Here's the first one: First World Hotel, Malaysia. . . .

If you click on the picture, it will "enlarge". :-)

See what I mean? Is that unreal, or what??? Beautiful!!!! :-)

Mother's Day Card

2011-05-07T17:50:00.011-07:00

This was my very first attempt at making a side-step card. I’ve seen ones that are 4.25” x 5.5” but I wanted it to be a little bit bigger (5.5" x 5.5"), so I had to improvise, BIG time. :-)

Here are the measurements you will need:-

Start w/ a piece of cardstock 5.5” x 11”.
* Place cardstock vertically in your trimmer at 3” and cut a slit from 1” to 8” (7” slit)
* Place cardstock horizontally in your trimmer, w/ the 3” area on top of the slit.
* Score from the top just to the slit at: 3”; 6”; 7.5”; 9” and 10”
* Then score the bottom area from the slit to the bottom at 5.5”.

Fold the card using mountain and valley folds. Here are some top and side photos to give you a better idea of how it was created.

Tools/Items:-
Cricut Imagine
Cricut Imagine Cartridge – Best Friends
Cricut Cartridges – see below
Martha Stewart Deep Edge Punch – Daisy Fan
Glue – regular; Zig 2 Way
Cardstock - white
Flower – hand crocheted
Button
Seed beads – for birdie’s eyes
Fancy fibre
Stickles – Eucalyptus
Chipboard letters – “M”

Cricut Cartridges:
Paper Lace – Frame – Quilt2, Lace 2 and Lace 2 Shadow, p. 34 in handbook
Stretch Your Imagination – Bird House – Brdhse-s, and Layers, p. 63 in handbook
Stretch Your Imagination – Birdie – Bird and Layers, p. 64 in the handbook
Holiday Cakes – sentiment – Happy Mother’s Day, p. 70 in the handbook

I used the Cricut Imagine for the entire card, using the Best Friends Imagine cartridge for the patterns and colours.

* I cut the frame at 2.5” for the base and 2.3” for the layered top.
* The birdhouse was cut at 4.5”; the birdie at 1.5”
* The sentiment was cut at 1.2”

I was really surprised, but ecstatic, that the Imagine printed and cut such detailed work, as in the scroll layer and the sentiment. :-)

The chipboard letters were stickled; and seed beads used for the birdie’s li’l eyes.

I previously had created some medallions using the MS deep edge punch. I just cut them in half and arranged them on the bottom of the card; then tied some fancy fiber around the top step.

I just recently learned how to double-crochet, so added a crocheted flower, w/ a button, for the “O” in mOm.

Hope my mother likes it.

Hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day!! :-)

Get Well card --- band-aid

2011-05-04T17:41:00.006-07:00

My dear sweet hubby just had surgery, so I haven’t been doin’ much bloggin’. However, I wanted to share a card I made for him.

Firstly, I got him a Pooh Bear balloon (as he’s my “Pooh Bear”), which is holding a “Get Well Soon” balloon. The get well balloon has band-aids all over it, so it was very apropos for me to make him the “Band-aid” card, from the Wild Card Cricut cartridge. He loved everything.

I used my Cricut Imagine for the whole card. Man, was that ever neat --- first not having to search for the right paper and then adding the different patterns/colours to the mat.

I chose the patterns/colours from the Imagine More cartridge. So happy that was the one that came w/ my machine. :-) Here’s the card:-

Inside:-

Cricut Imagine Cartridge – Imagine More
Cricut Cartridges – see below
Cuttlebug folder – Swiss Dots
Glue – regular; ATG
Cardstock - white
Corner rounder – Corner Stone by EK Success
Cricut Cartridges:
Wild Card – band-aid, Rx, gauze
Paper Lace – Get Well Soon sentiment – Lace 1

The band-aid card is on p. 65 of the Wild Card handbook. I used the following:-

Band-aid
Liner – for the gauze part --- cuttlebugged w/ the Swiss Dots folder
Icon – for the RX (twice)

Because I had previously made colour swatches from each Imagine cartridge, it was really easy to choose the patterns and colours I wanted. I chose the Imagine More cart, for its vibrant colours.

I used the sentiment from the Paper Lace cartridge. I just love how one can use the older Cricut carts. in the Imagine, floodfilling patterns/colours, to one’s heart’s content. I used the corner rounder on it.

Here’s what a couple of my swatches look like.

The arrow is pointing to the patterned and solid coloured designs I chose. I think it just screams “band-aid”. Don’t you agree? :-)

Wowsers! A different blog award!!

2011-04-30T21:00:00.005-07:00

Wowsers! I received the Versatile Blogger Award. How cool is that, eh? Thank you so much, Mary. You have to check out her blog:- http://www.scrapbookinggrandmacrafts.com/

In Accepting this Award I have to share 7 things about myself and pass this award on to 15 bloggers.

I’m running out of new things to tell you about myself, so these are repeats:-

1. I love to craft. (Been doing it since, forever.)

2. I love Country Music. (no surprise there -- my I-Pod gave that away)

3. I love my li’l Bailey (oh, BIG surprise there, eh?) LOL

4. I can easily laugh at myself. (I do it a LOT!)

5. I dislike bananas --- anything w/ bananas in ‘em (shakes, pudding, etc.) But……I like banana bread and banana cake. Go figure, eh? LOL

6. I love “owls”. My first “piggy bank” was an “owl” bank. Collected owls ever since.

7. I still like things that are “whimsical”, even at my age!! J

Here are the 15 bloggers that I’d like to pass on this award:-

Adele at:- http://adelescricutcreations.blogspot.com/

Audrey at:- http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com/

Barbara at:- http://barbaras-crafty-corner.blogspot.com/

Betty at:- http://bettybrett.blogspot.com/

Celeste at:- http://ccscards.blogspot.com/

Greenbean at:- http://thegreenbeanscrafterole.blogspot.com/

Jenny at:- http://crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/

Kate at:- http://www.needleandspatula.com/

Kim at:- http://kimboscrafts.blogspot.com/

Lauren at:- http://allthingscrafty3.blogspot.com/

Michelle at:- http://mumoftwoblog.blogspot.com/

Sandi at:- http://softsideofsandi.blogspot.com/

ScrapCrazyyyy at:- http://tytyexplores.blogspot.com

Stacy at:- http://lovethatbug.blogspot.com/

Wendy at:- http://lvscrappin.blogspot.com/

Cricut Cartridge Checklist

2011-04-30T14:58:00.004-07:00

Hiya. Hope you're all having a nice week-end. :-)

I see some of you have been wondering where my latest checklist is, seeing as there have been new Cricut cartridges released.

The reason I haven't updated my checklist is because Cricut.com hasn't updated their site w/ the new carts. and my checklist is linked to their site. When you click on a cartridge on my checklist, it automatically takes you to information about the cart. (details, images, and projects) on the Cricut.com site.

I'm hoping they will have it all updated by next week. :-)