Tuesday, December 28, 2010

A fun and Exciting Announcement

I am very excited to announce that I will be starting a monthly challenge on my blog and I have an awesome sponsor too!

Come join me in some vinyl fun!

Each month I will post a challenge using vinyl. You will have one month to create a fabulous project and link it to the post. At the end of the month I will randomly choose 1 winner to receive 10 pieces of 12x12 glossy vinyl from CraftVinyl.com

Come back on January 1st for our first challenge!

Christmas Vacation crafting with the kids - Day 2

Today the kids enjoyed the project we made. We created glow in the dark pillow cases. I had some glow in the dark t-shirt vinyl from Craftvinyl.com and it was so fun to do. The kids picked an image that they each wanted and I selected a font for their names. We cut it in the Cricut and they were so excited when they took it in a dark room to see it.

I didn't take pictures of the process; but I will next time. It is super easy!


I can't take a picture of it :( The glo in the dark is so cool but the pictures do not capture it very well.

Here are photos of my youngest daughters pillow case:




Crop out Diabetes - Hop for a cure blog hop

We are looking for 5 or more blogs to join us for the 2011 Hop for a Cure. If you would like to join us contact me today for more information.

Visit our blog at: www.cropoutdiabetes.blogspot.com

Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas vacation crafts Day 1- Shrinky Dinks

I wanted to do some crafty things with the kids over Christmas vacation and the first days project was a hit.  We made key chains.  Mine is for my work key and the kids are putting theirs on their backpacks.








Materials needed:
Shrinky Dink plastic
Stamps or Cricut machine with Mini Sharpie holder
Colored Pencils or Sharpies
Crop-a-dile (or hole punch)
Heat tool
tweezers
string (we used fishing line)
beads
key chain rings or similar

1. Stamp your image or use your Cricut and Sharpie Marker holder (http://amychomas.blogspot.com/) to draw your image. 
2. Cut out your image using your Cricut, scissors, or punch.
3.Color in your image with Sharpies or colored pencils.
4. Punch a hole in the top of your image.
5. Use your heat tool to shrink the image.  Use a tweezers to hold the shrinky dink plastic down so you don't burn your fingers.
6. String the fishing line through the hole in your image.  Place the image like a necklace pendant; in the middle of the line.  Bring together the two ends of the line and start beading.
7. When you are done beading; tie the line to the ring/clasp of your choice.




I am excited for tomorrows project!  The kids are going to love it!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Using Design Studio to create a blog header tutorial

Are you ready?  I discovered how easy it is to do this and I know you are going to love it too!

First you need to have Design Studio installed on your computer.  If you do not have the Design Studio; you can download the FREE TRIAL here: http://www.cricut.com/CDS/DesignStudioTrial1.aspx
You will also need to have a screen capture software on your computer.  I use Screen Hunter.  You can download it for free here: http://wisdom-soft.com/products/screenhunter_free.htm

Now...to the fun part.  Open up the Design Studio and start designing.

The First thing you want to do is create a rectangle (for blog header) or square base (for a blog button).  For a header you are going to want to be working on a 12x24 mat.  To change the mat size go to the top of the screen and click on VIEW ~ MAT SIZE ~ 24X12

To create an image that is going to fill the header space on your blog you will want to make the rectangle as large as you can fit in the screen.  It has to all be visible without scrolling in order to create a screenshot of the image.
Now place your mouse pointer on the cutting mat and right click.  A window will open and you will find the option to set preview color.  This is going the be the background of your image so choose a color accordingly.  You can also add a title to this page to help you keep track of where everything is.
Now you need to open a new page (click on the top image on the left side of the screen with what looks like a piece of paper and a star on it).  Add another image to this page. And title your page and choose the color of the image.  You will need to change the page order as you go to ensure the correct images show in the correct order.  To do this right click on your cutting mat and select page order.  Then select where you need this page to be.
Continue creating pages (a different page for each color that you are using.  Do not overlap images.  If they need to overlap; you need to create a new page/layer.)

Now...click on the preview button (the little eye on the left) and you will see the image.  Click on the differnt page layers to get a little different image until you find the one you like.  Now adjust as you see fit.



When you are happy with your image you will need to capture it.  Open up your Screen Hunter (or screen capture software).  Go to the Cricut Design Studio page and click on the eye to preview your image.  Use the F6 button on your keyboard to open up the Screen Hunter cursor.  Use your mouse to put the cursor (red box) to the top left corner of the image you want to capture. (Stay to the inside of your background color so that you don't catch any of the cutting mat in your image).  Click and hold the left mouse button down and drag the capture window to the right to include your entire image.  When you release the left mouse button it will click and it will have captured the image (mine goes right to my desktop).  If you like the image go put it on your blog.

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To add to your blog in blogger:
1. Open your blog and click on the Design tab at the top of the screen.
2. Click on edit in your header (the first dotted box)
3. Find the image on your computer and add it.
4. Hit save and enjoy your header!!!!

If you create one come back here and post a link to your blog....I would love to see what you create!!!!

I JUST THREW THIS TUTORIAL TOGETHER QUICK...SO IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK AND I WILL UPDATE THE TUTORIAL IF NEEDED!!!!!!

New Blog Header!!!

I have been wanting to do this for awhile but didn't know how to do it.  Then I was told you could do it on the Design Studio software and Oh My....how easy was that.  It only took me about a half hour to design it last night.  I played around with it a lot more this morning because I just didn't like the way the flowers were looking.  But...I am happy with it now.  How fun!!!!  Do you want one?  I am having so much fun with it...maybe I could make one or two for someone else....who wants one?


UPDATE: I WILL BE CREATING A TUTORIAL SOON TO SHOW YOU HOW YOU CAN DO THIS.  IT IS SUPER EASY!!!!!!!  YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE IT!!!!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Exciting News!!!!!!

I am so excited!  I have been one of the lucky crafters chosen to be a 2011 guest designer for Peachy Keen Stamps.  My week is not until the end of August....but I am still ecsatict!  That gives me lots of time to come up with some fantastic projects!!!!! ;)

Big congratulations to all of the wonderful designers and I can't wait to see what everyone creates.  This is going to be a fun year at Peachy Keen Stamps!!!!!

Here is the list of all the amazing guest designers for 2011:

Week Name Blog
01/10 - 01/14 Theresa http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com
01/17 - 01/21 Jessica M. www.KinderStampO.com
01/24 - 01/28 Erika www.cricutlove1.blogspot.com
01/31 - 02/04 Joy http://www.joyslife.com
02/07 - 02/11 DoBea http://dobeaalberts.blogspot.com
02/14 - 02/18 Kimmy http://scrappinwithkimmy.blogspot.com
02/21 - 02/25 Cindy www.mrsbscraftroom.blogspot.com
02/28 - 03/04 Raven www.love4stamps.blogspot.com
03/07 - 03/11 Tifany http://inkblotsbytrd.blogspot.com
03/14 - 03/18 Saundra http://www.luvscrappingtogether.blogspot.com/
03/21 - 03/25 Stephanie www.stephcreates.blogspot.com
03/28 - 04/01 Mandy http://stamping4u.blogspot.com/
04/04 - 04/18 Liz M. www.lizspaperloft.blogspot.com
04/11 - 04/15 Sandra http://www.365daysofcricut.blogspot.com/
04/18 - 04/22 Kristal www.kandrewdesigns.blogspot.com
04/25 - 04/29 Courtney http://CourtsCrafts.blogspot.com
05/02 - 05/16 Alison http://www.stretchnbubbles2.blogspot.com/
05/09 - 05/13 Abby www.scrapbookaholicbyabby.com
05/16 - 05/20 Irit http://iritshalom.blogspot.com/
05/23 - 05/27 Jessica U. http://www.denimglittercreations.com/
05/30 - 06/03 Iris http://cocoacards.blogspot.com/
06/06 - 06/10 Liz N. http://skittles-and-scrapbooks.blogspot.com
06/13 - 06/17 Linda L. http://cardsbylinda.blogspot.com
06/20 - 06/24 Ellen http://lifeatwalnuthill.blogspot.com/
06/27 - 07/01 Diane http://capadiadesigns.blogspot.com/
07/11 - 07/15 Amy http://www.scrappingmommy.com
07/18 - 07/22 Lauren B. www.laurenscreative.com
07/25 - 07/29 Cathryn http://inthepinkcathryn.blogspot.com
08/01 - 08/05 Michelle www.scrappinwithmybug.com
08/08 - 08/12 Gaby http://www.gabycreates.com
08/15 - 08/19 Linda K. www.krazyquilling.com
08/22 - 08/26 Glorajean http://glorascrafts.blogspot.com/
08/29 - 09/02 Sara http://snugasabugdesigns.blogspot.com/
09/05 - 09/09 Cristina http://www.craftingwithcristina.com
09/12 - 09/16 Lauren D. http://laurenscraps.blogspot.com/
09/19 - 09/23 Jane http://polkadotgypsy.blogspot.com/
09/26 - 09/30 Ashley http://myscrappinpalace.blogspot.com/
10/03 - 10/07 Jessica K. http://thecreativestamperspot.blogspot.com
10/10 -10/14 Kristin http://lilsweetpeasplace.blogspot.com/
10/17 - 10/21 Heather http://housesbuiltofcards.blogspot.com/
10/24 - 10/28 Jamie http://jamie-thegreenefamily.blogspot.com/
10/31 - 11/04 Piali http://touchofcreation.blogspot.com/
11/07 - 11/11 Stacy http://www.mycraftingtime.com/
11/14 - 11/18 Cathy www.sniptuck.blogspot.com
11/28 - 12/02 Julie http://juliescraftyspot.blogspot.com/
12/05 - 12/09 Lynda http://positive-force.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 17, 2010

8 days until Christmas - Yikes!!!

OK...I missed yesterday...sorry....the day just got away on me.

Today I am working on Teacher Gifts.  I am altering these photo boxes from Cosmo Cricket.  My intentions are to get them all altered (I have 6 to make) and then create some all occasion cards to put in them because who couldn't use cards right?

So here is the first completed box:

I used papers from My Mind's Eye Holly Jolly collection and cut them to fit each side of the box.  I used YES paste to adhere them to the box.  YES paste is so easy to use and holds wonderfully!!!!  I just spread it with my finger where I need it and I keep a bowl of water next to me and dip my finger in every once in awhile to help spread the paste around.  The paper doesn't wrinkle like it does with Mod Podge.  Then I cut out some flower shapes and misted them with water and scrunched them up into little balls. Then I opened them up and had these wonderful distressed flowers.  I layered them and added some brads.

Now...I have 5 more to make.  They are all covered and I have cut out the holes....just need to finish embellishing them. 



This afternoon we are heading up north to visit my Dad for the weekend.  Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Christmas Countdown - 10 days til Christmas!!!!!!

Here is a simple ornament you can make.

1.Take some patterned paper and cut it into strips of 2" x 12". 
2. Score the entire length of each strip every 1/2"
3. Cut off one rectangle from one of your strips.
4. Attach the two strips together with some adhesive.
5. Cut out 2-2" circles and set aside.
6. Accordion fold the strips and they will fall into a circular shape automatically.
7. Use some fast drying liquid adhesive (such as Zip Dry) and adhere the circles to the front and back of the ornament and hold in place until dry.
8. Decorate as you wish. I simply added a Peel off sticker from Best Creations. (You could also stamp on a 1 3/4" circle, add a sticker; etc.)

-You could also do a second layer by cutting 4"x12" strips and doing the same.
-Another fabulous effect would be to use an edger punch to add some detail to your ornaments.  (I ran out of time today....otherwise I indended on doing this....maybe I will get a chance later tonight to add another layer to this ornament :) )



I have some SUPER exciting news to share but I have to wait for the OK.  
Can't wait to share....I am super excited!!!!!!!! 


HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!! 


Have a great day!!!!!!!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

11 days of Christmas - Have you sent out your Christmas cards yet?

I always think I have all this time to get things done and then before I know it....the time just sneaks up behind me.  Well....I just have to pick up a little more ribbon to finish the rest of my cards and them I will get them in the mail and off to my family and friends.

This paper has been sitting in the store and so many people pick it up and want so badly to create something with it but just don't know what to do with it.  So......I just had to take on the challenge.  I really like how the cards turned out.

I used:
My Mind's Eye Bohemia Christmas "Believe" Reindeer Paper
EK Success Dotted Scallop edger punch
Mini Monograms Cartridge
Saying stamp from Stampin' Up! (I forget the name of the set...I will post this evening with it)
Reindeer Stamp - Reindeer Silhouette from Memory Box
Acetate
Cardstock
Ribbon




See you tomorrow with only 10 crafty days left 'til Christmas.




Monday, December 13, 2010

12 days of Christmas (Can you believe it?)

I can't believe that there are only 12 days left until Christmas.  YIKES!!!!!  I have my shopping done.....now I just have to wrap it all.  I wanted to do a 12 days of Christmas on my blog this year....so here goes.......

I created this fun Christmas countdown with a pizza pan.  So easy and so cute.  Plus a reason to play with some vinyl!!!!!

The Cartridges I used were: Christmas Noel (Solutions); Storybook; Plantin Schoolbook; Just Because Cards
I used the Santa face from the Peachy Keen Santa Set (so cute!).


See you tomorrow with 11 days left till the big day and another great Christmas project!!!!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Mini Maya Road Chipboard Stocking album

Here is a mini album I threw together with a Maya Road chipboard album. I used the following Cricut Cartridges to complete this project:
Mini Mono-grams
Storybook


I used some acrylic paints to paint the front and back of the cover and I also painted the sides edges (about 1/2" in all around) of each stocking on both sides so wherever my paper may not cover....it would still look nice.   I filled in the snowflake with some crystal effects and added a jem in the center.  Then I justs adhered some fun ribbon to the front.  I also faux stitched around the front of the stocking to add a final touch.


I used the Mini Monograms cartridge to cut out some scalloped circles and rectangles for photo and journaling mats.
I  used created a stencil with some plastic and the Storybook Cricut Cartridge and then used the stencil; glue; and flower soft to add some dimensional accents to some of the stockings.

 Here is just used some stickles to create some hand drawn holly and then I added some rinestones to add detail to the polka dot stocking on the right.
 I used my white gel pen to add some faux stictching again here to "trace" around some of the reindeer and around the scalloped circle.
Just a touch of some matching pearls here around the scalloped circle.
 This stocking seems so plain to me but I didn't want to add a photo on the back of the book.  I used a gel pen to add the date.
Check out more fabulous minis at the Cricut Mini Albums blog.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Christams Tags

I was recently asked to create some Christmas tags and I had a lot of fun designing them.  I now need to make up the kits that have been ordered and I think I might do a class at Scrapbook and Stamping Creations next month too.  I will post instructions later today or tomorrow once I get them written up.

Here is what I cam up with:

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Did you ever see a paper line and instantly be inspired?

I saw this Theresa Collins line when I went to work one day and immediately envisioned a Christmas Banner and quickly went to work.  I still think it is missing something...but I am pretty happy with it.

Theresa Collins - NOEL
Stickles
Maya Road mega bottle cap
Gypsy
Cricut Cartridges - Plantin Schoolbook, George and Basic Shapes




Saturday, October 16, 2010

Gypsy owners - Current and future!!!! If you were thinking about it...buy it now!!!

NEW GYPSY PROMOTION
Buy and register a Gypsy by Cricut by October 31 and receive 6 (SIX!) free cartridges downloaded to you Gypsy - including the exclusive, all-new "Smile Cards" cartridge (and don't forget about Gypsy Wanderings and Gypsy Font cartridges that come pre-loaded on the machine).  It's a $419 value!!


FREE CARTRIDGES INCLUDE:
~ Smiley Cards (new and exclusive to this promotion)
~ Tags, Bags, Boxes & More (not available in retail)
~ Christmas (not available in retail)
~ Blackletter (not available in retail)
~ Printing Press (not available in retail)
~ Indie Art (not available in retail)


All current Gypsy owners are INCLUDED!!  Simply register your Gypsy by October 31, 2010 and get access to all downloads.  Register at www.cricut.com/gypsy.


Downloads will be available through a special update to your Gypsy starting November 1st!!


New Gypsy cartridge downloads are easy!  Just connect your Gypsy to your computer and you'll automatically be prompted how to start.  In just a few steps, you'll be able to download all six cartridges containing thousands of images!  And with the Gypsy, you'll have all the cartridge artwork and keypad overlays on your Gypsy screen, so there's no actual cartridge, handbook or packaging.


You only have a few weeks.  Don't miss out!


(content copies and pasted from www.cricutcritters.blogspot.com - Thanks Tammy!!!!)

Friday, October 8, 2010

Yay!!! Some projects finally!

I was at work a couple of days ago and walked past this paper and just had to have it!   Isn't it adorable?  I think I have to pick up more cause I used it.  LOL  It is Prima's Jack and Jill collection.  I plan to take a photo of my 4 children together and softening it on the computer and adding it to the layout.  And then I have to journal of course!


Here is a super simple card I made as well.  I went to Challenge Masters to pick up some challenges for inspiration.  The layout was for the one little word challenge, using the word blessed.  This card is for the Manufacturer challenge - use 4 of 7 (My Mind's Eye, DCWV, Cosmo Cricket, Prima, Kaiser Craft, Heidi Swapp, Jennie Bowlin) 





I am picking up a canvas today to do the altered challenge.  This should be fun!  I just picked up a 3 pack of Making Memories paint in halloween colors from Tuesday Mornings for $1.69 (can't beat that) It will be fun to make some Halloween wall decor....it seems we have very little Halloween decoration in our house for some reason.  Maybe I should pick up 5 of them and let the kids each make one too.  I might need more paint!!!! LOL

Have a great day!!!!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Support a Great cause! Crop out Diabetes!

Generated image 

SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE!


We have a little visitor that runs around the yard every morning collecting food for the winter. I love watching him carry that big cob of corn throughout the yard.  He is just so cute...and you just can't help but smile when you see him!
Today my 4 year old is feeling a bit under the weather......since she is sleeping now...I think I will sit down and get some much needed craft time in!!!!  Hopefully I will have some projects to post soon!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Woot Woot!!!!! I got me a happy scrappy job!!!!

Hello everyone!!!  I am so excited to tell you that Becky at Scrapbook and Stamping Creations in Appleton, WI hired me this afternoon!!!!!  (see me grin from ear to ear)  I can't wait!  I start training tomorrow!  It is a part-time position but that is exactly what I need.  Just a little time to get out of the house every once in awhile and maybe make a buck or two....and to do it in a scrapbook store....what could be better?

I am really looking forward to the opportunity to offer classes at the store as well.  Look forward to some cricut classes coming soon!!!!! ;)

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On another note my son has 3 friends over tonight and they are wound tight.  I thought my 3 girls were a handful......4-10 year old boys....YIKES!!!!!!!  They are outside now yelling and running around.....what was I thinking?  LOL  At least they are having fun!!!!!!

Tomorrow afternoon we are going to go out to eat for my Father-in-laws 50th birthday.  I guess the family is planning on doing something else as well....but details have not yet been finalized.  LOL  I said just let me know and I will be there.

I do have some crafty projects I need to work on this weekend.  They are small...but need to get done...so hopefully tomorrow night or Sunday I can find some time to do that.

What are you plans for the weekend? 

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Peachy Keen stamps/My Pink Stamper challenges

It has been so long since I had a chance to participate in a challenge!  I am so excited to get back into the game.  :)  I created this cute little card with the sketch from Peachy Keen Stamps Challenge #37 and I also incorporated My Pink Stampers challenge to create a project with a bird on it.  This is a really simple card but I love how it turned out.  I used the Create a Critter cartridge for the bird; Peachy Keens stamp set "Critter Faces" and DCWV Natural stack.




Thanks for stopping by Snug as a Bug!

Starting on Christmas cards

Ok...who of you has started on your Christmas cards?  I never start until last minute and I am attempting to make a card or two each week so it is not such a daunting task come November/December.  So...here is my first one for the 2010 Christmas season.  I really like how it turned out.  I don't have the Carousel cricut cartridge and I didn't want to purchase it just for this one image so I used my gypsy to create it. 

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Design Team Call - Cricut Mini Albums

Cricut Mini Albums Design team call
We here at Cricut Mini Albums are looking to add to our Design Team!


Design Team Requirements:
1. Having a blog
2. Committing to 3 months (2 projects a month. If you miss two scheduled projects in a row you will be removed from our team)
3. Option to do at least one tutorial a month
4. Weekly communication with Team Leader
5. Must promote Cricut Mini Albums on your blog and must link back to Cricut Mini Albums when posting your submissions to your blog.

Compensation:
At this time we cannot allow physical compensation; but.....we who doesn't love lots of positive feedback? We expect to see lots of viewers comment and be inspired by your beautiful creations!

To apply:
Visit Cricut Mini Albums (www.cricutminialbums.blogspot.com) and check us out. If you like what you see and would like to help us build up our little ole' blog; add a link of your favorite mini album creation to the link under the Design Team call post. Our Design Team Call runs from September 17th – September 24th. The design team will be announced on October 1st.

Bring on the mini albums!

Happy Halloween Treat holder

Hello!  Today I went to our local scrapbooking store (Scrapbook and Stamping Creations) because Kathy Jacopovich from Peachy Keen Stamps was there doing some demos.  I had a little personal Copic class while I was there and learned a lot....I think I should try my hand at some copic markers!!!

Well...I picked up a couple of the Peachy Keen face sets.  I was trying to decide between the Monster Mash faces 1 1/8" size or the multi size pack.  I figured the 1 1/8" size would be suitable for me as that is the size I work with the most.  Well....I started this project and realized I made the wrong choice.  LOL  I had some other plans for this project but that included some smaller people/monsters and I didn't have the faces for them so I changed it up a bit.  I am a little disappointed and will probably try to make another tomorrow that is closer to my first envision. 

Here is my halloween treat holder:

Finkydink Creations

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