StampinChelle

New Blog...

2011-02-28T12:43:00.000-05:00

Hi crafters! Just a quick post to let everyone know that I'm in the process of combining both my papercrafting and vinyl blogs into one. The new blog is called "Made by Misha", and I hope that you'll hop over and continue to follow me there.

When I reach 100 followers, I will have a super grab bag full of blog candy for someone. Hope to see you there!

Easter Eggs already???

2011-01-10T12:07:00.000-05:00

No, I haven't started Easter/spring cards yet...I'm the world's biggest procrastinator. These were actually done a few years ago and I'm just getting around to posting them. I needed a place for the pictures so I could explain something with the visual rather than trying to write the words. Anyway, this is a stamped image that I stamped onto different colored cardstock and heat embossed with white powder. I then cut the different areas apart and used some pop dots to layer it back together. I also "colored" the visible spaces from each layer with stickles that matched. Lots of work, but I love the result. I wish you could see just how much it sparkles.

Cricut Cartridge Boxes

2010-07-08T09:00:00.001-04:00

What do you do with your cartridge boxes? I no longer use mine to store my carts, they just take up too much room. I couldn't just toss them out though, they're great quality. So, in true paper-crater form, I altered them and passed them on to someone else that might be able to use them. This one was given to my niece. I figure she can use it to hold her special trinkets, jewelry, crayons, make-up (when she's older of course), whatever her heart desires. Of course, I gave them away before taking pictures, but was able to get some sent to me on my phone. The quality isn't great, but I think you get the idea.

Shadow Box Gift

2010-07-07T09:00:00.002-04:00

Here's a gift that I helped my cousin put together to give to her future MIL as a thank you. All the paper is Stampin' Up as is the ribbon. The large rectangle was put there as a matte for a photo of my cousin and her fiance (they hadn't actually taken the photo yet, lol). We were able to find a nice poem online and alter it a bit to fit the situation better and included that on the matte to the right. It was really sweet when they presented it to her at thier wedding shower. She's been blessed with a wonderful MIL, and I'm so glad I was able to help her with this special gift.

Speaking of Weddings

2010-07-06T09:00:00.018-04:00

Last July, my cousin got married. Of course, being the papercrafter I am, I offered to help with invitations as well as programs and favors. I used Cricut Design Studio to design a pocket-fold card that would act as the invitation as well as the envelope. On the inside left panel I hand stamped a peacock feather (her new name means Peacock in another language). Anyway, it's difficult to see from the picture, but I was able to get both the purple and green that she wanted stamped on each feather by rolling the edges of the stamp in purple after having already applied the green ink to it. Does that make sense? The right inside panel was a pocket that help a postcard response card, which was computer generated and then stamped like the invite. These invites fold up to about a 5"x5" square and are cut from one 12"x12" piece of cardstock.

The wedding favors were made to hold tulip bulbs. Nothing too fancy, just some paper, punches, stamps and ribbon. They are triangular, and open ended. The bulbs were put into cellophane bags and put inside the "boxes".

Wedding Wishes

2010-07-05T09:00:00.002-04:00

Here's another card made last July. It's difficult to see in the picture, but I used the Cuttlebug and embossed both the layers. The larger layer was embossed using Swiss Dots (probably my favorite), and the smaller rectangle used Divine Swirls. The stamps used were Stampin' Up, and I colored the cakes using a blender pen and pastels.

Happy Anniversary Derek and Yvonne!

Lost my Mojo!!!

2010-07-04T21:31:00.000-04:00

I'm in a crafting funk! I want to do it, I really do, but I can't seem to get it together and actually do it. So, rather than leave my blog without any updates, I've decided to look through some old pictures I have saved and post some of the projects that haven't been seen here yet. I hope to be back really soon with something new...maybe from the new French Manor cartridge that's exclusive to the Cricut Circle members.

Today's card was actually made LAST July for a challenge using a digital stamp. I used Stampin' Up paper, markers and punches. Nothing fancy, but I figured it was fitting for today's post. I'll be back tomorrow with another "oldie but goodie".

Cricut Lite Lacy Labels

2010-06-19T12:30:00.001-04:00

Here's a quick thank you card I made using the new Cricut Lite cartridge, Lacy Labels. On the keypad, it is #21. I think picking the papers took more time than cutting and assembling the card. Once I had decided on the paper, I used my Cricut Design Studio (because it hasn't been added to the G library yet) to place the elements on the mat so I could load the different papers and cut everything without unloading/reloading the mat. After assembling, I added a few adhesive pearls and some faux stitching using a white Inkssentials pen.

To see another project using this cartridge, visit my vinyl blog. I used keypad #10 to make a decorative tile. Hope to be crafting and posting much more in the days to come...SCHOOL'S OUT!!!!

Blog Award

2010-06-17T21:15:00.019-04:00

I got my very first blog award from Lori over at Scrappin' My Stress Away. I'm so glad to hear that someone enjoys what I'm posting here. I really only started the blog because my 12 year old DS was sick of being asked what he thought about my projects. He suggested I start a blog so other "people like me" could see (and he wouldn't have to, lol). Thanks again, Lori.

So it's time to pass this award on to 5 more inspiring blogs. It's so hard to decide on only 5, but here goes:
http://www.thathandmadetouch.net/ she's got a new blog, with great ideas...check it out.
http://scrapnplace4me.blogspot.com/ If you like mini albums, you'll love Carol's blog.
http://www.scrapcavecreations.blogspot.com/ Tammy does some incredible layouts!
http://passionatelypaper.blogspot.com/ Here's another newer blog with lots of promise of great projects.
http://www.createdbybrandilynn.blogspot.com/ Couldn't leave our Candian friends out. You're going to love what Brandilynn does.

Waterslide Revisited

2010-05-27T10:42:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those projects that you think is finished but just can't get out of your head? I went to bed last night thinking I wasn't crazy about my LO of the waterslide. Something just wasn't right. Fast forward to this morning, and there I was at the Cricut when I should have been making lunches. I just had to cut the frames from a matching blue paper. It's a small change, but it makes a big difference.

"My Favorite" Challenge

2010-05-26T19:28:00.002-04:00

I did a layout for this week's Gypsy challenge. We were to use 3 elements from our favorite cartridge, one from our least favorite and weld something. I have a difficult time picking a favorite, and since I've done so much with Create a Critter lately, I decided to try another. My elements(sun, frames, curvy lines that are welded to the frames) came from the Wild Card cart. This is another cart that has TONS of elements that can be used on cards as well as layouts. I still claim that Plantin Schoolbook is my least favorite, but the more I force myself to use it, the more I realize how versatile it is. I welded two waves together to make the border at the bottom of the page, and also used it to create the "mosaic" tiles. I'm going to add some crystal laquer to the sun to make them more tile like, but I couldn't find it today. The word art was created by welding the letters from Mickey Font.

Now, a little background about the layout. This was a family trip to Six Flags back in 2000. My son was just under 3 years old, and seeing the waterslide insisted on going. Now, mind you, this is the "kiddie" slide that he's standing in front of. I got in line with him and at the top was told I couldn't go down with him. I tried to convince him not to go but he had his heart set on it. As soon as he started down the slide, he fell back and was quickly flipped onto his belly by a curve. He rolled back and forth all the way down. I was horrified that I couldn't help him, and ran to the bottom to comfort him as soon as I could. He got out of the water and was covered in scratches. Poor thing...hasn't been on another waterslide since (and he's 12 1/2 now).

He came in while I was putting this layout together and told me he remembered the whole thing. He swears the guy at the top PUSHED him down the slide, and can't get over the fact that he would do that, lol.

Last Minute Grad Card

2010-05-24T17:49:00.001-04:00

So we were invited to a graduation party a week ago. Like a dummy, I assumed that since I wasn't asked to make a card, Kev must have already bought one to give her. WRONG!!! As we were getting ready to walk out the door, he turns to me and says, "Can you make a card really quick?" UGH...MEN! Lucky for him, I can make a card really quickly. Not my best, but it works. Kristin was graduating from nursing school, so I pulled out my Gypsy knowing that Everyday Paper Dolls had just what I needed. I designed it to fit my "card template" (just a rectangle that I place on the page and set the size to my card size), then separated it by colors and let the Cricut go to work. When all was said and done, it took about 10 minutes from start to finish.

More Recipe Cards

2010-05-24T17:43:00.002-04:00

I just found pics of the recipe cards I did for my first swap. I'm going to add a chicken or maybe a casserole pan to the enchilada card, it seems to be missing something. The Enchilada card uses Stampin' Up papers and ribbon. The "title" was cut from vinyl using SCAL.

The Cherry Coco Bars was assembled on top of some FREE digital paper that I printed off at home. I cut the cherries from the Hello Kitty Greetings cartridge. It's another cart that has lots of fun to use images that aren't necessarily "Hello Kitty"...suns, clouds, flowers, rainbows, etc. Worth looking into if you like making cutesy cards and layouts.

We have a WINNER!

2010-05-24T07:42:00.002-04:00

I want to thank everyone that took the time to check out my blog. I'm thrilled that so many of you liked it enough to follow, and hope to not disappoint you. I've also really enjoyed visiting your blogs as well, and am now following a few. I've used random.org to pick a winner from all the comments listed on the giveaway post. Congratulations.......
nikk said...
New follower here! I love the look of your blog. Very cute :) I love finding new blogs. Please come check me out @ http://weremakinmemorieshere.blogspot.com/

Please email me your address at misha_113@yahoo.com and I'll get the sleeve out to you.

Round and Round We Go Challenge

2010-05-21T10:43:00.002-04:00

Here's my latest challenge entry. If you're a Gypsy owner, you should check out the message boards at Cricut.com. In the G forum you'll find a weekly challenge designed to help us learn about and use all the fabulous features built into your Gypsy. This week's challenge was to weld something around a shape. The watermelon shape came from the Doodlecharms cartridge (great for year round shapes), and the font used is Plantin Schoolbook.

I'm in the process of figuring out how to share my gyypsy files. I THINK you can download the file for this card HERE.

Gypsy Sleeve Giveaway!

2010-05-18T17:34:00.001-04:00

I'm giving away a brand new Pink Bling Gypsy sleeve to one lucky person. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post...I wouldn't hate it if you commented on others as well, lol.

You have until midnight (ET) on May 23rd to enter. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 24th. Good Luck!

Recipe Card Swap

2010-05-16T16:31:00.001-04:00

Just finished up some recipe cards for a swap over at the Cricut message boards. The first one is a recipe that my fiance's Grandmother makes, called Frog Eye Salad. It's like ambrosia with a twist...itty, bitty round noodles. Sounds weird, I know, but YUM!

I used my Gypsy to weld together the letters and words, and cut the frog/lily pad using Create a Critter (my new "go to" cartridge). Even if you're not a critter kind of person, this cartridge has so many other elements it's worth looking into.

For the second card I used CAC (again) for the barn, and Everyday Paper Dolls for the chicken. Not my favorite chicken, but the only one I have for now. I used the Cuttlebug to emboss the barn (but I can't remeber the name of the folder...distressed lines maybe). I was going to originally put the chicken on the "ground" in front of the barn but while I was inking the edges, one fell on top and I liked the way it looked more. It no longer looked like a barn to me, but more of a chicken coop. Anyway, with the chicken up there I had to make some changes for the recipe card as well. That's when it hit me. I could make the barn into a pocket and weld that chicken to a tag that slips behind it. So, when you pull the chicken off the chicken coop, you find this...

Boxed In

2010-05-09T15:19:00.003-04:00

Happy Mother's Day! If you're familiar with the Cricut, then chances are you've heard about the Gypsy. I'm happy to say that I've just become a "member of the club". I got my G for Mother's Day from the kids (o.k., I admit I had to order it, but what better reason, right?)

Here's a box that I designed using my new toy. I'm doing some challenges over on the Cricut message board as a way to learn about the gypsy, and this week's challenge was to create a box. I also tried my hand at making paper roses inspired by Tim Holtz. I will definitely be trying more of these. I think they'd look great in a shadow box with a scrapbook page. I have added the link to download these files to the Gypsy page.

National Scrapbook Day Entries

2010-05-03T14:46:00.000-04:00

I've just finished uploading the pictures of the projects I completed for the NSD challenges over at My Pink Stamper. They are pretty straight forward, and I've included some instructions. If there's anything you would like explained, leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer.

MPS Challenge #12: Critter-licious

2010-05-03T14:30:00.000-04:00

This challenge was screaming for the Create a Critter cartridge (I think these critters are too cute!). Since it was still on my table from the earlier challenges, I chose to use the DCWV Latte paper stack once again to make this card. The purple layer is punched with a Martha Stewart border punch (lattice, I think).

Because I used such a dark color as the card base, I added a lighter shade inside in order to write a message later. The liner was punched to match, and includes a small acorn embellishment (also cut from the CAC cartridge).

MPS Challenge #11: Colors of the Rainbow

2010-05-03T14:22:00.000-04:00

For this challenge we were told to use 1 or all colors of the rainbow. I used my Cricut to cut the "ric-rac" using the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge. Then using SCAL, and the font bellbottom, I welded and cut the word "smile" from black paper and again as a shadow from purple.

MPS Challenge #10: May Day

2010-05-03T14:14:00.002-04:00

The challenge was to make a card with flowers or a "Springy" feel. I've had these beautiful butterfly stickers forever (yes, I'm a craft supply hoarder), and decided today was the day to use them. No Cricut cut were used for this card.

The card base is almost amethyst (SU!), and the layers are part of the DCWV Sparkly Sweet stack. I used stamps from the $1 spot at Michaels.

MPS Challenge #9: Take Shape

2010-05-03T13:59:00.001-04:00

This challenge was to make a shaped project. Once again, I took out my CDS and Create a Critter cartridge. In Design Studio I welded together two dinosaur shadows for the card base. Then I cut the different layers and assembled the card. Easy Peasy!

The paper is again from DCWV (maybe the Latte pack), and is shiny and glittery. Here is a closer view of the sparkle. The pictures really don't do this card justice.

MPS Challenge#8: Love my color

2010-05-03T13:46:00.000-04:00

For this challenge we were to use a monochromatic color scheme and a flower. I was going to use some orange flowers that I had, but couldn't find the right shade of paper. While looking, I noticed some scraps of blue big enough to be punched into squares, and decided to use them instead.

The paper is bashful blue from SU!. I layered 3 small squares onto one large one and then layered that on the card stock. If you look closely in the corner of each small square I've stamped (also in bashful blue) the word live, laugh, love. The stamps are from Clear Dollar Stamps. The area at the bottom is left blank so that I can stamp it later to fit the occasion.

MPS Challenge #7: Hey Dad!

2010-05-03T13:39:00.003-04:00

This challenge was to make something for Dad or with a masculine feel to it. I used some paper from DCWV's Latte stack, the Top Note die from SU!, SCAL (for the word), and my Cuttlebug (with the traffic jam embossing folder).

I think it needs something, I'm just not sure what.

MPS Challenge #6: Kids Craft, Too

2010-05-03T13:23:00.001-04:00

This challenge was to make something with or for a child. I decided to cut some more vinyl (using SCAL) and personalize a magnetic dry erase board for my daughter's bedroom door. This way we have a place to jot down quick notes or hang an important message. I got the board at Staples for $1 at the beginning of the school year. It's one of those "can't pass up" deals that are filling my crafting area. You know the ones.

Sorry about the pic. I had a better one that I must have deleted. I took this one after putting it on her bedroom door and the lighting in the hall is terrible.

MPS Challenge #5: Teacher Appreciation Days

2010-05-03T13:16:00.004-04:00

Sorry about the picture here...not sure why it's squished like that. Anyway, this challenge was to make something for Teacher Appreciation Day (which is tomorrow!!!) I had some hand sanitizer lying around, and since teachers go through this stuff like no one's business, I thought I'd personalize a bottle.

I used my Cricut Design Studio (because my Gypsy won't be here until Wednesday...kids got it for me for Mother's Day...YAY!!!), and welded the word teacher using the font on Wild Card. The apples were cut from Create a Critter (have I mentioned I love this cart?). Instead of cutting paper, I cut this from vinyl. I love using my Cricut to cut vinyl...in fact, if you head over to my vinyl blog you can see some other things my Cricut has done for me.

MPS Challenge#4: I like you the least

2010-05-03T13:07:00.000-04:00

The 4th challenge for NSD was to make something using your least favorite cartridge. Because I own SCAL and can cut any font on my computer, I NEVER use Plantin Schoolbook or George and Basic Shaped. I decided it would have to be one of those cartridges...UGH!

Using the tag button, I cut some bookmarks for some of my students. You can't see the details in the pic, but the paper is really glittery. This challenge was great, because it forced me to really look through the handbook and see what the cartridge offered. I'm still not crazy about it, lol.

MPS Challenge #3: Thinking Outside the Box

2010-05-03T13:01:00.001-04:00

This challenge was to do something I don't normally do. I actually did a combination of 3 things...used a metal embellishment, made a square card, and followed a template.

The papers used are from a designer paper pack from SU!. I can't remember the name, but will try to find it and let you know which pack it is. I know that the card stock is tempting turquoise (SU!), as is the ink used to stamp the sentiment. The template was an old one from Pagemaps.

MPS Challenge#2: Getting Scrappy

2010-05-03T12:55:00.001-04:00

The challenge this time was to use our scraps. I recently made a "bow holder" for my niece, and had bits of green and pink patterned paper and ribbon bits left over. Pigs are pink, so I pulled out my new fave, Create a Critter. The flag was stamped with a stamp from Clear Dollar Stamps. They have a couple set that work great with "critters". This one says, "You're one of a swine'd!".

MPS Challenge #1: Mother Dear, I Love You

2010-05-03T12:43:00.001-04:00

Like I mentioned in my previous post, Saturday was National Scrapbook Day. I wasn't able to play along then with the challenges over at My Pink Stamper, so I decided to do them between laundry loads on Sunday. Here's the first card I did. The challenge was to make a card inspired by Mom or someone dear.

I used my Cricut to cut the argyle card from the Wild Card cartridge, and 2 tags from Tags, Bags, Boxes and More. I think the ink is lovely lilac from SU!, and the stamps are from the $1 bin at Michaels.

Cricut Giveaway!!!

2010-05-01T19:31:00.001-04:00

It's National Scrapbook Day, and the girls at Everyday Cricut are giving away a Cricut Expression. Head over for a chance to win.

I'm just getting started (late) with my projects for the challenges over at The Pink Stamper. I'll have them posted here as soon as posssible.

New Blog

2010-01-06T21:37:00.000-05:00

I've been doing so much with vinyl lately, that I decided to start a new vinyl blog. I'm still stamping and scrapping, and I'll try to remember to post those things here. If you'd like to see more vinyl projects check out vinylvisionsbymichelle.blogspot.com. See ya there!

Personalized Ornaments

2009-12-02T14:33:00.004-05:00

Finished another SUPER EASY vinyl project with the Cricut today. These pictures don't do the colors justice...they're jewel toned purple and green. How did I do it? Like I said, SUPER EASY...just cut the initials at 1.5" (curlz font) and snowfl akes at 1" (using a snowflake font I found on the web for free). Some also have polka dots cut at .5" because I wasn't sure which I liked better. Added a little ribbon (which I may end up changing...not sure how I feel about it) and DONE!

My New Obsession

2009-11-30T21:29:00.003-05:00

I've had my Cricut for quite a while now, and have used it for cardmaking and scrapbooking quite a bit. I was recently introduced to cutting vinyl and have become addicted. By son suggested I post some pics on my blog...I think mostly because he's tired of giving his opinion with every new project. Guess you can't expect a 12 year old boy to be interested in crafts for too long.

Most of these pics are vinyl on ceramic tiles...they range in size from 6"x6" to 12"x12". The other is a lighted glass block. I plan to add a nice bow on top, but didn't have the ribbon when the picture was taken. Sorry about the picture quality. These were taken on my cell phone.

So, what do you think? I hope to have more pics up soon. I'm working on a few other tile and glass block designs, as well as ornaments, blankets, and wall decor. If you'd like more info on how to get one of these (or other customized) designs, LEAVE A COMMENT with your email.

Color Throwdown...UGH!

2009-07-15T21:35:00.011-04:00

Guess I'm not so good at this blog thing. I mean, I set it up, made it look nice, and then neglected to post anything for more than a week. In my defense, I have been a bit busy...I spent some time up north, helped my sister pack up her house, made wedding favors for my cousin, attended a wedding, did some (very little) housework...

Anyway, the card I'm posting today is for the Mojo Monday sketch challenge 94 as well as the Color Throwdown 51. The colors this week are Lavendar Lace, Garden Green and So Saffron...ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I NEVER would have put these together otherwise, and had a really difficult time deciding how to make it work.

I decided to try a new technique that would let me "merge" the colors together and add some continuity. Using markers, I colored the 3 colors onto some acetate, spritzed it with water and placed it on top of my white cardstock. I know it's difficult to see, but it's back behind the flower.

Supplies Used:

Stamps: I think it's part of an Inkadinkadoo set (I'll double check and edit later)

Paper: All SU! Whisper White, So Saffron, Lavendar Lace card stock, Garden Green patterns DSP

Ink: SU! GG, SS, LL Stampin Write Markers, So Saffron classic ink pad

Accessories: SU! So Saffron striped grosgrain ribbon, scalloped edge punch, gingham brad

Another New Challenge

2009-07-02T19:45:00.007-04:00

Here's my card for the "Ways to Use It" challenge over at Split Coast Stampers (I'll try to get a better pic when my daughter gets home with my camera). The challenge this week was to use cardboard.

I was surprised how easily this one went together...I love when that happens. It motivates me to keep going and make more while I've got the momentum. I was able to put together a couple more for other challenges as well. Of course, that means the house isn't as clean as it could be.

I think the word "challenge" is what motivates me - some may say I'm a bit of an over-achiever. I work best under pressure and with a goal in mind. Now, if I could just find a housecleaning challenge to participate in I'd be all set.

God' Beauty

2009-06-30T17:49:00.009-04:00

I'm really on a roll now...actually I'm just trying to figure out how to add links and things to my blog. Anyway, this card is a CASE of a CASE...lol. I saw it HERE (one of my favorite blogs to visit) and thought it would work for almost any occassion.

I absolutely LOVE the butterfly from this set (God's Beauty - retiring hostess set). It will remain in my stash for a long time. If you haven't tried stamping it on vellum and coloring it from the backside yet, DO IT NOW!!! It looks like a live butterfly has just landed on your paper.

Supplies used:

Stamps: SU "God's Beauty" (images), SU "Fun & Fast Notes" (greeting)

Paper: SU Mellow Moss, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: StazOn jet black

Markers: SU Mellow Moss, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue

Divine swirls (I think) Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

MOJO Monday 93

2009-06-30T17:22:00.008-04:00

This is my first ever MOJO MONDAY sketch card. I used some of the retiring SU in colors (kiwi kiss, riding hood red) cardstock and ink. The DP is from the Bella Rose pack which I'm sad to say is also gone at the end of the day.

Can't wait to go back and try some of the other sketches. I love being a teacher and having the summer free to feed my addiction...

It's About Time!

2009-06-30T17:16:00.002-04:00

I've followed a few great blogs for a while now and kept telling myself that I should start one. Although I haven't got a clue as to what I'm doing, or why, today is the day...here goes nothing.