Easter Eggs already???

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.

Wedding Wishes

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!

Cricut Lite Lacy Labels

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!!!! 

Last Minute Grad Card

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.

Round and Round We Go Challenge

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.

MPS Challenge #12: Critter-licious

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

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

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

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

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!

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 #3: Thinking Outside the Box

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

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

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.

Another New Challenge

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

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