Ice Cream - Layout

I love ice cream and have been quite depressed since our stores quite carrying ice cream. Okay that might not be totally true but in my book unless it's Blue Bell it isn't ice cream. I have heard rumors that they are starting production again on a small scale and I hope they expand quickly because a bowl of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla sounds so delicious right now!

Now I have to be honest with you folks and tell you that most of the layouts I'll be posting this week were designed with my friend Carmen in mind. She has the most gorgeous granddaughter and in almost each of these designs I could just see little Kaci's face in the photo areas with her beautiful smile. I have some photos of my own of her and I know I am going to have to make a bacon layout because I got some great pictures of her eating bacon.

Anyway I really loved this ice cream cone I found on the internet and that is what prompted this layout.


SVG USERS - Remember to select all and resize to 12x12 if you want the pieces in the size they were designed for the layout.

Caught In The Act - Layout

Sometimes you get lucky and catch daily life in pictures that makes a great layout. That was the case for this layout.

I am always telling my daughter "don't feed that to Lucy" as I don't like her having much human food and one evening I was sitting at my craft desk, as I am most evenings *okie thinks every evening* and my daughter came in with a hamburger and french fries after work. She sat in the chair and of course Lucy had to sit with her. Once again I had told her "don't give that to Lucy".

Out the corner of my eye I saw french fries sneakingly being given to Lucy. I quickly grabbed my camera and as I pointed the camera I yelled "Caught Y'all" and the look on their faces was priceless!

The shading on the cuts really made a huge difference on how they looked. I wish I would have cut a few more sesame seeds for the hamburger bun but what's done is done...and it is done.

You can download the MTC file here:
CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Ya Know I Hate Cooking!

I mean I really despise it. I am not sure why as I use to enjoy it but I think after the two years I spent living alone I got spoiled to not having to do it and it was nice not to have to do a bunch of grocery shopping, get out a bunch of stuff to cook and then clean up afterwards. I actually think food is probably the biggest waste in our lives *okie figures in her case that should be "the biggest waist"* since we have nothing to show for but eventually a pile of chit! Did I just cross a boundary there? *okie shrugs her shoulders and sighs* Oh well, that is what I think about it.

Anyway, I have been trying to come up with some different things to cook and on my last trip to the grocery store I even got some rosemary, garlic cloves, red cooking vinegar (I actually meant to get cooking sherry) and some balsamic vinegar because it seems like recipes I see call for these things. When I was in Florida my BFF Karen made a porkloin that had rosemary on it and I loved it. I have been trying to remember to get a porkloin and try it and I finally got one this week.

I looked at several recipes and I also asked Karen how she cooked hers and then I came up with my own method using all the ideas I read. I cut slits in the roast and put in garlic cloves and then I mixed up some Sea Salt, Paprika, Rosemary and Black Pepper and rolled the roast in the mixture and patted it on good with my hands. I heated a cast iron skillet on the stove with some EVOO and when started to smoke a little I put the roast in the skillet and pan seared, even holding it on it's end to make sure all sides were seared well. I left the roast in the pan with the fat side up and then cooked until the internal temp was at 150 degrees, think that was about 50 minutes or so, I checked on it at 20 minutes and then 40 minutes with the thermometer. 

Once the internal temperature was where I wanted I took itout and let it sit for about 15 minutes before slicing. I was concerned about it being too dry but I didn't need to worry since it was nice and tender. I think pan searing and cooking fat side up helped.

As you can see in the picture it was very juicy!

I did make a little sauce with the pan drippings, water, flour and a touch of Worcestershire Sauce. It was a little bland but with the flavor of the meat it was still okay.

To complete the meal I made some Easy Bacon Cheddar Potatoes and steamed some broccoli. The potato recipe called for chili powder and I am not a big fan of that spice unless I am making chili instead I tossed my sliced potatoes in some Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning.

I wasn't sure what the kids would think of the meal, the broccoli I knew they would like and figured they would like the potatoes but the roast I wasn't so sure about. It did get the thumbs up from both of them. My daughter said "it tasted different, but a good different". Guess maybe I should cook more often...but, NNAAWWW! Still don't like doing it! HA HA HA

Come N Get It - Layout

I had a discussion with my friend Carmen about layouts and if we preferred one page or two page layouts. We both decided we generally like two page layouts. I really like them when there has been a situation where I have a lot of pictures. Generally when there is some type of cookout with my family or friends there are quite a few pictures that I want to scrap.

I came up with this layout using a Basic Grey sketch and then I ended up changing most of it because of the images I chose to use. Scrapping is that way sometimes isn't it? You have one idea and then it just kinda goes in another direction.

Cuts in this file include:
Title
Grill
BBQ Man
Hamburger
Hot Dog
Banners
Border

FILE DOWNLOAD

Bye bye Miss American Pie.....

DROVE MY CHEVY TO THE LEVY AND THE LEVY WAS DRY.....oh sorry... I know I can't sing worth a darn but I sure love trying!! *okie notices people covering their ears* OKAY!! I am done singing, you can uncover your ears now!! SHEESH!!

Oh yes the reason for the song. I made an PIE ADJUSTABLE cut file. The file has a whole pie and a pie slice on it.


The pie is on one mat, but again you can paste to other mats if you like. The screenshot was taken with things unwelded to show a better picture.

When adjusting the image follow these instructions:

1. Adjust the pie to the size you are wanting.

2. Move your pie crust rim on top of the pie and use the double arrow handle to fit it over the pie and then slide it out.

3. Then do the same for the pie pan.

These are the cuts you end up with on the whole pie cut file. As you see the whole pie is there, the pie crust rim and the pie pan.





Here is the pie slice. I forgot to take a screenshot of the individual pieces *okie wonders if anyone will think she is just to lazy to go back and take the screenshot.....because she is* , and I think they are on two mats, and the mats are labeled. Again the screenshot was taken with pieces unwelded to show color, but they are welded on the file. I double checked!!

To adjust just follow these instructions.

1. Adjust the pie crust, which is the base to the size you are wanting.

2. Move your pie filling on top of the pie crust and use the double arrow handle to fit it over the pie. As you can see the filling goes all the way to the end so use that as a guide also. Then slide the filling piece out and paste on another mat or on the mat you are on and cut your pieces accordingly for the cricut to cut.

If you are wanting a meringue pie I think you could just cut the crust a second time on the slice in an off white and cut it accordingly with your scissors. And for the whole pie just cut the base in an off white and then do your crust and pie plate in the colors you are wanting.

Grape Cluster

I read on the Cricut MB how there is a shortage of food type items and thought I would make a couple of .cut files. This one is GRAPE CLUSTER and is fully adjustable but there is a little trick to adjusting. It is made with George. This first screenshot I made so the colors would look better and you could get an idea of the overall effect.












When adjusting the image follow these instructions:

1. Adjust the whole cluster to the size you are wanting.

2. Move your random grapes on top of it and use the double arrow handle to fit them over the clustered grapes and then slide them out.

3. Then do the same for the stem.

It might take some practice but it will work. I have them all on one mat but you can copy and paste to other mats if you wish. If you want to use one mat just cut your paper pieces accordingly using the grid lines as guides for size and placement.

What's cookin good lookin??

HA HA HA HA *okie knows by now that she only cracks herself up, but continues to do so because she likes to laugh*. I made a CROCKPOT at the request of a Cricut messageboard member. She was wanting it for a recipe swap she was in. Since enough time has passed and the swap is certainly over I thought I would post the file on my blog for download. There are a couple of mats to this one and they are all labeled.

Chicken anyone??

My MB friend Scrapnic asked if I could make her some CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS and I told her I would try. Well I thought they looked like they would cut okay but my goodness!! What Nic did with them was amazing!! She used sand to make the "breading" on the chicken and they look amazing!! The drumsticks are approximately 3.25 inches from top to bottom. I dunno who that baby is in the picture....BUT WHAT A SWEETIE!! The file also includes a shadow mat if you need shadow chicken. Thanks for sharing the pics Nic *okie cracks up because she made a rhyme* and now I am hungry for some chicken!!

What's up Doc?

HA HA HA I crack myself up........as ya'll well know by now! I can just see Bugs Bunny munchin on these!

Anyway a MB member asked if I could make a CARROT .cut file for her. So I did. I asked if she would take a picture so I could post. There is a mat that makes cuts for the lines but like I told her I think they would look better done with a pen, and hers turned out great!! They are about 2 inches over all. She hadn't finished gluing them down, I think that is what she told me. Anyway.......here is some vitamin A for ya, maybe it will improve your cricut's eyesight! *okie crackin up laughing again*

Oh yeah.....It cuts 4 at a time.

S'more

Someone asked about a S'MORE cut file. I thought I would make one real quick as I would need to post it before going to the crop today. YES! I am going to try this one more time! I never get anything done but I am determined today to get some LO's done!! Wish me luck! HA!

I only have a screenshot of it since I don't have time to cut it. Yeah the marshmallow is grey, but white wouldn't show up! Just think of it as slightly charred in the picture! *okie stilll just cracks herself up!*

The mats are labeled and the base is on the bottom cracker, you build up from there.

Well hope someone can use this!!

Chili Pepper

I was cruisin through the MB section of DS last night and someone wondered if a CHILI PEPPER had been made. I was able to make one fairly quickly. The actual cut file does look a little better than this screenshot. I did some work on the stem cap so it isn't as angular and has a bit more curve.

Summer time Summer time!!

Okay got some more files to share today!! WOOHOO!! *okie does the file sharing dance, which you DO NOT want to see! HA HA HA* Just in time for the Good Ol' Summer Time! HA HA HA

First I have a BICYCLE. This was the first cut and I wasn't satisfied because there were no spokes! SERIOUSLY HOW WOULD THE TIRES STAY ON!! SO I made spokes.....but I forgot to take a picture...*silly okie, always take pictures* It is made with George. When I cut it with the spokes I used some metallic paper from a mat stack, worked great! I used the bicycle from another cart as my pattern but this one is done with George. We all know my love for George! There are 6 mats, but a few only have one simple cut on them such as the seat and handle bars. To put it together do the base layer, then center the spokes in the tires, add the frame next and then the seat and handles. I used a Sharpie Silver metallic pen for the pedal and spoke hubs. Sure wish I had a picture of the ones I did, they turned out a lot better! *gives herself a V-8 smack on the head* The mats are labeled for easy identification.

Next I have a PICNIC TABLE. I used the one off the Camping solutions cart as my pattern for this one. There are 3 mats for the cut on this one (the first is just a preview mat). You will start with the base, then layer the back bench seat and then the top of the table and front bench seat. I used a black zig pen to draw on the details of the wood grain. I think it sure added to it by doing this!! Remember you can click on the pictures to make them bigger if you want to see more detail.






Okay this next one might be confusing but I tried to post in the picture what is included in the KISS THE COOK file. But just to clarify...the apron, the words, the hat, mitt and utensils are included in the file. All but the words are done with George. You can easily change the words to your preference. The bowls and hamburger I posted earlier and have their own files. I used ribbon for the apron ties and neck tie. Oh and also the loop on the mitt. I did add stitches on the apron with a zig pen.








This one is FIRE UP THE GRILL. The words are Cuttin Up but the GRILL is George. I have included the complete FUTG file and also just the seperate grill file in case you don't want to use the title or don't have the CU cartridge. I used stickles to add to the coals to make it look like they were glowing *aaahhh stickles.......okie's eyes glazing over*. The utensils are from the Kiss the Cook file mentioned above and the steak was posted previously.









This one is ANTS NOT WELCOME. The lettering is All Mixed Up but the ANTS are made with George. Again I have the complete title file, or just the Ant file that you can download. The soda can and picnic table have there own files and can be found in other posts. The tree I made with Paper Pups and then narrowed it.











The ONE IN A MELON I did with Alphalicous and Doodlecharms. The photo corners on the mats are with Jasmine, and I don't have a cut file for the mats as I didn't use a cut file for them, just cut them myself. AGAIN WITH THE STICKLES!! WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED *lookin around to see if anyone would have guessed*. I just dotted Black Diamond Stickles on the letters and then I did the seeds with Stickles. I inked the light green with some cat eye ink to add some definition to the watermelon rind.









Okay I think that is all of the files I did for the BBQ swap. I will look again to make sure. I will be posting the paper bag album I made here in a little bit. No cut files off of it but just want to show it off!! HA HA HA

Are ya hungry??

FILES FILES FILES........sooo now ya'll can start seeing what I have been busy on and the reason I haven't been posting files. As promised the swap is over so I can share the files with you guys. WOOHOO!!

In the BBQ swap one of the challenges was to make elements. I designed a few things that would be great for cookouts!! I do have some other files I will be adding this week that have to do with cookouts!

I made some BOWLS for the swap. The stars and stripes can be deleted easy enough if you don't want them on your bowls. And you can add your own designs on them if you like. The top one I was going for potato salad but my daughter pointed out it could be used as potato chips also! *when did she get so smart?* I just used a marker to outline the potatoes to add some definition to them. On the salad I used some mulberry paper to make the lettuce look better. I also used glossy accents on the cherry tomatoes. Oh man I can't wait until my tomato plants start growing and producing! I love me some cherry tomatoes!! MMMMMMM





This is the HAMBURGER I made. Okay so I cheated!! I looked at the one on Locker Talk as an example for mine. Again I used mulberry paper for the lettuce. I also added the glossy accents for the cheese to give it a shiny look, not sure it shows up too well on the photo though. I did ink the bun edges and also the hamburger patty. Uh...yeah there are no tomatoes or pickles.......this ain't Burger King, you can't have it your way! ROTFLMAO *oh how I crack myself up!!* I think you should be able to make some easy enough if you want to make a fully loaded burger.

Anyone thirsty? I also made a SODA CAN. Okay so I drink Diet Coke. But I dont think everyone is a Diet Coke fan. The word on this one is Jasmine. But you can change it to what font you prefer, and what ever color ya want *I know there are probably some pepsi fans out there (insert yucky face here)*. Just make sure you kinda use the can as a guide so your word fits on it. On the one in the picture I had used something from Fabulous finds as the tab, but changed it for here since some folks might not have FF. So it is all with George.....uh....okay the word isn't but I already talked about that. I used an embossing tool to define the top of the can.





This T-BONE STEAK was actually designed for a recipe card. But can be used however you want *just don't try to eat it when you get done, not sure it would taste too good*. I am more of a rib-eye gal myself!! But ya know the only bad steak is one that is gone!! EAT MORE BEEF!!

The mats are labeled and I think from the picture you can see how to put it together. I added the grill marks with a cat eye ink. Ya know lookin at this I think the bone can be removed and it would also look kinda like a ham!! EAT MORE PORK!!

Aw heck I could never be a vegetarian....I love MEAT!!

Strawberry fields forever........

Okay I do like the Beatles but I won't make you guys suffer through my singing HA HA HA....seriously, can't carry a tune in a bucket though.

Anyway I made STRAWBERRIES with George and DS. There is a small one and a larger one I only have a screen shot of the small one. Why you ask? BECAUSE I AM LAZY I TELL YA THAT IS WHY!! I know that is not a good reason, but I am too lazy to come up with a better one.

The larger strawberry looks a little different and the leaves are more splayed *splayed? is that even a word? I just don't even know.....might have to look that up*. There are 3 mats per strawberry size.


Okay now I want some strawberry pie.......or strawberry shortcake.....or strawberry ice cream.....oh man I do like strawberries!!