Wishing You a Wonderful... CARD

I am really diggin the Art Philosophy bundle from Close to My Heart! I am not sure whether to thank Melanie or to choke her at this point because she is going to have me addicted to CTMH products! *okie thinks she will probably just say thank you and then buy Mel a drink on the next cruise*.

I really like the sentiment on this card because you can have a few of these made and then choose what you want to use it for later on. With the colors on this particular card I think I could use it for birthday, wedding or anniversary. There is even a little line and check mark for "other" so even a "thinking of you" could be written in there if so desired *okie thinks she sounded so smart by saying "if so desired"*

Supplies used:
Cricut Expression
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge
CTMH Frames, Tags, Borders stamp set
Various printed papers and cardstock
Viva Decor Pearl Pen - Ice White
Liquid Pearls - Pastel Raspberry
3/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Brads
Cat Eye Chalk Ink
Signo UM 153 white gel pen
Stickles - cinnamon


I wasn't sure I liked the color of the flowers for the card when I got them all cut out but I wasn't going to waste paper and do them over. I did decide I liked them a little more after adding some embellishment to them. I did pop dot the large yellow flower.

I cut the sentiment at the recommended size and then cut a base layer set at about 1/4" larger so i could have a shadow base.

If you are wanting to order the Art Philosphy bundle you can contact Melanie at her CLOSE TO MY HEART WEBSITE.

Oh and for those that know I have been sick for the past week I am finally starting to feel like I am going to live!! Thank goodness because I sure was tired of peeing my pants during all those dang coughing fits! *okie knows some folks are saying "OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE SAID THAT" while others are thinking "dang it I hate it when that happens to me too!"*

I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT

Well okay that made it sound like it's a really big deal didn't it! LOL But I do have some news to tell you guys! Joy from Obsessed With Scrapbooking, you might also know her as one of the "Hello Thursday Girls" that show projects with the new Cricut cartridges, contacted me not long ago asking if I wanted to be on a Design Team for her website. To be honest I had swore I would never be on another design team after the last fiasco of a design team I participated in *okie shakes her head and still fumes at the way the designers were treated* but since I do like Joy and know her personally I was more than glad to do some DT work for her, and besides her husband is a TOTAL HOTTIE!! And he really does have a fantastic personality!

I may later regret agreeing to doing this whole thing because after I found out who else is on the team I am thinking "WTH REALLY??" I mean did Joy have to really ask the top most talented papercrafters and then ask me? *okie sighs deeply and shakes her head slowly* I am afraid my projects won't even begin to compete!

Anywho...Here are the other designers on the Design Team with me...

Susan Edwards from Busy With The Cricky

Nadia Herbst-McConnell from With Glittering Eyes


Christina Thomas from Creations With Christina

Maybe I will get lucky and the other gals will be having a bad crafting day when they do their projects and mine won't look so bad! 

On a little side note, one of my favorite web shopping places, Happy N Scrappin, has a great sale on some Basic Grey items right now so if you are a Basic Grey lover like me you might want to check them out!

All-Things-Halloween Projects

I was recently asked if I would like to share some Halloween projects with my readers and of course I said "YES!". All three projects look pretty simple to make and look like they could be modified for other images as well.

Bat Mobile:

 Instructions

1. Find a smooth stick 16" long and spray paint it silver. Let dry completely.

2. Cut a length of wire or cord 22" long and bend or tie each end to the ends of the stick to create a hanger.

3. Cut 5 double sided bats from black, patterned, double sided cardstock 2" tall.

4. Punch a small hole in the top of the bats and secure with a black eyelet.

5. Tie varying lengths of string to the bats and hang them by tying along the stick.

6. Tie a ribbon at the top if desired.

What you will need.

Provo Craft Supplies

•   craft paper

•   E-Z Set Eyelets - black 1/8" short

•   ribbon

Other Supplies

•   black metal wire

•   thread

•   stick

 Scary Halloween Layout:

Instructions:

 1.  Layer 11-3/4” x 11-3/4” striped patterned paper onto 12” x 12” black cardstock. Layer 4”x 10-3/4” green patterned paper onto 4-1/4” x 11” black cardstock. Layer 6” x 10” purple spider paper onto 6-1/4” x 10-1/4” black cardstock. Cut striped paper into 1-1/2” x 12”

2. Layer papers together as shown.

3. Cut spider web paper into a 4” x 6” and 4” x 3” rectangles. Layer these onto black cardstock cut at 4-1/4” x 6-1/4” and 4-1/4” x 3-1/4” to create photo mats.

4. Layer “Scary” word art with black on bottom, orange in middle and green on top. Layer bat with orange behind the black. Layer crow the same way. Adhere rhinestones to bat, crow and spider.

5. Adhere large spider web to layout as shown. Adhere small spider web to 3-1/4” x 2-1/2” orange glitter paper, keeping web flush with bottom of paper. Punch out a white oval and a scalloped oval with the web paper. Layer together. Adhere to small web. Add this onto bottom of larger photo mat as shown. Add rhinestones.

6. Adhere crow, bat using pop dots to layout. Adhere large photo mat to layout as shown. Adhere smaller photo mat.

7. Adhere “spooky” and spider to web. Adhere rhinestones to web and layout.

What you will need.

Provo Craft Supplies

•   Cricut V1/Create/Expression/E2 Machine

•   Cricut Teresa Collins Chic N Scary Cartridge

•   Cartridge Cuts: Cricut Teresa Collins Chic N Scary Cartridge: Scary - 2” (cut 3x) Web - 6” and 3-1/2” Crow with Crown - 2-1/2” (cut 2x) Bat - 2” (cut 2x) Spider - 2”

Other Supplies

•   Cardstock - black, white Glittered Cardstock - orange, green Patterned Paper - diagonal stripe, stripe, purple spider, spider web, green

•   Rhinestones Scallop oval punch Oval punch

•   Adhesive - wet and dry Pop Dots

•   Paper Trimmer

Scallywag T-shirt:

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry t-shirt and white cotton fabric. Iron items and allow time to cool.

2. Iron backing onto white cotton fabric as packaging directs.

3. Using the Cricut E2 machine and the Cricut Teresa Collins cartridge cut out the skull using the white fabric at 9 1/2".

4. Iron onto shirt.

What you will need.

Provo Craft Supplies

•   Cricut E2 machine

•   Cricut Teresa Collins Chic and Scary

Other Supplies

•   Black t-shirt

•   White cotton fabric

•    iron on backing

Naughty Girls Surprise - WINNER

I had planned on doing this not long after I finished up posting the Naughty Girls series of cards but then I got busy with work and then I got bronchitis and hadn't had the time nor energy to post the surprise.

If you are one of my regular readers you know that occasionally I will do a giveaway on my blog but rarely do I post it on the Cricut MB or Facebook as I like for my  regular readers to win instead of someone just coming to post so they can win things. I personally don't get into doing giveways to attract readers. I prefer that people read my blog and look at my projects because they want to, not so they can have a chance at something free. Don't get me wrong, I love FREE and enter sweepstakes and such but I just feel for my own personal site I rather a regular reader have a better shot at winning something.

*okie steps off her soapbox* So anywho, I finally got around to doing a drawing for a set of the Naughty Girls card series and the winner is...

Julieta aka Flamenco92627 who posted:
 That's hilarious! Love the punny sentiment. LMAO~September 12, 2011 10:55 AM 

Julieta please email me your information so I can get the card set in the mail to you!

ain't easy being Beautiful - Layout

My daughter often laughs at me because I take picture of EVERYTHING, this situation is one of those that my daughter will laugh at I am sure! I keep telling her that one day she will appreciate even the silliest of my layouts. I love doing face masks and usually try to do one once a week. Sometimes I do the peel mask and others I use a clay mask. I was playing around one night and took pictures of me with a clay mask on my face and posted it on Facebook *okie shakes her head at herself and wonders why she post such stupid chit on Facebook*. I then decided I should print the pictures and do a layout.

Supplies Used:
Cricut Expression
Cricut Carts -  Songbird, Elegant Edges, Lovely Floral
Patterned Paper - Crate Paper
Prima Flowers
Large Brad
LetraTac Repositionable Adhesive
Cat Eye Chalk Ink








Letraset, the makers of the ProMarkers I so love, sent me some of their LetraTac to try out and I have to say I REALLY LIKE IT! It says it is for mounting photos and such but I decided to live on the edge *okie knows her readers think okie is so daring* and see if I could use it to add glitter to a large brad. It worked great!! I just followed the simple instructions that were provided and POOF I had a glittery brad. I like the base color coming through. I am not sure if the product is available in stores but I did find it on Dick Blick website.

The "ain't easy being" is done with Songbird and welded together. The "Beautiful" is from Lovely Floral. I double cut both of them and then did an offset so I could have a shadow *okie does love her shadows*. I then covered the words with Diamond Stickles to get the glittery effect. *okie knows people are wondering why she didn't try the LetraTac for that* I didn't try the LetraTac for that because I was only sent one sheet to try and I didn't want to waste it by using it and then some Doodlebug Glitter.

I guess maybe the purpose of me posting such a silly layout is also to let people know not to be afraid to scrap even the silliest or normal moments because one day it will help explain our lives, and isn't that what scrapbooking is all about?

Captured in Time - card

This is the last of the clock stamp, Tim Holtz papers cards that I did. I think I like this one the best because of the elements and colors.

Supplies Used:
~ Cricut Expression
~ Cricut Cartridges - George, Art Philosophy
~ Tim Holtz Lost and Found paper stack
~ Coredinations Tim Holtz Kraft-Core Nostalgia Collection 

~ Cuttlebug
~ Cuttlebug Victoria embossing folder
~ Kelly Pannaci stamps
~ Memento Ink
~ 3/8" Grosgrain ribbon
~ Brads
~ Scrapper Floss
~ Cat Eye Ink

The inside sentiment was done with MS word and it was just something that popped in my head. I hope you can read it because as I am sitting here typing this post I really can't remember what it says *okie wonders if that cough syrup with codeine might be part of the problem as well*.






I think the larger pattern of this embossing folder really shows off the kraft core! I am so loving this cardstock and think I might have to order some soon since I will be afraid of running out *okie so hates to run out of things she likes*.

As much as I would like to write more I think I am about to pass out from my cough syrup and no telling what I might type if I keep on typing so guess I should end this post. When it finally posts I will probably not even remember typing this dang thang up as it is!

A Moment in Time - Manly card

I think this card would be great to give to some of the male species. I still think it is hard to make cards for men because it is so much easier to make beautiful cards for the female species. Let's face it, flowers, bling, lacy and gorgeous colors are a lot more fun to work with and have a lot more that can be done with them. Men are just difficult to make cards for, at least for me *okie thinks...and their socks stink too*.

Supplies Used:
~ Cricut Expression
~ Cricut Cartridges - George, Art Philosophy, Home Decor
~ Tim Holtz Lost and Found paper stack
~ Coredinations Tim Holtz Kraft-Core Nostalgia Collection 
~ Mica Cardstock
~ Cuttlebug
~ Tim Holtz Brick embossing folder
~ Kelly Pannaci stamps
~ Memento Ink
~ Brads
~ Cat Eye Ink

Since I wanted this to be a card for the male species I tried to think of a decent sentiment for the inside of the card. I used MS word to print off the sentiment and it is just something I came up with on my own. It's not great but it gets the point across.

Look at the brick pattern on the red cardstock, you can see the kraft core a lot better in this picture and I love the way it turned out. For those who don't know I will state how I do this. I put my paper in the embossing folder, run it through the Cuttlebug and then leave the paper on the folder while I sand it. This keeps me from pushing down the embossed area while sanding.

Where has the time gone? Card

This is the second card I chose to do featuring the Core'dinations Tim Holtz Kraft Core Paper Pack that Consumer Crafts sent me. I really am loving the use of the Tim Holtz Lost and Found paper stack with this stamp set. They just seem to go so well together.

Supplies Used:
~Cricut Expression
~Cricut Cartridges - George, Art Philosophy
~Tim Holtz Lost and Found paper stack
~Tim Holtz Coredinations Kraft-Core Nostalgia Collection
~Kelly Pannaci stamps
~Memento Ink
~Cat Eye Chalk Ink
~Brad
~Janome Sew MiniBrads
~Cat Eye Ink

I think I should have left off the "but" on the inside sentiment and I know I can go back and edit and reprint if I want later on but for now it will just have to do. 

I used my Janome Sew Mini to add the stitching around the edge of the card. Before sewing I stamped the sentiment on the strip and then used removable adhesive to place the sentiment strip on the front of the card before sewing.

In the close up you can see a little bit of how the Coredinations Tim Holtz Kraft-Core distresses so well. I like the kraft color and think it adds a little more distressed look than the regular Coredinations cardstock.

I have to point out what I thought was pretty ingenious of me with this card...the large mat of the card is done with calendar patterned paper and then the inset mat is done with map printed paper. I thought these went well with the sentiment *okie waits for the applause and then bows graciously*. Yes I know, I do have a good idea every now and then!! *okie starts laughing and starts having a coughing fit* Guess that will teach me to toot my own horn!

Time Flies card

I was able to get around enough to get pictures taken of the cards I made over the weekend and figured I might as well try to get them scheduled to post. I have a doctor appointment this afternoon. I just want to make sure I am not contagious since I work in close proximity with my clients and don't want to make anyone else sick.

Consumer Crafts was nice enough to send me the new pack of Coredinations Tim Holtz Kraft-Core Nostalgia Collection to try out. When I saw the cardstock I knew I wanted to try out the clock themed stamps I got at CKC in Houston. My friend Linda, aka LGuild, and I have looked at clock stamps and we were too cheap to buy any that we had seen. When I saw these and they were only $3 for the set I had to get them, and of course get a set for Linda as well! The stamps are Kelly Panacci clear stamps and I am not sure where you might be able to find them now as they are copyrighted in 2008.

This is the first card I made from the set.

Supplies Used:
~Cricut Expression
~Cricut Cartridges - George, Art Philosophy
~Tim Holtz Lost and Found paper stack
~Coredinations Tim Holtz Kraft-Core Nostalgia Collection
~Kelly Pannaci stamps
~Memento Ink
~Stampin Up background stamp
~Stampin Up border Punch
~Brads
~Cat Eye Ink

While the colors are more feminine I thought it could be used as a card for a man as well. While making this card I actually was thinking of how fast time passed while I was in Houston visiting with my friend Carmen and was thinking this would be a great little card to send someone after staying at their house. I did the sentiment on MS word.






I took the close up shot so you could see the clock a little better. I used a background stamp before stamping on the clock and hands. I think it added a little more interest to the clock. On the sentiment tag I taped down one end and then used a pop dot on the other to give it a little dimension.

ON HOLD

My posting will be on hold for a bit. I do have some new cards, nothing like the naughty girls, but some nice cards that could have different uses to post. Right now I am fighting a cold and I don't have the energy to take pictures, edit and write up posts about them. It's all I can do right now to make it to work without falling over. Will be back when I am feeling better.

Naughty Girls - I want my man

As a coffee lover and a lover of the Love You A Latte Cricut cartridge I knew I had to incorporate something from that cartridge in the Naughty Girls series!! This is the last of the Naughty Girls series and I will be starting another project, I just don't know what yet! Actually I am thinking of doing a few layouts but guess I will wait and see what mood I am in.

Supplies Used:
Cricut Expressions
Cricut carts - Forever Young, Love You A Latte, Reminisce Accents
Patterned Paper - Jennie Bowlin, Flair Designs
Various cardstock
Cateye Chalk Ink
Stampin Up marker
Cri-Kits
Brads
MS Word






I did the sentiment for the inside of the card with MS Word. I couldn't find a good color to match in my stash of Cri-Kits but I think it still came out okay. I am not sure I like the figure holding the cup *okie thinks she looks a little constipated* but I wasn't going to cut another one since I already had all these cut. Sometimes it is hard to tell what it will look like until you get it cut. 

Not sure you can tell, you might need to click the picture to see it better, but I used a Versmark pad to stamp the cream colored cardstock with a swirly design. I think it would have looked better if I had used some embossing powder and heat embossed it...oh well, live and learn!

For the "latte" on the cup I used the Cri-Kits because I knew I wouldn't be able to get a clean cut that small. I think it turned out pretty good this way.





I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful response on this series. It has taught me that there are a lot more warped minds out there than I though *okie cracks up laughing* and it also teaches me that maybe I need to make more of the odd sense of humor cards that I have floating around in my head!! Oh and for you faithful readers of mine stay tuned for a little surprise!!

Naughty Girls - I NEED YOUR

Okay this is for all you naughty nurses out there!! I just couldn't resist but think of my BFF Karen while making this card...and I will spare you guys what she said when I told her about this card when I was putting it together and on the phone with her! *okie thinks about blushing a little but then decides she probably doesn't even know how to blush anymore*

Supplies Used:Cricut Expressions
Cricut carts - Forever Young, Everyday Paperdolls, Feeling Groovy
Patterned Paper - Scenic Route
Various cardstock
Cateye Chalk Ink
Stampin Up marker
Signo UM 153 gel pen
Brads
Stickles
Cri-Kits







I had to send a picture of this one to my friend Amy, aka Scraparazzi and ask her what else it needed. We decided the lighter color strip along the back and the faux stitching was exactly what the card needed to break up the plaid and make it look more finished!

The medical equipment is all from Everyday Paperdolls. I used Design Studio to adjust the items to the sizes I needed. It is hard to tell that the nurse hat has a little red cross on it since it looks like a diamond but I guess it will have to work. At least the cross on the medical bag cut a little better.

The gal did have a dress on and I started to cut out the dress and put it on her but then I thought it went against the whole design of the other cards so I just cut that sucker off of her.




I will be at a conference for work all day today so I might not have time to approve comments throughout the day but I will be reading them when I get back home.

The end of the series posts tomorrow and while I don't have the card completed at the time of writing this post I do think it is going to turn out good *at least okie hopes it does* and I might actually give one of those to someone! HA HA HA

Naughty Girls - It Is My Nature

Since I am a bit of a nature girl I really thought this one was a good one. I like the papers I choose for this card and actually pretty happy with the overall appearance *okie stops for a minute and thinks that she doesn't say that often about things she makes*.

Supplies Used:
Cricut Expressions
Cricut carts - Forever Young, Botanicals, Everyday Paperdolls, George
Patterned Paper - Fancy Pants "All Fall"
Various cardstock
Cateye Chalk Ink
Stampin Up marker
Cri-Kits








I like the triangles on the front of the card criss crossing and I altered the triangle in George using Design Studio to how I wanted it. I so love the fact that shapes can be easily manipulated in Design Studio!! The font for the sentiment is with Botanicals...LOVE IT! I pop dotted the girl on the matte, actually they are all pop dotted for this series because ya'll know how I love my mounting foam!!

I sanded the Coredinations cardstock before cutting out the leaves. I cut a enough so I could layer them and then give them some dimension by folding parts of the leaves up.  

I always feel that adding extra dimension, along with a little doodling really makes a card much more interesting. I will admit that I get tired of doing all the doodling and inking but I just can't seem to NOT do it! I have tried, believe me I have tried *okie cringes at the sight of one of her cards not having inking or doodling* but I just can't do it!!

I would like to say thank you for all of you folks that have left comments. I have enjoyed reading them all and knowing you have enjoyed this series. And for that...well...I will let it be a surprise!

Tomorrow I will be posting ONE of my favorite cards and then on Saturday I will post the last of the series, it is also one of my favorites!! Ya know, the whole "save the best for last" type thing! *okie cracks up laughing*

Naughty Girls - Wanna be my

I am not so crazy about the papers I used on this card but I do like the theme. I was thinking I had some paper that had candy on it but when I looked...well I didn't! *okie figures that is what she gets for not crafting all summer and reorganizing her paper 12 times in the last 3 months like she usually does*
 

Supplies Used:Cricut Expressions
Cricut carts - Forever Young, Paisley, Alphalicious
Patterned Paper - Scenic Route
Various cardstock
Cateye Chalk Ink
Stampin Up marker
Janome Sew-Mini
Sheer ribbon
Brads
Stickles
Cri-Kits

In case you are new to this gig, you can click on the pictures and they will open up bigger if you would like to see more detail.



I think I was looking for an easy finish card when I did this one and it is a bit drab but I think the stragetically placed lollipop does redeem my laziness just a tad. I tried to position the ribbon on the lollipop stick in just the right place to cover...uhh...welll...ya know!!







The words need a little something so I covered them with Stickles to make them POP just a little bit. It really looks better in person.

I love the font Alphalicious and I guess it is an oldie but a goodie since it was one of the first cartridges I got almost 4 years ago.



Come on back tomorrow to see card number 4 of the series!!! I will be finishing out the series on Friday and Saturday *okie thinks she might take a vacation, or at least need one at that point*.

Naughty Girls - Hey Birdbrain

So today is the second day in the series of 6 Naughty Girl cards and how could I not make a card with a gal holding a feather fan covering her nakedness? Well of course I couldn't NOT do it!! I have seen strippers on tv shows and someone always seems to have a big feathery fan covering them and since birds like to flock...well....yeahhhhhhh.....*okie tries to remember what it's like to be flocked and then realizes her memory doesn't go back that far*.

Supplies Used:Cricut Expressions
Cricut carts - Forever Young, 3 Birds on Parade, Songbird, Opposites Attract
Patterned Paper - Scenic Route
Various cardstock
Cateye Chalk Ink
Stampin Up marker
Brads
Cri-Kits

I am diggin using the Cri-Kits for the inside sentiments. It takes a little longer than if I would do it in Microsoft Word and print from the computer but then again it probably saves time since I don't have to keep searching for a matching font. I am also liking the inside of the card decorated a little more. I figure if I am going to go to all the trouble to make this set I might as well make it look good!! *okie cracks up laughin*

I sanded the pink paper before cutting out the feather fan and then after cutting I added a little ink to the edges and then after putting the two cuts together I curled the feathers up a little for some dimension. 

I do have the cards done for Wednesday and Thursday. I still have to finish up the ones for Friday and Saturday and I certainly hope I have time to get them completed and posted on time!!

I would like to thank everyone for the fabulous response I got on the first card in the series! I hope the rest do not disappoint!!

Naughty Girl - I've got...

So this is the first of the Naughty Girl card series! For the girls in the series I used the Forever Young cartridge and I did have to do a little snipping on the silhouettes to make them look naked. YES I SAID NAKED!! Remember if you are easily offended, don't like sexual suggestions, find my humor sinful then please leave now!! I told you not to come this week if ya didn't want to be offended!! *okie watches as a few readers head to the door* Guess they won't be wanting coffee either huh?

Supplies Used:
Cricut Expressions
Cricut carts - Forever Young, Art Philosophy, Billionaire,
Patterned Paper - Basic Grey, Luxe
Various cardstock
Cateye Chalk Ink
Stampin Up marker
Brads
Viva Pearl Pen
Cricut Markers
Cri-Kits


For the sentiment on the inside of the card I used the Cri-Kits because I wanted the font to match the front of the card. In case you don't understand the sentiment just read it outloud and see how it sounds. NOW YA GET IT??? *okie cracks up laughin*

I took this close up so you could see how I have NOT perfected the use of the Viva Pearl Pen! HA HA Also I wanted to show where I actually used the Cricut Markers *okie hears the gasps*...yeah yeah I am just as surprised as you are!

I think I could have made the heart a little smaller but I was trying to make it look like she was holding it to cover up her nakedness. I really don't like my paper choices too well for this card but it's too late to change it now since I already made 6 of them.

Anywho tomorrow will be another Naughty girl!!

Naughty Girl Card Series Coming Soon!

I guess with it getting cooler and Melanie giving me an kick start to crafting again by asking me to review the Art Philosophy bundle it was just what I needed to get back to crafting! I have been working this weekend on designing a new series of cards. I have had the idea in my head for awhile and planned on doing them at the beginning of the summer but when it got hot...well ya'll know what happened *okie leans over and whispers "I'm so sorry" to her Cricuts"*.

I have the cards all designed in DS and working on them. I am trying to save them as Gypsy files as well but I am having problems with some of them not wanting to save. Not sure what that is all about but I will keep trying.

Here is a little sneak peek of the card that will be posting tomorrow. It's amazing what a few little snips of some scissors will do to a Cricut cut! For instance this gal went from looking like a school teacher to looking like a stripper! HA HA HA

Oh the series will be Naughty Girls so you are forewarned that if you are the type to get offended by risque things then ya probably should duck out next week and not come by! *okie cracks up laughing*. Okay I am laughing, but I am VERY SERIOUS! I would like to avoid some of the hate mail and messages I received during the Naughty Princess series because some folks felt like I desecrated the Disney Princess's.


I will be working today on trying to finish all the cards, wish me luck since I cut 6 of each of the 6 designs! Ya know I don't believe in making just one of a card! Even if I don't get them all done I will be posting the first one tomorrow.

Celebrate Cupcake - Art Philosophy

Of course I had to make a card using the cupcake from the Art Philosophy Bundle. I am not sure I like this card much but it is done just the same!

Supplies Used:
Cricut Expressions
Cricut cartridge - CTMH Art Philosophy
CTMH - Art Philosophy coordinating stamp set
Karen Foster - Celebrate
Coredinations cardstock
Cuttlebug - Swiss Dots
brads
ProMarkers
Memento Ink - stamping image
Cat Eye Chalk ink




I ran the green scallop frame through the Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots folder and then sanded over the top of the cardstock, lightening the color of the dots. I added mounting foam to the green frame around the cupcake, just because I like mounting foam!

The cupcake wrapper was colored with Crimson and Burgundy Promarkers. The icing was colored with Cocoa and Cinnamon Promarkers. I think I would have liked it better if I had cut an extra one and then done the icing to pop dot it. Maybe I will do that next time! *okie hates it when she has a good idea after seeing a picture she is posting*



I sanded and removed residue on the blue cardstock before cutting for the tag giving it a little distressed look.

For the tag I stamped the scroll design with Stampin Up ink *okie wonders if it is a sin to mix CTMH and SU products and decides she hopes it is since she needs a little sin in her life from time to time* and then used Memento to stamp the Celebrate on the tag.




If you would like to download the .cut file for use with Design Studio please click here - CELEBRATE CUPCAKE

If you would like to download the gypsy file for use with the Gypsy please click here - CELEBRATE CUPCAKE

If you would like to order this bundle please contact Melanie Brown at her CTMH WEBSITE.

U and Me Forever - Art Philosophy

This card is a little bit more mushy than yesterday's card but I think it can also be used for a "friendship" card. It's redeeming quality that keeps it from being too mushy is the colors used. I dont know about you but yellow, greens and browns just don't scream "OMG LOVE ME FOREVER" *okie puts finger in her mouth and acts like she is making her self throw up and makes gagging noises*.

Supplies Used:
Cricut Expressions
Cricut cartridge - CTMH Art Philosophy
CTMH - Art Philosophy coordinating stamp set
Basic Grey - Origins line
Coredination's Cardstock
Janome Sew Mini
Memento Ink - stamping image
Cat Eye Chalk ink


I left the inside blank so something to the user's choice can be used. I did add a little strip at the bottom for some extra decoration.



Before cutting the leaves I prepped the Coredinations cardstock by sanding, wiping off any residue and then tamping on the top with a sponge with some Tim Holtz Walnut Distress ink. This cut down the bright color a little and made the leaves blend in better with the colors of the Basic Grey paper. I cut the leaves twice and ran a single thin line of glue down the center of the leaves on the bottom layer and then curled the top layer up to give them some dimension.

If you will click the picture and look closely at the leaves you will see where I added drops of Glossy Dimensions to make little "dew" drops. Not sure how good they look in the picture but in person they are pretty cool.




You can see a little more of the details of the embellishing in this picture, along with a closer look at the ticket stamp.

The fact that the size of cut you need to make is listed next to the coordinating stamp is AWESOME!!! It makes it so easy. And with the stamps being clear I didn't even need to use a Stamp A Ma Jig to line it up!





If you would like to download the .cut file for use with Design Studio please click here - U AND ME FOREVER CARD

If you would like to download the gypsy file for use with the Gypsy please click here - U AND ME FOREVER CARD

Each file is set to cut images for making 4 cards at a time.

If you would like to order this bundle please contact Melanie Brown at her CTMH WEBSITE.

A Shout Out for Lisa from Stampout Online

I don't know how many of my readers know, but my dear friend Robin Bogle, aka rcz28 on the Cricut Messageboard, suffered a house fire over the weekend. The fire started her in her craftroom and while it was mostly contained there she completely lost everything in there along with the rest of the house having smoke and water damage. The most tragic thing is that Robin lost her two beloved dogs and cat. Having lost my two boys back in December I can feel her heart-aching grief she has right now. Wanting to help Robin, and hopefully raise her spirits, I sent out a message on Facebook asking if anyone wanted to donate supplies. We have been getting some fabulous responses on that.

But let me tell you about Lisa from Stampout Online...Lisa and I became acquainted online because I ordered a "handmade by" stamp from her, you may recognize it from my photos I post as I use it as a watermark. I quickly learned that Lisa is a great person to order from as she makes sure your order is how you want it before she processes the order. Robin fell in love with the handmade stamp I had and ordered, well let's just say several, handmade by stamps from Lisa's site. I emailed Lisa to ask if she would be willing to take Paypal donations so maybe we could help replace some of the stamps Robin lost. Lisa was extremely generous and replied:

Oh no!!! Would you have any idea which ones or what types? Would they be Unmounted? Send me any info you have and her address and I'll see what I can put together for you/her....you can focus your funds in another direction as I would just be happy to help out. So sad :(
~Lisa

I was able to pull the picture of the stamps off Robins facebook page she had posted for me to see and email that to Lisa so she could see if she had those available. Lisa soon emailed me back and let me know she had all of the images Robin had ordered would be sending out replacements!!

Let me tell ya guys, I don't think many online retailers would be as sympathetic and generous as Lisa is being! I also am not sure if Lisa realizes how much her generous gift will help lift Robin's spirits in this difficult time. What I can tell you is that I am so grateful to be included in such a fabulous bunch of people as I find papercrafters tend to be!!!

I do have a request at this time. If you are planning on getting an address stamp, handmade by stamp, etc please check out Stampout Online and show Lisa the support she is showing our dear Robin during her difficult time.

Remember When Card - Art Philosophy

Like I said yesterday I have a hard time making cards for men so it is a challenge to try and do so. I don't ever plan on using this card but it will be nice to have a few in my stash for others to use *okie wonders if everyone remembers that she has friends that come and jack cards from her boxes*.

Supplies Used:
Cricut Expressions
Cricut cartridge - CTMH Art Philosophy
CTMH - Art Philosophy coordinating stamp set
Basic Grey - Boxer line
Heat set studs
Memento Ink - stamping image
Signo UM-153 white gel pen
Cat Eye Chalk ink
Microsoft Word - inside sentiment




The starburst, for a lack of a better description, was cut in half after being put together with the layers. I think this is an awesome way to use a larger image but still have enough room to show the patterns of paper. And let's face it folks, I am too cheap to use that much pretty paper on one card! *okie cracks up knowing this is so true*.

I added gold heat set studs to the points of the starburst after I got the card done because it seemed like it needed a little something else and I think they added that little touch of something else.

The stitching around the insets also seemed to add to the design enough to help it look a little more embellished.




Okay here is what I really liked about this particular stamp...it is versatile! It can be taken as romantic and mushy or it can be taken as a "just glad you are my friend" kinda card. I think it is often hard to choose a card for a man that you want to say "hey you're pretty cool with me" without having it go overboard and talk about "I want to spend the rest of my life with you so please don't turn me away or I might jump off a bridge". I think this card does a good job of the former!



If you would like to download the .cut file for use with Design Studio please click here - REMEMBER WHEN CARD

If you would like to download the gypsy file for use with the Gypsy please click here - REMEMBER WHEN CARD

Each file is set to cut images for making 4 cards at a time.

If you would like to order this bundle please contact Melanie Brown at her CTMH WEBSITE.

Congratulations Key Card - Art Philosophy

So I told you guys I really love this Close To My Heart - Art Philosophy bundle that Melanie Brown sent me to review, but did I tell you why? Hmm, let me think of the reasons...

• Cricut Cartridge

• Matching Stamps

• Matching Chipboard

• Wide Variety of images

• Fantastic font

I could go on but let me just show you over the next few days!!

Here is the first card I made with the Art Philosophy bundle. A man I know is leaving his current position and starting a new job soon and when I saw this stamp in the set I knew I had to use it to make a card for him.

Supplies Used:
Cricut Expressions
Cricut cartridge - CTMH Art Philosophy
CTMH - Art Philosophy coordinating stamp set
Basic Grey - Boxer line
Metallic Cardstock
Embroidery thread
Brad
Memento Ink - stamping image
Cat Eye Chalk ink
Microsoft Word - inside sentiment

Huh I just noticed I made a typo on the inside sentiment...It should say "MAY YOU HOLD THE KEY TO YOUR HAPPINESS". Good thing it will be easy enough to change! *okie shakes her head at her own stupidity*.


The key base was cut from black cardstock and the top layer is metallic cardstock. I made the little tassel out of some embroidery thread and I think it added a nice little touch to the key and gave the card more interest. It seems a lot of people have problems making cards for me, and I am one of those people *okie tries to think of how often she has made a card for a man and figures she can count on one hand and wonders if maybe she should get out a little more*. Since Basic Grey Boxer line is a masculine theme I thought it worked well for this card. Of course it would be easy to turn this into a feminine card with a different paper line.







The stamp I chose is great for making a few of these cards up and keping in your stash since it does have a variety of choices that you can check. I used a square brad but other things could be used to fill in the little box area. The curly label is included in the Art Philospohy cart so it makes it easy to cut and stamp.







Now I bet you might be wondering how I knew what size to cut the image..well let me show you!!

If you will click on the picture and make it larger, look in the areas that are circled in red. Those tell you exactly what size you need to make your cuts for the coordinating stamps!! INGENIOUS I TELL YOU!!









If you would like to download the .cut file for use with Design Studio please click here > CONGRATS KEY CARD DS <

If you would like to download the gypsy file for use with the Gypsy please click here > CONGRATS KEY CARD GYP<

If you would like to order this bundle please contact Melanie Brown at her CTMH WEBSITE.

I'M BACK!! Art Philosophy review....

OH YEAH AND IT FEELS SOOOO GOOD!

The weather cooled down this weekend and I was able to get in my craft room last night. I designed 4 cards using the Close To My Heart - Art Philosophy bundle and was able to get two of them completed. Okay ya'll know how I roll....so it was actually 8 cards, 4 of each design. I am going to try and get the other two designs completed today and get posts ready for the rest of the week of the projects.

I was asked by Melanie, whom you may know from COURTNEY LANE DESIGNS and EVERYDAY CRICUT, to do a review on the Art Philosophy bundle. Melanie is also a Close To My Heart consultant and was so excited about this bundle she wanted to make sure all Cricut lovers are aware of this product. Melanie knows me well enough to know that if I didn't like the product I wasn't going to endorse or post about it. Well guess what...OOO EEMMM GGEEE!! I SO LOVE THIS BUNDLE!!

The fabulous thing is that the bundle comes with stamps and chipboard shapes that match some of the cuts on the cartridge and the guess work is taken out for you because the sizes you need to cut are printed on the packaging! I will post more about that later, hmm, or make a video just so you guys can see how cool it is!!

If you would like to order this bundle you can visit Melanie's CTMH website, MELANIEBROWNMYCTMH and order from there. There is a great promotion going on for the month of September if you order this bundle before the end of the month. Check out Melanie's post HERE to read more about the great promotion along with seeing a super cute card she made using the bundle.

Anywho, I wanted to let you guys know that I am gonna be back to crafting and there should be posts each day this week of the cards I am making with the Art Philosophy bundle. Oh and never fear I will be posting links to download the projects in Design Studio format and the Gypsy format!!

THE NEXT CRICUT CRUISE!

Details for the next Cricut Cruise have been released and you can see details here... CRICUT 5TH ANNIVERSARY PROMOTION.

Here is a list of the prizes for the promotion!!

GRAND PRIZES: A total of thirteen Grand Prizes will be awarded (one to each winner), grouped into the following categories:

Grand Prize No. 1 (seven prizes): Caribbean cruise for two, round-trip coach air transportation for two from a major airport near winner's residence (as determined by Sponsor) to Houston, Texas, pre-cruise hotel accommodation for 1 night (one standard room, double occupancy), Ground transfers to/from airport and hotel and cruise departure location, inside stateroom with a maximum of two persons aboard the Mariner of the Seas cruise ship for seven (7) nights; All shipboard meals for winner and travel companion; Government taxes and fees (as defined in the Royal Caribbean brochure) for winner and travel companion. Winner's guest must be 18 years of age or older, unless the winner is the parent/legal guardian of the guest. (ARV: $4,600). For the seven Grand Prize No. 1 trip prizes, one prize will be allocated to entrants at each of the Hobby Lobby, Michaels, AC Moore, JoAnn and HSN microsites within cricut.com. See Rule 1 for microsite URLs. An additional two Grand Prize No. 1 trip prizes will be randomly seeded among all of the participating Websites.

Grand Prize No. 2 (three prizes): Cartridge Pack (includes 100 Cricut^® cartridges) (ARV: $6,000);

Grand Prize No. 3 (three prizes): Craft Room Makeover, awarded in the form of crafting tools and storage solutions, valued at $5,000. An expert chosen by Sponsor will visit winner's home to determine what crafting tools and storage solutions would be appropriate. HOWEVER, in the event a Grand Prize No. 3 winner resides in Canada or the Great Britain, winner will receive a check in the amount of $5,000 instead. (ARV: $5,000).

For those who don't win you will be able to still go on the Cricut Cruise by purchasing your own ticket through ProvoCraft. I have heard that there will be payment options for the tickets on the cruise. I believe the way the classes are done is going to be a little different this year and you will purchase admission to which class or classes you want to take. I will post more information when I find out for sure.

I sure don't figure I have a chance in hades of winning again but I am going to be on that cruise one way or another. My BFF Karen and I had such a great time last year that we have made a pact to go again!