Paper Secrets May Sketch Challenge

I wanted to do another challenge and realized after my Pink Stamper Challenge post, that today is the last day to enter Paper Secrets May challenges. So, two posts today!
I made this page with a sketch from Page Maps, paper from Me and My big Ideas, Martha Stewarts Iron Gate Punch around the page set, Hobby Lobby ribbon and butterfly, and Graphically Speaking Cricut Cartridge. Thanks for looking!

Pink Stamper Father's Day Challenge

Most of us need to make a Father's Day card or gift, so entering this next challenge was fun and could win a prize! This challenge is going on at The Pink Stamper, and the prize is an Expression! Here I made a card using my Cricut and the following cartridges: George, A Childs Year, Beyond Birthdays, Mini Monograms and Wild Card. I love using motifs inside the circle outline from George and here I used a silhoutte from a Child's Year. I loaded my gel pens into the Cricut for the sentiment, "You're Simply the Best...Dad". and then swapped the pens for the blade to cut the rest. This is so easy with the Gypsy! You just write first, don't unload the paper, and swap to the blade, then cut and when finished unload the paper. If need be you can go back to the design to add to it. I added "Dad" because it did not occur to me immediately. The paper and ribbon are Close to My Heart. The rub ons are Bazzill Collection, FireHearts/Kisses by Imaginisce.

Etsy Inspired Challenge: A Card

I found a new challenge blog I wanted to try: EstyInspired Challenge. They post a challenge, with a shop from Etsy and challenge participants visit the shop and create an item inspired by an item in the shop. This challenge featured an Etsy store called Sunshyne Silverware. Above you will see a photo of the pendant from Sunshyne Silverware, made from a recycled spoon. I loved the colors and the flower motif!
In my card, I used my CTMH black cardstock, with my Cuttlebug Swiss dot folder and sanded it to give the polka dot look from the pendant. I chose a cut file from Accent Essentials to mimic the flower motif, and placed a 3 Dimensional stick from Jolee in the center. I punched around the flower motif with my hole punch and placed some bling in the holes. I also added some Martha Stewart ribbon.

My Minds Eye Cricut Cake Cover

Did you know that some of the best known scrap booking paper companies now have fabric lines? Here is one line of fabric by My Mind's Eye, for Riley Blake. The line is called Summer Song. I made this to match Kitchen Aides Tangerine Mixer.
What other paper lines would you like to see in fabric? I have seen Basic Grey Fabric by Moda and snapped up some for my covers. I would love Little Yellow Bicycle, October Afternoon, Cosmo Cricket and Close to My Heart!

Loving Lolly Chops! A Perfectly Timed Inspiration

The same day I made my last post, I got a notice from a new blog I follow of a new post. The blog is called Lolly Chops and I found it through another blogger, whose blog I follow Christine Middlecamp. Anyway, Lollychops did a video tutorial on how to crochet the edge of a paper embellishment. You can find her video here. Now, if you know me, I will use any old excuse to sit down and use the Cricut and why buy the Bazzill template when the cut file I just made could be used. I mean, can you believe it?! My Lego frame, would make the perfect cut for the crochet technique! What timing Lolly Chops! Thanks!
So, I removed the inner row of circles on the cut file and did the blanket stitch with yarn I had around the house. Don't you love it with just the blanket stitch? I hope to have time to crochet a bit on this tomorrow. I am sharing the cut file with the single row of circles, in case you want to try Lolly Chops technique. You will need George and Here is the file.
Be sure to check out her site for great inspiration! I so love the felt flowers that I bought a new Sizzix die. Gasp! I didn't think my Cricut would cut the felt!

A Circular Frame for the Lego Lover Page!

In this economy it is hard to keep up with the Jones'. And I feel the pressure when birthday parties are held. So, my strategy has been to have a big party for my children when they are one, five, ten, and sixteen. On other birthdays they may have as many friends to their birthday parties as Mom can fit in her car and we do an activity out of the house.
On my son's fifth birthday, he wanted a Lego party. So, I made a cake with cupcakes on the top to look like a Lego brick. Boy, I could of used that Cricut Cake! I am a bit challenged with frosting! And gave the boys a Lego set instead of goodie bags. It was the middle of January, so we watched the Bionicle movie and had a Lego scavenger hunt. I made a list of pieced they had to find. For example, a Star Wars Lego piece, a 2 x 2 white brick, a Lego with writing on it, a red Lego any size ,etc. We spread out a sheet and dumped all our Legos. They had 15 minutes and had to find all the pieces. When they were done, we just picked up the corners of the sheet and dumped it. It was not a big party, by some standards, but it was the party my son wanted and big in his eyes. He even liked his cake, bless his heart!
So, I have scrapped this page, and I wanted a Lego look, but not necessarily a Lego brick. So, I made this cut file and am sharing it. Here is my cut file in the Gypsy format.You will need George, Basic Shapes. The cut file has only the red frame. To get the white mat, behind the frame, you will need the Easter Cartridge and the motif is cut at 6". I also, used actual Legos instead of bling on the white mat. Title is Black Letter. I wonder how long it will be before my boys notice that the tail lights are missing from all of their Lego cars?

My second page I am sharing for inspiration. I cut the scalloped border and letters all using Mini Monograms, but did not save the cut file. All the paper is Close to My Heart. I thought the circle border and scallops all repeated the Lego theme.

Mad for Martha Stewart: The Wilton Tent Sale!

I love Martha Stewarts craft products. I am terribly fond of her ribbon, and punches! In fact there are very few punches I buy now that I am such a Cricut addict, but MS punches are addictive and sometimes quicker than designing a cut file! Today, I used Martha Stewart ribbon to finish a Pazzles Inspiration Cover. I love the teal ribbon with the crisp white plaid against this classic paisley fabric!
Speaking of Martha Stewart, do you know about where to shop for MS on the cheap!? The Wilton Tent sale. You have to check out this sale if you live in IL, WI or IN, it is worth the trip. Sale runs June 4-22, 2010 in Woodridge, IL. The tent is just off of 355.They will have Martha Stewart, K & Company and EK Success for at least %50 off retail. And there are plenty of kitchen and baking tools supplies for those of you who bake! Be sure to bring your own tote as the shopping carts are hard to come by! Carpool if you can, because parking can be difficult!! Don't worry if you cannot make the sale in the first few days, they bring in items by the pallets daily. In fact, if you can it is worth visiting more than once a year as the items can vary daily. Good thing I don't live too close or the mad money would be gone by the end of June!