CAN I TOOT MY OWN HORN????

I am so proud of myself! Ever since I've had my Cricut Expression and the DesignStudio software, I haven't had time to sit down and really study either--the machine or the software. The machine has been super easy to use; however, I have wanted to explore all the creative options available to me with the software. Today, I decided to try to design something. Now, when you buy the software, you can only install it on one computer, so I installed it on the notebook that sits on the Cricut table and is connected to the machine. But . . . that notebook is small and hard to see, so I installed a trial version of the software on my PC. What this means is that I can design whatever I want on my PC, save the design, and then open it on the notebook and actually cut the design. I decided that I'd like to try to design a window cut on a box or a bag. I used the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge that already had a "shopping bag" image for me to use, and I chose a flower image on that same cartridge to place where I wanted a floral-shaped window on my bag. I placed the flowers where I wanted them but wasn't sure if they'd be cut windows or what. Much to my surprise, I did it!!!!! I designed the size shopping bag that I wanted WITH a window in the shape of a flower!!!! This may not be big news for you, but it's HUGE for me! You can't tell from the picture, but I have placed acetate on the inside of the bag behind each floral window so whatever goes in the bag won't fall out. Because I wasn't sure my design would cut as planned, I used scrap card stock that had some stamping on what is now the inside of the bag. Still, I decorated the bag as if it was perfect. I used the "Priceless" stamp set with Pretty in Pink and Pink Passion Classic inks.

CAN YOU SAY "EYE CANDY?"

Isn't this a cute box? I'm going to enjoy it because it's the only one I'll ever make! I didn't have any nicely wrapped candy to put in it, but that's just as well.

In case you'd like to make one, the acetate is made like a 2-4-6-8 box (only larger), and then the top and bottom pieces are attached to it. The instructions I had totally STINK because they leave a LOT to your own devices, and the measurements for the top and bottom Chocolate Chip pieces are scored exactly to fit the acetate box; however, don't we all know that won't work???? I know, I know . . . so why did I do that? I think I would have been better off to not even score the Chocolate Chip card stock and just wrap it around to fit. Images from Stampin' Up!'s "Priceless" stamp set were used to decorate this little dilly. White StazOn ink was used on the acetate (it worked GREAT and dried VERY quickly), and White Craft ink was used to stamp the Chocolate Chip card stock.

If nothing else, it does make a nice picture, and it really is something sweet for the eye to behold. ;-)

Have a stampin' good day!

CRISS CROSS, 3D BUTTERFLY & A NEW CD

Right now, I'm listening to Shawn Colvin sing "I Don't Know Why," and it occurred to me that I don't know why I'm addicted to 3D butterflies. When I stamp one, I automatically want to cut it out and give those dainty wings a little bit of life.

As is usually the case, I came in here this morning to clean off my desk. Why does the stamping muse hit me when I'm supposed to be cleaning???? I don't know why! My "Priceless" stamps were already out--I think several stamp sets gathered for a party recently--so I couldn't just clean them and put them away! I decided to create this fun Criss Cross card. This is just the second one I've made, and I still have trouble deciding how to decorate the pocket insert. I wonder why that is!

By the way . . . if you're looking for a great CD, may I recommend "Touched By An Angel The Album?" I stumbled upon this CD at Barnes & Noble last week, and it is awesome--I mean, A-W-E-S-O-M-E! One of my favorite songs on this CD is "You Were Loved" by Wynonna, but I really enjoy all of them! This is one of those CDs that's fun to listen to while you're stamping, cleaning, driving, having a meltdown because you need to turn left to get to the school and the Sheriff's office has blocked left turns and the traffic is HORRENDOUS and you have to go past your destination, make a U-turn, and crawl through the traffic to get BACK to your destination! And Heaven help you if you're tardy! Argh!!!! [breathe in, breathe out]

PUNCH GUIDE

Yes, I'm STILL playing with the Bind-It-All . . . and having a great time! ;-)

This little dilly is, as the name implies, a punch guide. You'll notice that a few Stampin' Up! punches were used to adorn the cover. I used Enchante designer paper, which is a retired Stampin' Up! product. Current products used to create this book are Pale Plum, Very Vanilla, and Perfect Plum card stock. The stamped swirl design is from the "Priceless" stamp set.

The usefulness of this Punch Guide is demonstrated on the inside pages. I have categorized the punches into five sections and punched samples on the pages. The first useful trick is that the ordering information is in this guide, but what really makes the guide an awesome tool is that the punched "templates" (the white pages) can be placed over images in the catalog to determine which images will fit the punches.

Drink Mix Treat/Party Favor

Who wouldn't be grateful for this type treat with the high temps we've had lately??? It's hard to tell from the picture, but the butterfly on top is 3D with lifted wings. If you're not already sick and tired of seeing 3D butterflies from me, give yourself some time because I LOVE this little trick with butterfly images!

This project features the new "Priceless" stamp set, and it's such a fun one! It has an interesting mix of images . . . swirls, heart, butterfly, circle, flower . . . and they work so well together because most of the art images have swirls on them. The word stamps in this set are "Priceless" and "So Kind."