My plan today was to work on making a wreath, similar to the one on p. 92 of SU's catalog. I had designs of my own, though, that I wanted to try. For one thing, I found a cute rooster/chicken (not sure which it is) to sit in the center of the wreath, and I also purchased some wired twine that I thought would add some pizzazz. Although SU used mostly "Autumn Traditions" designer paper and Always Artichoke card stock for their wreath, I wanted to throw some Soft Suede card stock and other patterns from the designer paper into the mix. I'm definitely not 100% pleased with this wreath--it will need more leaves to fatten it up--but it's off to an okay start. I used gold pins to secure the leaves to the wreath, but I'm at the point where I'm using Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive now because I don't like the way the little pinheads look--I thought I would like that! All of the leaves were die cut with the Big Shot and Leaves #2 die. So, here it is . . . my not-quite-finished wreath. 
Saturday, August 8, 2009
FALL WREATH
My plan today was to work on making a wreath, similar to the one on p. 92 of SU's catalog. I had designs of my own, though, that I wanted to try. For one thing, I found a cute rooster/chicken (not sure which it is) to sit in the center of the wreath, and I also purchased some wired twine that I thought would add some pizzazz. Although SU used mostly "Autumn Traditions" designer paper and Always Artichoke card stock for their wreath, I wanted to throw some Soft Suede card stock and other patterns from the designer paper into the mix. I'm definitely not 100% pleased with this wreath--it will need more leaves to fatten it up--but it's off to an okay start. I used gold pins to secure the leaves to the wreath, but I'm at the point where I'm using Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive now because I don't like the way the little pinheads look--I thought I would like that! All of the leaves were die cut with the Big Shot and Leaves #2 die. So, here it is . . . my not-quite-finished wreath. SIMPLE "MEDALLION" CARD
"Medallion" is one of SU's brand new background stamps, and it is so pretty! For this card, I inked the stamp with Craft ink and then clear-embossed the stamped image, placed a rhinestone brad in the center, tied the ribbon around it, and called it done.A TOUCH OF HERITAGE
This is the layout that my scrapbook club made last night. They were disappointed that their layout didn't come with my pictures, but I'm sure--in due time--their spirits will lift. With this particular layout, we used a conservative color palette and some Lattice die accents to go with the heritage theme. On a true heritage layout, I'd be more inclined to use oval frames and mats; however, my photos were "young enough" to remain square. I think. The amazing thing is that I actually included photos on this layout! Now . . . how can I can make myself branch out and start scrappin' color photos? Thursday, August 6, 2009
MORE "SWEET CENTERS"
I know these petals are different from sunflower petals, but I wanted to use sunflower seeds for the center. While searching for items to use in the sweet treat cups, I have found so many things in my pantry that I didn't know were there! Ha! The "Sweet Centers" stamp set has a hot air balloon, ornament top, heart, and flower petal that lend themselves to the placement of a sweet treat cup to complete them, and there is also a stamp in this set with two leaves. This flower was created by stamping the petal image all around the circle and then stamping and cutting out a few more petals to add dimension. This is truly a FUN stamp set! Best of all, the treat cups are really inexpensive. I ordered two packs because I knew I'd be playing!FAST FORWARD TO HALLOWEEN
My preorder from the Holiday mini catalog arrived today, and you know I had to play! I was really excited about two of the new products . . . the "Sweet Centers" stamp set and the Sweet 
Treats Cups . . . so my very first project is this one . . . a Halloween treat! The good thing about the cups is that they already have adhesive on them, and they're a very generous depth--approx. 1/2"! To create the circle cut-out in the center, I used a Sizzix die (also from the Holiday mini catalog) that works with the Curly Label Bigz XL die. You probably should start saving a few dollars because you are sure to want some of the new goodies coming your way. The stamp set that I used to create this card has images perfect for Valentine's, Christmas, and everyday events, and they are each designed for a circle center to be filled with one of the Sweet Treats cups. How cool is this? I'm not 100% pleased with this card design, but you can definitely get an idea of how the treat cups work. All the little trick-or-treaters in your life would certainly like to get one of these cards. SU even has padded envelopes just for these projects! The designer paper used on this card is from the Cast-a-Spell collection.
Treats Cups . . . so my very first project is this one . . . a Halloween treat! The good thing about the cups is that they already have adhesive on them, and they're a very generous depth--approx. 1/2"! To create the circle cut-out in the center, I used a Sizzix die (also from the Holiday mini catalog) that works with the Curly Label Bigz XL die. You probably should start saving a few dollars because you are sure to want some of the new goodies coming your way. The stamp set that I used to create this card has images perfect for Valentine's, Christmas, and everyday events, and they are each designed for a circle center to be filled with one of the Sweet Treats cups. How cool is this? I'm not 100% pleased with this card design, but you can definitely get an idea of how the treat cups work. All the little trick-or-treaters in your life would certainly like to get one of these cards. SU even has padded envelopes just for these projects! The designer paper used on this card is from the Cast-a-Spell collection.NEW LOOK TO MY BLOG!!!
How do you like the new look???? Heather Wright-Porto (www.BlogsbyHeather.com) fixed it up for me . . . after just having a baby a few days ago! Is she amazing or what? If you feel so inclined, leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
PLAYING WITH CRICUT "END CAP" FEATURE
I'm trying to get my ducks in a row to offer a demonstration class this month on the Cricut Expression machine. I was experimenting with the End Caps feature today and decided to use the cuts to create this quick card. The designer paper I used is from Basic Gray's "Stella Ruby" collection, and the "end caps" cut is the white piece with the word "hi" cut out with the layered flowers on the left. The card stock (Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, and True Thyme) and the rhinestone brads are from SU, as is the retired organdy ribbon. ETA: My Cricut class will be held on Sunday, August 23, at 3:00 p.m. I'll be demonstrating all of the buttons, modes, functions, bells, and whistles at that time. If you'd like more information, let me know. I've attached a new picture of the card I orginally posted here. This revised card has a floral border added to the bottom.Monday, August 3, 2009
PORCH LIGHTS
Even though my porch has an overhead light, I don't like to use it because it's like a beacon for
bugs. Instead, I use a string of white Christmas lights around the base of this floral arrangement that I put together in the Spring. Aren't the flowers gorgeous? I can't believe they still look as good as they do! My sister cleaned my porch this weekend, and we put a new string of lights around the table. Thanks Renee!!!!!!! You did a FABULOUS job!!!!! I love having Renee around! She doesn't mind pulling weeds and knocking down spider webs--things we have too much of!
bugs. Instead, I use a string of white Christmas lights around the base of this floral arrangement that I put together in the Spring. Aren't the flowers gorgeous? I can't believe they still look as good as they do! My sister cleaned my porch this weekend, and we put a new string of lights around the table. Thanks Renee!!!!!!! You did a FABULOUS job!!!!! I love having Renee around! She doesn't mind pulling weeds and knocking down spider webs--things we have too much of!ICED & ETCHED!
Yesterday was a FUN anniversary celebration with my parents, grandmother, sister's family, 
niece and great-nephew at my house! Isn't the cake beautiful???? My friend, Karin, did a great job decorating it, and it wasn't just pretty--it was delicious! When Renee and I decided that we wanted to celebrate our parents' anniversary, we wanted a nice cake but didn't know who to call. Our mother is the only cake decorator we know . . . until I remembered that Karin recently took a cake decorating class. Boy, did we have a job for her! Ha! Notice the glasses on the table with the etched hearts on them? I used the Cricut to cut a vinyl stencil (with the 
hearts) and used Etch Cream to chemically etch the design on the glasses. When Karin showed up with the server that also had double hearts, it was as if we'd collaborated on the design! This is just one example of how perfectly everything came together to make for a perfect day!
niece and great-nephew at my house! Isn't the cake beautiful???? My friend, Karin, did a great job decorating it, and it wasn't just pretty--it was delicious! When Renee and I decided that we wanted to celebrate our parents' anniversary, we wanted a nice cake but didn't know who to call. Our mother is the only cake decorator we know . . . until I remembered that Karin recently took a cake decorating class. Boy, did we have a job for her! Ha! Notice the glasses on the table with the etched hearts on them? I used the Cricut to cut a vinyl stencil (with the 
hearts) and used Etch Cream to chemically etch the design on the glasses. When Karin showed up with the server that also had double hearts, it was as if we'd collaborated on the design! This is just one example of how perfectly everything came together to make for a perfect day! Saturday, August 1, 2009
50 YEARS!!!!!!
Tomorrow is my parents' 50th anniversary, and we're celebrating the occasion at my house.
This is the card that I made for them, and I was very pleased with how it turned out! I used Whisper White (SU) and reflective gold (non-SU) card stock. The stamped images are from SU's "Together Forever" stamp set, and I stamped them with VersaMark ink and 
then heat-embossed in gold. Since I wasn't sure that I'd like the stamped design, I didn't even use the stamp-a-ma-jig, so I guess this design was just meant to be--it turned out perfectly! The reflective gold border that comes off the bottom of the card was cut and dry-embossed with Spellbinders' "In Spades" borderabilities die using the Big Shot. I think those spades mimic hearts nicely, don't you?
This is the card that I made for them, and I was very pleased with how it turned out! I used Whisper White (SU) and reflective gold (non-SU) card stock. The stamped images are from SU's "Together Forever" stamp set, and I stamped them with VersaMark ink and 
then heat-embossed in gold. Since I wasn't sure that I'd like the stamped design, I didn't even use the stamp-a-ma-jig, so I guess this design was just meant to be--it turned out perfectly! The reflective gold border that comes off the bottom of the card was cut and dry-embossed with Spellbinders' "In Spades" borderabilities die using the Big Shot. I think those spades mimic hearts nicely, don't you?
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