What a week it has been!  The only think that could possibly top Cricut's 5th Birthday Party and release of the Expression 2 was a Royal Wedding!  I may need the weekend to recover from this fun, fun week.  I thought I would wrap up the week with a fun birthday card.

The card was created using Imaginesce cardstock and chipboard stickers, the I-Top tool, Stampin' Up stamps, and a Stampin' Up punch.   I really like the bright and festive look of this card.  The cake and present chipboard stickers really pop off of the brown cardstock on the cover, but then I took the card to the next step.  I added a stamped and punch tag, color coordinating flowers, and an I-Top brad. 

I like the fold of the card.  Begin with a 12" strip of cardstock.  Fold the cardstock in half.  Then fold the top half of the card in half again, folding back toward the fold.  You will create an uneven Z fold.  You then attach a small rectangle to the top half of the card.  The photo above shows this fold far better than I could possibly explain it to you.

The top of the card pulls to the left to open.  Inside the card I stamped Happy Birthday again and left plenty of space to write a personalized message.

Labels: Birthday Card, Stampin' Up

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Happy Wednesday everyone.  We are halfway through the first week of 2011.  I bet all of you teachers out there are counting the hours until Friday afternoon after two weeks off.  My son's school district scheduled a teacher work day on Monday to help them transition back to school.  He was thankful for the transition day.

We have two family birthdays in January, my mom and my daughter.  Their birthdays are one week apart - Bethany was late and my mom was annoyed that Bethany refused to be born on her birthday.  I wanted her to come by Christmas so I had not sympathy for mom's annoyance!!

Anyway, this is mom's birthday card.  Inside the card, which I forgot to photograph, reads Warm Winter Birthday Wishes!  I used Bazzill cardstock and Echo Park cardstock; Spellbinder's Snowflake Pendant 2010, Label #14, Lacey Circles, and regular circles dies; JustRite stamps and Popcorn the Bear stamps; Stampin' Up ink and ribbon to create this card.  Oh, and a Spellbinder's embossing plate. 

I wanted a winter themed card that was both feminine and fun and I believe that this card met those goals.  I used Bazzill shimmer cardstock and Spellbinder's Snowflake Pendant  dies to cut the adorable pink snowflakes.  I used a pink ink to stamp the circle and lacey spellbinder dies with JustRite stamps.  Again, going for feminine with all of the pink, yet fun with the embossing and less formal stamps.

I had trouble finding a Happy Birthday stamp for the front of the card.  I am not sure where I stashed all of my birthday stamps.  I finally used a Popcorn the Bear "Happy Birthday" stamp.

I should be back tomorrow with another Spellbinder based project.

Labels: Birthday Card, JustRite Stamps, Nestabilities, Spellbinders

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We had a birthday in our family last weekend.  We celebrated my son Aaron's birthday - my son Aaron's 25th birthday!  Aaron is a fun man.  He believes that Batman is the greatest super hero ever because he is sure that Batman has something in his bat belt to take out any other super hero.   Aaron and I had a conversation going on via facebook where we were debating who was better, Batman or Superman.  I thought (apparently in error!) that Superman could take Batman.  Batman is after all a mere human where as Superman is from another planet.  Superman can fly, repel bullets, has laser vision, etc.  Just as I finished stating my case Aaron informed me that he is sure that Batman keeps Kryptonite in his utility belt just in case Superman needs taking down!   Such intellectual debate!

It matters not that Aaron is 25, I decided that Batman should be the theme of the day.  One of Aaron's gifts was Converse All-Star high top sneakers - with Batman and Gotham cartoon print fabric!  Aaron is a high school teacher so I am sure his new footwear will be a hit with his students!  As the sneakers set the theme, I decided to let Batman be apart of his other gifts.  I found a Batman gift bag at a local store and it was perfect size for the hardcover book we had for Aaron. 

Using black, navy, cream and yellow cardstock I made a Batman birthday card and envelope.  I used Design Studio and welded two Batman heads together to create the card shape.  The face and mask elements were cut to size for the card.  A skin tone Copic marker was used to color Batman's face - though I did wonder if he should have a five o'clock shadow!  The Batman font was used on the card, except for the O; I used a circle and the bat emblem for the O. 

For Aaron's smaller gift I created the 3-D Gotham box from the Batman cartridge.  The box was super easy to make, even with my one change to the pattern.  The box is supposed to close under the bat emblem, but I decided to add sticky velcro under the light beam.

Aaron LOVED his sneakers.  He also liked his other two gifts even if they were not Batman related.  He laughed at his Bat card and gift box!!  Who would have thought that Batman would be such a hit for my son's 25th birthday!!  Well, actually I guess I did.  After all, I only purchased the Batman cartridge BECAUSE of Aaron!!!

Labels: Aaron, Birthday Card, C-Batman, Card and Gift Box

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I know this is not my usual paper craft style, but I am putting this out here anyway.  This Epic card was created with the Cricut Imagine and the Cricut Imagine JT cartridge.  I also used an Imagine pre-loaded shape as the background mat.  And in keeping with my theme of Imagine elements, I also printed the background paper from the JT cartridge.

There are so many things I could share about how wonderful the Cricut Imagine is to work with, but today I am going to focus on just one particularly appealing aspect of the Imagine.  My friend Susan from Seneca said that she loves the Imagine because all of the papers and colors on a single cartridge are already coordinated for her!  She likes knowing that the selections she makes will all look wonderful together in her completed projects.

 

In this specific project I chose the flourish accented skull and the wing accented word Epic as my main elements.  Using the layers feature on the Imagine, I split the skull cut into layers and recolored the top layer, the face, with the skull print paper on the JT cartridge.  I thought it would be more striking if the skull had skull print.  I will say that you loose a few details when you cut the skull alone, but it is worth it for the layered effect.

 

I cut the word Epic using only two layers.  You can actually choose to cut this piece in four layers, but I liked the overall print better.  I cut this in two layers so that I could layer to two pieces.  The headphones were cut as a single layer.  I did not want the headphones to over power the skull. 

The photo above shows the inside of the card.  I used just a top layer of the skull with a larger set of headphones.  This leaves plenty of room for personalizing the card.  I see this card as a potential birthday card for one of my sons (both have birthdays in the next 60 days).  While one son is very into music the other often uses the word Epic!  Alas, there will be choices to make....

After layering the elements together I added think black and white gingham ribbon over the tag matting, but under the skull flourish.  I tied the to strips of ribbon together with rough twine.  I added a touch of the twine around the i in epic.  I actually tried using wire as an embellishment for this card, but it blended together too well and there was no POP effect.

I will be back tomorrow to share an on-going project with you.  See you tomorrow.

Labels: Birthday Card, CI-Basic Shape, CI-JT, Cricut Imagine

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Popcorn the bear is back to wish you a happy birthday!  This little cutie is going to my friend Ruth as part of her series of bear cards.  I created two similar versions of this card, each using core'dination cardstock and my Stampin' Up punches.
 

The packages were time consuming to color with my Copic markers, but were actually a great coloring exercise.  I learned a lot about what my markers can and cannot do.  I really enjoyed the plaid package - easy to do one color at a time.  I used my white gel pen to add the dots to the blue package.

I added a small Party Time phrase to the front of the card using a stamp that came with the Popcorn set and Stampin' Up ink and oval punch.  I finished the oval with dots and dashes in white pen.

I finished off the bottom edge with a Stampin' Up border punch and a bit of lime green ribbon.  I actually made two versions of this card and did not use floral print ribbon on the other card.  I was hoping that the floral ribbon feminized this card a bit.

Labels: Birthday Card, Stamping

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I think I may have a new addiction - Loralei stamps!  The Loralei stamps are a product of Loralei Productions.  While in Chicago at CHA I met Loralei and her model/friend Susan.  I have not used my Susan stamp yet, but soon....

 I am going to confess that what I like about the Loralei stamps is their lack youth!  They remind me of me and my middle-aged girlfriends; the wide hips, the not quite perky bosom, and the mature facial features.  These women rock!

I added a small package to the lower left corner of the card - the package is one of several smaller stamps included in the Loralei stamp package.

The card is constructed of smooth white cardstock with a piece of patterned cardstock affixed to the front of the card.  Using a two inch scalloped circle punch, I punched three circles and attached them to the left side of the card. I tied a ribbon around the card vertically over top of the circles. 

I finished the card by affixing the Copic colored stamped images to the front of the card using pop dots and stamping a Happy Birthday sentiment inside the card.  I still have two unused Loralei stamps to share with you... But those are for another day.

Labels: Birthday Card, Copics, Loralei Stamps

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Hello and happy Monday.  Welcome to my Tea and Sweet Shoppe!  This week's challenge cut at BBTB2 is the Genie Lamp from the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge.  I ALMOST went with a cute oasis scene on my card but then I decided to take the road less traveled and add my lamp to a line of assorted teapots.

I have to tell you that I do not think I have ever used this many cartridges on a single card.  I used Paper Doll Dress Up, Just Because Cards, Sweet Treats, Tie the Knot, George, A Child's Year, Dreams Come True, Once Upon A Princess, and Cindy Loo.  Each of the teapots is from a different cartridge, as are the cakes. 

I like the store window effect I created by welding two shapes from George in Design Studio and then adding layers.  And of course I had to add pearls and gems to my sweets and shelving.  I used copic markers and my Ranger white gel pen to embellish the teapots, cups, and sweets.

I kept trying to find a way to add large flowers and ribbon, but the additions distracted from my main store window effect so I did not use them.    Instead, I finished the card by adding a swiss dot cardstock mat inside the card and cutting a "sweet" phrase with the Cindy Loo font.

I believe I mentioned a BBTB2 BLOG HOP!!  Yes it is our blog hop week.  I have some sweet blog candy up for grabs - just leave a message below and you will be in the drawing for a CUSTOM CROPS GIFT VOUCHER!!!  That's right!  Free shopping!!

After you leave your comment below and become a follower if you'd like, you should hope on over to the blog of the VERY TALENTED THERESA!  I cannot wait to see what Theresa made this week; she is such an amazing artist- quickly - go!!

Happy hopping!

Labels: BBTB2, Birthday Card, Blog Candy, C-A Child's Year, C-Cindy Loo, C-Dreams Come True, C-George, C-Just Because Cards, C-Once Upon A Princess, C-Paper Doll Dress Up, C-Sweet Treats, C-Tie the Knot

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Happy Monday and welcome to the BBTB2 Monthly Blog Hop!  If you are following the blog hop you probably arrived here from Carole's blog (isn't she a sweetie??).  I will keep you for just a few minutes, then you can be on your way.  This week the Design Team was challenged to use any one of the three purses on the PAISLEY cartridge in our projects.  I chose the cut apple front purse, then I substituted cherries, also on Paisley, for the apples.

I used the fabulous Fashionista paper by Graphic 45, a line I have LOVED, to create my card.  The card front features bright cherries POPPED out on a frame of oval nesties.  At the bottom edge of the card I used a border punch on yellow cardstock to create a edge trim.  At the top of the front section I added a yellow bow with a Prima flower trimmed with tiny cherries.

The surprise factor in my card is the opening design; I welded a front piece to the shadow back of the purse to create a flip down opening.  Inside I used more of the Fashionista cherry paper as well as a smooth cream cardstock on which to write my message.  The smooth cardstock is embellished with cherries.  The image below shows the card fully opened.

I mentioned in the title that I have special Blog Candy this week.  One of my favorite scrap e-stores, SCRAP YOUR TRIP, is sponsing my blog hope this month and has given me a $20.00 gift certificate to give away!!!  How awesome is that?  Scrap Your Trip is owned by Julie Swatek, a lovely woman "My Friend Kathy" and I met a few years ago at the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Charlotte. Julie is so nice and her store has just the greatest selection of travel, sports, music, military, etc., etc. scrapping products.  All you have to do is leave a comment in the comment section below to be included in the drawing for the gift certificate.  I will select a random winner on Thursday.

After you register for my blog candy I know you will want to hop along to the next BBTB2 site.  Your next stop is at the blog of Krista.  Krista is such a sweet woman with amazing talent I just know she will have something wonderful to share!!!  Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your hopping!

Labels: BBTB2, Birthday Card, Blog Candy, C-Paisley

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I made three cards today, two Easter cards and a spring birthday card.  Shocker notice:  The birthday card was completely cricut-free.  Gasp!!  Yes, I made a card and used not one cricut cut.  Shame on me!

I used a Bo Bunny paper and stamp set, to create this simple card.  I love the Bo Bunny stamp sets that match their papers - this is my second set and just look at the cuteness of  this stamp set!

I also used a couple of Stampin' Up tools:  I stamped the SU label stamp on pink Bazzill cardstock and used the SU label tag punch to cut it out.  I added a SU Happy Birthday stamp and affixed the tag to the card. I also used SU stamps on the inside of the card.

I added ribbon across the bottom edge of the card and affixed this Bo Bunny stamped flower with a gem stone center.  The photo above shows a close up of the gemstone edging. For a final look at my simple Happy Birthday card:

Labels: Birthday Card, No Cricut

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Happy BBTB2 Monday - This week there is a Birthday Bash going on over at BBTB2 where I had the pleasure of selecting this week's challenge cut, Cake2 from the Sweet Treats cartridge. Sunday was my 50th birthday and the wonderful Design Team graciously agreed to share my birthday by using the Sweet Treats Cake2 cut.

I used the Cake2 cut to create this adorable Birthday Cake. I used a vibrant lime green for the shadow cut, yellow cardstock for the icon cut, pink swirls (Basic Grey) for the cake layers, and aqua for the icing cuts.

The birthday candle is lime green with yellow twists. I added the phrase "Make a Wish", a cut also on the Sweet Treats cartridge, to the front of my card and cake.

I embellished my cake with Prima flowers and a pretty aqua ribbon with a bow. I also added Melissa Frances pearls to the icing cuts. The cake is sitting on a pretty silver cake plate (above). The image below shows the aqua oval I used as matting for my cake. I trimmed the oval with fuzzy ball trim and white stitching doodles. The tops layers are mounted on a pretty plaid oval card, which is pink on the inside.

If you have not already gone by BBTB2 and viewed the Design Team projects, you should do so.  As always, the DT so impressed me with their collective talent and creativity.

Labels: BBTB2, Birthday Card, C-Sweet Treats

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Happy Monday morning!  I like Mondays because I get to share my new BBTB2 project every Monday morning.  This week Technique Tuesday sponsored the challenge, providing each Design Team member with an adorable Deer stamp set to use on this weeks project.   

In addition to the Technique Tuesday stamp set we also had a challenge Cricut cut, flourish #3 from Stretch Your Imagination.  I used the the stretched version of the cut as a side embellishment on my card.  I also used the sunflower cut from SYI, giving my cute Deer an opportunity to "stop and smell the flowers". 

Details:  The base card was cut in smoth white cardstock.  The front of the card is another FABULOUS Bo Bunny paper mounted on blue Bazzill cardstock, which is mounted on rust Bazzill cardstock.  I added a 1.25 inch wide ribbon over the floral layer and topped that with a 3/8 inch ribbon trimmed in brown.  The deer stamp image was stamped and colored with Copic markers.  I cut the two label layers with nestabilities and dyed the top layer of label with Tattered Angel Glitter Mist.  I mounted the Deer on the top layer along with a gem centered flower and stamped the words "For A Deer Friend" which was part of the Technique Tuesday stamp set.   I added border gemstones to the labels and a bow to the ribbon.   I finished the card off with additional gems on the flourish and ramdon dots. 

I added a rectangle of light blue Bazzill to the inside with a decorative strip from the Bo Bunny paper to the inside of the card.  I did not stamp a inside sentiment because I thought I would wait until I use the card and personalize it then.  If you have not already done so, please do go by BBTB2 and check out the other desinger's Deer projects.

Labels: BBTB2, Birthday Card, C-Stretch Your Imagination, Stamping

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