Daring Cardmakers and Sugar Creek Hollow Challenges

Just a quick post to share a card for two challenges.  The challenges are . . .

• Daring Cardmakers - Feeling Krafty - Use at least 3 natural items
• Sugar Creek Hollow - A masculine themed card, staying in the primative, vintage or shabby theme

And here is my card based on the two challenges . . . 

Natural Elements for Daring Cardmakers challenge - burlap, wood (buttons and sentiment base) and cotton twine.

Supplies:

• Base (kraft) cardstock - The Paper Studio
• Patterned paper - 7 Gypsies
• Burlap, cotton twine and wood my stash
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers

Tools:

• Cricut Expression and Walk In My Garden cartridge (Base card2 set at 5" and pp card1 set at 5")
• Cuttlebug
• Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Circlel Small
• 1/8" hole punch
• Scissors, ruler, craft knife, rotary cutter

Tips:

• The buttons were made by cutting circles out of the thin wood with the Cuttlebug and Nesties, then punching 1/8" holes
• I found the very thin 'slice' of wood in a cigar box I bought at a yard sale

And that's the card for two challenges!  Thanks for visiting!  Blessings, Becky!!!


PS - Don't forget to check out my new challenge blog, and if you are interested, apply for our very first Design Team!

Unscripted Sketches #121 . . . My Final Project

Hi There!  It's once again time for a project for Unscripted Sketches and 'Sketch It Saturday.  Here is this week's sketch . . .

Yep, it's a tough one!  It actually took me a while to decide what I wanted to do, but then I remembered my new papers from Authentique, and they worked just perfectly!  (If you haven't tried out Authentique yet, you really should run, don't walk, and find some at your local LSS - they are amazing!)

And here is my project . . .

I love it!  Don't you love it???    Here are the details . .

Supplies:

• Base card stock - Core'dinations
• Patterned paper and stamp diecut - Authentique
• Ribbon - stash (I actually found a bunch of this gorgeous stuff at a yard sale!)

Tools:

• Scissors, craft knife, ruler, rotary cutter.  (I know, no Cricut cuts???)

Tips:

• Seriously . . . measure, measure, measure!!!

And that, my friends, is my last card as a member of the Unscripted Sketches Design Team.  If you haven't heard, I am soon starting a new challenge blog, and you can find more info HERE or by following the link in my right hand column.  AND, there is a DT call going on right now, so if you are interested, please check it out!

I will miss being a part of the Unscripted team, but it is just time to move on to something new.  It has been a lot of fun, and an amazing learning experience.  And I am most grateful to everyone there!  Blessings, Becky

Changes . . .

They say the only thing that stays the same is change - or something like that!  And I am making some changes, too!

For the last several months I have been giving serious thought to starting a new paper crafting challenge blog that focuses on using images other than stamped images.  If you'll remember I did a poll on here a while back, and while the feedback was small, I did learn that there are some people out there who would enjoy such a challenge.

So, it's official - I am starting a new challenge blog called . . . 

Friendship's Garden

The blog is up and ready for you to check it out, but the first challenge will not be held until October 5, 2011.  Rather than post it all here, you can click on the name above to be taken to the blog and read all the info that I already have posted there.

The fun part for you (other than a new challenge blog) is that I am having an open Design Team call, going on right now!  You have between now and midnight (EST) on September 12th to get me your info if you are interested.  Just click on the words 'Frienship's Garden' above and read the info, then follow the directions to apply.

Now, a sad part of this is that I have decided to back down from the Design Team at Unscripted Sketches after this week's challenge. I have been there for a year now, and it's time to move on to other things.  I will miss being a part of the team, but many of us will keep in touch via Facebook, and I will still participate in the challenges from time to time.

So, don't forget to go check out the new challenge blog, and if you are interested, apply for the Design Team!  I can't wait to hear from you!!!  Blessings, Becky 

Moxie Fab World 'Square Sketch Challenge'

Hi there!  I'm back again with another card for Moxie Fab World's Card Ideas Week featuring some really great sketches!  The card I am sharing with you is for their 'Square Sketch Challenge', and as you've probably noticed (if you've been here before) I do a lot of square cards, so this one was very easy for me!  Here is the sketch for the square challenge . . .

And here is my card based on the challenge . . .

Supplies:

• Base card stock - The Paper Studio
• Patterned papers - Basic Grey 'Oxford'
• Crocheted Doily - a gift to me from a friend
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Vintage button and brown twine - my stash
• Brown ink - Stampabilities

Tools:

• Cricut Expression with Walk In My Garden (WIMG) and Elegant Edges) cartridges
• Scissors, craft knife, ruler, rotary cutter

Bits and Pieces:

• Card base cut using Cricut with WIMG cartridge, card2 (cardbase) set at 5" and card1 (patterned base) set at 5"
• Scalloped circles cut using Cricut with EE cartridge, Sclops2-s set at 4" and 4 1/2"
• For the corners of the card, I glued the two scalloped circles together, then marked the edges where they needed to be trimmed off with a pencil and cut them straight with scissors

I love the fall-ish feel of this card, and would be great for a fall birthday or even a get well wish.  Thanks for coming by today!  Hope to see you again soon, Blessings, Becky

Moxie Fab World 'Vertical Sketch Challenge'

I've really been enjoying the sketch challenges over at Moxie Fab World this week.  And although this is the first sketch I have got a project made for, I hope to make the others as well.  This card is for the Vertical Sketch  Challenge, and here is the sketch . . .

As soon as I saw this sketch, I knew exactly what papers I would be using!  Just yesterday I got to visit my favorite scrapbooking store 'Altered Angel' in Alpharetta, GA and bought these absolutely delicious papers from the Sweet Summertime line by Little Yellow Bicycle.  Here is my take on the sketch . . .

Supplies:

• Base card stock - Core'dinations
• Patterned paper - Little Yellow Bicycle 'Sweet Summertime'
• Twine - Pick Your Plum
• Sentiments - SRM Stickers
• Gems - Prima
• Button - stash

Tools:

• Cricut Expression with Plantin Schoolbook cartridge
• Scissors, craft knife, ruler, rotary cutter

Bits and Pieces:

• I cut the flags, or pennants, by hand, backing them on a scrap of navy cardstock to make them pop
• To get the twine to wrap around the top flap of your card, make a small slit in the fold of the card and put the twine through the slit and pull through
• The letters YOU were cut on the Cricut Expression using the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge, Y and U set at 1" and the O (both shadow and letter) set at 1 1/4".

I love this card - truly love it!  The bright summery colors, the pretty patterns, and the celebratory feel!  I hope you enjoyed it too!  Thanks so much for visiting, and I hope you'll come back soon . . . because you know I'll have something else to show you soon!!!  Blessings, Becky

Tag Tuesday Challenge 'Letter A'

It's time for the new challenge over at Tag Tuesday, and this week Rebecca asked us to use the letter A as our focus, showing an image representing the letter, but with the letter A as the focus.  As I was looking through my files for an image, I found this cute one of a child praying, and immediately Matthew 7:7 came to mind . . .

What better word for this challenge than 'Ask'?  Here is my tag for this challenge . . .

Supplies:

• Kraft card stock - The Paper Studio
• Red card stock - Core'dinations
• Image - digital collage sheet bought from Etsy vendor
• Patterned paper - Prima
• Stickles 'Platinum'
• Brown ink - Stampabilities

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression with Elegant Edges (EE) and A Child's Year (ACY) cartridges
• Scissors, craft knife

Cricut Cuts:

• Tag shapes - EE cartridge, Btfly2-s set at 4 1/2" using Oblong feature
• Letters - ACY cartridge, A set at 1 3/4" and s and k set at 1"

I printed and glued the bible verse onto the back of the tag.  I think I will keep this one stuck up around my desk somewhere to remind me it's okay to ask for God's help in meeting our needs.  Thanks for visiting!  Blessings, Becky

Easy Craft Projects Challenge #45

Hi Folks!  The last week or so has been really busy for me, so I haven't been able to do many challenges, and when I did there wasn't time to post them.  But finally now I am here to share a card with you that I made for the Easy Crafts Projects challenge #45.  Their challenge this time is to use a picture as your inspiration to make a project.  Here is their inspiration picture . . .

Aren't those clips the cutest things!  I loved the lion, so I chose to make a card with a lion on front . . .

Supplies:

• Cardstock - DCWV (orange and blue), Bazzill (black) and Core'dinationis (yellow)
• Patterned Papers - KI Memories
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Stickles 'Golden Rod'
• Googly Eyes - Walmart

Tools:

• Cricut Expression and Walk In My Garden (WIMG), Elegant Edges (EE), and Create A Critter (CAC) cartridges
• Scissors, ruler, craft knife, rotary cutter

Cricut Cuts:

• Card Base - WIMG cartridge, card2 set at 5"
• Patterned Paper - EE cartridge, Sclops2-s set at 4 3/4"
• Lion:  (all set at 3 1/4") black base Lion, yellow body Lion using Layer 1 feature, mane, nose, ears and tail Lion using Layer 2 feature

Don't those googly eyes make the biggest difference!  I love them and how they give the lion such a cute expression.  Thanks for visiting, come back soon, I have a tag for the Tag Tuesday challenge coming right up!  Blessings, Becky

Make It Monday with Kraft Outlet - Movies, Songs or Books Challenge

You know I love the Make It Monday challenge over at The Kraft Journal (blog for Kraft Outlet), and this week's challenge was a lot of fun.  The challenge is to make a project using the theme of  'movies, songs or books', and two of the Design Team members actually made books so I decided to follow their lead and alter a mini-journal and make a matching bookmark for my project.  I have three craft shows coming up in October and November, and the mini journals sell quite well, so it was a good chance to add to my inventory!

Here is my project based on the challenge . . .

I never would have thought the current trend of 'steampunk' style would be (or could be) my style, but these days I am being drawn to the new steampunk style products more and more, and these new papers by Graphic 45 from the 'Steampunk Debutante' line were perfect!  Here is the mini composition notebook I used for the project . . .

It is approximately 4 1/2 x 3 3/4", and comes in a package of 3 for $1 at most Dollar Stores.


Supplies:

• Mini composition notebook - Family Dollar
• Kraft cardstock - The Paper Studio
• Patterned papers - Graphic 45 'Steampunk Debutante' line
• Mini tag - upcycled from packaging in a shipment I rec'd recently
• Metal sprocket - Tim Holtz 'Idealogy'
• Vintage lace, cotton twine, brown felt, vintage button on bookmark and black wire - my stash
• Brown ink and gold metallic ink - Stampabilities

Tools:

• Stamps - Tim Holtz
• Scissors, craft knife, ruler, rotary cutter
• EK Success 'Arch Scallop' edge punch
• 1/8" hole punch

Tips and processes:

• For the bookmark, I cut 2 strips of kraft card stock 2" x 5 1/2", glued them together for sturdiness, then cut a piece of patterned paper 1 1/2" x 5", inked the edges and adhered it to the card stock, inked the edges of the cardstock, and stamped the sentiment on the back.  The sentiment reads "Time is a companion that goes with us on the journey.  It reminds us to cherish each moment because it will never come again.  What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived.".  Then I tied the cotton twine through the hole and tied on the vintage button.
• For the pockets:  There is a pocket for 'things' on the inside of back and front covers of the journal.  I wanted them open to the inside of the book so items would not fall out.  The open edge is punched with the edge punch, and the other 3 edges are folded under and glued.
• I inked the edges of the white papers with brown ink, then again with gold metallic ink to give it the appearance of an older book.  It really makes a huge difference in the overall appearance of the journal.
• For the lace ties and binding: I took one long length of lace and glued it onto the black tape binding.  Then I measured the binding and added about 1/4 inch to that width and cut a piece of brown felt 1 1/2" x 4 1/2".  I glued the 2 edges of the felt to the black tape binding, leaving the center loose so it will open and close easily.

Back side of bookmark

Inked edges of paper edges

Back cover of journal

You know, I really think it is the 'little things', like binding the book with soft felt, adding a vintage button or bit of lace, or inking the edges to give a feeling of age, that make the biggest difference in the crafts you make.  Taking an extra minute to add a finishing touch can take a nice project  and make it something really  special!

Thanks so much for joining me today, and I hope to see you back soon!  Blessings, Becky

US # 120 + Piggyback

Hi there!  Welcome once again to Sketch It Saturday at Unscripted Sketches!  This is piggyback week, and what that means is that not only do  you have the sketch, but you also have a little added element to the challenge.  This week's piggyback is buttons!  You need to have buttons on your card.  Now, when you see this sketch, please don't let it scare you off . . . because it terrified me!  But when I settled down to do it, there was no problem getting a cute card made.  Here is this week's sketch . . .

And here is my card based on the challenge . . .

Supplies Used:

• Base card stock - DCWV
• Patterned paper - Doodlebug Designs
• Vintage feed sack fabric and covered button - my stash
• Buttons - my stash
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression and Walk In My Garden Cartridge
• Cuttlebug
• Spellbinders Nestabilities 'Classic Circles Small'
• Scissors, ruler, craft knife, rotary cutter

Cricut Cuts:

• Card base - WIMG cartridge, card2 set at 5"
• Patterned paper - WIMG cartridge, card1 set at 5"

Thanks for visiting today!  Blessings, Becky

The Announcement, and O is for Only 3 Embellishments

Hello and welcome!!!  I am so very excited today because it is my first official day as a member of the Alphabet Challenge Blog Design Team!!!  This is a bi-weekly (or fortnightly for my friends in the UK) challenge blog with a little bit different concept - the letters of the alphabet!  The last few weeks challenges have been L for Lemons and Limes, M is for Metal, N is for Navy + 1, and now, this week it is . . . .

O is for Only Three Embellishments!

That's right, this week's challenge is to make a card with ONLY three embellishments.  Here is my card based on this challenge . . . .

Supplies Used:

• Base card stock - Core'dinations
• Yellow print patterned paper - October Afternoon
• Blue gingham patterned paper - The Paper Studio
• Vintage image - Bumble Buttons 
• Vintage button - stash
• Pink flower rhinestone - Prima?
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Scrunched seam binding - Bluebird Lane Etsy shop

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression and Walk In My Garden (WIMG) cartridge
• EK Success 'Arch Scallop' border punch
• Scissors, ruler, craft knife, rotary cutter

Cricut Cuts:

• Card base - WIMG cartridge, card2 set at 5"
• Yellow patterned paper - WIMG cartridge, card1 set at 5"

And there you have my first card for my first assignment as a member of a new design team, and I am still very excited for this opportunity!  Thanks to Lesley and all the other ladies (from around the world) who have made me feel welcome and at ease as I've joined the team.  Blessings, Becky

Blog Challenge Garden 'Tag Tuesday' Challenge - Vintage Photo

When I saw Rebecca's challenge this week over at the Blog Challenge Garden's 'Tag Tuesday' challenge, I knew what I wanted to do.  I have a special folder in Picasa for just such a project, and that's the first place I headed!  A vintage bride, an old (very fuzzy) copy of a marriage license, a vintage-y button, some vintage hem lace, and a cute sparrow sending joy, and there you have my tag.  I wanted a very mono-tone look and feel, but with one big pop of color - expressing joy on this day - and I think that's what I ended up with in this tag.  Here is my project . . .

The tag base was cut using my Cricut Expression and the Elegant Edges cartridge, Branch-s using Oblong feature set at 4 1/4".  I hand cut the bride's picture and the swallow image.

I don't know who the bride is, but can't you just imagine her bundling up her license, her picture, a card from a loved one, and a bit of lace from her dress, all tied up in a bundle and storing it in her trunk?  I can!

Blessings, Becky

"Anything Goes" at Make It Monday with Kraft Outlet!

Okay, so the ladies at The Kraft Journal (creative blog for Kraft Outlet) created a monster with their challenge this week!  You know how the creative process goes, right?  You start with an idea, then it grows, and eventually you have a whole story to tell with your project.

When I saw that 'anything goes' this week, I decided I wanted to do a very girly, frilly card, because I love how kraft paper lends itself to soft colors so well, so I went looking for an image.  Then, when I found this image from The Graphics Fairy, the concept of 'granny's trunk' came into play.

And then I just wanted you to feel as if you were going through your grandmother's (or great grandmother's) trunk as you looked at the different elements.  And, well, I may have gone just a tiny bit too far!  (That last vintage button may have been a tad too much!)  But I really do love the end result.   Here is my card based on the challenge . . .

Supplies:

• Base (kraft) card stock - The Paper Studio
• Patterned paper - An old 'Bitty' pad by Provo Craft
• Navy card stock - DCWV
• Image - The Graphics Fairy
• Vintage lace, pink organza ribbon, velvet ribbon and buttons - my stash
• Paper doily - Wilton
• Glimmer Mist 'iridescent gold' - Tattered Angels
• Fuzzy upholstery trim - stash, a gift from my aunt
• Crinkled seam binding - Bluebird Lane Etsy shop
• Inks - Anna Griffin and Stampabilities
• Floral cameo - Anna Griffin

Tools Used:

• Computer and ink jet printer
• Cricut Expression and Elegant Edges cartridge (Flrsh2-s set at 6" using Oblong feature)
• Scissors, ruler, craft knife, rotary cutter

Tips and Techniques:

• The image did not have those folds, but I folded it in several places and lightly inked the folds in different shades of ink to give it the aged look.
• For the doily fan, I inked it with cocoa brown, mulberry and bronze colored inks, then spritzed fairly heavily with Glimmer Mist.  When it had dried, I cut half way into the doily, cut out the center, and then pleated the outer part to get a pleated fan look and glued the pleats together.  Lastly I inked the edges of the doily with more mulberry colored ink.
• The two vintage buttons came from a fabric store in an old gas station in the small town of Mountain City, Georgia.  They are both very old, and cost 25 cents for the mother of pearl one, and 10 cents for the burgundy and cream one.

I sure do hope that you get the feeling I intended for this card.  I have a trunk that belonged to my mother's mother and grandmother, and it is still full of their old things.  I love going through it and pulling out their treasures and wondering what they were doing back then.   I love collecting old bits and pieces at yard sales and estate sales.  I always wonder about the people who owned them, and then I store them back in my stash, just waiting for the perfect time to put them to use. 

Thanks for visiting today . . . Blessings!  Becky

Hello Friend - Paper Crafts Magazine August Gallery Challenge

Hi there!  Just wanted to take a minute to share a card with you that I made for the Paper Crafts Magazine August Gallery Challenge.  The challenge is to make a card for your bff or a special girl friend, and as soon as I saw this sweet image, I knew I wanted to make a card for this challenge.  Here is my card . . .

Supplies:

• Base card stock - DCWV
• Patterned paper - The Girl's Paperie
• Image - Bumble Buttons
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Crinkled seam binding - Bluebird Lane Etsy shop
• Vintage button - stash (from my Mama's box of buttons she gave me a couple of years ago)
• Stickles 'Cotton Candy' and 'Star Dust' - Ranger Ink

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression with Walk In My Garden (WIMG) and Elegant Edges (EE) cartridges
• Computer and ink jet printer
• Scissors, craft knife, ruler and rotary cutter

Cricut Cuts:

• Card base - WIMG cartridge, card2 set at 5"
• Patterned paper - WIMG cartridge, card1 set at 5"
• Green frame - EE cartridge, Citrus1 set at 4 1/2" using Frame feature

Tips:

• When 'fussy cutting' an image, move the paper, and not the scissors.
• Use a craft knife for interior and smaller cuts.

I can't tell you how much I love this card, but the image is what makes the card!  Well, that and that pretty crinkled seam binding, and the paper . . . . 

Blessings, Becky!

Card Patterns # 128 'Happy Birthday'

This week's sketch over at Card Patterns this week is lovely, as you can see here . . . 

And I think the card I made based on the sketch is lovely, too!  Here is my card . . . 

Supplies Used:

• Card stock - Core'dinations
• Patterned paper - Websters Pages
• Gems - Prima
• Vintage lace and velvet ric-rack - stash
• Scrunched seam binding - Bluebird Lane Etsy shop
• Image - Bumble Buttons blog
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers

Tools Used:

• EK Success 'Arch Scallop' border punch
• Sanding block
• Scissors, craft knife, rotary cutter, ruler

Thanks so much for visiting!  Blessings, Becky

Blog Challenge Garden, Tag Tuesday Challenge 'Postage Stamp'

This week's Tag Tuesday challenge over at Rebecca's Blog Challenge Garden is to make a tag with a postage stamp.  Here is my tag based on the challenge . . .

Supplies Used:

• Tag base - #5 Manila tag
• Sentiment - Fancy Pants Designs
• Stick On Letters - Echo Park
• Stamp, wire, twine and 'destination' charm - my stash
• Glossy Accents - Ranger
• Brown Ink - Stampabilities
• Glimmer Mist 'Iridescent Gold' - Tattered Angels

Thanks for visiting, Blessings, Becky

Our Creative Corner 'Fun with Fruit' Challenge

I know I'm not alone in this, so here goes:  Do you ever save, or hold onto certain items just waiting for the perfect occasion to use them?  Of course you do!  And that's what I was doing with this sheet of Websters Pages paper with the vintage looking jars of fruit on it.  I just knew the right circumstances would come along, and they did!  This week's challenge at Our Creative Corner is 'Fun with Fruit', and we are asked to make a project with fruit on it.  And here is my card based on this week's challenge . . .

Supplies Used:

• Base (kraft) card stock - The Paper Studio
• Green cardstock (behind label and sentiment) - DCWV
• Patterned paper - Jillibean Soup
• Cherry jar - Websters Pages
• Flower - Prima
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Ribbon and vintage button - my stash
• Brown ink - Stampabilities

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression and Walk In My Garden (WIMG) and Elegant Edges (EE) cartridges
• Scissors, craft knife, ruler and rotary cutter

Cricut Cuts:

• Card base - WIMG cartridge, card2 set at 5"
• Striped paper label - EE cartridge, LceEge-s set at 4 1/2"

So, what do you think?  I'd love to hear your comments on this card!  Blessings, Becky

Sugar Creek Hollow "Christmas" Challenge

The challenge for this week over at Sugar Creek Hollow is to make a 'Vintage Christmas Card'.  And you know I love me some vintage, now don't you!  And the vintage image I chose to use is just so pretty . . . I love the coats on the little girls, the red one especially.  Here is my card based on this week's challenge . . .

Supplies Used:

• Base (kraft) card stock - The Paper Studio
• Patterned paper - Jillibean Soup
• Image - Flickr???
• Vintage velvet ribbon and lace - my stash (estate sale finds)
• Flowers and gems - Prima
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Covered button - my stash (button from ebay)
• Brown ink - Stampabilities

Tools Used:

• Computer and ink jet printer
• Cricut Expression and Elegant Edges cartridge (Ctrus2-s set at 6" using Oblong feature)
• Scissors, ruler, craft knife, rotary cutter

Highlights:

• I covered the button with a deeper beige fabric and an off white vintage lace for a vintage feel
• I love how the 'Fancy' Christmas sentiment from SRM Stickers matches the feel of the card, and the fact the snowman is obviously 'greeting' the girls and puppy brings them (sticker and pic) together.

And there you have my card;  I sure hope you've enjoyed it!  And stick around, because I've got another card for another challenge coming right up!  Blessings, Becky

Unscripted Sketches # 119 - Praise The Lord!

Usually, when making a card that's not specifically for someone at the time, I try to imagine what circumstances that card could be used for.  That's what I did when I made the card for this week's Unscripted Sketches challenge.  The image (found at Graphics Fairy) shows a butterfly in different stages of metamorphosis from a caterpillar, chrysalis, to a mature butterfly.  And my sentiment is 'Praise The Lord!' . . . how many times have you known someone who was going through changes, struggling with a decision, or just maturing into the person God wants them to be?  I can think of many times, and I think this would be an amazing card for someone who has just reached a decision or gotten a new job, or any number of situations.  And I really LOVE this card!!!  Here is this week's sketch . . .

And here is my card based on the sketch . . .

Supply List:

• Base (kraft) card stock - The Paper Studio
• Script paper - Prima
• Musical paper - 7 Gypsies
• Image - Graphics Fairy
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Flower - Prima
• Black silk ribbon - Stash, purchased from an Etsy shop no longer in business
• Brown ink - Stampabilities
• Platinum Stickles - Ranger Ink

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression and Walk In My Garden cartridge
• Computer and ink jet printer
• Scissors, ruler, craft knife, rotary cutter

Cricut Cuts:

• Card base - Walk In My Garden cartridge, card2 set at 5"
• Script paper - Walk In My Garden cartridge, card1 set at 5"

Isn't that a beautiful way to let someone know you are celebrating with them!!!  Thanks for visiting!  I would really appreciate it if you would leave me a comment and let me know you've been for a visit!  See you again soon, Blessings!  Becky

Paper Crafts Magazine August Gallery Challenge and Little Red Wagon #93

This card, is one of my favorites - ever!  I love the lace and ribbons, the papers, the sentiment, the bird, just everything!  I started making it for Little Red Wagon's challenge to put a bird on a project, but then I thought how well this would work for the new Paper Crafts magazine August Gallery Challenge to make a 'girlfriend' card, so I guess that made it a 'two-fer'!    Here is my project based on both challenges . . .

Supply List:

• Base card stock and card stock for label - DCWV
• Patterned papers - Authentique Paper
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Vintage lace, green ribbon and vintage buttons - my stash (mostly yard/estate sales)
• Pink seam binding - Bluebird Lane Etsy shop
• Pink ribbon with loopy edge - Anna Griffin
• Felt bird - made from felt in my stash
• White pearls - Prima
• Tiny pink pearl (bird's eye) - Basic Grey
• Brown ink - Stampabilities

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression with Walk In My Garden (WIMG) and Elegant Edges (EE) cartridges
• Cuttlebug
• Spellbinders Nestabilities 'Labels 4'
• Scissors, ruler, craft knife, rotary cutter

Cricut Cuts:

• Card base - WIMG cartridge, card2 set at 5"
• Plaid patterned paper - WIMG cartridge, card1 set at 5"
• Pink frame - EE cartridge, Hrts2-s set at 4 1/2" using Frame feature

Isn't it beautiful?  I was really pleased with the outcome on this one, and I have to tell you, this is the first time I've used any products by Authentique Paper, and LOVE it!  Very heavy weight paper with rich colors and pretty designs.

Thanks so much for coming by!  Blessings, Becky

Papercraft Star #57 'Book'

When I saw this week's challenge over at Papercraft Star, I knew exactly what I wanted to do!  I had been holding onto this image of a baby book that I got from Bumble Buttons for a while, and now was the time to put it to use!  The theme for this week's challenge is to use a book as your inspiration, and here is my card based on the challenge . . .

Supply List:

• Base card stock - DCWV
• Patterned paper - Lily Bee Design
• Image - Bumble Buttons
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Vintage lace, ric-rack and buttons - my stash

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression and Walk In My Garden (WIMG) cartridge
• Computer and ink jet printer
• EK Success 'Arch Scallop Bordered Punch
• Scissors, craft knife, ruler, rotary cutter

Cricut Cuts:

• WIMG cartridge, card2 set at 5"
• WIMG cartridge, card1 set at 5"

Tips:

• To make the ruffled paper, cut strip to width you want and length 1 1/2 to 2 times length you need
• Wet paper slightly by dipping briefly into warm water
• Loosely pleat with your fingers
• Dry in microsave for 30 seconds to 1 minute depending on thickness of paper
• Re-pleat, gluing at the folds

Isn't this the cutest baby card!  I already someone in mind who will get this one, too.  Thanks so much for visiting, and please come back soon!  Blessings, Becky

CPS 230 "You Make Me Smile"

This week's sketch over at Card Positioning Systems is fairly simple, and that's what threw me for a little loop right at first, but then inspiration struck and I got right to work!  Here is their sketch for this week . . .

And here is my card based on the sketch . . .

Supply List:

• Card base - Stampabilities (Hobby Lobby)
• Patterned paper - Fancy Pants Designs
• Image - found on Flickr
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Felt and perle cotton - my stash

Tools Used:

• Cuttlebug
• Spellbinders Nestabilities 'Classic Circles Small' and 'Scalloped Circles Small'
• Scissors, craft knife, rotary cutter, ruler

I love this little image, which is part of a greeting card I found on Flickr.  The language on the card was unidentifiable to me, but the image is just adorable!  Thanks for visiting today . . . hope to see you back very soon!  Blessings, Becky

No Flowers??? How Could You!!!

Okay, yes I am laughing here!  But this week's challenge over at Our Creative Corner is to make a card using no (zip, zilch, zero) flowers!  And you know how I love flowers, but I also really like this card that I made with no flowers . . . 

Supply List:

• Base (kraft) card stock - The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby)
• Patterned papers - 7 Gypsies
• Image - Bumble Buttons blog
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Vintage lace and velvet ribbon - my stash
• Stickles 'platinum' - Ranger Inks

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression with Walk In My Garden (WIMG) and Elegant Edges (EE) cartridges
• Computer and ink jet printer
• Scissors, ruler, craft knife, rotary cutter

Cricut Cuts:

• Card base - WIMG cartridge, card2 set at 5"
• Text paper - WIMG cartridge, card1 set at 5"
• Music label - EE cartridge, Swirl1-s set at 4 1/2"

This was the first paper by 7 Gypsies that I have ever used, and I really like the aged feel and deep colors.  They really let the image be the star of the card. 

Thanks so much for visiting, come right back, because I have a very cute card coming up soon!  Blessings, Becky

Card Patterns # 127 and Card and a Half 'Flowers'

I'm back again with another card for two challenges.  The challenges are:

• Card and a Half Extra Challenge #3 - Flowers, and 
• Card Patterns # 127 - sketch below . . . 

And here is my card based on both challenges . . . 

Once again, I apologize for the poor pictures, but the new battery for my good camera will be here in a couple of days, and I should be able to get back to better pictures right away.

Supplies:

• Base card stock - DCWV
• Patterned paper - Basic Grey 'Sweet Threads'
• Blue card stock - DCWV
• Image - The Graphics Fairy (online)
• Flower and Bling - Prima

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression and Walk In My Garden cartridge
• Cuttlebug
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Classic Circles Small, and Scalloped Circles Small
• Scissors, ruler, craft knife and rotary cutter
• Computer and ink jet printer

Cricut Cuts:

• Base cardstock - WIMG cartridge, card2 set at 4 1/2"
• Patterned paper - WIMG cartridge, card1 set at 4 1/2"

I think this would be lovely for a wedding gift enclosure, what about you???  Thanks for visiting today, and I hope to see you back very soon!  Blessings, Becky

The Kraft Journal . . . Carnivals, Parades or Parties

I love Mondays!  And I know, you're probably thinking I'm crazy right about now, but on Mondays, hubby is back at work, I'm doing laundry and, since my craft room is right next to the laundry room, I am usually working on making some cards.  I also love Mondays because that means it's "Make It Monday" at The Kraft Outlet, and I love their challenges!  Their challenge for this week is to make a project based on the theme of "Carnivals, Parades, or Parties".  My first thought when I saw this was "Wow, I wish I hadn't used that cool ferris wheel image a few weeks ago for another of their challenges, but that only lasted a minute, because I knew I had other images I could use.  

Before I share my card, I want to apologize once again for my pictures!  I have ordered a new battery for my 'good' camera, and it should be here in 2-3 days, but until then it's the point and shoot, and it's not in that great of shape any more!  Anyway, here is my card based on their challenge . . .

I love this vintage greeting card image found on Flickr, and thought it looked just right for a three year old!  Did you notice the little duck passed out in the bottom left hand corner?  Too cute!


Supplies:

• Kraft cardstock used for base of card and shadow under the 3 - The Paper Studio
• Patterned papers - Cosmo Cricket
• Image - Flickr
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Stickles 'platinum' and 'star dust' - Ranger Inks
• Brown ink - Stampabilities  

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression with Elegant Edges (EE) and Plantin Schoolbook (PS) cartridges
• Computer and ink jet printer
• Scissors, craft knife, ruler and rotary cutter

Cricut Cuts:

• Green plaid frame - EE cartridge, 'Hrts2-s' set at 5 1/3" using oblong feature
• Red border - EE cartridge, 'Snwflk-s' set at 1 1/4" using border feature
• #3 - PS cartridge, '3' set at 2 1/2"

Thanks so much for visiting, and I'd love it if you would leave a comment and let me know you've been here!  Have a great week, and Blessings!  Becky

Poppies For Your Birthday

Before I even start, I want to apologize for my pictures!  It's raining cats and dogs (hallelujah!) so I can't go outside, and I left my good camera on for a while last night and the battery is dead and it won't charge, so I had to order a new one!  That means I brought out the old p&s camera and it's just not in the best shape!  That said, let's talk about challenges!  This card is for two challenges . . .

• Daring Cardmakers - Poppies or Gladioli on your card - because those are the birth flowers for August
• Card and a Half Challenge - Extra Challenge #3 - Flowers on your card

And here is my card based on the challenges . . . 

Supply List:

• Base card stock - The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby)
• Patterned paper - Echo Park
• Vintage black rayon ribbon - my stash, another estate sale find
• Image - found online, probably on Flickr
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression with Walk In My Garden (WIMG) and Elegant Edges (EE) cartridges
• Computer and ink jet printer
• Scissors, craft knife, rotary cutter, ruler   

Cricut Cuts:

• Card base:  WIMG cartridge, card2 set at 5"
• Yellow gingham paper:  WIMG cartridge, card1 set at 5"
• Label (multi colored paper):  EE cartridge, Heart2-s set at 4 1/4"

And there is my card!  I think it turned out lovely . . . I especially like the very traditional image with the less than traditional papers.  Thanks for visiting, and please come back soon!  Blessings, Becky

Alphabet Challenge Blog

The challenge for this week over at the Alphabet Challenge Blog was kind of fun!  Or, at least it was after I found an image that worked for me and the challenge.  The challenge was to make a project using  the color 'navy' plus one other color as your primary colors.  The image I found was one from another of my new favorite vintage image blogs . . . Bumble Buttons, and has a navy background with a pot of pink and white flowers.  I chose pink as  my second color because I've always thought navy and pink made a great combination!  Here is my card based on the challenge . . .

Supply List:

• Navy card stock - DCWV
• Pink card stock - Core'dinations
• Image - Bumble Buttons
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Flower and gem - Prima
• Vintage rayon ribbon - estate sale find

 
Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression with Walk In My Garden (WIMG), Elegant Edges (EE) and Plantin Schoolbook (PS) cartridges
• Computer and ink jet printer
• Scissors, ruler, craft knife and rotary cutter

Cricut Cuts:

• Card Base - WIMG cartridge, card 2 set at 5"
• Pink 'label' - EE cartridge, Flrsh1-s using oblong feature set at 4"
• Pink circle - PS cartridge, circle set at 1 1/2"

And that is what it took to make a very pretty navy and pink card!  I love the shape of the image and the navy background.  Thanks for coming by today, and please come back soon!  Blessings, Becky

Sugar Creek Hollow Challenge - Naturally Neutral

This weeks challenge over at Sugar Creek Hollow was a nice surprise for me, and when I read it I knew immediately which image I wanted to use.  I found the image at one of my new favorite vintage image sites, The House Across The Bay Etsy shop, and knew it would be just perfect for a challenge to use neutral colors!   The challenge . . . to use only neutrals, only allowing for a tiny bit of color if necessary.  Here is my card based on their challenge . . .

Supplies:

• Base (kraft) card stock - The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby)
• Patterned paper - Websters Pages
• Image - The House Across The Bay
• Vintage lace - my stash, purchased at an estate sale
• Buckle - Anna Griffin
• Flower - Prima
• Sentiment - SRM Stickers
• Bronze ink - Anna Griffin

Tools Used:

• Cricut Expression and Walk In My Garden cartridge
• Scissors, ruler, rotary cutter, craft knife
• Computer and ink jet printer

Cricut Cuts:

• Card base cut using Walk In My Garden cartridge, card2 set at 5"
• Patterned paper cut using Walk In My Garden cartridge, card1 set at 5"

I really like how this came out, the buckle worked perfectly with the patterned paper and lace.  Thanks so much for visiting today, and please come back soon!  Blessings, Becky  

Unscripted Sketches # 118 - BOO!!!

Happy Saturday, and welcome to Sketch It Saturday at Unscripted Sketches!  This week's sketch was a bit of a test for my crafting skills, until inspiration struck, and then it was a breeze!  And yes, this is a halloween project, and yes, it's only August, but ya know, when inspiration strikes you've just gotta go with it!!!  Here is this week's sketch . . .

 

For my project I rotated the sketch 1/4 turn to the right . . . because that's what worked for me this time!  Here is my project based on the sketch . . .

It is a halloween party invitation.  Here is how it looks with the invitation out of the envelope . . .

Supplies:

• Orange card stock - Bazzill
• White card stock - Georgia Pacific 110# card stock (Walmart)
• Patterned paper - Cosmo Cricket
• Sentiments - The jack-o-lantern, spider, and both 10/30 stickers are all from SRM STickers
• Glassine bag - Pick Your Plum (they were a 1 day special, you can find similar ones HERE)
• Black wire - my stash

Tools Used:

• Scissors, ruler, craft knife, rotary cutter
• computer and ink jet printer
• 1/4" hole punch

Once inspiration struck, this was a fun project, and didn't take very long!  Pick Your Plum is a website that has one deal every day (M-F and sometimes Saturday), and a few weeks ago they had a package of glassine bags, as well as pink paper bags lined with glassine, and I picked up a few sets.  I'm really enjoying using them for projects, and coming up with unusual ways of using them!

Thanks for visiting today!  I'm always glad to see who has been, and appreciate comments more than you know!  Blessings, Becky