My Pink Stamper Challenge

Last night, I decided to play along with the challenge over at My Pink Stamper.  I needed to make a birthday card for a little girl in my class, so I decided to make it for this challenge.

I used Mini Monograms for the base of the card; the scalloped square was cut on Real Dial Size at 5".  I added some stitching with my white gel pen.  Once I was finished, I wasn't sure if I love it or not....

For the main part of the card, I cut a piece of cardstock 3.75" x 7.50" and folded it to make the card.  I added the white mat (3.50"x 3.50"} and tied the ribbon.  The bee is from Paisley and was cut at 2.25".  I had fits with this little bee.  Don't you hate how sometimes your layers don't match up, even when you cut everything the same size with your Cricut?  As you can see, if you look closely, my yellow didn't want to line up with my black layer on the bee.  I added some bling to the flower and stamped Happy Birthday in pink.

This was a pretty simple card to make and I think it's perfect for a 9 year old girl. I love this bee from Paisley - I think she's super cute! (It was a "he" before I added eyelashes...ha ha)

Have a great Saturday!

Blessings,
Cheryl

Poll!

Yippeeeeeeeeeeee...it's Friday!  Has it been a really long week for anyone else?  I am so ready to leave work that it's pathetic.  I think I've been a pretty worthless employee for the last few minutes (moving at a snail's pace), so I thought I'd take a break! 

I've received several emails over the last few weeks from new Cricut users.  One of the questions I've been asked is "I'm just starting out, what are some cartridges you would suggest?"  Wow - there are so many great ones, that's tough!  But, here are my top 5 (in no particular order) along with a creation from each:

1. Paisley - I can remember the week I bought my Cricut, this cart had just come out.  I saw the box and LOVED it instantly.  It's very versatile and has great cuts.  Only one word of caution - it can have lots of layers!

 

2.  Simply Charmed - When this cart first came out, I wasn't sold on it.  I don't like everything to have smiley faces!  But...I found it on sale really cheap and I am so glad I bought it.  I use it like crazy since I've gotten my Gypsy and can hide the faces, if needed.

3. Just Because Cards - I know alot of folks did scrapbooking and then got into cards.  I have always just been a cardmaking kind of gal!  I love the images and word art on this cartridge.

4. Birthday Bash - This is a newer one for me and I'm really loving the cuts!  There are a lot of really cute card bases to choose from that don't have to be used for birthdays.

5. Live Simply (Lite Cartridge) - This has super cute cuts on it!  I have a bunch more projects I've made with it, but I'm working the tutorials now, so hopefully you'll see them soon!

What's really funny is as soon as I finished uploading all these pics, I started changing my mind about my top 5!!  It's so hard to choose.  And I haven't bought new carts in a while, so there are TONS of new ones I want.  Gotta start a list...

So....now that I've shared, I've love to hear from you?  What are your favorite carts?  What would you recommend to a new Cricut crafter?  Leave me a comment and let me know.  I will choose a couple randomly to receive some cards from me!

Have a great afternoon!

Blessings,
Cheryl

Paisley!

It’s the last Tuesday of the month, so it’s time for my last project from our monthly cartridge, Paisley.  In the last few weeks, I’ve needed a few blank or “just because” cards, so I’ve been trying to make more of them.  For this week’s project, I made another simple, blank card.  This is using the ladybug cut from Paisley. 

I have one more Paisley project to share with you today.  For some reason, lately I’m really loving these little dolls from the Paisley cartridge.  I believe there are also some on the Pagoda cartridge.  I made some bookmarks, but only took one picture really quick before dropping in the mail to my friend.  They are so fun – I have to make some for me now!

Next Tuesday, I'll start exploring another cartridge.  I would LOVE to have suggestions from you all on which cartridge to explore during the month of April.  Please leave a comment or send me an email using the link on the right to give your suggestions.

You guys rock!

Hi everyone!  It’s Tuesday and I’m back to work after my stint with this sinus infection/viral thing.  I am not back to 100% yet, but I’m much better.  I have to say – YOU GUYS ROCK!  I received so many sweet comments and well wishes from you all.  They brought tears to my eyes.  Of course, I’ve told you before I’m a sap!  Seriously, it means so much to me to hear from you all.  It’s so strange that even though I’ve never met any of you, I feel very close to you and feel like we’ve been buddies forever!  Ok…sappy time is over. 

Since it’s Tuesday, I have a project using this month’s cartridge, Paisley.  I made this card blank so it could be used for any occasion.  I used some glitter paper I had from DCWV.  It’s really simple, but I love the bright, shimmery colors. 

“I’m so Lucky” Blog Hop!!

Hello everyone!  Welcome to the “I’m so Lucky” blog hop.  You should have arrived here from Vivi’s blog.  If you didn’t, you will want to go back to Jennifer’s blog and start from the beginning. 
With the theme being “I’m so Lucky”, we were asked to create two projects that represent blessings and things in our life that we are lucky to have.  Thanks so much to Jennifer for coordinating and planning this hop and for giving me the privilege of being a part of it! 
This is not just a hop – there’s also a challenge with a prize!  The challenge is posted on Jennifer’s blog and in order to win, you’ll need to hop along, post on each person’s blog and then post your project on Jennifer’s blog.  Now on to my projects!
The first project I made is a card.  I used Lacy Labels for the base and welded it with my Gypsy.  The doll is made from Paisley and I made the sentiment on my computer.  I made this card for a good friend of mine.  I am so very blessed to have some of the best friends in the world.  I am grateful for each and every one of them. 

I was trying to think of what I’d like to make for my second project and was really trying to think of something to represent the blessings I have.  I decided on a cross shaped bookmark made from Indie Art.  The sentiment is from Stamping Solutions.  The GREATEST blessing that’s ever happened to me has been my relationship with God.  He blessed me with a husband, a family and a church that I love so very much.  I can’t begin to put into words how grateful I am for the blessings He’s given me.  I definitely am “so lucky” and completely blessed.  The bookmark is quite simple but the one word says it all for me. 

It’s hard to tell in the picture, but the black paper is textured and distressed.  The pink has a soft, glittery paisley pattern on it. 

Don’t forget to keep hopping along.  Your next stop is my dear friend Sharon’s blog.  I’ve gotten to know her recently through the FIF Design Team and she’s such a sweetie.  I know she’ll have something great to share with you! 

One last thing….how about some Blog Candy??  Just leave me a comment with your contact info to be entered.  The candy is a surprise, so I’ll reveal it on the day I draw the winner. 

Here’s the hop order in case you get lost:

Jen H.-http://huffinatorshangout.blogspot.com/
Beth -http://scrappyjavagirl.blogspot.com/
Paula -http://raspberryandlimedesigns.blogspot.com/
Gigi - http://thecricutbug.blogspot.com/
Jen C. - http://www.purplescrapbooker.com/
Janis - http://pausedreamenjoy.blogspot.com/
Vivi - http://vivienpapel.blogspot.com/
Cheryl - http://pinkandpaper.blogspot.com/
Sharon - http://meemeescreations.blogspot.com/
Michelle-http://mumoftwoblog.blogspot.com/
Heather-http://princesspaperprojects.blogspot.com/
Lisa-http://crop-and-create.blogspot.com/
Blessings,
Cheryl

Jammin’ Birthday!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Tuesday.  I am – especially since I’m now finished with work for the day!  Since it’s Tuesday, it’s time for my cartridge of the month project.  This month, I’m exploring Paisley.  We were asked by a friend from the design team for Flaunt it Fridays to make a birthday card for her daughter’s sweet 16, so this is what I did.  She said she loves music and her favorite colors are blue, yellow and green.  Since I don’t know her, I hope I at least got close to something she’ll like!  The patterned paper is from a stack by Colorbok from Walmart.  I used Paisley for all the cuts on the card.  I inked the edges with black ink and used Sakura pens for the stitching and highlights.

I am not feeling too crafty lately, so I’m not thrilled with this card.  I put a lot of effort into it, but still feel like it’s missing something??  I hope she likes it!

Blessings,
Cheryl

3 Days Later…

3 days late, I finally have my project using this month’s cartridge, Paisley.  I am so very sorry that I didn’t have this ready on Tuesday.  There are many reasons – some good and some not – so I won’t bore you with them, but I will share my project.  I made a shaped card using the cut of the little jeans outfit.  I have always liked this cut, but never used it before.  I welded the shadows with my gypsy to make the card base.  Instead of cutting the flower on the cartridge, I decided to make a rolled flower.  I’ve seen a lot of these on blogs I follow, and I am not sure I did a great job or did it right, but I think it looks ok.  I left the inside of the card blank so I could use it for any occasion that comes up. 

One last thing…Did you know on the Card/Tab function on Paisley, there’s a great envelope? It’s pretty cute.  You should check it out.

Blessings,
Cheryl 

Flaunt it Friday!!

It's Friday again...which means it's time to flaunt! =) I am on the design team over at Flaunt it Fridays and our challenge this week was to use any cut from Twinkle Toes. Since I don't have that cart, I decided to use Paisley to create some tap shoes. I saw the phrase "All That Jazz" on the pics of the handbook from Twinkle Toes and it made me think of tap dancing. When I was a little girl, I always wanted to be in dance and never was (too uncoordinated, I'm sure!!) but I remember I always thought the shoes that tied up with those satiny ribbons were so pretty. So...that's when I decided to make a sign with some girlie tap shoes on it. The sentiment is handwritten.

I took several pictures showing the entire sign with the cute polka dot ribbon on top, and I got to work this morning and my post that I set up last night isn't here on my blog! Sooooo...I am re-posting from work and only have this one picture, so I apologize that it's not the best!

I am a huge fan of musicals and since I made this sign I've been singing that song "All...That...Jazz!!" from Chicago! Don't ya love the movie version? I do!

Be sure to head on over to Flaunt it Fridays and check out the other designer's projects and then put on your crafty hat and flaunt with us!!

Blessings,
Cheryl

A new month….A new cartridge!

Hi everyone!  It’s March!  Isn’t this year flying by?  Wow.  I can’t believe how fast it’s going.  Since it’s a new month, I have a new cartridge to explore and I’ve chosen….Paisley!  This is a great cartridge.  It has a good selection of images, some girlie, some just cute and simple.  The downside, if there is one, is that the cuts seem to have TONS of layers.  And that sometimes can be tricky using your Gypsy, so you’ll want to have your handbook close by when using this cart.

My first project is a thank you card.  I love the little mushrooms on this cart.  They are just sweet!

Blessings,
Cheryl

50’s Fab!

Each month, I make favors for our monthly women’s meeting/Bible study at church.  We always decorate with a theme and for February we are doing the fabulous 50’s.  Since I don’t have Nifty Fifties cart yet, I decided to use the glasses from Paisley.  The purses are from Forever Young and the shape is from George and Basic Shapes.  The ribbon is by The Paper Studio from Hobby Lobby.

I cut half from black and half from white.

I added a white highlight to each lens and used a silver gel pen to make the “gems” on the glasses.

I love this color scheme!  I think they turned out super cute and retro-ish.  I ended up making 24 of them while I was home for a snow day from work.  I put 3 Starburst candies in each one with some filler.   

 

I’m really digging this winter weather.  This is my second day home from work and I just found out I will be off again tomorrow!  We don’t always get weather like this in Oklahoma, so I enjoy it when it comes.  It’s certainly given me plenty of time to craft and play with my Cricut.  I guess now I should do what really needs to be done….ugh…laundry.