Easy Halloween Cricut Project

I added this and other paper crafts
to make a simple display on my buffet. Scroll down to see it.

Halloween is not my favoritie time but, I do like to put up a little bit of halloween decor for the grandkids. (as long as it's not real scarey) With that said, I also don't want to put in a lot of work or money into decorating for it.

I made this quick and easy objet`de art using the Cricut Word Collage cartridge in Cricut Craft Room. (aka CCR) I layered 4 pieces of paper to get this effect. The hardest part, or should I say, most time consuming part of this was, putting in all the little letter fillers.

I'm sure many of you know how to work CCR, but I'm gonna bore you with the details, just in case, like me, you are fairly new to using CCR.

If you have this Cricut cartridge, you know that in it's original state, the cut out is not set up to be a square. It is rectangular. This where CCR comes in. I wanted this to be a square that would look good matted to a 12x12 size. In CCR, I used the stretching arrow and stretched it until it was pretty much square. I'm not a perfectionist, so it's not exactly square, and I'm OK with that.  I then centered the image on the 12x12 CCR mat because I would be using the negative cut for this project.

Once ready, I cut it out of orange cardstock, I layed that over my cute printed glittered halloween paper and glued on all the tiny letter fillers. I trimmed off  1/2 inch on all four sides. Next for the black mat, I cut 1/2 inch off the top and side, then glued the the orange/print on top. Finally I glued all that to a 12x12 purple cardstock and it was done! I have it setting on an easel on my buffet displayed with candles that I decorated with Cricut cuts and paper. Easy peasy! Scroll down to see my buffet display.

Here it is in it's natural rectangular form

 

Here I stretched it. If you look at the tool bar on the right, there are the measurments.



I can't waste these perfectly good cut outs, so I will save them.

To spruce up my flameless candles, I simply cut 2" strips of paper, wrapped them around the candle and taped them. I added some spiders & webs and made the pumpkins  from CCR free cuts of the week.




I bought the cute bows for the lamps super cheap at JoAnn's.
70% off . Each under a buck, WooHoo!

My grandson photo bombed my picture! I love the expression
on his face, so I included it here.

I'm linking up at:

Challenge #183 Home Decor
{wow me} wednesday #127
 
 

Embossed Sympathy Card

 

"When someone you love becomes a memory,
the memory becomes a treasure."

It seems like lately I've need to make a lot of this type of card. I made this for my friend who just lost her 19 year old grandaughter.

It was a very simple card...I used punches, rhinestones, tiny flowers and my new cuttlebug to emboss the top layer & flowers. I really love the color combination.


Linking up to...
HIMCR #85 - Embossing!

Military Fighter Jet (Valentine Box)

What do you get from this trash?...

  A "Military Fighting Jet"

Valentine holder box, that's what!

We started out with a juice box container, cardboard, duct tape, plastic cup, plastic cookie box, wood skewers and stars cut from the cricut.



We ended up with a cool fighting jet complete with missiles and pilot!

Check out the missiles & the cute little pilot!

Ok, I showed the finished project, now on to the process and my story...


I used "Everyday Paper Dolls" cartridge for the pilot. I made the cockpit with a piece of clear plastic from a cookie box.
Now it's ready for Robbie to decorate.

Robbie is adding the stars; which I cut from the cricut and ran through my Xyron adhesive machine.

 

I really love how this turned out!

When he told me what he wanted me to make, all I could think was, 'how am I gonna do that?'  I had planned to make a simple quick 'robot' or 'monster' with a kleenex box. Then...I was at Hobby Lobby and they had a cute Robot kit for $3 and I bought it because I thought it was cute and would save me time. (what a slacker!) I showed it to him and his face fell, and he gave me those "eyes" as he said, "I really want a jet, pleeeeze." What else could I do, right??

I pulled up a picture of an F-16 on the computer, and the project evolved as I went. I decided to use duct tape to cover it because it was faster & easier than waiting on paint to dry. I covered each piece with the tape before I assembled the plane. I cut slits in the 'body' of the plane and slid the wings in, then used duct tape to secure them. I cut a hole on the end of the body, a little smaller than the red cup and pushed it in, and secured it with duct tape. I poked a hole in the red cup and stuck in the 'pointy stick thingy' that the F-16 had. (Believe it or not, there is no hot glue in this project!)

The next morning, Robbie came downstairs and was thrilled with the creation! After he placed his stars on, he said, "Grandma, you forgot the missiles." No, I hadn't forgotten...so off to the craft room we went, where I cut some wood skewers, painted them green and duct taped them under the wings.
Voila, a "Military Fighter Jet" was born!

Robbie's expression and his squeals of delight when he saw his plane, made all the effort worth while! 


Linking up to...

Tasty Creations Bi-Weekly Link Party No. 3

NSD Color Challenge

This is the page I created for the NSD #1 - Black & White + 1 challenge over at Hiding In My Craft Room. The challenge is to use black and white and one other color. By using glitter and bling, it also qualifies for this months glitter challenge at, A Couple Of Craft Addicts.

My grandaughter wants to visit these places.
Journal strips read:
Someday... New York   Tennessee   Paris
(I'm not real sure why Tennesse)

For my paper I used solid black and two black & white printed papers.

I used bright pink glitter paper as my accent color.

I used my cricut and the Ultimate Creative Sampler Cartridge.

I also used a scallop circle punch and this giant punch. It's so cool!

This is the "Lucky 8" punch  by We R Memory Keepers.
It does three different styles, depending on how you set the button thingys on top.
 You punch all 4 corners, then flip the paper over, punch those corners and
this is what you get!

I cut the giant circle in half; attached all my paper elements then finished it with some rhinestones and chipboard alpha for the title. I edited the photo in PicMonkey and gave it a

black & white whispy effect.

Linking up here: NSD #1 - Black & White + 1
http://acoupleofcraftaddicts.blogspot.com/2012/05/may-link-party-glitter.html
http://lollyjaneboutique.blogspot.com/2012/05/weekend-link-party-63.html
http://michellestastycreations.blogspot.com/2012/05/creative-thursday-link-party-no-5.html
http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2012/05/inspire-me-monday-happy-mothers-day.html
http://www.flamingotoes.com/2012/05/think-pink-sundays-no-60/
http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/05/wow-me-wednesday-51.html
http://www.naptimecrafters.com/2012/05/friday-favs-party-63.html

National Scrapbooking Day Challenge

Hiding in My Craft Room started a NSD challenge last Saturday. There are five challenges; go here for a summary of the challenges and links to enter. Better hurry, because they end today May 11th. She will have drawings for great stuff with each challenge!

This project is for the challenge,  NSD #2 - All About Me!

My project is a two page digital scrapbook layout.  I used the digi kit, 2peas Journalique Kit.

This kit has so many cool elements to it! Lots of glittery ones, too.

I actually made this layout in 2010, when I started my weight loss journey. It's been sitting in my computer waiting to be printed out.  The left page has pic's of me working out with my trainer, J.R.

The journaling reads:

I have begun a difficutl journey of weight loss and adopting a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to lose 60lbs; it will take about a year. Here I go...

This page of the layout is some of my thoughts, progress/setbacks of the 1st two months of my journey.  I lost 18 pounds the first two months! It was very difficult for me, because I had become very sedentary and I am addicted to sweets! By January 5th I lost a total of 25lbs!

As a side note to this journey...I have had so many setbacks, and have gained 15lbs of the 30lbs I had lost. Bummer. I'm trying to get back on track, but it's been very difficult for me, due to stressful situations going on in my life, and like I said, I'm addicted to sweets...I'm an emotional eater.

All righty then... I'm linking this to the challenge I mentioned above.

I also made a cute Thank You card for the challenge: Thankful/Grateful. Here's a pic of it.

Project entered in the challenge: NSD Challenge #5 - I'm Thankful!

Next challenge project is called: NSD #1 - Black & White + 1

So, I'm off to go work on it, see you later!
I'm back now, and
here's the 12x12 page I made for the Black & White +1 challenge

Teacher Appreciation

It's teacher appreciation week, and I made this card for Robbie's Kindergarten teacher.
For the card & envelope, I used cricut cartridges, Walk in My Garden & A Child's Year.  For the gift bag, I used Tags, Bags, & More.

For her gift, I ordered her a personalize rubber stamp that says, "This book belongs to Ms. Bonadio" and a book from her wish list at the school book fair.

Robbie has had a very rough year, due to emotional problems. Ms. Bonadio along with the school psycologist team have done so much to try to help him. For that, I am grateful.

I used Tim Holtz Distress ink (frayed bulap) and inked
everything. I used pop dots on some of the flowers.

Inside on the left, I added some paper strips (like on the gift bag).
I also wrote a personal note to Ms. B.
I took pic's before I did this step, cuz the note was pretty personal.

I inked the edges of the bag and added matching paper strips.
The card, envelope and bag all coordinate. I forgot to take pic's of
the envelope.

A personalized rubber stamp, ink pad along with a gift certificate,
so she can pick out a book or two from the school book fair.

I'm linking this to NSD Challenge #5 - I'm Thankful! at Hiding in My Craft Room



http://www.michellestastycreations.blogspot.com/2012/05/creative-thursday-link-party-no-5.html

Hunger Games Necklace

I finally made a Hunger Games inspired necklace! I've been so excited to make this for my grandaughter since the movie came out. She's read all books and saw the movie. I've never made jewelry, so this isn't a fantastic piece, just sayin'...
I have to admit, that I have not read the books or seen the movie, yet. I'm going by what my grandaughter has told me and looking up a lot of info online.

Here's the finished piece.

It's a 30" necklace, I raised it up to fit on the stand.
scroll down to read why I chose each of the charms

Here's what I did:

This necklace was designed as I was making it. I had a rough idea of what I wanted, and then just started putting it together, then trying it on, then adding to it, and so on.

It took me a while to collect all the supplies, because I bought them as they were on sale.  I tried to create a one inch piece of art on the computer, but it was a hassle. My light bulb lit up and I checked Etsy and, sure enough someone had a fantastic printable for sale! Score! Go HERE if you want to check them out. For $3.90 I received a download that had 48 images. Pick Your Plum had these little one inch wood disks with bails and clear epoxy sticker for the top.

It was so hard to choose, but I chose three images that I thought
would reflect each of the books. I had to refrain myself from using
all the images, that's how good they are!

I painted the front and back of my square wood pieces. I cut out the images I wanted to use and glued them onto the wood with mod podge. I glued the bail on with glossy accents.

I've glued the image onto the wood, when it dried, I put the clear
epoxy sticker over the top.

I picked up some charms at Hobby Lobby. I really really wanted to find a 'bread' charm, but couldn't, so I opted for a 'cupcake' charm with frosting on it. Peeta is a baker and Katniss makes a sarcastic comment about 'frosting' someone to death.

CHARM INSPIRATION

Three Hunger Games square pendants:  one to represent each of the books.
Bee charms :    Tracker Jackers
Bird Charm:    Mockingjay
Tree:               Katniss throws the Tracker Jack nest out of the tree onto some tributes
Love tag:        Katniss & Peeta
Hope tag:       Quote: "You don't forget the face of the person who was your last hope"
Music note:    Rue loves music
Cupcake with frosting:   Peeta is a baker.  Katniss says, "If only you could frost someone to death."
Cat:                 Prim's cat, Buttercup
Arrowhead:     Katniss hunted with bow & arrow
Black/purple beads:  Nightlock berries (poisonous)
Key with heart:  Katniss holds the key to Peeta's heart

I attached the charms to a 30" chain. I also used some beads & wire to attach the really small charms.
After I had put most of the charms on, I decided to do something with the backs of the square pendants. Why? Because as I would try on the necklace, I noticed the charms would flip and thought it might as well be cute on the back. It would have been much easier had I thought of this before I put them on the necklace. I put Martha Stewart glitter glue on the backs and added the letter "P" sticker (for Peeta) and the numer "12" (for District 12) I then sprinkled glitter on and let dry. After they were dry, I sealed the glitter with mod podge. Unfortunately, this step reduced some of the glitz of the glitter. Better that, than for the glitter to rub off on a shirt.

This would've been so much easier had I thought of this before
I attached the charms. I did not want to remove them, so I was careful.

Waiting for the mod podge to dry

Now, when the charms flip over, they will still be cute!

If I make another one, I will bling up the backs of wood as the 2nd step.

I took it to my grandaughter, and she loved it! Yay!  Who knows maybe I'll try to make some ear rings, or a hair clip.

Linking up at: http://www.michellestastycreations.blogspot.com/2012/05/creative-thursday-link-party-no-4.html
 http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/05/wow-me-wednesday-49.html
http://www.acoupleofcraftaddicts.blogspot.com/2012/05/may-link-party-glitter.html
http://www.thetraintocrazy.com/2012/05/ma.html
http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/2012/05/catch-glimpse-party-78.html
http://www.733blog.com/2012/05/what-are-little-boys-made-of-110.html
http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/05/under-100-linky-party.html
http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/05/02/hookin-up-with-hoh-98/
http://www.sew-much-ado.com/2012/05/we-did-it-wednesday.html
http://www.naptimecrafters.com/2012/05/friday-favs-party-61.html
http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/2012/05/frugal-friday.html
http://www.remodelaholic.com/2012/05/remodelaholics-anonymous-121/
http://www.thegrantlife.com/2012/05/financial-friday-fabulous-features.html
http://www.somethingswanky.com/search/label/Sweet%20Treats%20Thursday
http://printabelle.com/


I'm excited! this project was featured at:

Mother's Day Card

When I saw this aqua and black paper, I knew I wanted to do something that was a little elegant, yet a little distressed shabby. I really like the way it turned out!

This card was designed using the Gypsy and cut on the cricut at these measurements.
I used the Just Because Cards cartridge to cut the 5"x7" card base.
From the Flowershoppe cartridge, I cut four flowers at: 2.90in; 2.54in; 2.0in; and 1.67in.

I used a Martha Stewart punch for the printed border and a circle punch for the base of the flower.
I used a bone folder to shape the petals, and inked the edges in black. I also used silver ink on the card. I finished it off with a few rhinestones.

For the inside, I attached another flower and border, and stamped in the sentiment.

I'm linking up to http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/2012/04/himcr-43-april-showers-bring.html
http://www.michellestastycreations.blogspot.com/2012/04/creative-thursday-link-party-no-2.html

I Still Managed to Make a Card...

I'm really sick today, and so is my hubby and grandson. I felt it coming on yesterday afternoon, so before it hit hard, I cut out a bunch of card making things. This morning while under the influence of 800mg of Ibuprophen, I was able to make a card. Yep, just one!

I love the bright color combination of red, yellow and turquoise!

I used red dotted embossed, yellow and turquoise cardstock and my cricut.

I don't have the cut measurements, because I use the gypsy and don't pay attention.
The card base is 5"x5". I used the Wild Card cartridge for the telephone.
It originally is a card, but I just cut at the fold line and used the phone for the front, and used the other piece for a place to write on the inside.  I used turquoise ink and rhinestones and a flower to cover up a boo-boo when my marker slipped going around the rotary dial.

For the inside I used a cute stamp by Penny Black, colored it with pencils and cut it out and attached it with pop dots. I used the piece I previously cut off the phone and adhered it for a special note.

I'm linking it up here
http://www.acoupleofcraftaddicts.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-link-party-bright-colors.html
http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/04/wow-me-wednesday-47.html