Sunday, February 28, 2010

Life before my cricut



My husband and I got married on December 29, 2007.  I was able to take advantage of my lifestyle as a teacher and complete my entire wedding scrapbook over the summer.  I was so happy to have actually started and finished the project!  I am slightly bummed that I didn't have my cricut when I did it.  I have been gradually going back and adding on a few things here and there but it is difficult to squeeze things in. I had been saving up embellishments for a long time and unfortunately really do not remember where a lot of stickers and other items came from.

The scrapbook is from Michael's I can remember that much. I had never seen a scrapbook this style with the ledge in the back.  I put some of the cards, invitations, save the dates, and pictures I couldn't find a place for here.

 You'll notice there is not any writing in this book.  My handwriting is TERRIBLE and I always end up disappointed with the finished project so I decided to make this more of an album rather than a traditional scrapbook. I used a lot of rub ons and even cut some of the cards we were given to add words/embellishments.

Thanks for looking!

Happy crafting!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Checking in!

Hi crafters!

My niece arrived safely on Monday 2/15!  They named her Penelope and she of course is the cutest thing ever.  I am loving being an Aunt.  I've been working on putting pictures into her baby album today.

I'm bummed I haven't had time to post now that we have actually had school without snow days!

I just wanted to give you cuttlebuggers a heads up.  They are doing a bunch of give-a-ways on the cricut.com message boards, twitter (twitter name: provocraft), and on the new cuttlebug facebook followers' page this weekend.  Take a few minutes to check it out if you haven't done it already.  My cuttlebug is one of my favorite crafting tools.

Happy Crafting!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

More Valentine's Day goodies

We've had a pile of snow and snow drifts this week. We have been blessed and only lost power twice. It looks like we'll probably be back at school tomorrow. My little niece is scheduled for delivery on MONDAY!

I have been working on a few items this week while I've had some time off.

The first project I worked on I got inspiration from the following video
Pocket Album

Instead of using standard business envelopes I used a smaller size.  These were about 3x6.2 cut in half.  I cut my tags using Plantin Schoolbook and my gypsy. I believe they were cut at 3x2.75.

I used my cuttlebug to emboss the tags and cover.  These were 2 different 2x3 embossing folders.  I found them both on clearance at Michael's.  I used hemp and different ribbon to tie the binding and for the tags.


I also inked the edges and secured as the tutorial did with a small brad.


The scalloped circles and squares were cut using Mini Monograms. I think the little bee on this tag is too cute.

The last thing I made were these little boxes.  They came from Tags, Bags, Boxes, and More.  I cut these on my create.  Many people ask if this cartridge is worth it using the smaller machine and I believe yes.  They are just going to be smaller boxes.  I plan to fill these with some candy and give them to my co-workers.  They may have to wait until Monday because I forgot to get candy while we were out.

I also embossed these with the swiss dots folders.

Happy Crafting and Happy Valentine's Day!

Jessica

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Storage Solution and some Vinyl Action


Closed. Too lazy to zip it up but you get the idea. You can see the telescoping handle as well.
Side pocket with tabs great for pictures, cuttlebug folders, and cards.
Other side pocket. These little plastic containers are removable with handy velcro. Each top pocket is holding probably 5-6 cartridges and the bottom pocket holds the corresponding key pads.
More removable pockets. I don't have my machine sitting in here but I remove the pockets, put the machine in, and replace the pockets. Then put charger, paper trimmer, and tool kit on top. It does have a repositional divider here that I can put a few pieces of paper and my mats.

There has been a lot of buzz about the deal Big Lots is offering this weekend on their cricut create. Check your local listings but if I understand correctly the create will be on sale Sunday 2/14 and Monday 2/15 for 100.00 including the Don Juan cartridge that typically comes with the machine. I told a few folks over on www.thenest.com craft boards I would show my storage solution for this machine. I purchased this rolling tote from Michael's using a 50% off coupon. I believe it was around $30.00 by the time it was said and done. I debated back and forth about getting the offical cricut bag but do be honest I'm not a huge fan of cricut green (gasp I know).

This one also had some storage features that I really liked as well as described above.
This is a birthday gift for my best friend. If you happen to hop over here Surprise JK happy birthday!

I am slowly converting her to my paper crafting hobby! This will be her first tool in the collection. I used my cricut to cut out her monogram and give it a little more personalization. It is the sizzix texture boutique. It is a dry embossing tool that adds texture to paper and cardstock.

Happy crafting!
Jessica


Thursday, February 4, 2010

Quick little Birthday Card


I made this over my little snow-cation. Can you tell how much I enjoy the joy-folds? I made it for a special scrap friend. We share the passion for scrappin! This is embossed with cuttlebug folders. One is a 2x3 folder from a happy birthday series the other is the argyle folder with the core-dinations paper.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Valentine's Cards

My driveway is at the bottom where the trees slightly part. I'm not going anywhere!





I am a huge sucker for Valentine's Day. I have always enjoyed it. It takes everything I have not to go and buy just about every Valentine's decoration I see. I made a few little Valentine's with the past few snowy days we've had. It looks like we may have another snow day tomorrow.

Details on the cards:

I found the love mini cuttlebug folders on sale recently and thought they were too cute to pass up. I am a huge fan of the joy fold cards and they are the perfect size to use the small 2X3 cuttlebug folders.

The edge punch is one of Martha Stewart's I got for 3.00 after Christmas.

I used the core'dinations paper on the side with the hearts cuttlebug embossing folder.

The little girl and her dog are from A Child's Year.


Monday, February 1, 2010

Waiting on her Arrival!















My sister has gotten the high sign that if the baby isn't here by the 15th they will deliver that day! The whole family is so excited waiting on her arrival. We've had a good amount of snow here over the past several months and I was able to finish up her baby book this weekend.

I got a HUGE 80 page pack of Core-dinations paper from joann.com I used it on several pages. You can also see I used the cricut markers on several headings. I must say I think they add such an element of dimension. The cartridges used on this upload are: A Child's Year, George, Stretch Your Imagination, Christmas Cheer, Life's a Beach, Gypsy Wonderings.