Recently On My Desk…(#4)

Hello From The Heart

Today’s card project started out in a completely different direction. The decorative paper I chose was from K & Co.’s Ka-Zoo collection–which tends to lend itself well to cards for children and more whimsical designs. However as I started playing around with other scraps and materials, the card took a decidedly “adult” turn. Which goes to prove that sometimes you have to be willing to let go of your pre-conceived notions and plans and go where the creative flow takes you. I really like the color interplay and texture (implied and actual) in this design.

A couple of quick notes on other topics:

I just ordered one of the new Imaginisce I-Rock rhinestone setter tools and a bunch of gems, pearls, and metal embellishments. I’m really looking forward to playing with this new cordless bling setter.

Cricut Lite Cartridges: Have you fallen prey yet? Even though they have not shown up in my local WalMart (which is on the smaller side), I’ve managed to add around fifteen of them to my collection thus far. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before I succumb to the other nine. The really sad part is that I haven’t used any of them because they haven’t been added to a Gypsy Update as of this time–and frankly, I’m to lazy to go “old school” again.

I did join the Cricut Circle and I’m really looking forward to seeing what is in store for members. I’m already is massive love with “French Manor”.

Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win in Giveaway #10 (see link in the sidebar at the right). This round closes on Wednesday and the prize package is pretty “delish” if I may say so myself.

Finally, have a super weekend ahead….

Friends Are Flowers

I’m really delighted with the way this card turned out. It features a sneak peek at the new Stampin’ Up! Cherry Cobbler color palette (cardstock and ink)–as well as a new stamp set called “Friends Never Fade” (all available July 1, 2010). Additonal materials used: K & Co. decorative paper from the Simply Scarlet collection, SEI Red Grape Chalk Ink, Robin’s Nest Diamond Dew Drops in Jade Green, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Zig Two-Way Glue Pen, and Stampin’ Up Cardstock in Whisper White.

{friend to friend}

Trouble…

Today’s card project was so much fun to put together. It’s the first time I’ve used my ProvoCraft Cricut “Mini Monsters” cartridge–and I have to say these little monsters will make the hardest heart smile. So I pulled out my Gypsy and my Cricut Expression and got to work with no real game plan in mind. Additionally, I experimented with more of the new cardstock color palette that will be available from Stampin’ Up! on July 1, 2010.

After a quick flip through the corresponding handbook, I immediately gravitated toward this little fellow. I laid out all of the layers on a 12″ x 12″ mat on my Gypsy. (I’ve noted the different layers on the photograph.) If you haven’t considered adding a Cricut Gypsy to your arsenal of tools and you are an avid Cricuteer, you really should consider it now that the price point has fallen significantly. The ability to layout all of your pieces and layers on a virtual mat not only helps you see how the construction will logically follow, but it allows you to lay all of your cuts on one mat and gives you the exact sizes of papers you will need to make your cuts. The amount of cardstock I have “wasted” has significantly decreased since buying my Gypsy.

All of my pieces are set to cut at a height of 2.75″. Though it is somewhat difficult to see in the screen shot due to the limits of photographing the screen display, you can gauge your paper size by either counting the grid squares (which are 1″ x 1″) or using the side rulers recently added to the Gypsy in a functional update. For instance, the base layer is five squares across and four squares down–which would indicate my cardstock should be cut to 5″ x 4″ for that particular cut.

Below is the layout of my cardstock to cut this image. All of the cardstock is from Stampin’ Up! (including new colors Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, Pear Pizzazz and Daffodil Delight).

A bit of Zig Two-Way glue pen and mono adhesive, and my little guy is suddenly taking shape and is ready to stake his territory.

For my card, I chose the following papers: the card base is Stardream So…Silk! mica cardstock in Beauty Pink (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″), the mat is Basic Grey from the Basics Manila collection: “Sphere” (4″ x 5″), and the accent paper is also Basic Grey from Nook & Pantry: “Cornbread” (2″ x 4″). I used my Stampin’ Up! tag corner punch to snip all the corners of each paper.

Adhering my layers, it was now time for my monster to find a home. I used some Copic Atyou Spica glitter pens to add some accents and sparkle. A quick sentiment and a bit more adhesive and this little monster moved right in.

If you haven’t checked out “Mini Monsters” yet–or perhaps passed it over–I have to say that I think the possibilities for this cartridge far exceed the obvious use (Halloween). It’s quirky. It’s cute. It’s monsterously fun!

Dreaming

(Sneak Peak: NEW Stampin’ Up! Cardstock color: Early Espresso! I love it! Coming July 1st…)

Sing It

{Materials Used: Stampin’ Up! Cardstock in Glorious Green, American Crafts Decorative Cardstock from “Teen” Collection (Driver’s Ed), Edged Grosgrain Ribbon from Stampin’ Up! Theatre Collection, Creative Charms Velvet Dimensional Flower, 7 Gypsies Velvet Green Leaves, Bo Bunny Glazed Brad, Sentiment Stamp from Unity Stamp Co., Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black, AdTech Mono Adhesive, 3/8″ Glue Dots, Zutter 1/2″ Round-It-All Corner Rounder, Scor-Pal, Carl RT-200 Paper Trimmer;}

Giveaway #10: Summertime

Girls and Boys, it’s time for another Giveaway! Since we’re all about to enter the throes of Summer–heat and all–I thought we needed some prizes that will keep us cool in our air-conditioned craft spaces. I’m not sure about where you might live, but in my neck of the desert, we’ve already begun to climb past the century mark on the trusty thermometer. Just a prelude of things to come, I’m afraid.

This Giveaway combines some of my favorite things and brands. If you’re the lucky winner, you’ll receive a prize package that consists of the following:

** one (1) Cricut Limited Edition Summer Collection Cartridge: “Summer Vacation”
** one (1) Stampin’ Up! Clear Mount Rubber Stamp Set: “Happy Moments”
**a selection of fun Summer Embellishments including Prima flowers, Stampin’ Up! ribbon, Basic Grey clear acrylic stamps, and more surprises!

To enter for a chance to win, simply leave a comment on this particular post sharing your answer to the following question:

What are some of your favorite sights, sounds, and smells of Summer?

The deadline for entering Giveaway #10 is Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Please tell a friend about this Giveaway. Your continued readership and comments are much appreciated.

Time Flies….

(Materials Used: Stampin’ Up! cardstock in Soft Suede, K & Co. decorative paper from the Olive Tree Kraft Collection, Papertrey Ink Kraft cardstock, Cuttlebug “Clockworks” embossing folder, Colorbox Chestnut Roan Cat’s Eye Ink, Little Yellow Bicycle metal gears and brads, American Crafts Purkey rub-on alphabets, Adtech Mono Adhesive, Carl RT-200 paper trimmer, Scor-Pal, We R Memory Keepers paper piercer;)

Giveaway #9–Winner!

Thank you to all of you who participated in Giveaway #9. The winner of a brand new ProvoCraft Cricut “Straight From The Nest” cartridge is:

Susan Beauchaine says: May 25, 2010 at 10:10 pm
“Well, I LOVE the birdcage. I can see it in a lot of projects. But… the cupcake is really cute and I have seen the bird perched on the branch, so cute, and….. it has cute corners that would be awesome. I think it is a GREAT cartridge and would be right at home in my craft room! Once again, you are so VERY generous! Thank you so much! Susan”

Congratulations SUSAN! If you would please contact me with your mailing information, I will get your new cartridge on its way to you.

Watch for Giveaway #10–and some new goodies–shortly.