Sweet 16 Card

I am sharing a creation at My Craft Spot today - and am posting it here on my blog too.

This birthday card was created for the friend of my middle guy.  They've known each other since birth and have gone all through school together.  It's so hard to believe that they are turning 16 this year!  Time really does fly far too quickly.

This card was relatively simple to put together.  I used metal dies from My Craft Spot's Tiny Doilies (the scalloped doilies) and Lacy Banners (the smaller circles) sets.  Each circle was then stamped with a letter from SWEET using Chunky Alphabet.  This stamp set from My Craft Spot coordinates perfectly with the Lacy Banners Metal Dies.  I scored and folded each of the doilies and then strung them across some fabulous Purple Plum baker's twine from My Craft Spot, popping each one for a bit of dimension.

I added some faux stitching around the edge of my card and also added a purple 16, cut on my Cricut using Kate's ABCs.  I finished everything off by added a Martha Stewart lace border.

 

For more information on the stamps, twine and metal dies used to create this card, please head over to My Craft Spot.  Have a fabulous day!

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Fantabulous Cricut "Back to School" Cricut Crawl

Welcome to the 8TH Fantabulous Cricut Crawl... Fantabulous Cricut's version of a Blog Hop! 

Summer is coming to an end and we are all getting ready for BACK TO SCHOOL... Each design team member on this crawl will be featuring an original BACK TO SCHOOL project that includes a SCHOOL RELATED item, such as crayons, rulers, pencils, book, school bus, etc. along with at least ONE Cricut cut. 

If you've come from visiting Karen at Simply Frenzied, you're in the right place! If you've just happened across my blog and would like to play along with our Fantabulous Cricut Crawl, start HERE. Make sure to check out each DT member's blog for some awesome inspiration! There will be PRIZES along the way at our DT members' blogs AND there will be a grand prize up for grabs at FCCB for one participant that submits a "Back to School" project! 

Subway wall art

For my project, I initially created some subway art for my daughter's dorm.  Erin leaves for university this weekend and had I thought it would be fun to create something personal for her dorm room.  I purchased a 12x16 canvas, painted it purple (Erin's favourite colour) and then cut the name of her school, program, residence and classes using Cricut vinyl.  I used a variety of fonts (Ashlyn's Alphabet, Car Decals, Cuttin' Up, Jubilee, Kate's ABCs, Mickey Font and Opposites Attract) to create this art and thought it would be perfect for the crawl... but then realized that the project does not quite fit the challenge requirements as I did not include a school-related item!!!  Argh!!!  The good news is that Erin LOVES the subway art!!  That's the main thing.

Card

I then decided that I would create a card for Erin too.  I’ll leave this 5.5x6 card for her when we drop her off at uni on Sunday.  I searched the internet for an inspirational quote and found many I liked – but when I saw this one from Bon Jovi, I knew that I had found THE one.  I love that it even uses the word pencil too!  I used Opposites Attract to cut the letters from Cricut vinyl and adhered them to some We R Memory Keepers paper.  The little pencil is actually from a piece of Forever in Time patterned paper and I cut it out by hand.  I cut a black mat for the card and then adhered it to an orange cardstock base.  Now I’ve got a great card for Erin – AND I meet the FCCB challenge requirements!!  

To thank you for stopping by, I am giving away a $15US gift certificate for My Craft Spot.  I'll announce the winner next Monday - which is perfect timing for the My Craft Spot Fall Stamp Release Party that happens next week!  Click HERE for all the stamp release party details!!  To be eligible for my giveaway, you need to be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post.  

Now it's your turn! Let's see your BACK TO SCHOOL projects! Make sure to include a Cricut cut somewhere on your project!

Your next stop is Kathie’s blog, Let's Get Scrappy Together.  Go and see what Kathie has in store for you today.  When you're done, make sure to link up your project to FCCB's Fantabulous Cricut Crawl post to be entered into the contest!

Happy Crawling!

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ConMACulations!

Yikes!  I'm so sorry that this is posted late today.  I've been having technical difficulties over the past week which have since resulted in a new laptop and a new mobile!  My other laptop is less than 2 years old - with a 3 year warranty - but I gave up completely with Dell as they have been nothing but a headache since they got my money.  I'm supposed to have "next business day in home service" but usually have to wait 2-3 weeks for service and that just doesn't cut it with my work!  After the sixth time of needing to do a total restore, I decided to move on, count my losses and make a reliable purchase - and spread the word to avoid Dell like the plague!! 

This week is all about congratulations at My Craft Spot.  This is perfect timing as  I DO have wonderful news to share!  My daughter received early acceptance to McMaster University (aka Mac) a couple of months ago and, after weighing her options, she made the decision to accept the offer this past week.  My husband and I celebrated by taking Erin out for dinner and I made this card to show her how very proud we are of her.

I used Kate's ABCs and Cuttin' Up for the font.  The little flower is from Walk in My Garden and some punches.  The fabulous sentiment is from My Craft Spot's Friends and Neighbors - Inside and Out set.  I stitched around the My Mind's Eye paper and inked everything!  I also used my edge distresser around the mat.  I finished things off with a pearl and some vintage blue twine - also from My Craft Spot. 

This week is another hectic one for me but I'm hoping to save some time on Thursday for a bit of blogging.  I do feel so badly about my lack of visits to your blogs.  I always love seeing your creative projects and being awed and inspired by your work.  I'd love to see you post your projects for My Craft Spot's congratulations challenge too!

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Rubber Duckie, You're The One!

View my Fantabulous Cricut post HERE

This week at My Craft Spot, we want you to make us laugh!

For ages now, I've wanted to make a card for my husband using Ernie's "Rubber Duckie" song (from Sesame Street) as inspiration - so that's just what I did.  Our anniversary isn't until July so I'm well ahead of the game.  I suppose that the bath time part of the song is a bit, um, suggestive (albeit true!) - but as I really am awfully fond of my husband, the sentiment fits that he's the one for me.  He is my very best friend, my joy of joys and I'm beyond blessed and so very lucky that he's mine.

I created my window card using Plantin SchoolBook for the base and Elegant Edges for the window and scalloped frame.  The tub is from New Arrival and the sweet little rubber duck (which is popped on my card) is from Kate's ABCs.  I punched out little hearts for the corners and did some inking and doodling. I finished off the outside with some Caribbean baker's twine from My Craft Spot.

For the inside of the card, I used stamps from My Craft Spot's Always & Forever set (Happy Anniversary and the little heart).  I also got creative with mixing and matching stamps from My Craft Spot's Friends & Neighbours and Inside & Out Set #2 in order to make the "You're the one" sentiment. I cut a second rubber duck and created a little border using a punch from Stampin' Up to add some more interest to the inside as well. 

I am very much looking forward to seeing what you create for the My Craft Spot challenge this week.  I've got a full week ahead of me and will need some humour to keep me going.  I'll leave you with the Rubber Duckie song to listen to as you get creating!

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Cricut Craftin' Friends Blog Hop - Day 2

We're so happy you could join us for this hop celebrating the one year blogiversary of Cricut Craftin Grammy (Suzanne).  Suzanne has asked a few of her Cricut message board friends, as well as her design team friends (Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog, Lasting Memories and Sweet Sassy Diva), to join her in this two day blog hop.

Click HERE for my post for the "Cricut Craftin'" Friends Blog Hop Day 1.

Suzanne has some blog candy to share.  In order to be eligible to win her candy, you must need to leave comments along each blog each day.  If you leave a comment on all the blogs both days, your name will be entered into the random drawing twice. The random winner will receive a $25 gift card from their choice of Michaels or Joanns.  You have until January 30th to post your comments. 

Let's get hopping!! If you've hopped over from Faith Abigail at Faith Abigail Designs, then you are in the right place!! If you've just popped in to visit my blog or are reading this via email and you'd like to join our FUN, then please click HERE to start at the beginning with Suzanne's blog. 

For the hop today, I've created a set of thank you cards.  I copied an idea I saw in Cards magazine - the embossing edition. I embossed the top portion of the card and scored lines on the bottom.  "Thanks" was cut using Kate's ABCs and then run through my crimper.  I did some inking and added a flower and some gems to finish things off.

Blog Candy!

Here at Small Bits of Paper, I am giving away a $10US gift certificate to My Craft Spot!! To be eligible to win this prize, you need to be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post.  For an extra entry, leave a comment on yesterday's Cricut Craftin' Friends Blog Hop post - HERE.  (I am also giving away another $10 gift certificate for My Craft Spot HERE.)  Both winners will be announced February 2.

The next stop on the hop is  Stacia of Happy and Scrappy.

List of Blog Hop Participants:

Suzanne http://cricutcraftingrammy.blogspot.com/

Also posting for Cindy who does not have a blog

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog Friends

Charlotte http://alittlebitofdetail.blogspot.com/

Melanie http://melaniemakes.blogspot.com/

Beckie http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/

Faith Abigal http://www.faithabigaildesigns.com/

Kate http://smallbitsofpaper.blogspot.com/

Lasting Memories

Stacia http://happyandscrappytoo.blogspot.com/

Michele F http://fishmememoriesandmore.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth http://visionsofpaper.blogspot.com/

Karen http://creationsbykw.blogspot.com/

Denise http://thruthelookingglass-glassgraffitix2.blogspot.com/

Michelle http://scrappinforkenzie.blogspot.com/

Jennasa http://findtimetocreate.blogspot.com/

Kimberly http://leokc34.blogspot.com/

Amy http://www.lovetocrop.com/

Message Board Friends

Terri http://craftmeaway.blogspot.com/

Brenda http:// friendscraftinwithfriends.blogspot.com/

Rachelle http://creationsbyrachelle.blogspot.com/

Shawnee http://quiverofangels.blogspot.com/

Sweet Sassy Diva Blog Friends

Lori http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/

Mindy http://grammiescraftroom.blogspot.com/

Tina http://tiggersscrapplace.blogspot.com/

Jen http://3catsandabug.blogspot.com/

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Basketball Birthday Card

I made this card for my husband's birthday.  My husband is quite athletic and loves sports of all kinds, especially basketball, so it was only natural that my thoughts turned to his favourite sport when making a card for him!

I designed my card using Campin' Critters for the base.  The white mat was embossed with my Cuttlebug.  I used Basketball for the main image/word art and Kate's ABCs for "of attention".  The little banner is actually part of a letter O (also from Kate's ABCs).  I stamped the banner with a sentiment from My Craft Spot's Sweet Sentiments Set #1.  I also used some My Craft Spot Halloween baker's twine and a brad from my stash to finish things off.  My husband loved it!

This week at My Craft Spot, we're singing "Let's hear it for the boys!" and are challenging you to create something "typically male" - robots, sports, vehicles, etc.  Be sure to head over to My Craft Spot to check out the rest of the design team inspiration and to link up your own "boy" project in order to be eligible for this week's prize.

Also, over the next couple of weeks, each My Craft Spot designer is taking time to showcase Kimberly's new Valentine stamp sets.  Be sure to visit designers on their highlighted days in order to win fabulous prizes from My Craft Spot!!  Plus, the stamp sets are available for purchase now!

Be sure to come back here tomorrow for the Cards for Kids Valentine's Day Blog Hop, hosted by Faith Abigail Designs.  I'll be giving away a gift certificate for My Craft Spot!  Plus, you'll have the opportunity to create a card for a child in hospital.

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Subway Art

Happy Thanksgiving!!

(In Canada, Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the second Monday of October.)

It's all about wall décor this week at Fantabulous Cricut. I've been wanting to try some subway art for some time now, so decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to give it a go!

I first purchased a white canvas and painted it with a light brown acrylic paint.  (It's got a lovely distressed look in person, but it doesn't show up in the photo.)  I then used my Gypsy to design the art. To do this, I added a rectangle to my Gypsy design which was an inch smaller than my canvas. (My canvas is 12x16, so I created a rectangle to be 11x15.) Then I designed the phrases using a variety of fonts, extending each expression to 11 inches in order to have both sides justified. I cut the art from a piece of brown Cricut vinyl. I learned the hard way that one should never cut vinyl on a new mat. It was quite a pain to get the white backing off the mat once I'd removed the vinyl!  I had to remind myself to give thanks in all things and to choose to be happy!!

(The "Choose to be happy" portion is a scaled down version of wall art in my office which I posted about HERE.)

There are some wonderful creations for view at Fantabulous Cricut.  Head over to see what the rest of the design team has been working on - and to link up your own wall décor project.

Cartridges used:
Cuttin' Up
Jubilee
Gypsy Font
Nursery Rhymes
Kate's ABCs
Opposites Attract
Printing 101
Plantin SchoolBook

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My Craft Spot Release - Sneak Peek

It's time for the My Craft Spot release party!  In fact, it started yesterday with some of my incredibly talented design team sisters.  Make sure you check things out if you haven't already!

For my project, I've used a stamp from the new "Friends and Neighbors - Inside and Out" set.  I just love this set!!  It has such a wonderful assortment of sentiments that are just perfect for adding to cards and projects of all sorts.  My Craft Spot stamps are made from high quality photopolymer and are a treat to use.

Card Recipe:

Sentiment - My Craft Spot "Friends and Neighbors" - Inside and Out set (to be released Friday!)

Scallop rectangle and oval - Mini Monograms

Image - Kate's ABCs

Crinkle Ribbon - My Craft Spot

Tim Holtz and Stampin' Up inks, pearls, Stardust Gelly Roll pen

There's lots more fun to be had at My Craft Spot this week!  Kimberly will be showcasing projects each day - and giving away prizes!  I'll be back on Thursday with another sneak peak and the entire design team will be participating in a blog hop on Friday - the day of the big release!  

Stamp Release Party Giveaways

Each day this week, Kimberly from My Craft Spot will have a fun prize for one lucky follower! Then, on Friday, each stop on the Hop will be giving away ONE of the NEW stamp sets! That's a total of 9 stamps sets to be given away!!

For  the most chances to win awesome prizes this week:

1. Leave a comment on each Sneak Peek post on the My Craft Spot blog this week (Monday through Thursday).

2. Post the orange stamp party button (below) on your blog (or Facebook page) and leave Kimberly a comment to let her know that you've done this. 

3. Join us for the Stamp Release Blog Hop on Friday! Each Design Team Blog on the Hop will be giving away ONE of the NEW stamp sets!!

Be sure to check back in on Thursday, August 25th, when I will have another sneak peek for you before the BIG Release Blog Hop! Now, head on over to My Craft Spot for more sneak peeks and your chance to win! 

*********************************

Thank you all for your comments regarding our flood and friend's son.  James has made a full recovery.  It truly is miraculous!!! Our house is still in a state of disarray, but things are coming along!

HAPPY, HAPPY birthday to my littlest guy who is 9 years old today!!

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Sweet 17 Card

This week's challenge at Fantabulous Cricut is "I Scream for Ice Cream".  My daughter is a HUGE fan of ice cream and I decided to take advantage of this week's theme to create a card for her birthday next month.

I used lots of Pop Dots on this card:

Recipe:
George and Basic Shapes - card base and little circle and shadow
Mini Monograms - scalloped circle mat and shadow
Indie Art - ice cream cone
Wall Decor and More - "sweet"
Kate's ABCs - 17
Cuttlebug - Happy birthday folder and 2x2 flower folder (on little circle)
Glossy Accents
Gems
PopDots


Sorry this is such a short and sweet post.  I am drowning in assignments!  However, I would like to give a huge thanks to Rhonda of Scrap Happens with Rhonda and Kristan of Baby Cakes for the wonderful awards they passed along my way.  I certainly don't feel I deserve any awards with my lack of posting on blogs these days...  I really do miss you all! 

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Seeing Stars Birthday Card

If you are looking for my Canada Day card, created for this week's Fantabulous Cricut challenge, please click HERE.

The challenge this week at My Craft Spot is "Seeing Stars" - use stars on your project.  I decided to make a card for one of my own stars - my middle guy who will be turning 14 (yikes!) in August.

I fell in love with the design of a card made with Birthday Bash - but I don't have that cartridge.  However, with the help of my Gypsy, I was able to create something fairly close.  I used a cup from Locker Talk (received from my wonderful friends at Serenity Scrappers) and turned it sideways.  I then welded a star from George and Basic Shapes to the cup.  Next, I copied the image, flipped it and welded the two together to create a card.  I used the same cartridges to cut the patterned papers that I used as well.  The 14 and shadow were cut with Kate's ABCs and run through the Cuttlebug using a star embossing folder.  The star and 14 are popped.  The little tag was hand-cut and stamped with a birthday sentiment from My Craft Spot's Sweet Sentiments Set #1.  I did lots of faux stitching and finished things off with a star brad and some Chocolate Baker's Twine from My Craft Spot.

Please head over to My Craft Spot to see the amazing projects created by the rest of the design team - and then create your own "Seeing Stars" project!  I'd love to see what you make!

*Don't forget about the Canada Day Blog Hop this Friday!  Everybody is invited to join the fun!

**My card also meets the criteria for the Stars and Stripes birthday card challenge at Birthday Sundaes - so I will enter it there as well!

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Hugs Card

If you are looking for this week's Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Me Monday post, please go HERE.

It's all about cute critters at My Craft Spot this week. As felines are my favourite critters, I decided to create a card with a cat.  Last week, I saw the Cricut Lite Meow cartridge on sale at our local Walmart and figured that this challenge was a great excuse to pick it up!  As I tend to purchase my cartridges online (they are SO much less expensive this way, often a quarter of the price), it was quite a treat to pick one up and come right home to use it after purchase!

The main image on this card is from the Cricut Lite Meow cartridge and the fence and hill are from Wrap It Up. The fence was embossed using the Cuttlebug Distressed Stripes folder.  I used a floral stamp (manufacturer unknown) to create a pattern on the little girl's dress and her face was stamped with a Peachy Keen stamp. The little girl and her cute critter were popped. The scalloped mat is from Kate's ABCs. I embossed the kraft mat with an Indentz folder and used a Creative Memories corner rounder punch on the mat and card base as well. I inked everything and did some doodling too. To create my sentiment, I used a stamp from My Craft Spot's Sweet Sentiments Set #1. I also used some fabulous Raspberry Truffle crinkle ribbon from My Craft Spot, some embroidery floss and a button to complete the look of the card.  When I showed the card to my youngest, he exclaimed, "That looks just like Electra!" (our cat) which made me smile.

There are some other wonderful projects on display at My Craft Spot to provide inspiration for this week's challenge.  Please go and check them out!  Then create your own cute critter project to link up in order to be eligible for this week's wonderful giveaway.  Also, Kimberly announced last week that My Craft Spot is now selling baker's twine from The Twinery too.  The colours are so bright and fun!

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Daffodil Card for Mother's Day

This week at Fantabulous Cricut, the challenge is "Flower Shower":  Create a project using at least three flowers.  I decided to create a Mother's Day card for my mum, which I will also link up at Cooking With Cricut (spring flowers), My Craft Spot (We love you Mum!), Whimsical Wednesday (spring has sprung) and My Sheri Crafts.   I played around with attaching a tag or sentiment to the front of the card but finally decided to stamp the inside with a simple "Happy Mother's Day". 

When I was first putting this card together, I didn't like the dark blue showing through each of the scalloped portions so I ended up punching circles using a Stampin' Up Itty Bitty punch using the scraps from the patterned paper.  I then attached each little circle behind the openings and am much happier now!

My favourite flower is the daffodil, and I know my mum loves them too.  The daffodils have finally bloomed in our gardens and it seems that spring is finally here!  On Sunday, I know I will be spoiled by my husband and children, beginning with the traditional breakfast in bed.  Later, we will celebrate Mother's Day at my mum's house with my mum, my oldest sister and her family and my oldest brother and his daughter, as well as my husband and children.   The men always order Swiss Chalet so the women get to rest and enjoy the day!  I'm looking forward to it!

Recipe:

George and Basic Shapes: card base, inner circles, yellow "tablecloth"

Easter 2010:  scalloped circle

Kate's ABCs: pitcher (embossed with Cuttlebug border folder from "With love" set)

Walk in my Garden: daffodils

Baker's twine, white Gelly Roll pen, PopDots, various inks from Stampin' Up

Sentiment (inside): Happy Mother's Day from My Creative Time's "Mom, You Rock"

Please head over to Fantabulous Cricut to check out the wonderful design team projects - and to link up your "Flower Shower" project!

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Baby Card - Guest Designer for Getting Cricky

I am so delighted and excited to be this week's guest designer at Getting Cricky. I only discovered Kristal a few weeks ago and have been loving her posts! She's so inspirational and seems to always write just the words I need to read/hear. I love the analogies that she makes between her projects and real life. It's a joy and a privilege to be designing for her blog for the Simply Sunday Challenge.

I've just received Kate's ABCs - which I've wanted for its name more than anything!! The cartridge is not available here in Canada so I've been keeping my eye out for it on eBay but wasn't able to find it for a price I was willing to pay. However, I was absolutely thrilled to learn that my Easter Bag was spotlighted in the April 19 edition of the Cricut Chirp. With that came a credit at Cricut which I used to purchase Kate's ABCs.  It arrived this week already!!

The theme for Getting Cricky's Simply Sunday Challenge is "Sew Fabulous" - which can be interpreted any way you like (thread, faux stitching, stamps, fabric, etc.!) to create anything you like!  I decided to pull out the sewing machine and added some stitches to my card.  I used George and Basic Shapes for the card and pink mat.  The top mat was actually created with a tag from Winter Frolic, turned 90 degrees with the contour of the hole hidden.  The little bunny scene (with dragonfly) was cut with Kate's ABCs.  I actually cut another set of images and inked them but really didn't like the look at all so cut again and drew around everything with a Stardust Gel pen.  I also added some dots (with the same pen) all around the pink mat and coloured in the dragonfly's body with it too.  I added some pink pearls and a bit of ribbon to the outside of the card and stamped the inside to finish things off.  I like card this so much better than the inked version!

Please head over to Getting Cricky to check out the "Sew Fabulous" Simply Sunday Challenge for this week - and to be inspired and motivated by Kristal!

I will also enter this card at My Craft Spot - where this week we've been challenged to create a project to welcome a precious baby into our world.   And speaking of My Craft Spot, I did not hear from one of the winners of the "It's a Basket Case Blog Hop" so returned to Random.org to find a new winner.  This time, Amy from Love to Crop is the lucky winner.  I laughed when I matched up the number to the name - as I recently won a jelly bean counting competition at Amy's blog!!  Amy, head over to My Craft Spot to pick out your choice of Crinkle ribbon or baker's twine, to a maximum value of $9.99.  Please send me your information and choice within the next week so I can place the order for you.  Congratulations! 

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