Flower & Vines Mothers Day Card

Yep, it's another Mothers Day card!  Inspiration for this card was Card Patterns Sketch #113:

I made a few adjustments, but the result is my favorite card to date:

Cartridges Used:
Birthday Bash
Lovely Floral

I need lots of practice on bows, huh?  But it was nice to challenge myself.

I also used the Cricut's centerpoint function for the first time with this card.  The sentiment is printed from my computer on white cardstock and then inserted into the Cricut to cut a circle around it.  I'm going to try this technique again soon with something more complex.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Celebrate the Occasion: Challenge #11 - Mothers Day
Die Cuttin' Divas: Challenge #12 - Mothers Day Is on the Way
Fantabulous Cricut: Challenge #57 - Mom's The Word
My Sheri Crafts:  Challenge #55 - Mothers Day

Mothers Day Card for Gran

Mothers Day is fast approaching, so I needed to make progress on cards for the mothers in my life.  I made the card below for my husband's grandmother:

Cartridges Used:
Cricut Classic Font
Lovely Floral
Wrap It Up

The body of the card is from Wrap It Up, and I like the result of putting cardstock with a little glitter behind the cut.  When I tried to cut the tag on glitter cardstock, I discovered the thickly-glittered areas don't play well with the regular Cricut blade.  I had to snip a bit with scissors by hand, but it's not terribly noticeable.  Oh well...lesson learned.  Inking makes the "Gran" title tag stand out nicely.

I'm entering this card in Cricut Cardz Challenge #72 - Mothers Day Card using a Card Feature.

MOPS & POPS Banquet Programs

I'm using my Cricut for my first BIG project -- programs for my Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) banquet this weekend.  Here's a photo of the first front/back combo I completed:

 The embellishment is both layers of the Doily4 cut from Cricut Lite Lovely Floral cartridge.

But perhaps big project isn't the correct term.  With the Cricut, I only made 60 small embellishments to add to the program which was designed in MS Publisher and printed onto white cardstock from my computer.  But tying 60 ribbons and adhering 60 one-inch flower embellishments is becoming quite the chore.  And I should mention that I rounded all those corners manually with a punch!

Can you believe I actually considered inking around the edges of the top layer?  (Then I realized I was truly crazy.)

I ran out of adhesive about an hour ago, so I'll have to make a Michaels run tomorrow to finish this project.  Until then, I'm realizing I should have started this endeavor about a week ago... :)

Make Tracks Farewell Card

So, you might be addicted to your Cricut if you're back chirping 24 hours after visiting the ER.  (Yep, that would be me.)

The docs told me I had a small asthma attack (a first for me) and bronchitis, probably aggravated by all the pollen and pollution in the air currently.  I got x-rays, a shot, two breathing treatments, and I'm hopped up on steriods and feeling great.  So great it didn't stop me from missing Easter church services or whipping out a quick project tonight!

This card is for my husband's friend who leaves for Afghanistan next month.  He's an Army veteran, but going overseas with a military contractor to support our troops with his information technology skills.

Cartridges Used:
Boys Will Be Boys

I finally used the Boys Will Be Boys cartridge -- it's super cute and can work for a manly card, too.  My hubby helped me with the sentiment, which continues inside to say "...just make sure the tracks lead home soon."  The tank and arrow are on pop dots, and the embossing was done with the Spots and Dots folder by Cuttlebug.  It's hard to see, but there is a polka dot pattern on the green background paper (found at Target's Dollar Spot).  I'd wanted to make some "tank tracks" with black paint and one of my son's trucks, but I ran out of room on the card.  Maybe I can try that idea next time a transportation theme comes along...

I hope you enjoy this card as much as I enjoyed making it.

Twin Birthday Card #2

Here's the second in a duo of birthday cards for my friend's twin daughters:


 
Cartridges Used:
Birthday Bash
Create a Critter
Lovely Floral

This design is based on a sketch by Cherie at Sassy Lil' Card Sketches.  I'm entering this card in their April 14th Card Reveal challenge.

I'm also entering it into the Die Cuttin' Divas Challenge #11 - "Tag You're It" since the sentiment is featured on a tag.

Here's a shot of both cards together:

I like the result -- because twins don't always have to match. :)

Twin Birthday Card #1

I'm currently making a duo of birthday cards for my friend's twin daughters.  I'm basing both cards on April sketches from Sassy Lil' Card Sketches and coordinating them by using matching ribbon and some similar papers.

Check out the first of the cards:

Cartridges Used:
Birthday Bash
Create a Critter

And yep -- that's some embossing!  I got a Cuttlebug today (thanks, half-off coupon from Michaels), and I'm having so much fun playing with it.  Still got lots to learn, but I'm pleased with my first try.

I'm submitting this card in the following challenge:

Sassy Lil' Card Sketches - April 7th Card Reveal

Purple Butterfly Mothers Day Card

I had to try out my newest cartridge -- Cricut Lite Lovely Floral -- last night, and the result is a rich-colored Mothers Day Card.

Cartridges Used:
Lovely Floral

Yep, everything on this card is from Lovely Floral -- the doily, the butterfly, and the font.

I took Mary of CardzTV's challenge and made a Mothers Day card with the colors purple, green, blue, and white.  When I saw this paper pack, I knew it was perfect for her challenge.  Can you believe this pack is from the Dollar Spot at Target?!

I'm submitting this card into the following challenges:

CardzTV - Mother's Day Color Challenge
Cricut Cardz Challenge #71 - Mothers Day Card

And another word on Mothers Day...

My mom actually reads my blog, so I was apprehensive about letting her see a card that she might receive -- but she assured me seeing the card in person is different than seeing a photo of it.  Then again, I'm sure I'll make several Mothers Day cards, so she'll have the surprise of which card is hers.  Of course, she gets whichever card turns out the best, because she is that special!

Lovely Floral

Guess what I got in the mail this week...?!  The cartridge I won on Cricut Cardz Challenge's Easter Bunny Blog Hop!

Thanks again, Mary, for the wonderful giveaway!  I love all the cuts on Lovely Floral -- especially the huge variety of flourishes.  I made my first project with this cart last night, so check my blog shortly for details.

Farm Animal Birthday Card

My son is invited to a farm-themed birthday party next month, so I jumped at the opportunity to make a cute farm animal card for his friend.



Cartridges Used:
Birthday Bash
Create a Critter
Wrap It Up

I think it turned out really cute for a little guy who's turning 3!  And I had fun making more of the critters from Create a Critter.  This cartridge is quickly becoming one of my most frequently-used.

I'm entering this card into two challenges:

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #56 - Do the Bunny Hop (I have a chick!)
Paper Playtime Challenge #43 - Weather

Easter Bunny and Egg Treat Holder

I made my first 3D, non-card creation tonight!  It's a treat holder -- big enough for a cupcake -- but holding plastic eggs for the photo.  It turned out so cute, I just might give it to my co-teacher with chocolates in the eggs.

Cartridges Used:
Birthday Bash
Doodlecharms
Stretch Your Imagination
Wrap It Up

I really like the flourishes from Stretch Your Imagination used as running vines on the fence.  I repeated the look on all four sides, with eggs where the corners meet.

I'm entering this project in the following challenges:

BBTB2 - Easter Solutions 2010 or Any Egg
Cricut Cardz Challenge #70 - Easter Cupcake Holder or Wrapper
Fantabulous Cricut - Spring Fling Project (using pink, yellow, and green)
My Sheri Crafts Challenge #53 - Bunnies

Cubbie Thank You Card

Last night I worked on thank you cards for the volunteers who help me with Awana Cubbies (a preschool scripture memorization program) at church each week.  Our year will soon be over, and I'm planning to give these cards at our awards night.

I was inspired by the Challenge #9 sketch at Die Cuttin' Divas and the Awana Cubbies colors of red and blue.  Here's the result:

Cartridges Used:
Create a Critter
Opposites Attract

I think the bear on Create a Critter "bears" enough resemblance to our mascot Cubbie, don't you?

I have eight of these cards to make, so I'm keeping them uncomplicated.  I'm not totally pleased with the result yet, so I may add some doodling.  I'd like to make the blue outfit on the bear look like the uniform vests our Cubbies wear.  (If the results are good, I'll update the image.)

Many Thanks

I'd like to extend thanks to two awesome bloggers who've recently gifted me with some super cool stuff -- Elsa of CricutLvr and Jen of Musing of a Crafty Mom.

I'm usually not a lucky gal, but somehow I was randomly chosen to receive a set of rubber and digi stamps from these lovely ladies.  I can't wait to try my hand with stamps.

Thanks, y'all!

Easter Train Basket Tag

On my to-do list this week is my son's Easter basket -- which inspired me to make this fun tag tonight:

Cartridges Used:
Doodlecharms
Opposites Attract
Playtime
Wrap It Up

I chose to feature a train cut from the Playtime cartridge because my son is obsessed with everything trains.  The main gift in his basket will be two new engines from Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, so making a train tag was very appropriate.  And putting eggs as the cargo makes this train Easter Bunny approved!

I used various paper scraps because any toddler mom knows this tag will end up crumpled with the bow and cellophane in the rush to get to the toys and candy.  But making it was fun for Mommy!

I'm sharing this creation on the Cooking with Cricut blog as they feature Easter projects this week.  Check out the great creations shared there.

Bunny Fun

Am I the only one who finds the Cricut to be a great source of relaxation?  I've had an exhausting week (and an exhausting Saturday), but I still like finding time to do something creative.  Even if it's only 30 minutes here and there...

Cartridges Used:
Create a Critter
Doodlecharms

I've been eager to make another Easter card, and two recent challenges were great inspiration.

Sherri at Jitterbuggin' Designs provided a fun sketch for Jitterbuggin' Challenge: Spring Fling Fun.  I loosely followed her design by including a bunny and three flowers, but the card is on the smaller side (5"x5") and didn't lend itself well to multiple background layers.  I like the result -- especially since I got to play with the Create a Critter cartridge.  I see why everyone loves this fun collection!

I'm also submitting this card to Cricut Cardz Challenge #69 - Easter. 

Good night, everyone.  This bunny's going to bed.

Dragonfly Thanks

I'm so glad my son took an extra-long nap today, because I worked with my first sketch challenge!

My inspiration was this sketch by Cherie of Sassy Lil' Card Sketches, and I'm submitting it in their March 28th Reveal challenge.

And my result?  Probably my most favorite Cricut creation to date!

Cartridges Used:
Doodlecharms
Opposites Attract
Stretch Your Imagination

Boys Will Be Boys

I won $20 at work Friday, which means...how can I not buy a new cartridge...?!

After work I headed to Walmart in the next 'burb over (one of the very few Walmart stores with a fabric/craft department remaining in the Houston area), but I didn't find anything I really wanted in their Cricut Lite selection.  I resisted the temptation for an immediate purchase, and I'm so glad.  Michaels has their cartridges on sale for $34.99 this week!  I went this afternoon and got Boys Will Be Boys.


It has some super-cute images that will look great in my son's second-year scrapbook.  It also has a car image that could easily be adapted as a taxi for this year's VBS theme, Big Apple Adventure.

And if you purchase three cartridges from Michaels between April 2 and May 31, Provocraft will give you a free cartridge.  Just keep your receipts, serial numbers, and complete the rebate form.

So eager to use this new cart!

Simple Easter Card

Is it really April already?  Easter is only a few weeks away, so I pulled out some pastel papers and played with a bunny cut tonight.

Cartridges Used:
Cricut Classic Font
Doodlecharms

I'm entering this card in my first challenge -- Die Cuttin' Divas - Hippity Hoppity Challenge #8.

I'm no where near as talented as these ladies, but ya gotta start somewhere, right? :)  For three weeks' experience, I like the results of this simple Easter card.

And before I call it a night (gotta get to Michaels for a fabulous sale tomorrow after church!), welcome to all the gracious and supportive ladies who've found my blog through Mrs. Glenda.  I'm in awe of all your talent and so inspired by your creations!

Hoppin' Grasshopper

An admission...  I love looking at Cricut challenge blogs, but I can't bring myself to submit anything.  But this week I decided to take a challenge from Cricut Cardz Challenge and try it for my eyes only.  And, well, now yours too.


Cricut Cardz Challenge #67 - Make a card for Spring, using the colors pink, green, and white ONLY, and any cartridges you'd like.

Here's my card:

Cartridges Used:
Opposites Attract
Playtime
Stretch Your Imagination


I've been playing around with inking, too, after watching this fantastic how-to-video.

So far, I've only worked with the first method shown.  I need to get some better markers to try the others.

Cupcake Birthday Card

I tried my hand at marking a birthday card this past week.  It's my first card to actually put through the mail!

Cartridges Used:
Cricut Classic Font
Doodlecharms

The papers are what really make this card look nice.  It's the "Birthday Extravaganza" stack by Paper Studio.  (I got it half-off at Hobby Lobby during their most recent cardstock sale.)  The "cupcake icing" paper is glittered and made me think of yummy sprinkles.

First Projects

Here's a few of my first projects made with my Cricut...

A tag for a baby gift made with Cricut Classic Font and Playtime cartridge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A bookmark for my husband made with Cricut Classic Font and Stretch Your Imagination cartridges.

A thank you card for a friend (who gave my son a yellow dump truck -- what a perfect cut on this cartridge!) made with the Playtime cartridge.

In the Beginning Was My Cricut...

Hello, world.  This blog is my chronicle of papercrafting with my Cricut Expression -- brand new to this beginner for my 30th birthday!

I'm just getting started, so I've set a few goals:

• Learn the functions of my Cricut by creating something new and sharing it at least once per week.
• Improve my papercrafting skills by participating in Cricut challenges (once I gain a little more experience).
• Use my Cricut for ongoing projects -- especially my son's scrapbook that I'm a year behind on!

But I'm not the only one who loves my Cricut -- my two-year-old son is fascinated by all its chirps and buttons.  I usually only work with it once he's in bed; that's why I've named my blog Cricut After Dark.  (It was shorter than Cricut After Dark and When My Toddler Is Transfixed by Thomas the Tank Engine DVDs.)

I'm eager to go -- let's get started!