Thursday, June 30, 2011

God Bless Texas Card

Fourth of July is nearing, but today I wanted to celebrate a place that's just like its own country -- TEXAS!

I moved to Texas after college graduation, a common story in Houston.  It's a running joke in our city that it's hard to find a native Houstonian -- and it's true!  But as soon as I got here, I knew Texas was different.  I remember walking around Walmart soon after I arrived and finding an entire Texas-themed bathroom set -- shower curtain, rugs, toothbrush holder, soap dispenser!  You'd never find that sort of thing in my native Louisiana.  (I mean, seriously...pelican decor?  It just wouldn't happen.)  Texans have a unique pride in their state that's strongly rooted in individual freedom and personal responsibility.  I love Texas!

Here's my patriotic *Texas* card -- simple but fun!

Card Details:
  • Card Base - DCWV Brights (A2)
  • Papers - textured cardstock by The Paper Studio; non-textured cardstock from scraps; glittery star paper from The Paper Studio - Birthday Extravaganza stack
  • Cricut Cuts - star from Simply Charmed, page 68; font for "TEXAS" from Birthday Bash (Font/Font Shadow)
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - red, white, and blue flag sections with Distressed Stripes
  • Other - doodling with white Gelly Roll pen; "God Bless" sentiment printed with computer

My design originally began as a Texas flag with the white lone star, but I had to move the star upward to accommodate the text.  Then I switched the white star for one with a little sparkle -- such a simple card needed a little pizzazz.  I used the Distressed Stripes embossing folder to make the flag look like it was made with old, wooden boards.  That rustic feel is totally Texas!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Amber's Crafts and Stuff:  Challenge #16 - Red, White, & Blue
Celebrate the Occasion:  Challenge #20 - 4th of July (Red, White, & Blue)
Fantabulous Cricut:  Challenge #66 - Happy 4th (Use Red, White, & Blue)
My Sheri Crafts:  Challenge #63 - Independence Day

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

"Sea" Baby Soon Card

I'm playing along with Tacky Tuesdays this month for the first time -- and I'm so excited!  Their challenge calls for using a sea creature cut and the word "sea" -- which works out great since I had a sea-themed, welcome baby card I needed to make.  How cool, huh?  Here's the resulting card:


Card Details:
  • Card Base - Studio G (5x5")
  • Papers - distressed papers by My Mind's Eye: Bohemia; textured cardstock by The Paper Studio
  • Cricut Cuts - sea creatures from Create a Critter; jellyfish, page 41; octopus, page 42; fish, page 43; seaweed from Create a Critter, page 43; waves background made by layering nine cuts of <hrts1_s> (Border) from Elegant Edges, page 26
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - seaweed with Victoria
  • Other - inking with Colorbox cyan, green, and violet ink pads; doodling with white Gelly Roll pen; sentiment printed with my computer; sea creatures on pop dots
 Check out the Tacky Tuesdays challenge on Facebook and play along!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award

A big thank you to Nita of Nifty Nita Notes, Cindy P of CardCrazeeMe53, and Glenda of Glenda's Cards for honoring my blog with the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award.  You ladies are truly sweet and truly talented!  Please check out their blogs to see their creativity and amazing creations.


To accept the award, the rules are to thank the person who honored you with the award, tell seven random things about yourself, and pass the award onto eight friends.

So, here goes seven random things:
  1. I've always loved cats, and we currently have two feline family members, Spike and Britney.
  2. Aside from craft stores, my favorite place to shop is Kohls.
  3. Nothing beats a cherry limeade from Sonic on a hot, summer day.
  4. I have a brown thumb and kill pretty much any houseplant.  But I've somehow kept an orchid alive for five weeks now.
  5. DVR has changed my life!
  6. I like to fall asleep listening to Coast to Coast AM.  I may not believe everything they discuss, but it sure is entertaining!
  7. I kick off my shoes as soon as I walk in the door.

I am passing the blog award to the following talented crafters. If you are not a follower already, please sure to visit their blogs!

Dawn of SimplyDawn53
Diana of DL.ART
Georgiana of Carson's Creations

Friday, June 24, 2011

Mushroom Welcome Home Card

While hubby is away, with the Cricut I will play...

Hubby will be home from his mission trip in the morning, so I had time to make one last card this evening -- a welcome home card for him!  M.A.G. Challenge by the Page is featuring the Paisley cartridge (finally...one I have!), so I combined their challenge with a sketch from Sassy Lil' Card Sketches and ended up with this card:


Card Details:
  • Card Base - DCWV Brights (A2)
  • Papers - patterned papers by My Mind's Eye: Bohemia; textured cardstock by The Paper Studio; all others from scraps
  • Cricut Cuts - mushroom from Paisley, page 39
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - underside of mushroom with Swiss Dots; top of mushroom with Victoria
  • Other - sentiment printed from my computer; ribbon by Basic Narrows from Michaels; mushroom and sentiment on pop dots

I'm really pleased with the result -- it's both manly and mushy...all at the same time. :)

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

M.A.G. Challenge by the Page:  Challenge #32 - Paisley, pg 39
Sassy Lil' Card Sketches:  June 14th Reveal

Chillin' Patriotic Watermelon Card

I have a confession -- I don't like watermelon.  (I know, I know...)  But my son sure does!  He's had it occasionally and liked it well enough, but he went absolutely bonkers for it while my parents were here.  Then again, if Papaw and GG are enjoying something, Jonathan probably will too.  He loves them so much and shows it by emulating them.

So watermelon is the theme today.  I saw challenges for both watermelon and flags, and those things are the classic symbols of a fun Fourth of July weekend to me.  While I never liked eating watermelon, I do enjoy the smell.  And who can resist a watermelon with a smile?



Card Details:
  • Card Base - DCWV Brights (A2)
  • Papers - textured cardstock by The Paper Studio; all others from scraps
  • Cricut Cuts - watermelon from Simply Charmed, page 46; stars from Simply Charmed, page 68; "chillin'" sentiment from Paisley, page 24
  • Other - faux stitching with white Gelly Roll pen and scarlet Le Plume II marker; inking with green and red Colorbox ink pads; watermelon on pop dots
I didn't have an American flag in my cartridge collection, so I made my own representation of one by cutting square stripes with my trimmer and affixing stars cut from Simply Charmed.  I like the faux stitching -- really gives it a homemade, all-American look.

And have I mentioned lately how much I'm *loving* these Colorbox ink pads?  Yep, thought so. :)

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Amber's Crafts and Stuff:  Challenge #15 - Dog Days of Summer
Cooking with Cricut:  Challenge #39 - Watermelon
Creative Cutter Room:  Challenge - God Bless America!
Cricut Cardz Challenge:  Challenge #80 - Flag

Two Cards Recognized

I feel on top of the world this morning -- two of my cards were recognized on challenge blogs this week!


The Fathers Day card my son and I made for hubby was in the Top 3 at Cooking with Cricut for their Fathers Day challenge.

And the pink and orange birthday presents card was chosen as a Super Sundae at Birthday Sundaes for their embossing challenge.

This recognition means so much to me as a new papercrafter!  It makes my day knowing that talented, experienced ladies thought my card was pretty cool!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Sunshine Hello Card

It's now officially summer -- even though we Texans have been sweating...er, "glowing"...in 100º+ F temps since May.  I do love sunshine, but sometimes I wish it would smile more gently on us -- kinda like this cute sun from Simply Charmed:

Card Details:
  • Card Base - DCWV Brights (A2)
  • Papers - textured cardstock by The Paper Studio; all other cardstock from scraps
  • Cricut Cuts - sun from Simply Charmed, page 50 with shadow; tag is two <trap1> from Opposites Attract, page 119
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - alternating Spots & Dots and Swiss Dots on background color blocks
  • Other - inking with yellow and orange Colorbox ink pads; stamped sentiment by Hampton Ink

I used my new Colorbox ink pads on this project, and I'm in loooooove!  I had so much fun inking all the sun's edges.  It really makes him smile (and me too).

I'm entering this project in the following challenges:

Celebrate the Occasion:  Challenge #19 - Celebrating Summer (Sun)
Fantabulous Cricut:  Challenge #65 - Summer Sun

Sleeping Owl Birthday Card

I have a quick (but cute, if I do say so) card for you today; it's also the last of eight cards my cousin asked me to make for her.  This birthday card is for one of her nurse anesthetist co-workers.  We chose a sleeping owl cut since that's what they do all day -- put people to sleep!

Card Details:
  • Card Base - Studio G (5x5")
  • Papers - patterns by American Crafts Play paperpack; textured cardstock for owl by Core'dinations; blue and orange cardstock from scraps
  • Cricut Cuts - owl from Create a Critter, page 25; tag is <dream> from Lovely Floral; ZZZs are Opposite font from Opposites Attract
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - wings with D'vine Swirls
  • Other - sentiment stamp by Hampton Ink; ribbon by Basic Narrows from Michaels

I'm entering this card in challenge for Sassy Lil' Card Sketches' June 21st reveal.

Now I'm off to the post office to mail a huge bundle of cards!  (And maybe a Michaels / Joann / Hobby Lobby run with my mom...)

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Sweet Kitten Birthday Card

My mom is here and the Cricut has been a-chirpin'!  She opened her Kate's ABC cartridge, and it didn't take long for me to borrow it for this sweet kitten card.  (When I say "not long", I mean...like, 2 minutes.)

Card Details:
  • Card Base - shaped card by Studio G (5" diameter)
  • Papers - patterned paper by Colorbok; aqua paper by My Mind's Eye: Simply Delightful; purple and green cardstock from scraps; textured cardstock by The Paper Studio
  • Cricut Cuts - kitten/flower/butterfly from Kate's ABCs, page 53; scalloped background from Elegant Edges, pages 23 and 50
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - cat with D'vine Swirls
  • Other - doodling with white Gelly Roll pen; inking edges with ultramarine and lavender Le Plume II markers and purple Colorbox ink pad; sentiment stamp by Hampton Ink; ribbon by Basic Narrows.
The cat's tail was connected to the grass cut originally on Kate's ABCs, but I clipped them apart so I could have the tail come around the front of the sentiment stamp.  Also, I was having such a hard time with the bow that my mom tied it for me.  She's so great at bows!

I'm submitting this card to Birthday Sundaes Challenge #14 - Shaped Card.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Pink Butterfly Birthday Card

I hope all the special guys in your life had a great Fathers Day yesterday.  The day was super special because it was also my mom's birthday!

Even though she lives seven hours away, we have a close relationship and talk on the phone most everyday -- sometimes multiple times.  Since we both got our Expressions in March, many of our conversations are now about Cricut and papercrafting.  But my mom is talented many, many areas -- cross-stitch, home decor, flower arranging, crochet, and anything that requires creativity and precision.  (You see, when my mom needs to center something, she whips out the measuring tape; I just eye-ball it.  She's that exact and takes pride in everything she does.)  She's also a loving grandmother to my son and the best cook I know; there's nothing like Mama's cooking.

She and my dad are actually coming for a visit and will arrive this evening -- I'm so excited!

So without further ado, here's the card I made for my mom:

Card Details:
  • Card Base - Easel Card (5x5")
  • Papers - patterned papers from My Mind's Eye: Simply Delightful; solid cardstock by The Paper Studio
  • Cricut Cuts - butterflies from Florals Embellished, page 64; scalloped background and border from Elegant Edges, page 56
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - Kassie's Brocade on pink background
  • Other - pink ribbon from stash; gems from Michaels dollar bin; doodling with white Gelly Roll pen; sentiment printed from my computer

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Cool Cat Birthday Card

Guess what I got in the mail today...?!  My (somewhat) free cartridge from the Michaels / Provocraft rebate!  And I got Nifty Fifties -- my first choice!  I seriously did a happy dance when I opened the envelope.

I wanted this cartridge for two specific cuts -- the cat and the glasses.  So I couldn't resist cranking out a simple birthday card with the cat tonight:

Card Details:
  • Card Base - Studio G (5x5")
  • Papers - patterned paper from American Crafts - Play; all other cardstock from scraps
  • Cricut Cuts - cat from Nifty Fifties, page 23; tag is <cute_s> and its coordinating layer from Playtime
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - Dots & Spots on yellow shape behind cat
  • Other - sentiment stamp by Hampton Ink

I love this retro look!  I also seem to be using a lot of orange lately, huh?

The Pink Stamper is having a birthday challenge today, so I'm submitting this card to her contest.  Check out her Birthday Crazy Card Challenge and play along!

Woodworking Fathers Day Card

My dad received his Fathers Day card yesterday, so now I can share it with you -- yippee!  But first, I'll tell you a little about my dad and the inspiration for his card.

My dad is a master wood craftsman and can make anything.  He's actually made most of the furniture in our house!  For college graduation and my move to Houston, he made me a bed, dresser, and matching nightstands -- these are my most prized possessions.

Here's a photo of my dad staining the nightstands and the finished bed in his workshop from 2003:






In addition to bedroom furniture, my dad handcrafted our son's crib and changing table, our entertainment center, coffee table, entry table, and much more!  He also makes furniture, cabinets, and keepsake items for my mom, their church, and friends and family.

So, of course, I opted for a woodworking theme for my dad's Fathers Day card:

Card Details:
  • Card Base - DCWV Brights Collection (A2)
  • Papers - wood-grain paper from Me & My Big Ideas - Autumn; graph and red starburst pattern from DCWV Mod-Retro stack; textured cardstock from The Paper Studio; all others from scraps
  • Cricut Cuts - hammer and screwdriver from Boys Will Be Boys, page 50
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - orange circle with Dots & Spots; mustard circle with Distressed Stripes
  • Other - inking with brown Stampabilities ink pad; sentiment printed on my computer; pop dots elevate hammer and screwdriver and background circles
I was excited to find this wood-grain paper, but elated to find a graph-paper pattern!  My dad always has a pad of graph paper by his chair for sketching and planning projects in the evenings.  I included the white string to complete the card's look; it reminded me of a plumb line.

The card design was based on Sassy Lil' Card Sketches' June 7th Reveal, and I'm including this card in their challenge.

Happy Fathers Day, Daddy!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Hubby's Shirt Fathers Day Card

Also stashed away in hubby's luggage is his Fathers Day card from me.  Since watching Mary's shirt origami tutorial at Cardz TV, I knew I wanted to make him a card with one of those super cute shirts!



Card Details:
  • Card Base - Studio G (5x5")
  • Papers - striped paper from My Mind's Eye: Magnolia; aqua paper from My Mind's Eye: Simply Delightful; orange and white cardstock from scraps
  • Cricut Cuts - both layers of <tag1> from Lovely Floral; "HUBBY" sentiment font from Birthday Bash
  • Other - stamp by Hampton Ink; brads from 7 Gypsies - Angelo; inside sentiment created/printed from my computer; edges inked with Colorbox orange and cyan ink pads; "HUBBY" sentiment and shirt on pop dots

My favorite thing about this card -- well, besides from successfully making an origami shirt! -- is the tag hanging from the "button" like you actually get when buying a collared shirt.  It flips and flutters in the breeze as you move the card.

I'm entering this card in the following challenge:

Paper Cutz Challenge #96 - Fathers Day (with a tag)

Father & Son Tiger Card

My son and I had so much fun creating this tiger-themed Fathers Day card for my hubby.  Hubby loves tigers, so we chose to modify a cat from Create a Critter with orange and black stripes -- and it looks very tiger-like!

Of course, mommy did most of the designing, but my two-year old son is getting quite proficient at loading the cutting mat for me!  He wants to pretend "JonJon's cricut" while I'm working, so I now have to be sure the power cord is unplugged when not in use.

Here's our resulting easel card:



Card Details:
  • Card Base - Easel Card (5x5")
  • Papers - striped paper from My Mind's Eye: Magnolia; textured cardstock by The Paper Studio; all others from scrap
  • Cricut Cuts - all cuts from Create a Critter; tigers are <cat1> on page 29; flag from page 28 without Layer 1; sentiment from page 49 (phrase); letters for "GRRREAT" from Opposites Attract using both Opposite and Opposite Shadow functions.
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - Dots & Spots on green background layer
  • Other - doodling and faux stitching with white Gelly Roll pen; inside sentiment printed with my computer; pop dots elevate tigers, flag, and "GRRREAT" sentiment.

My son created artwork with his crayons to insert into the envelope, too.  (Just like Mommy, he does his best work in PJs and with a snack.  See the rogue animal cracker?)


I also wanted to do a handprint with him, but it just wasn't happening this morning.  He's usually super eager to get into my ink pads, but I guess the Terrible Twos were rearing their ugly head.

Hubby will be away on his mission trip on Fathers Day, so I'm packing this card in his luggage for him to open Sunday.  I hope it makes him feel loved even when away from us on dads' day.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Cooking with Cricut:  Challenge #38 - Fathers Day
Cricut Cardz Challenge #79 - Fathers Day
My Sheri Crafts:  Challenge #61 - Fathers Day

Bus Survival Kit

My hubby is leaving tonight for a week-long mission trip to Tennessee.  It's his first time going with our church youth group, and he'll be on a bus full of teens for 15+ hours.  Overnight.  Without electronic devices.  And did I mention they're teens...?  :)

So I made him a "bus survival kit" filled with some of his favorite goodies.  There's beef jerky, M&Ms, Jolly Ranchers, gum, and mints.  I included a book light so he can do some late-night reading as well as wipes, hand sanitizer, and aspirin.  I packed everything in a cellophane treat bag and made a cute topper for it:

Project Details:
  • Papers - striped paper from My Mind's Eye: Magnolia; all cardstock from scraps
  • Cricut Cuts - topper from Birthday Bash, page 28 (card/tag); bus from Stretch Your Imagination, page 51; letters from Block font on Boys Will Be Boys
  • Other - doodling with white Gelly Roll pen; bus on pop dots

This treat bag was lots of fun to make.  Now I'm eager for another occasion to make these cute little bags!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Pink Purse Birthday Card

I did some early morning crafting while my toddler son was preoccupied with his newest DVD obsession, Leap Frog's Letter Factory.  It's educational -- teaches phonics to pre-readers -- and he loves it, so I don't feel too, too guilty letting him watch it during breakfast.

I made another card requested by my cousin; this one is for a girly-girl who likes zebra print and the color pink.  Wouldn't you know, I didn't have a single piece of zebra print in my paper collection...?!  I made a quick trip to Michaels last night to remedy that situation and also found some sentiment stamps on clearance.  I love bargains!

Here's the girly-girl card -- I'm really diggin' it!

Card Details:

  • Card Base - DCWV Brights Collection (A2)
  • Papers - patterns by The Paper Studio; solids and cardstocks from scraps
  • Cricut Cuts - purse and hearts from Create a Critter, page 36 (accessory and phrase); scalloped border from Elegant Edges, page 30 (border)
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - D'vine Swirls on purse
  • Other - sentiment stamp by Hampton Ink

The only purse cuts I could find in my collection were from Create a Critter.  Both were pretty basic, so I added the flap to the front of this purse to jazz it up.  It's simply the cutout portion between the purse body and handle.  Pretty cute, huh?

I must admit, the whole time I was making this card, I was salivating over the purses from Kate's ABCs.    I bought it for my mom a while back when it was on sale at Joanns for $19.99, and it's even sitting on my craft table!  But I had willpower and didn't open it -- even though she said I could if I absolutely had to.    I might be adding that cart to my wish list.

Note:  I'm submitting this project to Paper Cutz Challenge #95 - Anything Goes with Pink, Black, and White Only.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Pink & Orange Birthday Card

Pink and orange are my two favorite colors, so I loved working with these papers for a card requested by my cousin.  I also was itching to use the CPS #222 sketch this week -- here's the result:

Card Details:
  • Card Base - DCWV Brights Collection (A2)
  • Papers - all patterned papers from My Mind's Eye: Simply Delightful; flat cardstock by The Paper Studio; textured cardstock by Bazzil Bling
  • Cricut Cuts - presents from Birthday Bash, pages 59 and 61 (card/tag)
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - D'vine Swirls on pink present; Kassie's Brocade on orange present
  • Other - lots of inking with brown Stampabilities ink pad; "happy birthday" sentiment stamp from The Paper Studio; gems from Michaels dollar bin; ribbon from stash

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Birthday Sundaes:  Challenge #13 - Wet or Dry Embossing
Card Positioning Systems:  CPS #222 Sketch

Before I close, I *must* share an awesome tip from the Cricut messageboards.  Did you know you can clean your cutting mat with baby wipes...?!  I was about to trash my current mat because even the thinnest papers wouldn't stick anymore.  Then I tried cleaning it with a baby wipe, and the sticky works again!  You do need to rub quite hard to pick up all the residue, but it's a super easy solution to extend the life of your mat.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Adore Wedding/Anniversary Card

My blog may be quiet, but my Cricut hasn't been!  It's been frantically chirping with Fathers Day and birthday cards.  By this weekend -- hopefully -- I should be able to share a few "shh-shh" projects with you.

In the meantime, I can post a wedding/anniversary card I made this morning.  I've been dying to use this Heidi Grace patterned bird paper, and a card for two nature lovers was a good reason.  It's also two firsts for me -- my first Z-fold card and my first time to stamp a sentiment on the front!  Here's the entire card stretched:


And folded to view just the front:

Card Details:

  • Card Base - black cardstock (A6)
  • Papers - patterned and cream cardstock by Heidi Grace; blue textured cardstock by The Paper Studio
  • Cricut Cuts - scalloped background from Elegant Edges, page 51 (<btfly2_s>/Shadow); bird from Create a Critter, page 45, legs snipped and one image flipped; bell from Stretch Your Imagination, page 72 (Blackout), handle and heart snipped.
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - D'vine Swirls on bell
  • Other - ribbon by American Crafts; "adore" sentiment by The Paper Studio; gem from Michaels dollar bin; inking around edges of bird with sky blue Le Plume II marker

I'm entering this project into the following challenges:

Cricut Cardz Challenge #78 - Wedding Card
Die Cuttin' Divas: Challenge #19 - Wedding Bliss (without hearts)
Fantabulous Cricut:  Challenge #64 - Wedding Wishes (use white and a bell)
Paper Playtime:  Challenge #48 - Z-Fold Card

Friday, June 10, 2011

Blue & Silver Wedding Card

My cousin has commissioned me to create a few cards for her -- which means I now have a paying customer!  (Or at least an excuse to buy more goodies with the proceeds.)

The first card is a wedding congratulations card for her friends, requested with the colors blue and silver.  Here's my resulting design:


Card Details:

  • Card Base - Studio G (5"x5")
  • Papers - blue damask from Recollections: All Seasons; all cardstock from The Paper Studio except cardstock with luster, which is Bazzil Bling
  • Cricut Cuts -  wedding bells from Wrap It Up, page 36; scalloped background from Elegant Edges, page 56 ("bird3_s")
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - scalloped background with Kassie's Brocade
  • Other - ribbon by American Crafts; doodling with white Gelly Roll pen
I really like how parts of the wedding bell and ribbon cut with Bazzil Bling cardstock shimmer when they catch the light.  It adds a lot of dimension in addition to the background and cuts being elevated with pop dots.

I'm entering this project into the following challenge:

Cricut Cardz Challenge #78 - Wedding Card

Fishing Fathers Day Card

Fathers Day is approaching, so I've started getting busy with cards for the dads in my life.  This card is for my father-in-law and is based on CPS Sketch #221:


The inside sentiment reads, "...to a reel good dad."

Card Details:
  • Card Base - Studio G (5"x5")
  • Paper - patterned paper from My Mind's Eye: Bohemia; cardstock by The Paper Studio
  • Cricut Cuts - fishing cuts from Boys Will Be Boys, page 71
  • Cuttlebug Embossing - circle background embossed with Swiss Dots
  • Other - doodling with white Gelly Roll pen and sky blue and emerald Le Plume II markers; light inking with brown Stampabilities stamp pad on background patterned papers; sentiment printed from my computer

I'm entering this project into the following challenges:

Amber's Crafts & Such - Challenge #13: Special Man
Card Positioning Systems - Sketch #221
Fantabulous Cricut - Challenge #63: #1 Dad

    Thursday, June 9, 2011

    Jessica Gets Stamps

    So I broke down and bought a pack of stamps.  Just some cheap ones from Hobby Lobby to see how I would like them.  And...

    I think I like them!

    Wednesday, June 8, 2011

    Bookworm Birthday Card

    I have another special card to show you today -- and this one had to be kept hidden, too!  It's my hubby's birthday card, and since he reads my blog, it had to be top secret until he received it yesterday.

    This card is also my first try at a sidestep card.  Its two recessed rows were perfect for making a bookshelf.  Hubby is an avid reader, so I decided to make it a bookworm-themed card.  Here's the result:

    Card Details:
    • Card Base - Sidestep Card (A2)
    • Papers - patterned brown paper from My Mind's Eye: Simply Delightful; patterned blue paper from Recollections: All Seasons; all cardstock by The Paper Studio
    • Cricut Cuts - worm from Create a Critter, page 65; books (one set flipped) from Wrap It Up, page 57; presents from Stretch Your Imagination, page 59; banner from Birthday Bash, page 69 (font, both layers); "Happy Birthday" sentiment from Birthday Bash, page 68 (card/tag)
    • Cuttlebug Embossing - Kassie's Brocade on presents; Dots & Spots on light green layer of bookworm
    • Other - ribbon by American Crafts (double-sided -- how cool!); lots of inking with brown ink pad by Stampabilities 

    Hubby loved his card!  He's so supportive of my papercrafting addiction, and I was glad to try a new card fold especially for him.

    Monday, June 6, 2011

    Snappy Birthday Gator Card

    I've been impatiently waiting to share this card with you -- and I finally can! 

    My dad reads my blog, so I couldn't post his birthday card until he'd received it.  With the theme of Swamp People (a show on History Channel we both enjoy), it would be too obvious it was his.  He received the card today, so now you can check it out:



    • Card Base - DCWV Brights Collection (A2)
    • Papers - patterned brown paper from My Mind's Eye: Simply Delightful; textured dark green cardstock by The Paper Studio; all other cardstock from scraps
    • Cricut Cuts -Create a Critter, page 45, gator (all layers) and grass (accessory, both cuts)
    • Cuttlebug Embossing - Distressed Stripes on grass
    • Other - lots of inking with brown ink pad by Stampabilities; cream yarn from scraps; outside and inside sentiments printed from my computer.
    One of my dad's favorite characters on the show, Troy, is constantly yelling "shoot 'em" when they find a gator on the line.   So hubby and I collaborated on including this quote with the inside sentiment.

    My favorite thing about this card is how the gator is "caught" on the line.  I also like the dark, masculine colors and overall representation of Swamp People.  I grew up in Louisiana, and it's really neat seeing my home on TV -- even if I didn't live in the swamp

    For a kids' spin on the Swamp People theme, check out the gator party favors Glenda made for her grandson.  They're totally cute -- and snappy, too!

    You can watch Swamp People on Thursdays, 9/8c, on the History Channel.

    Saturday, June 4, 2011

    Lemonade Pitcher Tag

    The ladies of "Team Chillin'" at BugBites' Grillin' & Chillin' Blog Hop are showcasing super-cute summertime projects today.  Their theme is anything you do to chill out in the summer.  My family has been chillin' by drinking lemonade this week, so I was inspired to "pretty up" our lemonade pitcher with a cute tag:



    Project Details:

    • Pitcher - purchased from Wal-Mart approximately three years ago -- I loved the colors!
    • Lemonade - made earlier this week and "chillin'" in my fridge!
    • Papers - cardstock from scraps
    • Cricut Cuts - tag from "princess" cut on Playtime; lemon from Simply Charmed, page 48; ladybug from Doodlecharms, page 94 (blackout); letters from Opposites Attract (opposite feature)
    • Cuttlebug Embossing - Spots & Dots on pink tag layer
    • Other - doodling with white Gelly Roll pen and black pen; the ladybug was too tiny to cut circle details
    I think this tag would be perfect for a party to identify types of drinks in similar containers.  But since it's back in my fridge now, I'll wait for my toddler son's reaction when he goes in for a snack.  He just recently learned how to open the fridge door, and he has many interesting reactions to the things he finds in there!

    This project is being submitted to the following challenge:

    BugBites' Grillin' & Chillin' Blog Hop Challenge: "Chillin'" Project with a Hidden Bug

      Friday, June 3, 2011

      I Hit the Paper Motherload!

      I'm a bargain shopper at heart.  And look what set my heart aflutter tonight at Ross and Marshalls:


      I bought *all* this paper -- a $101 value -- for $43!!!

      I was especially pleased to pick up two more My Mind's Eye paperpacks; I really like their patterned designs.  I'm excited about DCWV's Mod-Retro Stack too; there's a sheet that is absolutely perfect for a Fathers Day card for my dad.  I also scored some cool paper for my son's scrapbook.

      I feel like I'm on an episode of TLC's Extreme Couponing -- just without coupons and with craft supplies instead of groceries!  I'd watch a show like that. :)

      Check your local Ross and Marshalls and let me know if you find some good deals, too!

      Thursday, June 2, 2011

      Elegant Cake Birthday Card

      I combined several challenge requirements today and came up with a shaped birthday cake card featuring the colors tangerine and yellow.  Wouldn't you know -- after creating this card, I have a sudden craving for orange cake!

      Card Details:
      • Card Base - shaped (8 inch) card from Birthday Bash, page 25, on orange cardstock from scraps
      • Papers - patterns from Recollections All Seasons paperpack; orange paper for cake from Simply Delightful: My Mind's Eye; solids from Bazzil Bling Textured Cardstock
      • Cricut Cuts - birthday cake from Birthday Bash, page 25; sentiment from Birthday Bash, page 67 (card/tag); tag created from "swirl1_s" on Elegant Edges, page 25
      • Cuttlebug Embossing - Kassie's Brocade on cake layers
      • Other - doodling with white Gelly Roll pen; tag elevated with pop dot

      I think the result is really elegant and perfect for a summer birthday.  All that bright pink, tangerine, and yellow makes me of how hot it will be in August.  (Or even now, since we're hovering around 95ºF these days!)

      I'm submitting this project in the following challenges:

      BBTB2: Challenge - Celebrations/Birthday Cake
      Cooking with Cricut: Challenge #32 - Color Challenge
      Cricut Cardz Challenge: Challenge #77 - Use Card Feature