Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Mini Easter Basket w/ Flocked Bunny



Here's my latest creation.  A quick and easy little project.  I used the Easter Seasonal Mini Cricut Cartridge to cut this adorable little basket.  The words are also from that cartridge.

I added a couple small bows to the sides, and cut a flower from the Forever Young cartridge to fit on the top of the handle.



On the backside I used the Doodlecharms cartridge to cut a cute little bunny.  I colored parts of him in with Stamp N Write markers from Stampin UP and then used white flocking powder by Martha Stewart to make him fuzzy.  Then, of course, I had to add some googly eyes.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Functional Gumball Machine Card!!!! FREE TEMPLATE!!! Video Instructions too!



I could not be more excited about this project!  On the Cricut Messageboards someone saw a functioning gumball machine, but the instructions were about $6, so I figured I could make one too.  I have no idea how mine compares, but I'm happy with it!

I spent hours upon hours playing around with different ways to make the machine.  Finally, I decided to create a template that you can print and use.  It works wonderfully, and the cutting is super easy.  You do not have to have anything fancy to use it, but you will require a Sweet Treat cup from Stampin' Up.  

When you download the free template you'll also get a list of supplies, and some things to have prepared to make the project.  The full instructions are on the two part video.  I tried writing them all out, but parts just didn't make sense without the visual.  Enjoy!

I'd love your comments and I'd be honored if you'd subscribe to my Youtube channel or follow my blog :)

Here's the link to the template and supply list. 

Here's the two part instructions on video!

Part One


Part Two

Friday, March 26, 2010

Strawberry Box - Free Template Available



I whipped up this cute little strawberry today.  Something quick and easy.  I was able to do it while sitting on the couch with my daughter, which is always a big plus, since craft room time is scarce.  I love the patterned paper I just happened to have on hand.  It looks very much like a strawberry in my opinion.  I had to use two brads.  I used one to initially seal the box, the prongs facing up, which was a bit tricky, and then a second one just for decoration on the top.  I glued the leaves down.  I'm not sure if there's an easier way, and it does prevent it from being able to open again, but it suited my purposes just fine.

Oriental Trading sells lots of great stuff.  Mainly party supplies, kids crafts, and other craft and hobby supplies including papercrafting.  I found this adorable template for free on their site and decided to try it out.  What a great, affordable project!  Just a little bit of paper, adhesive, and a couple brads!  Perfect for those that don't have a lot of supplies handy :)  See below for the link to the page where you can get the template for yourself.  Have fun!

Link to Page With Template

Thursday, March 25, 2010

More Storage Information - Video

This video answers some questions I've gotten about the new storage cart I bought for my Expression, but I also show my FAVORITE storage item, which is a great, durable unit where I store 12 by 12 paper, punches, and other goodies.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Cricut Expression Storage Cart

I just bought a great cart that has 12 storage drawers and fits the Cricut Expression really well.  I made a video showing it :)



Here's the direct link to it at Office Depot

Monday, March 22, 2010

Easy Gift Card Holder w/ a Video

 Watch this video to see a really easy way to make a card to hold a gift card.  The supplies are really simple.  The only thing you may need to purchase is a punch for just under $6 to make the slits. 

Friday, March 19, 2010

Happy Spring Card with a Video


This card was just a fun project with a spring feel to it.  It was one of those projects that I started, but then it took on a life of it's own and nothing went as planned!  You can watch the video to see it come together if you like :)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Paper Baby Bouquet With Video

 I had a blast making this sweet little paper bouquet.  It wasn't difficult, but it was time consuming, and have TONS of adhesive handy :)  I used the Cricut and the New Arrival cartridge, but you could easily make a similar project for another occasion, or even using a circle cutter and decorative stickers or other embellishments.  Watch the video for details.


Thursday, March 11, 2010

Hanging Out "On the Town" Page


So, this was a photograph taken of me shortly before I met my husband.  I was doing some "just for fun" modeling for local photographers to work on portfolios.  One of them, my friend Marty, and I were at a park getting a bunch of fun shots and I saw this really interesting traffic light box type thing.  Right away I wanted to go play in it.  So, he boosted me up so I could climb inside, and I have some really fun pictures.

I was using a paper pack I got recently that included some stickers and die cuts that coordinate.  One of the die cuts said "on the town" yeah, how perfect!  So, I used the letter stickers to spell "hanging out" so the whole title kind of reads "hanging out on the town" which I thought was very fitting.  As is very typical of my style I tried to really work WITH my patterned paper, using it as my guide for where to place the photo and the letters.  I just like everything to flow well with a beautiful paper.

I'm not sure what to do with this page yet.  I might put it in our way too bare family room and add photos of the rest of the family to pages from the same collection.  The only issue I have there is how to hang them well protected without spending a fortune or having it look "cheap."  So, I may also end up putting this in a book about myself. 

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Crocheted Cake Slice


My daughter is turning two in May.  I decided I want to get her a little play kitchen.  So... I'm starting to make her some cute and fun little play food to go with it.  This is my first piece for her, yummy cake slice.  Looks good enough to eat, doesn't it?!  I got the pattern from a book called Tasty Crochet.

I will be doing a lot of fun party planning soon.  I ordered the plates and such for her cupcake themed party, so as soon as I can see the colors in person I'll start making banners and other fun decorations I can't wait to share with you :)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Fuzzy Birdie Card - with video


I had such a blast putting this one together.  I think it is so bright, cheerful, and fun.  Enjoy the video :)  Questions are always welcome and I love comments!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Laundry Time Decoration


Here's just a simple little decoration I made for my laundry area.  Nothing fancy.  I could have done a lot more with it, but I figured it might get destroyed where I'm putting it, so there was no sense going to a lot of trouble on details.  Just a little something fun to brighten the little hallway I spend what seems like far too much time in :)

I used Storybook and Forever Young Cricut cartridges.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

A Fun Cherry Hello Card with a Video


I really enjoyed making this card.  I have been just dying to make a card with cute cherries on it for a long time, but didn't have a Cricut image or a stamp that was what I wanted.  I got a stamp set not too long ago that had exactly the kind of cherries I've been hoping to get my hands on.

Check out the video for more information, including all the sizing :)  I tried something new this time by putting all the measurements on the screen instead of saying them so I wasn't so rushed while I was talking.  I hope that might be helpful if you decide to duplicate the card recipe and would like to take notes.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

So Many Words Page

I had fun with this page.  I had this picture of my little daughter.  No special outfit, messy hair, just her.  So, I decided to take the opportunity to find some key words to describe her. 

I titled the page "My Girl" using Ashylyns Alphabet Cricut Cartridge.  Then I printed the words I wanted to use in colors that coordinated with my Die Cuts With a View Paper, which is from the Blossoms and Butterflies Stack.  I simply played with the colors and fonts until I liked the results :)