Picture Wheel

I have recently seen a few projects created with a picture wheel die cut more commonly know as a viewfinder.  The projects I thought I wanted to make from this cut vary in size, so I decided to make my own.

I created a 12x12 layout with the picture wheel as my first project.

The title and viewfinder are from the Cricut cartridge Toy Story.  I created my picture wheel from Cricut Craft Room Basics which is free for anyone to use.

For my next project, I am gong to make a wheel of my daughter from preschool to 12th grade to display during her open house in a couple of weeks.  Then, I want to resize the picture wheel to a smaller size and create some vintage tags or cards with it.  Oh, the possibilities!!! 

Here is my CCR file so you can create with it too:  https://www.box.com/s/ja403yuqnyl09lh1z4r5

Enjoy! 

Con"GRAD"uations!

Here are some graduation cards I created using the Imagine cartridge Greeting Cards Inside and Out.

I created this card and bag following the basic design on the cartridge.  The only things I changed up were to stamp 2013 to the banner circles and add black stickles to the "grad" portion of the phrase and to the banners.  Oh, and I used the first card layer on the bag instead of the card.

Here is the inside to the basic card.

For my next card, I wanted it to look more masculine.  I didn't use the Imagine to cut the card base and it's first layer.   I printed them, and then cut them using a paper cutter.  I pop dotted the center rectangle on after first cutting the swirls off.  I then pop dotted the banner portion pieces on (cut using the Imagine).  

 For embellishments, I hand drew two lines around the center frame and stamped "2013" to the center of the banner.  I then added them onto an A2 sized black cardstock base.

Here is what the inside of this card looks like.  I added the back portion of the card base to the inside  (cut using a paper cutter and corners rounded) in order to have somewhere to write.  I then covered the cricut logo by off centering the sentiment on top of it.

Of course, if I made a masculine looking version, I NEEDED to make a feminine one too!  This is my "shabby chic" version of the card.

On this card, I used ALL the layers as intended.  Personally, I didn't see the need to have the card front offered as a separate layer.  If you are going to cut and layer the card as intended by Cricut, I don't think it is necessary.  BUT, if you are going to layer the card with embellishments, it could be NECESSARY as in this case.  For embellishments, I first stitched two black lines around the rectangular portion of the frame.  I then added a black seam binding wrap around and bow.  Next, I added a hand cut lace banner imitating the original banner portion. I stitched these pieces on to the card layer to keep them in place.  I then added the circle to the banner and stitched on a coordinating button.  Had I not had the extra layer to wok with, all of the stitched and ribbon could be seen on the inside front portion of the card.  But since I had the layer, I simply added it to the card front and all of it is now hidden.  I also inked all of the edges in antique linen distress ink. 

Inside of the "shabby card".  I inked it and added a button created from the circle banner piece.

Since I created a hand cut lace banner to the front of the card, I used the layered portion on the back stamped with 2013.

Here is what the card and all the layers look like once you select the layer button and print and cut.  Confusing, I know!  Just remember the title of the cartridge "Greeting Cards Inside and Out" and it makes more sense. 

There are lots of different ways you can use the cuts on this cartridge. 

1. You can cut the card with the layers combined.  The cut would create a card that looks like #1.
2. You can select layers and then delete them all to just cut the first card layer as shown by the #2.  You could then add it to a cardstock base.  My second card would be a close example of this.
3. You can select layers and mix and match the pieces.  My first example would be an example.  I used all the layers as intended on the card, but used the first card layer (#2 in the pic) on a gift bag to create a matching set.  You could also use cuts #7 & #8 to create a cute gift tag for the bag.
4. You can cut all the layers and embellish away to create a unique and more personalized card like my third example.

As you can see, this card can be quite versatile and has a card for just about every occasion.  Why not break it out and see what you can come up with?  Already made a card from this cartridge?  Please add a link to your creation.  I would love to see it!

Personalized Graduation Piggy Banks

I was at Michael's today and found the cutest little piggy banks to craft with.  I found them in the baby party section packaged in a case of 6 on clearance for $7.99.  SOLD!  I used the Free Cut of the Week Cricut Craftroom Exclusive - Graduation Cap 2013 to create the graduation verbiage.  On the opposite side of the piggy, I used the Cricut cartridge Cherry Limeade to add the recipient's name. 

I used different colored vinyl to add my verbiage.

You simply add money in as your graduation gift.

And here are the piggies all dolled up and ready to present.

Here is my CCR file for easy recreation:  https://www.box.com/s/ojh5pufvn4vfkv0boac2

More Grad Subway Art ~ Cricut Craftroom Free Cut of the Week

This week, Cricut  has opened a free file to cut with several 2013 graduation year phrases.  I think they will end up making a layout out of the cuts as an example, but this is what I came up with:

Materials Used:

• Cricut Craftroom Exclusive Graduation Cap 2013 and Cricut Craft Room Basics (both are free to use)
• Stampin' Up! Night of Navy and Grey neutrals cardstock
• Silver bling
• Silver ribbon from my stash

Here is my CCR file for easy recreation:  https://www.box.com/s/kv2z4t7wqona71l6hwb1

Grad 2013 Subway Art Card

WOW!  I can't believe how time flies.  My daughter is graduating this year, so I made some subway art for her. 



This is a card I created.

I pop-dotted the images up after cutting them in gold.  I also added some silver cord and a some silver bling to dress up the card a bit more.

You can always leave the card plain to feature the subway art look. 

Materials Used:

• Cricut cartridges Ashlyn's Alphabet, Varsity Letter, Recess, Lyrical Letters, Plantin Schoolbook and Martha Stewart Seasonal Cake Art
• Stampin' Up! Black cardstock
• Recollections White Gold shimmer cardstock
• Gold cardstock from my stash
• Stampin' Up! Silver cord
• Silver bling

The card can easily be changed up to reflect the graduate's school colors.  Another way to "mix it up" is to pop a piece of colored cardstock behind the desired object/word to create focus.  The art can even be enlarged to create a graduate decorative platter, framed art, or even door or wall art. 

I am including my CCR file for easy recreation:
https://www.box.com/s/dyv0my8qk8gc24t498hm

Procraftination

Daughter 12x12 LO

This week, you can cut a number of layouts for free from the Cricut Craft Room.  Here is one of the layout I chose to recreate called Daughter Layout.

Materials Used:

• CCR Exclusive Daughter Layout
• Teresa Collins Timeless Collection
• Stampin' Up! Neutrals Cardstock
• White seam binding
• Stampin' Up! flat back pearls
• Stampin' Up! silver cord
• Hat pins from my stash
• Vintage pink buttons
• Queeen & Co iridescent rhinestones
• Worn lipstick distress ink
• Mini staples

Here is a link to the original creation and where you can download the file to recreate:

http://www.cricut.com/project/ViewProject/3915/Daughter-Layout

Just a few notes if you choose to recreate it yourself.  The project says it takes 30 minutes to recreate.  But it took me about two hours and a half hours.  Some of the time was used choosing my materials and embellishments.  Also, I found that the chevron pieces didn't cover about a 1/4 of an inch of the white 12x12 cardstock.  To remedy this, I cut the 1/4" off and layered it onto the remaining dark gray sheet of cardstock that was used to cut one of the layers.  No problem, it added a nice frame.

Did-I-MENSION NSD Challenge Winner!

Thank you so much for all the beautiful and crafty projects you entered in my Did-I-MENSION NSD Challenge.  Using Random.Org, the winner is Heidi (cowgirl1hh) with this lovely project:

"I decided to make the end of the year gifts for the teachers already using this challenge. Cartridge used: Garden Soup."...cowgirl1hh

Congratulations Heidi!  You can select a $20 gift card to Joann's, Michael's, or Hobby Lobby OR you can pick a cartridge of your choice from my stash. 

Hope to see you back!  Until then, happy creating!

NSD Challenges - What It's Owl About and Ease On Down the Road

I will come back soon to add info about this post.

Circleville NSD Challenges - It's All About Perspective and Tropical Sunset Challenge

Here are a couple more challenges I have completed for the NSD Circleville Weekend.

This card was made for Nadia's "It's All About Perspective" challenge.  Now, I must say, Nadia is one talented lady and can do amazing things with a piece of paper.

What I did to add perspective was to cut an additional copy of the card and the flags.  I cut the coaster in a darker solid color to create more of a 3-D effect and added it offset to the inside of the card.  It also allowed for a place to write the sentiment since I used patterned paper for the background.  On the front of the card, I cut the flags in two different shades of pink.  I put the darker pink in the back and then just cut the front flag off the second set in lighter pink and added it to the top.  I tried to bend the flag a little to look like the wind was blowing it. 

Under the same key on the Cricut Summer Celebrations cartridge is an option to make a tag.  I am using the tag to submit to the Tropical Sunset Challenge by Terriski.  We were challenged to use the colors: The color challenge is Yellow (Maize[/color]), Pink (Fuchsia), Blue (Sky), Green (Apple), Purple, and Hibiscus (salmon).   Lucky me, I found a sheet of patterned paper that matched!!! 

Circleville NSD Sketch Challenge "Oh the Places You'll Go"

Here is a card I made for the NSD Challenge "Oh the Places You'll Go."

Materials Used:

• Cricut cartridge Elegant Edges and CCR Exclusive - Cricut Craft Room Basics
• Cuttlebug Anna Griffin Matalasse embossing folder and border
• Stampin' Up! Daffodil Delight Cardstock
• Stampin' Up! Razzleberry Lemonade designer paper
• Prima Say it in Crystals

Here is the original sketch:

Baby Boy/Baby Girl 12x12 LO's

I am playing catch up with some of the NSD challenges I am entering.  Here are some layout I made for Go Big or Go Home! with Sara:

Materials Used:

• Cricut cartridge Stork's Delivery
• DCWV Nana's Kids cardstock pad
• Stampin' Up! Bashful Blue and Positively Pink cardstock
• Astroparche Wausau cardstock

Cricut Free Images of the Week ~ Mother's Day Cards 09

Here is another freebie that you can cut this week on Cricut.com.  It's a CCR exclusive entitled Mother's Day Cards 09.  It's a single image (card) that can be purchased to use on CCR or you can download it to your Gypsy.

Materials Used:

• Cricut CCR Exclusive Mother's Day Cards 09
• DCWV Nana's Kids cardstock pad
• Stampin' Up! Wasabi, Yoyo Yellow, and Marina Mist cardstock
• Maya Road Brooklyn supernova slide
• Stampin' Up! Tangerine Tango striped grosgrain ribbon
• Stampin' Up! Rich Regals and Bold Brights brads
• Misc clear mini button from my stash

CCR File:  https://www.box.com/s/k57ydilihh46niof9fs6

I also created this card with Terriski's The Crazy B Challenge.  There is still time to join in and create.   =)

Cricut Free Images of the Week ~ Mother's Day Card - 3D Floral

Here is another quick and easy card made from one of the free Cricut images of the week:



Cricut CCR Exclusive - Mother's Day Card - 3D Floral

I used my new Cuttlebug folder Simple Flowers to add some texture to the base layer.  I also inked the edges of the card and all of it's layers with Antique Linen distress ink.

I tried to "pop" the flower even more by adding dimensional squares to the back of each flower layer after I ran a roller ball over the petals.

I cut a second copy of the base layer to dress up the inside a bit.  The sentiment is stamped from My Pink Stamper's Flowers & Friendship set.

This card even comes with this awesome envelope.  I think I will purchase this card to use as one of my "go to" basic cards. You can save the template in CCR, already sized to what you want and then just change the file name for your different projects.  That way, your pre-sized template always remains in CCR, ready for you to use.  You can even add it to your Gypsy if you like working with it better.

Materials Used:

• Cricut CCR Exclusive - Mother's Day Card - 3D Floral
• BasicGrey Serendipity cardstock
• BasicGrey embellishments
• American Crafts White linen thread

CCR file:  https://www.box.com/s/qpmbmnpxf4idli3woc1z

This card could be used for your friend for Mother's Day or for just about any occasion.  I made this card with Scrapalette's Tic Tac Toe challenge in mind.  I filled the bottom of the board up by using a flower, button, and ribbon (the thread). 

And was inspired to create it from this pin:

And for this Sis's challenge, On Pins.