What? No more Google Reader?

I guess I have been crafting under a rock.  I just learned that Bloggers, their Followers, and even Blog Readers are on a final countdown to the end of Google Reader.  Starting July 1, 2013 Google Reader will cease to exist.  I currently use the Google Friend Connect widget and an email subscription link to enable anyone interested in my crafts to see what I have been up to.   I am hoping you will take the quick and easy step to sign up for Bloglovin and continue to follow my crafting endeavors.   I just signed up and it only took about 2 minutes to import my favorite blogs.   I am also looking at adding a Facebook page for my crafts to make following me even easier.  Thank you for following me these past couple of years.  I enjoy creating and hope to continue sharing with you.

Please click here to give me some lovin': 

 

 

Ok.  I hope I did this right.  I also created a Facebook page:

 

I came, I saw, I created.

 

 Now, a fellow circlet did share this information with me:

http://www.sillysilberman.com/2013/03/google-friend-connect-is-not-leaving-us.html#sthash.U4AnkxW4.dpuf

This link shares that the Google Friend Connect WON"T be going away.  Just the reader.  I guess it's better to be prepared just in case.  =)  And I needed to get up the social media anyway and create a Facebook page. 



Chalkboard Graduation Celebration

OK, I have been busy creating a bunch of decor to celebrate my daughter's graduation tomorrow using the new Cricut Chalkboard Fonts cartridge.  Here is what I came up with:

Yes, the table runner is chalkboard fabric!  =)

Word bubbles made to take pictures with for her graduation scrapbook.  The guests can choose either word bubble or they can choose to right their own sentiment on the blank back side of each bubble.

Here is a closer view of the table runner.

You can right all over the runner if you wish.

I created the coasters using inexpensive bathroom tile.

I ended up spray painting them instead of using the traditional paint.  I thought the finish would end up[ being smoother and I could get the tops and sides of the tiles all at once.

I then sized corkboard to match and hot glued them all.  It's best to start in the middle and then do one side at a time because the glue dries super fast.

This is what they look like covered.

The completed look.

I used the Cricut Craft Room Exclusive Word Bubbles to create the templates for my word bubbles and cut them using a 12x24" mat.

I then traced the bubbles out of black craft board and hand cut them out using a craft (exacto) knife.

This was my first time using this board material, so my edges were rough.  I smoothed them out using a soft grit sandpaper before painting them with chalkboard paint.

To create the runner I simply cut my fabric in the desired length and added my design using white matte vinyl and transfer tape.  Whew, all done with the decorations...time to party!!!

Chalkboard Notebooks

Yay!  It's summer!  What does summer mean?  VACATION, of course!  Here are some easy chalkboard notebooks you can create to note the things you need to do and journal the memories you make.

I started off with these inexpensive notebooks.

Using a foam roller, I coated the notebooks with chalkboard paint.  I added a second coat after two hours of drying time. 

Once I created the chalkboard base, I used the Cricut cartridge Chalkboard Fonts to create the lettering and design.  Once I had the design cut, I moved the images to the notebooks using transfer paper.

CCR File:   https://www.box.com/s/bjs5xiqzs2k71yj0dfeh

Chalkboard Child's Apron

For this project, I tried my hand at sewing.  And I must say, it was easy!  I found the apron on Pintrest and thought, "I can do that". 

Chalkboard fabric...how cool is that?

Materials Used:

• Cricut cartridge Chalkboard Fonts
• 1/2 yd chalkboard vinyl
• 1/2 yd contrasting fabric (a fat quarter will do)
• One package of 7/8" coordinating seam binding (double fold)
• Chalk
• Basic sewing supplies

Directions:

1. Cut one 21"x17" rectangle from chalkboard fabric for apron front.
2. Cut one 21"x17" rectangle from contrasting fabric for apron back.
3. Cut four 22" pieces from the 7/8"seam binding.
4. Cut one 6"x17" rectangle from contrasting fabric for pocket.
5. Place chalkboard fabric and lining right sides together. From the top of the apron, measure and mark 5" in from the sides and 8" down from the top on each side and cut diagonally from the 5" mark to the 8" mark.
6. To make the pocket, fold in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and iron.  From the center, measure and mark a line every1 1/2" to edges.  Pin edges on chalkboard to form the pocket and sew lines for the individual chalk pockets.
7. Sew one end and the open sides of your seam binding together with an edge seam.  Pin the  open end of ties to chalkboard fabric at top & sides of apron.  Ensure that your apron ties are pinned with the extra lengths placed in the apron and not out.  That way they are sewn correctly for when you flip the fabric inside out.
8. Place the chalkboard fabric and contrasting fabric, right sides together. Using a 1/2" seam, sew edges of apron, leaving an opening.  Ensure it is large enough to flip the chalkboard fabric out.  It is a bit stiff and needs a hole big enough to flip.  I would recommend 8".
9. Trim the corners and turn apron right side out and press. Edge stitch around entire apron.
10. Using the Cricut cartridge Chalkboard Fonts, create lettering and design in white matte vinyl to personalize the apron.
11. Prime the fabric chalkboard writing surface by using the side of a piece of chalk to cover the surface up and down and then side to side.  Wipe the surface down with a damp washcloth and your apron is ready to be loved.

CCR File:  https://www.box.com/s/nfmohbt4pq6pq5zaioek

Chalkboard "XXX" Days till Christmas Ornament/Display

Is it supposed to be Christmas in July?  Well, how about Christmas in June?  Here is a chalkboard ornament that you can change the number daily on until it's CHRISTMAS!

I was first going to use traditional paint, but used spray paint instead.

I started off with a cardboard rectangular ornament.  I then spray painted it with two coats, allowing 2 hours of drying time between coats.  I then used the new Cricut cartridge Chalkboard Fonts to create the lettering and design.  I transferred the design to the painted ornament using transfer paper to ensure perfect placement.  To give it a little something special, I added a white satin bow to trim the top of the ornament.  Can you believe we only have 205 days until Christmas!!!

I am including my CCR file for easy recreation.  The great thing about the Cricut Craft Room is that you can easily resize this display to be bigger or even smaller if you wish.   Until next time, Merry Christmas in June! 

CCR:  https://www.box.com/s/i6es48vpn5nvjojnnk1z

Chalkboard His & Her Piggy Banks

Looking for a unique and fun wedding shower or  bachelorette party gift?  How about His & Her chalkboard piggy banks?

To create these piggy banks, I first spray painted a medium sized and a small sized piggy bank with chalkboard paint.  I then used the new Cricut cartridge Chalkboard Fonts to create the lettering and design.  This cartridge is so fun to play around with.  It has three chalkboard fonts and various squiggles to create your own chalkboard typography.  I cut my designs out in white matte vinyl and used transfer tape to move them onto the piggy's .  That's it  super easy and super cute.  They will be sure to get a laugh from the recipient!

CCR File:  https://www.box.com/s/lummyfm61n2ryedcn0mi

Chalkboard Father's Day Tray

Have you started to think about Father's Day?  It's just around the corner - June 16, 2013.  I decided that I would have the little ones serve Dad breakfast, so I created a tray just for the occasion.

I added the lettering by cutting out the design in white matte vinyl using the new Cricut cartridge Chalkboard Fonts.

This is what the tray looked like when I bought it from a salvage store.

I plan on sizing the file down a bit to create a matching card to go along with the Tray.  I am including my file for easy recreation.

CCR File:   https://www.box.com/s/ex0zc201vrbi14eydzmv

Pink Paislee Warehouse Sale Goodies 2013

It's here! The Pink Paiskee Warehouse Box! I love it! Lot's of things I haven't tried, but am eager to. For example, the Artisan line where you add your own color and some mixed media stuff by artist Christy Tomlinson. Here are some pics for you to check it out.

Chalkboard Pendant Necklace

I have another chalkboard inspired project for you today.  It is a chalkboard pendant necklace.



Bottle cap chalkboard necklace. 

We go together version.

Initials version.

This project is super easy.  All you need is a bottle cap (craft version so the edges aren't rough), chalkboard spray paint, and a chain to create the pendant base and the Cricut cartridge Chalkboard Fonts to add the lettering.

 If your cap does not have a hole in it, punch one first.  You can use a crop-a-dile or just a hammer and nail will work.  Allow an hour to dry and then spray paint the opposite side.



Using the Cricut cartridge Chalkboard fonts, cut your lettering out.  The lettering should be between .5 and .75 to fit inside a standard bottle cap.  Using a pick tool, place the vinyl lettering onto the bottlecap as desired.  Add it to a chain and your ready to sport your trendy chalkboard pendant necklace.  This is a super easy version, but you could dress it up even more by using a fancy blank pendant, beads, or even a small ribbon bow.

CCR File:  https://www.box.com/s/xkyyl7e2tve0gawhmy7n





Chalkboard Mini Desk

While on Pintrest the other day, I saw an antique school desk with the top painted with chalkboard paint.  I love old school stuff and it reminded me of a Playschool mini desk that I had as a child.  Well, they don't sell those anymore so I decided to make my own for my daughter. 

I started off with a step stool I found at a garage sale.

Next, I taped off my edges to what would become the desk top.

I then added two layers of the chalkboard paint, leaving 3 hours of drying time between coats.

I then used the new Cricut cartridge Chalkboard fonts to create my lettering.  I removed the negative and picked out the smaller vinyl pieces.  Did you know Chalkboard Fonts is free for you to use this week in the Cricut Craft Room?



I added transfer paper to the top of my lettering to move them to my project.  Transfer tape is very useful when you have a lot of smaller vinyl pieces you want to keep straight or if you want to move around your vinyl cuts to find the perfect placement.

Next, I placed the lettering and transfer tape where I wanted it on my project.  In this case, I wanted the alphabet to be on the inside of the desk top.

Once you brandish your lettering on to your project, simply remove the transfer tape.

I wanted my mini desk to have a bit more of a shabby antique look to it, so I sanded all the edges to let the natural wood peek through.

Now, just fill the mini desk for hours of fun for your little one.

CCR File:   https://www.box.com/s/cez4mqzvtoa0f5sdf1fo