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!!!

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