Birthday Blossom

My daughter's birthday was last week and I wanted to make her a modern card.

I started by selecting paper from Poppy Seeds designer paper by K&Company that had patterns and then opposite co-ordinating papers.  I cut two strips of paper 2" x 11" and scored them each 1/4 inch using my Martha Stewart score board and folded them one way and then the other like an accordion.  Next I used a Fiskars edge punch along one side and glued the two sections together to make one long strip.  I took the ends of this long strip and glued them together to make a big circle.  I cut a 2" circle, applied some quick dry glue to the back and had it ready for the next step.  After the glued ends set up, you hold the circle on the desktop while pushing down on the top round edge which will form a large starburst.  With some agility, you must get your small flat circle that you already glued and while holding the starburst down, apply and hole the glued circle to the centre.  Keep holding until the starburst is really set up or else you will have an explosion and you will have to start again.  This happens from time to time so don't worry too much.  Just repeat the steps until it works.

I just received some stamps from My Crafting Spot and one of the sets was called Tiny Tags.  I love the fact that you can use a variety of sentiments either with the tag stamp or not.  Great value for so much versatility.  I had a lovely blue periwinkle organza ribbon which matched the patterned paper nicely.

I really like the way the card turned out.  I will definitely use this technique again.  In the meantime, I'll keep on crafting and posting some of my best items.

Fabulous Fifties

Have you ever wanted a birthday card that was youthful yet traditional? Well I've got a hint for you. Try making a card like this one.

I started off by selecting a fabulous designer paper from The Best of Brenda Walton paper collection by K&Company. The paper had a variety of beige, tan and white with words like 'happiness', 'memories', 'believe' and other inspirational words. I thought it would look nice when paired with plain mid and chocolate brown textured cardstock from the DCWV Cardstock Neutrals Stack.

Before starting, I decided that since the card would have a circle, I needed a square base card and cut one that was 5" x 5". I then cut a circle with the phrase, Oh Happy Day, on an inside circle from the Wild Card Cricut cartridge. After adhering the patterned paper on the front, I placed the circle and the phrase, Oh Happy Day, slightly off centre. I framed the inside circle and phrase with chocolate brown so it wound stand out. After that, I added "50" cut from the Gypsy Font cartridge. I chose a lovely chocolate satin ribbon for the front of the card but I thought a bow would be too much so I just slipped the ribbons though it's own loop and notched the ends.

Sometimes a typical and occasionally fussy card does not suit the upcoming event. In this case, my friend is a vibrant career woman who suited this type of card and not one with unnecessary frills. Simple said it all.

Hopping Down the Bunny Trail

Here's an example of two similar cards, one made for a little girl and one made for an adult. Just by changing the bunny on the front of the card it completely changed the feel of the card from a fun card to something a little more sophisticated. I added a cute carrot to the inside along with the sentiment, "Some bunny loves you".

First of all, I planned the card using my Gypsy. I made myself templates for all card sizes so I can try out images on different layers to see how they fit and so I can maximize my paper by cutting several images at the same time. You can now do similar things on the new Cricut Craftroom website. Although I am a member of the site, I haven't used it other than to play with different images. My iMac computer is in my office on the main floor but my Cricut Expression is in my craft room which is a converted bedroom on the second floor.

I started with a pastel tartan background paper and cut Happy Easter from the Phrases Cricut cartridge in dark purple and light mauve. The child's bunny was cut using the Create a Critter Cricut cartridge and the stylized bunny was cut from the Gypsy Wanderings Cricut cartridge. I added a green peppermint twine as a collar. The carrot that I added to the inside of the card was cut from the Just Because Cards Cricut cartridge.

I sent out a bunch of these cards to friends and relatives. It was a real production line. I wish you all a very Happy Easter!

You Take The Cake

Birthday cards are fun to make especially when you can use any Cricut cartridge. This week's challenge at Cricut Cardz Challenge #103 is to make a birthday card with a cake or cupcake using any cartridge or colour. I did just that with this fun card.

I started with a fabulous background paper from the Best of Brenda Walton from K&Company. Then I cut the plate and layer cake using the From My Kitchen Cricut cartidge. The pink icing was created from pink cardstock and one of Martha Stewart's edge punches. The party hat and Make a Wish phrase all came from the Birthday Bash Cricut cartridge. I used a bright pink Martha Stewart glitter pen on the phrase to add a bit more dimension. I know that any little person in your life would love to receive such a fun birthday card.

Come on over to CCC for this week's challenge (#103) and let us see what you can come up with...and have some fun doing it!

Be My Valentine

It's that time of year again when love is in the air! No it's not yet Spring but it's a prelude to it.

The Cricut Cardz Challenge this week is to make a card for Valentine's Day using any cartridge or colours you like. I bought a Valentine's paper pack from Michael's and used four of the designer paper. I cut a filigree heart in bright pink and layered it on red and white paper before using dimensionals and mounting it on the patterned paper. From another pattern paper in the pack, I cut two small hearts with different messages and added them to the heart. I love the red gross grain ribbon too. Inside I used a simple sentiment stamp with red Tsukeniko ink.

I thought this Valentine's Day card was a bit more exciting and jazzed up than what you normally see in the stores. I hope my hubby enjoys it too. Please join us for this challenge as we'd love to see your projects. See you there!

Just Chillin'

It's January and baby it's cold outside! Making an igloo with penguins brings the message home loud and clear.

I cut the igloo and phrase using my Create A Critter Cricut cartridge and applied Stickles for that touch of sparkle. The penguins were cut using the Christmas Cheer Cricut cartridge and don't they look very trendy in their lime green hats. Googly eyes add a bit of fun to these cold loving creatures.

I made these images for a friend of mine who teaches grade school. She will put them up on the bulletin board for her January display. I made lots more penguins which the children can 'earn' when they do something nice for someone else. They get to print there name on the penguin's tummy and add it to the bulletin board display. In December I made mittins for the winter display which can be added to this display for added fun and colour. I know the kids will love these characters and it will make the classroom a fun place to be even though it's cold outside!

Remember When...

It's June in January! That's the challenge this week at Cricutz Card Challenge. You can use any cartridge or colour but it has to have summer as your theme.

My first thought was ice cream. Of all the images of ice cream cones, the one on the Doodlecharms Cricut Cartridge is by far my favourite. Then I went to my newest Cricut cartridge, Phrases, and cut "Remember when" from a bright turquoise paper backed in brown cardstock. Everything was then placed on some polka dot designer paper from the Granny's Kitchen paper collection made by SEI. I just love polka dots! Pink gross grain ribbon finishes the card nicely.

I think this card has a retro and even nostalgic feel but maybe I'm biased. Want to get a warm feeling right now??? Then go to your craft room and make a card that feels like summer and join us in this challenge.