Memorial Day Weekend Trip

This Memorial Day weekend, we went on trip to Yellowstone National Park with my sister-in-law and her husband. We were looking forward to the trip but almost canceled due to the poor weather forecast. In the end, we decided to go anyway and see what we could see. Many of the animals are having their babies this time of year and this year was no exception. My husband was the photographer for the trip and got some amazing photos that I couldn’t wait to share with you.

On Saturday morning, we started out driving south towards the NE Entrance, but were immediately stopped by a ranger as we left Mammoth. He said there had been a rock slide and the road was closed about 8 miles out. We drove a little of the 8 miles that was open and came upon a herd of bison with their new babies. This little one was getting some early breakfast.

 We drove back to Mammoth Hot Springs, and went south around the other side of the park. We came upon a grizzly bear. It was digging up the ground looking for food and seemed to be finding lots of tasty morsels. We also had a cinnamon colored black bear go through our campsite, but no photos as we didn’t have a camera ready before it disappeared into the sagebrush.

Later in the evening we drove north from Mammoth Hot Springs and came upon a group of Bighorn Sheep with their lambs. Some still had their umbilical cords showing, but were already running up and down the slope and chasing each other. They were adorable as they raced, jumped and butted heads in mock fights.

Hope you and your family had an enjoyable Memorial Day.

Happy Father’s Day!

Today, I want to share with you my design project for Creative Critterz Imaginations Blog.

I love my Wrap it Up cartridge and thought it would work nicely with my Imagine More cartridge and I was right. Thanks to the Imagine, this was a super quick card to make. Using coordinated papers makes it so fun and easy! I am actually starting to buy less decorative paper and use my Imagine more often!

For the base card, I cut two images from page 42 of the Wrap it Up cartridge. I flipped one image so I make a cute card. I wanted to save ink, so I used regular brown card stock for the two brown base card images. All cutes were made at 4 inches. I used all of the layers and flood filled them with paper from Imagine More.

To make the card, I cut two background images out of brown card stock, flipped one, and used a brad on the left wheel to attach the two layers. The card then slides open. The brad on the right wheel is just for decoration.

I added a rub-on and was done! This card would make a cute birthday card too!

Recipe:
Imagine More Cartridge
Wrap it Up Cricut Cartridge
Adhesive
Brown card stock
Rub-ons from my stash

Thanks for visiting and have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Terrifically Talented Thursday

Welcome to Terrifically Talented Thursday. For those of you that are new to this blog, every Thursday, I showcase five blogs, websites or posts that I think you will enjoy. Here are my weekly picks.

Donna has done it again. This card is amazing and I love all the details. Be sure to check out her blog, Popsicle Toes for more photos and details.

My friend Gaby has created a beautiful frame to celebrate Memorial Day. Check out her blog, Gaby Creates for detailed directions. Happy Memorial Day to all!

If you are looking for stamping inspiration, be sure to check out Kate’s blog, Scrappers Creative Corner. I love her Happy Homecoming cards! She is mega talented!

Last week, Cricut launched their newest blog. I visit it daily and fell in love with Kristen Swain’s post on the Yudu Screen Printing System. I don’t have the Yudu, but after seeing these gorgeous t-shirts, I so want one. Kristen’s screen printed t-shirts are amazing!

I am a huge Cuttlebug fan and I even created a container for all my Cuttlebug folders, thanks to Okieladybug’s Scrap N’More Click here to see my original post. Also Cricut.com featured a video on the new all-in-one Cuttlebug folders. Can you ever have too many Cuttlebug folders? I say no!!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a terrific Thursday. Please stop in tomorrow for a fun new card!

Linda

Changing the Size Increments from 1/4 inch to 1/10th on the E2

Recently I made a video (see below) on how to change the card sentiments and tips for layering using the E2 and Just a Note cartridge.  I received lots of emails asking me how I changed the size increments from ¼ inch to 1/10 inch so I thought I would do a quick video.

These are photos of the cards made using the E2



Thanks for visiting and stay tuned for a fun new card.

And the winner of the Plantin Cartridge is……

I can’t believe the number of kind and supportive comments that I received over the last week. I have the best supporters on the planet! I am so honored that you take time out of your busy schedules to visit and to leave a comment.Thanks Madonna for your generosity. You were so kind to donate this wonderful cartridge! Now for winner……

Darlene said…

"I love this!! It is so fun and happy!"

Darlene, congrats and I will be sending you an email to get your mailing address.

As I said earlier, Plantin is one of my go-to cartridges. I love the grass cut and used it to make this cute card. Here is a video I made a couple of months ago that gives complete directions on how to make this adorable card and two types of fun and fab paper flowers.





Have a great Monday!!

Giveaway…..Thanks to Madonna! Ends May 22 at Midnight

(Sticky Post- scroll down to see the newest post!)
I am always saying that I have the best followers in the world and it is so true. Madonna, from Handmade Hobbies sent me this beautiful card inspired by Joy from Obsessed with Scrapbooking and a box of goodies.

Madonna recently bought a Cricut machine on eBay and already had the Plantin Schoolbook Cartridge so she sent it to me to give away! It is not sealed in plastic, but it is in perfect shape! This is one of my go to cartridges. I love the alphabet, the basic shapes, the envelope and the best grass cut ever!! 

To enter you need to be a subscriber/follower of my blog or a subscriber of my YouTube channel. You can sign up over on the left side of this blog (if you are not there already). Also be sure to leave a comment on this post or any of the posts this week. Please only comment once per post, but for more chances to win, be sure to comment on every post! The winner will be announced on Monday May 23, 2011.

Thanks again Madonna!

Oh Baby!

Today, I want to share with you my design project for Creative Critterz Imaginations Blog. I am still having fun with my E2. I love the Just a Note cartridge that was included and thought it would make it so much easier if I used paper printed on the Imagine. I was right, the Imagine make color matching quick and easy!

For the base card, I created double sided paper using the Imagine Nursery Tails cartridge. The stripe paper is from BasicGrey and I printed on the blank side. I made all of the paper on the Imagine and then used my E2 to cut the layers.

The card is from the Just a Note E2 cartridge and cut at 5.5 inches. All the layers are cut at 3.4 inches and I did not use the shadow layer. (Note: I did not use the card layers.) Next, I cut the phrase at 3.2 inches and used all the layers except the shadow. (Note: Once again, I did not use the card layers.)

Recipe:
Nursery Tails Imagine Cartridge
E2 and Just a Note Cartridge
Adhesive
BasicGrey card stock.
White pen
Rhinestones

Thanks for visiting and have a great week!

Terrifically Talented Thursday

Welcome to Terrifically Talented Thursday. For those of you that are new to this blog, every Thursday, I showcase five blogs, websites or posts that I think you will enjoy. Here are my weekly picks.

I love this purse and fab and fun sunglasses from Susan! Be sure to check out her amazing blog Busy With The Cricky. She is one talented lady!
Now for some exciting news! Yesterday Cricut launched their newest blog. It is going to be a must visit and be sure to check it out. Today is Hello Thursday and should be a great day for all us Cricut fans. I am one of their newest followers. Yipee!

It looks like it is finally spring here in Montana and I am doing a happy dance in my craft room! To celebrate the season, be sure and check out the sunglasses challenge from Bitten by the Bug. I promise, all the projects will make you smile.
 
Can you really ever have enough ribbon? My answer is no! If you agree, you may want to check out Really Reasonable Ribbon Ramblings. Here is a link to their gathered ribbon tutorial. I can’t wait to order some of their ribbon.
Hero Arts just featured a video on using colored pencils to achieved stunning effects. I am a big fan of colored pencils and loved this video. To see my video on how to make your colored pencils look like expensive markers, click here.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a terrific Thursday. Please stop in tomorrow for a fun new card!  
Linda

How to Make Coasters Using Chipboard and Card Stock

I love my E2 and wanted to try cutting chipboard so I decided to make coasters for my next martini and crafting party! These were so easy to make and I have detailed directions on my video. Enjoy!

Don’t forget to leave a comment for more chances to win the Plantin School Book Cricut Cartridge.

The E2 Meets the Imagine

Today, I want to share with you my design project for Creative Critterz Imaginations Blog.
I love my new E2 and thought it would be fun to introduce it to my Imagine. I know many of you are making graduation cards so I made a video demonstrating how to use an Imagine cartridge in the E2 to make quick envelopes for your cards.

Today I am using the All Wrapped Up cartridge. If you are thinking about purchasing an Imagine cartridge to try in your E2, this would be a good one to start with. It has so many cute cards and boxes, not to mention lots of fun envelopes. Just remember, the E2 will not print.



I made this video on decorating envelopes and easy to make envelope liners awhile ago, but for those of you that are new, I thought it might be worth posting it again. I love the easy liner technique!



Have a great week!

Terrifically Talented Thursday

Welcome to Terrifically Talented Thursday. For those of you that are new to this blog, every Thursday, I showcase five blogs, websites or posts that I think you will enjoy. Here are my weekly picks.

I love this royal wedding card from Samantha Casey. If you get a chance, be sure to check out her royal wedding blog hop. Too cute! I loved the royal wedding and even got up at 4:00 am to watch!

Theresa Collins is one of my favorite designers and I can’t wait to buy her new Imagine cartridges. I was checking out her blog and just discovered that she has a wonderful newsletter filled with fun projects. Click here to sign up for her newsletter and to view past issues.

Passionately Artistic is another one of my favorite blogs. They recently posted a wreath for any season tutorial and the wreath is gorgeous. They used the Cricut to cut over 42 flowers! Amazing wreath!

You all know Joy, from Obsessed with Scrapbooking, but did you know she has a project gallery filled with her favorite projects. For immediate inspiration, click here. Wow!!

I am a big fan of Cricut Search which was recently renamed to My Cut Search and was thrilled when Fantabulous Cricut featured a two part tutorial on how to use My Cut Search! Click here for part one and here for part two.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a terrific Thursday. Please stop in tomorrow for a fun new project.

Linda

Changing the Card Sentiments and Tips for Layering using the E2 Just a Note Cartridge

I just received my E2 and am having fun playing. I love the Just a Note cartridge that was included; however I found it a bit challenging, so I decided to do a video. I wanted to be able to mix and match sentiments with different cards and after some practice I came up with an easy solution. Also I wanted to use more layers when making the cards. Hope you enjoy the video!

Place Cups! Or Should I Say Place Holders?

We recently had a party and I started to make place cards and decided to make monogrammed place cups instead! A few months ago, I used my Imagine to make a cup for a thank you gift and thought it would be fun to make them for the party.

I made the cups using a template from the Scor-Pal website and the new and improved Scor-Pal. Click here to get the free template.

Once I assembled the cups, I made monograms using the cut on page 3 of the Forever Young cartridge sized at 1.6 inches. I also used a 1¼ circle punch and MS Word to make the monogram. Last, I added faux stitching, pop dots and rhinestones. All that was left was to fill them with candy. If you use unwrapped candy, you could wrap the cup in cellophane and add a bow. I couldn’t resist eating chocolate while I made the cups which made them even more fun to make!

Thanks for visiting and have a great week. To see my original post please click here.

Happy Mother’s Day and the Winner Is…….

I can’t believe the number of kind and supportive comments that I received over the last week. Not to mention the Happy Birthday and Mother’s Day wishes! I have the best supporters on the planet! I am so honored that you take time out of your busy schedules to drop in for a visit and to leave a comment. Thank you so much!
Now for winner……

Kris said...
Happy Birthday…and many happy returns! Thanks for gifting us on your birthday!

Kris, congratulations and I will be sending you an email to get your mailing address.

Thanks again everyone for your support and stay tuned for more new videos and projects.

Happy Birthday and Mother’s Day Giveaway!

(Sticky Post- Please scroll down to see most recent post)

My birthday is on Mother’s Day so I thought it would be fun to do a giveaway. One of my favorite new Imagine cartridges is All Wrapped Up so I chose it for the giveaway. If you have an E2, the Imagine cartridge will work on your machine. It won’t print on the E2 but there are so many great shapes including envelopes that will be perfect with your new machine.

To enter you need to be a subscriber/follower of my blog or a subscriber of my YouTube channel. You can sign up over on the left side of this blog (if you are not there already). Also be sure to leave a comment on this post or any of the posts this week. Please only comment once per post, but for more chances to win, be sure to comment on every post! The winner will be announced on Sunday May 8, 2011. Happy Birthday to me!

Here are a few of the projects that I made using this fun cartridge. Did I mention that I love the envelopes!

Thanks again for all your encouragement, friendship and for being the best followers on the planet!

Linda

Cricut Imagine Theresa Collins Baby Boutique

Today, I want to share with you my design project for Creative Critterz Imaginations blog.

I fell in love with a card that Joy from Obsessed with Scrapbooking made using the Baby Boutique cartridge and now I can’t wait to order the new Theresa Collin’s Imagine cartridges.

In the meantime, I thought I would use my Audrey cartridge and see if I could duplicate the look. I love monograms and thought it would be perfect to add one to a post it note and pen holder.

But before we get started, I want to invite you to share in my Happy Birthday and Mother’s Day Giveaway. I am celebrating by giving away the All Wrapped Up Imagine cartridge and I would be honored if you would visit the post above and sign up for the giveaway. Now back to the project!

I used a light lavender paper instead of blue paper and flood filled an 8 x 8 inch square using the paper located on page 10 of the manual. I wanted to make two, so I cut my paper larger than necessary. I first learned about this project from Dawn’s Stamping Studio. Click here for a link to detailed directions and a video on how to make the holder.

I used my Gypsy and cut a monogram at 1.76 x 2.20 in lavender and another one at 1.60 x 2 inches in black and then embossed it using the Swiss dots folder. I used lavender card stock to cut a 2.44 x 3.18 inch monogram. To make it easier, you could just use one of fonts. I fell in love with this look so I made my entire monogram larger just to get the L to be the right size. I used pop dots on all the pieces.

I cut a piece of lavender paper 5/8 x 3 ¼ inches and attached it to a piece of the pattern paper measuring 7/8 x 3 ¼ inches. Lastly, I tied a ribbon around the band and taped it to the holder. I love this look and can’t wait to but the new Imagine Theresa Collins carts.

Recipe:
Audrey Imagine Cartridge
Adhesive and Dimensionals
Light blue and black cardstock.
Ribbon from my stash
Black pen

Thanks for visiting and have a great Mother’s Day! Be sure to check back Sunday to see who won the Imagine Cartridge.

Terrifically Talented Thursday

Welcome to Terrifically Talented Thursday. For those of you that are new to this blog, every Thursday, I showcase five blogs, websites or posts that I think you will enjoy. Here are my weekly picks.

Katie from Crafting with Katie has done it again! If you did not purchase the E2 and love the Just a Note cartridge that came with the machine, Katie has designed a tri-fold card using different cartridges. Now everyone can make the cute tri-fold cards. Even if you bought the E2, you will want to make this card. Be sure to check out her amazing blog for the details.

If you are looking for scrapbooking inspiration, be sure to visit Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker blog. You will so enjoy the visit!

In honor of their one year anniversary, every day in May, Cooking With Cricut is showcasing a new project. Be sure to check it out. Did I mention that they are having daily freebies compliments of PaperCraftingWorld? Better hurry over!

Butterfly Kisses Designs is showcasing an amazing mini album that is a must see! Arlene’s album is adorable and features several unique layouts! Thanks for the inspiration Arlene!

To see the best video ever on how to draw faces on Cricut Paper Dolls, visit Mixology Crafts. This video will turn you into an artist and is sooo easy to follow! Also for those of you that do not know, Mixology is now an official Hello Thursday blog. Make sure you visit them to see the new Cricut cartridge releases every third Thursday of each month!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a terrific Thursday. Please stop in tomorrow for a fun new project!

Linda

How to Make a Homemade Quick Stick to Attach Small Cricut Layers

I recently viewed a video by Creations with Christina where she used a QuicKutz Quick Stick to attach tiny layers to her card. I could not find one locally so I decided to make my own. Mine is a little different, but it works great when attaching little pieces to your cards or layouts. I wish I would of thought of this sooner! You won’t believe how easy this is to make.

Don’t forget to leave a comment to enter the giveaway. Thanks again for being the best followers ever!