Happy Holidays

I just wanted to wish everyone Happy Holidays. I had a great time for Christmas. I got everything that I wanted and then some. Now I look forward to the New Year. I usually don't make New Years Resolutions but here is one that I will try to keep. I'm now making a big one so I hope to keep it. I'm going to try to make 52 cards and 52 layouts. So I pray that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that you will have a blessed new year.

Margaret

Using Cuttlebug to cut and emboss

This video is on how I use my Cuttlebug to cut and emboss. Not only with the Cuttlebug folders but also with the Fiskers embossing plates, the Spellbinders Nestabilities, a homemade embossing plate, the Sizzix regular dies, the long Sizzlites and the regular Sizzlites.
Embossing:
Cuttlebug folders: A - B - folder with cardstock - B
Homemade folders: A - rubbermat - CS - embossing plate(face down) - shim - B
Fiskers Plate: A - rubber mat - embossing plate - CS - rubber mat - B
Spellbinders Nestabilities:
Cut: (cut before embossing) A - B - CS - Die (ridge side down) - C
Emboss: A - B - die (ridge side up) with CS still inplace - rubber mat - shims - B
Sizzix:
Regular: B - B - CS - Die (face down)
Long Sizzlites: Sizzix Extended Spacer Platform - Decorative strip cutting pad - CS - Die - DSCP
Sizzlites: A - Sizzix cutting pad - Die - CS - SCP
Thanks I hope this helps.

Margaret

New Christmas Cards

I just finished making these two using Design Studio and my Cricut. In the penguin card the center penguins are popped out. This card my DS asked me to make for a friend that loves penguins. The snowman card has a free standing front. The snowman swings open. When I make this card again I will edit it by also attaching the front not only by the snow on the bottom but also up higher by a snow flake.

Margaret

Reuse warped mats

I just wanted to share a video with you how I reused an old warped mat.

Margaret

How To Make A Cricut Stamp

I purchased the Cricut Stamping Kit a long time ago but never make one, so I decided to give it a try with a simple stamp. It was so much fun I can't wait to try the Cricut Embossing Folders (I purchased that one a long time ago also). Thanks for keeping up with my blog.
Margaret

Wintertime Mini Album

This is a mini chipboard album that can be used for a winter vacation or for Christmas. The cartridges used were Paper Doll Dress Up, George and Basic Shapes, My Community and Camp Out. I used the bind-it-all to make my book. I accented the pages with my home-made flower soft (on the outer page) and MS snow glitter. I also used stickles to made the snow scattered on the pages.
Margaret

Pauls First Day of College

This is simple layout the I made yesterday for my youngest sons first day of college. He is a Freshman at Youngstown State University studying Computer Information Systems. My oldest son is a Junior in the same field. I am so very proud of both of them. I'm working on my other sons new page for this year also. The Paper I used regular black and white cardstock, the freshman cardstock I purchased in a pack from Big Lots from "DCWV", it also had paper for junior that I'll be using for my other son. The Cricut cartridges used were Base Camp and Locker Talk. The books diecut I also purchased from Big Lots in a pack from "Remember When". I used pop dots to make the YSU and the diecuts stand out.
Margaret

Once upon a time

I was just looking through my children's old scrapbooks and wanted to share a then pic. This was Easter 1992. I used stencils, the original Sizzix, punches, a scrapbook computer program and deco-edged scissors. Its fun so look back. So pull out those old books and gather up some new ideas or just to look to see how your scrapbooking skills have grown.
Margaret

From Sketch to Layout using the Cricut Design Studio

This is a quick layout that I made using the Cricut Design Studio to first make a sketch of the page, then put it in cut form to use my Cricut Create to cut out the diecuts needed. I just love this idea and have found it very helpful. The cartridges used were: Paper Doll Dress Up, All Mixed Up, and George and Basic Shape. The ghost child and shoes were cut at 4 1/2", the lettering was cut at 1" in a 2X11 rectangle, the picture mats are 4X6, the journaling spot is 3X3 1/2, and the small ghost is cut at 3 1/2". The title was made using the stencil made by cutting out the letters then filling in the spaces (the white is cut out and the black is solid).
Margaret

Using Cricut's Design Studio to make a layout

I wanted to find a way to use DS to make a scrapbook page layout because I was tired of having to recut pieces because either they were too large or too small. So this is what I came up with.
Margaret

Congratulations Provo Craft

Provo Craft has just produced it's 100th cartridge. I only have 40(just got my cricut last November). Can't wait to buy more. Received 3 as offers (2-reward points, 1-Michaels Promotion). I just love my Cricut Create.

http://www.cricut.com/shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?id=361&s=1&sc=2

Margaret

Cricut Design Studio: welding and shadowing

This video is on how to do welding, shadowing, renaming your page and saving your project when using the Cricut Design Studio. Hope this helps someone.
Margaret

Trick or Treat

This is a 2 page 12 X 12 pop-up layout for Halloween. I wanted to mix the old (pop-up) with the new (Cricut). The sizes cut are: Wording-2", Castle-5", Tree-5 3/4", Spider Web-5", Bat-5", Ghosts-3 1/2", Spider-4", Children-4 1/2". I had such fun making this page. I think this would look great if you matched the children diecuts with your childrens outfits. You can find the videos on my youtube at: margaretscrafts. It is two parts.
Margaret

Just Like Dad

I was looking through some of my older scrapbooks and came across a 2 page layout and wanted to make another one to share with you. Before I started scrapbooking I always loved to take action shots of the kids. I found some pics of the kids in their dad's shoes and one had his coat on also, so when I found this image and I had to make it. I used paper and cardstock to make the background. I used the cricut to make the lettering and I also first cut them out in chipboard to make them stand out. I used chipboard words that say very special things. Hope you like it, I had fun remaking it. Thanks
Margaret

Design Studio-Hide feature

This is a short video to explain how to use the Hide feature on Cricut's Design Stidio. It also shows how I set up my cutting mat to have is cut all at once.
Thanks for watching,
Margaret

Christmas in July Card Challenge

This is my first challenge that I have ever participated in. It is from "thesistas-challenges.blogspot.com"," Christmas in July Challenge". So here is my version of a Christmas Card. It is a 5 1/2 X 8 1/2 card. I inked around the edges with gold ink from Color Box. I applied a burgundy piece of cardstock cut at 5 1/4 X 8, and trimmed the bottom with a Fiskars border punch. I applied my homemade burgundy glimmer mist to the burgundy cardstock. The title "Celebrate" is cut at 1" from the Celebration Cartridge, then applied to a 2 1/2 X 4 3/4 burgundy cardstock that was applied to a white cardstock that was slightly larger to leave a shadow. The tree was cut at 5 1/2" in a gold cardstock from Lyrical Letters. I applied a gold Stickles to the tree and the work celebrate. Last I applied 4 of my homemade gold Skittles. Hope you like the card. I had fun making this card.
Margaret

Simple Baby Card

I just received my Cricut Sampler cartridge from using my Cricut Reward points. I couldn't wait to play with it. Here is what I came up with. I used a 5X7 card. I inked around the edges with purple ink from Studio G. I used a Pink floral cardstock (sorry I don't know who it is by) measuring 6 3/4 X 4 3/4. Centered on the card base. But before attaching it I added three ribbons, 2 - 1/8" wide lavender, and 1 - 3/16" wide Pink (by Offray). I wrapped these ribbons around the front of the cardstock and taped them on the back with regular tape. Then attached to the card base. I cut my Onesie out at 3 1/2" with a pink cardstock, then cut it out again on shadow with a purple cardstock. This item can also be found on the New Arrival Cartridge. I also used Cotton Candy Stickles around the neck and sleeves. Attach this to your card to one side. Then I applied the wording. They are from Words&Crafts self-adhesive Chipboard words the baby package. Last I added six Skittles that I made in lavender. This is a very simple card to make. So just have fun. Thanks.
Margaret

Mirror Mirror on the wall

This is a 12x12 scrapbook layout page using Cricut cartridge: Happily Ever After. The supplies needed are:
1-12x12 white cardstock (CS) 2-3 1/2x5 pink cardstock
1-12x12 floral print paper (trim down to 11 1/2x 11 1/12) 1-2x5 pink cardstock
1-1 1/2x4 1/2 white cardstock 1-2x2 pink cardstock
1-3x3 lt. purple cardstock 1- 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 med. purple CS
1-2x2 white CS 1-6x6 flesh tone CS
1-6x6 black CS 1-1 1/2 x 1 1/2 dark brown CS
1-4x5 black CS 1-4x5 silver cs
1-4x5 gold CS

New Scrapbook Pages

These are some of the pages that I have been working on lately. I have to play catchup. I have been working on cards and gifts, put my pages to the way side now that I and a break from doing all the other things I can now work on my pages. So back to work I go. LOL
Margaret

My Scrap Place

This is my small scrap place. It is located behind my sofa in our livingroom. So while I scrap our two dogs guard me from the sofa (have to keep it covered). My area may be small but I have everything that I need. I have a full sewing/quilting room the the third floor of our home. That use to be my haven before we got the new puppy and she does not like to be left alone, so we moved the scrapbook area to the livingroom. So no matter the size of your space make it work for you.

Margaret

Blog Award

I am very happy to say that I have received two "Blog Awards". Thank you both soooooooo much for the encouragement that I have received from them.
The first one was from: http://tiggersscrapplace.blogspot.com
and the second was from: http://suzyssunshinespot.blogspot.com

I also want to thank everyone who watch, and all who leave a comment.

For all those that I sent this award to here are the rules that apply if you want to accept:
Here are the rules:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award. These are the 15 blogs that I am passing the award to.

Margaret

Homemade Glimmer Mist

These are the mini mister bottles that I found at a local store. The Glimmer mist was made with water, a few drops of ink (add or subtract the amount of ink to get the color you want), then add your perfect pearls (only a small amount is needed). Have fun and give it a try.
Margaret

How to make a texture plate

I was just sitting around playing with chipboard from a cereal box and a piece of thick chipboard form Grafix that I purchased from HH, and this is what I came up with. I used a punch to make it, but you can use anything from just cutting it out freehand to using your Cricut.
Margaret

I Flipped Birthday Card

This is a birthday card that I made for my DH. I used the Cricut and the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge. Misc scrap paper and stickers for the lettering. I have included a video with this card.

Margaret

Homemade Clip-it-up Video

This is a video of how I made my homemade clip-it-up. The wire frames were from two old lampshades that I replaced for new ones ( you can look for at second hand stores or check online for these). The threaded rod, locknuts ( I used 10), and the 2-in-1 Canapy Kit were all purchased from Lowes, where the lamps are located for about $12.00. For the clips : I used 28mm Paper Clips ( from the dollar store) and the Mini Spring Clothpins (I found at a local craft store for $1.19 for 50).

Margaret

Clip-it-up

Here is my version of the clip-it-up. I just finished making it today. I still need to cut down the top, but I wanted to wait until I make sure it is the right size. I made the clips with 28mm paper clips and mini spring clothespins. The rod, blank canopy kit and locknuts were purchased from Lowes in the lamp department. I purchased two new lampshades for our bedroom and took the old lampshades apart to use for this project.

I really like having my items to see what I have. I didn't know I had so much until I started pulling things out. Still have more to put on.

Margaret

Fathers Day Cards

These are three cards that I have been working on for Father's Day for DH from myself and my two DS. This is pic of one of the cards. I saw this one on youtube (KuKu Card) and had to make one. This card was sooo much fun to make.

This next card is the Joy-Fold Card, it was also fun. The last card is a Waterfall Card, the waterfall part is stamped with You're #1 then at the end it says Happy Father's Day. I also saw this one on youtube but changed the size of the card. Not sure if I am done with these last two cards, they may need a little bling. LOL.

Margaret

Thank You Card

These are the thank you cards that I made for my DS to send out to everyone from his graduation party. I wanted to make a simple card d/t having to make repeats. It was made from regular cardstock. I used the Cuttlebug with the Thanks embossing folder. The Celebration Cart to make the scalloped circle. Stamped with thank you from Inkadinkado. The ink was a Black by ColorBox. Finally the ribbon used was 1/8" yellow by Offray. I left the inside blank so that he can write a special note to each person.
Margaret

Graduation Cards

These are two graduation cards that I completed today for my son and great niece who are both graduating high school this week. My son was homeschooled for the past nine years. My niece is graduating from Independence High School in Columbus, Ohio. I wish them both good luck as they both look to the future and will be starting college this fall. The papers used were Paper Pizazz - Graduation, The Paper Studio - Caps & Diplomas, and regular card stock. The carts used were Wild Card, Lyrical Letters, Hello Kitty Font, Locker Talk, and Paper Doll Dress Up. I used the crystal Stickles to accent my DN card.
Margaret

Graduation Items

These are the items that I made with my Cricut for my DS graduation dinner that we are having next weekend. He is my last son that we graduated (we home schooled him and our oldest son).Yaaaaaaaaaaaaa we are done.
Napkins: I found the wrapped napkin and cutlery sets in the colors needed and I made small caps and taped them to the napkin rings.
Card: I made the card by first printing the inside of the card then made the large cap and lettering for the outside of the card.
Treat Box: I made a square box and attached a square to the top, made a tassel using yarn that was attached with a black brad. Inside is a small sack of M&Ms.
Centerpiece: I still need to insert his pic, I engraved his name and 2009 to the plate using my cricut with the engraving needle.
Cartridges used: Lyrical Letters, Locker Talk, Tags, Bags, Boxes & More, Base Camp
Margaret

Mother's Day

This year for Mother's Day (as with all holidays since I purchased my Cricut) I want Cricut stuff. These are the two carts my DH got for me. With these two it brings me to a total of (drum roll please lol) 34 not counting the two I have coming. I don't count them until I have them in my hands.

Wedding Plate

This is a belated anniversary gift for my BIL and his wife. I have been doing glass etching for a short time now, and love it. It is a lot easier then it looks, but it does take some practice. You must remember to make sure that the etching cream does not touch anywhere you do not want to etch. But if you do touch somewhere you did not want to just add a small image to cover that spot, like a heart or a flower. I also put painters tape around my vinyl just to extent my protection. The carts that I used were Wedding, Calligraphy Collection, and Storybook. The vinyl was by Provo Craft. I look for glass everywhere I shop. I have a little stash now to make for gifts. I use my cricut for everything. Especially for card making and glass etching.
Margaret

Mother's Day Card

This is a Mother's Day card for my neighbor. This is my 2nd of this style, I also made the same style for my DH for Father's Day. When I first saw this card I thought it was going to be so hard to make, but it was super easy and very quick. I used the cricut with the Calligraphy Collection cart. I used Glossy Accents on the wording. On the inside is white card stock with a saying stamped on it. Sorry but I don't know the name of the paper I used (I keep my paper separated by style) there was no writing on it.
Margaret

Family Word Book

This is my 2nd word book. These are so fun to make. I don't have the other embellishments or pics on it yet. I made one Friday for my DH to give to his mother for Mothers Day and forgot to take pics of it , it said MOM. She really loved it. I used the DS with the cricut. The carts are George & Basic Shapes and Storybook. The paper is by American Crafts and Paper Pizazz. I also used my new pink Zutter Bind-it-all.
Margaret

Underwater Fun

I just got my pics developed from last summer. I had a disposable underwater camera. When I purchased LAB I knew I had the perfect pics for it. This is from our pool in the backyard. It is my DH and youngest DS.
Margaret

Crafts

Thought I would add a small blog of my favorite crafts. Quilting, counted cross-stitching and Cricut vinyl wall art. This is the area behind my small scrap area. I changed all the art that I bought for the things that I made. This is just one wall of my house I have done all of them. So when I look around my house I know that it is my house.

Margaret

Vinyl Wall Art

This is my first attempt at vinyl wall art. I used the Cricut vinyl, Stone Script and Home Accents cartridges. I found using the design studio made it much easer. Without using it some letters would not cut. When I put it up on DS I saw that the letters like the "y" was off the mat. So if you move this letter up on DS then after cutting it out just cut and realign before placing your transfer tape works out great. (This may not be a problem if you use your "E" I have the Create. Remember to mark your wall lightly with a pencil to line up your project. After cutting and aligning your art remove all the vinyl not needed (I cut away all larger unused areas to use for smaller projects prior to removing the unneeded vinyl). Then apply your transfer tape (I have heard that others have used many different ways of applying the vinyl but for my first time trying it I used the transfer tape). I used an old prepaid gas card, you can use what ever works for you, to rub the letters to make them adhere good to the transfer take. Then lift up slowly to remove the letters. Do not make your transfer tape too long because it will be too hard to apply if doing by yourself. Apply your image to the wall then use you card again to rub the letters to make them stick to the wall. Slowly remove the transfer tape,watch to make sure that your letters are stuck on the wall. If you take your time you can do it. This was my first of three walls that I have done. Remember that the transfer tape can be used again, just replace the backing.

Margaret

My Birthday

This year was my 51st birthday. My husband is a very special man, for my birthday I received a Cricut Jukebox, the Beyond Birthday and Lyrical Letters cartridge. We also went out to dinner and he bought a birthday cake (banana nut). I love the jukebox especially when used with the design studio. When you use more than one cart on a layout you don't have to change carts or push any of the buttons, it just goes to work. The Lyrical Letters cart is wonderful. You get soooo many different letters and there are sooo many images. It is a great cartridge. I used it yesterday to make wall art for my livingroom wall. I will post pics later and explain how easy they are to make.

Scrap Space

I wanted to share my small scrap space with you. We have a finished third floor that I use for all my crafting, but due to a new puppy (that does not like to be alone) I have moved my scrap space to the first floor behind the sofa. Because my space is small I have to have everything organized. I have everything labeled and in containers. The cubes I bought at Michaels, the paper rack I purchased at Target along with a lot of my containers. I made my covers for my Cricut and Cuttlebug. I want to make one for my Xyron also. Here is a link to my pics of my full crafting space: http://community.webshots.com/user/mmarg1520

Margaret

Elmo Easter Card

This is a card that I made for a very special little girl for Easter. She loves Elmo. I used my Cricut to cut the images and text. I hand adjusted the Elmo to hold the basket. The cartridges I used were Doodlebug Charms, Sesame Street Font and Animal Kingdom. I embossed the basket using my Cuttle Bug and a Fiskars embossing plate. I cut the eggs in white then sponged ink on the eggs so that they would not look solid. I also made this card in green for a special little boy who also loves Elmo.

Margaret

Intro

Hi this is my first blog so please be kind. I world like to introduce myself. My name is Margaret I am married to a wonderful man, we have two sometimes (LOL) wonderful sons one is 20 and in college, and the other is 17. We have homeschooled for the past 9 years and this is our final year. I have done all sorts of crafts from sewing to scrapbooking. At present I am quilting, scrapbooking, and cardmaking. I am somewhat new to the Cricut. I have the Cricut Create, and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. My blog will be about the different crafts that I do. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.
Margaret