Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Due to family circumstances we actually decided to celebrate a day early!  We had a wonderful Christmas:  Playing games, laughing, and just enjoying being together.

Why do they always love the box?

ROCK EM' SOCK EM' ........ Now they can fight legitamately!  LOL!

My Little Rock Band!

As you can see we are having a lot of fun and creating lasting memories this Christmas!

Hope everyone is having a great holiday too!

Altered Composition Notebooks for Gifts

I finally got these altered and in the mail today.  They didn't take very long once I got started. They are for one of my husband's sister's kids.  He is number 10 ( I married a 10!) of eleven in his family.  We don't draw names but are assigned a name and given a spending limit.  I think we all go over the limit.  It can be challenging to get a nice gift for everyone especially if there are multiple children and most, like us, have five or six.  These were a nice add on gift that didn't cost hardly anything.  Everyone gets there own!  If they like them as much as my kids, who all want one now, they will be a big hit.  I guess I better get to work again!

I used 12 X 12 paper from a DCWV Stack - Old World, that I trimmed.  The paper is pretty thick and textured so they have a great feel; however, because the paper is so thick I got some crease marks.  I folded it around and over; sortof like wrapping a present.  They aren't perfect, but they turned how pretty darn cute!  I forgot to picture the inside.  I took a coordinating solid color trimmed down to 9 1/2" X 7 3/8", rounded the corners on one side and adhered over the folded in patterened paper.  I then just quickly used some rub-ons or die cuts on the front.

I cut the the names out with my Cricut using SCAL (Sure Cuts A Lot). 

When my 13 year old son saw this one he said, "WOW.!  That looks like Harry Potter writing."  I said, "It is!"  I got the Harry Potter FREE at Craft Edge.  You can get it and other fonts or dingbats HERE for FREE to use with SCAL and your cricut.  SCAL is a great, easy to use software, that I recommend. 

Thanks for visiting my website today!

I hope everyone is getting their Christmas crafts completed!

Family Update

WOW!  I can't believe I haven't posted in a week.  It has been absolutely CRAZY around here!  That is not an understatement!

Last Sunday we got out the Christmas tree and decorations! 

WELLLLLL,  after getting the kids all jazzed up to decorate the tree and getting the tree up I realized ( I still don't quite remember ) that last year half our lights weren't working so we decided to chuck then instead of going through all of them, switching them out, trying to find the bad one!  Has anyone ever done that?  It is a TOTAL pain and usually causes some serious frustation.

Anyway!  Like I said the kids were ready to decorate the tree.  So,  I decided to go ahead and decorate the tree without the lights.  Probably not my best descision. Our poor tree looked a little pathetic.   But hey, it was up!

Then, Monday was my baby's first birthday.  We had a little birthday party for her.  She loved her cake, obviously!  I so can NOT believe it has already been a year! 

Tuesday nights my oldest two have church activites.

Wednesday night was my son's Choir and Band concerts.  I couldn't get a picture of him with his saxophone; he was in the back. 

Sadly, Thursday night my oldest had a choir concert that I didn't get to attend because who would watch the four little ones!  My oldest is my babysitter!

Friday and Saturday night were my son's drama nights.  I went Friday night and my oldest and my five year old went on Saturday night.  The play was Law and Order:  Fairy Tale Unit.  My son was the leading man, playing Detective Humpty Dumpty.  He did a great job and was so funny!!  Saturday afternoon I attended an Open House at my friend Carrie's house, then I took the kids, YES! ALL OF THEM (and yeah, I am nuts) to Target to get Christmas lights.  Then last night we put them on the tree.  Take my advice:  It is much easier to put lights on a Christmas tree BEFORE you put on the ornaments!

Throw in laundry, dishes, diapers, meals, vacuuming (I have to do this everyday) and you pretty much have my entire week!!!

Thanks for checking in!

Have a great day!

Miss You Card

For this week's MojoMonday Sketch Challenge - Week 115, I decided to make my husband a card.  He recently left the country for a few  months, and we miss him so much around here.  He is the kind of husband and daddy who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty or do any job from diapers to dishes, from laundry to vacuuming, from book time to scolding time.  Now all those things I am doing myself which is why I am just now finding time to post my card!!!  In fact, I am not even going to meet the MojoMonday deadline!  It is, after all, almost Monday again!  YIKES!!  Where did the week go? 

Recipe:

Card Base: SU Buckaroo Blue 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" (folded)

Card front:From a Premium Stack "Travel Stack" layered on SU Basic Gray.

I used Circle Spellbinders Nestabilities in Buckaroo Blue, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa,and Blush Blossom. The image was done with SU Stem Silhouettes in Close to Cocoa and Buckaroo Blue. I used PTI Communique Curves Sentiments - "miss you".






The sentiment tag I did using SU Key Tag punch in Buckaroo Blue, Close to Cocoa, and Blush Blossom. There are actually two in Buckaroo Blue! Both sentiments were stamped with SU Chocolate Chip. The sentiment is from a 1994 SU set.  I think it is perfect for this card - and so true!

SU Alpine Ribbon was used for that little sumthin', sumthin'.

I am sure my husband will love it!  But between me and you I don't think he cares what the outside looks like as long as I have some lovin' words on the inside!

Thanks for looking!

Cricut Zooballoo Gift Bag - Video #8

Here is a video / tutorial I made on how I turned an inexpensive plain gift bag into an adorable gift bag using Cricut Zooballoo cartridge.  Stay tuned to the end and see "My little discovery!" I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for watching!

Be sure and subscribe to my website so you won't miss my next creation!

Family Update - Visiting My New Nephew

I am finally, after having a great Thanksgiving weekend, posting pictures from my visit back home to see my new precious nephew, oh, and the rest of my family too!  LOL!

Isn't he the SWEETEST?

Aunt Laurie loves me!!

After doing a little math, I realized that my youngest and my nephew (the two little ones in the picture) are exactly the same distant apart as my two youngest boys, my Irish twins.  I am not sure how I survived!!! 

My brother - the proud new Daddy!

Our whole family is planning to go and visit next year during spring break. 

Thanks for visiting my website today! 

Cricut Joys of Season Card

What a busy week and a wonderful visit I had with my family. I will be posting pictures of my adorable, sweet, wonderful little nephew this weekend in a family update.

For now, here is my submission for the MojoMonday Challenge - MOJO114. I think it turned out pretty good; however, I would change the color layers on my poinsettia, leaving out the yellow layer and only add the "seeds" in yellow.


Recipe:

Paper: SU Always Artichoke 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" (folded)
Hobby Lobby Paper Pack "Greeting of the Season"
White, SU Chocolate Chip

Ink: Ruby Red & Chocolate Chip

Cricut "Joys of the Season" cartridge

Stamps: PTI (Papertrey Ink) Signature Christmas & Vintage Labels

Other: SU Oval Punches & Scallop Edge Punch
SU Alpine Ribbon & Glitter Glue

Thanks for looking!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Orange You Glad it is Almost Christmas!

Here is this week's MojoMonday Sketch Challenge submission. The picture is a little bit blurry b/c I was in a hurry to take it. I will try to take a better one when I get back. I have to leave in about 10 minutes YIKES! to catch my flight back home to see my NEW little nephew! I only have one brother and this is his first. So, it is a very special time!! I can't wait to see him! I am taking my youngest who has never flown before. Wish me luck, cross your fingers, say a prayer!!! I need it all! LOL!

It is another Christmas card. I still need some! I suppose that is all I will be making for the next few weeks. I didn't want to use traditional colors so I experimented a little!


Recipe: Card Base - SU Night of Navy 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" (folded)
Card front - Bashful Blue stamped with Night of Navy
Other Cardstock: Only Orange, Night of Navy DP, More Night of Navy, White

Stamps: PTI Peaceful Poinsettia (sentiment)
SU Winter Post & Snow Flurries

Ink: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Black

I used PrimasPencils to color image & blended with OMS (odorless mineral spirits). I sponged some edges and under main image to give my skaters something under their feet! Before they were flying!! LOL!

EK success punches were used to make the circle embellishment.

I think that is it!

Thanks for looking!

What do you think of my weird Christmas colors?

Stand & Salute Veteran's Day Card & Video #7

I made a card yesterday in honor of the holiday and to give to my husband to thank him for all that he does for me and our family. He is in the military and to say he loves airplanes is an understatement. I am pretty sure that he will like it. SHHHH! He's not very picky.

Here is a video tutorial of how I made it. I hope you enjoy it!

Recipe: Stampin Up Night of Navy 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" (folded)

Red Christmas Paper from Target 3 1/4" X 5 1/4" - embossed using Cuttlebug Stars Folder

White Cardstock 4 X 5 1/4

Silver Christmas Paper from Target

Black Cardstock

Real Red Cardstock

Cheap Ribbon from $1 bin from Target

Stamps: Women of Life (sentiment)

Ink: Night of Navy

Thanks so much for watching!

Please, be sure to subscribe via email or follow my website so you won't miss a thing!

Christmas Stocking Card - Mojo112

"And the stocking were hung by the chimney with care in hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there......."

Yet another Christmas card for a MojoMonday sketch challenge - Mojo112.

I finally got some time (about 45 minutes) LATE last night to get my Mojo on after Family Night (FHE - Family Home Evening), Bedtime routine, watching Hereos (I hope Gretchen is gone for good!!), and sponge rolling my oldest daughter's hair so it would be curly for Young Women in Excellence (a church program) tonight. Now I am trying to hurry up and get my card uploaded so I can get ready for Young Women's meeting, moms are invited!



Recipe:
SU Garden Green 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" (folded)
White CS
Garden Green DP
The red paper I bought last year at target found in the Christmas section. It is shimmery and very pretty but doesn't really show up much in the picture. AND it looks fantastic embossed with Cuttlebug folders.

Inks: Garden Green, Real Red, Brillant Blue, Basic Gray

Stamps: PTI Christmas Signature, Stocking Prints

Red Velvet Ribbon - I think I got it at Oriental Trading Co.

I used circle punch for half circle and SU Horizontal Slot punch for ribbon. SU Oval punches are perfect for the sentiment from PTI Christmas Signature.

Of course, Stickles!!! For that extra bling bling!

Thanks for visiting my website!

I hope you like my newest creation!

Have a great creative day!

Gypsy - How to Share Files with Design Studio - Video #6

GREAT NEWS!!!! I am so excited that Provo Craft has worked through the issues and we can now transfer files between Cricut Design Studio and The Gypsy!! WOOHOO! YIPPEE!!! Now we can share files online and still take them with us on The Gypsy!

Here is a video of how to update, change a cut file in Cricut Design Studio to make it ready to upload to Gypsy, transfer a file, and cut a file using Gypsy. Also, opening a saved file in Gypsy.

Thanks for watching!

Warm Wishes from a Snowman?

I made this card for the MojoMonday Sketch Challenge - Mojo111. AND I am still needing Christmas cards!

Okay, so my snowman isn't the smartest!!! He probably shouldn't be sending WARM wishes!



Recipe: Real Red 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" (folded)
Black 4" X 5 1/4"
Real Red DP 3 3/4" X 5"
Real Red strip of scrap!
SU Real Red Striped ribbon
Orange scrap for carrot nose!
SU chalks - just to give him some color to his cheeks!

I used Doodle Charms Cricut cartridge for my cute snowman, Paperdolls Dress Up for the hat, and Storybook for the sentiment sign. How did I match up the hat? I used my gypsy. You could use Design Studio as well. I kept the snowman on the screen, placed the hat where I wanted it, I just sized it up or down until it fit my snowman perfectly then I moved my images to their corners on the mat screen to be cut.

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Signature Christmas & Corners & Borders Circles
imaginisce Rhinestones were added for that little something extra!!!

Thanks for looking!

Comments Welcomed!

My Little Snowman could use all the help he can get!!

Family Update - Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Lightening McQueen checking out his loot!


My Little Kitty Cat - aaaaah!


Spiderman eating some of his loot!



Princess Aurora is always ready for a picture!

No family update last week! It has been crazy around here. Over the past two weeks we have had two birthdays, three dentist appointments, three sick kids (24 hour stomach bug), dog to the vet, church activities, Fine Arts Festival (school), two parties (pampered chef & jewelry), church craft night, ACT test, senior pictures photo session. and that doesn't even count the day to day never ending things like meals, dishes, & laundry, oh my!!!

With all the craziness we just got out our tubs of costumes and reused our old ones. They had more fun, I think, going through them and trying them on than in a store buying new.

We had a great Halloween, just trick or treating on our street, visiting our neighbors and just being outside. It had been cold but was PERFECT tonight.

I hope everyone had a great Halloween and got lots of great candy!

I have to go eat my kids' chocolate now!!!

SCAL? Some Cake At Last!

As of a couple of days ago I no longer have two three year old boys but now have a three and four year old. I wish I could say that I have already scrapbooked their most recent birthdays, but alas, I haven't even had those pictured developed. These are pictures from last year that I decided I better get done before another birthday comes!!! With six kids I find that I have so many parties, events, activities, or just cute pictures to scrapbook and NO TIME to do them in. So much to do so little time!

My littlest guy is serious when it comes to eating cake!

The titles are done using my Cricut & SCAL (sure cuts a lot software program). The font is one of my favorites - Baby Kruffy. No welding needed! These letters type out already welded!!! Just make sure and check the box!! I am not sure if the font was already on my computer or if it one that I downloaded FREE. The other die cuts I used Celebrations cartridge.

Here is a close up of the party hats. I ran the die cuts through my Cuttlebug using Houndstooth embossing folder. It is on sale at Oh, My Crafts for 1.49 this week. To give a little more pop I added some Stickles. I love those little bottles!

I also ran the blue parts of the cake through my Cuttlebug using the Houndstooth folder. This picture really isn't to show the details of the cake but of that cute little dirty face! YUMMY!!!

Thanks for taking a peek!

Have a great scrapbooking day!

Hopefully you aren't as behind as me!

Spooky Halloween Witch Card

I actually made a card like this for a swap that I participated in a while back. I really like this Witch image (isn't she scary looking?) and the colors so I decided to make a few more and send Halloween cards out this year. I do not always or even usually send Halloween cards, but this year I am feeling kind of in the mood. Plus, I really need an excuse, any excuse, any holiday for an excuse to use my stash of stuff!!! Know what I mean??

I think this card qualified for a Splitcoast sketch or color challenge, too! I can't remember. I will have to look that up. You would think I got points or something for completing challenges!!! Nope, just a check mark, a smile on my face, and a little satisfaction!




Recipe: SU Lovely Lilac 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" folded
Other cardstock layers: Black, Pumpkin Pie, Green Galore (embossed with Cuttlebug and D'Vine Swirls folder), White
Stamps: Spooky Spells (witch image colored with PrimaPencils then blended with Odorless Mineral Spirits, sentiment is from Bats About You
Tools: Marvy Punches, brads from Oriental Trading Co.

Thanks for looking!

Comments Welcomed!

Have a great crafting day!

Gypsy - How to Search for an Image - Video #5

I hope it helps someone!
Thanks for watching!

TOO Many Stamp Sets TY Card

This is my submission for the MojoMonday sketch challenge - MOJO109. I made this card for one of my Sister-in-laws. She has an embroidery machine, and when we were recently visiting I wanted to get some towels and have her personalize them for each member of our family. That is 8 towels! Anyway, she said she already had some towels that she had picked up on sale she wasn't going to need so I didn't need to get any. WOW!! We all then sat down with her many design books and picked out a favorite image to go with our name. They turned out ADORABLE!!!! Growing up it was just me and my brother. It is so nice; with all of my husband's married brothers and his three sisters, I have 9 sisters!!!

Recipe: SU Pretty in Pink 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" (folded)

Top of card layers: Going Grey then Sage Shadow that I ran threw the Cuttlebug using Thanks Embossing Folder and sponging with Going Grey ink.

Image layer: Pretty in Pink, Sage Shadow then White sponged with Pink Passion. I used my Spellbinders nestibilities to make the layers.

Stamps: PTI Women of Life for part of flower image and sentiment, Autumn Leaves (unsure of name of set) for leaves, and I used for the rest a set of clear sets that I bought at Oriental Trading Company. I am unsure of the name and can not find it on the set.

Inks: Going Grey, Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Sage Shadow

The ribbon is Stampin Up Pretty in Pink.

For this layer, or rather layers, I used, again, Nestibilities. The layers are Sage Shadow, Going Grey sponged with Pink Passion, Pretty in Pink and white. Dimensionals were used to adhere it.

Thanks so much for peeking at my creation!!

If you have a moment please leave me comment.

Family Update

I am not sure if anyone is like me, I sure hope I'm not the only one. I had such grand plans while my oldest two children were out of school for fall break. I was going to go through their clothes, getting rid of those that are either too small, not worn or worn out. I was going to sort through toys, throwing out broken ones or getting rid of toys that aren't played with and then organize the ones we were keeping (that is pretty much a waste of my time but I still like it done once in a while). I was going to get ALL the laundry folded and put away. I was going to get some scrapbooking done, yeah right!!! I was going to clean and organize my craft room, oh that one makes me laugh out loud!!!! OH WELL, sadly, I didn't get hardly anything accomplished while they were home to help.

Well...... the first week we spent on vacation. We had a nice relaxing time. We went to Sea World and the beach in San Diego. And last week I spent the better part of my time looking for and adopting a dog. We started out at the Humane Society but ended up finding the newest member of our family at the local animal center. There were so many great dogs there. It was so sad to see them all, especially the new mommy dogs with their brand new puppies. One dog had her puppies just hours before we got there. Please, I encourage everyone to spay or neuter your pets and advise others to do the same. Also, if you are needing an addition to your family, adopt. It is a great feeling to be giving an unwanted animal a home.

This is Bailey, formerly know as Punchey. She is a Great Dane / Pit Bull mix.

She is super sweet and very smart! We love her already!

Bailey loves her boy!!!

That's all for this week's update! Have a great day!

How to make your Cricut Mat Sticky Again! - Video #4

Here is a video showing how I make my Cricut mats sticky again! I have tried several different methods, and I have this to be the easiest, fastest, and cheapest (especially if you use a coupon)!



Be sure and either follow my website, located at the right of the page, or subscribe via email located in the right colum as well.

Thanks so much for watching!

I hope what I have learned through trial and error can help someone.

Gypsy Wanderings Owl Card

We were gone last week on vacation; so, I didn't get to do the MojoMonday sketch. BOOHOO!! Here is my submission for this week's challenge - Mojo108. Also, it is today's color challenge on Splitcoast Stampers - Bermuda Bay, Apricot Appeal & Chocolate Chip. I cheated a little by adding the ribbon, don't tell.

The owl image is from Gypsy Wanderings Cartridge on my new Gypsy that I am really enjoying. I have several layouts ready to be cut out that I designed while traveling on vacation. My husband was driving!!!

Recipe:

Card base: Bermuda Bay 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" (folded)

Card front: Apricot Appeal 4" X 5 1/4" I ran this layer through my Cuttlebug using D'Vine Swirl Embossing Folder then sponged the edges with Chocolate Chip ink.

The Chocolate Chip layer I wadded up then adhered it.

The ribbon is just some I found in my big stash. I think I bought it at Oriental Trading Co.

I used Bermuda Bay and Apricot Appeal DP for the last layer and the sentiment is from PTI In Bloom. I didn't measure the added layers, just trial and error!

Here is a closeup of my cute little owl done in, yet again Bermuda Bay & Apricot Appeal (sponged). He is sitting on a Chocolate Chip branch and has Googlie Eyes!!!

Thanks for looking! What do you think?

To find out more about the Gypsy by Cricut

check out my video tutorials.

Updating Cricut Gypsy & Cutting with ONLY a SCRAP! - Video #3

This video walks you through the updating process of the Gypsy with the Cricut machine, step by step. Also, a tutorial on how to cut a die cut using only a 2" X 2.5" scrap.



I hope this helps someone! Thanks for watching!

First Papertrey Ink Order, Stamp Assembly & Storage - Video #2

Stay tuned until the end of this video to see the VERY live, VERY cute audience I tried to tape in front of . . . unsuccessfully of course!



Thanks for watching!

Trip to CK Convention

Yesterday, a friend and I went to Phoenix area to attend the CK (Creating Keepsakes) Craft Convention. It was a lot of fun. I spent way to much money and am sore today from walking around and hauling my almost 10 month old around. I forgot the stroller, not that she would have stayed in it anyway. FYI, she was pretty good, considering what we put her through.

While there, we kept running into these fabulous older ladies that seemed to be our future selves. One being a lot like me and the other like my friend. After we had run into them about three times, visiting, laughing, and talking about our similarities I asked them what their names were. WELL, they were Lisa and Karen! You might not find that very interesting; however, I haven't mentioned that my friend's name is Carrie. So, we were Laurie and Carrie and Lisa and Karen and yes, I was like Lisa and she like Karen. It was so funny! I love how small the world can seem. I hope we run into them again.

Here are some of pictures of all my loot!

I found some really neat stuff at Technique Tuesday's booth. I had never heard of them before. They have some really cute stamp sets and scrapbooking kits that come with stamps, inks, paper, chipboards, rub ons. Their prices seemed reasonable, too. I wish I could have bought more there! We found acrylic die cuts that were on sale. And some JustRite fonts on sale too!

I got a kit that came with a glue pad, some stamps, glitter, felt, a punch that matched one of the stamps. I haven't even opened it, but it seemed like a good deal at the time!! Creating Keepsakes had a booth right outside the entryway. They had some super deals I couldn't pass up. A complete scrapbook and kit to complete it for only $11 and a vacation mini scrapbook kit for only $5. I kept waiting to hear the catch, like I had to sign up for something but no catch. I also got there a pack of 12 fold out books. These I plan to use as gifts. And no trip is complete without a few stickles!!!

Here is a picture of a canvas kit make & take I did at the Quick Quotes booth and then bought one to do at home. I also bought some of their paper packs - in the first picture somewhere! They had some really neat things and a monthly kit club that I am thinking about joining.

It was a great trip! Not quite CHA, but big enough for me - at least for now!

Cricut Gypsy Overview & Linking Cartridges Video #1

Here is a video / tutorial of an overview of the Cricut Gypsy, what's in the box, applications, and information about linking Cricut Cartridges.

Thanks for Watching!

Please be sure to sign up and follow my website, located at the bottom of the page, or your can subscribe via email, located in the right column, so you don't miss any videos / tutorials on the Cricut Gypsy, Design Studio, and MORE!!

A Little Christmas Mojo

It is almost that time of year! Christmas is just around the corner! Can you believe it? Do you have all your cards made yet? I certainly don't. I decided to use he MojoMonday Sketch Challenge 106 to get another one out of the way. Plus, I got to use my brand newly released Papertrey Ink stamp set Peaceful Poinsettia & Signature Christmas. YIPPEE! NEW TOYS!!!

Recipe:
Card Base: SU Ruby Red 5 1/2 X 4 1/4
Card front: SU Kraft 5 1/4 X 4 (made my own DP, sortof, with PTI Peaceful Poinsettia stamped in Sahara Sand)
Other Paper used: Mellow Moss, Ruby Red DP, Kraft DP, Ruby Red, unknown cream, & white
Inks used: Ruby Red, Sahara Sand, Basic Gray
Stamp Sets: PTI Peaceful Poinsettia, Signature Christmas - I was VERY excited to discover that several of these stamps fit PERFECTLY in my SU oval punch and then I layered it on Ruby Red cardstock punched out with SU scallop oval after sponging edges.

I stamped the outline Poinsettia in Basic Gray and then the solid image in Ruby Red. Then I cut it out and popped it up on a stamped solid image in Ruby red. I put a little bling in the middle! The leaves are stamped in Mellow Moss.

I used Cricut Cartridge Fabulous Finds to cut out the squares at 2 1/4, 2 1/2, & 2 3/4 and the square rounded piece at 2" square in Ruby Red.

The ribbon is SU Mellow Moss.

I am going to make some more of these b/c I think it turned out pretty good. However, I will probably leave off some of the extra Mojo layers!!!

I started off this year making 10 Christmas cards a month and got about 40 done. I still need about 30-50. I didn't send out as many cards last year and probably need to do better this year.

How many cards do you still need?