17 Days of CTMH Christmas Cards - Day 16: Circle Ornament Card

Advent Cards to College Day 16 - 2010

I wanted to create a card that looks like an ornament with ornaments on it so I used the CTMH Adron-able Stamp set (D1446) on a circle card (cut with my Cricut of course).

You can find the directions to this card in my Google Documents titled: Adornable Circle Ornament Card

17 Days of CTMH Christmas Cards - Day 12: Pull Out Tag

Advent Cards to College Day 12 – 2010

Supplies
CTMH paper pack Magnifique, Colonial White CS, Sky CS, Vineyard Berry CS, Grey Wool CS, (scrap) Moonstruck CS,
CTMH Vineyard Berry grosgrain ribbon
CTMH Exclusive Inks: Vineyard Berry, Sky, & Pacifica
CTMH Stamp sets: Bird Basics (D1338, page 41, Summer 2010 IB), Feathery Flakes (D1317, NLA), Tannenbaum (B1361, pg 43 Autumn/Winter 2010), Winter Wonder (D1241, NLA), Solos “C” (B1227, NLA)
Fiskars border punch/emboss: All a-fleur
Stapler: color your staples with a sharpie to blend in with the project
Piercing tool and pad
Sponge
Cricut Cartridge: Accent Essentials, page 79
Boho Flowers SU punch
Colonial White Brads
A post it or some other sticky to create a mask


For printable complete supplies and directions you can get them at my Google Documents: Pull Out Tag Card

See you tomorrow for Card 13!

17 Days of CTMH Christmas Cards - Day 4: Snow Friends

Advent Cards to College Day 4 - 2010

Sending a Christmas card each day my daughter is away at PSU.  We are up to day 4.  She'll be coming home on the 17th, so follow me through each day as I make a new card.  At the end I have a special surprise that I've made for my daughter (so she has somewhere to keep all the cards).  You'll have to wait since I don't want to spoil her surprise. :)

Today's card was inspired by Jeanette Lynton.  I saw this lovely card on the CTMH website and just had to make it for my daughter (well something very similar since I couldn't find the measurements and directions; it's not saying they're not out there somewhere, I was just in a hurry to beat the postal carrier to the mailbox, LOL).

Supplies
CTMH Stamp Sets: Snow Friends (D1244), January Word Puzzle (D1268), & Spot On Backgrounds (D1280)
CTMH CS: White Daisy, Cocoa, Desert Sand, Juniper
CTMH Exclusive Inks: Juniper, Cocoa

CTMH Ribbon: White (Grosgrain) & Hollyhock
CTMH sanding kit
CTMH Brads: Pewter & Basic Collections
CTMH Glitz Stardust Liquid Glitter
Cricut Cartridge: When it's Cold Outside (2009-2010)
Cuttle Bug Embossing Folder: Ice Crystals

From Base up
Card base is 5.5" x 5.5"
Juniper layer is 5.25" x 5.25" and is embossed with the Ice Crystals, then sanded
Desert Sand layer is 5.25" x 3.5"
White Daisy is 5.25" x 1 5/8"
Juniper is 5.25" x 1.25" and is stamped with Juniper using the Spot On Backgrounds
Cocoa Layer is 2.75" x 2.75"
Daisy White Layer is 2.5" x 2.5 and is stamped in Cocoa with the Snow Friends and sponged with Coca, color as desired.
Use Cricut to cut snowflakes.  Attach snowflakes with the brads and put two brads on the snowman's belly for his buttons, then assemble card as shown.  Finally, apply Glitz to the brads (except the snowman).

Autumn Table Decor - CTMH Olivia papers

Autumn

The Close to My Heart Olivia Level 2 papers are perfect for fall decorations.

I made this table top decoration using coasters, my Bind-it-all, Modge Podge, some black acrylic paint, CTMH Ribbons and of course the Close to My Heart Olivia B&T Duos and Cardstock. I also sponged the edges of the letters with New England Ivy Exclusive inks to help them pop from the background. Look at the beautiful detail of the paper.

First, I painted the coasters black with an acrylic paint. Then, I used my Cricut to cut the Olivia B&T papers to fit with a 1/4" border. I also used my Cricut to cut the letters using the Georges and Basic Shapes Cartridge.

I applied the base B&T papers with the Modge Podge and then coated them with the Modge Podge to protect them from the environment. I applied the letters of "AUTUMN" using another coating of Modge Podge. I then applied a final coating of Modge Podge and let dry overnight.

Next, I punched with my Bind-it-all and used the 3/4" Antique Brass wire to bind them together.

Finally, I tied a variety of 1/4" CTMH ribbon (grosgrain and organza) on every other wire, alternating the variety of colors.

Too Cute to Spook - Triangle Trifold Card

October has arrived and I get to create something with the cool new Hooligan papers and little Hooligan monsters. I really like how the card came together and I just love the Hooligan colors!

This card sounds more complicated than it is to create, but it's kind of hard to describe so I needed to make lots of steps.  It's an adorable square card that opens in an nontraditional way.  The two triangle left and right panels make it appear square, but when you open the card it's actually extra long.


Supplies
CTMH Black CS (1386)
CTMH Goldrush CS (1243)
CTMH Hooligans L2 Paper Packet (X7129B)
CTMH Hooligans L2 Assortment (Z1332) - smallest monster
CTMH Sunset Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (Z2129)
CTMH Colonial White Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad (Z2168)
CTMH Black Exclusive Inks Marker (Z2305)
CTMH Creepy Cobwebs Stamp Set (D1319)
CTMH Troublemaker Stamp set (B1360) for the "too cute..." words (available exclusively w/ the Hooligans Workshop Kit)
Cricut with Accent Essentials Cartridge - Shape Accnt48s (page 79), cut at 2" on CTMH
8" Halloween Ribbon, cut one end at an angle and tie a knot on that end
Also needed, scoring blade or some way to score and adhesive

Cutting Directions
Black CS Base - 3.5" x 10.5"
B&T Duo Paper Square - 3.25" -- cut diagonally
Black CS Large square - 2.75"
B&T Duo Paper Square - 2.5"
Black CS smaller square - 2.25"
Goldrush CS smallest square - 2"


Putting Card together (see card picture for correct placement)

1. First, score your card base at 3.25" and 7" (creating 3 equal sections)
2. Fold the two flaps in and then back out for the next step.
3. On the two end pieces, you will score from the score line at an angle out to the corner (see open version of card for how the folds will look
4. Fold the angled pieces away from the card.  (you will now have 2 valley folds, the first two and two mountain folds, the last two on the angle); fold card closed
5. Now, glue the 2 B&T 3.25" triangles to each triangle section
6. Next, open card and stamp "Too Cute to Spook" saying towards bottom of center inside of card
7. Stamp cobweb with Sunset Exclusive Inks on the Accnt48 shape; also sponge edges with Sunset and write Happy Halloween in black
8. Now for the front while the inside is drying...Sponge the edges of the Goldrush square with the Sunset Ink.
9. Now, stack and attach the 3 remaining squares, plus the Sunset, in descending order ending with the Sunset.
10. Here's the slightly tricky part.  Place your square set where you want but do not attach yet.
11. Apply adhesive to HALF the square (on an ANGLE), so the adhesive will go in a diagonal fashion from the top corner to the bottom corner, and place on card front to the correct triangle half -- do not glue entire back or card will not open
12. Attach the Halloween Ribbon towards the bottom (leaving a little of the Goldrush showing on the bottom) -- wrap a small amount (without the knot) to back so you don't see end and attach ribbon securely with adhesive or pop dots only to half of card (or your card will not open)

Altered Art - Mini Notebook

Split Coast Stampers DSS Challenge: "create something with a traditional school supply".  My secret sister likes pink so I pulled out some Close to My Heart Day Dream Backgrounds and Textures papers I have in my stash to make her this Altered Mini-notebook.

Supplies
CTMH paper packet Day Dream
CTMH stamp set from the Triple Play bonus pack (available thru September 2010) - see my CTMH website: Stampmyart - for more information

Cricut Cartridge (my new favorite of the moment): Wall Décor and More
CTMH White Daisy Ric rac and Blush Ric rac
CTMH arrow embellishment
Decorative gems in pink and flower
Binder Clip
Stickles Glitter Glue Distress Stickles: Worn Lipstick and Broken China
ATG and adhesive
Xyron

1. Measure and cut papers to fit the notebook and attached them with ATG or strong adhesive.
2. Apply Stickles to the binder clip so it can dry.  Apply the two different colors one at a time letting them dry in between.
3. Stamp images in desired locations
4. Cut the butterfly (page 29).
5. Now for some fun....put the butterfly through the Xyron 2 times.  Once on the front and once on the back.  Remove the protective backing from the side used as the front. Pour glitter all over.  Then, gently rub in the glitter -- it sticks like a charm! :)
6. Remove the backing and place the butterfly into desired position.
7. Add embellishments.
8. When binder clip is dry tie some blush and white ric rac in a knot, trim and then put binder on notebook to hold closed.

Fall is in the air -- Wall Decor with my Cricut

What a beautiful “fall like” day. The cool temperatures and leaves falling into my pool made it feel more like a late September or early October day rather than the August 24th day near the end of summer. It’s been in the high 60’s all day and a breeze blowing nicely. It’s actually kind of appropriate as returning to school when I was younger always meant fall and return to fall clothing – and that’s exactly what we did now – we sent our only off to college this week, same thing, different generation, LOL. So….I just had to do some wall décor in her dorm room for her with my Cricut.

First, I use the deep housing blade (blue one) to cut my vinyl. Then, I weeded out the stuff I wasn't going to use. After adding the transfer tape, we moved her name around a bit until she found just where she wanted it to go. Next, while still holding it in place, I removed the backing and...

...started burnishing the letters to the wall.

Then, I carefully started pulling the transfer tape away, making sure the letters were not coming up with it -- they didn't. :)

...and ta-da! the finished name -- centered right where she wanted it.

Check out the cheetah cloth on her bulletin board too. LOL. Last year we covered her message board with a blue background and stars, this year we went cheetah! (we trimmed up the cheetah cloth after we were done with the name... it looks much better, only we forgot to get a picture when it was finished, LOL).

It’s been pretty busy around here – I hope to catch up on things and then post some more cards soon. Have a great week and see ya' soon!

Ariel Center piece & Sebastian with my Cricut

Here is a project I just recently finished...A themed table using my Cricut and a few other things.

I made the center piece with a clear planter, some blue sand (3 bags full), a multiple shades of blue tones candle, and some shells (all bought at Michaels Craft Store). Then I created Ariel with my Cricut (Dreams Come True cartridge) and CTMH papers, stickles, and some Martha Stewart's glitter.

I even had some fun making the fake drink with some imitation water (that I mixed some food coloring, that was fun to get the layers right, LOL) and fake ice cubes.

Ariel is made from CTMH papers, except for the eyes, which I didn't like how they turned out, so I took a white gel pen and colored in her eyes, then CTMH Star Spangled Blue Exclusive Marker for the colored part of her eyes... I used two shades of of green for her tail (New England Ivy & Clover Meadow), then used two colors of Glitter. Boy were those lips tiny. :)

I used three shades of red (Cranberry, & Tulip) for our Friend Sebastian... here he is holding the menu...

I used CTMH papers and the Cricut (Dreams Come True cartridge) to make the menu as well... I also tore the paper and sponged the edges to make it look worn and used some stickles for the glitter on the flowers and shell.

We had a lot of fun coming up with the idea for what to have for our meal...

Here is what our menu says:
For your starter this evening you will enjoy Sebastian’s fresh Seaweed Salad made of dried Wakame Seaweed, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and ground white sesame seeds with a garnish of starfish.

You will find a beautiful array of colors in your beverage this evening as you enjoy Flounder’s virgin Sunset Cocktail – a bright mix of Lemon-lime soda with fresh squeezed orange juice and a splash of grenadine, topped with a fresh fruit garnish.

Enjoy our signature entrée of Coconut Shrimp served with a Mushroom Herb Risotto, Sweet Onion Marmalade, and garnished with a Potato Crisp as your main course.

Finally, finish your meal with everyone’s favorite -- Triton's Sweet Temptations, a wonderful Trio of Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Mousse and Praline Petite Choux.

All items are edible, although, there are a couple I'm not sure I would actually want to eat, LOL.

**you can find a close up of the Ariel Name Tag and a link to directions on my blog post: Ariel Name Tag CTMH Veranda

Ariel Name Tag - CTMH Veranda

Ariel Name Tag and Binder Clip Stand

 

Our local Fair is coming next week and every year my daughter and I enter a few of our crafts for fun.  One of the things the Fair does is have a table decorating contest where there is a theme to follow and you have certain guidelines you have to meet.

This year's theme is "A Disney Dinner".  You have to decorate your table based on the theme, invite a specific person and plan a meal as well as decorate the table center piece including table ware.  All items must go with the theme.

We are doing the Little Mermaid.  So, for part of the table we had to have a name tag of our guest.  Today's blog is about the name tag I created using CTMH and Cricut; my two favorite crafting tools.

Ariel's name tag is a 3-dimensional tag using clear plastic or acetate to create a floating feeling -- like being under the sea.

I made the base using a binder clip and Fimo (aka Sculpey), some sand and shells.

I used the CTMH Paper Packet Veranda which is perfect with it's pretty bluish-green and yellow patterned paper and matching and contrasting browns to create the base for the name tag.

The 3 Cricut Cartridges I used are:

Wall Decor and More (I just love the monogram letters on this cartridge) - for the "A"

Accent Essentials for the base shape

Songbird for the "riel"

You can see more pictures and download the full directions with materials necessary here: Ariel Name Tag using CTMH papers and Cricut die cutting machine includes the directions for the binder clip stand.

Enjoy!

Cricut Pagoda Cartridge: Celebrate Kanji

This is a 4.25" x 5.5" card made completely with the Cricut Pagoda Cartridge. 

Supplies
Cricut Cartridge: Pagoda
Various CS -- I used a mix of CTMH and some other CS I had laying about

Directions
1. Fold a 4.25" x 5.5" piece of CS in half to create your card base.
2. Cut a 4.75" Kanji Word (pg 27) using the feature key and pressing the Doll button -- on base colored CS
3. Cut a 1" Shift-Kanji (pg 27) using the feature key and pressing the doll button -- on white CS
4. Cut a 1" Kanji using (pg 27) the feature key and pressing the doll button -- on red CS
5. Layer the Kanji over the Shift-Kanji
6. Layer the Kanji Word (celebrate) over a lighter colored CS or decorative paper that is cut to fit the word
7. Cut a piece of CS to match the Kanji word @ 5.25" x 4" and attach to front of card base
8. Cut one curtain and one curtain shift (pg 70) with color of different shades from the same color family; layer
9. Using pop-dots mount the curtain set onto the card base set towards the upper most portion of the card
10. Attach the Kanji word set (Celebrate) to the lower portion of the card front
11. Finally using pop-dot attach the Kanji to the upper most portion of the curtain (see picture)
12. Write whatever you desire on the inside.

Have fun and while you're at it....celebrate!!!

Pagoda Cartridge: Kanji Journey Tree

Last week I received the Pagoda Cartridge compliments of ScrapbookPal.com and I've been exploring all the neat images on this cartridge for a few days.

Today I thought I would also try out some metal with the Cricut. In case you didn't know, the Cricut will cut thin metal and you can even dry emboss it with your Cuttlebug to add even more dimension. The picture doesn't show nearly the depth you get in person, but you can still see some of the effect in the picture below.

Supplies

Cricut Cartridge: Pagoda

Cuttlebug Embossing Folders: Distressed Stripes and Mesh

CTMH Card Stock: Clover Meadow (1229), Cocoa (X5642), Ponderosa Pine (1276), and Colonial White (1388)

CTMH Tan Hemp (Z280)

CTMH Exclusive Inks: Ponderosa Pine (Z2145)

Making Memories Metal Sheets: aluminum or copper (comes in a package of 2 -- one thick and one thin -- I used the thin)

CTMH Stamp Set: Solos "J"

EK Success border punch (unfortunately they don't name their punches, it's the one that has a wavy edge and dots running along the edge -- I just call it wavy-dots, LOL)

1/8” Hole punch

Pop Dots

Adhesive

Go to Kanji Journey Foil Tree for the PDF version to see the full directions and print out if you like.

Playing with My New Pagoda Cricut Cartridge & Exploring ATC

Woo-hoo--I won something! I can't believe I actually won something, LOL. I'm usually the one that luck runs the other direction, hahahaha. Scrapbook Pal you are the best!

The cartridge is the Pagoda Cartridge. I can't wait to make some more things with it.

I received this fabulous cartridge compliments of ScrapbookPal.com. You should check out their website because they also have some great prices on Scrapbooking supplies including the new Cricut Cartridges. Another great thing is you get free shipping on orders over $25.00 -- way cool!

They ship super fast too. My cartridges are always here in 2 days.

I decided to make my first ever ATC (Artist Trading Card). Size is standard at 3.5" x 2.5" and the rest is up to the creator. I had heard so much about this medium in the past that I considered the idea after exploring it a bit, but never was daring enough to give it a try. I finally figured it wasn't going to happen all by itself .

I used some papers I had from before my CTMH days, so I can't tell you what papers I used, but all the images are from the Pagoda cartridge. I also used a corner rounder on both the main background and the layer.

Cut the Kanji at 1" (pg 35, press Feature Key, then cut one with and one without the shift key on)

Cut the Panda at 1" also (pg 35, black without shift and white with shift key on)

Cut the bamboo at 2.5" (pg, 48 no shift) -- then use a gelly pen to add details as you like

Cut one solid color @ 2"x3" and glue to the base.

Then, glue the bamboo in place.

Next, use pop dots to put the Kanji and the Panda in place.

Finally, and write the word "Dream" with a black gelly pen

Four New Cricut Cartridges have arrived!

Cricut recently announced the four new cartridges for the month. They are all shapes cartridges this round, although two of them do have fonts as well.

Visit the ScrapbookPal.com website to check out their great prices on Scrapbooking supplies including the new Cricut Cartridges. They also have FREE shipping on orders over $25.00!

In alphabetical order the new cartridges are:

Cindy Loo - Lots of shapes and the ability to make fonts, plus a couple of deco animals and some 3D shapes.

Freshly Picked - bunches of shapes with a summertime theme and some cute layered seed packet shapes.

Mini Monsters - this one threw me, hahahaha -- Halloweeen already??? But ooh, some very cute little critters. I love the cute little 3D boxes/bags you can make too. Can't wait to get it to try them out.

Wall Décor and More - great theme shapes and an awesome monogram alpha.

I am still hoping Provo Craft comes out with a music theme sometime. I would love to make a large treble clef and music staff. I know I can get a treble clef from the Cursive 101 and I believe the Hannah Montana also has one, but it would be nice to have a cart with musical stuff.

I can't wait to get some of these new cartridges and start playing. :)

All Dressed Up with Cricut Forever Young Card

I've been busy trying to make some more Cricut projects for display at my Sunday Demo. So...today's card is another idea inspired by Cricut -- check out the Cricut.com projects for some cool ideas on scrapbook layouts, cards and cake decorating.

I happened to be browsing the site and saw a cute card project I thought I'd give a try. I changed the dimensions slightly and modified only a couple other things, but other than that I followed the directions. It's a cute card.


Supplies
Close to My Heart Paper packet Daydream
CTHM Black CS CTMH Blue CS
CTMH sorbet dash grosgrain ribbon
CTMH autumn harvest organza ribbon
Cuttlebug Swiss Dots dry embossing folder
Cricut cartridge Forever Young
scrap of "feather" ribbon flower eyelet

Birds of a Feather Cricut inspired Card

Isn't this just too cute!

I can't take credit for the general idea behind this card.  My inspiration: Cricut.com projects.

I made a few modifications to a creation I found on the Cricut site under projects.  I used Close to My Heart papers, ink, markers, ribbon and changed the card size to fit a standard A2 envelope. If you would like to check out some more Cricut projects see Cricut.com and go to the projects link. You're sure to find some ideas to inspire you.

Supplies
Close to My Heart Twitterpated Paper Packet (X7118B)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Ink Pad - Cocoa (Z2114)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Marker - Chocolate (Z2311)
CTMH Sorbet Dash Grosgrain Ribbon
CTMH Chocolate Dots Organza Ribbon
Cricut Songbird Cartridge

Cricut & Cuttlebug make Tinker Bell Sparkle

Today's project is another Cricut and Cuttlebug creation! :)



Supplies
CTMH White Chipboard (z1164)
CTMH Exclusive Inks -- Star Spangled Blue Ink Pad (z2149)
CTMH White Daisy CS (1385)
Scrap of blue and scrap of purple CS
Cuttlebug - Divine Swirl embossing folder
Cuttlebug - Tinker Bell Embossing Folder / Die cut combo
Cricut Cartridge Accent Essentials - Accent 47s (page 78)
Cricut Cartridge Tinker Bell & Friends - Tink (page 47)
Martha Stewart's blue glitter.
Buttons
Ribbon
Pop-dots or dimensionals
Adhesive

First, using the chipboard, cut one accent 47s @ 5". Then, using the white CS, cut one @ 4.5" and another at 3.75". Sponge the edges of all 3 pieces with the Star Spangled Blue. Next, mount the 4.5" on top of the 5" with pop-dots or some kind of dimensional, and mount the 3.75" on top of both (creating a stack).

Next, cut a 3"x3" piece of CS (from your scrap, mine is the blue one) and emboss with the Divine Swirl folder; sponge the edges with the Star Spangled Blue. Attach ribbon going around the back to keep edges hidden. Now, attach with adhesive to the scalloped set. Place a button in each upper corner. Using your Cricut, cut out Tink (pg 47) @ 1.5" and place between the two buttons.

Last, using a piece of scrap white CS, first cut out the Tinker Bell with the Tink Die and then line up and emboss with the embossing folder set; color and add sparkles as desired. Mount Tink with pop-dots hiding edge behind ribbon.

Makes a cute 3-D picture to mount in a frame for your special princess, or just display on a plate holder. You could even turn it into a card if you like by attaching it to a card face. Enjoy!

Check out your local Michaels for Cricut Cake Demonstrations

Michaels, JoAnns and AC Moore will be having Cricut Cake demonstrations on various weekend days (depending on the store) through May.

Check your local area to see if one of your craft stores is having these demonstrations.

Come by to check out the newest Cricut member of the Cricut family: Cricut Cake. You will be able to create professional looking cakes but spend less time in the kitchen. :)

Meet the Cricut Cake

I made a card earlier with the Cricut Cake and realized it would be a good idea to put some more information about the Cricut Cake in a different post rather than with the card.

Soooo....here's the scoop and some pictures of me opening it up.

In this first picture you can see the new mat. It's not sticky like the original mat, because you are going to be putting food on it so you wouldn't want it sticky, LOL.

It says it's not dishwasher safe...I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to put it in my dishwasher anyway -- too much space, hahaha. It also says not microwavable, hmmmmm... I wonder who was going to do that??? LOL. Besides, it's really easy to clean with a little sudsy water.

Here it is, sneaking out of its box -- you can see the red trying to burst through its protective skin....heeheehee

....and here we go

Isn't it sweet!

It uses the same cartridges as all the other Cricut machines. It's the same size and has many of the same features as the Cricut Expression. It uses food grade mats and stainless steel blades. All surfaces that food touches are food grade. It's a cool candy apple red -- some of you might even have other appliances in your kitchen in the same color.

Provo Craft took extra care to make sure the new Cricut Cake was protected. There are silicone sleeves that fit over the cartridge area and a covering for the top as well. There is additional seals where ever food might come in contact with the machine. They changed the blade and housing assembly to accommodate the different needs of frosting and other items that you can cut with the new Cricut -- you can even cut shapes in things like bologna, cheese or very thin rolled cookie dough.

A little more about the Cricut Cake:

The four brand new cartridges for the cake are: Cake Basics (comes with the Cake), Birthday Cakes, Elegant Cakes, and Holiday Cakes -- but remember you can use these with your other Cricut machines too (make cards, party favors or whatever you can dream).

Ask me questions, I'll do the best to answer 'em. :)

Expand your creativity with the new Cricut Cake!

Have you heard about the new Cricut Cake?

No, it doesn’t bake the cakes, LOL…but think about all the fancy details you pay extra for when you buy a cake…then think how it would be cool to make a perfect cake for any special occasion and even make cards to match – now that’s the Cricut Cake!

Today’s card uses the Cricut Cake cartridge: Cake Basics.  It’s the one that comes with the Cricut Cake machine.  What a great way to make a quick card that looks great!

Supplies
Cricut Cake Basics Cartridge: Cupcake pg 52 & Celebrate pg 74
6.5” X 6” card base
Background/texture/decorative paper for words
Card stock for cupcake and layer
CTMH Cherished Flourishes Stamp Set (D1413, spring 2010 release)
CTMH Watermelon Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Sponge (for edges)
Gems if you want to further embellish
Corner rounder

Directions
First, cut the cupcake in desired CS color at 3.5”. Then, don’t change the dial size, cut out the layer for the cupcake holder.  Next, reduce size dial to 2” (remember, this is HEIGHT not width) – cut the word “Celebrate (also need to push plain phrase button).

Now, with your watermelon ink – sponge the edges of the card base, the edges of the cupcake and stamp the desired flourish.

Attach as shown or use your own creative spin.  Last, if you like, add the gems.

See some more about the Cake on my next blog: Meet the Cricut Cake.

Buttons-n-bows: A Spring Bunny for Easter

w! This year is sure moving along quickly. I can't believe it's April already! Happy April fool's day! Did you play any pranks today? This weekend is Easter already (so far it's a warm one) -- and my birthday too. Every now and then my birthday falls on Easter -- this is one of those years, LOL. Here's the Easter card I made for my daughter.....

Fiskars All A-Fleur Embossing Border
Bunny stamp by Embossing Arts Co (old wood mount, no longer available)
Close to My Heart Waxy Flax Amethyst
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Hydrangea Stamp Pad (z2129)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Grey Wool Stamp Pad (z2125)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Gleden Ember Marker (z2322)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Watermelon Marker (z2358)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Star Spangled Blue Marker (z2349)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Pansy Purple Marker (z2341)
Close to My Heart Exclusive Inks Marker Citrus Leaf (z2312)
Close to My Heart Colonial White Card Stock
Close to My Heart Craft Buttons - Colonial White (from Basic set Z1206 or Holiday Z1285)
Card base is 4.5" x 5.25"
Cuttle Bug Embossing folder Swiss Dots
Cricut Cartridge Accent Essentials (Page 62, shadow and shift keys pressed)
White flocking for the bunny