BBTB Storybook Bird Challenge

One of the first blogs I ran across after I seriously decided to purchase my Cricut and become a Cricuteer was Bitten By the Bug and I immediately knew it would be a blog I would return to often.  Its always chock full of quality work presented by not only the design team but also the individuals who participate in the Challenges each week. For me personally, challenges offer the best source of motivation and I am finding that this sort of motivation is so helpful to this beginner. They provide just the right amount of structure for me to actually get started on my project.  They also function as a teaching tool.  This is the second card I've entered in the BBTB Challenge.  Both the bird and the rosette are from the Storybook cart and both images were cut twice, the character and then the shadow.  All were cut at 2.75 and the concept was designed on my Gypsy. The white background is a flocked paper. The remaining paper is Papertrey.  I stamped the sentiment on vellum which I embossed with the circle pattern repeats in the bird and the background paper.  Thanks for looking and come back often.

My Monday Simple Card..

 

I noticed Christmas With the Cricut posts a "Simple Card" design on Mondays and since its Monday, it inspired me to create my own "Simple Card"

The framed bird was cut using the Monogram Shadow Feature on Gypsy Font. Peace and the holly leaves were cut using, most likely, Gypsy Font or Gypsy Wanderings, but I am not certain.  One thing I am learning; its imperative to take notes as I am designing on my Gypsy, especially if I plan on posting my work here on my blog.   The cartridges offer so many options that it is impossible, at least at this point in my experience level, to remember where everything comes from.

This card will be one of the designs I will be using for my church to sell in an upcoming fundraiser. The cards will be packaged in clear acrylic boxes and sold in sets or either four or six. 

Paying It Forward..

If you haven't already had an opportunity, be sure to look in on Trudy's True's Gifts From the Heart blog. She is not only celebrating 30,000 hits on her blog but also a birthday ending in THREE! To celebrate look what she is offering as a prize! And while you are at it.. be sure and wish her Happy Birthday!

Just click on the link or on the yummy picture to find out how you can have a chance of winning.

BBTB Challenge: Many Thanks..

Its been fun putting together my new blog and in the process running across other BUG fanatics' blogs.  One of the blogs I've run across is Regina's Bitten by the Bug.  The perfect blog for inspiration and at the same time to share one's work.  Since I am an "unknown" in the world of Cricuts, I thought I would take the opportunity to try and make myself a bit better known by entering a project in this week's contest. If you look in, I hope you will take time to introduce yourself and say hello!  

Supplies: Diecut Images: Provo Craft DonJuan cartridge -

Stamps and Paper - Papertrey Ink 

Fiskars Border Punch

First Things First..

 

Unpacked, hooked up and taken for a test run!

A card to let my dear friend Betty know I am thinking of her and knowing that she will be proud that I didn't even have to call her once for help!

Diecut Images: DonJuan cartridge - image.. shift image.. shadow image

Stamps, Paper, Buttons, Ribbon - Papertrey Ink

Day One!

New beginnings!
It arrived today, my Cricut, my Create!


Why a Create?
I'm an OLD crafter and like to travel.
And when I travel I like to take my paper crafting supplies along with me.
The answer was easy!
The portability of the Personal
The features of the Expressions.
(besides I have a dear friend who has the new Pink Expressions and she has kindly offered her machine for those times I need to cut larger sized boxes, bags, and tags.)

So....... you ask..
You're an old crafter?
Why just now purchasing a Cricut?
or were you speaking entirely of age?

I am chronologically old compared to many of the young crafty gals out and about these days and definitely older when I count up the years I have been paper crafting. A scrap booker turned card maker and stamper down the path of development. My first die-cutting tool was what actually opened the world of scrapbooking for me. A Christmas gift from my Mother.. the one BEFORE the squeeze. It was RED.. a limited edition. I was in 7th heaven and as a new die cutting tool came out I promptly added it to my collection.
About the time the Cricut hit papercrafting scene my interests turned to cardmaking and particularly rubber and acrylic stamping. My time, my energies and particularly my budget followed my interest and any thought of a BUG in my craftroom was put on a shelf until a friend, who says she doesn't need a dog.. she has a Cricut, said
You're a cardmaker and you don't have a Cricut?
Cricut and cardmaking go hand in hand! Let me show you!
Well, she did and I was hooked.

I hope you will look in often and follow my progress.