Chirping for Joy!

From This to This #5

2012-01-24T07:32:00.001-08:00

I was made aware of a website where the creator made paper flowers from the Tim Holtz Pinecone die. There is a view there, too. Take a look

http://creationsbychristie.blogspot.com/2012/01/pinecone-paper-roses.html

I haven't dropped off the face of the earth

2011-12-28T18:15:00.000-08:00

I'm still cropping, but during the holidays it's been too busy to post anything. I did come up with an idea, though. Well, several, but this one has to do with something I got last year. I found this CD rack, and cleaned it up, but wasn't certain how to make drawers for it. After all, I'm not good with saws and such. However, today I found a link to Paper Castle where she made a cabinet with drawers. Her cabinet is made of foam board, and the drawers are made of card stock. But I want to make my drawers from foam board. I'll post pics when I get them made. :)

Above Rubies is having a giveaway >>>

2011-08-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

>>> starting today, and ending Sept. 8th.

Go to the blinkie in the right column, and check it out...

Neat site

2011-07-07T08:02:00.001-07:00

This site has some great ideas for using your die cutting machine. Take a look.

http://scrapandslice.blogspot.com/

Next crop is July 1st!

2011-06-27T10:59:00.001-07:00

Looking forward to doing some scrapbook pages, after making cards last time. I've got a few ideas running around in my brain. Hope they come to life, and I can stay awake until midnight. With a late spring my allergies just kicked in. I'd like to get some layouts completed.

June 10th crop!

2011-06-11T09:38:00.001-07:00

Last night, instead of cropping scrapbook pages, I made 31 greeting cards. There are no "greetings" on them, as I want to put those on as I use them. Some are obvious, like the baby cards. All are A2 size. I mostly use women's cards, baby & sympathy cards. My family is "small" when it comes to guys. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Thanks for looking. I always love comments.

From This to This #4

2011-05-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

Here are several videos using stickers for more than stickers. You'll understand once you watch these. I thought they were facinating, and plan to use several of these next weekend when I go to a scrapbook crop, and instead, make cards. Click on the link below to go to Youtube.

Marah Johnson videos!

Marah Johnson has 31 videos. Look above the video screen for her name and link to all her videos. Lots of fun projects here. There are videos on making glitter brads, foil brads, using up your leftover stickers and chipboard pieces, plus lots more.

May 13th crop!

2011-05-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

On Friday, May 13th, I went to another crop. Had a ball. Took along 24 - 12" x 12" pages that needed to be finished. Each needed something small: journalling, a bit of bling, a missed embellishment that I'd forgotten at home. I got 23 of the 24 pages done. Dumb me took the wrong Cricut cart with me to finish that last page. I finished it at home instead. I also finished putting pics on the pages I made for the 2nd puppy book. Need to do a bit of journaling, but as far as I'm concerned it's finished.

My next crop is on May 27th, and I think I'm going to make greeting cards that night. I need to stock up on cards for the year, and it will give me the opportunity to do that.

17 Hour Crop!

2011-04-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

My local scrapbook store had a 17 hour crop beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday morning (April 16), and ending at 1 a.m. Sunday morning (April 17). I didn't make it the whole time. I left about 9 p.m., after hitting a creative block. I couldn't think of one more thing to do with the projects I had brought along. I had made twenty-two 8" x 8" pages, at another crop, for a puppy book featuring my dogs Buddy & Chelsey. When I told Wayne about the pages, he asked me to make him a book, too. So I somewhat recreated those pages for a book for him. I was missing some of the papers and embellishments, but substituted items I did have. I turned out well, I think. I couldn't look at another puppy page once his book was done, so I went over to my son's 8" x 8" Logan High School book, and worked on that. Got a portion of that done.

Anyway, here are the pages from Wayne's puppy book. I may add some more journalling and embellishments before giving it to him.

CLICK ON ANY PICTURE to make it bigger.

It begins with Buddy. He loved posing for pictures. Wayne in 1986.

Buddy loved having his tummy rubbed. Like the family pic?

Buddy loved sitting in our laps, even when he was this big.
He was a smart puppy - He was looking at his Christmas stocking.

Such a tired puppy!
Buddy always wanted to be in the middle of everything, especially when the kids were involved.
Here was a wrestling session with dad.

Buddy loved his treats, but especially liked to chew on the 1" slice of tree trunk we removed from our Christmas tree each year.
Just a casual stroll around the yard.

Three more pics of Buddy.
He was a Beagle and Brittany Spaniel mix.

Chelsey loved her squeaky toys & pillow.
She would watch at the window or door for the kids, or dad to come home.

Another pose of her looking out the window.
Chelsey was a Beagle German Shepherd mix.

Playing with Wendy as Andrew looked on.
Taking a break.

When she wasn't getting enough attention, Chelsey loved to grab a pillow from the couch and run.
She'd get behind the dining room table, and growl at us if we'd try to take it back.
So tired after Christmas Day gift opening.

Another pose on her pillow.
With Dad and Alora.

Summer Sizzler

2011-03-28T09:48:00.001-07:00

My local scrapbook store has a special going this summer (actually beginning in May). They are offering a Summer Sizzler Pass. The pass entitles the owner to one crop per month (May through August) for $5 each. Includes supper and hourly specials in the store. Oh, did I say it's a 12 hour crop each time.

Yup, you guessed it, I signed up. Couldn't pass that by.

Had so much fun!

2011-03-26T14:37:00.001-07:00

Another crop last night from noon to midnight. Finished, from scratch, 13 pages; 2 pre-made pages; and journalling on one page. So that makes 16. I only stayed until about 10:15. I hit a creative wall, and just couldn't do any more.

I signed up for a 17 hour crop in April. It's from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. The plan is to make page kits to work from. I've got lots to do. Need to sort more pics, and get them organized. I bought a Creative Memories box, with zipper top. Hold 20 two pocket hanging files. I'm going to organize my pages in this box. I should have it all grouped and get lots done.

Have lots of pages to show you. Now I just have to get them photographed and posted. {{sigh}}

My friend, Susan

2011-03-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

My friend, Susan, has such talent for making projects just pop. On Saturday, March 19th, she posted a project that she had done, taking one stamp and making several versions using that one stamp. Susan loves Tim Holtz and Wendy Vecchi, so those influences are there, but she throws in her "Susan-ness." You have to see it >>>here<<<. Hope you enjoy it.

Scrapbook page ideas

2011-03-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for pages ideas. Here's a list from another blog. Maybe it will help you, too...

My childhood Best Friend.
Clothing styles when I was 16.
We went camping....
A typical Saturday for me.
My very first memory
A weekend at grandma's house
My favorite road trip
The first time I kissed a boy
Going to the county fair.
Christmas as a kid
My childhood house
My favorite home as an adult
When I got engaged..
Donuts
What we did all summer.
If I had a day all to myself.
Visiting a foreign country
My hairstyles.
The first time I sewed...
Christmas as a mom.
Reading books to my kids.
My wedding day.
Foods I love.
Foods I hate.
When I was 12....
Childhood pet.
Sports I can play.
I cried.
Grandpa.
5 things I wish I'd done, but I was too scared to.
the first time I voted.
our childhood car.
I lied.
A trip to the beach.
I was in the school play.
Hidden talents.
songs I still have memorized.
the price of food from a grocery store.
Someone I love passed away.
My baby was born.

From This to This #3

2010-12-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

My friend, Susan, sent me a black diecut of Tim Holtz Halloween house. I wasn't sure what I'd do with it, but yesterday she sent me a pic of what could be done with this diecut for Christmas. See what you think of the idea below. (Susan has a wonderful blog, too. Click on her name to go there and check out her great ideas.)

Tim Holtz, has another idea on his blog. (Click on his name for another tag.)

I personally think this tag is adorable. I like Tim's, too. :)

From This to This #2

2010-11-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

No pic on this one, you need to use your imagination! :)

Decorate Glue Dots for Instant Embellishments!
Apply embossing powder to Pop Up Glue Dots. Then use your embossing gun to set the powder for a cool three dimensional effect.
Create a polka dot pattern on any paper by applying glitter to Craft Glue Dots.

~ From Jeanette of Scrappin' Stars Yahoo Group

3rd Crop!

2010-10-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

I really think I'm addicted. LOL I went to my 3rd crop last night, another 12 hour version. Managed to make six 12 x 12 pages (including pictures), and 21 of 22 - 8 x 8 pages (excluding pictures). The smaller pages are for a puppy book I want to make of our two dogs, Buddy & Chelsey. I PROMISE to post lots of pictures real soon of what I've made in the 3 crops, before my next crop which is a two day crop. Starts at noon and goes until supper the next day. There are a group of us renting a conference room at a local hotel, and just cropping. So, by then I really need to have lots of stuff ready to go.

From This to This #1

2010-10-01T10:54:00.001-07:00

I've decided to see how many examples I can come up with of using one item to create another. Maybe the pictures here will help! I took Martha Stewart's Iron Fence punch (top: halloween inspired), and simply cut off the bats to make a year-round fence (bottom).

Cricut Search Site

2010-09-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

I was given this website address. You can search ALL the Cricut carts when you look for any particular images. Thought it was cool.

>>>Cricut Search<<<

Scrapfest!

2010-09-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

We, Sharon, Barb & I, had a wonderful day. Wow, what a day. We got up at o'dark:30, and left town by 6:15. Stopped once for a potty break and to stretch our legs, but arrived at the Mall of America by 9. Register at Archiver's, which is on the 3rd floor, but the make & takes were on the first floor in the east and south wings of the mall. Classes were held in the center rotunda on the first floor, and there was a voting contest for the best 7 Gypsies tray. We walked soooo much. Got to make 9 make & takes of the 30 available. Wait times were from 10-40 minutes for us, but some places wait time was up to 1 1/2 hours. I got to see Tim Holtz, Julianna Hudgins, and Heidi Swapp.

We wanted to take in Hero Arts, Prima and EK Success but the lines were long, and the time we had left was short.

If I were to do it again, I'd wear different shoes. Also, I'd take a bag to carried my make & takes in. And finally I'd find a place to sit, a bit more often.

All-in-all, it was great. I hope I can do it again in the future. Until then, I'll just keep plugging along with my friends.

Scrapfest - Reminsce

2010-09-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay on this picture. We actually brought this project home in an unassembled condition. As you can see by the bottom of the picture that this is a gift box (from U-line, if you are interested). They gave us a 12 x 12" sheet of stickers called, "Gingerbread Lane", and we were to create a gingerbread house. I did decorate the other three sides, but they aren't as cute as the front.

Scrapfest - Bazzill

2010-09-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is where we waited the longest - 40 minutes, but it was worth it. This page is gorgeous in real life. Embossed background paper, green pin-dot scalloped paper, embossed red paper, and I love their bling. LOL May use this one for some family group pictures from the last couple Christmases. 12 x 12 page.

While we waited in line for this one, The Glue Girl from Glue Arts was giving away glue samples, but gave Barb a Glue Glider. How lucky. :)

Scrapfest - Sizzix

2010-09-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Sharon & Barb went over to the Basic Grey booth while I made this card at Sizzix. Julianna Hudgins was there, and very friendly. We used some of the new embossing folders, sanded the design, and added the embellishments. We had a chance to use the Sizzix Texture Boutique. Cute machine, but some people had trouble making it work.

Scrapfest - Imaginese

2010-09-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Here we got the chance to try the i-top and the i-rock. First we made a brad with the the i-top. Has a learning curve to it, but was very easy to use, and gentle to the hands. Then we went to the i-rock, and made a ribbon with a "set" (see the "o" on the ribbon), and put it together into a flower. Didn't care for the i-rock, but I'm sure others did.

Scrapfest - Slice

2010-09-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

We got to make this really cute pumkin card using the Slice. I'd never seen it used, or tried it, so this was a real treat. It was really easy to use. They had a wonderful display of all kinds of projects, both paper and cloth that could be done with the Slice. It's really quite heavy-duty. Card is 4 1/4" square.

Scrapfest - Doodlebug

2010-09-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

This was one of the most fun projects. It's just a small 3 x 3 card, but they were quick, and the booth staff was having so much fun with the crafters. They had a "Wheel of Fortune"-type wheel and each of us got a chance to spin. There were three spots to win. Sharon won a packet of 4 pumpkin bradlets. So cute.

Scrapfest - Bo Bunny

2010-09-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

We got to make this really cute scrapbook page. It was quick to make, and the staff at the booth was wonderful. I'm thinking this one will be a great page for my grand-daughter's school days. 12 x 12 size.

Scrapfest - KI Memories

2010-09-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here we got to make a pencil topper. We had a choice of paper toppers: butterfly, bird, flower, and more. Their papers and embellishments are gorgeous. It was a quick project so our wait time wasn't bad. They were using the Silouette to cut their shapes. It was fun to see a new (to me) machine work.

Scrapfest - Fiskars Project

2010-09-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Here we got to play with some of Fiskars new products, and some of the everyday standards. We got a chance to try their new stamping roller. It's similar to SU's 2" roller, but without a handle. It's self-inking with guide arrows so you can judge where you are stamping. They said there were a variety of rollers, and ink colors. We also got a chance to use their punch that an be placed anywhere on a page or card. It's magnetic, and very easy to use.

Cricut /CM carts (Reminisce)

2010-08-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Cricut /CM carts (Cheerful)

2010-08-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

I got to see the new CM carts last night. At least in the catalog, and these pics are a really good showing of what's on the carts.

Alora's first day of preschool!

2010-08-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

This layout is Alora's first day of preschool. Can't believe she was only 3 1/2 in these pictures. Oh, how she's grown. No Cricut on this one. Sorry

Another Layout!

2010-07-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

This layout will be the other part of the LO below. I hand cut the sun, used a punch for the eyes, and a parenthesis for the mouth. The type is "Jumbo" from Lyrical Letters. Cut at 1", only lowercase letters.

Crop has come and gone!

2010-07-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful time at the crop. I arrived just as Barb was getting there. We picked out tables for the three of us, and set up shop. Sharon arrived about 2:30. The food was great (potluck), and got to see what different women were making. There were 20 of us at this crop. One woman was working on vintage/heritage pages, one was working on pictures of her grandchildren and using Toy Story stickers. Sharon was working on Freedom Honor Flight pictures, and Barb was working on "1993" pictures. I managed to (mostly) make 9 pages. A couple of my pages didn't get completed because I was either missing embellishments, journaling, or a couple pics. I felt I did well, under the circumstances. I'll post those later.

The title comes from the Cricut Carousel cart, cut at 1". Use full pressure, but slow down the cut. Comes out better. Peanuts were made with a DS design from Okie, embossed with Cuttlebug Mini Mosiac embossing folder, and DTP with oregano ink.

The crop is getting closer!

2010-07-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

Two days to go before my first crop. I'm pulling things together to work on, but not entirely confident I'm taking what I need for a 12 hour crop. How many pages do I plan for? One per hour? Well, I have another full day, and Friday morning to decide. Some of it is already waiting. Hmmmm....

Going to my first crop!

2010-07-03T09:28:00.001-07:00

Barb & Sharon & I are going to a crop in a couple weeks. Those girls have been to several before - not me, it will be my first. I'm asking everyone what to take, and what to make. I've got a good idea what I will work on, so will set up some page kits. It will also be a potluck crop, so I need to take something food-wise.

Grand-daughter's 6th birthday!

2010-03-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

My daughter Heather, reminded me at Valentine's Day that Alora's birthday was coming up, and she needed to take a treat to school (March 16th). Though I didn't have a lot of time, I came up with these. My kids took Anise suckers to school in May on the day their birthday would be in August. It became a tradition. I wrapped each sucker in plastic wrap, and tied on the charm with pink ribbon.

Cart: George & Basic Shapes

Settings: # 6 shadow & charm, set at 3 1/2"; fill the sheet. Which made 18 and I only needed 16.
Paper: Pink flourish sheet of 12 x 12 paper from a Colorbok Punch Out Pack "Bright"

Baby Card!

2010-01-16T16:47:00.000-08:00

I needed a baby card for a couple that just had a baby girl in December.

I scored the card with the ScorPal using 1/8" grooves. I used the Heritage cart, cutting the stroller at 2" in pale pink and the shadow in a hot pink. Added adhesive pearls to the wheel hubs and card. The sentiment is from Darice.

Ribbon Storage!

2010-01-07T09:41:00.000-08:00

I want to show you what my friend, Cin, did with her ribbon stash. I think it is adorable and so pretty. She said the base is a belt rack, and the hooks are shower curtain hooks. She said that she just slips the ribbon to one side when she wants to add more to the ring. Isn't this a great idea. >>Cin's Blog!<<

More 2009 Christmas Cards!

2010-01-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

I made these quick cards and missed posting them with the other one. Same size as the last one. Used the Cuttlebug ornaments embossing folder, and cut the ornaments from the Very Merry Tags cart.

2009 Christmas Card!

2009-12-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

Here is my 2009 Christmas Card! I kept playing, in my mind, with this idea and here is where it ended. Card is done with Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder that came out in 2009!

Cart: When It's Cold Outside!

Size of cut & shadow: 3 3/4"

Cut: Nativity Snowflake
I used glue dots to hold the layers together, and pop dots to attach the cut to the card.

Thank You!

2009-12-13T12:39:00.000-08:00

I'm already getting gifts for Christmas, and I want to send the thank you cards a.s.a.p. Here's what I created this afternoon.
Card size: A2
Cartridge: Teardrop, page 122
Cut: Words & shadow at 2"; Real size

The background paper is, I believe, from the Dollar Store. Glittery snowflakes are Dress It Up buttons attached to card with pop dots. I ran the words through my Xyron sticker maker. Never used that before. Was really cool. LOL

Cutting Info!

2009-11-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

This is the original cut for the purse!

Cart: Tags, Bags, Boxes & More

Image: Purse 2 (page 118)

Size: Set at 4 1/2"

Setting: Real Size

Finished Size: 2 1/2" wide x 1" deep x 2 1/8" high (not inlcuding the handle)

I could not get 12" x 12" cardstock in Christmas red, so I bought 11" x 17" cardstock from a print shop. I cut two from narrow end, removed them and extra paper, turned the paper and cut two more. It was time consuming, considering I was making 140, but it was the easiest solution. Also, they cut next to each other right to left.

Folding Lines!

2009-11-22T15:11:00.000-08:00

I scored all 10 places on each purse, and folded on the scores.

Single Purse!

2009-11-22T15:09:00.001-08:00

I tested one before making too many of them. Elmer's glue worked the best for the seams. Glue dots worked the best for adding the gem, and attaching the metallic ribbon.

Little Red Purses!

2009-11-22T14:55:00.001-08:00

Here is one box (of three) full of the little purses!

Really big project!

2009-10-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after the women's Bible study, the director came down to my office to talk to me about the Advent Event on Dec. 2. She showed me the invitation cover. It has a coin purse with coins spilling out, and paper dollars and the words, 'The Cost of Christmas." It won't be about what Christmas will cost us in a monetary sense. It will be about what it cost those who lived through it, and what it costs us spiritually today.

She asked me to come up with an idea for the celebration favors. She wants something that has coins on or in it, and preferably can hang on the Christmas tree as a reminder. I thought and thought last night, and even surfed the web after work. I couldn't come up with a thing. So, I just let it go and went to bed.

This morning I woke up to a thought that just may work. How about a purse that has chocolate coins in it? I brought my Cricut to work with me, and diecut a 4" and a 4 1/2" purse. If you have the cartridge "Tags, Bags, Boxes & More" check out page 118. I made the prototypes in a lime green cardstock, which is what I had here to use. But I would like to make the actual purses out of Christmas cardstock that had small Christmas patterns on it. I figure I can get 4 from each 12 x 12" sheet of paper. Still need to figure a way to close them temporarily. Would add some ribbon for the handle (hanger), and maybe some bling to the flap. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Tell me what you think of the whole idea.

Change in plans: After writing this the director called and said she loved the samples, wants them in the larger size in Christmas red with gold metallic handles, glitz on the flap and no closure. And, get this, I'll be making 140, yes, 140. {{sigh}} When I get the red sample made, I'll add the picture.

My First Cricut Card

2009-10-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

I'm ashamed to say that I've had my Cricut for over a year, and this is my first REAL attempt at making something more than tests! I used a pink textured card stock for the base, and a lightwieght pink mica paper for a layer. The fairy & tooth are from A Child's Year and again made from a lightweight ivory mica. The shadows are black matte card stock. This card is for my grand-daughter who lost her first tooth last night.

It took me a few tries to get the size right but I like how it turned out. The card size is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" or A2.

Cricut Cart Pictures (2)

2009-09-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

Since that last post about the pictures, I've created a few PDF files, too. My link is at the bottom of Patty's original. She put mine in red. :)

Cricut Cart Pictures

2009-08-15T12:15:00.001-07:00

I've been collecting Cricut cartridges and was pondering how to keep track of which pics are in which cartridge. The black & white pics in the book didn't give me enough. I went to Cricut.com to ask how to do this when I saw a post by PattyGolden. She has created a PDF file for many of the cartridges on the market, with 6 colored pics on each PDF page (or 9 pages that hold about 50 pics). You can print them off as is, or back to back, which is what I did. I put the pages in sheet protectors and into a 2" binder. I didn't have enough page protectors, will get more later, but my estimate is that you can get pics for 50 carts in a 2" binder. I have 49.

The link to her PDF files is here.

Enjoy! Here's a pic of what my book looks like. :)

Quote

2009-05-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

“When a habit begins to cost money, it’s called a hobby.”

—JEWISH PROVERB

How to Begin?

2009-05-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

I've come to the realization that to begin to scrapbook, I actually have to start. My dear mother gave me a 12 x 12 scrapbook for Christmas 2006, after we talked of me making one of my son's high school years. I believe she wanted me to keep the memories of the family - past, present, and future - preserved. So here I am 2 1/2+ years later, missing my mother who passed away, and realizing the only way to get it done, is to do it!

Solution Cart Storage!

2009-05-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I mentioned getting some VHS cases for the solution cartridge sortage. I finished a few of the boxes, and thought maybe you'd like to see what I did.

I saved everything inside the cartridge packaging: warantee, instruction, cardboard insert, and the clear plastic part that held the cartridge. I cut that part down to fit the case. Made a label for each case, on the computer, and after trimming it down inserted it so I can see the name. Placed the cardboard insert in the front cover.

One disadvantage to these boxes, is that they don't fit in the drawer I have the regular Cricut carts in. Have to find a new place to put these. A never-ending search for storage solutions. LOL

Provocraft Promos & Rewards Points

2009-04-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks back Michaels had a sale on Cricut carts. I bought 4 that I wanted and had been waiting for: Wild Card, Life is a Beach, Celebrations and Lyrical Letters.

A few days later I got an email from Provocraft offering a few cart with the purchase of 4 from Michaels. I'm still waiting for this one, but in the meantime, I've gotten "Daisy Chain" from my rewards points on Tuesday. It's a simple cartridge with only two options: letters with a daisy between each, and dots between the letters. I'll use it but it wouldn't have been something I would have purchased retail.

I also took part in the "Buy 2 carts, and get a Jukebox and markers free" with one payment. That also came on Tuesday. I've been checking out the Jukebox, but haven't opened the markers yet. Don't know what I'd actually use them for. I'll have to think about this. The carts I got in this deal are Jubilee & Home Decor. I have been wanting Home Decor, and Jubilee is a fun cart, too.

The last promo was a mail in one that involved buying four carts, and sending in proof, to get another cart. I should be getting the "Teardrop" cart for this one.

Now just to find the time to try out all my new toys.

One last thing. I have to laugh. Today I got an email from Provocraft telling me that a package had been mailed, and what the tracking number was. I had to wait until I got home from work to check it out, but it was the single cart that I got on Tuesday, that they were informing me of. I wrote back and told them that, too.

God provides!

2009-04-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

I was trying to find a way to store the Circut Solutions carts, as they don't come in a "box." Well, last week I was cleaning the women's study closet at our church and found a dozen brand new VHS tape cases. (They don't do VHS tapes of the women's study sessions any more. They've gone to DVDs.) I talked to the director today, and offered to buy them from the women's study, and she said that because of all the work I do for them I could have them gratis. Yippee. Now I can organize the carts.

Mat Conditioning

2009-04-06T16:39:00.001-07:00

I have been having trouble getting paper to stick to my mat, and mentioned that on one of the boards. Someone posted this link, which I think is great. Check out how we should "season" our mat before we use them here.

Taking A Class!

2009-03-24T17:41:00.000-07:00

I took another step today!

My friend, Sharon, called last night to catch-up on life in general. She mentioned she was taking a class at our local scrapbooking store. I asked her which class and she said it is a beginner's class using the Cricut. I didn't even know she had a Cricut, and told her so. She got hers at Walmart when they had the great deals on the "Create." She also didn't know I had the Expression. She told me that the class is next week Tuesday, March 31st.

I called the store today to get additional information, and decided to take the class. It's at 6 p.m. and will cover how to use the machines (both Create & Expression) in the same class.

I'm really excited about this, and so was Sharon when I told her that I'd be joining her there. I'm hoping this will jumpstart my scrapbooking efforts. I told the store owner/manager about some of my page ideas, and she said I had some really great ideas. Hope that continues.

Inspirational Quote!

2009-03-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

“Any activity becomes creative when the doer cares about doing it right, or doing it better.”—JOHN UPDIKE

Antique Table?

2009-02-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

My DH's aunt passed away in 2006 and we "inherited" whatever we wanted from her house. It's hard to pick out things you want, when you have a houseful of your own. ((sigh)) We selected several things, among them was this table, and another that was a 1/2 version, but same style. Many of the pieces, including the tables, were very dry, with not much varnish left. There was an obvious inlay pattern on the top, but not in good enough condition to save. We saw that they had potential but didn't want to have to totally refinish them. I suggested we spray paint them glossy black. We took this table outside and sprayed it two or three times, to get the coverage we wanted. Now it is in my craft room holding my Cricut.

Today's Quote!

2009-01-25T15:38:00.001-08:00

“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”
—JULIA CHILD

That applies to anything and everything in life!

Saying Goodbye!

2008-09-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't been around lately. My mother passed away on Sunday, September 7th, following a fall down the steps at the front of her home. I haven't had time to do anything as of late. I'll be back eventually, so we can visit.

Just an FYI: I did get a chance to try my Cricut, and I love it. I also bought three new carts when Michaels had their $39 sale.

See you soon!

It's Here!!!

2008-08-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

My Cricut Expression arrived today. I've got it unpacked, and have been looking it over. The owner's manual jumped out of the box before it was shipped, so I need to wait for that, but I can check over the cartridges, etc, in the meantime. I got the following cartridges: George and Basic Shapes; Plantin Schoolbook; Christmas Cheer; Tags, Bags, Boxes & More; Beyond Birthdays; Accent Essentials; and Fabulous Finds. I won't be reading the newspaper tonight. LOL

One More Day!

2008-08-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hopefully tomorrow the UPS man will bring my Expression! Can't wait to unpack it, and read the owner's manual. And yes, I will read it, unlike my DH who hates instructions. But then doesn't every guy? LOL

Getting More Excited!

2008-08-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

My Expression was shipped Wednesday, and should be at my home on Monday! Every mile closer gets me more excited. I just need to have patience when I unpack it, and begin to learn what it will do.

New Expression - sort of!

2008-08-20T11:38:00.001-07:00

I bought the Cricut Expression from a friend, and she's shipping it to me UPS. I'll be getting 7 cartridges, tools, and mat. I can't wait to get it, but I'm also a bit apprehensive about it, too. Will I be able to make it work? Will I use it enough so it will be worth what I (or rather DH) paid for it? I also wonder if I can make some of the things I see others make. But then I remember that they had to start from the beginning, too. So here is my Cricut blog, and as soon as I make something, I'll let you see what happening. :)
Kathleen