Cricut Circle Monthly Challenge

Hello Fellow Crafters!

Haven't been feeling well, so I have not been posting these past couple days.  I have worked on a few cards but have not put all the finishing touches on them, but I will post them as soon as I am back up and running.

However, had to post this one today as it is for the Cricut Circle Monthly Challenge and it is due today...nothing like waiting until the last minute.

The theme was:
OCTOBER MONTHLY CHALLENGE: CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
The theme for this month’s challenge is all about celebrating the reasons why you love to create! Please create a scrapbook page or home decor project CELEBRATING CREATIVITY. Project must be newly created for this challenge and should include atleast 2 cuts to qualify. You must also:

• Use the Shadow Feature
• Use Patterned Paper (purchased, printed, or created with stamps, etc.)
• Use Embellishments to Enhance One of the Cuts (pearls, buttons, gems, glitter, etc.)

This project was definitely a challenge for me as I have never done a scrapbook page or home decor project so far with my cricut (which is really crazy as scrapbooking was whole reason why I bought my Cricut).  This was great though as it has helped jumpstart my goal to begin really scrapping my pages for daughter.

So my thought behind my layout was my daughter, who was/is the motivation for me to be creative so that I can capture the memories of her childhood for her to have when she is older.  She is the reason that I Create!

I never Imagined I could Create something that would fill me with so much LOVE!

Details:
Dark/Light Purple Cardstock - Bazzill
Pink Patterned Paper -  DCWV Mariposa Stack (my Favorite)
       *Light Purple/Pink Patterned Paper cut using Imagine Best Friends cart using the Cut Only feature
imagine - Home Accents cart, Paper Studio purple cardstock cut at 4"
create - Gypsy Font cart, K&Co Jubilee Purple Burst cardstock, shadow Recollections cardstock cut at 2.75"
Tag - Tags, Bags & More, Recollections cardstock cut at 4.29" Words (Tim Holtz) printed on computer
Large Butterfly - Once Upon A Princess Cart - cut at 3.25, Purple Bazzill Cardstock, Mariposa Photo Mat Stack
Small Butterflies - Imagine Nursery Tails cart
Flower - Forever Young Cart - cut at 2.5", 2", 1.5", 1.25" with Diamond Dust
LOVE/Heart - Tim Holtz grunge board letter,  gold powder embossing powder
Photo Mats - Pink Paper printed & cut using Imagine Nursery Tail, Tan - Recollections Cardstock
Vintage & Dusty Concord Distressed Ink
Miscellaneous Purple Floss Ribbon
Stickles - Diamond, Eucalyptus & Cotton Candy
Ink Essentials Opaque Pen
iRock Bling

Imagine Nation Monday Polka Dot Challenge

Hi Everyone,

I am playing along with Emma's Imagine Nation Monday over at My Creative Time.  The challenge is to use your Imagine and create something with polka dots.  I decided to stretch my "creativity" by using multi patterns.  I am a monotone kinda gal (beige, black, cream...neutral colors & def no patterns) when it comes to clothing, bags, shoes, etc.  Crafting has really caused me to dig deep in creatively using color, color combinations and patterns.  This card definitely has plenty of color and pattern!

Deets:

Cardstock - PTI
Pattern Paper - Imagine Best Friends
All Images - Imagine Best Friends
EK Success Punch
White Gel Pen
iRock Bling
Paper Studio Bling
Diamond Stickles (of course)
Vintage Distress Ink

Let me know what you think!

Nicole

Inking Pink Blog Hop

Hey Everyone,

There is an awesome blog hop going on this week in support of Breast Cancer Awareness!  It is an awesome blog hop with tons of information, inspiring stories, amazing projects and awesome blog candy!

Here are a couple samples of some of the amazing blog candy to be had at True's Gifts From The Heart
and

and this blog candy is at The Beary Scrap.

Most importantly, this blog hop is to remind us all to make sure that we check our breasts on a regular basis and to get mammograms.  If you would like to check out the blog hop, click Inking Pink Blog Hop to get to the beginning of the hop.

I encourage you all to check out this blog hop.  Some of the women have posted links for information on breast cancer in case anyone needs it.  It is an awesome hop....so hop to it!  :)

NicoleThe Beary Scrap

Emma's Throwback Challenge

Good Afternoon!

Emma's Throwback Challenge this week is a sport's theme using Sports Mania.  Unfortunately, I do not have that cartridge so I had to figure out something else.  I wanted to do something different and decided to use my Hello Kitty cart.  I used the HK cheerleader, and decided to go with a Rutgers theme since that is where I went to school.  A simple card but with added detail and bling, of course! (LOVE my stickles and use it on almost every project.)  Hope you like...

Deets:
Bazzil cardstock
Shaped Card cut @ 5" - Christmas Cards
Cheerleader cut @ 3.5" - Hello Kitty Greetings
"R" cut @ .45" - Plantin Schoolbook
Blurb cut @ 1.5"
Pom Poms - cut twice & Cuttlebugged w/Distressed Stripes
Diamond/ Xmas Red Stickles
Martha Stewart Flocking Powder
iRock Bling

Blog Candy!!

Good Morning Everyone!

Just wanted to let you know about an awesome blog candy giveaway going on right now.  LuvScrapping has reached 100 followers and is giving away TWO sets of PK Stamps.  I only have one set of PK Stamps and I love them.  I want more, but it keeps falling to the bottom of my crafting budget list every time.  Rather have paper, carts, embellishments, etc.  But I would love to add more to my collection. 

In fact, Peachy Keen Stamps are currently having a sale right now: 10% of orders over $15 and 99 cent shipping on US orders over $20.  This sale ends TONIGHT, so get to ordering! lol

Anyway to enter for the blog candy, go:  HERE
To order your own stamps from Peachy Keen, click:  Peachy Keen

On a separate topic, I plan to have a few projects to post today so check back.... 

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Nicole

My Pink Stamper Color Challenge

Hey Everyone,

My Pink Stamper did a 30 minute challenge on her live ustream yesterday with her BFF Karlee.  The challenge was to create something in 30 minutes using pink, purple and green (their favorite colors)!

I decided to participate and created this card in about 15 minutes (it took much longer for the stickles and utee to dry).  I love this pattern paper that is from Paper Studio (the pattern, not necessarily the quality).  I bought it at Hobby Lobby when I was looking for paper to use on the ballerina invites that I did.  Anywhoo...I also used Create a Critter.  This card is very simple and my version of a Pink & Purple Ladybug because that's what my 3 year old wanted (pink & purple are her favorite colors).

Here it is:

Green cardstock is from PTI.  Pattern paper is from Hobby Lobby and the rest is from my scraps.  Sentiment is MPS Punnylicious Stamps and Spiced Marmalade around the edges of the flower.  I used Utee on the heart, Lavendar and Worn Lipstick Distessed Stickles, Swiss Dots reversed and ribbon from Michaels (which I love this specific ribbon right now - I also used it on my ballerina invites).

Side Note: MPS has also released 5 new sets of stamps.  I love her stamps and wish I had more of them.  They are super awesome quality and pretty witty.  Check them out Here!

Hope you enjoy.

Nicole

Blog Candy!!!

Hey Everyone,

I just went to Feline Playful's website and she is giving away some Awesome Blog Candy!  She has 500 followers and is doing a giveaway!  Go over to her site and share some love.... you have until November 5th!

http://felineplayful.blogspot.com/2010/10/500-followers-blog-candy.html

Happy Crafting!


Nicole

Gypsy/Imagine Update

Hey Everyone,

Just found out that they have a new update for the Imagine so that it can communicate with your gypsy.  I am off to check it out and do all the updates!  Wish me luck.  I did not have any problems with the first Imagine update so I am hopeful this will go off without a hitch.  I will keep you all posted!

This is exciting as I am hopeful this will create a lot more ease/options with using the Imagine.  I still prefer my Expression at this point.  I prefer the layer/paper look for my crafts.  I am hopeful that as I learn the Imagine more, I will learn to cut it better without the "outline" on my images.

Anyway, happy crafting everyone!

Nicole.

Birthday Invitation

Hi All,

Here is the final result of the invitation.  Thank you so much for your input.  I did end up using example #1for the invitation.  I also added some ribbon (just to kick it up a notch) from Michaels that happened to match perfectly!  My friend really loved the invites - so that makes me happy.  Plus the little ballerina does kind of look like her daughter, which was my goal.

Thanks for looking!

MPS Day Two Countdown Challenge!

Hi Everyone,

Robyn over at mypinkstamper.com is having day two challenge of her countdown to her BFF's (Karlee) arrival.  Today her challenge is to create something "cute".

Last night I was asked by a friend if I could make her daughter's 3rd birthday invitations.  She wanted a ballerina theme.  I am in the process of coming up with a couple ideas/samples for her to look at - so I thought I could use this as my challenge post as well since I think the ballerina's came out so darn cute!  I think I am going to like these invitations better than the one's I did for my daughter.  

Anyway, I did two different (well really 3 but I am only going to show 2) ballerinas.  One with PDU cart and the other with the Imagine.  Let me know which one you like best.  I am going to email her a pic of them this evening.  I think I know which one I like best, but I want to hear from you. :)

Deets:

Bazzill Kraft Cardstock

Recollections Pink Cardstock
Paper Studio Cute Little Argyle Pattern Paper

Paper Doll Dress Up cart for ballerina
Everyday Paper Dolls for hair

Imagine Best Friends cart for 2nd ballerina & hair bows

Cotton Candy Stickles

Paper Studio self adhesive pink bling

Thanks.

Nicole

Cricut Circle Weekly Challenge #2 - 10/8/10

Hey Everyone,

Today I am finished with my project for the Cricut Circle weekly challenge.  This week the challenge is to create a project of your choice in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Use Pink, Ruffles, Scallops, Flourishes, Glitter and Jewels (incorporate any 3 on your project) and include at least two cuts.

I decided to use one of my favorite cartridges - Forever Young.  I wanted to create a survivor of breast cancer and show that even though she may not have any hair and is bald - she is still beautiful!  I am not sure if that came across but that was my goal.  Let me know what you think....

Deets:

PTI Rasberry Fizz Cardstock 5.5x5.5"

Recollections Cream Gemstone Cardstock 5.25x5.25" 

Nana's Nursery Baby Girl Cardstock 5x5

Dress - Mariposa Matstack Cardstock, Cream & Gold Gemstone Cardstock

Forever Young Cart - (girl #6, I think cut at 5") w/Kraft Cardstock

Christmas Cards Cart - Fancy Corners cut at 5"

Paisley Cart - "beautiful" cut at .7"

PTI Rasberry Fizz Ribbon

iRock Diamond Bling

Paper Studio Self Adhesive Gold & Pink Bling

Diamond, Gold & Magenta Stickles

Thanks for looking...

Nicole

  

Monogram Cards/MPS Challenge 10/11/10

Hello All,

My Pink Stamper is doing a challenge and giveaway today in honor of Karlee's upcoming visit.  Today's challenge is to make something for someone and give it to them.  This is perfect as I had started on some monogram cards this weekend and was finishing them up today, so I thought I would enter them into the challenge.  The cards are for the assistant director at my daughter's school.  She wanted some monogram cards and she loves black and white so I thought I would make them for her and surprise her today at school with them.  Last week was her two year anniversary at the school, so it just made sense....

Here they are.  I did two cards of each style and just need to come up with some packaging to put them in.  That is next...

Here are the cards:

 

Deets:
Carts Used: Storybook, Songbird, Gypsy Font
Cuttlebug: d'vine swirls, swiss dots, textile texture,
iRock bling
Diamond Stickles
Paper: Black & White cardstock (PTI),  Black & Cream cardstock (Recollections Gemtones), Patterned paper (K & Co. Black & Ivory Fusion Designer Paper)
Miscellaneous Ribbon from Michaels

Thanks for looking!

Nicole

My Creative Time's Imagine Nation Challenge

Good Morning Everyone,

 Today I am feeling crafty, so I decided I would spend the day making things.  Of course, I needed some motivation/inspiration and I was pleased when I saw that Emma & Sarah from Pink Cricut are starting Imagine Nation Mondays.  This week Emma created an awesome project and challenge, next week Pink Cricut will create one.

Today's challenge was to use your Imagine to create anything you want, but it must have a stamped image or sentiment.  I decided to use both.

Deets:

Imagine More Cart for background paper

Imagine More & Walk In My Garden for pot and flowers

Stampabilities sentiment

Hero Arts Butterfly stamp

Stampin Up Basic Brown

Walnut Distressed Ink for edges

Stickles 

Kraft cardstock

Miscellaneous Ribbon & Bling

Thanks for checking out my blog!

Nicole

Emma's Throwback Thursday #104

Hi All,

Here is my submission for Emma's Throwback Thursday #104.  The challenge is to make a shaped card and you have to use orange.  My stepson loves Penguins and I have been wanting to make him his card for awhile.  His birthday is next month so this card will be for him.

I used Create a Critter.  I used my xyron to put glitter on the penguin's face.  Used my cuttlebug Distressed Stripes to add texture to his scarf (and of course Diamond stickles for a little bling).  Pretty basic card, but it is perfect for my stepson.

Thanks for looking.

Nicole

Cricut Circle Weekly Challenge 10/7/10

Hi All,

I decided (at the last minute) to participate in the Cricut Circle weekly challenge.  This is my first submission at their blog.  They have some amazing designers on their DT.  Anywhoo, the challenge is to use the French Manor cart, at least two cuts and use jewels or pearls.  Here is my submission:

Deets:
Peacock - French Manor cut at 4.5" on Cricut Imagine w/Imagine More patterns (cut w/Imagine)
Stamp Frame - French Manor cut  Yellow cut at 4 1/4" and Cream cut at 4" (cut w/Expression)
Stampin Up Cardstock Bermuda Bay
My Mind's Eye Photo Mat for background paper
Hero Arts Stamp
iRock bling & Diamond Stickles

Hope you enjoy!

Thanks....Nicole

Creations w/Christina Challenge #5 & Turned Gypsy Contest

Hi All,

Challenge #5 is for a Christmas gift card or gift tag & for the Turned Gypsy contest: a Christmas card made with only red & white.  So I am using this card to enter both contests.

Mine is a combination of both, gift card and tag.  Again simple but classy was what I was aiming for.  I used Joys of the Season, some bling and of course my favorite diamond stickles!  

Enjoy!

Nicole

Creations w/Christina Challenge #4

Hi All,

I decided to stop trying to kill myself by getting each project done within the hour.  What I have learned today is that I am not good under pressure.  Have not been very happy with the cards I produced so far, so I figure it is better to take my time and try to come up with some fun but good creations.

Challenge #4 is to use the colors purple, orange and green.  I really like how this card came out.  A simple card, yet more of my style in it.  I used one of my favorite carts, Pagoda.  Here it is:

Details: Pagoda cart, Background Paper from DCVW Far East stack (LOVE)

Hope you like....

Nicole

Creations w/Christina Challenge #3

Hi All,

Challenge #3 is to make something with the Christmas theme.  I decided to try my hand at a Belt Buckle card that I saw at Split Coast Stampers.  Not loving the paper I chose/color...pink for Christmas.....not really feeling it.  But I had already committed so I had to follow through with it.

I definitely will be making more of these Belt Buckle cards, just with a better paper selection. lol

Anyway, here is my submission:

I need to get better lighting as the colors are not really true but I guess you get the idea.

Thanks for looking...

Nicole

Creations w/Christina Challenge #2

Hi All,

The second challenge is to create a project with the primary color being pink.  This is another simple card and was inspired by my love for Victoria's Secret Pink line. lol

Here is my submission:

Later, I had to add some bling (stickles) to the letters to kick it up a notch

Details: pink paper from SEI chic-a-dee stack.  Letters cut from StoryBook and embossed with Swiss Dot.  Ribbon from Michaels and little deer from Cricut Imagine Nursery Tails with a little stickles around it.  I did use my Expression/Gypsy for the letters.  Only used Imagine for the deer.

Nicole

Creations w/Christina Challenge #1

Hi All,

Chrisitina is having a challenge over at her blog.  This is my first time really entering a timed challenge.  Wish me luck!  (It's kinda hard with a 3 year old at your heels trying to "help".  LOL

Anyway, here is my first card.  Pretty basic, plan to get better as I warm up. Haha.

Hope you like it.

Later, had to add some bling to the flower to kick it up a notch!
Love my diamond stickles!

Nicole