Happy Leap Day!

Since today was a rare occurrence, it seems appropriate that it was full of surprises! The best surprise of the day happened right at the end of the school day. My last class of the day is a workshop format and things are always happening all at the same time. Near the end of class, a friend/colleague walked in with a "delivery." Since today was not a special day in general (no birthday, anniversary etc.) I couldn't imagine what it was for. It turns out that the delivery was a GORGEOUS bouquet of flowers from my husband! I have been pretty sick lately and tend to just keep going as though everything is fine. Being a mom and a teacher, I am needed in many different directions, so I don't have the time to stop and take care of myself all that often. This typically means that I end up even sicker than when I started and then I have to get myself back to feeling well again. The card with the flowers basically said that he knows how hard it has been for me to be so sick and he knows this will get better soon. It was SUCH a thoughtful thing to do and I was thrilled!

Since it is Leap Day, I decided it was holiday enough to make a card. This was probably not the best decision, considering that I am exhausted and should have come home and gone to bed. Instead, I set out to create a "Leap" Day card with a cute little frog from the Cricut Once Upon a Princess cartridge. My first mistake was forgetting to run the frog through the Cuttlebug before he was assembled. I tried to do it after, but it messed the whole thing up. I decided it wasn't terrible and kept moving forward. I thought "glitter fixes everything!" SO, I grabbed a new tube of glitter to cover some of the less attractive areas on the frog, but it wouldn't come out of the tube. So, I squeezed a little harder and...

 This is what happened!! So, I apologize for the lack of card, but by the time this happened it was late and I decided it was a sign that I needed to get to bed!! If you've taken the time to read this post, I would love to hear about your craziest crafting disaster. Here's hoping I don't have another like this until the next leap day!!

Panda Hugs!
J-

You're Boot-iful

Since I already posted today, this one is super quick. I am obsessed with my new SEI Couture stack paper!! This is my latest card.

Panda Hugs!
J-

Recipe

Card Base

1. Cut a piece of lavender Recollections card stock to 10" x 5" and scored at 5"

2. Cut a piece of dark purple Recollections card stock to 4" x 4" and ran it through the cuttlebug

3. Cut a strip of bright green paper to 1" x 5" and used blue Offray 1/8" ribbon (taped it behind the strip)

4. I added the green strip to the lavender base and then adhered the dark purple on top of it

Boots

I used the SEI Crafts Couture stack and the Cricut Create a Critter cartridge p. 31 <Duck> cut at 18" on the accessories function.  I tied a piece of white Offray 1/8" ribbon to each to look like laces.  Finally, I added bigger clear jewels across the top and Recollections green jewels down the toes

Sentiment

Used my computer and typed out "You're Boot-iful" - printed it on bright green card stock and then punched it out with my Recollections scallop punch. I cut two more scallop punches in lavender and yellow and added them together (staggered) with dimensionals. Finally, I cut off the bottom of the sentiment scallop so it lines up with the edge of the right boot.

I am entering this card into the following challenge:

Bitten by the Bug 2 - Nate's ABCs/Boots

Exciting News

Yesterday, I promised some exciting news and here it is...

I received the Liebster Blog Award from Jill at Jaihart who is a fantastic blogger with so many creative ideas. She always puts an innovative spin on her projects and you never know what new and exciting idea she will inspire you with. One of my favorite features on her blog is the Sundays are Lovely link up. This allows bloggers to get more exposure and to find new and interesting blogs to follow that they wouldn't otherwise have found! So considering Jill's excellent taste and innovation, I am so flattered to have gotten this award from her.

The origins of the Liebster Blog Award are unclear but as Jill shared "the word translates from German as "darling" or "beloved." It's given to bloggers who have less than 200 followers in order to generate some traffic for them.  Such a great idea!!

Here are the guidelines for the Liebster Blog Award

1. Acknowledge the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to him or her.

2. Give this award to 5 other bloggers, who must have less than 200 followers, and let them know through a comment on their blog.

3. Post the award on your blog

4. Best of all- bask in the glory, have fun, and share the love!

Here are the 5 blogs I'm giving this award to:

1. Jessica from Cricut After Dark -  I recently discovered her blog and am so happy I did! Like me, Jessica uses the Cricut to enhance her fabulous projects. Her creativity jumps right off the screen and her posts are thoughtful and witty!

2. Ildi at The Craftin Mama - Ildi's designs are GORGEOUS! I often find myself browsing thorough her blog posts in awe of the attention to detail in every one of her stunning creations!

3. Amy from Stuck Under a Baby - Amy is an old friend from college and is lovely! Her blog is witty thoughtful and refreshing and I love to read about all of her fabulous anecdotes. Like many mommies out there, she truly is a superwoman!!

4. Stephanie at For Your Inspiration - Stephanie uses beautiful and unique photos to inspire crafters' design challenge entries. Her design team is fantastic and give you great ideas about what to do for your projects!

5. Loving Scrapper 101 - She has many diverse projects that are inspirational. I love that she doesn't always do the same thing. Her layering is fantastic and her borders are simple and elegant.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!!

Panda Hugs and Kisses XOXO
J-

UPDATE: Just a note: While I love Michelle from Michelle's Crafty Creations' blog, she had already received the award from Jill!! (Losing my mind). So I updated my awards to reflect a new choice so we can spread the love around!!

Springtime Shaker Card

 We had another fabulous weekend! My daughter has been sick for almost a week, so it was very nice to have her feeling better today.  We decided to take a drive with no destination and see where it took us. We ended up going from park to park where the kids were able to play for a little while at each playground. They had a great time and we enjoyed watching them have fun!  This morning, I was looking through some of my favorite blogs and saw a few challenges that caught my attention. I just bought some new paper stacks and was ready to try something new. Although I have done a shaker snowglobe, I really wanted to try a regular shaker card. So, today was the day I decided to do it. Also, I have been interested in the digital stamp option for a while, but never quite got to it. This morning I bought some Prismacolor pencils and downloaded my first few digital stamps.This card takes both digital stamping and the shaker card and blends them into (in my opinion) one of the best cards I have ever created! The recipe is a little complicated, but definitely worth it!

I uploaded a video to show you how the card looks when you shake the glitter!! Check it out here.

P.S. come back tomorrow for some amazing news I have to share!!

Panda Hugs!
J-

Recipe

Card base

1. Recollections lavender card stock - cut a piece of 12" x 12" card stock down to 12" x 6" and scored at 6" to make the card. I used my bone folder to get a nice crease.

2. Cut a piece of card stock from the S.E.I. Couture Pad to 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

3. Added another piece of the same lavender card stock cut to 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" - before adhering it with monoadhesive, I added a piece of stretch lace ribbon and folded it around the back. I secured it with scotch tape in the back since you can't see it under the layer.

4. I topped off the card with a top layer cut to 4" x 4" from the DCWV Mariposa Matstack

Embellishments

Tilly on the Mushroom
The stamped image is from Digital Doodling. I was sad to see that she is no longer blogging, but she was kind enough to leave the blog up for the benefit of those looking for some pretty free digital stamps.  I printed her on white card stock, colored her with my new Prismacolor pencils and then used an exacto knife to cut the entire image out. I added a tiny Recollections pearl to her shirt and then pop dotted in the center of the green Mariposa cardstock.

Frame and Mushrooms

I cut the frame at 4 1/2" using <Frame1> from the Cricut Cindy Loo cartridge. I cut the base out in dark purple and the shift in yellow. I added Recollections pearls to the frame for a more elegant look. I also added two Recollections iridescent sparkly brads to the frame where the holes were cut out on both sides. I used the dimensionals to keep the end of the brad in place. The mushrooms are cut at 1 and 1 1/2" using <Mushroom> on p.63 of Cindy Loo. I cut the base in dark purple, the shift in a duskier purple, layer 1 in olive and layer 2 in yellow. Then I added purple Stickles to the spots on the mushrooms for a little sparkle.

Shaker Function

To create the shaker, I adhered both layers of the frame together, and then added a piece of transparency paper behind it. I use Elmers quick dry adhesive for it. That works much better for this type of gluing. For the transparency component, I used the clear paper that comes with the Cricut cutting mats. I save the paper when I throw away an old mat and then it can be used for future projects. Below is a picture of the frame with the transparency paper drying behind it.

After that was dry, I added another piece of 4 x 4 Mariposa paper to the back of it. Before adding it, I used an Exacto knife to cut out the center so you can still see through it. Then, I went around the entire frame using square dimensionals. Be careful to make sure they touch one another entirely, or you will have glitter leaking out all over the place! Below is a picture of the frame, the extra paper and the dimensionals.

Dimensional wall keeps the glitter from escaping

Once the top was done, I poured a little bit of Studio G yellow glitter on Tilly and the mushroom. and then added the frame piece over it.

Added the glitter right before I put the frame over Tilly

Sentiment and final touches
 I thought about leaving the sentiment off the card, but decided I could use something little. I used the silver Ink It Up Stamp Pad and used a tiny stamp that says "merci" to turn this into a thank you.  Finally, I added the little jewels to the top right at the end and then added the two Cindy Loo mushrooms to the bottom left for a finishing touch.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #99 - Fancy Trims (lace, pearls, jewels and glitter brads!)
Sentimental Sundays Challenge # 91 - Lace and Pearls
Shopping our Stash Challenge #40 - Inspiration Prompt (flowers and the colors purple and yellow) 
The Cuttlebug Spot - Spring is in the air Challenge

I am linking this post to the following link parties:

Positively Splendid - Saturday Seven Party (No. 16)
Craft Junkie Too - T.G.I.F Linky Party

Yay! I Won

Just wanted to share my news...I am SO excited because I won a "Top Chef" award for my Rock Kitten card for Cookin with Cricut's Challenge #73- Sketch + Pick 3.

Check out my flashy award on the right side of the screen!!

Panda Hugs!
J-

Fat Tuesday

When I decided to make make a card for every holiday, I had very little idea just how many holidays there actually are! That being said, it's Fat Tuesday (aka Mardi Gras). Fat Tuesday occurs on the day before Ash Wednesday and is named for the practice of eating heavier foods before the ritual fasting season called Lent. Instead of a card today, in keeping with Mardi Gras tradition, I decided to make a mask instead. I had a lot of fun making this and my daughter has already claimed it for show and tell tomorrow!

Panda Hugs!
J-

Recipe

I used the Me & My Big Ideas Bliss Matstack and cut out the mask on the green patterned paper at 11 1/2" using the <October> event button on the Cricut Designer's Calendar cartridge

Then, I cut two more of the same masks at 11 1/4" in purple and yellow

I removed the bottom of the second two masks, leaving only the decorative strips at the top

I used zig adhesive to attach the two decorative strips and placed them in a staggered manner so you can see all the colors from the front.  The image to the right shows the back of the mask and how the layered strips were attached.

Finally, I alternated tiny pearls and jewels to decorate the front of the mask and bent the feathery pieces in different directions to make them stand out more.

I am entering this into the following challenge:
Little Scrap Pieces - Use Green

Happy Birthday Mr. Presidents

It's President's Day....that means another card in the Year of Holiday Cards series. This one is simple but glittery...just like me! I used the Cricut Designer's Calendar cartridge for this one on the <April> button, but with the event feature activated. This gave me the silhouette for Washington and Lincoln. I used Recolections cardstock and cut out two circles and attached them to the circles to let the shapes stand out and then used some adhesive and glittered them up with blue Studio G glitter!

Panda Hugs!
J-

Rock Kitten

The second I saw this image in the Rock Princess cartridge book, it reminded me of my daughter. A couple of weeks ago, we were shopping in the mall. She had her big headphones on and was listening to her iPod as we walked around. Since this Rock Kitty reminds me of her, I wanted to find a way to create a card that she would appreciate. A few of the challenges this week are perfect for this image, so they gave me the push I needed to make this!

Recipe 

Card base

Cut a piece of DCWV Bella Armoire Stack cardstock to 12" x 8" and score at 6" to create card fold

Shiny White cardstock from Recollections Precious Metals cut to 5" x 7"

Red with pink polka dot My Mind's Eye Love Nest cardstock cut to 3 1/4" x 4" 

Shiny Gunmetal cardstock also from Recollections Precious Metals cut to 5" x 7" 6 1/2" x 3"
Pink Recollections cardstock cut to 3 1/8" x 4"

Kitty & Flower
Kitty with headphones - Cut from Cricut Rock Princess cartridge p 53 <cat> at 3"
Regular cut in black - shift cut in shiny white - layer 1 in polka dot - layer 1 shift in black
I added a tiny pearl to her collar

Flower  - Cut from Cricut Pagoda cartridge p. 57 <Flower8> at 1 1/2"
Regular cut in black, pink and shiny white - Shift cut in Red with pink polka dots
I used a white glitter Recollections brad to secure the layers of the flower together
I used jewels above and below the flower and at the top right of the card

Sentiment 

You're im-paw-sible but I love mew anyway

Stamped with My Pink Stamper's That's Punny-licious stamp set

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Cooking with Cricut Challenge #73: Sketch & Pick 3
I picked ink (for the stamped sentiment), the flower (from Pagoda), and a brad (to secure flower)

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #98 - Fun with Puns
You're im-paw-sible but I love mew anyway

Spread the Love

Happy Valentine's Day!!  Here are a few more Valentine's I made this year. I had LOTS of fun with them, but now I am ready to move on the the next holiday!

Rock Princess Cartridge

For my son (Cubby) - It says You Rock!

Create a Critter and Pagoda cartridges

For my friend/co-teacher - It says Friends make life bearable!

Create a Critter and Pagoda cartridges

For my friend

Wind Beneath My Butterfly Wings

When I saw the Cookingwithcricut.com Love Song Blog Hop theme, the song "The Wind Beneath my Wings", by Bette Midler, immediately came to mind. I am obsessed with the Rock Princess cartridge, so I used the butterfly from it and some pretty lace, ribbon and DCWV  Bella Armoire stack paper to create this layered card. I placed circle and scallop with the LOVE sentiment just beneath the butterfly wing to hint at the song title.  I have been creating so many cards for Valentine's day that I am not including the exact recipe here, BUT if you would like the details, let me know and I would be happy to send them to you!

I hope you'll also check out my teacher Valentines and the little poem I wrote for the night before Valentine's day...HERE!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Cooking with Cricut - Love Song Blog Hop Challenge 
Throwback Thursday Challenge Episode 312 - Bugs Theme

The Night Before Valentine's

'Twas the night before Valentine's and all through the house,

Not a creature is stirring, well me, but no mouse,

The cards were set out on the mantle with care,

With the hope that the Stickles would dry via air.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of Valentine's danced in their heads,

And Momma with her Cricut while Daddy was asleep,

Changed the speed and set the blade depth, careful not to cut too deep.

When out of the Cricut arose such a clatter,

As she used the Create a Critter cartridge with paper on the mat(ter),

Two Valentine's for teachers and many more for friends,

Embellished with lace and ribbon and white Galaxy gel pens.

Since it's late and I am tired and this poem's end is in sight, 

Happy crafting to all and to all a good night!

Here are the the cards I made for Bunny and Cubby's teachers. I went with these adorable apples from Create a Critter because they are just too darn cute!!

A Basketball Party

My how time flies when you're having fun...almost 9 years ago, our family was blessed with a beautiful baby boy, and this April, he will be 9 years old! In 9 years, a lot has changed. We even watched him learn to walk and talk and watched him welcome his little sister into the world 6 years ago.  Our Cubby has been interested in many things. He tried baseball and soccer, hip hop and gymnastics and finally...basketball.

Although he still enjoys hip hop, basketball has consumed most of his time. Between two travel teams and a couple of recreational leagues, it seems we are at some game or another almost every day!  So, it came as no surprise that he has chosen to have a Basketball themed Birthday Party!!  I am excited to create all of the extras for this party (and even more excited that it will NOT be at my house!).

The first step in the party prep process is the invitation. I decided to break out my Cricut, Gypsy and Cuttlebug to create the perfect basketball invitations!!

Recipe

Card Base

I used the Gypsy to weld two circle bases together. I used the Cricut Best of 2008 cartridge for the basketball image. I used <Basktbal> on Layer 1 with the shift selected (at 5" width, 10.93" height) to create the circles and then the square (1.04" width x 1" height) welding them together is from the Cricut Classic Font cartridge (but you can use George or any other cartridge with basic shapes on it).  After cutting out the two welded circles with the square in the middle, I scored the middle of the square to make sure it folded more easily.

Next, I closed the card and ran it through my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Folder to create the basketball texture.

The black basketball lines are also from the same <Basktbal> button, but on the regular shift button. I attached the lines to the circle with monoadhesive.  Finally, I used a white Galaxy gel pen to create the stitching on the black lines.

Invitation wording and circle

To create the message inside, I used my laser printer. I used a piece of green Recollections card stock and ran it through the printer. I typed out my message in Word and made sure it only went to the 4.5" mark on the document. This will let you make sure it doesn't go beyond the size of the circle. The circle is another 10" <Basktbal> cut.  I used the Center point function to create the circle around the words. You just push the center point button and position the blade right in the middle of the card. I experimented to see exactly where the best place to cut would be.  Finally, I attached the circle to the inside using monoadhesive.

Here is the Gypsy cut file for the basketball invitation - Enjoy!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

She's a Sassy Lady - Gypsy Created Shape Card Challenge
Little Scrap Pieces: Anything Your Heart Desires Challenge

Love Bites

I have two guilty pleasure in life. These are things that make me ALMOST as happy as spending time with my family (since nothing can top that!). The first is crafting, especially with my Cricut. Between my cricut, my paper trimmer, my new Cuttlebug and my Gypsy, I have truly turned crafting obsessed.

My second guilty pleasure is silly paranormal romance novels, the cheesier the better! As an English teacher, I encourage my students to read on a daily basis. I teach them fantastic classics, such as Romeo and Juliet, Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird and more. When I get home, however, I just want to unwind. Sometimes that means reading as mindless a novel as I can get my hands on. In the classic tradition of cheesy paranormal romances, I can very much appreciate a good vampire, were creature or fairy story with the best of them.

With this in mind, I decided to make a Valentine's Day card for a good friend of mine. She is also an English teacher and we often bond over the latest novel in the next best vampire series. I thought I would take Valentine's day in a totally different direction and I think this card pays proper homage to vampires everywhere.

Recipe

Card base

1. DCWV La Creme Stack - cut a piece of 12" x 12" card stock down to 12" x 6" and scored at 6" to make the card. I used my bone folder to get a nice crease.

2. Cut a piece of Recollections pink card stock to 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" - Then, I ran it through my Cuttlebug with the swiss dots folder. The folder wasn't big enough so I did half and then lined it up and ran the other half through.

3. Added a piece of black card stock cut to 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" - before adhering it with monoadhesive, I added a piece of stretch lace ribbon and folded it around the back. I secured it with scotch tape in the back since you can't see it under the layer.

4. I topped off the card with a top layer cut to 4" x 4" from the DCWV Mariposa Matstack

Embellishments

The pink and red heart are from a new Recollections 1 Lb Assorted diecut bag I picked up on clearance for only $4.99 last weekend. I used a white Galaxy gel pen to add the stitching. These were adhered with one layer of pop dots.

The flying vampire heart is from the Cricut Rock Princess cartridge...love this one!!

The image is <Heart2> on p. 44 and was cut at 2". The shadow is black, the base cut is white, The shift is the dark pink,  layer 1 is red and layer 1 shift cut is light pink. I added my own hybrid sentiment by using a studio G stamp for the word LOVE on one wing and then using a stamping marker to write the word "Bites" in script on the other wing.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

The Cuttlebug Spot - Sweetheart Challenge 
Scrappy Moms Stamps - Terrific Tuesday Challenge: Hearts Galore! 
4 Crafty Chicks Challenge: Love is in the Air

Paper Playtime Challenge #67: Cricut creations using hearts or a love theme
Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #97 - Love is in the Air: Use a heart

Happy Birthday Dear Trees...

Suprise, surprise, another holiday is here! I never realized how many holidays there are on the calendar until I started my card making adventure.

Today is Tu B’Shevat, the 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar.  This holiday is known as the “New Year for Trees." The literal significance of this holiday has to do with a seven year growing cycle and helps to determine in which year a tree is ready to be harvested for fruit. To celebrate, many people eat fruits that grow on trees, particularly in Israel, including grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. Many Hebrew schools hold what is referred to as a Tu B'Shevat seder, in which the children enjoy many different fruits.

My holiday card adventure gave me a chance to take a break from making Valentines, so I thought I would try something creative. The card I made for Tu B'Shevat is simple, but I think it properly celebrates trees. It is my first stair step card, so I am still getting the hang of it, but my son loved it and that is all the encouragement I need to keep trying!

Recipe

Stair Step Card Base

1. Start with a piece of card stock cut to 5 1/2" X 10 1/2"

2. Score at 1 1/4", 2 1/2", 4 1/4", 6" and 8 1/4"

3. Fold up and down for alternating score lines (mountain/valley style)

4. Decorate each step

5. The the first step is 1 1/4" x 5 1/2" - I used green recollections card stock for the border. It is cut from the Cricut Holiday Cakes cartridge, pg. 51 <Baby3> at 1 1/4".

6. The second step is 1 3/4" x 5 1/2" - I used brown recollections card stock, the same cut for the border as step one, but this one was cut at 1 1/2". I used my paper trimmer to cut it to 5 1/2" in length.

7. The third step is 2 1/4" x 5 1/2" - I used green recollections card stock for the border. It is also cut from the Cricut Holiday Cakes cartridge, pg. 51 <Baby3>, but this one was cut on the plain base function at 1 1/2".  I trimmed this to 5 1/2" as well. Next, I added some LACE stretch ribbon on top of the border.

Scallop Doily

The embellishment for the first step is a doily from the Cricut Cindy Loo cartridge <Doily4> cut at 2 1/2".  The top is cut from DCWV Mariposa Matstack glitter paper and the shadow is cut from brown recollections card stock.

Tree

The tree for the third step is the <tree> image from the Cricut Best of 2010 cartridge cut on the regular button and the shift. I attached it using dimensionals so it stands out too.

I am entering my card into the following challenges:
FYI Challenge #23 - The levels of the church reminded me of the stair step card & they both have a religious component
Shopping our Stash Weekly Challenge 38: Hearts, Valentines and/or Lace

A Joyful Gift of Love(bug)

Happy Saturday! I am having a wonderful day. This morning, my son's rec basketball team had a game. The other team was VERY aggressive. After being hit in the head with the basketball, my son was very frustrated. We had a talk about the fact that his team plays fairly and I told him that the best way to pay the other team back for bad behavior would be to win. 30 minutes later, his team won 22-16!

After we got home, my husband took the children to the Home Depot workshop to make heart boxes for Valentine's Day and I was able to get my lesson plans done.  My son and I worked on some fun crafty Valentine's for a while and then, my sister and brother-in-law and new baby niece came over and we got to spend some time together.  All in all, it was a great day!

One of the crafts we worked on was this adorable lovebug gift card holder. I used the recipe for a Joy Fold card and, instead of keeping the bottom flap open, I used adhesive on the right and left side to create a pouch for a gift card!

Gift card pouch on the inside

Recipe

Joy Fold Gift Card Holder

Base – 4 ¼ X 6 ¼

Score – 4 ¼

Smaller card – 3 X 6

Score - 3

The pink and white base card is from the My Mind's Eye Love Nest Stack by Carina Gardner and the red card on front is from the Mariposa Matstack by DCWV. I used a piece of pink Recollections cardstock for the layer on the inside and ran it through the Cuttlebug with the Swiss Dots folder.

Flying Heart, Ladybug & Lovebug sentiment

Both are cut at 2" from the Cricut Create a Critter cartridge on p. 66

<Ladybug1> standard cut and <heart> shift cut - I cut the regular cut, layer 1 and layer 2 for both

I used Recollections cardstock for the ladybug and the winged heart shadow. The wings match the My Mind's Eye Love Nest paper.


I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Cooking with Cricut - Challenge #71: Child's Valentine - Must use Pink, Red and White
card makin' mamas - Challenge #38: Valentine 
My Sheri Crafts Challenge #78: Love is in the Air 
Die Cuttin' Divas - Challenge #50: Anything Goes 

I am also linking to:
Sundays are Lovely #6 at Jaihart

Happy Groundhog Day!

Happy Groundhog Day! Every time I blink, another holiday pops up, just like this little groundhog who is checking things out.  To be honest, with the 63 degree weather, this little guy probably came out early and was sunbathing on the beach in NJ yesterday!!

Last night, I was talking to my friend who inspired me to start my Year of Holiday Cards extravaganza, and we were having a hard time coming up with ways to celebrate Groundhog Day. I suggested that either she should repeat everything she says twice, or make shadow drawings. If you have any suggestions, leave me a comment and I will suggest them to her. I had a lot of fun with this card and with my new Cricut Designer's Calendar cartridge! I thought it would be perfect for my holiday-based endeavor and, immediately, it has come in handy.

Recipe

Card Base

Card is the <Milk> card from Just Because Cards cut at 5 1/2" from the

Martha Stewart Woodland Critters Stack

All of the layers are cut from Recollections cardstock

Yellow layer is cut to 4 1/2 X 4 1/2 and embossed with flowers on my Cuttlebug

Orange layer is cut to 4 X 4

Wood Grain strip on top is cut at 4 X 2 and is the flip side of the paper used for the base card

Groundhog with shadow

Brown groundhog is cut from Designer Calendar cartridge cut at 3 1/2"

White shadow is the same cut at 3 1/4"

The black hole is the <Skunk> cut from Create a Critter at 2"

I used a white gel pen to go over the contour marks on the groundhog to make them stand out more and used Stickles on the white shadow and the black hole for a glittery effect

I used two layers of dimensionals to attach him so he would stand out more than the sentiment

Sentiment

<March> Cut in brown and white, both at 1" from the Designer's Calendar cartridge

I layered the two colors on top of each other for a shadowed effect

Then, I added Stickles to the white layer to up the sparkle effect

I used one layer of dimensionals to make the sentiment pop!

I am entering this card into the following challenge:
Simon Says Stamp - Animal Antics