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Showing posts with label stickles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stickles. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Fishing you a Happy Birthday!


Yesterday morning, I came downstairs to find my almost 9 year old, Cubby, watching TV. I am slightly embarrassed to say that he is usually indulging in a Spongebob episode that he has already seen 1000 times. Yesterday, however, he was watching Sports Center! I don't know why, but the idea of my baby watching sports on TV made me exceptionally emotional. I know it seems silly, but they REALLY do grow up quickly.

If you follow my blog (or stop by from time to time) you probably remember my friend who inspired me to begin my "Year of Holiday Cards" project. Well, her birthday is tomorrow and I felt it only appropriate to make he something special to celebrate. I decided that she would be the recipient of my very first easel card. With the help of an online tutorial by Splitcoaststampers, I was able to complete my task!! Thanks to them for the easy to follow instructions! I don't have a stamp that works with a fishy birthday card, so I came up with "Fishing" You a Happy Birthday! I printed it out from my computer and cut it out with my Recollections scallop punch. I thought it looked lonely as one layer, so I added two more scallops behind it in a staggered arrangement, and that also served to let the easel card rest against it.

Panda Hugs!
J-

Recipe

Easel Card Base

Piece of plain purple Recollections card stock 4 1/4" x 8 1/2" - score at 4 1/4" and 6 3/8"
Fold in half and then fold the small section in the opposite direction
With the small section up, add adhesive and attach a 4 1/4" x 4/14" card from the top of the section


The video from Splitcoaststampers helped me to understand exactly what to do, so definitely check it out! 

Top card

I cut the frame for this card from the SEI Crafts Couture stack at 4 1/4" and used the same cut I did for my Shadow Box Card.  The fishbowl and fish are both from the Cricut Create a Critter cartridge. <Fishbowl> is the shift cut and I set it to 2" and used layers 1, 2 and 3 on the shift as well. <Fish> is cut at 1" and it is the regular cut. I used layers 1-3 for this as well. I added Stickles to the middle of the fish to make it stand out. The sand layer for the bowl was cut with the the glitter paper in the Mariposa mat stack. After I assembled the bowl, I added the fish with a pop up glue dot and then the bowl was added to the card with pop up glue dots as well. I added 2 sizes of light green Recollections crystals to look like bubbles coming out of the fish's mouth. Finally, I added three Recollections pearls to the card for an extra touch.


Bottom card

I added a white square cut at 4" x 4" and a lavender on top cut to 3 3/4". After I added the white, I taped a piece of Offray 7/8" Sunburst Rainbow ribbon to the lavender piece and taped it with Scotch tape under the piece. Then I used adhesive to place it on top. I added the 3 scallop sentiment on top of it using dimensionals.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Getting Cricky with K Andrews - Argh Matey! Use a Pirate or Fish
Birthday Sundaes Challenge #46 - Birthday Card with Sentiment
For Your Inspiration Challenge #25 - inspired by the water and the round domes on the buildings

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Fabulous Shadowbox Card



I had a few moments to myself today and wanted to enter a few contests, so here is a cute idea I have been working on. I call it a shadowbox card because the frame is raised to make the card components look like they are inside a shadowbox. I used the sentiment, "Fabulous" because being told I am fabulous will ALWAYS make me smile!! Hope you like it!

Panda Hugs!
J-

Recipe

Card base

I cut a piece of purple Recollections card stock to 5" x 10" and scored at 5" to make the fold.

Frame 

I used a pretty paper from the SEI Crafts Couture pad and cut the frame shape from the Cricut Classic Font cartridge <Waytogo1> p. 72 on the italic function with shift selected. This gives you the entire frame in one cut. I cut on Real Dial Size at 5" to make sure it fit the card base perfectly.  I added all of the components first and then added 2 layers of square dimensionals to the back of the frame corners. I doubled them so the frame was raised even higher and then added it on top of the card base at the end.

Woman, shoe and sentiment 

Woman - Cricut Forever Young cartridge <Model6> p.29 cut at 3". I used the regular cut and the shift cut (twice to get the dress and purse in different colors). I added green Studio G glitter glue to the little purse.

Shoe - Cricut Forever Young cartridge <Heels1> p.54 cut at 3" on regular and shift cut. I only used 1 of the two that cut.

Sentiment - I cut the two bases for the sentiment from the same button as the woman, <model6> on the emblem function at 2" and 1 3/4".  The word fabulous is cut from <Flower7> on page 70 on the word function. Then, I added each base with pop dots in between and then added light blue Stickles to the word fabulous.

Finishing Touches

I added a tiny Recollections pearl to the dress and green Recollections crystal to the patterned strip for some bling - they come sticky so you don't need to add adhesive. For the shoe, I added a purple jewel from a set my son found in a crafting kit in the house and then layered a small green jewel on top of it for dimension. I added monoadhesive to the back of the jewel and it was perfect to stick on the high heel. Finally, I added 3 tiny pearls under the word fabulous....for emphasis!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Sunday, February 26, 2012

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 linking this post to the following link parties:

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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

Monday, February 13, 2012

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!!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

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:

Thursday, February 2, 2012

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

Monday, January 30, 2012

You Rock - Tiny Valentine


Today's post is super quick.  As happy as I am, sometimes cyberlife is a nice escape from the craziness that is real life.  I have been trying to get in as many Valentines as I can to make sure the kids have cards to give to everyone special in their lives. My daughter is a total diva (even at 6 years old), and I love to make super cute things for her. So, I saw a couple of challenges this week that inspired me to create this teeny tiny Valentine. Also, I just got my new Rock Princess cartridge and HAD to use it right away...I hope you like it!!

Side view to show the wing dimension
Recipe
All layers are Recollections cardstock

Card Base
I used the Gypsy with Cricut Just Because Cards - I took the second card on the cartridge and changed the dimensions to 6" width and 3" height to come up with a 3" X 3" card

I used the square on the Cricut Classic Font cartridge for the yellow layer and changed the dimensions to 2.25" X 2.25"
Sentiment
The "You" is cut from the Cricut Rock Princess Cartridge at .75" - It is the heart font on the cartridge
I welded it to create one solid word piece

Winged Heart
Cricut Rock Princess Cartridge - Regular cut, shift cut, layer 1, layer 1 shift and layer 2 all at 1.5"
I bent up the top layer of the wings to give it a more 3D look
Attached it to the card using dimensionals and then added Stickles to the wings and a few other areas for some extra shimmer

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Sunday, January 29, 2012

My First Explosion Box

I am SO excited to share this special Valentine's Day project with you! This weekend, I was searching the web for new and exciting project ideas and came across a craft that immediately caught my attention. It's called an explosion box. Think pretty gift box meets awesome scrapbook or photo album and you have the idea. There are a good number of tutorials out there on how to create these adorable boxes, so I looked at a bunch and took the components I liked most to create mine. I added a bunch of pockets that I slipped little gift tags in to make it an extra special Valentine's gift.

I am VERY happy with the result, but the process was a little painful. The biggest problem I had was making the top of the box. The instructions I used said to cut the top at 8 X 8 and I thought I did that, but I actually cut it at 9X9 because I am still getting used to my paper cutter. Then, I redid it at 8X8 and the top was too small. Finally, just like Goldie Locks...3rd time was a charm...I split the difference and cut the third top at 8.5 X 8.5 and that finally did the trick!

I am not sure if you can see in the picture, but I also used my BRAND NEW CUTTLEBUG to emboss flowers on the top layer and to line the pockets on the middle layer!

It is very hard to "get" what an explosion box really is without seeing it in action, so I am adding my very first video here to show you! Explosion Box Demonstration

Recipe

Box
Bottom layer (outside of box) - 12" x 12"  - Score 4" in from all sides
Middle layer - 11" x 11"  - Score 3 3/4" in from all sides              
Top layer - 10" x 10" - Score 3 1/2" in from all sides

Cut out the corners from all three sheets so they look like this:

Lid:

Use a piece of cardstock cut to 8.5" X 8.5 "  Score 2" in from each side. Then, score the four corners on a diagonal as well. Fold each corner in and glue it to the side to create the lid. Use paper clips to keep the lid together while the glue dries. I didn't have any paperclips, so I used my daughter's hair clippies! Here is a pic of the first lid I made while it was drying (I did NOT end up using this one):
Final Lid

Embellishments:
I added fun details to the four side panels on all three layers. 
I created triangular pockets for tags using another technique I will feature in another blog post
 On the bottom layer, I used a pretty light pink ribbon with hot pink stitching
I added a beautiful flower from the Cricut Pagoda cartridge (Flower8 p. 57) on the top - I used dimensionals for a more 3D effect
I finished the top flower with Stickles in the middle for a Glitter Panda sparkle

Middle Archway Structure
I used the archway design from The Disney Princess cartridge to create the arch
Then, I flipped it and added a square in between the two and welded them together with the Gypsy
Once it was cut out, I folded up the two sides and that made the archway stand up!
I added the pagoda flowers using dimensionals and Recollections Brads for the middle


Tuesday, January 24, 2012

These Little Piggies...


We were so busy all weekend that we didn't have a minute to stop.  My son had a basketball tournament and I must say he played EXCEPTIONALLY well.  I was such a proud mom!!  Now that the weekend is over, it's back to school and midterms start at the end of this week.  With all of the grading on the horizon, I am sure I will not get a lot of good quality crafting time, so I took a little while this evening to get into the upcoming holiday spirit. Love is in the air. Valentine's Day is fast approaching and I wanted to create a card to celebrate! I LOVE "punny" cards and this sentiment was perfect for a mother/child Valentine. I hope you like it as much as I do :) I went into my stash this week and found the fabulous Sweet Stack from DCWV. I have had it for quite some time and realized it was perfect for Valentine's colors and designs!! I also pulled out my Stickles for the first time in a while.  I have been working with loose glitter and thought it would be nice to go back to the Stickles for a change.

Recipe

Card base
Just Because Cards cartridge "Flower2" p.52 cut at 6"
Card stock is DCWV- The Sweet Stack

Little Piggies
Create a critter cartridge "Pig" p.28 - Mommy cut at 2 1/2" and child at 2"
All of the card stock is by Recollections - the base was cut from black, lighter pink for layer 1, darker pink for layer 2 and lighter pink for layer 3 (snout)
I used Stickles on the little snouts and the skirts for a little touch of bling
The piggies are attached using dimensionals to give the card more interest

Hogs and Kisses Sentiment
Just Because Cards cartridge "Pig" p.70 cut on the Word feature

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Posh Pancakes, Pajamas and Purses Party

Purse cut at 1 1/2" - Lipstick & Polish at 2 3/4" - Posh at 1"

It's been a long time between posts and although I was sad not to blog, I have been VERY busy with life in general. Lots of grading and family time activities. BUT...I was working on a fantastic project that I am excited to share. My bunny (daughter) is turning 6 and it is time to celebrate!  In true Glitter Panda fashion, I decided to use my Cricut to come up with fabulous invites for the super fun party theme we came up with. Bunny's party is going to be a Posh Pajamas, Pancakes and Purses Party. It will be a pretend sleepover featuring breakfast for dinner (one of Bunny's favorites), nail polish for all the girls, a movie with popcorn, and S'mores!

Since the party will be a smaller gathering, I decided I could make all of the invites myself using my Cricut. I chose the Wild Card cartridge and bravely attempted the Pinwheel card!!  The nail polish, lipstick, purse and the word posh on the card all came from the Forever Young cartridge.

I used my favorite Recollections card stock (Butterfly Wings package) for the cards, the round turning circle and the base of the lipstick. The envelopes were all made using a 12X12 pad from Me and My Big Ideas. The style is called Bliss. The brads I used to connect the wheel to the card are Recollections as well, and I found them in the clearance bin at my local craft store. Some are flat, and some are super glittery!! Finally, I added Cotton Candy Stickles to the word "posh" and to the lipstick for a little bling!!

By trial and error, I have learned that cutting the card 1/4" smaller than the envelope ensures a better fit for the card. So, the card was cut at 6 1/4" and the envelopes were cut at 6 1/2" (both on the blackout feature).  The cupcake with the actual invite info was created by running the card stock through my laser printer. Then, I used the center point function on the Cricut to cut around the words in the shape of the cupcake. Pop Up Glue Dots gave the dimension to the cupcake on the inside (and the purse, lipstick and polish on the outside). See below for sizes and more pics!

Unique Envelopes cut at 6 1/2" on Blackout feature - 12X12 Me and My Big Ideas "Bliss" Pad
Cupcake created with Celebrations cartridge - cut at 5 3/4" using Center Point


Sunday, October 23, 2011

Housewarming Card with Cricut Wild Card Cartridge

The card

After reading many posts about the Cricut Wild Card cartridge, I decided I HAD to have it! Since then, I have not had a good occasion to use it!! I tried one card to play with and never quite "got it."  Today, we finally needed a card for something. We went to a housewarming party for our cousins who had a terrible fire in their home this past Christmas. Fortunately, everyone was able to get out of the house safely! Unfortunately, their house could not be salvaged. After a long wait, they were finally able to move into their new home last month and we were happy to be able to celebrate with them! This celebration called for a card and I knew just the card to create. I used the Wild Card cartridge to create the little house card. That is the fourth button from the left on the bottom row.

The best tip I can now share is one that many other bloggers have mentioned (with a twist). When cutting these adorable cards, make sure to cut out the envelope first on "fit to page."  PAY ATTENTION to the size you are given when it actually cuts (if you forget to do this, insert another piece of the same size paper and pretend you are cutting it again, but click "OK" instead and it will tell you the size that was cut. Then, you are supposed to turn off "fit to page" and turn your dial to the size indicated for the envelope. My twist, however, is that the envelope is VERY snug if you do this. So, I turned the dial to the envelope size and then clicked down once more to remove 1/4" from the card. This made the card fit into the envelope MUCH better!!

In addition to the image and the shift image, I used the layers on this and the phrase and icon for the envelope. Also, I added Stardust Stickles to the window pane and the door, because what kind of Glitter Panda would I be without using GLITTER!! Finally, I added 2 stamps to the card in various places ("Hi There" and "Yeah for you!". This was a brand new set of stamps I JUST bought on sale, so it adds another item that is new for the card to make it perfect for the October Something New Paper Craft Weekend Challenge!
Please let me know what you think!

Here are more images:
The envelope

Inside the card
Got these Studio G Clear Stamps for $1.00 in clearance bin at A.C. Moore!