Cuttlebug challenge #11: criss-cross card...

This week's challenge is to make a criss-cross card.
You can find the directions here

I made mine with DCWV patterned papers, cardstock from The Paper Co. and the "textile" embossing folder. The stamped images are $1 Studio G stamps. Ribbon and bling from stash.

I hadn't made one of these cards before, but it was very easy to do! And, I really like the way it looks! I have actually made 4 other criss-cross cards using blues and browns for wedding invitation samples.

I also have some good news! Well, good for me, anyway! LOL

I FINALLY have a computer to myself again! At my own desk! Next to my scrap table! I am so happy to not be sharing DH's old laptop anymore! His newer laptop came back from Acer last week, and it seems to be working... so I am using that as my computer. DH is still using the old laptop, but we'll be getting him a new one after the holidays. I hate using laptops though, so I actually have a separate keyboard and mouse that I'm using! LOL :)

TFL!

Christmas Paper Bag Album for Cuttlebug Challenge #10

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge is to create a holiday project other than a card. I made a paper bag album.

Here's the front cover:

It's kinda hard to tell in this pic, but the "Merry Christmas" is embossed with D'vine Swirl

first set of pages:

second set of pages (embossed with D'vine Swirl):

third set (heat embossed the edges with gold):

fourth set (embossed with Diamond in the Rough):last set:
back cover:
side view with pull out tags (embossed with D'vine Swirl and Diamond in the Rough):

I took 3 standard brown paper bags and folded them in half. I cut my papers about 1/8" smaller than an album page. I inked all bag edges and paper edges with black Staz-On ink. All paper is from Close to my Heart's "Evensong" level 2 pack. I've done distressing, inking, heat embossing and dry embossing with the Cuttlebug. There are 3 side pockets to add journaling or photos. I've made 2 tags, which I embossed with the Cuttlebug, then inked with metallic gold ink, and black Staz-On ink. I've also put a tab so they are easy to pull out and added a Prima flower embelllished with gold Stickles. The front cover has 2 silk-like flowers and 3 holly leaves, all embellished with gold Stickles. The "Merry Christmas" saying is also embossed. The album is bound by 3 pairs of red and green metallic ribbons.

TFL!

A couple LO's...

While I'm at it, I might as well upload a few other pics too! I did both of these for Creative Scrappers' "Sketchfest" as well as Scrapbook Bingo's November Virtual Crop.

Day One

Creative Scrappers Sketchfest: "Stamp a Title"

Scrapbook Bingo VC challenge: use rub-ons

All paper is Basic Grey Urban Prairie

white pigment ink, black dye ink, Staz-On black ink

white gel pen

rub-ons: MAMBI

Untitled:

Creative Scrappers Sketchfest: "Lacy Lucy"

Scrapbook Bingo: this doesn't actually count as a challenge, just as a completed page

I left this one untitled because I couldn't think of one that I liked.... so I asked my DD (the one in the pic) and she said she liked it without one :)

all papers are Basic Grey Urban Prairie

Colorbox Cat's Eye ink (chestnut roan)

flowers: Joann's brand

misc: lace

zig writer (pure brown)

Stickles (hard to see in the pic)

TFL!

Cuttlebug Challenge #9

Well, after over a month, I'm finally uploading a pic of something! LOL


It is just such a pain in the butt to upload the way I have to, that I have been putting it off. But, I will put it off no longer! LOL


Here's my latest project for Cuttlebug Challenge:

The challenge is to make your own embossing folder. I chose this holly image from Stretch Your Imagination and cut it at 2.5" on the Cricut Expression. I cut 3 images from some cardstock scraps, stacked them (like a sandwich), and glued them together. You need to make sure the positive and negative of your image lines up, and you have made your own embossing design! More details are on Betty's blog here:

http://bettybrett.blogspot.com/2008/11/make-your-own-cuttlebug-folder-2.html

I lightly sanded the embossed edges, then trimmed around the image leaving a border, and added Stickles... mounted on foam tape to make it pop.

white card base: the paper company

patterned paper: moxxie

bling: stickles "holly" and rhinestones from stash

black dye ink

Offray ribbon

embossing done using "holly" image from Stretch Your Imagination cut with Cricut Expression at 2.5"

TFL!

Another update...

Well, I'm still sharing the old laptop :( We were hoping we wouldn't have to buy a new computer if DH's other laptop came back working (he sent it to Acer for repair). But it's STILL not working! I can't tell you how pissed off we are with Acer, and Geek Squad (the people Acer recommended taking it to first). Geek Squad at Best Buy* is just a group of idiots who don't know anything about fixing laptops. They said they were sending it to Acer 3 or 4 times (of the 6 or 7 times we took it to them), but Acer only has record of it being sent in once... and that was the time we sent it directly to them!
A bunch of stuff has been replaced on it, but the blueray player still won't play DVDs, only CDs. DH didn't choose the laptop because of the blueray, but he can't play any DVDs or burn to DVD. And, it won't connect to the internet. It's not our router because this laptop still connects (obviously). It can see our internet, and a few others, but it won't connect to any of them.
And of coarse, the warranty expires on the 28th, so we have just a couple of days to get it back to them for one last repair attempt.
Anyway, enough about that! I still have limited internet time, and I can't easily upload photos (this laptop doesn't have a slot for SD cards), so I still won't be able to update much. I have been scrapping here and there... I finished a chipboard mini-album, a few cards, and some layouts that I can't wait to share with you!

*Note: I'm not saying all Geek Squad employees are idiots. Just the ones who work at our local Best Buy that helped us.

Quick update...

Well, I am still without a computer (still sharing DH's old laptop) but the good news is all my photos are safe! The hard drive seems completely unaffected, so it looks like the motherboard and/or processor is what gave out. I am just so relieved that all my photos are still there. :)
I don't have access to them at this point... I can't wait to get my new computer so I can upload my pics online and burn the last few months' photos. I think the plan is to go computer shopping this weekend. I can't wait!

Offline for a while...

My computer DIED last night! I was checking my email, everything was fine, I got up to get a snack and when I came back, the computer was frozen on the screen saver (a frequent occurrence, unfortunately). Well, normally when it was frozen on the screen saver, just pushing any key or moving the mouse usually fixed it. Not this time. It was frozen for good :(
Ctl Alt Del didn't work... the power button didn't work... so I turned off the power strip. When I turned it back on, it just beeped. An annoying, never-ending beeeeeeeeeeep! So I turned off the power strip again, waiting about 30 secs and turned it back on.... still beeping, but this time it was a beep..... beep..... beep.... DH opened it up to take out the video card (I've been having a ton of problems since we upgraded my video card a year ago) but that didn't help.

All my photos are on the computer! I do download them to Snapfish, but I have some older digi pics that I never put on Snapfish... and of coarse I hadn't done October's photos yet, so I am worried about those! I have most of my pics burned to disk. I think I'm just a few months behind. But I really don't want to lose even just a few months! DH thinks he can retrieve them.... we'll find out tomorrow!

So, I have limited access on hubby's old laptop, which is unreliable at best. I won't be able to upload this week's Cuttlebug challenge, or any Creative Scrappers sketch LO's. :(
The good news is I'm getting a new CPU out of it! LOL

Hopefully I'll be up and running by the end of the week, or early next week depending on if we order the new computer online, or get one from a local store. Please keep your fingers crossed that I'll be able to save every photo!!

Christmas Layout using the Cuttlebug

Well Cuttlebug Camp was great! There were some great tutorials posted throughout the weekend. I can't wait to try some of them! My contribution to Cuttlebug Camp was a 1 page LO

Specific directions and a materials list is here:

http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/2008/10/christmas-layout-using-cuttlebug.html

TFL!

A layout to share...

I finished this LO around 2 am this morning. I was following this sketch: http://www.creative-scrappers.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=497&pos=15

I just flipped the sketch so my LO is a mirror image of it.

I heat embossed the lower left corner of the photo with 3 layers of UTEE and 2 layers of Iridescent Sparkle on top.

**********

The title is white Thickers that I covered with Crushed Velvet Flock.

TFL!

Cuttlebug Camp is coming!!

The Cuttlebug Challenge blog is really growing! Our 4th weekly challenge will be revealed this week. We'll be having a big Cuttlebug Camp 10/24 - 10/27. I'll be doing a tutorial Saturday 10/25 at 4:00 pm, so stop by the blog and check it out: http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to check their blog every Wednesday for the DT reveal of that week's challenge!

Cuttlebug Challenge #3

Here's my project for Cuttlebug Challenge #3: make something other than a card using at least 1 embossing folder.
I made this cute little Halloween treat bag.

****************
supplies:
mini lime green craft bag
purple and orange cardstock: DCWV
white cardstock: from scrap stash
stamps: studio G
ink: CraftEssentials (black, dye), Color Box (orange and violet, pigment), StazOn (black, solvent)
dry embossing: Perfect Paisley and Swiss Dots using Cuttlebug
misc: ribbon, 2" cirlcle punch















TFL!

My Lil' Pun'kin

This LO is for the 2nd Cuttlebug Challenge: make a fall or Halloween themed project. I used the D'vine Swirls folder for the large white piece and the title letters.

*********

Patterned paper, orange cardstock: DCWV

White and black cardstock: from scrap stash

Ink: Zig Writer, ColorBox pigment ink (violet), CraftEssentials dye ink (black), Gellyroll pen (white)

Pumpkin ribbon from Michael's

Title cut with Cricut Expression using Cuttin' Up, pumpkin border cut with Doodlecharms, and black cat using Paper Doll Dress Up.

********

This is baby River on Halloween last year wearing a cute little shirt my MIL bought. I found the hat at Target, in the dollar spot.

TFL!

And the winner is........

Lyn Smith!

Congratulations!

My oldest DD picked your card as the winner! Thanks for participating in the first challenge on Cuttlebug Challenge!

Please email me your mailing addy and 5 choices of Cuttlebug embossing folders. I will get one from your list and mail it to you next week.

Thanks everyone for entering. I loved seeing the wonderful things you created!

Oh, and remember to check the Cuttlebug blog

http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/ for our second challenge! You will also see all of the cards that were linked up from the first challenge.

Just a few more days to get the first challenge done over at Cuttlebug Challenge! Just link your completed project to the blog http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/ and your project can be featured on the blog on Thursday! So get your Cuttlebug out and make something!

And after you've linked your card to the challenge blog, leave me a comment here to be entered to win a brand new Cuttlebug embossing folder of your choice!

(winner will pick from a list of folders available to me)

Happy creating!

Blog candy alert!

In honor of 200,000 hits (WOW!) Susan BlueROBOT is giving away some great goodies! Check it out here:

http://susanbluerobot.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-candy-big-thank-you.html

I challenge you! and a give-away!

Well, the Cuttlebug challenge blog is up and running! Our first challenge has been posted:

http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/ We'll be having a Cuttlebug Camp kick-off later in the month, so be sure to check back! We'll have some great projects to share with you!

In honor of the site launch, I'll be giving away some blog candy! :) Just a small little something to thank you for your support of the new site. I

will be giving away a brand new Cuttlebug embossing folder! And the winner gets to choose! All you need to do is complete this week's Cuttlebug Challenge, link your project on that blog, then leave me a comment here telling me you've linked your project on CuttlebugChallenge. I will check out all your projects and have my DD pick a random winner! The more, the merrier, so be sure to tell your friends!

(The winner will get to pick an embossing folder from a list of folders I have available from my local stores)

labor is coming...

My latest LO... just finished it a little bit ago. I do like this one... a lot, in fact :) I used sketch #18 from Creative Scrappers and recipe challenge #17 over on Sketches! by Tamara.

Title: labor is coming... think happy thoughts

journaling: Aug. 3, 2007 just one day before going into labor...

brown cardstock from stash

white cardstock and patterned paper: DCWV

flowers, ribbon, stickers, and buttons from stash

acrylic flower: heidi swapp

ink: Colorbox Cat's Eye (dark brown) and StazOn (jet black), Zig writer (pure black)

TFL!

Untitled

I've been scrappin' away for Scrapbook Bingo's Virtual Crop, and I've been forgetting to do any sketch challenges on Sketches! by Tamara, and I haven't kept up at Creative Scrappers, either.

So, I decided to scrap these pics (I thought I'd scrap some older pics since they were already printed. These pics are from 2005. And I'm even further behind than that! Scary, I know... and sad :( LOL ) and I needed some inspiration.... so I headed over to Sketches! by Tamara. First I decided to follow Recipe #16 (stitching/sewing, paper tearing, and ribbon) but I was just having a hard time placing the photos. That's when I noticed LO sketch #63 could be done with 2 photos. So, with a little tweaking, I came up with this LO. There's no title..... I'm not sure I want to title it. I mean, not EVERY page has to have a title, right? Right?

So this page is for Recipe #16 and Sketch #63. I think I like the way it turned out. It gave me some major hassles with my adhesive though! I inked with gold ink all over all the papers and my ATG tape decided it didn't want to stick to the ink! Poop! So I had to pull out some liquid glue that I've had for YEARS. It worked, but it warped the paper and photos a little. :( So I'm going to try leaving it under a heavy book for a few days! LOL The 3 little snowflakes were stamped then I used a piercer to make guide holes in the designs. I took some floss and stitched the snowflakes, then rubbed the gold ink over them.

cardstock and patterned paper: DCWV

ink: studio g

marker: Zig Writer (pure black)

vellum: from stash

Cuttlebug "D'vine Swirls"

velvet ribbon: from stash

TFL!

A page fitting for me blog....

I completed this page earlier this evening. I think I like it.... I'm not quite sure yet. LOL It's not how I "envisioned" it, but then again, I didn't really have anything specific in mind! :)

I decided to work this for a few different challenges: Scrapbook Bingo's Virtual Crop bonus challenge #4 (make a Pirate themed LO) and Creative Scrappers "Let's go green" challenge (use at least one recycled item). The background is cardboard from a USPS Priority box. My oldest DD had a pirate themed birthday party in Feb. this year. I got a pirate set (geared toward the 3-5 crowd) at the dollar store that had the hook and eyepatch (it was missing the hat). I wanted to get a few pics of her and all her Piratey-ness, and what does she do? She picks her nose with the hook! LOL Typical. But it did make for a funny pic! As soon as I saw this pic, the Shel Silverstien poem "Captain Hook" came to mind.

The pic is not the best... the poem reads:

Captain Hook must remember not to scratch his toes.

Captain Hook must watch out and never pick his nose.

Captain Hook must be gentle when he shakes your hand.

Captain Hook must be careful openin' sardine cans

And playing tag and pouring tea

And turnin' pages of his book.

Lots of folks I'm glad I ain't--

But mostly Captain Hook!

TFL!

Good news and a new blog to check out!

I'm so excited to say I'm on my first Design Team! So cool! Things start in October so make sure you check the site! Here's the link:
http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/

It's a brand new blog just for Cuttlebug challenges! I love this idea :) I just recently got my CB (June '08) and I LOVE it. I would like to use it more often, so I think this is just what I need to help with that!

This DT is for October, with an option of being on longer. I'm excited to get started! I have seen the challenges for the month and they sound GREAT! I can't wait to get started on them. :)

Happy Day

Well, I've been a bit more productive the past few days. When Scrapbook Bingo started the VC I was so determined to get some LO's done that I burned myself out and took a few days off of scrapping. Not on purpose... I just lost my mojo. But, I think it's back! LOL

I got this card done tonight. It's Creative Scrappers card sketch #18.

flowers: Prima

ribbon, cardstock, brads: from stash

patterned paper: K & Co.

Ink: Colorbox Cat's Eye (rouge)

epoxy sticker and card base: Joann's CraftEssentials

TFL!

Creative Scrappers has another 1 hour LO contest coming up in a few days. I participated in the last one, and it was super fun! It was great because it challenged me to get a LO done in an hour, and I actually like the way it turned out! LOL Usually when I'm rushed, I end up really not liking the end result. And there will be prizes for a few lucky participants!!

Me want candy! Blog candy, that is...

Deanne is RAKing some yummy stuff on her blog! Just leave her a comment for a chance to win. Tell others about her blog and send her the link for a second chance to win! How easy is that! Easy peasy, that's how. :)

http://a-scrapaddict.blogspot.com/

Sketch #62

This be based on Sketch #62 on Sketches! by Tamara. Me poor DD fell flat on th' lass' face last voyage at school. She didna e'en try t' put her hands up t' protect her face on accoun' o' she didna want t' hurt th' lass' hands. So, instead, she nearly broke th' lass' nose! I be so worried it be broken... but after a wee days th' swellin' started goin' down. It did turn from black an' blue t' a sickly shade o' yellow fer a wee days.

(translation: This is based on Sketch #62 on Sketches! by Tamara. My poor DD fell flat on her face last year at school. She didn't even try to put her hands up to protect her face because she didn't want to hurt her hands. So, instead, she nearly broke her nose! I was so worried it was broken... but after a few days the swelling started going down. It did turn from black and blue to a sickly shade of yellow for a few days.)

pp: DCWV

cardstock: from stash

flowers: Prima and from stash

brads: Joann's ScrapEssentials

ink: Joann's CraftEssentials (black)

marker: Zig Writer (pure black)

chipboard brackets: CTMH

embossing powder: Ranger UTEE

punch: threading water

(The journaling block lifts up to reveal more journaling and another pic of her a few days later, when the buise was yellow.)

TFL, ye scalliwags!

A pirate's life for me...

Ahoy mateys! It be Talk Like a Pirate Day (TLAPD) Friday, September 19th (that be tomorrow for ye landlubbers). Here be some links to help ye talk like Pirates:

http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html

http://bibliolife.com/2008/09/15/ahoy-bibliolife-partners-with-international-talk-like-pirate-day/

http://www.piratejokes.net/

Avast! In honor o' TLAPD, Cap'n Scrappy will attempt to scrap Halloween 2007 pics, since me eldest daughter was a Pirate (or pics from her bday this year, since it was Pirate-y themed).

Feelin' crafty fer TLAPD?

http://craftyminx.vox.com/library/post/craft-like-a-pirate-or-the-skulls-and-stripes-forever.html

Well, ye scurvy dogs, there be much t' do fer Talk Like a Pirate Day, so thanks for stoppin' by me BLAAARRRGGGG!

Here's another card for Sketches! by Tamara. This one is for their Recipe Challenge #15.

Create a card or layout using the following items:
Scallopped Edges
Brads
Monochromatic Colors

At first I was having a hard time finding patterned papers that were monochromatic that I wanted to use... I had this pink leaf paper left over from a LO I did years ago. Hooray for saving scraps! LOL
Once I found the paper, the theme came to me: a baby card.... that would be super easy to do monochromatic in pinks. It's difficult to read in the pic, but the sentiment says "Welcome little one" which I embossed.

PP: I think it's DCWV, but I don't remember
cardstock: unknown
ink: Stampin Up (pretty in pink) and Color Box (pink)
embossing power: CraftEssentials (pastel pink)
punch: threading water
brads: Target $1 spot
baby carriage embossed with Cuttlebug
TFL!

Blog candy alert!

Riley is giving away some blog candy! Yummy! Check it out:

http://dancerriley.blogspot.com/

Here's my latest card...

I used card sketch #61 from Sketches! by Tamara. This was a fun card to make... I like the sketch, and I used new stuff and things I have had for a while, but hadn't used yet! :)

background is embossed with Cuttlebug "Birds and Swirls"

ink: CraftEssentials (black), StazOn (jet black)

colored pencils, blender pen

marker: Zig Writer (pure black)

cardstock (pink & green): unknown

ribbon: unknown

The ribbon was the inspiration for the colors of the card. I used this ribbon on 4 swap pages and had a little bit left... just the right size for a card! So I figured I'd use a sketch and get it done.

TFL!

First Easter

This LO serves double duty! LOL The sketch is #61 from Sketches! by Tamara, and it also works for VC challenge #10 on Scrapbook Bingo to create a holiday LO.

My MIL got the baby this cute little dress that I thought would be perfect for easter. While shopping at Target one day, I saw these adorable bunny ears in the $1 spot.... so I just had to pick them up! LOL

patterned paper: DCWV

cardstock: no clue :)

flowers: Prima and ??

ribbon: American Crafts

ink: studio g

marker: Zig Writer in "spice"

TFL!

Blog candy alert! and an update

I just found this site (thanks Christina! I saw it on your blog) and it looks great. I will try to remember to check back often... there's lots of inspiration here!
She's got some great blog candy too!
http://desiref.blogspot.com/

And as for me... I've been trying to scrap all day, but so far I've only managed to put on the "finishing touches" on the LO's I finished yesterday! I did go so far as to pick some photos and papers for a LO I wanted to start tonight, but I don't think anything will actually get done. I've been battling a headache all day, and I didn't get much sleep last night. I'm mighty tired, and I do need to get up early to get the kids to school.... so I'm not making any promises! LOL
I did take pics of the LO's I did for the VC ( a few of them also count for challenges on Sketches! by Tamara, Creative-Scrappers, and Pink Sketches) but I haven't uploaded them to the computer yet. So that's another thing I'll need to do tomorrow...

Just a little somethin' somethin'...

Well, I haven't been too scrappy the last week or so.... until this past weekend. Scrapbook Bingo started another Virtual Crop (yeah!!) and so I decided to work on my Chino crop swap LO's... I got a bunch of LO's done! So, I thought I'd post them since it's been a while since my last project here.

Group 1:

And group 2:

I'll be posting more LO's soon!

TFL!

Nothing in particular...

I just realized it's been a few days since my last post! The past 2 days or so, I've been working on some tags for a swap on Scrapbook Bingo. I have a few finished (about 5 I think) and there's 2 in particular that I think turned out really cute. I'm planning on posting those here tonight. I want to finish all the tags first, but I don't know if I'll be able to get them all done.... I'm gonna try though!
Well, the kids are back to school. Last Monday was their first day back. I am now the mother of a 2nd grader and a 6th grader! I can't believe how fast each year goes.... and they just keep going faster and faster!
Until tonight..... TFL!

Toot Toot for me!!

I checked Sketches! by Tamara http://sketchesbytamara.blogspot.com/ this morning, and GUESS WHAT?!? Two of my projects are featured on her blog!! I'm so super excited! I've never been featured anywhere before. (except my own blog LOL) :D


I have a card and a LO featured:















The card is under Captain Scrappy and the LO is under Jenn.
I am just so thrilled! What a great early birthday present! Thanks, Sketches!!!