The Crafty Mouse

Valentine's Tootsie Wrappers

2010-02-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

A very fast and easy way to cover up a Tootsie Pop for Valentine's Day. I finished 42 of these in under 45 minutes. I can also see interchanging the heart with other shapes for other occasions. Hope you enjoy making a few of these yourself! Oh yeah, I used Plantin Schoolbook for these.

Candy Cover - Tootsie Pop Heart.cut

A Tri-Shutter Card

2010-01-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

This was my first attempt with making what some people call a Tri-Shutter card. It was very fun to make and the embellishing options are endless since there are so many faces of the card to decorate. This one was made especially for my brother and sister-in-law's 25th wedding anniversary (and their last name is Swan - hence the swans on the card). I really like the way it came out and I can definitely see many more of these cards in my future.

I downloaded a cut file for the card from Okieladybug's craft blog (a link is in my sidebar to her blog) but you can also make these fairly easily without the file and using a Scor-pal (a link to their site is also in my sidebar).

If you have not tried one of these cards yet, what's stopping you!

My 2009 Christmas Cards

2009-12-23T16:25:00.000-08:00

This year I made 62 cards for friends and family. The Santa and Snowman are both paper piecing patterns that I bought from http://myscrapchick.com and the holiday word tree is a file I created with my Cricut and the Storybook cartridge. I hope everyone that received one truly appreciated all the hard work and love that went into making these! Happy Holidays to everyone!

Thanksgiving Place Settings

2009-11-22T13:56:00.000-08:00

My final project for my first day back - not too bad - two pies and 20 place setting cards - a rather productive afternoon!

I made 20 of these simple place setting cards. I actually goofed and they were supposed to be half the size - but when I printed the saying, I didn't adjust it to fit the lower half. Oh well, made them work anyway! A very basic watercolored stamp and a double layered scallop circle complete the look. They read..."Let's get stuffed" and the person's name.

Tomorrow working on simple centerpieces...I hope!

My Thanksgiving Pie Favors

2009-11-22T11:39:00.001-08:00

These cute pie favors are what my guest will be getting this Thanksgiving. Each one holds 6 Hershey Kisses or for my niece, Vanilla Teddy Grahams. It takes 10 pieces to make a whole pie. One is pumpkin and one chocolate cream. The favors were made using the Big Bug, Tags Bags Boxes and More and George cartridges. I am very pleased with the final project! Thanks for looking.

Boxes - My Thanksgiving Pie Favors.cut

After a long absence...

2009-11-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

WOW! After taking almost 4 months off from blogging and crafting in general I am back...and boy does it feel good! It was a very busy summer and fall...our first year with bees was a very interesting one...and very rewarding. All said and done, we harvested 132 lbs. of delicious wildflower honey, not to shabby for 1st year beekeepers. Now on to crafting....

M.I.A. So Far This Summer

2009-08-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

Feeling sorry to be neglecting my blog for so long. This summer has been a very busy one for me working in my house, cleaning out clutter and re-modeling a few rooms. FINALLY seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and almost ready to get back into my craft room! I really need to start working on my Christmas Cards...as fast as this year has gone so far...Christmas will be here before you know it! SEE YOU ALL SOON!

Happy 51st Anniversary Mom & Dad

2009-07-05T05:40:00.000-07:00

Love to you both!

Gate Fold Wedding/Anniversary Card

2009-07-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a card that I have made several times now and thought I would share - it is a 6x11.5 gate fold card - made especially for a wedding or anniversary. The cartridges that I used were the Paper Doll Dress-up and George & Basic shapes. The file is sized so that the dolls will fit perfectly inside. I have grouped together the items that I wanted to cut out of the same color papers. I hope you like the file and enjoy making one of your own! By the way I also designed an envelope (made with George) and you can find that in my next blog entry!!

Cards - My PDDU Wedding-Anniversary 6x11 Gatefold.cut

Envelope for Gate Card

2009-07-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Here is the envelope that I created to fit the 6x11.5 gate card. It was made using George.

Envelope - My 6 x 11 Gate Card - george.cut

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-19T13:36:00.001-07:00

These are the Father's Day Cards that I will be giving to my Dad and Dad-in-Law. A huge thank you to Ruelysi Creative Cards for sharing her cut file on her blog. The tool belt and tools were all made using the Cricut and the George cartridge. I am sure that something similar to this could also be done in SCAL.

(Please go check out Ruelysi Creative Cards if you haven't already. She is not only very talented, but also very generous with her cut files!)

I knew when I saw these that they would make perfect Lowe's Gift Card holders. I am really pleased with the way they turned out!

This Was My Biggest Project Yet!

2009-06-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

This most definitely was my biggest project I have yet to work on. At last count I had over 30 hours into making this ABC Baby Album. It was a gift for a co-worker expecting her first child on June 16 - she is the type of person who appreciates something "homemade" and can also understand and appreciate the time it takes to make something like this.
I made the book with the mindset that new parents are very busy and often don't have the time it takes to document the special moments in their first child's lives until later (yep, that was me, scrapbooking my kid's baby albums when they were in their early teens - LOL).
So I thought I'd give her a head start with an album all set to add the pictures!
She's a teacher - so the ABC theme was perfect. There is a page designed for each letter of the alphabet and a cute saying to go along. I then added three individual paper piecing pictures for each letter - some letters boggled my brain for a "cute" design appropriate for a baby book. Most of the piecings were cut by hand, as they were tiny and I found this actually easier than cutting them on my Cricut. Many of the patterns came from an ABC Paper Piecing Booklet that I purchased from Paperwishes.com for only $3.99 - well worth the money! Below is a link to a slide show of the book - I hope you enjoy browsing through the pictures and take time to leave me a comment! It is the comments left by you that continue to make me want to keep posting and sharing files that I create!

My ABC Baby Album

2009-06-13T13:13:00.001-07:00

Here is a link (hope it works) to Photobucket, where the slide show will play. (I hope)http://s92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/cheezer_02/Baby%20Book/?albumview=slideshow

I've Gone to the Bees!

2009-06-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well, on May 16th our two packages of Honey Bees arrived. Bees are very interesting little creatures to say the least. I now clearly understand the meaning of the phrase...Busy as a Bee! Poor little things literally work themselves to death. This ia a picture of one of the hive frames about 3 weeks after the bees were installed. They are already very busy building out the frame combs and her royal highness, Queen bee, is very busy with her only job of laying eggs. The bees are so cute when their hind legs and pollen sacs are full of pollen - I call them "The Cheetos Girls" because they look like they are carrying Cheetos on their legs - LOL
I'll update now and then on their progress - and hope to stay free of stings in the meantime! So far...so good!

Mother's Day 2009

2009-06-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yet again I could not decide what to make for Mother's Day cards.... so I made and gave two. The first is a "Z" card inspired by cards that I have seen on Angel Stamper's blog. The teapot and teacup are paper piecing patterns that I duplicated in Inkscape and made into svg. files so that I could cut them using my Cricut machine.

The pop-up flower card is a file that ScrappedLives was so kind to share! It is a beautiful card to put together! You should check out both of these blogs for more of their creative projects! I think both my mother and mother-in-law liked both of their cards!

Teagan's First Birthday Cards

2009-06-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

So far I have these two cards that I made to choose from for my niece's 1st birthday. The first is a little girl outfit card which I made using a pattern and SCAL. The front of the card is the side with the bunny in the pocket and the back has the rubber ducky sticking out the back pocket.

The other is a paper piecing teddy. I think I may even work on a few more before I decide...that's one problem I always have when I sit down to make something....I always think I can make something better than the last. (This is how I usually make and sometimes give more than one card)! Thanks for looking!

Kaylee the Tear Bear

2009-06-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest addition to my tear bears. My daughter was getting upset that I was making all these cute bears and giving them away on cards. So I made one especially for her. I think she looks darling in her pink and white gingham outfit. I actually used some tulle from the slip
that I wore on my wedding day to accent the top. These bears are very addicting.

2009-05-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

Just wanting to wish a Happy Mother's Day to everyone who happened upon my site today! Enjoy your day - I'll be spending some of mine crafting, of course!!

Felicity the Fairy Bear

2009-05-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

My daughter's boyfriend asked me if I'd make a card for his mother for Mother's Day. (He actually asked me what I would charge for a card - LOL - like VISA homemade cards are priceless!)

His mom loves fairies so I thought this cute "Tear Bear" fairy bear would be perfect. She was the smallest one that I have made so far, and I am finding out the smaller the harder! She was fun to make though and I am happy with the way she turned out!

A Card by My MOM

2009-05-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

Since she won't post her work .... like any good daughter, I'll post it for her. This is the absolutely adorable card that my mother made for my daughter's 20th birthday. My daughter is currently in school to become a Medical Assistant and her card is perfect! I am not sure how well the picture does it justice...it's 3-D! I think you did a FANTASTIC job on this card mom (yes, I know you'll read this sooner or later). I am sure that Sarah will cherish it for years to come! Mom, you should be very proud ~ you are one very talented lady! Love You!

Mother's Day Cards Teaser

2009-05-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Coming soon...sorry I can't post pictures or else MY MOM will see her card before she gets it on Mother's Day!!!

Beatrice in her Buggy

2009-05-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

My second Tear Bear (and last) for today. Again, I plan on using this somehow in a baby card for another co-worker. (If there is something in the water, I don't want any - LOL)

I think I'd change the buggy a little next time, maybe make it a little deeper???

I used a pattern from "606 Paper Piecing Patterns" and imported to Inkscape, then made pattern pieces to cut in Sure-Cuts-A-Lot. (Sure is a lot of work too!!)
I am having tons of fun though...and that's what really matters!

A Wagon for Clarice

2009-05-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

No...I haven't been couped up in my scrap room for too long...so my little bears need something to do. I made a little red and white polka-dot wagon for Clarice to sit in. She looks pretty cute, even if I do say so myself.

This pattern, along with Clarice and the other Tear Bears come from a new CD I purchased from here: http://www.paperwishes.com/categories/craft-books-9.html?category_id=0&browsing=92. They are a great site...Great service and very fast shipping!

The CD is fantastic! Now using SCAL I can make a ton of paper piecing creations.

Thanks for looking!

Stella and her Snuggie

2009-05-03T13:51:00.001-07:00

Okay...so I swore I wasn't going to get addicted to Tear Bears....yeah, right!!! Pretty soon my family is going to sign me up for CA (Craft's Anonymous!)

Here is sweet little Stella. She will be part of a baby shower card for a co-worker. Of course the card part is yet to be finished and I'll post a pic of that when done. She was really fun to make!

Meet Clarice

2009-05-02T17:53:00.001-07:00

Okay so now paper piecing has me trying my hand at making Tear Bears - Clarice, (I always name my creations), was my very first try. She's all dressed up and ready to go. Tear Bears are fun to make but also a lot of work to get them to look half way decent, (and I am rather a stickler for a nice looking project) - but I think she came out rather cute. I will definitely try another - though I'm not sure that this will become one of my growing addictions! Let me know what you think!!

Mermaid Birthday Card

2009-04-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

Here's another paper piecing pattern that I made from a coloring book. My 20 yr. old daughter and I have this on going joke about mermaids and I thought it would be a fun card to make. (Hopefully she gets the joke and doesn't think it's too childish). It was a LOT of work and I had trouble figuring out exactly what to put on the card along with the mermaid. Luckily I had bought a MS punch on clearance and thought it would make cute sea urchins. Let me know what you think. I may have slightly gone overboard embellishing...but I know I've said it before, sometimes it's hard to stop!!!

Raggedy Ann & Andy

2009-04-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here is MY official first paper piecing project that I made from an online coloring page. The process was rather involved - import the picture into Inkscape - trace and save each individual piece - and then cut with Sure-Cuts-A-Lot. But...I love the finished project and I am quite proud of the way they both came out. I am so enjoying using both my Cricut and the Design Studio and my new program Sure-Cuts-A-Lot. I'd love to hear what you think ~ so leave me a comment if you'd like~

Thank You Loopy Lou!

2009-04-22T16:46:00.001-07:00

THANK YOU SO MUCH LOOPY LOU FOR THIS KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD!
I was excited just to read the comment you left, and when I saw this it really made me smile!
Here are the RULES for this AWARD:
1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs, letting them know they have been nominated.

These are the 7 things about myself that people might find interesting (maybe-maybe not)
1. I love cleaning! I know this may sound weird, but it actually relaxes me and puts me in a good mood.
2. I love my fur babies (2 doggies & 2 kitties). They are spoiled rotten!
3. I keep finding new additions (and addictions) to add to my crafting. (I am going to need a BIGGER room soon)
4. I am a huge fan of Harry Potter. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the books and are upset that there will be no more!
5. I have never flown in an airplane and are quite afraid to do so!
6. I have never been outside of the U.S.A.
7. I will be married to my sweetheart 25 years this August!

Now here are my 7 nominees: (wish I could nominate tons more!)
Vicki - http://angelstamper2.blogspot.com/
Ruth - http://ruelysicreativecards.blogspot.com/
Jen - http://jensbrainthings.blogspot.com/
Diane - http://capadiadesigns.blogspot.com/
Paper, Scissors, Ink - http://www.paperscissorsinc.com/
Mel - http://melstampz.blogspot.com/
Okie - http://okieladybugsscrapnmore.blogspot.com/

Please visit these sites along with the ones in my "Gotta Love These Blogs" and get a lot of inspiration!

My Newest Addiction - Paper Piecing

2009-04-22T16:31:00.001-07:00

When will I ever learn to stop surfing the web for craft projects.

I stumbled upon several blogs and sites for paper piecing - of course this looked interesting - so I thought, heck, why not add it to my list of addictions!

It didn't take too long to become addicted - after my very first piece - I was already hooked.

It can be a little time consuming, but I love the look of the finished project.

Now that I have Sure-Cuts-A-Lot along with my Cricut, I can cut the patterns out with a machine rather than all by hand. These are my first two projects.

The patterns are taken from a Yahoo Group called Paper Piecing and were made by one of the moderators, Kristal.

Bunnies, Bunnies, Bunnies!

2009-04-09T13:44:00.001-07:00

Last night I spent about 6 hours making these tiny treat boxes for the 36 children, in the two classrooms where I am a remedial paraprofessional. I re-created a bunny face and feet designed by Jody P. (from the Cricut Messageboard) and designed my own teeny treat box with a window. I filled the boxes with Smartie candies.

They were truly a labor of love! Nothing justifies spending hours crafting like the smile and genuine thank you of a child!

Easter Baskets

2009-04-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

I made crafty Easter Baskets for my older children this year. They know that their mom is a Craft Addict, so they should expect nothing less! The basket is from Mel Stampz blog - http://melstampz.blogspot.com/ - it is called a Rolling Hills basket. If you aren't familar with her blog - go check it out!

The sheep is from Paper, Scissors, Ink - http://www.paperscissorsinc.com/ - and you should definitely check out her blog too!

So as you can see, I can't take any credit for the design of this one - they were definitely a lot of fun to make though!

My VERY Productive Day!

2009-03-26T14:57:00.001-07:00

Today was a very productive day !

A Mother's Bragging Rights!

2009-03-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

I just had to share the little bulletin boards that my son had to make for his Early Childhood class. The assignment was to come up with a lesson plan, and then build a bulletin board around that. Well, of course I let him use my Cricut ~ and they came out beautiful! Now he realizes just how long it can take to make something from start to finish. Each of these took MANY hours to complete. He just got his grades back last night - needless to say - and this is the bragging part - he got an 100 on both! So proud!

My First Attempt At SCAL

2009-03-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

I had been hearing so many great things about the Sure Cuts A Lot program and cutting with the Cricut machine that I finally had to jump into the fire and buy one for myself. It has been a learning process - to say the least - and I am learning - slow but sure. This is my first attempt (so please don't laugh) at creating a file from a graphic I found on Google of my favorite mouse, Mickey!

I was quite please with it for a first try!

My Version of a One Cupcake Box

2009-03-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

There have been many versions of the cupcake box bouncing around - here is mine. It will hold one, very nicely decorated cupcake. There is a front cutout for viewing the cupcake when the box is closed. Again this cutout could be interchanged with other shapes, as long as it remains the about the same size.

I'd love to see your creations!

Boxes - My One Cupcake Box with Window.cassell.cut

A Matchbook Purse

2009-03-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

I know these have been done before but not yet by me! Here is a Matchbook Fold-over Purse. You place your goodies in clear bags (found at Walmart) and then staple them under the inside flap. Fold over the scallop top, tie with a ribbon bow and your done. How much easier could that be! A favorite of mine for a quick but cute goodies bag!

Purses - My Matchbook Fold-over purse.cut

A Box W/Attached Cover

2009-03-26T14:34:00.001-07:00

Another box - one can never have enough boxes, I say - saw a similar one on Angel Stamper's blog and had to recreate one for the Cricut. I used a bunny cut out for the front of mine, since Easter is fast approaching; but any shape can be interchanged. Since it's not too big, I was able to make it within the 6x12 mat for the Baby Bug too! Enjoy!

Boxes - My Interchangable Cutout with attached cover.cut

My Love of Boxes Continues...

2009-03-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Here is rather cute, larger box for holding anything you desire to fill it with. It has a front cutout - which you could switch out for different occasions. It measures about 5" wide by 2" deep. This one is a little too big for Baby Buggers (sorry) and was made with Plantin Schoolbook. (This has been my cartridge of choice for making cutfiles with lately)

Boxes - My Interchangable Cutout with separate cover.cut

Mini Bon-Bon Boxes

2009-03-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

These Bon-Bon holders were actually modeled after ones that I saw on the Scor-Pal site, Feb. 09 E-zine. They would probably hold a couple nuggets or something similar in size. Both holders are on the one file. They were made with Plantin Schoolbook with the Baby Bug mat. There is a page for both showing the scoring lines so be sure NOT to cut that page when making some! Enjoy!

Boxes - My Bon Bon 2-3.cut

A Big Bon-Bon Box

2009-03-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

If you checked out Scor-Pal projects lately, you'll see in the Feb. 09 E-Zine, that this BonBon Box was made strictly using a Scor-Pal. I figured why not try to duplicate something similar with the Design Studio. Much easier to cut!

This is the larger - with the base measuring just about 2 1/2" square. Probably big enough for a Reese PB Cup. (Of course there is NO chocolate in my house when I need it!-LOL)

Made using Plantin Schoolbook - since I figured more people have that than George!

Boxes - My Bon Bon 1.cut

A Tiny-Teeny Box

2009-03-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

I saw a similar box on Angel Stamper's blog and thought this would be easy to recreate in Design Studio. It's a cute little box for holding just the right amount of tiny treats. The finished box measures only 2" x 2". There are two files - one for George and one for Plantin Schoolbook. (Both on one file) It is Baby Bug compatible!

I think I will be making these for the kids in my classes - not too big and not too hard to make!

Boxes - My Candy Box.cassell.cut

Cards from Templates

2009-03-26T14:07:00.001-07:00

Here are a few cards that I made with a template I purchased from "Hot Off the Press". One is called a Giant Spiral Card and one a Giant Flower Card. I got lazy with these and actually bought the templates instead of trying to make one. I am always looking for a different card to make and give.

My Harley Davidson Card

2009-03-26T14:04:00.001-07:00

Here is a card I made for my hubby's friend. He loves Harleys! Thanks to Leah (BeeCherryLady) on the Cricut forum for the Harley Davidson logo file. The inside was made with the Paper Dolls cartridge - just changing some of the clothes to fit a Harley hog!

Finally Getting Around To Posting

2009-03-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Boy, it's been a busy week! I am really excited about my new program - Sure Cuts A Lot! I have been trying to absorb all the tutorials I can regarding using Inkscape and SCAL. Hopefully soon I will have some new files to share - but not to worry - I'll still be making files with the Cricut Design Studio too!

What's Next to Come?

2009-03-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy this week making some new box cut files. Some that I have seen on the Scor-pal site and some similar to ones I have seen while surfing the net. I still have to run a few of them through the Cricut and test to make sure they will both cut correctly and assemble properly. I tried to make most of the files using the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge, as I know not everyone has George & Basic Shapes. Many of the files will work with the Baby Bug!

I had an ah-ha moment when I finally figured out a way to Cricut and spend time with the family. Now that my laptop has the DS installed on it as well as my Desktop, I create my files on my laptop and then download them to my desktop through 4shared files.com - At least now I don't hear complaints that I am spending too much time in my craft room!

So...check back this weekend for a few new postings and cut files!

** Check back about mid-week - I just bought SCAL and have been playing around with it and had absolutely no time to download to my blog!

Stepper Box

2009-03-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

I found this wonderful box while surfing the net for ideas. You can find a great detailed tutorial to make one here:

http://stampinterri.typepad.com/stampin_terri/files/fantasy_keepsake_boxes.doc I did make a cut file for all the different sized boxes you will need, although a file for this is not really needed unless you are going to make them in a large quantity. I used just my regular paper cutter to make mine! The cut file was made in George, but can easily be made in any cartridge that has a square on it.

Just wanted to share a really fun, fairly easy box to make that I think is just too cute once assembled.

Boxes - My Stepper Box.cassell.cut

House Box/Bank

2009-03-08T07:51:00.001-07:00

Here is a cute box which can also be used as a bank. Just be sure to use really tacky tape if using this as a bank. I love Terrifically Tacky Tape for all my projects that I really need a good adhesive. I'd love to see what anyone does with this file as the embellishing ideas are endless!

Some hints for assembling:

I found it easier to embellish the house box before gluing it together because I could push the pieces down much harder than if it was already in its box shape. When scoring the scallop roof edging, score the short side at 1/4" and then turn and score the long edge at 3" (since the edging is 6" long this is half). Cut from the scalloped side just til you reach the other score mark NOT all the way through. This will allow the edging to bend over each other.

When gluing the roof on, I carefully place my hand inside the box from the bottom and this allowed me to put pressure on the house roof tabs onto the roof piece itself.

(Hopefully this wasn't confusing!)

Boxes - My House Savings Bank Box.cassell.cut

My First Word Book

2009-02-28T18:07:00.001-08:00

My first word book. A lot of work - but so fun to decorate and embellish. This was made for my great-niece, Teagan, as a present for her christening.
Word books could actually become quite addicting - like I need another craft addiction!

My Daughter's Room

2009-02-28T17:35:00.000-08:00

The first wall mural that I ever painted was this one for my daughter's new bedroom. She wanted a picket fence with flowers and, of course, a bunny. Since then, her room has been painted over with a couple of different color schemes. This summer I hope to paint a portrait of Marilyn Monroe on her closet doors.

My Son's Room

2009-02-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

This is a painting that I did for my son's room when he was younger. Zelda was painted on his door - to stand guard over those who dared to enter. He is older now and would probably prefer to have his door once again white - but somehow I just haven't mustered up enough strength to paint over all that hard work!

Circle Handle Mini Purse

2009-02-28T17:23:00.001-08:00

One more different take on the mini purse. My sample is pretty plain - but could be dressed out really cutely! I can see this one done up in beach colors. It is VERY easy to assemble.

Purses - My_Purse__4.cassell.cut

Scallop Edged Mini Purse

2009-02-28T17:17:00.001-08:00

Perfect for party favors or just the right size to hold a gift card. I am having lots of fun creating different types of mini purses. I also think this would make a really cute small Easter purse. It is Baby Bug compatible!

I should mention that for this purse, you cut out two of the main purse pieces. Then glue the bottom flaps together. The side tabs will not meet, but will be glued to the purse strap.
Purses - Purse_5.cassell.cut

Happy Birthday Son!

2009-02-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a really simple (my brain is not working on a more complicated scheme at the moment) money or gift holder made with the Going Places cartridge. I almost forgot I even had this cartridge. I was looking for a camera, and low and behold I found one and happened to rediscover I had bought Going Places!

All I did was cut two camera shapes, with one having the circle for the acetate lense. The envelope is one of the slider envies on the cartridge itself. Simple but perfect for my son, a very fine photographer in the making!

Taking Time From Crafting

2009-02-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

I know, take my temperature, because something must be wrong. Seems I have the winter blahs! I know it's bad when I don't even feel like crafting!

Hope to have some new things to post this weekend!

Mini Purse #2

2009-02-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

Here's a mini purse that measures about 2 1/2 inches tall x 1 3/4 inches wide. Again, it can hold whatever you wish to fill it with. I'd love to see what others do with my files, so please, if you make any .... share, share, share pictures!

Purses - My_Purse__3.cassell.cut

Mini Purse #1

2009-02-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

I just posted these to the Cricut Messageboard. Two new mini purses - to hold whatever goodies you wish. This one is about 3 1/2 inches tall and about 1 1/2 inches wide. I didn't embellish this one yet, but wanted to get a picture up. I also included a picture to help show where to score.

Purses - My_Purse__2.cassell.cut

A Wall of Quotes

2009-02-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

I know, call me crazy, but this too took me a total of 24 hours to paint. It is a wall in my sitting room that was just calling out to me for attention. There are a total of 24 historical quotes - some from the American Revolution, Civil War, and some from historical speeches. I first printed each quote on my computer in a banner format. I then taped them together (to get the size right) - used white chalk on the back to get the quote onto the wall - and then used white paint to painstakingly paint each and every letter by hand. The top picture is a close up of the quotes, and of course, of the bottom picture is of the entire wall.

I am very pleased with the way this project turned out!

A Full Size Wall Mural

2009-02-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

This is a wall mural I painted for my neice as a birthday present a few years back. I took a piece of her matching wall border, and having a wall projector, drew the image onto her wall. Then proceeded to paint. It took me a total of 24 hours over a weeks time to finish it. We had to keep her out of her room til then, as it was a surprise! (The seam down the middle is because it was too large to fit into one picture, and therefore is two pictures taped together). It is one of my projects that I am most proud of. Definitely a labor of love!

And the 3 Nugget Purse...

2009-02-15T13:36:00.001-08:00

Here is the 3 nugget purse. This one, the top of the purse can actually tuck inside the box. (I couldn't wait to post - so I could eat the nuggets - LOL)

Nugget Boxes - My_3_nugget_purse.cassell.cut

New Ways to Give Nuggets -

2009-02-15T13:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, Nugget Purses...

There was a tutorial for making these over at Inspirational Techniques & Tutorials.blogspot.com. Of course they were made all by hand. Well, I just couldn't leave well enough alone, and created two cut files. One for a 2 nugget purse, and one for a 3 nugget purse. I think they are just darling!

This one is the 2 nugget purse. The closure on this one is a tiny velcro dot.

Nugget Boxes - My_2_nugget_purse.cassell.cut

Teapot Gift Card Holder

2009-02-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

After seeing a teapot gift holder by the very talented Susan Edwards on the Cricut Messageboard, I knew I had to have one. Unfortunately, I didn't have the Dreams Come True cartridge that she used to make hers...so I decided to try to recreate one using George and Plantin Schoolbook. I think it came out pretty darn good. I can't wait to have a reason to give one away!

Gift Card Holder - my_teapot2.cut

What I Worked On Today...Part Two...

2009-02-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

The second project I finished today was this Valentine for my daughter. I used the file from Carla over at ScappedLives. The file is for a multifunctional holder. There are many pockets to make and add, inside and/or out. Inside I only added one pocket for a box of Andes mints. I just love this file - Carla is one very talented lady! You should hop on over to her blog - there is a link to it under my "Gotta Love These Blogs" section over on the right hand side!

What I Worked On Today...Part One...

2009-02-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to have the day off of work today, so what else would I choose to do but craft! Just think, house to myself, no one to bug me...heaven!

Today I worked on two Valentine projects. This first one is an original design of mine for a "Key To My Heart" card. It is entirely made from the GBS cartridge. It was one of those ideas that kept running through my mind so today was a good day to act on it. I've included the cut file, if any one is interested.

Cards - My Heart Valentine.cut

Milk Carton & Carrier

2009-02-13T09:34:00.000-08:00

Here too, is my version of a carrier with 4 tiny milk cartons. I actually have not made any myself (now what's wrong with that picture) other than the sample one I always cut before sharing. But, I added two links to the Cricut Messageboard and two fabulous projects that were created using this file. There are different versions of this carrier made in different sizes, so do some digging if this one isn't right for you! I've included this picture to help you with the scoring of the top of the milk cartons.

Check out what these two very talented ladies made using this file. Thanks ladies for sharing with me!

http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/tm.aspx?m=3987623
http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/tm.aspx?m=3983329

Boxes - My milk carton and carrier (4).cut

Oragami Box

2009-02-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

Head on over to http://www.scor-pal.com/projects.htm and check out their projects section. All of these projects DO NOT require a cutting machine, like the Cricut, to complete. Most of them are fairly easy to make. This is just a sample of one of their boxes. It was made from one sheet of 12x12 paper. I really liked the way it opened. Sometimes, I still enjoy doing projects the old fashioned way - without my fabulous Cricut!

Gift Card Wallet

2009-02-13T09:06:00.001-08:00

This is my version of a gift card wallet that I had seen floating around. I made these for my father and father-in-law for Father's Day. I put lottery tickets in the front pockets and actual money in the main section of the wallet. This would make a great graduation gift too! The file contains cuts for George and Plantin Schoolbook. There are pages for the Baby Bug, along with pages for the Big Bug. Enjoy!

Gift holder -My Wallet george OR plan schbk..cut

Small Party Favor

2009-02-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a small party favor that I created to be used for any special occasion. It can be filled with small candies or treats. When finished, it measures about 5.25" x 1.25" . I think one would look great at each place setting for a party.

Made with GBS cartridge.

Boxes - My Party Favor.cut

Baby Bug Nugget Files - Request Here, Please

2009-02-13T08:52:00.000-08:00

I have finally gotten around to resizing some of my nugget boxes to be used with the Baby Bug. There are four files in all -
one with a 2 nugget & 3 nugget box
one with both a 4 long (4x1) and 4 short (2x2) boxes
one with a 5 nugget & an 8 nugget box
and one with a 6 nugget (2x3) box.
You will have to leave request for my files here in the comment box - BUT be sure to leave an email address for me to send them to. If you are a member of the Cricut Messageboard you can just PM me. This is the easiest way for me to get the files out to you. Sorry for the inconvenience! Would you please also let me know that the files I sent made it to you safe and sound. (there are times when my attachments don't work!)

Swinging!

2009-02-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

For this layout I wanted to do some editing of the picture before making a scrapbook page. My son was swinging at my parent's house, and their swing just happened to be hanging off of the poles of their clothesline. At the time, it was full of clothes, and didn't make for the best background. So I searched for images in one of my computer programs and found this tree. I very carefully cut out my son and the swing from the picture and combined the two together.

Valentine Bookmarks

2009-02-13T08:12:00.000-08:00

Working in two 3rd grade classrooms, and being a remedial reading paraprofessional, I decided for Valentine's Day to make the student's their own personalized bookmarks for their books. (They get way too much candy from everyone else!) I combined three Cricut cartridges to make these, George, PDDU, and Cricut Keystone. It took me about 3 hours to make 36 bookmarks. I then brought them to school so I could laminate them (one of the perks of working in a school), used by Big Crop-A-Dile to punch eyelets, and added the ribbon. They got a big kick out of them. (Of course, I did also give them a heart shaped lollipop to go along with them).

On The Road Again....

2009-02-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a page I did for my daughter's book for the day she got her driver's license. The big yellow sign was actually something we put in the rear window of our van while she was learning. This helped keep the impatient drivers from honking and getting upset since she WAS doing the actual posted speed limits!!
I added a scanned image of her actual driver's license (with the mug shot picture - LOL) and added some Cricut made signs and a road for the finishing touches.

Nuts About You!

2009-02-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

Here's a nutty idea for a Valentine's Day Card. It was made using the Doodlecharms cartridge. There was a similar idea in the March issue of PaperCrafts Mag. and I thought a cut file just had to be made. Happy early Valentine's Day!

cards - My acorn card.cut

All Big Bug Nugget Box Request Here, Please

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

If you are interested in any of my nugget box files - please leave a comment with your email address, and which of the nugget boxes you are interested in. I will gladly email the files to you. I am getting no response from 4shared.com regarding the abuse, and therefore would like to get them out to you this way...sorry for the inconvenience! Just to let you know that this is not an automatic email response, where if you leave a message, the file will automatically be sent to you. So it is very important that you leave your email address, so I can, in return, send you an email with the files - when you receive the files would you kindly leave me a message here so that I know they made it to you! Thanks!

Umbrella Shower Cards

2009-02-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

A quick card I made to be used for Baby or Bridal showers. For some strange reason, I have babies on my mind, so I decorated mine for that purpose. This file has a Big Bug file and a Baby Bug file - the Baby Bug card is a trifold, whereas the Big Bug card only the umbrella lifts up. I hope you enjoy this and please, if you make any cards, share them with me by posting on the Cricut Messageboard.

Cards - My Umbrella Shower Card.cut

Where's My Blankie?

2009-02-01T07:21:00.001-08:00

This is another layout I did for my now 22 year old son's scrapbook. I got interested in scrapbooking when my kids were in their teens, and had a lot of catching up to do. (Of course scrapping is now much more fun with my Cricut!)
On this page he is getting a much needed "snuggie fix". It was SO cute, we were having fun playing outside when all of a sudden he heads for my laundry drying on the line - insert thumb in mouth - all better!

Dress Card

2009-02-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

There was an adorable little dress card in the March/April issue of Paper Crafts magazine, and so I got this idea for my own dress card. There are two different styles - one a little bit fancier than the other. I can see this made for baby girl shower invitations, announcements, parties, and so much more!

Cards - My Dress Card.cut

Cards - My Baby Bug Dress Card.cut

A Big Thank You!

2009-01-29T13:35:00.000-08:00

I'd just like to say "Thanks" to everyone for their nice comments either here on my Blog or through the Cricut Messageboard. Your kind words mean a lot, and help to inspire creativity! So...

THANK YOU!

My "Son" o-gram!

2009-01-29T13:29:00.000-08:00

This was pre-Cricut so I had to cut out the pregnant silhouette by hand...again I saw this layout in one of my many idea books and thought it was a cute way to scrap your ultrasound pictures. I think it's a perfect way to share baby's REAL first pictures.

Lip Balm Bag

2009-01-29T13:08:00.001-08:00

and then you open and viola...

This design is NOT mine and thus I CANNOT take credit for the creativity... but I did make it easier to make by creating a cut file. I think it is cute for chapstick, but I could also see those tiny tubes of perfume inserted through the slits too!

Here are some basic instructions for assembling:

After cutting out the pieces, score the outer layer on the long edge at 1/2" and 3 1/2" then flip card and score the opposite end at 3".

For the inner layer (the part for the chapstick) score at 2 3/4" from each of the sides.

Next fold down the 1/2" top, adhere your purse handles, then adhere the band over and around it. Use the circle layers to cover your seam. (Now the bottom half of the purse will tuck inside this).

Glue together your inner and outer layers BUT be careful NOT to glue the section that will hold the chapstick. Gently insert your chapstick as the paper slits will tear easily. These have to be snug enough to keep the lip balm from sliding out. Now you can embellish as you see fit. (Although you MUST apply lipstick and put the lips on yourselves! LOL)

Cards -My Lip Balm Gift Card.cut

Cards - My Baby Bug Lip Balm Holder.cut

Let Me Bug You About My.....

2009-01-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

This is my take on the photo wallets that I've seen bouncing around on the Cricut Messageboard and also at SplitCoastStampers. My wallet file was designed as one solid piece, so unfortunately it won't be Baby Bug compatible. ( - I do believe Capadia made one for Baby Buggers - )
I've included pages for the layers for the journaling and/or photo mats. This one was designed using the George cartridge, but could easily be converted for Plantin Schoolbook.
Here it is partially opened...

and here it is fully opened...

Photo - My Photo Wallet.cut

A Candy Shaped Card

2009-01-28T16:34:00.000-08:00

~ Here is one of my favorite shaped cards that can be used for any occasion. I call this "My Candy Shaped Card". I first used this design at Christmas with stamped images of snowmen in the center. (of course I didn't take pictures of those - LOL). I can see this card decorated in SO many different ways - really dressed up or really simple - This is just a quick one I made for Valentine's Day ~

Cards - My Candy Shaped Card.cut

Candy Wrapper

2009-01-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

I was surfing my favorite blogs and came across this cute little candy cover. I thought, now this would be a really easy .cut file to make, so I set out to design one. I used the 12 x 6 mat so that it would be Baby Bug compatible. The first page of the file is the wrapper itself. The next two pages are added edge designs which you can use if you wish. If you choose to use these added designs, do not remove your wrapper from the mat before you make these cuts.

Candy Cover - My 4 pc. Nugget Wrap.cut

Halloween Calendar

2009-01-28T15:09:00.001-08:00

This is a cute layout that I found in one of my old scrapbooking books. I thought it would work great for a Halloween layout. I made it look like a calendar page, and for each day of the week is a picture of my son at Halloween when he was that age.

For instance on October 1 - he was one yr. old, Oct. 2 - he was two years old, etc.

I've used this same layout for Christmas photos of my kids opening their presents. Cute idea I think.

Rocky Page

2009-01-24T08:04:00.000-08:00

Here is a layout I made WAY back in 2002 - I had each family member pose holding on to big boulders, then carefully cut around each, mounted them onto black paper and stacked them on top of each other - I think it came out rather interesting looking.

Round Gatefold Card

2009-01-24T08:00:00.001-08:00

This is another really cute idea for a card - I can see it being used for so many occasions - it was made with my Big Cricut Bug and the George and Basic Shapes cartridge, but there are two files, one for the Big Bug and one for the Baby Bug.
When it is done - it fits nicely into an invitation size envelope. Hope you like!
Cards - My round gatefold card.cut
Cards - My Baby Bug Round Gatefold Card.cut

Love, Love, Love Nugget Boxes

2009-01-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few of the nugget boxes I have made. I just love these for any occasion! But then again, I am addicted to boxes!
I've given them to the teachers I work with at the end of the year ("It's been SWEET working with you" on the tag), made them for Halloween, used them at my kid's birthday parties (w/their baby pictures printed on labels and stuck over the nuggets), and given them for prizes for games played at showers.
They are pretty easy to assemble and no matter what size, all assemble in the same fashion. Below are some of the cut files I have managed to make for these. There is also a cut file for the tag, made from the WIMG cartridge. As of now, you will need the Big Bug to cut these (I will be adjusting my files shortly to accommodate the Baby Bug too!!)
Hope you enjoy!

I wanted to share with you some nugget boxes Debbie made and posted on the Cricut Messageboard - Great job Debbie!
http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/tm.aspx?m=3985471

Invasion of the Spiders

2009-01-19T07:32:00.000-08:00

Working in two different classes in school and having about 40 kids total that I see daily, I loved this idea for Halloween. The kids absolutely loved them - many saved the spider after they ate the peppermint and used it as a pencil topper. This file has multiple spiders on it so it's easy to to make them in large numbers. The files is also arranged at the top of a 12x12 mat and can easily be cut from the Baby Bug too!

Candy Cover - My Spiders.cut

Teacup

2009-01-19T07:24:00.000-08:00

This is another very simple idea for a quick and cute gift. This cup will hold your favorite teabag. Again a great teacher or "thinking of you" gift. On this one I used my Cuttlebug to emboss it and make it look like a china cup. I can see this decorated so many different ways!

Boxes - My Teacup.cut

Boxes - My Baby Bug Teacup.cut

Snowman Soup or Coffee Packet Mugs

2009-01-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a cut file for a mug to hold cocoa or coffee packets. There are two different style handles on the one file. These make really cute teacher gifts and again are simple to make.

Sometiimes it's all about the simplicity -

Boxes - My Coffee Mug.cut

Boxes - My Baby Bug Coffee Mugs.cut

Baby Bib Card

2009-01-18T17:44:00.000-08:00

This baby bib card can be made on both the Baby Bug and the Expression. It fits into an Invitation size envelope when folded. It would make adorable shower invites or thank yous. If you use this cut file, I'd love to see some of your creations!

Check out what Debbie made using this file - she was very creative - Thanks so much for sharing on the Cricut Messageboard.

http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/tm.aspx?m=3963671

Cards - My baby bib card.cut
Cards - My Baby Bug Baby Bib.cut

A Page from Vacation

2009-01-18T17:26:00.000-08:00

Another of my favorite non-cricut scrapbook pages.

This one is from our water rafting trip we took back in 2004. It was a really fun experience - unfortunately for us it was kinda cool weather and towards the end of the day it really downpoured. We made the most of it though, and I think our two boats had the most fun of all. The water was freezing (the coldest water I have ever felt!!!) My poor sister-in-law didn't want to go in, and said that if Cindy went in she would. Poor thing, next thing she knew, over I went - and she had to too!

I really like the dimensional layout in this one.

Meet the Kitties

2009-01-18T17:10:00.000-08:00

Can't leave the cats out of the picture. Since you've met the dogs, you gotta met the cats. Here we have our silly Sophia Loren. She loves to find the craziest places to sleep. Here she is in our closet wedged into our sock basket. Scared me half to death when I went in.
This is Minnie Mouse. The oldest of all of our pets. Not sure if it's a Calico thing or her age, but she sure can be moody. She loves to be pet, but just watch out, because once she's had enough - she'll bite you.

Gift Card Holders

2009-01-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

I always like to have a few of these on hand in case I need them. These are very easy to assemble and decorate. I like to use my Cuttlebug to emboss both the tag and card holder. These have become one of my favorite gift card holders to make because of the simplicity and because they can be used for any occasion!

Gift Card Holder - My Baby Bug Library Card & Tag.cut

Organization 101

2009-01-18T16:50:00.000-08:00

I just loved to be organized - call it a sickness - but I truly believe that there's a place for everything, and everything has its place.

The latest thing I actually got organized was my scrap paper.

I bought a large expandable folder and labeled each section with color names or pattern names. Now I always go there first when needing a piece of paper. No longer are all my scraps in one HUGE pile collecting dust...and I'm sure you know how fast all those scraps add up. Hope this gives someone else an idea for scrap paper organization!

Carousel Treat Holder

2009-01-18T16:41:00.000-08:00

I must say that I am addicted to boxes and candy covers. This one is really simple to make and can be used for many different things - candy, cocoa or coffee packets - you name it.

Boxes - My Carousel Note Treat Holder.cut

Boxes - Baby Bug Carousel Treat Holder.cut

Birthday Hat Box

2009-01-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a cut file for a Birthday Hat shaped box made with the Cricut and GBS cartridge. It has a side opening and can hold tiny treats inside. I also posted a picture of the scoring lines, as this may help in assembling the box.
The box is a side closure - so you can load in your goodies in the back of the box - the basic instructions are you will glue the bottom tabs on each side (for a total of 4) with a good sticky glue (I use Terrifically Tacky Tape). Do not glue the one front tab on the bottom as this will line up with the back closure. Now just load your goodies and insert the back tabs into the slots. Do not glue the side of the box! I tried one and loaded Hershey Nuggets into mine and it held up great! Also there is a straight strip on this file - it is just another option for a brim - maybe more masculine -

Boxes - My birthday hat box.cut

I hope you like!

Meet Little Miss Liberty Belle

2009-01-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

All is fair in love and war. And since I posted a picture of our other dog, Hannah, I just had to give some cyber time to Libby Bear too. She is our 5 lb. toy poodle who my daughter just HAD to have. (But...guess who potty trained her, feeds her, etc. - you get the point)

She is totally adorable though..cute enough to be a stuffed animal! It's very funny to see her boss around our black lab, who out weighs her by 65 lbs.

Small but feisty!!

My Love of Painting, Too!

2009-01-18T11:51:00.000-08:00

One of my other crafting hobbies is painting murals and pictures. This is one I did for the boy my daughter babysits for. It is of Tidus from the video game Final Fantasy. I couldn't wait to give it to him, and he was really surprised by it.

I'll be sharing some of my other paintings with you from time to time. I hope you enjoy looking at them!

Okay, there is a story behind this one!

2009-01-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

One day, when my son was still very small, he came across his picture that they took at the hospital of him on the day he was born. Now after being in labor for TOO many hours to count and pushing for TOO many more hours to count, I finally had an emergency C-section.

When he finally arrived, his head was quite mis-shaped from being stuck in the birth canal all that time.

So...and here's the story behind the picture. When he saw his picture for the very first time, he thought it was a picture of E.T.

We still don't let him live that moment down, and to this day (he's almost 23) we still joke about "E.T. phone home!"

Of course, being a mother, I just had to do a page on it, so he'd never, ever forget!

More Scrapbooking...

2009-01-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

I got on the scrapbook wagon when my kids were already in there pre-teens. I had a lot of catching up to do and felt a little bit over-whelmed to say the least. Here is one of my favorite pages (pre-cricut) from my daughter's book. It was taken on Character Day at school. Dr. Seuss was always a big hit at our house!