Craftin' Curt

25 Cards In 25 Days: Numbers 10-14

2011-12-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

Alright, I know I'm a wee bit behind in my posting, but you may have noticed that I altered the title of the post to reflect my new philosophy with this challenge. As every crafter knows, some days you just aren't inspired to create anything. For me, it may take days for me to come up with a design, but when I do, the creativity snowballs until I've created 4 or 5 cards in an evening. So, I've altered my challenge to be 25 Cards in 25 Days: I have 25 days to post 25 cards, not necessarily a post everyday!

With that said, here is the next batch; only 11 more to go!

This one just came to me randomly. I wanted to try making a pop-up card and this is what happened!

This is a very simple, but very effective card. I thought that a simple fan-fold could make a good Christmas tree shape and the rest just came together.

25 Days of Cards 9

2011-12-10T18:11:00.001-08:00

Hello all! I'm a day behind, but it's only because I haven't taken pictures yet! :) I will have a little photo shoot tomorrow and catch up, but until then, here's Day 9:

25 Days of Cards 8

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

25 Days of Cards 7

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I had a vision about this one in AC Moore as I was buying the grungeboard I used for the poinsettia!

25 Days of Cards 6

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Simple, but effective:

25 Days of Cards 5

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

25 Days of Cards 4

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

25 Days of Cards 3

2011-12-03T06:10:00.000-08:00

Girls aren't the only ones who wanna have fun!

25 Days of Cards 2

2011-12-02T06:09:00.000-08:00

Here's Day # 2 and a little something from my Holiday Chic Collection:

25 Days of Cards 1: Interactive Present

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's time again for my 25 Days o the 25 of Cards! Once again, I promise that I will post 25 cards within the 25 days (although I may skip a few days and make them up in the next post!). It's a BIG undertaking and I hope yu join me for the ride!

I love out-of-the-ordinary cards and I came up with this idea based on a flower pot card I made years ago. They are super cute!!

Christmas is Coming!!

2011-11-27T17:45:00.001-08:00

I've been busy lately with craft fairs and card orders, so I'm just getting around to posting what I've been working on! It's the busiest time of year for my crafting (25 Days of Cards beginning soon!), so I'll start the holidays a little early this year:

These are some gift boxes I made. The large one is for a plethora of things for my sister and the small ones will each hold a pair of earrings. There're great because they are very usuable after the holidays (which is why I made them in non-holiday colors!):

Cute and Quilled

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Quilling is something that I really don't do as much as I should. It's super easy and can create some very amazing things, particularly when combining multiple coils into a design. This one, however, is just a simple one using the bunny ear/shield shape. It makes GREAT little tulips!

Flip-Flop Fun...and not to do with footwear!

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is my very first "flip-flop" card. My sister gave me one for my birthday last year, and I managed to finally work up the nerve to give it a shot. I HATE cutting anything by hand, especially the precision cutting needed to make this card work. I also thought there had to be an easier way. So, I made a shortcut for myself by creating a file in MTC (Can also be done with DS or Gypsy). Now, all my future flip-flops can be made in a flash!

Outlawz 1000 Member Party

2011-10-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

The Outlawz social network is having their 1000 Member Party until Sunday. Here are a few projects I created for the MANY contests going on. If you aren't a member, you still have a little time to join and create!

Greeting Challenge

Paper A La Mode Challenge

Color Challenge

My 1st Flap Book

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

I had my 10-year high school reunion back in June and decided to use some of the pics from it to create my first flap book. It was a lot of fun (both the reunion and the crafting!) and I now need to create this keepsake for a few friends as well!

Tee Shirt Fun!

2011-09-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm now ADDICTED to heat transfer vinyl. Audrey Hepburn was my first attempt and now, I can't stop!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Since it's my birthday, I decided to share the last two birthday cards I made. They just so happened to be for my brother (9/13) and my sister (8/25). HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!!!

Weddings, Weddings Everywhere!

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I recently had to create 2 wedding cards back to back. It's around that "other" time of year when weddings begin to take over for those of us who love the cooler months! This particular card gave me SUCH a hard time! Once inspiration hit me (a happy accident, actually), I was very happy with the results! Thank you Zig Glue Pen and MS Glitter!

Happily Together Heart Album

2011-09-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

I got this album at the scrap retreat I went to in July and I really didn't know what to do with the black chipboard hearts staring at me. So, I put in my ear buds to listen to my latest audio book and started working....

Finally Back After A Long Summer

2011-09-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hello All!! Craftin' Curt is back from a summer hiatus. A lot has gone on for me since my last post, but I'm happy that I now have the time again to share my creations with all of you.

One of the highlights of my summer was attending my first Scrap Retreat in Jasper, GA on Sharp Mountain. It was a beautiful location on...a mountain...and has given me LOTS of projects to complete. Here is one that I did at the retreat:

ALTERED FRAMES:

At the Retreat, I was initially at a loss as to what I wanted to work on. My sister gave me an ugly, metal frame that became this:

Shaker Card

2011-05-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

I saw a tutorial for this card about 2 years ago and have been meaning to try it for just that long. One of my nieces turned four over the weekend, so I decided to give it a shot. I didn't remember where I saw the tutorial, but I remembered the basics. I veered from the tutorial and put the "bulk" that creates the shaker effect on the outside of the card rather than the inside. I use dimensional foam a lot on my cards, so it seemed for logical for my needs. By the way, my niece is IN LOVE with the card and has told me "thank you" about a million times!

Side view of layers:

Close-up of "shaker" part:

Mother's Day Cards

2011-05-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

This is a tryptic (if you will) of cards I made for my sisters and sister-in-lawe for Mother's Day. One of my sisters gave me a card like this on my last birthday (September) and I've been meaning to try it out ever since. I must say that I really love this card now because it is VERY simple t make and can be easily adjusted to any size.

Individual Close-ups:

Telephone Card

2011-05-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

I made this card for Administrative Professionals' Day. I'd never used this cut from Wild Card and decided to give it a shot. I ended up creating a tri-fold card that I ended up really liking.

Easter! Easter! Easter!

2011-04-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I'm back from a little hiatus from posting. Somehow, no matter how fast we run, life seems to catch up with us!

Here's a little Easter card that I did that is just plain old fun. I love the spring and all that it brings...except the rain here in Florida. Enjoy!

Yudu Card Shop Review

2011-02-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I got the Yudu Card Shop by Provocraft. As you may have seen on this blog, I already do projects using the full-sized Yudu machine and was really interested in this product. Here's a brief look at what I think about it and the tips I've discovered in the short time I've had it.

Some Valentines

2011-02-01T05:39:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if it's just me, but I love to mail out Valentine's Day cards to my friends and family. I adore the holiday because it's about love and at heart, I'm a hopeless romantic. Here are some that I've been working on:

Dreams Come True!

2011-01-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

After a very frantic holiday season of card making (what I posted on this blog is about 1/3 of the total cards I made!), I'm finally getting around to scrapping my vacation surrounding Thanksgiving.

It was my 3-year-old niece's first trip to The Magic Kingdom and she had a blast. The crowds were minimal, the weather a perfect 60-65 degrees and we got to see Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from The Princess & The Frog...what more can you ask for?

25 Days of Cards: Day 25

2010-12-26T21:11:00.000-08:00

...And a partridge in a pear tree! It's that time and it has been fun doing this!! Happy Holidays Everyone!

25 Days of Cards: Day 24

2010-12-24T20:57:00.000-08:00

Almost there!!! Here we go for toady, Day 24:

25 Days of Cards: Day 23

2010-12-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

We are at "3 french hens" in the famous song....which is only 12 days. Here's Day 23 for us:

25 Days of Cards: Day 22

2010-12-21T21:13:00.000-08:00

I'm in the home stretch!! Here's Day 22:

25 Days of Cards: Day 21

2010-12-21T21:11:00.000-08:00

Another fun card! I was into ornaments for this one and decided to do a little heat embossing.

25 Days of Cards: Day 20

2010-12-20T19:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas time is REALLY here!!! This was a last minute cards that I really ended up liking a lot.

25 Days of Cards: Day 19

2010-12-19T19:47:00.000-08:00

Almost there!!!

This is an exercise in crafting!

25 Days of Cards: Day 18

2010-12-19T19:45:00.000-08:00

25 Days of Cards: Day 17

2010-12-16T23:15:00.000-08:00

It's Day 17 and I'm sharing a simple card that just epitomizes the holiday season. There's nothing like a fire to make it feel like the holiday season.

25 Days of Cards: Day 16

2010-12-16T23:11:00.000-08:00

Day 16 and technically the Third Day of Christmas. Here's the card:

25 Days of Cards: Day 15

2010-12-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

It's Day 15 and that leaves 10 days until Christmas! Here's today's card:

25 Days of Cards: Day 14

2010-12-14T05:28:00.000-08:00

Trim the Tree is a very nice cart and I think I will make some tree ornaments next year using it. For now, I'll settle for some unique cards on Day 14.

25 Days of Cards: Day 13

2010-12-14T05:26:00.000-08:00

Day 13 is upon us! I thought that I'd make a snow globe card and had a lot of fun doing it! I used acetate (transparency) to get the "glass" look.

25 Days of Cards: Day 12

2010-12-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Now that I'm back on track, I give you the card for Day 12. I'm actually about halfway there!! I thought this was a super-cute cut on Jolly Holidays and had to try it out!

25 Days of Cards: Day 11

2010-12-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

Oops guys! I'm a day late with this one, but here's the card for Day 11.

25 Days of Cards: Day 10

2010-12-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Ten days and counting!! I absolutely love this card! It grew very organically from the color scheme I wanted to use and...well, I think it's divine!

25 Days of Cards: Day 9

2010-12-08T21:02:00.000-08:00

Here's another snowman for you! I once again used the "sweater cardstock" for some interest.

25 Days of Cards: Day 8

2010-12-08T20:59:00.000-08:00

Here is the 8th card. I love this one because it's so simple and it allowed me to play with color and pattern.

25 Days of Cards: Day 7

2010-12-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

This card was inspired by me LOVING to use non-traditional color schemes for holiday cards. So, I thought, "Why not brown and orange?"

25 Days of Cards: Day 6

2010-12-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

This is going really quickly! Sorry about the late posting of Day 5! Today is Day 6 and I love this card! It's really simple but just seems to fill me with holiday spirit!

25 Days of Cards: Day 5

2010-12-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

I love ornaments, so I did a card devoted to them! Here is Day 5:

25 Days of Cards: Day 4

2010-12-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

It's the weekend and here is the card for day #4! I love the snow friends cart and found (actually, my sister found) pre-packaged cards with a realistic sweater design on them, front and back. It allowed me to give the snowman a realistic sweater! I wanted to try my Copics for the blushing, but the paper REALLY absorbed the inks and I was forced to try to make the bleed look purposeful. In the end, I'm happy with it, but at least now I know!

25 Days of Cards: Day 3

2010-12-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

Here is card #3 for my 25 days of cards. I really like making unusual holiday cards. This one didn't photograph the saying that well, but it's very clear in person with the black-on-black.

25 Days of Cards: Day 2

2010-12-02T17:50:00.000-08:00

Here's card number 2 for my 25 days! I had fun with this one and plan on creating another with more reindeer and a Santa in the sleigh!

25 Days of Cards

2010-12-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

Today, December 1st, launches my 25 days of cards. Everyday, I will post 1 new Christmas card in addition to any layouts or other projects I wish to share. Check me out everyday to see what's new!

Here's card #1:

Buttons, Buttons Everywhere

2010-11-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE to use buttons on my cards. I decided to create a card that's totally about buttons, but I didn't use a real one anywhere! I searched my carts and found a few cuts that I liked. After completing any inking, I used plain old clear fingernail polish on top. It soaks into the paper more than Diamond Glaze and offers protection with a slight sheen. It also leaves the paper bendable!

Quilling 101: My First Real Try

2010-11-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

I've had a quilling tool for over a year now, but have not done a whole lot with it. I finally decided to give it a real try and here's what I came up with!

Birthday Cards Galore!

2010-11-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

I recently had to create a few birthday cards. Here's what I came up with, using a couple of carts that I tend to forget about.

I really enjoyed putting this one together and decided to use a pastel theme.

This was my first attempt at creating a welded-shape card in DS. I must try it again!

I forget how much I love Robotz! There are so many great cuts, including font, on that cart!

A Plethora of Cards

2010-10-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

I realized that I was getting too far behind on updating this blog and decided to remedy the situation. Here are a few cards that I never posted and I'd like to say that I have about 15 more that are coming very soon (yes, I've been a busy boy)!

The first card is a get well card. I love fresh flowers, but not when I'm seriously sick- you always get so many in the hospital that you can't enjoy any of them! So, I decided to create my own bouquet for this card's recipient.

This is one of my favorites! I'd never made a Halloween card, despite it being one of my favorite holidays, and decided to give it a shot. In the end, I used it as a birthday card for a good friend who was born in October. She loved the theme and thought it was very cool.

I made this as an anytime card. I like to have those on-hand for those last minute needs!

Custom Covers for Yourstory

2010-09-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

I'm now FINALLY able to post this on my blog after receiving a lot of questions about my spoiler in the Provocraft forum. Before I show you how it was done, let me share what was done.

This is a mini book I created that showcased some of the fun moments during the last year of my life. I wanted to keep it very casual and very fun. I actually used my "Quad-fecta"- Yudu, Yourstory, Criuct, & Cuttlebug- all in this one project! Here's each page:

Now, here's the video to show you how to create a custom book cover to use with Yourstory. I must warn you, I had Yudu on my brain while filming, so I call the Yourstory "Yudu" a couple of times! Sorry about that, but...you understand. :) Enjoy and please let me know of any questions you have!

Last Minute Card

2010-09-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

I had to make this card Sunday night at the last minute. It was unexpected and took me about an hour to complete, but I'm happy with it. I once again used oil pastels rather than ink to do my shading, because I needed more blendability and a softer effect overall.

Iris Folding Revisited

2010-09-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

I decided to revisit some iris folding and really picked a good one. It was a little difficult to figure out, and honestly, I'm not even sure I ever did! I just know that I like the way it came out and will have to try this pattern again...after a little break from it!

Detailed Views:

Here Comes the Bride!

2010-09-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for over a year and a half to use this SVG file on a card. I decided to use it on the inside and I love how it layers!

Exploring Robotz

2010-09-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

I was really excited to explore this cart and it proved very worthy. I absolutely love it and I must try some of the other cuts!

Me and Mom

2010-09-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

My mom and I took this picture on vacation before going to dinner. It took three times to get it with both of our eyes open, but we managed.

Crazy & Campy Layout

2010-09-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

After 8 weeks of teaching 160-something kinds about acting, music, and dance with my fellow faculty members, I decided to scrap about it. It was my first year teaching at Theatre Jacksonville and I really enjoyed it. The layout came from a sketch that was a challenge on Platinum Scraps.

Sympathy Cards

2010-08-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

I once again tackled the bane of my existence: Sympathy Cards! I just have the hardest time creating them. I ended up liking these though. I used some non-traditional carts, in my mind, (Pagoda, Indie Art, Home Accents, George) to create something I'm happy with.

Vacation Scrapping!

2010-07-19T18:14:00.001-07:00

I'm just beginning to get around to scrapping some of the hundreds of pictures from my vacation in late April/early May. This layout really tells the tale of a great private beach and the fun that was had there.

Matching Gift Set

2010-07-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

I decided to make a matching card and gift bag that could be reused as a tote (always thinking of recycling!). This is what I came up with:

Inside:

Matching Gift Bag/Tote:

Fun Cards

2010-06-24T17:34:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of cards I made that I really thought were fun.

This one is just an anytime card and I got to use a new Cuttlebug folder I have for the palm trees.

I made this card for one of my brothers for Father's Day.

It pulls out to hold a gift card!

Birthday Cards on Parade

2010-05-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

I recently had to make quite a few birthday cards. Here are some from that group. I really tried to explore some of my carts a little and my Cuttlebug! I like them all and I hope you guys enjoy them too!!

Mother's Day Card

2010-05-17T18:21:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm SUPER behind with updating my blog, so I hope to get caught to get caught up this week. It's so hard to get back into things after a vacation!

I'll begin with Mother's Day card for my mom. I wanted something special and, as always, a little unusual. I was happy with what I came up with and she loved it too!

My Mom's 60th Birthday Card

2010-04-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

I made this card after getting an idea to create a waterfall card that doesn't open, but has all the info within the waterfall panels (and has much larger waterfall squares than normal). Enjoy!

Custom Pagoda Artwork

2010-04-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

This project was for Platinum Scraps, where I'm a member of the design team. It was a free-for-all project using paper provided by a sponsor. I decided to go completely the opposite way from card-making and create some wall art. I used an 11x17 canvas and painted the background. I used the Pagoda cart for the crane image and cut the Japanese symbols for "Dream, Believe, Celebrate." From there it was just a matter of layout, affixing and topcoating it before placing it in a frame.

This is a fun project and a great way to get that unique piece of art for that special spot in your home!!

Tee Shirt Frenzy!

2010-04-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

I've been in a clothing mood lately and I decided to to another Yudu project and a project using the Cricut with fabric. I like the way both turned out.

For the Cricut and fabric project, I used the Indie Art cart and created this abstract 8-ball on the back of a tank-top. I cut each layer out of a different fabric to get my hodgepodge look and added some decorative stitching in the end.

My Yudu project was really simple. I cut an image from Straight From The Nest and the wording from Forever Young out of vinyl. I applied them to transparencies and then proceeded as usual with the process. I used the leftover "8" I had from the tank-top as my own personal joke and added some buttons to give it that Craftin' Curt touch.

GO GREEN: Recycled Tool Caddy Video

2010-03-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

I love to reuse everyday objects and create something new from them and the comments I received on the Cricut MB for this project, so do a lot of you! I decided to create this video to show you how simple and useful this particular project is. I'll be searching all of your blogs for other great GREEN ideas....who knows, you may get a message from me asking permission to feature your ideas! ENJOY!

Kosher Salt Caddy

2010-03-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

I made this as an altered item challenge for Platinum Scraps. I really enjoy recycling everyday materials and decided to use an empty box of kosher salt just as I was about to trash it. It ended up being a fun and very useful project and I'll soon post a video to show you all how easy it is to create!

Before:

After:

Secret Garden Card

2010-03-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

I've been DYING to share this card you all of you, but I had to wait. I made it as a guest designer with Platinum Scraps for this week's Free-For-All Challenge. I really wanted to explore the Walk In My Garden cart, because I've seen so many great projects on your blogs and Cricut MB posts. I did use an SVG file I've had forever and never used to cut the gate design in the card front (I've shared it below!) and used SCAL for the font...regardless of what font carts I have, SCAL is always my "old faithful!"

SVG FILE FOR GATE-CARD CUT:

Download

Beautiful Blogger Award

2010-03-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

I received this award from Monique (In the Netherlands! How cool?) and I'd truly like to thank her from the bottom of my heart. I urge you all to check out her great projects and blog:

Take Time To Enjoy The Simple Things In Life

As with many other awards, there are a few rules that go along with receiving it:

1) Add a link and note of thanks to the person giving the award

2) Pass the award on to 15 bloggers whose blogs you have recently discovered that you love

3) Share 7 things about yourself

So (after much web-surfing!), I'd like to pass this award along to:

P-Kay (Pam): http://www.p-kaysunshine.blogspot.com/
Shelley: http://shelleyscards.blogspot.com/
Sherri: http://sherrisllc.blogspot.com/
BJ: http://myplacetoblog1952.blogspot.com/
Pink E: http://expressionbypinke.blogspot.com/
Carolyn: http://thescrappingcat.blogspot.com/
SheriKins: http://sherikins.blogspot.com/
Raquel: http://raqcreations.blogspot.com/
Kris: http://papercraftingkris.blogspot.com/
Alice: http://alicebrowncreations.blogspot.com/
Ms. Jay: http://www.simplefavors.blogspot.com/
Maureen: http://moknowsallcrafts.blogspot.com/
Leah: http://beeingcreativeandfeelingcherry.blogspot.com/
Cindy: http://www.cpmemories.blogspot.com/
Nanne: http://nannes-creations.blogspot.com/

7 THINGS ABOUT ME

1. I'm the youngest of 6 children.

2. I'm a former professional ballet dancer and still teach dance.

3. I love to cook.

4. I'm a MAJOR book worm.

5. I've only been seriously crafting for about a year.

6. P-Kay Sunshine is my sister and the person who first inspired me to craft (and still does!).

7. I try to laugh and make a joke at least once a day...it's good for the soul.

Platinum Scraps Guest Designer for March

2010-03-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

I'm the guest designer for Platinum Scraps for the month of March. They're a really great group of ladies and I'm honored they invited me.

The first challenge was to create a layout with a St. Patrick's Day theme from a sketch. Please visit Platinum Scraps to see all of the layouts created by those great ladies and to take a peek at the sketch!

Housewarming Invites

2010-03-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

I made these invitations for my cousin's housewarming party. Being the crazy guy that I am, I really like making invitations that match, but are not identical. I used Songbird and Sweethearts carts.

Catching Up withThe Date Night Card

2010-03-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

I posted this card a little while ago on the Cricut MB abd received a lot of comments and questions about the shower curtain.

It was actually quite simple to create, so I'll go ahead and share the steps with you:

1. Cut out the shape you want using the George card and welded shapes or SCAL. For this card, I needed a front and back to create the look of an oval, wrap-around curtain. You will need to cut the shape(s) out of both cardstock and vellum.

2. Emboss the vellum layer with a Cuttlebug folder or other embossing tool.

3. Glue the vellum over the cardstock.

4. Ink or chalk both your edges and your embossed design and you're DONE!

SUPER EXCITED SUNSHINE AWARD

2010-02-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

I receieved this blog award from a Cricut Messageboard friend, Pink E and I want to thank her immensely and also thank all of my followers and random visitors to my blog. This is my first blog and in a few short months, it has become a success as far as I'm concerned!

Along with receiving the award comes the rule to pass it along to six other people whom have inspired you and whose work you admire. Those blogs are:

Pam aka P-Kay Sunshine

Tonya

Carolyn Deline

The Ladies of Platinum Scraps

Jeannie Phillips

Andy Pearson

Please visit them and browse their amazing work! Become inspired as I did. Once again, thanks Pink E and thanks to my followers!

A Couple of Challenge Cards

2010-02-19T14:32:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple cards I did for challenges in the Cricut Forum. I thought I'd share them here also!

Yudu T-Shirts

2010-02-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

It occured to me over the weekend that I haven't posted any Yudu creations. So, here are a couple of t-shirts I did.

This one is a guilty pleasure, because I must admit, I'm a huge fan of the Twilight Series. I used vinyl and a Cricut SVG rather than emulsion to create this one.

I added a little "fang stitching" over the T just to make it a little deconstructed (I obviously forgot to trim my threads before taking the pic!).

I used freezer paper and the Indie Art cart to make this one. I'm sure you recognize that image and the cart is PERFECT for t-shirts! The freezer paper can be easily ironed directly to the Yudu screen without harming it ( by using a pressing cloth) and holds up for a few prints.

Both of these techniques (vinyl & freezer paper) are best used when you only need to print the image a few times at most. It saves your emulsion and you can reclaim the screen without any emulsion remover or hot water soaking. This only works, however, for images that don't have a great amount of detail. It's definitely not a replacement for emulsion, just an alternative for those quick projects!

Chocolate Roses

2010-02-15T13:59:00.000-08:00

I saw this done last week on a talk show, but only caught the tail end of the segment. After doing a little digging online, I knew I had to try it! These are chocolate roses I made for Valentine's Day to display on the coffee table. I thought it would be a little more unique than typical roses.

Faux Wooden Boards Vidette

2010-02-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

This vidette gives a simple technique for creating the look of wooden boards or planks on paper. I used this techique for the family layout in an earlier post.

Flip/Pop-Up Card Video

2010-02-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

I received requests from the Cricut message board for how to make this card. So, here's the video to tell you, in a nutshell, the basics of constructing it. Enjoy!

This vidette accompanies the Flip/Pop-Up card video and gives instructions for creating that card in any size.

Here are the 2 files to use in SCAL to create this card (2 12 x 12 mats). For my DS users, create your own using the vidette and the George cart (really simple)!

SCAL File 2
Download

SCAL File1
Download

New Feature: VIDETTES

2010-02-07T12:33:00.000-08:00

VIDETTE:

Videttes are a new feature for my blog and I hope you enjoy them. They are under 5 minute videos that show a simple technique, a tip or give more information on a particular project.

Look out for them popping up as I continue my blog and share with you what I come up with!

Layouts Virgin No More!

2010-01-29T19:58:00.000-08:00

So, my sister kept telling me I should try to do layouts and I finally gave in and gave it a try. The result? I'm in love!! It's like creating a huge card and it leaves the imagination super-free to roam. With that said, these are my first attempts. I decided to take from my sister (and many others) and do a scrapbook that's all about me. I'm sure I'll get better as time goes on, but I'm proud of myself for completing them!

I made this from a layout sketch on http://platinumscraps.blogspot.com/ . The site really launches at the beginning of February, but I have a little inside scoop on it!

After going circle crazy, I wanted to do a page about my birth. I haven't added pics and my birth stats to this yet, but I'll share it anyway!

Some detailed views:

I'm sure you'll be seeing many more layouts in posts to come!

Card for Jake

2010-01-29T19:47:00.000-08:00

I made this card to send to a 12 yeard-old boy with cancer whose aunt (I think) asked for cards to be sent to him o the Cricut messageboards.

My heart just went out to him!

Iris Folding Video (now with improved volume!)

2010-01-22T21:54:00.000-08:00

So guys, here's the video for the infamous iris folding card using the template of the woman in the long, flowing dress. Originally, this video was 20 minutes long- way too long. So, I've edited it down to just under 10 minutes and I hope it works out for everyone. There's also a little bit of my personality in the end :)

ENJOY!

Kris's Wine-Cork Cork Board Video

2010-01-21T11:44:00.000-08:00

I've finally added the video for this project! See the cork board post for more. Next will be the iris folding card featuring the woman!

Iris Folding Template

2010-01-20T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here's the template for the iris folding card that has been all the rage in the Cricut forum. My sister, P-Kay Sunshine, gave it to me and I'll ask her to enlighten us as to where she got it. The template says Sheila Kay, but I couldn't find her in a google search, so wherever you are Sheila, THANKS!

I hope to make a video for this card in the next few days, just to explain the tricky beginning. If you can't wait until then, here's a few pointers:

When cutting out the shape, keep your exacto knife on the mat and turn the paper for a smoother and easier cut.
Start with the belt first. It needs to be the layer closest to the front of the cutout.
Before moving to layer 4, complete the woman's back and hair. It will save you a LOT of strife once you begin on the skirt.

Get file here:

Iris Folding Woman Template

ENJOY!!

MJ SVG Files

2010-01-20T18:18:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple Michael Jackson SVG files, including the file I used to make this card:

Get files here:Download

ENJOY!!

Flower Pot Cards SVG Files & Video

2010-01-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

You requested, I'm delivering! Here are the SVG files for the flowers I used in making the flower pot cards. I like to use SVG files rather than .cut files whenever possible because it gives you more freedom in arranging your images on the mat (also, if you have a Yudu, you can print the SVG's on transparency and get 2 for 1!).

Get files here:
Download

Here is the video explaining how to make the flower pot portion of the card (it's my first video, so please be kind!):

Hope you all enjoy it!!

Kris's Wine-Cork Board (Now Updated with Video!)

2010-01-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

I was inspired to create this project by my best-friend's husband, who's a level 2 sommelier. With all of the wine corks he had around, he made a simple (but huge) wall hanging to put over their couch. I decided to try it out both as something decorative and something functional and this is what I came up with.

Decorative

I used clear stamps for it all. The letters (du vin=some wine) were stamped with acrylic paint with some Smooch for accents and the corner designs were stamped and then embossed in red.

Functional

This one was done a little simpler since it was going to receive some wear and tear. The keynote product I used was Deco Art Triple Thick Glaze (Plaid & Krylon also make similar products). Every one coat of this is equivalent to three coats of a traditional finish. I LOVE IT! It's also great on paper flowers to give them a great luster.

This is a simple project, but there are a few tricks to making it work, so the video for this project is now here!!

Iris Folding #2

2010-01-16T07:13:00.000-08:00

When I decided to edit the first iris folding post with some better pics, I decided to take a couple more pics of my rose cards. These were both experiments, but I love the way the folding gives the illusion of petals. I used Sweethaerts for the rose/leaves and both an octagon and pentagon folding template.

My octagon template is here:
http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddr35g23_10g2c3hrcr

You can find the trainge, square and pentagon templates with instructions here: http://www.origami-resource-center.com/iris-folding.html

HAPPY FOLDING and show me what you craft!

Iris Folding

2010-01-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

My sister Pamela told me about iris folding and I had to try it on some Valentine's Day cards! I used Wild Card for the wording and Sweethearts for the heart.

I made this template from scratch using Inkscape and used the George cartridge to cut of the heart shape. From there it was just a lot of folding and a lot of taping!

This template is one that my sister brought to me. It was a little confusing at first...

but once I started, it all became clear. I absolutely love the detail in the skirt!

I've done over 10 of them so far and I'm going to keep going!! I'm addicted to iris folding!

Valentine's Day Challenge for The Brave at Heart!

2010-01-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

I decided to make a few projects for my non-traditional color challenge on the cricut messageboard. Here's my first one; a card, made in two ways (I like one better than the other though!).

It took some clever thinking and cartridge use, but I'm pretty satisfied with the results; I'm too much of a perfectionist to ever be completely satisfied!

Crafting Curt Style

2010-01-12T16:16:00.000-08:00

I decided to share with you a couple of cards I did around the holidays that are true representations of my particular aesthetic!

The first one is actually a Christmas card, believe it or not.

I love to use hotfix Swarovski rhinestones whenever I can. I also love to do the non-traditional, as you can see.

This was a birthday card for my mom's longtime friend, Ms. Toni. I used rhinestones for the owl's eyes, which I got directly from the Paisley cartridge. His perch is a mixture of elements from the Wild Card cartridge and some small hand-work. I found a cute birthday quote involving a "wise old owl" for the inside too!

Flower Pot Thank You Cards

2010-01-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

When I originally made these for my niece, it was the heat of summer and flowers were in bloom everywhere you looked. With winter truly upon us all over the country (snow flurries here in Florida!), I thought we could all use a little lift. What's better than flowers?!

And, here's my favorite!

There's a lot of detail in these Gerber daisies. That's what makes them look so great!

Both the tulips and gerber daisies are .cut files that I got from another blog (where? I have no idea!). I will post the files to here if I receive any interest from my fellow crafters!

Welcome!

2010-01-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Hello to all of my fellow crafters out there and welcome to my blog! Last year was a great year for crafters with many innovative products emerging and I know that 2010 is just going to be even better!

To start off my blog, I'd like to share my favorite project from 2009 with you all and hope you'll try it out for yourselves! Enjoy!