Shabby chic monogram gift tags

I first saw this gorgeous idea on pinterest.com. Very cool, and so easy to do with the Cricut. I used Storybook cartridge and set the dial at 5 inches. I picked up the book specifically for the cover colors to do another project I have pinned on my pinterest boards, but that hasn't been completed yet. But now I have all these great pages to recycle for crafts. I also recycled a Cheez-its box. It is one of the sturdier ones out there so I save them every chance I get. I don't have a picture here, but I covered the printed side with the book print and left the kraft side out to the back. Since these are meant to be gift tags (really big gift tags) I will stamp a to: and from: on the backs.  

Here are some close ups shots to show the details and embellishments. I used a glue stick to attach the book print to the Cheez-it box after the shapes where cut out on the Cricut. After attaching paper to chip board, I used a Versa-Mark chalk ink pad in gingerbread and java ink colors around the edges. Tied some jute and cotton crocheted lace around each, and for the buttons I actually poked the holes all the way through the chipboard and stitched them on using the jute. I am hoping that makes them stay put longer then a glue dot would have. I have noticed a year or two down the road some of my embellishments attached with glue dots have fallen off. So I did not want to take any chances. Lastly I added some CTMH Mocha pearls to each monogram.

I think they are pretty and rustic and unique. The ones I created for my family I am thinking I will use as Christmas ornaments after they open their packages. I hope everyone else finds a use for them afterwards also. A handmade monogram from me to them, sent with love.


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Envelope-style matchbox

I saw this adorable box on pinterest, and was instantly inspired to create a .cut file on Cricut Design studio to make this without having to print it on paper and cut it out by hand as the tutorial instructs. Plus if I designed it for the Cricut to cut out then I could have 12 x 12 paper, rather then being limited to 8.5 x 11 paper that could go through my printer.

My envelope-style matchbox is 3 x 5 x 1 inch when assembled. My .cut file even includes the 2 layers and the polka dots that decorate the outside.

Here is a shot of when the ribbon tie is loosened and the flap is folded back, you pull out the inner box. As you see it can hold lots of Halloween candy, more then I have left in my stash. Apparently my guys have been hitting it hard already.

Before I attached the layers to the outside I glued the polka dots to the white layer and ran that through the cuttlebug with my old favorite Swiss dots embossing folder. I love the illusion that this is patterned paper, rather than dots added on, that is created with this embossing technique. Plus I just love polka dots, so its a win win in my book.

As with all my creations if you have the Design studio and George basic shapes cartridge then I would be happy to share this .cut file with you. Please leave a comment on this post and be sure to include your email address and I will mail the .cut file out to you.

Find inspiration everywhere! Go... Create something fun & fabulous. Enjoy!

Word tree Christmas decor

I know it's a bit early for Christmas, but this project just kind of evolved from a word collage idea in my head to a Christmas collage decor item. I used Cricut Mickey font cartridge to make this. All the little shapes, that are supposed to look like ornaments hanging from my word tree, are punched from scraps with different little punches. I added some ribbon tied in knots through the letters. Finally mounting the whole sheet on a white cardstock base. Ultimately it will be framed, I am hoping in an Ikea frame that matches some I used for my dry erase boards here. Hopefully they still have some when I finally get down there again.

Here is a detail shot. I did use Stardust Stickles on each of the little punches.

Find inspiration everywhere! Go... Create something fun & fabulous. Enjoy

Bat boxes from mini milk carton

This is a new and different take on the accordion top box made from the altered mini milk carton I designed on the Cricut. I found the idea of this cute Halloween gift box and pinned it on pinterest.com. It's an awesome youtube video so check it out. It inspired me. So I altered my Cricut .cut file to add some wings and eyes, to make this cute bat gift box. I added red pearls and some liquid pearls to look like dripping blood from the bats fangs. Add some candy and tie up the top and Voila! A darling little gift.

As always, I am happy to share my Cricut .cut file. This particular design uses George basic shapes and Paper doll dress up cartridges. So if you would like to create these cute little bat gift boxes leave me a comment, including your email address, and I will send it over to you.

Find inspiration everywhere! Go... Create something fun & fabulous. Enjoy

Cards & dates to remember organizer

I am a list maker. I have a terrible memory, so I make lists for everything. Something like this, where I make the list once and can reuse it over and over is AwEsOmE!!! The premise is to write the birthday, anniversary and other card worthy dates to remember next to the date and then slip the card into the envelope for the same month. Easy peasy! In advance, no rushing around at the last minute. I love it!

It all started on Pinterest. All the best projects do now. I saw and repinned this idea here, and my mind was racing and I was off and running. So this is my take on her great tutorial.

I love polka dots and I love God's rainbow of colors so that was an easy decision. I gathered up 12 envelopes and 13 coordinating papers. These are 6 x 9 so they will hold even 5 x 7 cards, although I rarely make that size, but good to have the options. Also a good size because one sheet of 12 x 12 paper will cover two sides of the envelopes and leave you some scraps for cover flaps and maybe even decorating the front.   :)

I cut the polka dot papers just .25 inch smaller then the envelope so I would have a border and also not have to worry about edges coming up with use and time. I hand cut the envelope flap liners. I printed my dates list and the months on the computer using a font I liked. Trimmed them up and taped them all down to the envelopes.

This is just to show you I lined the inside of the envelope too. I did not want to risk humidity making the glue stick to the gorgeous polka dots and having to tear it away. I really do hope to use this for a long time. Such a great organizational idea. I might make a second to keep at work, just so I don't forget friends and coworkers and be forced to use a store bought card *gasp*.

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CTMH Art Philosophy fall leaves card

This is another wonderful project created form the CTMH Cricut collaboration cartridge, Art Philosophy. I love, LOVE, LOVE this cartridge and the coordinating stamps make it even more wonderful. I CASE'd this card from the youtube video I pinned in Pinterest here on my card ideas board. I love Pinterest and being able to save links directly to youtube videos now just makes it that much better.

I did not have burlap on hand, so I improvised with CTMH sahara sand card stock. I trimmed it to 3.5 x 4.5 and then I decided to use my pinking scissors around the edges. I ran this piece throught the Cuttlebug with the SU! embossing folder and then took a sanding block gently to the top and edges to bring out more of the embossed details.

The leaves are cut out of white card stock on the Cricut using the Art Philosphy cartridge at the specified 2 inches on the stamp set. When the cutting was complete I stamped one leaf in CTMH Sunset ink and one leaf in CTMH Tulip ink. The third leaf is stamped in CTMH Olive ink using the word overlay stamp from the CTMH So grateful stamp set. I crumpled each leaf just like the video and then used a sponge and some CTMH sahara sand ink to distress each leaf a bit.

Find inspiration everywhere! Go... Create something fun & fabulous. Enjoy!

Halloween tulle wreath

These gorgeous tulle wreaths are all over the internet and crafting blogs right now. I love them. I was inspired by so many wreaths I had begun pinning them on Pinterest, you can see them here in my holidays board.

I bought a 10 inch embroidery hoop and a roll of 6 inch tulle from JoAnn's for less then $5.00. I separated the hoop and so far have only used the inner hoop without the screw tightening mechanism. But I still think I will use this outer hoop for a fall colored wreath next. I can cover up the screw mechanism with a bow or something.

I took the roll of tulle and using my self healing mat and my rotary cutter, I cut 68 ten inch pieces. I tied all 68 pieces around the hoop, pulling them tight and bunching them close. I did not actually tie knots, I folded the 10 inch strip in half and then pulled the ends around the hoop and through the loop created by the fold, making sure to keep them all going in the same direction. When I was all done and fluffed the tulle I decided the direction thing probably didn't matter at all.  

As pretty as she was I decided she needed a little more oomph. So I used what I had in my stash, which was a 3 inch roll of orange tulle and 6 inch roll of glittered white tulle. I cut 5 more 10 inch pieces out of each color and randomly attached them between the black tulle. I created the hanger and bow from 3/4 inch orange grosgrain, which I feel is small and insignificant. So when I am able I will go shoppinf and get some 1.5 or maybe 2 inch orange ribbon and remake that part, so it will be more substantial.

I do not exaggerate when I say the whole thing took me 1 hour, while I was watching a recorded TV show. I think this would make a great gift for most holidays and at under $5.00 and around 1 hours time, that's a beautiful thing.

Find inspiration everywhere! Go... Create something fun & fabulous. Enjoy!