Tuesday, January 31, 2012

What An Honor!!

Happy Tuesday Krafters!

What a wonderful day it is indeed! My good friend Holly honored me with an award! How cool is that? Please check out Holly’s blog and follow her. She makes the most amazing cards...seriously!
Thank you so much Holly for your kindness in the blogging world and sb.com! You are a real jewel!


Liebster is German and means 'dearest' or 'beloved' but it can also mean 'favorite'. The idea of the Liebster award is to bring attention to blogs with less than 200 followers. So, in the spirit of good fun I am passing this award on to five other bloggers. Please stop by and visit them.

The Rules are:
1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your five picks for the award and let them know.
3. Post the award on your blog.
4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blog share-other bloggers.
5. Finally and the best rule of all..........have fun and spread the love! 


My five picks are:

Treva (Treva's Craft Corner)
Maria (Off With the Pixies)
Kelli (My Favor8 Blog)
Kimberly (Paper Munch)

and last, but certainly not least, Netta (Craft Creations by Netta)

All of these ladies have amazing blogs with fewer than 200 followers! I hope they all enjoy their blog award like I do! Holly, thank you once again; you brightened up my day! Krafthead~

Monday, January 30, 2012

I Needed Accents!!!

Happy Monday Krafters!

Ok, first off, I have a disclaimer! ***I am NOT a jewelry maker and am NOT trying to be LOL*** If you are a jewelry maker, please try not to cringe! Now that I have that out of the way, let’s get on to the project. On a normal day, I usually don’t wear jewelry except for my wedding ring and two other rings. The only time I wear jewelry and makeup is if I am going to a wedding or something along those lines. Well I woke up yesterday, and realized what I was wearing to church really needed some type of accent and I did not have anything that worked. I went to my craft room and pulled out my unloved clay. It took me only a few moments to roll it out, shape, bake and put the finding on it. To give it a little bling, I added some Perfect Pearls, rubbed/buffed them and was out of the door! Not too bad for a few minutes right? I actually got compliments…LOL J
Thanks for stopping by, Krafthead~

Now for the risk of embarrassment:
Materials:
Sculpey Clay
Perfect Pearls
Findings
Rubber Stamp

Thursday, January 26, 2012

First Heartbreak~

Hey Krafters~
Today, I would like to share another personal layout that is dear to my heart as well. This is part two! Check out Wednesday’s posting to see part one. This is my daughter’s first heartbreak L
If you remember, my daughter wanted to hold her crush’s hand the entire time we were at the zoo. When he FINALLY let go of it, this is what happened! Now mind you, he has been holding this girl’s hand for HOURS! First she went over to a wall and cried. Then she did not want to hold no one else’s hand except for Mikey’s! I could not resist taking a photo; even in her time of despair!
I hope you enjoyed today’s project! Thanks for stopping by, Krafthead~

Materials:
DCWV-Be Mine
Core’dinations-Wheat, Pink
Cricut Expression 2
Songbird
Love Struck
Distress Ink-Walnut Stain
I Am Roses
Copic Marker
Half-back Pearls
Iridescent Pearls-Pink
Zva Pearls
Ribbon
Crop-a-dile Big Bite
Gel Pen



Wednesday, January 25, 2012

First Crush~

Happy Wednesday Krafters~
I have been on a roll getting layouts completed. I am proud of myself! While I know many people have better skills and have a different "style" than me (I don't really have a style), I am happy with the results! Today, I would like to share a personal layout with a photo that is dear to my heart. This is part one!
This past summer DH and I took our children to the zoo with their god-parents. A young man from our previous church was there as well. For some reason, my then 4yo took a liking to him. He is 15 years her senior. The entire trip she wanted to hold his hand…check out her pose!
As always, I enjoy every visit! Take care, Krafthead~

Materials:
DCWV-Be Mine
Bo Bunny-Crush
Core’dinations-Canvas, Pink
Cricut Expression 2
Songbird
Distress Ink-Walnut Stain
I Am Roses
Copic Marker
Doves
Iridescent Pearls-Pink
Cuttlebug
Love Die Cut
Ribbon
Gel Pen



Monday, January 23, 2012

Connect Four~

Happy Monday Krafters!
I hope everyone had a safe, productive and krafty weekend! Today I would like to share a project I made for the Cricut Challenge Forum. I was inspired by a layout done by a crafter on sb.com. My layout was based around the game Connect Four. This one was a lot of fun to do!
I hope you enjoyed today’s project. I appreciate every visit and comment left. Thanks for stopping by, Krafthead~
Materials:
Cricut Expression 2
Designer’s Calendar
Sweethearts
Cindy Loo
Storybook
Elegant Edges
Diamond Stickles
Trim
Prima E Line
DCWV- Doodling Around, Love & Wedding
Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch
Viva Décor Pen
I Am Roses
Bazzill
Studio G Ink- Red
Distress Ink-Black Soot
Stampin’ Up Dimensionals


Saturday, January 21, 2012

My Sweetie~

Hi Krafters!
Krafthead here to share a project I made for the Cricut Forum Challenge over at scrapbook.com. It is a simple Valentine’s Day geared layout.  The challenge is to have something red, fabric, bling and heart or cupid! I think I got all of that covered LOL!
The last few postings were LONG so I decided to keep this one short and sweet J! I hope you all enjoyed today’s project. Thank you for stopping by, Krafthead~
Materials:
Cricut Expression 2- American Alphabet
Art Philosophy
Paper Trimmings
Love Struck
Bazzill
DCWV-Madly in Love, Stack 7
Pearls
I AM Roses
Prima
Viva Décor Pen
Tule
Cameo Charm
Heart Charm
Bling
Pearls
Pearl Trim

Friday, January 20, 2012

Scrapbookpal.com Design Team Entry

Happy Friday Krafters!

I know many of us use plastic or cash when we pay for items. I know I prefer to pay with these methods as well. However, I still pull out my checkbook often to pay bills, for church offerings/tithe and to give checks for birthdays. One day I was writing a check and thought yuck, my holder looks crappy! It was the standard bank issued one. Yeah that one L At that moment, I was determined to cover it!
I actually took my thought a bit further and made my own (the original one was in bad shape). Now I am sure this was a fade when checks were popular, but that does not matter. I go with what I feel J
Here is how I put my checkbook holder together:
I trimmed a sheet of Bazzill to 6.75”x7.5”. Then I used my score board to score the base at 3.25”, 3.75” and 7.00”. Take a bone folder and fold on all of the score lines. Since cardstock is the base, I used duck (I thought it was duct LOL) tape to reinforce the binding due to the stress it will be under with me opening and closing it. I also used for the closure as well (6” of tape folded a .75” of the way and tape down to the base). After applying the duck tape, I covered the base with two different patterns of The Paper Studio Antiquity Premium Cardstock using Scor Tape (that tape is really STRONG). I repeated the same steps in the inside the holder.

Inside of the holder, I added acrylic to the top and bottom. This is to hold the checkbook in place/to put between the checks and the duplicate sheets on the top portion. The acrylic was adhered with Scor Tape as well.


To embellish the outside, I used Mulberry paper and the largest Spellbinder’s Shapeabilities Mega Rose Creation die to make the rose on the closure. My hot glue gun came in handy for gluing down the layers. To make the paper easier to manipulate, I sprayed Gold Glimmer Mist on it and formed it while it was wet. Once it dries, the shape stays put and I was left a nice glimmer. Since I LOVE butterflies, I stamped four of them (three in the front and one in the back and added Crème Viva Décor Pen to the flourishes. I used half of Velcro Coins for the closure. I also stamped the word Blessings (my money is blessed and it is a blessing to have money) on the front of the holder.





Once everything was in place, I inked the edges with Walnut Stain. Finally, I added ribbon and trim to the spine. That’s it! It took approximately 45 minutes from start to finish to complete.

I hope you enjoyed today’s project. This is my entry to be on scrapbookpal's design team, please wish me well! Thanks for stopping by, Krafthead~
Materials:
Grand Calibur
Shapeabilities Rose Creation
The Paper Studio-Antiquity
Bazzill
Mulberry Paper-Brown, Green
Scor Tape
Hot Glue Gun
Glimmer Mist-Gold
Distress Ink-Walnut Stain, Evergreen Bough (leaves), Gathered Twigs (stamped images)
Ribbon
Pearl Trim
Acrylic
Viva Décor Pan-Cream
Sentiment stamp
Cloud 9 Stamps
Duct Tape-White
Velcro

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Fashionista~

Hello Krafters!
As many of you know, I love DCWV paper! However, I have tried to open up my eyes to other paper lines. Now, I have opened up another can of worms because I have fallen in love with MANY of them. I see a pattern of me hoarding these papers too. I decided I would hoard no more! Yes it is pretty, but life is too short and I rather use what I have than waiting until that special occasion and miss out…you catch my drift?
The recipient is into fashion and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to pull out that “special” paper. On this project, I used Webster’s Pages Double Collection Pack (Ladies & Gents and Trendsetters). I think this paper is absolutely gorgeous and I put off using it because I did not want to mess it up. The good thing about crafting is there is no right or wrong way. As long as the recipient loves it, that is all that matters anyways; which she did.
I fussy cut a stamped image of a dress form. There are so many things that can be done with this pattern because of the colors in it. I decided to use my favorite cardstock, Kraft and minimize the amount of embellishments so the beauty of this pp can shine through. I matted the dress form on a piece of Kraft cardstock I cut using Nestabilities. Then I used some vintage lace I have in my stash and layered strung pearls on that. For the birthday tag, I punched it out using a Fiskars label punch and added pearls. I also added pearls through the hole and attached it to the dress form. The curly rose is from I Am Roses and the beige flowers are from my stash (bought from Karlas001.etsy store).
The top of the card, I rolled one corner so the recipient can see the beautiful patter on the other side. The butterflies were punched in the same pattern from the Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch and pearls were placed on the back. I added a cameo two roses (I Am Roses). On the black cardstock, I stamped an image in white to add interest. I sprayed iridescent gold to the card for a little shimmer.
On the inside of the card, I used the pattern was that on the butterflies and corner…it turned out GREAT!  I really like how this turned out. I hope you enjoyed this too J Thanks for stopping by, Krafthead~

Materials:
Grand Calibur
Nestabilities-Label One
Webster’s Pages Double Collection Pack Trendsetters/Ladies & Gents
Bazzill Cardstock
Stamp
Momento Ink-Black
White Ink
I Am Roses
Flowers
Cameo
Iridescent Gold Glimmer Mist
Fiskars-Label Punch
Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch
Popdots
Glue Gun
Pearls
Gel Pen
Lace
Flowers


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Marla Tile

Hello Krafters!
January is full of birthdays of friends and family of mine! My Pastor’s birthday was this weekend and I would like to share a gift I made for her using vinyl. It is a simple 4x4 tile that was personalized just for her! She really liked it and it goes with her office perfectly! My Pastor (her husband) says he wants one LOL.
I bought the tile on clearance from Menard’s (home improvement store here in Wisconsin). It comes in a package of eight tiles. I used my gypsy to design various phrases that represent the many hats she wear. While the Cricut was busy cutting the vinyl, I used brown Momento Ink to stamp an image on the tile. Once the ink dried, I applied the vinyl to the tile and sealed it with acrylic sealer (glossy).
NOTE:  The tile does not have to be sealed unless used as a coaster. If you use StazOn, it does not need to be sealed.
I hope you enjoyed this quick and simple yet meaningful project! It only takes minutes to put together from start to finish. Thanks for stopping by, Krafthead~

Materials:
Gypsy Handheld Design Studio-Various Cricut Cartridges
Cricut Expression 2
Vinyl-Chocolate Brown
Stamp
Momento Ink-Brown
Acrylic Sealer Spray



Monday, January 16, 2012

Guest Designer-Exploring Cricut

Happy Monday Krafters!
I am so happy to share this project with you all! Today I am a guest designer for Exploring Cricut; WOOOHOOO! What an honor and a privilege! I would like to thank Diane for allowing me to be featured on her blog!
The theme for week at Exploring Cricut is birthday. The challenge was to use blue, white, green, red and yellow only! I have to admit, it was a challenge. Since my cousin’s birthday is coming up, I thought a gearing this card for her would be right on!
This project made me laugh because every “birthday” themed pattern paper I had included orange! BUT my Imagine came to the rescue J I printed the patterns from Blast Off, Hopscotch and Kate’s Kitchen. As the patterns were printing, I used Cricut Craft Room to design cuts for the card. I used Craft Room Basics for the oval. The ovals were embossed using the Happy Birthday Cuttlebug Embossing Folder. The cupcake, balloons, hat and swirly was cut from the Celebrations cartridge. The banner was cut using Girl’s Make-up Party.
On the cupcake, I used white Puffy Paint. Once dried, I added a little bling for the sprinkles. I also added Puffy Paint to the bottom of the party hat and used a pom-pom for the top.
To finish the outside of the card, I used twine to “tie” the balloons together. The sentiment was handwritten and a button was added (to cover up a booboo lol). A little faux stitching was just what this card needed.
In the inside (not pictured) I added a little more of the pattern paper and a few cuts.
I hope you enjoyed today’s project. Again, thank you for stopping by. Please stop by Exploring Cricut and follow along with the challenge. Be encouraged, Krafthead~



Materials:
Cricut Craft Room-Craft Room Basics, Celebrations, Girl’s Make-up Party
Cricut Mini
Cricut Imagine-Hopscotch, Blastoff, Kate’s Kitchen
Cuttlebug-Happy Birthday Embossing Folder
Puffy Paint-White, Green
Glitter Pen
Diamond Stickles
Twine
Button
Bling
Distress Ink- Broken China, Evergreen and Mustard Seed

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Review-Cricut Mini

Hello Krafters!
I don’t have a project to share today. However, I wanted to share a quick review of the Cricut Mini. I did not get it at launch, instead it was a week or so afterwards (early Christmas gift from the family). At first I did not think I wanted it nor needed it since I do not go to crops and have a baby bug that is just sitting in the box. What is the point of having it?
One thing that intrigued me was the size of it. Also, it is guaranteed to work with CCR (provided CCR is online). When it was delivered I made a cut using A Child’s Year. I have to admit, it cut beautifully. I even used the cut on a project that I shared here during Operation Countdown to Christmas.
After several weeks of it sitting and me contemplating on whether or not it was worth keeping, I decided to play with it again. I must say, I really don’t care for CCR, but it is somewhat convenient since I am on the computer for many hours a day. I designed a card and cut. It cuts better than ANY PC machine I have! I am in love! It slows down around sharp curves even when it is set to the maximum speed. I was amazed to say the least!
It is cute and quiet. I actually like the way it sounds when it cuts. I was a little afraid the first time because the housing kinda slams down on the mat, but I guess that is the way it is supposed to be (at least that is what I saw on a video).
My complaint at this time is the fact it is not compatible with the Gypsy; so you will need your physical cartridge. I guess if you have a jukebox, this would be the time to dust it off and get to cutting!
In my opinion, I think the Mini is a keeper! I hope you enjoyed my rambling and review of this small but awesome machine!! Krafthead~

Friday, January 13, 2012

Paper Bag Mini Swap

Happy Friday Krafters!
In November, I was in a Christmas Paper Bag Mini Swap with Kelli from My Favorit8 Blog. She did an amazing job and I HAD to share! Kelli used gift bags for this mini! It is beautiful! The way she made this mini allows me to use larger pictures. There is plenty of room for photos and journaling. A lot of love and time went into this mini. Thank you Kelli J







here is one of the many larger mats for the mini:





Isn't it lovely? Stop by her blog and check out some of her other beautiful projects! Thanks for stopping by, Krafthead~

Monday, January 9, 2012

Happy Birthday SSSCT Project

Hello Krafters!
I am here to share a Creative Team project over at Scrappin’ with Sharon and Smokey. The files I used are SO versatile! Let me tell y’all, they cut really well too. I really like how this turned out!
This is a standard A2 sized card. I trimmed a little of the edge back so I can add a decorative edge using RM00145. This was cut at .75” x 5”.

Still using that RM00145 file, I made this beautiful decorative rosette! I cut it at 1.25” by 10.75”. I used the Martha Stewart Score Board and scored the border every .25”.
While scoring the rosette, I used file RM00148 to make the frame. The frame and the frame base were both cut at 2”x2.5”. As you can see, the frame is very detailed! It cut nicely considering how small some of the design is!
Once everything was cut and assembled, I added a few embellishments and the sentiment. Easy peasy! Files can be fun and you can use your imagination to make them your own. I hope you like today’s project. Please check out the store to get information about these files and others. The store is updated regularly. Also check out the new Yahoo Group Forum. Krafthead~
Materials:
Gazelle
Make the Cut
DCWV 2010 Ultimate Paper Pack-zebra print
Bazzill-black
Recollections Cardstock-red, white, black (butterfly)
Black Half-back Pearls
Martha Stewart Score Board
String Pearls-black
Stickles-christmas red
Sentiment
Studio G Ink-red

Friday, January 6, 2012

Rated R-Mature Audience Only

Happy Friday Krafters!
I went back and forth about posting this project. I am hosting a challenge using your Cricut over on scrapbook.com. The theme of the challenge is love/romance. That said, I did a “for mature audience” card. It is intended to be playful. So I hope I am not going to offend anyone by posting this.
I used the Tinkerbell and Friends Cricut Cartridge for the girl. Now I must admit, I bought this cartridge for this purpose (joke for DH, my friend and her DH). I colored her eyes with a glitter pen instead of using the cut (it was too small) and used another gel pen for the eye shadow. For her outfit, I layered a piece of lace to add the effect of lingerie. I added more lace to the faux pillow next to her and added a heart brad.



I hope you enjoyed today’s project. Thanks for stopping by and leave a comment …Krafthead~
Materials:
Cricut Expression 2
Tinkerbell Cricut Cartridge
Art Philosophy- sentiment
French Manor-couch
Square Punch-pillow
DCWV Immortal Love-background
Gel Pen-black, blue, brown
Stick Pin
Flower-stash
Smooch-red
Lace
Ribbon
Viva Décor Pen-black
Gathered Twigs
Crystals
Cardstock from stash

Thursday, January 5, 2012

My Favorite Products of 2011

Hi Krafters,

I am sharing a review of 11 products I enjoyed using during 2011. Enjoy the video...be warned, I use the word "REALLY" multiple times LOL, Krafthead~

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

A Time To Celebrate~

Hello Krafters!
Today I would like to share something out of the ordinary….a layout LOL! My goal for 2012 is to share more of them. Sharing layouts is a way to get to know more about a person and their families. I am not a real open person. However, I am learning to come out of my shell a bit more.  I am trying to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone. By my own admittance, I am not a scrapbooker; I’m a wanna be! When I decided to scrapbook it was to document different pictures so my children will know about me and themselves. I have strayed away from that. I feel comfortable making cards. I have only about a dozen scrap pages completed. I hope to complete an album J
Enough of me babbling and on to the project! I decided to start scrapping photos that are already printed. This is layout is of my godson on his second birthday. It is the most recent picture I have. I wanted this layout to showcase him as well as show a little of me as well. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by, Krafthead~

Materials:
DCWV-Guy, Heirloom (Becoming one of my favs for sure)
Grand Calibur
Nestabilites- Labels 1
Martha Stewart Score Board- Rosette
Lighter
Distress Tool
Distress Ink- Twigs?
Pearls
Bo Bunny Timepiece Stamp
Watch Charm
Ribbon
Cricut Expression 2
Hello Kitty Font Cartridge- “A”
Bazzill Cardstock- Base
Fiskars Crimping Tool
Fiskars Scallop Punch


Monday, January 2, 2012

Happy New Year!

Hello Krafters!

Happy New Year! I pray that each of you will have peace, joy, favor and blessings throughout this year!

I wanted to let you all know that there is a new yahoo group available to share tips, projects and just converse amongst others who share the same passion. Sharon from Scrappin' with Sharon and Smokey has created an atmosphere so we can do just that! It will be fun :) I hope to see you there!

I took a couple of days off to unwind from the holidays. I am looking forward to sharing projects and videos with you all this year! Have a wonderful day, Kenya~