BBTB2: Cricut - Tags for Christmas Presents

Merry Christmas week everyone.  It's been totally wacko busy this week, and I am not ready to host Christmas Eve dinner at my house for nearly 20 people.  But somehow, it will get done.  Maybe I did too much sewing and crafting lately and let the housework go...... no, couldn't be.

Time for our last Bitten by the Bug2 post of the year.  Remember these now run for 2 weeks, so you have more time to submit an entry into the challenge.  Challenge post at BBTB2 is HERE.

My entry showcases two tags entirely from the Cricut Access collection.  I used the 'print and cut' and cut image features.  They came together really easily.  Three cartridges used are:  Santa's Village, Season to Sparkle, and Season's Greetings.  All three are fairly new to Cricut Access.  I just keep finding great images to use on my projects.  Not like the old days when we had maybe 2 or 3 Christmas cartridges to select from and each one cost over $50.    Ho, Ho, Ho, enjoy.  ---Maureen

BBTB2: Cricut - Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

It's time to get out the Christmas Cards you made in July...... ooops, you say, you didn't make any in July?   I think I only made one for a challenge.   I send photo cards, so I don't handcraft my Christmas cards except for a few people.

This card for the Bitten by the Blog2 challenge came together really fast, thanks to the print-n-cut feature.  The lettering was just too small, but I loved the sentiment.

Join our Christmas Card Challenge at Bitten by the Bug2 HERE. You have 2 weeks to post your cards, we love seeing the diversity and interpretations that you and your Cricut can create.

Cartridges:

A Quilted Christmas, Country Christmas

BBTB2: Cricut - From the Movie Frozen, Sister's Forever

I love to make a few personalized ornaments each year, mostly for kids or someone's first Christmas together.  This year I have a few planned but have only made one so far.  This one is for my sister, I might add a picture of the two of us inside if I can find a good one.  Maybe one from our childhood.

At the Bitten by the Bug2 blog, we are having a challenge for the next two weeks and the theme is "Ornaments".  You can make a card, layout, or an actual ornament.  Here is my contribution to the wonderful ornament related entries from our design team.  I used an image from the Disney Frozen cartridge, which I brought a few years ago, when my granddaughter was into that movie.  I used purple vinyl and the cut is only 2.5" x 2".  I had to cut it twice as the tiny swirls came up on the first one and stuck to other parts of the vinyl.  It was the smallest weeding of an image I have ever done, some of the cutouts were just a tiny blip of vinyl.

BBTB2: Cricut and Stampin' Up Birthday Card

This year marks the 8th year I have gone with the same crafty girls to our annual crafting retreat.  This year we are doing a 'card swap' among the 10 of us.  We bring 10 cards, and go home with 10 different cards.  We are going to have a contest to see if we can ID who made what card.  We know 8 of the 10 participants pretty well, and know their styles, so it might or might not be easy.  However, this year, mine is a little different than my usual.  The give-a-way may be that I used Cricut cuts and most of the other girls do not.

Our Bitten by the Bug2 challenge for the next two weeks has a theme of "BIRTHDAY".  My card leans a little bit to the masculine side, but I just gave one of these away (I made 12 of them) to my neighbor who loves wine for her birthday.  I used the Ornamental Iron Cricut cartridge for the 'gate' behind the wine jugs and the free circle for the round cut.  I stamped and embossed the word 'friend'.  I used colored pencils to highlight a bit of the olives and jugs.  Ink all around.

Join our challenge and show us your birthday cards, projects, or layouts.  Have a great day.

BBTB2: Cricut - Trick and Treats for Halloween

What happens when I don't take my time and think things through?  Well, I make stupid mistakes.  In this case, no big deal, just creative choices.   I have two ironing mistakes on my pillow for Halloween.  Can you find them?  I just decided the end result was good enough, and since it was for myself, I didn't try to correct my mistakes.   I took three images and put them together to form this Halloween pillow.  The witch looks blue on my computer screen, however, it is purple in real life.  I have never had Halloween pillows before, but with a rust colored leather couch, the setting was perfect.  Now I need to make a Thanksgiving themed pillow, perhaps on the back of this pillow casing.

I am hosting at Bitten by the Bug2 these next two weeks, and the theme will be to use a Cricut cut Word that pertains to Fall, Halloween, or Thanksgiving.  I hope there will be a lot of entries as there are a lot of choices from the Cricut Library and cartridges.  Our themes now go for two weeks and you can use your blog, Pinterest, Instagram or other accounts to link up your entry.  Happy Fall Y'All!

Cartridges Used:

Trick or Treat: Marketing Scenes (never heard of this cartridge before today)
Witch with Gate: Autumn Celebrations
Cat:  Marketing Scenes

BBTB2: Cricut - Tea Time Terrarium

I have a guest designer for my BBTB2 post this week.  My granddaughter!   She was invited to her great-aunt's house for the weekend.  Her aunt loves a good tea party and I am sure that was part of the weekend plans.  So my 6 year old granddaughter wanted to make something as a gift that involved tea parties.  She chose the designs and colors, and we both cut them out on the Explore.  Once the 3 cuts were taped back to back on skewers, they were put into the terrarium.  The terrarium has succulents with rocks and marbles as decorations.

Cartridges used:  Folk Art Festival, Birthday Cakes, Better Together

This project fit perfectly for our Bitten By the Bug2 challenge this week, which is "Tea, Coffee, You or Me".  Come on over to the BBTB2 blog and link up your card or project using a Cricut cut. Our challenges now go for two weeks.  We have a few new designers, come on over and check out their craftiness.

BBTB2: Cricut and Oxide Ink - Angelic Baby Boy

It's Anything Goes week at Bitten by the Bug2.  Link up your project or card HERE:   We expect to have lots of entries, there might even be a prize involved.

I made this layout a few months ago and really spent a lot of time on it.  It is a little outside of my wheelhouse, so I was pretty unsure of how it would turn out. I like playing with the Ranger Oxide Inks and this is the biggest piece I have made.  I took this picture of my grandson napping and the light coming in was just right - it's a little dark, but then the room was dark!   I took the layout from one of the blogs I follow on FB and changed it up a bit.  The original is below for reference.

Update:  original by Rene Stockwell.
 Here is the Cricut Design Space link: https://design.cricut.com/#/design/96229832

Here are the cartridges I used for this sweet angelic layout:
Teddy Bear:  Christmas
Shoes:  Quiet Book
Sippy Cup:  Baby Steps

This is the sample layout that I used.  If I find the creator, I'll put a reference here.  

 Here is the Cricut Design Space link: https://design.cricut.com/#/design/96229832

BBTB2: Cricut - The Farmer Collects His Harvest

For at least 10 years my son has had a plot at the community garden in town.  Every year he improves on his crop, this year producing several heritage and specialized varieties of tomatoes, watermelon, peppers, and squash.  I went with him a few weeks ago to pick tomatoes for canning.   He also works on a farm seasonally, during planting and harvest season.  I call him my farmer.

Which leads us to our Bitten by the Bug2 challenge for the next two weeks, which is Labor Day.  I did a career layout for my daughter earlier this year and so chose my son for this occasion.  Our challenge is pretty broad in scope, you can link up your card or project HERE and see what out designers have created.

Cartridges Used:

Paddington Regular Font

Watermelon:  Simply Charmed

Truck:  Heritage

Veggies: Country Life

Pumpkin: Happily Ever After

Sign on Truck: Freshly Picked

Miscellaneous die cut, punched leaves and sparkles

BBTB2: Cricut - Pre-school print and cut layout

It was an early 'back to school' time a few weeks ago.  My daughter now gets a few hours a week with just one at home and two in school.  She is thrilled.  She took a few pictures on the first day and of course, I had to scrap them.  I'll write a few words on the matching page, (which I haven't done yet) that describe my grandson's physical and likeable attributes.

It's also back to school week at Bitten by the Bug2.  Our challenges now go for two weeks in hope of getting more participation.  Link up your blog, Flicker, Instagram or Pinterest pictures featuring back to school on the BBTB2 blog.  Details HERE.

I used print and cut with my Cricut Explore for most of this design.  The cuts would have been just too small and tedious to put together.   I did a lot of slicing and contouring on the ABC blocks and they now resemble a hopscotch game.  I added the backpack, supplies and his favorite toy images and then flattened the whole image.  It is definitely not as bright as paper cuts, but at least I got a layout done!

Cricut - Water Bottle Decor

It was time to decorate the water bottles for the grandkids.  The two oldest picked out their own design and I picked the squirrel on a bike for the little guy.   Easy projects, done in an hour.  The kids even helped with the applying of the vinyl and pushing buttons on the Cricut Explore.  All designs are from Cricut Access.

BBTB2: Cricut - You Make Me Melt

 I just can’t take enough pictures of my grandkids this summer. They grow too fast and I want to capture it all. The little guy is learning how to swim with a doughnut.  Of course, you have to take a break during your summer  and have lots of ice cream to help cool yourself down. Good thing he was eating this one outside. My layout today is slightly scrap-lifted from a Pinterest pin.

 It pairs nicely with the Bitten By The Bug2 challenge this week  (Michele is our hostess) which is to use a Cricut cut to show VACATION OR TRAVEL.   Link up your project to our designers blog HERE.

Cartridges Used:

Sun Title:  Face- Create A Critter, rest is Pack Your Bags (I changed out the sun)
Popsicles: Simply Charmed (face removed)
You make me melt:  Just Because Cards, surrounded by an Artbooking frame

Here is the Pinterest find that gave me the inspiration:

BBTB2: Cricut Hipster Animal Cards

A few weeks ago the Jodi Clark - Hipster Animals cartridge was free on Cricut Design Space.  There were only five images and I fell in love with the bear and the puppy dog. I used the print and cut feature to get several printed images to make these cards and a few more in the future. They were just really cute. The puppy card is being sent to my sister for her birthday.

I submitted both of these cards for the design team entry on Bitten by the Bug2 this week, where I am hosting. Our challenge is to use a Cricut image of a “border or frame” on your card or project.

I used the following cartridges:

Frame on dog:  Live Simply

Frame on bear: Art Deco

Banner: Create A Critter 2

Animals:  Hipster Animals

Font:  Baby Steps

Cards - Going Wild with Distress Oxide Inks

I've been playing with my Distress Oxide Inks.  Sometimes I need to get away from my Cricut machine and try to be uniquely creative.  I sent a few of these off in a card swap.  I sure want to do more exploring with my Distress Oxides.  I think I have 12 colors.

Mad Hatter Stamp Sets stamped using Oxide blue on an Oxide tan background, Oxide background, then stamped lightly with swirl stamp using regular black ink

Amuse Studio Vacationland Stamp Set.  Stamped with several Oxide Inks.  Spray with Distress Spray Stain in Vintage Photo.  Camera die cut.

Distress Spray Stain on background paper.  Various Oxides for torn paper background.  Flowers stamped with Oxides.  Prells for center of flowers.  Hello Life from Stampin Up perhaps.

BBTB2: Cricut - Fishing and Fun at the Lake

Summertime activities lead to a lot of picture taking and a lot of planned scrapbooking projects.  I'll never get caught up.  Thanks to the Bitten By the Bug2 blog, I at least get something done each week.  This week our theme is "Beach or Lake" for our challenge.  Use a Cricut cut relating to this theme and link it up to our blog HERE:

The "life is better at the lake" title had no edges.  I used a bracket from Phrases and 'flattened' the two together to get the title you see below.  I used print and cut because it was just too small to cut some of the pieces.  I inked a lot of the cuts, used Stickles on the bubbles, and a hint or so of white and pink gel pen.  I made a 2nd coordinating page but won't publish it because it has another family showcased.  Fun Times.

Cartridges Used:

Words:  Birthday Cakes
Fish Tag:  A Childs Year
At the Lake Title:  Hot Summer Days
which was welded to
Bracket:  Phrases
Heart Arrow:  Hot Summer Days
Big Arrow Under Words:  Boho Graphics Iron On

BBTB2: Cricut - Zoo Safari Adventure

We brought the grandkids to the zoo a few weeks ago.  Since we have season passes, we can go for just a few hours or a full day.  Believe me, with 3 kids in tow, a few hours felt like an all day adventure.  With Janis as our hostess, and picking the theme "At The Zoo" for our Bitten by the Bug2 challenge, I couldn't be happier.  Another layout done, hurrah!  Join our challenge at Bitten by the Bug2 HERE:

This one is definitely a little different than my normal -  I used Distress Oxide inks to paint and splatter a sunset on white cardstock, then covered a lot of it up with my pictures and Cricut images.  It's messy, not usually my style, however, the end result is 'a work of art'!  For my images, I did a lot of slicing and welding, and resizing to get the black cuts.  They too, picked up ink from my fingers, adding to the messiness, I mean amazing sunset artwork.

Outside Frame:  Songbird
Giraffe Grass combo: Everyday Popup Cards
Elephant: Bits and Pieces
Sunset:  Free circle
Tree:  Heritage
Birds:  Hannah Montana

BBTB2: Cricut: Christmas in July - Gift Cards Ready for Filling

I don't think I have ever made a Christmas related card in July before.  This is a first.  Caroline, our long time designer at Bitten by the Bug2 is hosting our challenge for the week.  The theme, as you might have guessed is "Christmas in July".

I made a gift card holder from the Photo Fun - Holiday Memories cartridge.  There was only one image to cut, so I added the white background using the free square in Design Space.  Once assembled, I used my distress oxide inks, water, and a paint brush to softly color in some of the design.  I think I may make several more of these to have on hand at Christmastime.

Link up your project, card, or layout to our Linky on the Bitten by the Bug2 blog HERE.

Superhero Shirts for the Boys

It's fun making shirts for the grandkids.  This pair of shirts are for the two little guys - I wanted Batman and Robin themed shirts for awhile, as the little guy follows his big brother around all day, he's the sidekick.  It's a cute little project, even though the little one doesn't know who Robin is, the bigger brother will be all over the Batman shirt.  Between Spiderman and Batman (ok Paw Patrol too), he will want to wear this shirt a lot.

I got the Batman and Robin icons off the internet and uploaded them into Design Space.  I may go about it a little different than other people, but I can get simple designs uploaded.  The lettering is Cricut Keystone, not a perfect choice, but it works.  Shazam Batman - Have a great day.

Shared with DieCuttingSivas -add a circle.  https://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/2018/07/ch-377-add-circle.html?m=1

BBTB2: Cricut - Patriotic Wreath Decor

Completing this project was in two phases.  I cut, and cut, and cut out rosettes, 9 rosettes to a 12x12" page.  That was a lot of cutting, and it still wasn't enough.  I didn't know how many I needed until I glued most of them on the wreath.  I quit the project for a few months and it just sat there until I decided it was close enough to July 4th and I didn't want to miss putting out this wreath.  So I cut some more red and white rosettes and finished up the project in about an hour.   I love how it turned out.  It was quite an easy project - one cut, lots of rolling of rosettes, and hot gluing them onto a painted Styrofoam wreath.  It looks lovely on my front door. 

Come join our hostess Amy and share your Patriotic 4th of July artwork at Bitten by the Bug2  Use the Linky on the blog and link up from your blog, Pinterest, or Instagram account.  Look what our designers have done this week, HERE.  ---Maureen

BBTB2: Cricut - Cool Swimmers

We take the grandkids swimming a lot during the summer, they are getting really good for not having lessons.  The little guy just likes to play in the water and look cute, but the older ones are jumping off the diving board and doing tricks.  All that fun sure wears them out and there is usually a nap following the swim.  

The saying "Cool Dude" is from Boys Will Be Boys, I added an S from the same cartridge to make it "boys".  The sun, ball, and pail are from Simply Charmed, and the squirt gun is from Family Album.  My background of diamonds was the free shape, and I just inked the edges dark blue.  Here is the file:  https://design.cricut.com/#/design/98105356

Our challenge this week at Bitten by the Bug2 is hosted by Michelle, and the challenge is "Summer Swim".  We haven't done this challenge before, and since summer is in full swing, I am hoping you will have a layout or card to share on the blog.  Link up your entry HERE.

BBTB2: Cricut - Tropical Paradise Found

This week it's my turn to host the challenge at Bitten by the Bug2.  Since it's summer and I've been dreaming of my adventure earlier this year to Ecuador, I thought I could incorporate my pictures into a theme.   Our theme is Tropical and/or Tropical Vacation.  Let's see those beautiful tropical palms, flowers, and Polynesian type of cuts on your cards or projects.  Link up your projects HERE. Maybe you may even get out the lawn chair and have a great tropical dream!  

Cuts used on this layout:

Sun: Luau

Palm Tree: Summer Love

Leaves: Dinosaur Tracks

Flowers: Pack Your Bags

Banner:1st Few Years

Words:  Life's A Beach

Sequins from Queen and Co.  Inking on all pieces.  Can you see the paper is a bamboo print?  Oh, how I wish I could spend a few days there again, just floating down the Amazon..........yes, paradise found.............

BBTB2: - Cricut - Happy Father's Day Harley Davidson Style

With Father's Day around the corner, our Bitten by the Bug2 challenge blog usually has a related challenge around this time of year.  This week you can post your Father's Day cards and projects on the BBTB2 blog HERE.

My son in law is a great daddy of 3 kids.  I usually make him a Father's Day card and buy him some select beers.  He is a Harley Davidson owner and loves to ride whenever he gets a chance.  I uploaded a shield representing Harley Davidson off the internet for this card.  The grandkids will write and color on the inside.  The motorcycle is from the Father's Day cartridge and the DAD is Cake Basics.  I popped up the motorcycle for some interest on the card.   Really easy in that it only took about 1/2 hour start to finish.

BBTB2: Cricut - Law School Graduation

Our cousin is graduating from the University of the Pacific Law School.  We are so proud of her, she has worked so hard and we wish the best for her future.  The school colors are orange and black.  I always match the school colors on my graduation cards.

Our Bitten by the Bug2 challenge is hosted by our talented designer Laura from Handmade Papercrafts by Laura.  She has selected a "graduation" theme for the week.  Join in the fun and link up your card or project to our Bitten by the Bug2 Blog HERE:

Cartridges Used:

Law building:  My World
circle:  free on Design Space
Happy Graduation:  Graduation

BBTB2: Cricut - For a New Mother on Mother's Day

I love making cards for Mother's Day - this year I think I made 5 different cards.  I made this one  for an in-law that just had a baby girl, and this is her first Mother's Day.  She loves anything BoHo, so I used this great paper for the elephant that really is BoHo chic.  I popped up the baby elephant, inked all the pieces and used a Cricut embossing folder on the mom elephant's ear.  This card didn't need much else, just a Spellbinder's die cut  saying  'Celebrate'.

This card is perfect for our Bitten By the Bug2 challenge this week - the theme is "Animals".  There are so many Cricut cuts that are animals that it would be hard to decide on just one.  Submit your card or project or layout anytime this week by using our Bitten by the Bug2 LINKY. You can use Instagram, Pinterest or your blog posts to do the linking.   Have a great week everyone!

Cartridges Used:
Mama Elephant:  Noah's ABCs
Baby Elephant: Holiday Cakes

BBTB2: Cricut - Isn't She Lovely?

Here's a little unique layout for your enjoyment today.  I did not use background paper, I printed a 12"x12" photo of my granddaughter to use as the 'paper'.  I knew I wanted to put flowers and maybe a saying  in the upper right hand corner, and when the Bitten by the Bug2 challenge came up with the theme of flowers, I knew I had a match.  It's a really easy addition to the photo, the picture has to be the star this week, not my Cricut cuts.   I cut an oval with the word 'love' in it, but it just didn't look right.

Join our inspiring team of designers, lead by Caroline from Card Creations by Caroline, who have posted great designs for you this week and link up your 'flower' inspired Cricut project to our Bitten by the Bug2 blog HERE:

Cartridge Used:
All flowers and leaves:  Bohemian Wedding
Leaves are cut and outlined with Pen feature
Framed in a 12x12 frame that I change out periodically  

BBTB2: Cricut Twinkle Toes with a Cherry on Top

My granddaughter will soon have her 2nd dance recital, so I guess I had better get crackin' on last year's pictures.  She took a few professional pictures, so the single large picture will go on this layout.

I love when our challenges at Bitten by the Bug2 relate to layouts I have planned on making but haven't.  This then gives me the kick in the pants to get going.

Our spirited design team ex-leader, Susan, from Busy with the Cricky, is our hostess for the week at Bitten by the Bug2, and her choice for our challenge is to "Make Celebration projects (birthday, wedding, anniversary, etc., featuring DANCING".  I do want to thank Susan for leading our team of designers and managing the BBTB2 blog - she has devoted a lot of time to the task and has done a wonderful job.  Amy and Janis are the new leaders, I know they will keep the blog running and add lots of craftiness.  Link up your Dancing cards or projects to our blog and join in a jig or foxtrot with us!

Cartridges:

Dancing Girl and ballet slippers:  Create  A Friend
Frame:  Artbooking
Dance Recital Title:  Twinkle Toes

BBTB2: Cricut - Art Nouveau Mother's Day Card

It's almost Mother's Day and I have finished my gift shopping and card making.  I actually got a card in the mail early this year too!  Our challenge at Bitten by the Bug2 this week is "Mother's Day", so I made a card for my daughter.  She likes something a little different, so I choose to go with a lady head and background from the Art Nouveau cartridge.  The paper curled a bit when I added the glitter pen, but I left it, it reminded me of waves in the hair, giving a 3D effect.  There are always tiny pieces and intricate cuts when using this cartridge and I sometimes get frustrated.  This time I put a new blade in the Explore and had no problems at all.  It's amazing what a new blade will get you.

Join in the celebration and link up to our Bitten by the Bug2 LINKY page HERE.  Our hostess is Michelle  (from Crazy Cricut Scrapper) and she and the other designers love to share our craftiness with you.  You can use Instagram, Flicker, your blog, or Pinterest to do your linking.

Cartridge:  Art Nouveau
Gems on flowers in hair
Nuvo glitter pen on hair and flowers
Ink on edges

Cricut - Little Bo Peep has Lost her Sheep

My son asked me to make a card for a friend who is having a baby.  He met this friend through the volunteer work he does at the city's community garden.  He also wanted several people to sign it, so he wanted it big.  I wanted to incorporate something from the garden aspect into the card, so I thought of the Nursery Rhymes cartridge and came up with the card below.  I inked the edges to highlight the sign and grass. I added an oval behind the cut for a little extra pop, and then mistakenly cut my card base a inch shy, darn, I hate when that happens.   I went with it anyways.  It was fast and turned out pretty, I think I may make another one, next time measuring twice and cutting once!.

BBTB2: Cricut - School Days - Smile It's Picture Day

It's my turn to host the challenge at Bitten by the Bug2 this week.  If it's not near a holiday, I like to think of a theme or cut from Cricut that hasn't been used before.  I think I came up with a good theme this week - "Use a facial feature, face, smiley face, or the word 'smile' on your card or project".

I scanned the Cricut Access files to find an idea or two and decided to create a scrapbook layout of my granddaughter's kindergarten picture.  There is a Smiley face and an apple with a face that fit the bill.  I will fill in the blank journal tags with responses from my granddaughter.  

Cartridges used:  Artiste, Phrases, When I was a Kid, Create a Critter, Feeling Groovy.

Link up a card or layout or project to Bitten by the Bug2 using a face or smiles HERE.

BBTB2: Cricut - Hiking the Amazon

I did it again - forgot to post my project for Bitten by the Bug2 on my own blog.  So here it is a few days late.  Our BBTB2 challenge this week is Springtime Sports.  You may think of baseball, golf, beach volleyball, or amusement parks.  Join our challenge by linking your post to our blog HERE:

Well, I thought of those, but don't participate in any myself; I do love to watch baseball and go to amusement parks like Disneyland!  So I choose something a little different today.  It's a hike - I do consider it a sport and an enjoyable hobby.   On our trip to Ecuador last month, we spent a few days in the Amazon at a lodge.  It was truly beautiful, very tropical, and they had planned several activities for us including a zoo, visiting a local family, canoe rides, and a hike/zip line in the jungle.  My husband wasn't feeling that well that day, so he recuperated by the pool while I joined the group hike.  What an amazing feeling to hike nature unlike anything in the US.  We saw lots of huge insects, a tarantula, heard sounds of the jungle, sweated, and learned about the trees and history of the land.  The hike included a basket zip line (my first) and a suspension bridge.  

We wore boots due to the muddy trails because of the rain the night before.  They were comfortable and I never slipped in the mud like I would have in tennis shoes.  Therefore, the boot is featured on my blog post today.  It says Adventure Seeker, as I truly thought I was ready to see all of South America after that wonderful breathtaking hike.  My background is a Cricut cut Make It Now project that I 'repurposed'.   I added drops of watered down ink and clear Nuvo drops to look like rain.  The results are really better in person.

Cartridges Used:

Palm Leaves:  Botanicals

Boot:  April Showers

Adventure Seeker:  3 Birds on Parade

Mat:  Once Upon A Princess

addition of watered down orange ink and Nuvo drops

BBTB2: Cricut - Shirley's Craft Cottage Wooden Sign

My daughter's aunt by marriage sends the grandkids lots of homemade items and crafts.  She is a really special great aunt.   She even has an Etsy shop where she sells jewelry called ShirleyHawkCreations.  I have a few pieces and get lots of compliments.  I created a few signs in the last few weeks and wanted to share this one too.  I used a free SVG from a blog I saw on Pinterest (where else?) called "A Girl and a Glue Gun.com".  The SVG originally said "crafting is life", but I was able to reword it and put in "Shirley's Craft Cottage" using Cricut's Brush Script.   I want to use this file again and make myself a t-shirt.

The SVG was one color, and that just would not do.  Here is what I did.   I cut a piece of redwood to about 7.5" x 9.5" (fence board is 7.5" wide, that was my limit).  I lightly sanded the rough parts,  painted it turquoise, and let it dry.  Then I cut the SVG on my Cricut in vinyl (not mirrored).  I applied the vinyl using transfer tape.  I then painted the board white.  After it was almost dry, I peeled off the vinyl.  Little bits of the turquoise came off, but that added to the charm.   I then sanded the edges and lightly in the middle to give an aged effect.  I watered down acrylic paints and filled in with color.  After that dried, I then gave the entire piece a coating of washed light brown.  I really like how it turned out and I think this crafty friend will also.  .

I'm using this project as my design team entry for Bitten By the Bug2 this week.  Our challenge is to be creative with our die cuts - use them in unique ways, use embellishments on them, color them up, etc., almost anything goes.   Link up your project HERE at BBTB2.  Our talented hostess for the week is Laura from Handmade Papercrafts By Laura.

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BBTB2: Cricut - It's Springtime

Today we had a nice day, by evening it rained, Friday I am going skiing, and Saturday it will be 80 degrees.  Is it Spring, Winter, or Summer? 

Our Bitten by the Bug2 challenge this week is "Spring - Anything Goes".  I had such a hard time picking just one thing - flowers, birds, outdoor activities, Easter - the list goes on.  I decided to showcase a  fuchsia photo from my last vacation that just turned out really nice.  I put a bird  on top of my title - Spring, added sequins and lots of inking.

Join us at Bitten by the Bug2 to see all the great cards and layouts by the design team.  You can link up your Spring cards and projects.

Cartridges used:  Storybook, Serenade, Ribbons and Rosettes, Jasmine-Oval Font

BBTB2: Cricut - It has to Rain to have a Rainbow

As I write this post, it's raining and blowing in my neck of the woods, I hope Spring makes an appearance soon, as I am ready to get working on my backyard this year.  All this rain lead me to create this rainy day card with Hello Kitty.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - One of my favorite songs has been incorporated into my card today.  The title just jumped into my head after staring at the screen for a bit.  Now my card can be used for any number of occasions, as I was originally thinking of a get-well card.  Our challenge theme this week was chosen by our long-time designer at Bitten by the Bug2, Carolyn, from Card Creations by Carolyn, and she wants everyone to use a Cricut 'Umbrella" cut on our card or project.   Hop on over to the Bitten by the Bug2 blog and link up your project or card HERE.

Kitty - Hello Kitty Greetings
Rainbow and card base - Wild Card 2
Font:  A Perfect Day writing font
Background Inking:  Ranger Oxide Inks - 2 different blues

BBTB2: Cricut - Minnie Mouse Mini Album

This project is a kit that I purchased from Monique Griffith several years ago.  She is a talented Cricut creator and make a lot of kits and instructions for layouts before the Explore came out.  The kit instructions were made for the Expression, so I had to "think backwards" to undo my current brain and convert back to several years ago.  All the cuts were made with the Mickey and Friends cartridge except for 2018, which was made with Mickey Font.   I did the assembly during the all day crop at Scrapbook Expo in Pleasanton a few weeks back.  I added extra bling as the album is for my granddaughter to fill with pictures and autographs of her first trip to Disneyland.  I'm sure you will be seeing a lot of my Disneyland layouts soon.  I did buy a lot of Disney scrapbooking items and paper at the Expo and can't wait to find the time to scrap the pictures.

Our challenge this week at Bitten by the Bug2, is to use a Cricut cut in the shape of a butterfly on a layout, card, or other project.   You can submit your creation via our Linky page HERE at BBBTB2.  We love to see what you can created.  Our thanks to Amy of AO Creations for hosting our challenge this week.