Exploring Cricut and More -Whooo Loves Fall?

Hello! Hope everyone is having an awesome week!! I am sharing today over at Exploring Cricut and More today. Diane has chosen a fall challenge this week for you to participate in. She has done some wonderful projects showcasing svg cuts with her Cricut Explore. They are so cute!

I decided to share a fall layout with you all. I created a 2 page 12 x 12 using my Cameo.  I really like how this page came together using some cute images from MissKateCuttables. 

The owl was actually an Easter owl that I ungrouped so I could take the Easter ears off. I chose this one because I really liked the eyes:)  The branch came from another MissKateCuttables. I really like to be able to mix and match my images for maximum use don't you?

Recipe:

12 x 12 pages 

Papers - American Craft and Scraps

Sentiment - Ravie font 1.5"

Owl - MissKateCuttables Easter Owl 3" 

Branch -Bird Love 2.45"

Half Circle - Silhouette software 9"

Thanks for stopping by and good luck on winning the challenge!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More- Seek the Heights

Hello! Hope your day is off to a great start! I am sharing at Exploring Cricut and More today and have a fun project that my oldest wanted to make for her sorority little. 

This was super easy to make and the reason was contact paper. Now you can use vinyl too, but let's face it contact paper is more reasonable when you are just using it for a mask to paint.

I created this balloon using an svgcuts.com image and AR Cena font from my computer. I wanted the sentiment to curve around the balloon and wasn't sure how to do this. I found this video on youtube.com and it was perfect.

I separated the image pieces for the balloon so that I would have masks for each part. Acrylic paint was used on the canvas and dried very quickly. The contact paper worked great. It didn't pull the paint up between colors and it definitely gave nice crisp lines. Just make sure you get all the bubbles out and it lays down flat before beginning to paint over it.

This was a 12 x 12 canvas and the image was almost 9.5" tall with the letters measuring a little over 1" tall. I did add a little more space between the letters. Under Text Style, at the bottom, is a slider bar that says character spacing. You can choose how close or far apart you would like your letters.

Remember to join in our challenge this week! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - Happy Birthday Challenge

Happy Monday! Well school is underway and everyone seems to be off to a great start. With that past me, I need to start thnking about fall birthdays and what better way than to have a birthday challenge to get some great ideas. The challenge this week is to create a card, craft or layout using a birthday theme. The catch is to make sure you have some sparkle or glitter on your project.

I created this birthday card to share with you today using glitter paper and of course, Stickles for my cupcake. My Cricut Expression along with Doodlecharms and Create a Critter were the images I used to make this.

This is a A2 size card and the pattern papers are from DCWV Citrus, one of my favorite stacks. The swiss dot white paper is from Bo Bunny with some great red, yellow and orange Stickles. Gold Stickles was used for the flame on the candle. I used some black ink on the red borders.

Don't forget to check out my DT Sisters for some more fantastic projects. Hope to see what you all create to for the challenge!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - Little Lady!

Hello!  I have another layout to share of my sweet puppy, Olivia. I am really trying to get my pictures cleaned up, but boy does time not always permit that.  She will be 2 in December and if feels like we just got her. These pics were ages 1-3 months.

I used both my Expression and Cameo to create these cute pages. It is so nice to be able to do that. I really feel like I'm getting the best of both worlds. 

Recipe:
2 page 12 x 12 layout
Title - Fonts from computer
scallop Border - Silhouette Online Store #17064
Pennants - Silhouette Online Store #29292
Top Note - Storybook

Thanks for stopping by!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More Back to School Challenge

Hi! Ready for a challenge! At Exploring Cricut and More the challenge is "Back To School". Any card, layout or project with a school theme. 

I cut everything by hand except for my title and dates. The Silhouette makes it so easy to choose any font and create a title from your computer. There are also a lot of freebie fonts to check out if you can't find one you like on your computer already. I use dafont.com, kevinandamanda.com or fontspace.com.

My oldest was sweet and sent me a pic from her 1st day of classes at college last year and I'm hoping she does the same for me this year too. 

Hope to see many of you enter the challenge! We can all use great inspiration and my DT sisters have some awesome ideas to share as well.

Thanks for stopping by!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - Birthday Girl Layout

Hello! I'm sharing today at Exploring Cricut and More and so glad you popped in:) I have a  layout to show you today using the fun papers from Echo Park Summer Bliss. I really like this paper pack. Oh geez, who am I kidding?? I really like all Lori Whitlock and Echo Park papers. My pup turned 1 in December and I created this layout to showcase that event. 

The papers are double sided making it super simple to coordinate, but sometimes hard to use if you have only 1 sheet in that pattern.The pink flower was cut from the floral 12 x 12 sheet. I just covered right over the hole. I cut the banner and flags from the pink paper as well adhering the green chevron right over that too. The labels are similar to Jillibean Soup in the Silhouette Store. I can't remember where I got these. In any event, I used a font on my computer that looked like an old typewriter for my journaling, printed first and then cut out with my Cameo.

I used Stickles on the corner of the banner along with twine. The love sentiment was a Silhouette freebie when I bought my machine. I printed on my computer first and then cut the circle out with the Cameo.

Birthday Girl was a font on my computer and I, again, printed first and then cut a circle with the Cameo. The heart was from the banner cut out. The pink flags were the same cut as the banner. I just resized them to make them longer and a little narrower.

Recipe
12x12 layout
Echo Park Summer Bliss, AC Papers
Doily, Flowers, Banners, Heart, Labels Silhouette Online Store
Stickles, Prima Flowers, Twine

There's still time to enter the Christmas Challenge at Exploring Cricut and More and we sure hope you join in the fun! There's great blog candy too:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Annette

Christmas in July Exploring Cricut and More Blog Hop

Happy Monday and welcome to Exploring Cricut and More Christmas Blog Hop. The holiday season will be here before you know it and what better way to beat the heat than to start some of your Christmas projects. You can make a card, layout or project with the Christmas theme and enter our challenge at Exploring Cricut and More.  I had an opportunity to get some scrapping done with friends and created this 2 page Christmas layout to share with you today.

I used my Cricut and Silhouette Cameo to create this 2 page layout. I really like how the Silhouette creates a shadow for any font you have loaded on your computer. It's super simple. Just select the words you want to shadow and hit the Offset key and your shadow is made. I used a white pen to highlight the berries and a black pen to draw the lines on the leaves and bow.  The wave was created by using a wave ruler from Creative Memories.

The list is below if you get lost along the way!  Our Design Team has some awesome projects for inspiration and at the end you will be able to enter the challenge to show us a Christmas project. Some of us have blog candy to give away so be sure to check that out as well.  You have until Saturday to enter our challenge:)

Here is the line up for the hop. 

Annette   www.mymindsdustbunnies.blogspot.com you are here

Sharon    www.meemeescreations.blogspot.com go here next

Faith        www.thecraftingprofessor.blogspot.com

Donna     www.wwwkindredkreations.blogspot.com

Rae Ann   www.joyinart.blogspot.com

Emily       www.emilyqueenofallthingscrafty.blogspot.com

Michelle N  www.justanutterpapercrafter.blogspot.com

Christi      www.tidbitsoftexas.com

Liz             www.unikbyyes.blogspot.com

Tina          www.thescrappinrabbit.blogspot.com

Katrina    www.scrappyhorses.blogspot.com

Michelle S www.cricutcrazyscrapper.blogspot.com

Diane      www.happyscrapperdiane.blogspot.com
Exploring Cricut and More exploringcricut.blogspot.com

Recipe:

2 x 12 2 page layout
Bo Bunny, AC papers
Title - Silhouette Cameo font from computer
Holly, bow and berries - Christmas Solutions Cartridge 10.67", 10.67", 3.41"
Wreath - Joys of the Season Cartridge 10.19"
black micro pen, white pen

Head on over to Sharon at meemeescreations.blogspot.com for your next wonderful creation!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - Llama with Presents!

Hi! I'm sharing today at Exploring Cricut and More and decided to share a birthday card with you.  The images on Birthday Bash are so fun.  While they can seem mostly juvenile, I have been able to use a lot of the images for different age groups just by separating out some of the features. The images are really fun and whimsical, which always puts a smile on the recipient's face.

I added black Stickles to the top of the present and Diamond Stickles to the bow on the second package. The eyes were so tiny I decided to use black Stickles.  For the tag on the blue package I used Liquid Pearls.

I love that this cartridge has cards too. It makes it super easy to create. This one has a fun scallop on the edge and I decided to attach a strip of patterned paper peeking out.

There's still time to enter the challenge. So looking forward to seeing what you all create! Thanks for stopping by! 

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - Challenge Monday!

Hello! The summer is flying by around here and the weather has been gorgeous; so not much time in the craft room lately. But, it is challenge Monday at Exploring Cricut and More and this challenge is always a good one. Create any card, layout or project of your choice using 2 cuts with any machine.

I decided to create a card using this wonderful stamp from Joy's Life. I have been meaning to create something with this sentiment and when I saw the files from Lettering Delights I knew this would be perfect.

I think I need a new blade as my table has some fuzzies, but other than that I'm pleased with how it turned out. I did snip the brad arms and attach with a glue dot so that it wouldn't show on the back of the card. 

Recipe:

Silhouette Cameo

A2 card base

Papers - My Mind's Eye

Sentiment - Joy's Life

Chair and table - Merci Bear Coup Lettering Delights

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have time to create and join the challenge!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - You're a Firecracker!

Hello Everyone and Happy Early 4th of July! Today, I am sharing this project at Exploring Cricut and More. I decided to create a card with this cute firecracker from Miss Kate Cuttable using my Silhouette Cameo machine.

I cut my firecracker at 3.50" using some red glossy paper from DCWV. I cut the polka dot negative using the shadow of the image and added the glossy red paper behind.  The pieces fit together beautifully and I love how clean the tiny stars came out! The sentiment is from Pink By Design.

 Remember the challenge and gift certificate deadlines are this Saturday over at Exploring Cricut and More!!

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!

Annette

Win a Gift Certificate to Expressions Vinyl

Do you love vinyl as much as I do? Well, head over to Exploring Cricut and More to check out all the details on how you can win this great prize! Also, look at all the great stuff that Diane has created with this awesome vinyl.

Vinyl can be used in any die cutting machine and these projects are sure to inspire you for the upcoming holiday! To help you get started Expressions Vinyl and Exploring Cricut and More will give a $25.00 gift certificate. You must leave a comment and be a follower of Exploring Cricut and More. Winner will be picked from the comments with random.org and you have until Saturday, July 5th. The winner of the gift certificate will be announced when the Top 3 Crafters for the Vacation Challenge are announced on Sunday, July 6th. Good luck!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - Vacation Challenge

Happy Monday and time for another challenge at Exploring Cricut and More! This week's challenge is to create a card, layout or project with a vacation theme. You will also need to use some kind of sign on your project.

I decided to create a layout at the beach using my Silhouette Cameo.  One of the features that I really like with this machine is that I can use any fonts that are on my computer. I used the Offset to create a shadow for my title. All the pattern papers were from Lori Whitlock's new stack Summer Bliss. The journal card and beach sign are also from this collection. The turquoise mat is Bo Bunny.

Thanks for stopping by and looking forward to seeing what you create!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More Thursday Project

Hello! Glad you stopped by. I'm sharing at Exploring Cricut and More today. Summer has begun and I am loving this warm weather after the winter we had. Everyone is settling in to their jobs, activities and it's wonderful:)

I created a note card with cool blues and soft greens. It made me think of meadows and hiking in the mountains, which we don't have in the middle of our country. But, none the less that's was my inspiration!

I curled the flowers up with a stylus and added Stickles to the tips of the petals.  The banner behind the flowers was cut by hand. The center was rolled with a stylus to get as tight as possible.

Recipe:

A2 card base

My Mind's Eye Papers

Flowers - 2.19, 1.88, 1.75

Scallop Border - Elegant Edges

Don't forget to enter our wedding challenge! You have until Saturday to get your project submitted:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - Wedding Challenge

Happy Monday! Ready for a challenge at Exploring Cricut and More? This time the theme is Wedding. Create a card, layout or paper craft using black, white and a splash of another color.

I decided to create a gift card using my Cricut and the Sweethearts cartridge. Did you know this cartridge has built in cards?

I love this splash of green ribbon with this CAS card. Hope you decide to join in the challenge this week! Can't wait to see what you all create.

Thanks for stopping by!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - Happy Birthday

Good Morning! Today I have a birthday card I am sharing at Exploring Cricut and More. I can never have enough of these on hand and I wanted a clean look for this one.

I used my Gypsy to help me size the scallops from Plantin for an A2 card. I really like the look of aqua and red together. A nice combo that could be used for a guy or girl. I layered the scallops to the card front adding a gem and ribbon for some texture.

The sentiment cut beautifully from Martha Stewart Elegant Cake. There are quite a few different fonts to choose from on this cartridge!

Recipe:
A2 card base
Papers - American Craft
Scallop - Plantin SchoolBook 4"
Happy Birthday Sentiment - Martha Stewart Elegant Cake Art 1"
Gems, Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by! Remember, you have until Saturday to enter the Father's Day challenge:)

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - Father's Day Challenge

Hello! Glad you came over. It's a fun challenge at Exploring Cricut and More this week. You are to create a card, layout or craft for Father's Day. It will be here before we know it. I created a card using my Silhouette Cameo.

This is a fun card that came together in minutes. The base of the card was cut with white cardstock; so great to be able to write inside!

The top of the card opens just like a tool box. When adhering the black handle I left the red open a little at the top so the handle could slip inside. It makes for a nice finish at the back of the card. All the pieces for this card were cut to size for me making it super simple to assemble. 

Recipe:

A2 card base

Papers - Scraps

Tool Box Silhouette Online Store #43936

Thanks for stopping by! Check out my DT sisters great projects and have an awesome week:) You have until Saturday to enter the challenge.

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - Gift Card Purse

Hello and Happy Thursday! I'm sharing today at Exploring Cricut and More.  End of the school year is upon us with many graduations, including my youngest this morning, and teacher gifts.

 This cute little gift card really fits the bill. I created this using my Silhouette with a file from Pretty Paper Pretty Ribbons. 

I used one of my favorite stacks from DCWV and added a Starbucks gift card. The file did have cuts to hold the card, but I chose to use glue dots instead. 

As you can see, the card fits very nicely inside. I used a glue dot, adhered to the flap, to close the purse together. This is also small enough to fit inside an A2 envelope if you wanted to send in the mail.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy your day!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More - Summer Challenge

Hello Everyone! It's challenge time at Exploring Cricut and More. This time you are to create a card, layout or project with a summer theme using red and blue. 

I was inspired to create a card using this cute ant from Miss Kate Cuttables that was a freebie last week. Isn't he cute? 

I looked through my stash and found some old Creative Memories paper that was cut in a chevron style. I layered that to create the grass. The picnic blanket was created by using an image that came with my Cameo machine and I layered red underneath. 

For the basket, I wanted the woven part to look rough like a basket, so I raised the blade higher so that it wouldn't cut all the way through. I had to pull the rectangles out by hand. Not fun, but I got the look I wanted.

Recipe:

A2 card base

Scrap papers

Picnic Ant - Miss Kate Cuttables

Basket - Silhouette Online Store #44706

Picnic blanket - Woven Star (image that came with machine)

Sentiment - K Andrew Designs

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day!!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More Thursday Project

Hello! I am sharing today at Exploring Cricut and More. In keeping with the challenge I created a project for Mother's Day including a ribbon in my floral arrangement.

I created 7 flowers with the Flower Shoppe cartridge.There are quite a few videos on youtube.com showing various methods of making paper flowers. I really like this one and used it as my inspiration. She has other videos on different flowers as well that are awesome! I chose to not have them so tightly cupped for a different look.

The wire was hot glued between the folds of the layers and then the button was hot glued to the center. 

The butterfly has a vellum overlay that is hot glued in the center. It also has a wire attached with hot glue to the back.

I inked the flowers prior to using the stylus, as shown in the video, to cup the flowers. I stickled the edges of most of the petals once the flower was put together.

Recipe:

Cricut Expression

Flowers - Flower Shoppe (Fun2)

Butterfly - Everyday Pop Up Cards

Fruit Punch Stickles, Floral wire, Buttons, Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by!

Annette

Exploring Cricut and More-Mother's Day Challenge

Hello! So glad you came to visit. Exploring Cricut and More has a new challenge this week. You are to create a card, layout or project for Mother's Day. You must include in your project a ribbon. So, any color, any machine:)

I chose to create a Mother's Day card using my Cricut Expression. I decided to look at some of my older cartridges and see what I could come up with. I really like these tags from All Mixed Up. I have used them for different projects, but never on a card. 

I think this is really sweet with the white little flowers I added on top. Yellow Stickles was added to the center of the white flowers. I added some Stickles to the tag flower underneath the white. The background paper already came in a patchwork like design.

Recipe:

A2 card base

Paper DCWV, Bazzill

"MOM" tag - All Mixed Up

Flowers - Prima

Yellow and Diamond Stickles, Green ribbon

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out my DT sisters for great inspiration:)