I DID IT! Challenge Completed!

June 30, and I've completed my final project for my USE ALL MY CRICUT CARTRIDGES! There was a little time when I thought I might not make it...but here it is, the end of June and I'm posting my final project.

I left Tags, Bags, Boxes and More cartridge for last, as I wasn't quite sure what to do with it. When I sat down to look over the handbook, I knew I wanted to use something different from this cartridge. I saw the door hangar and decided that's what I would make....but how do I decorate it?

I once saw Tim Holtz in one of his videos wearing a t-shirt that read "EMBRACE IMPERFECTION" and I've wanted to make something with that saying. Then the project came together.

I used the door hangar and shadow feature from Tags, Bags, Boxes and More. The flower is also from TBBM. I used Hello Kitty Font Round special feature for the text. The flower frame is from Pooh and Friends (and another chance for me to use my Copics!).

Well, that's it! I've completed my challenge! Its a great sense of accomplishment to get something like this finished. All the paper and embellishments and nearly all my supplies were from my stash (the Copics and Bristol paper were the only items I bought in June).

Thank you to all that followed me through this challenge and for those that made comments. I appreciate your comments and for visiting my blog.

I will make another blog entry for a little Blog Candy give away!

Thanks for your support!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Cartridge 32 of 33 - My Community

Second to last cartridge! Today, I'm using My Community for my project. I found this basket of flowers and because my latest love of the Copics markers, I cut the flowers and basket from the Bristol paper, and colored it all with Copics. The background paper is Bazzill Swiss Dots, two ovals with stamped greeting finish the card.

I am so excited that I am within one project to finish my challenge! It has been interesting to come up with so many projects, and some were easier than others. But, then some were more elaborate than others!

Tomorrow, I'll post my final project. I'll also make a post about something special, so be sure to stop by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Mickey and Minnie and Copics

Today's featured cartridge is Mickey and Friends. How this all came about began quite simply. I had experimenting with using markers in my Cricut, to draw the shape and then cutting out the shape. It basically looked like a cut out coloring book image. I thought to try coloring the images with the Copic markers (that I have fallen for HARD!) I was pleasantly pleased at how well they turned out. Now, I know, this defeats the whole purpose of the Cricut and cutting in layers, but it was fun to try it and see how it would turn out.

I used the Cuttlebug and the Spots and Dots embossing folder for the background, and then used Copics to color random shapes. The verse is from a clear stamp.

Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to come by for my final 2 projects for my Challenge! And...for the "something special" announcement!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Gotta love my TIny Dancer

Two more of the remaining cartridges were used in todays project for my Cricut Challenge. The title "Tiny Dancer" was created using the font cartridge Jasmine. I used Plantin Schoolbook for the rick rack edges. I used Design Studio for both. I also used Happily Ever After for the frame. A Prima flower and scalloped circles with the photo info were used to finish the layout.

The end is near! Yep, I'm reaching the end of my Cricut Cartridge Challenge. I have three more projects to post for my challenge! Be sure to return to see the last days and for something special for reaching my goal!

Thanks for stopping by...

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

For You

Today's featured cartridge is Hello Kitty Greetings. I had made most of the Kitty cards on this cartridge so I chose this flower card. Used black cardstock for base of card, colored DCWV adhesive backed cardstock, highlighted the edges of the flower and leaf with marker. Studio G stamp for verse.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you come back again!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Bright and Beautiful LO

Another cartridge closer to reaching my goal! Today's project I used the Tinkerbell and Friends cartridge for the title "Bright and Beautiful" I naturally thought of my granddaughters! This layout features Kayla, the night of her dance recital. She's become quite proficient with the "dramatic flair" and posed for me for this picture. The background paper is from Paper Studio So Sweet stack, I used DCWV adhesive backed paper to cut the title in white then colored with markers, placed on a strip of purple cardstock, using the Martha Stewart Doily border punch. Matted the photo, added photo corners flourishes with added "Bling", layered marquee shapes cut using Accent Essentials cartridge, added for journalling (when I get my new printer!).

Its the home stretch! I've got 5 more cartridges to use to complete my challenge! I think I'm gonna make it!

Thanks for stopping by...

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Pretty Flower

Its quite a feeling of accomplishment as I near the end of my challenge! Today, my project features the Pooh and Friends cartridge. I cut the flower frame at 5 1/2" in Bristol paper, along with the shadow for the background. I used Copic markers to color the flowers of the frame. My younger granddaughter, Kerri is perfect for this frame! The title of this layout was cut from the Hello Kitty Font cartridge, using the flower feature key. I colored these too with the Copic Markers (which I am LOVING!) The paper is from the DCWV Sweet stack, white cardstock trimmed with the Martha Stewart doily border punch, trimmed with ribbon. Petaloo and Prima flowers sprinkled across the page, and one flower cut from Plantin SchoolBook.

I'm excited to say that I have all but one project finished for my cartridges. Its been very much fun completing projects all month! I can't wait to show you what I have completed!

Thanks for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Cricut Cartridge Challenge Day 17

Today's featured cartridge is Paper Pups. I wanted to find something different on the cartridge to create these cards. Both were created using the border feature and I also used Design Studio to create these borders. The first one is a flower border, colored with Copic markers and a layer of the Spica glitter pens. The border is layered with white linen cardstock punched with Effervescent Fiskars border punch, on top of another layer of white linen cardstock, embossed with Sizzix embossing folder from the Birthday set.

The second card was made using another shape from Paper Pups with the border feature, duplicated and welded in Design Studio. I colored the border with Copic markers, layered that on top of white cardstock embossed with Cuttlebug argyle folder. Greeting stamped on scalloped oval, layered with another oval, inked edges.

I guess the title is a bit confusing. I've been working on this challenge for 17 days, but I've used 25 of my 34 cartridges. I've got 9 more cartridges left. I plan to finish this challenge by July 1. I hope you return to watch me reach my goal!

Thanks for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Here's the Project that Gave me so much Grief!

I have finished my special project and I'm ready to get back to my Challenge! I've got less than 10 days left, so I'm going to have to hustle to get the rest of my projects finished!

But first, a little about the project. My nephew graduated high school and turned 18, and I wanted to create something special for him. I wanted to make a word book for him with photos of him through his first 18 years. We often spent time with him when he was little, and I had photos from those times. Also, I had pictures of nearly all his birthdays. So the word book had to be a larger size than the ones I had made in the past. So I designed a word book in both the Design Studio software for my Cricut and the Funtime Software for my Gazelle. I was preferring the Gazelle design because I used a font called "Magical Mystery Tour" because Jordan is a big Beatles fan. But when I attempted to cut it out on the Gazelle, it did not cooperate. After many e-mails and several phone calls, it was determined for me to send the Gazelle in for repair.

On to the Expression. I attempted to cut the book using my other cutter, but no luck. It just wouldn't cut in two passes, as the second pass would create another cut and not go in the same path as the first. So I was forced to improvise. I used the full size of the 11 x 17 sheet of chipboard, covered it in paper, then cut the letters to attach to the side of the book. After all that, I got my book the way I wanted it to look. Then, after printing about a dozen photos, my printer decided to conk out (AHH, TECHNOLOGY! Gotta love it!)

After all that, I was able to finish the book and was quite pleased with it (I even added 2 more pages for a few more pictures) My nephew was quite pleased with it and after several adjectives, actually called it "UBER COOL". I'm so flattered!

I did use Pooh and Friends Font for the large letters for the pages, used Mickey and Friends Font for the front title, the musical notes cut from Joy of the Season, and a few more titles I used Opposites Attract, Hello Kitty Font, Wild Card Font and Lyrical Letters. My daughter suggested putting guitar picks on the ribbons on the coils of the book....great suggestion! I found out the day of the party, that Jordan's favorite colors are red, black and white!

Congratulations to Jordan! We are all very proud of him. He will be attending the Berkley School of Music in the fall. He is very talented and I can't wait to see where his talent takes him!

Just Stopping By....

Just wanted to stop in and let all of you that are watching my Cricut Cartridge Challenge, that it will be delayed another day or so.  I've been working on a special project for my nephew's birthday/graduation for saturday.  "Technology" has been giving me grief...both of my cutters had problems and my printer finally gave up today.  In spite of the problems, I've gotten everything I need for the word book.  Once I finish it, I will post pictures, and then will continue with my Challenge!

Thanks!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Celebrate!

Day 16 of my Cricut Cartridge Challenge and for today's feature is a birthday card made with the Celebrations cartridge.  Card is cut at 5 1/2 x 4 1/4.  The word "celebrate" is cut into the front of the card.  The cupcake was cut at 3 1/8", frosting was embossed using D'vine swirls and the Cuttlebug and sprinkles made with Stickles

Wow, I'm now in the home stretch!  I've got 9 more cartridges to use.  The next week is going to be tricky as I have a few projects to complete for Saturday.  If you are so inclined, leave some words of encouragement!  I'm determined to forge ahead and complete my challenge!

Thank you for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Silly Stamps

Cricut Cartridge Challenge Day 15.  Today's featured cartridge is Base Camp.  As I perused the pages of the handbook, I came across a stamp shape.  I've had this cartridge for some time and I didn't remember this particular shape.  I knew I had to use it for a layout.  I cut out the two photos using the stamp shape, also a layer of chipboard, and a shadow for the shape in pink.  I used Bazzill Swiss Dots in black for the background paper.  I used All Mixed Up for the word "silly", Base Camp for the stamp shapes spelling out "stamps", I used George for the circle, Accent Essential for the scalloped circle, and Hello Kitty Font for the word "Priceless" cut into the circle shape.  I cut another stamp with shadow for journalling.

My granddaughter Kayla love to pose for the camera (great for me!) and she makes silly faces, these are just two of the many silly photos I have of her so far!

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you return to see how I finish up the rest of my cartridges!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Day 14 - Featuring Storybook

Hope you had a wonderful Sunday.  It was another beautiful day, and very welcome after all the rainy and gloomy days we've had so far.

Today, my project for day 14 of my Cricut cartridge challenge is Storybook.  This is one of my favorite cartridges.  It has so many different shapes and features, it can be used over and over again.  

I recently been looking into alcohol inks and markers with alcohol inks.  I have a set of 10 different colors of the Ranger inks and decided to give them a try with a paint brush.  I cut this framed leaf shape from Storybook from art paper (a smooth finish paper so the ink is not soaked up into the paper) and brought out my Inks and brushes.  I was very happy with the results.  The DCWV Old World paper for the background is perfect, as it looks like watercolors.  I used two photo corners (Sizzix Sizzlets) and a Studio G stamped greeting finished the card.

I'm really pleased with the way the card turned out.  I hope to experiment more with Alcohol inks!

Thanks for stopping by....I've used 19 cartridges so far, 15 more to go!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Cricut Cartridge Challenge Day 13

Today, is already Sunday, and I will be listing two challenge features. I was away yesterday and did not have computer access to post for Saturday. My dear little granddaughter, Kayla was performing in her dance recital and they wanted me to stay for a sleepover. How can I say no? I always have a wonderful time with my girls Kayla and Kerri and of course, their mom and dad!

Well, since I enjoyed my time with my granddaughters, its only fitting I have them included in my Cartridge challenge feature.

I was going through the handbooks of the cartridges I have left and came across Christmas Cheer. Although the weather was cool enough to feel like Autumn, I was not really in the mood to make something Christmassy....so I came across this shape. I guess it could be used for a Holiday ornament, but decided to make a photo holder to put on my keyring. I cut the scalloped square shape at 3 1/2" in chipboard. I cut two more shapes, but it was the scalloped square with a circle cut out. I cut two layers of DCWV Blossoms and butterflies cardstock, and two pieces of transparancy. I layered them this way....scalloped square with circle cut out, transparancy, photo to fit, solid scalloped square, photo, transparancy, scalloped square with circle cut out. I glued the layers together. With the three layers of chipboard, it is very sturdy. After all layers were glued together, making sure all edges were flush, I inked the edges with a Copic marker (to cover the grayish brown color of the chipboard). I put a ribbon through the top hole and attached it to my keychain! My daughter's birthday is in two weeks, I think I'll make one for her!

Thanks for stopping by....the photos below show my granddaughter Kerri (sometimes very serious) and Kayla, because of her love of the dance, is very dramatic!

I will post Sunday's entry later this evening!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Congrats!

It was a beautiful day today, no rain, no dark clouds.  The sun was shining and warm.  Even though its nearly the middle of June, we've had very little summer weather, so today was a welcome surprise.  Hope you enjoyed your Friday where ever you are!

Today's feature is the cartridge called Beyond Birthdays.  This cartridge has been out since the beginning of Cricut world.  Its a great cartridge with many simple and creative greetings for cards.  I chose the "Congrats" for it still being graduation season.  I created this card using Beyond Birthdays, George for the rectangles needed to weld to the word to create the card in Design Studio.  The paper for "Congrats" is Core'dinations, sanded slightly, over royal blue cardstock.  I used yellow cardstock for the star and outlined it with the Spica glitter pen.

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a great weekend!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Birthday WIshes

Today's featured cartridge is Lyrical Letters.  This is my newest cartridge and I am truly enjoying it.  The challenge at first was to use it the "old fashioned" way - without using the Design Studio!  But, once I remembered how to do that, I have enjoyed creating many different things using this cartridge.  I can only imagine what I can accomplish once it is added to Design studio!

I created this card using the Capital Creative Feature key, shift, using the frame key.  I cut it out of DCWV adhesive backed paper, 5" x 4" approximately.  Layered this shape over printed paper.  I used a matching Spica glitter pen to highlight the leaves.  Layered matching colors with stamped greeting.  A little jeweled flower finishes the look.

Hope you liked today's feature.  Don't forget to come back to see how I finish using up the rest of my cartridges!

Thanks for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Challenge Day 10 - Happy Family

This is another layout for my All About Me album.  I used several cartridges on this layout.  I used Accent Essentials for the marquee shapes, I used Wild Card for the cut out design in the background, that unfortunately, does not show up well in the photo, used Home Accents for the word "family", used Opposites Attract for the word "happy".  Flowers are by Prima.  I left the marquee shape on the left blank for journalling.  The photo is from new years eve 1957 when I was 4 years old. I still remember the velvet skirt I wore.

I counted the cartridges I've used so far and I've reached the half way point!  I've used 17 so far (some I've used more than once!)  I'm enjoying creating the various projects and challenge myself to create something different other than a card or a layout every day.  We'll see how the next 17 cartridges go!

Thanks for stopping by and watching my progress!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Paper Roses

Well, they aren't roses, but I thought of that song while I made these paper flowers for today's feature.  I used Walk In My Garden and George to create a paper flower bouquet to give to my granddaughter after her dance recital on Saturday.  I figure these might last a little longer than the real ones.  I cut out 5 layers of the same shaped flower in 5 different colors and layered them with different colors to make them colorful.  I used brads for the centers, which also helped to attach them to the dowels.  I'm thinking I need some florist tape to cover up the dowels and make them look more like flower stems.  I need a basket for it too, so its off to Hobby Lobby again!

So far, I've used 14 of my 34 cartridges!  

Thanks for stopping by.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

I'm updating this to show the finished arrangement. I used florist tape to wrap around the sticks, put florist foam in a basket and put the flowers in the foam. I cut 2 stars, one with Kayla's name, and the other "Shining Star" cut out of them, with red paper behind the letters for them to show against the yellow. For the "grass", I folded a piece of green paper in a zig zag pattern, cut narrow strips off the folded paper and put it on the top to cover the foam. Kayla loved her flowers and they are now on her dresser in her room!

Day 8 of Cricut Cartridge Challenge

It took me a little while before I was able to decide on what I wanted to make for today's feature.  Sometimes when I have too much to choose from, I have a more difficult time deciding.  After a few false starts, I decided on making a card, and I used the Wedding Solutions Cartridge.

I used white linen cardstock and created this card in DS, using the cross from Wedding.  I cut a frame out of the same paper and embossed it with Swiss Dots in the Cuttlebug.   I cut out the cross in watercolor paper, then sprayed it with Irridescent Gold Radiant Rain spray.  I embossed a piece of vellum with D'vine swirls and put it behind the cross.  This card could be for a Christening or for a First Communion card.

Thanks all for stopping by!  Hope you visit again and see what I come up for tomorrow!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Sunday Best

I guess a true sign of a person's age is when they say "years ago" or "there was a time".  Along that theme, this layout fits well.  The photo is of me when I was about 5 years old.  We spent small vacations at my uncle's cottage in Wisconsin.  Sunday's were usually the last day of the time spent there and we would get dressed up in our Sunday Best for Church.  Afterwards, my grandmother would cook a huge feast and we would all spend the time together before going back to the city. 

Today's featured cartridge is George.  I love the flowers featured on this cartridge - and love to layer the flower with the silhouette feature.  I created this floral corner in Design studio, layered for dimension and used Spica glitter pens for a little bling.  Photo was matted with yellow and pink, using Fiskars border punch.  Titles cut using the font on the Wild Cards cartridge.

I really had fun creating this layout.  Hope you return to see more of my creations!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Simpler Times

Today's project is a layout for my "ALL ABOUT ME" book.  The photos are of my brothers and me, circa 1957.  I cut the title "SIMPLER TIMES" from today's choice of Cricut cartridges - All Mixed Up.  Paper is from the Coor'dinations Nostalgia collection.

Hope you're still with me, watching my progress!  I'm planning a few more involved projects in the coming week!  Thanks for stopping by.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Day 5 of the Challenge - Congrats!

Today the featured cartridge is Tear Drop.  I created two graduation cards using the cut out "Congrats" with the graduation cap.  Black cardstock, gold Stardream paper, embossing, and border punch used on both.  Simple yet elegant.

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you visit again and check in on my progress!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

New Arrival

Today's selection is a card, made using the New Arrival Cricut cartridge.  Its for a baby shower and I chose these colors to keep it general, since the gender of the baby was not specified.  I used paper from DCWV Nana's Kids stack for the background, DCWV adhesive backed cardstock for the borders at the top and bottom and the carriage.  The inside of the card reads "for your Little One", using Opposites Attract and New Arrival.

Thanks for stopping by....I've used 9 cartridges so far....24 more to go!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Fun at the Beach

About two years ago, I got involved with the local Curves, a national women's exercise chain.  I was just getting to know the staff and as I was leaving one day, I saw one of them hand cutting out shapes.  I asked about them and we got to talking.  The manager wanted to do some cut out shapes for a special program they were going to run.  After hearing what they were going to do, I said I could help using my Cricut and I explained what the Cricut was.

After that, I became the official "shape cutter".  Every month, they have a bulletin board that posts the names of members and how many pounds and inches they have lost.  The manager wanted to liven things up, so we worked together so every month, I cut out Cricut shapes for the theme of that month. I have a larger shape in the center, with smaller shapes where the staff writes the names and numbers for the various members.  My work always gets lots of attention.  For the month of June, we went for a Beach theme.  

In keeping with my Cricut Cartridge Challenge, I cut these shapes using the following cartridges:

Doodlecharms - Sandcastle

Sea Shells and Shovels- Paper Dolls Dress Up

Pails - Joy of the Season 

I always have fun making the shapes for the bulletin board, coming up with a different theme every month.  

Thanks for looking...I'm excited about the projects I will be creating with the rest of my Cricut Cartridges!  I hope you'll enjoy following my progress.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Second Entry for my Personal Challenge

For this project, I used Accent Essential Cartridge for the sun cut out, Opposites attract for the title and Zoobaloo for the grass.  This photo is my brother and me when we were babies...I think I was about 8 months old.  The layout is for my All About Me book.

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you come by again and see how I continue with my challenge!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

I've been AWARDED!

I'm a little late in acknowledging this award.  Thank you to Diane at Capadia Designs   I am so honored...Diane is a very talented lady and has shared her talent with us all with her wonderful creations, and especially her unique creations using the Cricut Design Studio Software!  Thank you Diane for this award.

Here are the RULES for this AWARD:
1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs, letting them know they have been nominated.

To follow the rules of this award, I am choosing the following blogs to receive this Award

All 4 Sydney 

Chirper Challenge 
The Crooked Cutter 
Whimsical Scraps and Bugs 
Loopy Lou's Loopy Thoughts 
Dee's Special Things 
Papermemories 


7 Things about Me

1.  I was a single parent that raised my Daughter and Son from the time they were 2 1/2 and 4 months respectively.  And I survived!
2.  I was once a guest on the Phil Donahue show in the early '80's.
3.  I am a fairly talented seamstress, and although I don't sew as much (papercrafting is my current passion) my major accomplishments are the wedding dresses I made for my daughter, and then 5 years later for my daughter in law.
4.  I am the second oldest, and oldest girl of 7 children.
5.  My favorite animal is the Koala, has been since the 7th grade when a classmate brought in a stuffed real koala her uncle brought back for her from Australia (good thing they can't do that any more!)
6.  When I was in High School, I dreamed of becoming a pop/folk singer
7.  I had to quit working full time 10 years ago due to health problems.  Papercrafting is like occupational therapy for me

Happy June! New Month - New Challenge!

June is here, time for Graduations, Weddings, Father's day 5 family birthdays (including my daughter) and summertime fun!  THis is my favorite time of year.  I decided to try a self imposed challenge.   I have 33 Cricut cartridges and my challenge is to create something different  each day with a different cartridge.

My first challenge - a birthday card.  I created a birthday card perfect for those not so crazy about birthdays.  I cut Grumpy at 5", background is cardstock embossed with swiss dots.  For this project, I used 

Happily Ever After for Grumpy

Mickey and Friends Font

The inside verse says "it just another birthday"

Thanks for stopping by....hope you visit again and check out my next challenge!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy