Koala-t Kreations

Finally - I"m BAAAAAAAK!

2011-10-19T23:40:00.004-05:00

Yes, its been a very long time since I posted on my blog. Projects that came up kept me busy, and they were not related to papercrafting. Although I had gotten quite disinterested in sewing, my daughter Katie had gotten me involved in some projects that got me sewing again. After sewing 11 double layered petti skirts for my granddaughter's dance recital, I realized I needed a new sewing machine. I was blown away by the new sewing machines and all they can do, I got a fairly basic sewing and embroidery machine. I'm hoping to trade up SOON!

Katie and I decided to try something new for this years season of craft fairs, and we chose tote bags and purses. I realized that all I needed was a good machine for me to enjoy sewing again! I also enjoyed the process of fabric selection and seeing my work take shape.

I'm also enjoying the embroidery part too. I always wanted to do this, but in the past, it was quite expensive for the designs which were only available on special cards. Now, I can download a few designs for a small cost.

Our craft show season is upon us. The first one was a big disappointment as we did not sell one thing. In talking to other crafters, they didn't do well either. We have 4 more - one this coming Saturday and three in November.

In the coming weeks, I'll direct you to our new website that my son in law is creating. It will feature sewing projects, embroidered T shirts and papercrafts. Yes, I'm still creating cards and scrapbooks. I'm currently looking for more ways to combine my two loves - papercrafts and sewing.

One way I've found to combine them is cards. I can embroider designs on fabric or specially designed paper and use it to create greeting cards. Here are a few examples.

This is the first one I made, for my daughter's birthday during the summer. Classic Pooh has been a favorite of Katie's since she was a baby. I embroidered on fabric, and attached it to cardstock. I used Elegant Edges for the frame, embossed with the Cuttlebug and added a few flowers.

This was created for my mom's birthday that we celebrated this past weekend. I embroidered the design on special paper for embroidery. I created this frame in Elegant Edges, using pre-embossed Core'dinations paper. Happy Birthday was cut using Create a Critter Cricut cartridge and "Mom" was cut using the font on PaperLace. Mom LOVED the card.

In the coming days, I will be posting my latest creations. I hope you will come back and visit soon!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

My Craft Space

2011-05-15T00:19:00.003-05:00

Its a room I spend most of my days. It has the creature comforts of my everyday routine - TV, DVD player, Computer, printer, a corner for my sewing and of course my paper crafting supplies and my Cricuts! When I moved into my current apartment, I figured since I spend lots of time crafting and creating, I made the master bedroom into my Studio. Its taken nearly 10 years to get it to the way I have it now and its a very enjoyable, comfortable space for me.

The window faces north so I don't get direct sunlight, but the room is bright on sunny days. The far corner is my computer area, the shelves above it store my Cricut cartridges. I have found that a U shape work area works best for me. I also like having many of my tools and accessories within reach, so I have the shelving above my work space and the rails and cup system (from Ikea) also above my work space. I like this arrangement because I prefer an uncluttered work area. My E2 is one one side, and in the lower left corner you can see my Imagine. Just out of the photo is my sewing area (I avoided this area because its a bit of a mess, as I've been helping my daughter with costumes for a play she's working on and skirts for my granddaughter's dance recital. Also out of the photo on the right side of the room is a row of Jet Max cubes. These are great for storage and look good too!

And here I am, smiling because I'm in my "happy place"!

Thanks for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

My E2 Is HERE

2011-05-09T19:14:00.003-05:00

Well, it arrived last Tuesday, but this is the first chance I've had to write about it! This is one slick machine! Even the new packaging is pretty nice!

First impressions - It seemed lighter in weight when I took it out of the box. Its profile is lower than the Expression and it is much more colorful! The front door, when open, rests higher than the Expression. I am thinking this is so the mat stays flat or even slightly higher than the roller so the paper does not bend off the mat. But this is just my own observation. Other differences I noticed - the silicone cover for the touch screen, and the silicone "plugs" for the connections for the Original cartridge, the Imagine Cartridge and for the add on to make the E2 wireless.

It was very easy to set up and once I pushed the power button, I noticed how bright and clear the touch screen is.
Because I'm a long time Gypsy user, I did have to re think how to cut not using the Gypsy. I wanted to try out the new cartridges that are included in the E2. The Owners manual for the E2 is very handy, listing all the buttons and what each function is for those buttons.

Within minutes, I was cutting a card using the pre loaded cartridge, Just a Note.

All in all, I do love my new E2 and can't wait to use it more and create projects to post here.

Tomorrow, I'll post card that I made using the E2.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Wearing My Other Hat

2011-05-05T19:51:00.003-05:00

I've been doing a little more sewing lately and wanted to post a few things. I have sewed for over 35 years and enjoyed that time, but don't sew as much as I used to. My first love is papercrafting, but occasionally will make things for my grandchildren.

I made sailor dresses for my granddaughters when they were little and I wanted to make some for the twins. These are for my twin grandchildren, Jack and Juli. I will be shipping them to Japan tomorrow. It will be my first overseas package! I can't wait to see a picture of them wearing them! They've gotten so big since I last saw them in January.

I will be posting more in the coming days and weeks. I received my Expression 2 and Saturday is National Scrapbooking Day, so lots of fun things coming up!

Hope you are enjoying spring!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Want to Win a Cricut E2??

2011-04-24T23:16:00.002-05:00

In about 24 hours, Home Shopping Network will launch the Provo Craft Fifth Anniversary Expression 2! Almost everyone in the Cricut world is anxious to too see the E2 in action. The ladies at Everyday Cricut are giving away a brand spankin' new E2! If you would like to get in on the fun, go to:

http://www.cricutholiday.com/

so you can find out the many ways you can have a chance to win the new E2!

I can't wait!

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Fifth Anniversary of the Cricut Challenge

2011-04-22T11:14:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!

This year, the Cricut celebrates its 5th anniversary, and in celebration, Provo Craft has released the E2, a new version of the Cricut Expression. The launch date is April 26 on Home Shopping Network.

As part of the celebration, Provo Craft had a contest to win an E2. Entries were to be a Birthday themed 12 x 12 layout, made with Cricut and our choice of cartridges.

I'm not one to do challenges, but I thought I would give this one a try. The first layout was quite challenging, the ideas were difficult to come by, but once I got started, I was able to complete 3 layouts (we were able to enter a maximum of 3). Five winners will be selected and many will be selected to be shown on HSN Tuesday.

Here are my entries. I've seen some of the others so far and they are fantastic! So many creative Cricuteers out there! I would be happy if mine are shown on HSN during the day of the launch.

This one was made using the Imagine. Using the Yummy cartridge, I cut the woman holding the cake and the flourish corners, border and "Celebrate" The photo mat sized to fit a 4 x 6 photo and the photo mat was cut using Elegant Edges (my FAVORITE Cricut cartridge), printed on the Imagine. Background paper is embossed Core'dinations.

This one was fairly simple. I cut balloons from the Celebrations cartridge, using various papers. Font is Zooballoo, "5" is from Mickey Font. Photo Mat is from Elegant Edges. Papers from Core'dinations and Die Cuts With A View.

This was the first one I completed and took the longest. I used the following cartridges: Elegant Edges for the photo mat and oval mat for the cake, Paper Lace for the font, Martha Stewart All Occasion for the banner flags, cake cut using Smiley Cards, and "5" candle from Sweet Treats. Papers from Core'dinations and Paper Studio.

Good luck to all the entries! It will be fun seeing all the different Layouts celebrating one of our Favorite Bugs - Cricut!

Have a wonderful weekend! Happy Easter and Happy Spring to all!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

SPOTLIGHT ON: PAGODA, Part 2

2011-04-20T22:17:00.003-05:00

Here is another card I created using Pagoda. A truly unique cartridge with lots of potential.

I cut the screen at 5", at this size, it fit the width of an size A2 card. Flowers were cut at 4". I didn't put any greeting on this card, as it would be great for any occasion.

Tomorrow is Hello Thursday at the Cricut message board, where they show new cartridges. Its always fun to see the new cartridges that are coming out, even if I don't buy any, its always fun to see them.

Have a great day! Thanks for stopping by.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

SPOTLIGHT ON: Cricut PAGODA Cartridge

2011-04-19T20:48:00.003-05:00

I purchased this cartridge for the Kanji characters on it, but discovered some really beautiful shapes on it.

This card is made with glazed cardstock that I inked to bring out the design. The fan was cut with the Cricut and the Pagoda cartridge. Happy Birthday was cut from Lacy Labels .

The next week or two will be exciting in the Cricut world. Thursday this week is Hello Thursday - where Provo Craft announces new cartridges. Next week, the Expression 2 will be launched on HSN in celebration of the 5th anniversary of the Cricut. I'm very excited about this updated version of the Expression. Later in April or early May, depending on how the beta testing is going, the Cricut CraftRoom will open up to all. Its a on line software to design and create to cut to our Cricut machines. I'm excited about all these happenings!

Hope you are having a great week. Its been gloomy and very rainy here...we even had some snow yesterday. Lets hope we have a nice day for Easter and that it won't be long before we are enjoying the blooming trees and flowers and warm, summer breezes!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Making Unique Papers with the Imagine

2011-03-17T13:28:00.003-05:00

This is part two of my experiments making my own paper designs using white glazed and pearlized papers that are on the market these days. Yesterday, I showed you the results I obtained using these papers with inks and glimmer sprays.

Today, I am showing the results I obtained using my Cricut Imagine and these same papers.

When the Imagine debuted last summer at CHA, the demonstrators talked about using glazed papers. I went on the hunt for these papers and found them at Archivers. Made by Bazzill, its their famous textured cardstock with a glazed design on the paper and at $2.00 a sheet, it was more than I like to spend on paper. I was anxious to try out this method so I purchased a few sheets in white and cream colored sheets.

These first examples, I used Colorbok white textured cardstock (on the left) and the example on the right is the Bazzill glazed cardstock in the cream color. I liked how the colors looked deeper, the green/blue seems more intense too. Once I printed the papers in the Imagine, I took a cotton round and rubbed the ink off of the glazed areas. It did blur a bit on the edges of the paper along side the glazed design. I liked the way it turned out.

Here is another example, using the same papers (but the Bazzill glazed is on the left side) Its kinda cool how the glazed design shows and the deeper colors of the printed design.

Here is a close up of two more examples. Both of these papers are from the SEI pearlized paper stack. The design you get depends on how much or how little glaze there is on the paper. The paper on the left is mostly glazed and the swirls are the areas that retained the print of design from Imagine. The one on the right retained most of the printed design from the Imagine, as the glazed area was smaller. You can see the little flower designs on the paper.

Here is another photo, of the above papers.

Here is a layout I created using these papers. Both are from the SEI Pearlized stack and printed using the full 12 x 12 printing method on the Imagine. I used Cricut Cartridges Cindy Loo cartridge for the frame and the scalloped circle for journaling; Pagoda for the Kanji symbol and flower, and Gypsy Wanderings for the word Journey.

I hope you enjoyed today's feature. I enjoy creating these papers and look forward to creating more!

Happy St. Patrick's day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Making my Own Papers

2011-03-16T11:20:00.007-05:00

No, I'm not cutting down any trees, but I am using different methods to give me a wider variety of paper colors and designs.

I recently heard about some unique paper called Color Me. Its where you can use inks to create your own color paper with a design already printed into the paper. Since I'm impatient and couldn't wait for this paper to arrive, I thought I'd do some experimentation.

In my paper stash, I had a package of White Elegance from s e i. Its a white on white paper,described on the stack as "pearly foil papers". I had made a wedding book with this paper and had some larger pieces to experiment with.

I first tried Distress Ink with a cosmetic sponge and applied it to the paper. Now, I'm not the greatest when it comes to inks (or anything messy for that matter) But I was happy with the results. Here are some of my experiments.

I received a different effect with each patterned paper I used. I have always loved the watercolor colored papers and designs and that is what I was going for. The paper would soak up the ink more in the "unglazed" areas of the paper and depending on how much or how little was on the paper is how light or dark the paper became. I did use a clean cotton square to rub the ink into the paper and to remove the ink on the glazed areas. All these are great for future card backgrounds

I used glimmer sprays on the next three examples. I was not very happy with these, as they (I used Luminart Radiant Rain) have a high water content and will warp the paper. If I want to use these, I will need to flatten them out. The effect is ok, but I really liked the inks better. I had more control over how much ink and where I wanted it and the ink didn't soak up the paper like the spray did. Because of the high water content, I only used one color on a card.

Then I attempted to do an entire page. I used Bazzill's fairly new Glazed Cardstock. This one is white with white glazed images. On this particular sheet, its cupcakes. This is how it came out.

Pretty cool, eh? This will be great for a birthday layout for one of my granddaughters book.

So, with all the inked papers I had, I was able to create a few cards.

The first card was made with images from the Cricut Pagoda cartridge and the greeting was cut using Paper Lace.

I also used Paper Lace on the circle design with greeting.

Hope you enjoyed today's features. I love creating my own colors of paper and I'm anxious to find more papers that I can use with this method.

Tomorrow, I will show you the papers I created using my Imagine!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Monochromatic Birthday Card

2011-03-14T14:29:00.002-05:00

Time to get back to crafting! Hi all! Hope you are having a great Monday. I appreciate all that have been visiting in the past month when I've been AWOL from my blog. I'm back and hope you all continue to visit.

Today's feature is a card made with several layers and one of my favorite papers - Core'dinations. I used this paper for the background, embossed with a Sizzix folder and sanded a bit to bring out the dots. Cricut Cartridge Cindy Loo was used for the open scalloped circle and its shadow. The shape is the circle design with the deer (page 69 of the handbook) and I used the Gypsy and the Hide Contour feature to remove the detail in the circle and just leave the open scallop design. The top circle with the greeting was cut using Cricut Cartridge Paper Lace - which is one of my current favorites!

I tend to go for less is more and like the simpler cards.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you soon.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Cute Critters Cards

2011-02-13T17:50:00.003-06:00

Happy Sunday everyone! It was an absolutely beautiful day today! The sun was brilliant and it felt good to be outdoors. The only reminders of the winter so far are the mountains of snow that still obscure the landscape. I know, I need to be patient and if the weather forecasters are correct, we will have above freezing temps all week. I'm anxious for the snow to be GONE!

Today's feature are a few cards I created using Create a Critter. I originally purchased this cartridge because of the adorable koala on it. The other critters are equally cute and I hope to make more of them into cards.

For this card, I cut the koala at 3", the balloons at 1 1/2", Happy Birthday was cut using Gypsy Wanderings at 1 1/2" and the grass cut at 1 1/4". Background paper is from the Core'dinations stack Core Impressions by JilliBean. I used Glaze pen for the Koala's nose for a bit of shine.

I also used Core Impressions paper for this card, koala cut at 3", happy birthday at 1 1/2" and heart balloon at 2", all cut using Create a Critter. EK Success border punch used for trim.

I used Core'dinations White Wash (blue) for background paper and all cuts are from Create a Critter cartridge.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you also had a day with sunshine, but if it wasn't I hope my cards brightened your day even just a little bit.

Have a great evening!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Rock Princess

2011-02-09T22:58:00.003-06:00

Hi all! My hibernations continues, as the temps hit new lows. Looking out the window and seeing the bright sunshine, its very deceiving. But hope springs eternal, watching the local weather and seeing how the temp is predicted to climb into the 30's by the weekend. In comparison, it could be shorts weather! hahaha In any event, its another day closer to spring!

Today's project is one of my recent favorites. I was trying to decide on what card to make for my granddaughter's 6th birthday and I had made a few, including this one. But I realized she's still too little for the Rock Princess theme, but I love the way the card turned out.

The girl was cut using Rock Princess Cricut cartridge at 4". I cut the hair from white card stock and colored it in with Copic markers, as I wanted it similar to the color of my Granddaughter's hair color. The curtains were cut using Twinkle Toes. The background paper is from DCWV. I used stickles to add dimension to the bows and the peace sign on her t-shirt and the boots. I also use a Glaze pen for the Guitar.

Thanks for stopping by today and hope you have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Let's Hear it for the Boys/Men

2011-02-07T20:41:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone! Hope you are having a good Monday. A quick look out the window reminds me its STILL WINTER and I want it GONE! I used to think January would drag by, but February isn't going any quicker. Here's hoping for a thaw SOON!

In making greeting cards for many years (started in 1994, when I got my first computer), I've always had a bit more difficulty making cards for the males in the family. Unless there is a specific theme I could use (music or sports) it can be tricky making cards for the guys.

I created three cards that are "non frilly" that would be good for the guys and their birthdays.

I used the DCWV Naturals stack for all three cards. The greetings are from Paper Lace cartridge and the shapes are from Lacy Labels. I also used EK Success border punches.

I love the colors of the paper in the Naturals stack and perfect for these cards!

Thanks for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

A Very Sweet Treat

2011-02-05T14:33:00.003-06:00

Happy Saturday everyone! Hope you are enjoying life where ever you may be! I had the granddaughters here over night and they went home a little while ago, and its very quiet!

Today, I wanted to brag on my daughter a bit. She has wanted a Cricut Cake since they first came out, but couldn't get one. Last fall, I happened to stop by Michael's Crafts and found one for a great price. They were clearing out all the Cricut Cake machines and accessories 60% off and I knew Katie would love one for Christmas. I bought it then called my son in law, asking if he wanted to give it to her for Christmas. So between Keith and I we gave Katie the Cake, the tool kit, mats, blades and 3 Cake cartridges. She said she wasn't too surprised (don't know how she figured it out) but I know she was pleased with the gifts. (Granddaughter Kayla said she hugged the box when she opened it tee hee)

Anyway, after some practice, she made her first cake...for Kayla's 6th birthday in January. Here is the finished product.

She used chocolate fondant for the two layers and dyed gumpaste for the words and butterflies and there is a border around the second layer that's not visable. The Cake was yummy (yellow layer on top and chocolate layer on the bottom) even the chocolate fondant was pretty good!

She learned quite a bit for her first attempt and I can only imagine the cakes she will make in the future!

Have a great Saturday....hope you stop by soon!

Koala- t hugs,

Cathy

Scrapbooking - We've Come a Long Way!

2011-02-02T23:50:00.003-06:00

Hi all! Hope you survived the storm so far. With all the bruhaha regarding the storm, I had forgotten that today was Groundhog Day. The little furry guy in Philadelphia didn't see his shadow today, and that's supposed to mean an early Spring.....well, only time will tell. After the past few days, I'm sure there are lots of folks that are hoping the groundhog is correct! Keep your fingers crossed!

Today, I don't have a project, but a bit of a "blast from the past". I recently went through a bin I had in storage of momentos and a scrapbook I had made in 1970! I am working on a "Book About Me" for my grandkids. I have lots of photos, but remembered this old scrapbook I had made that held some other memories I could add to the newer book.

Here is a photo of the book. When I see this book - the pages were similar to construction paper and the book was assembled with a shoestring looking thing, I realize how far we have come regarding the saving of our memories. I'm sure the pages of this book are NOT acid free and certainly not archival quality - the pages were falling apart!

I think I used Elmer's glue to attach everything. I used scissors to cut out everything (and not really straight) and there was no flair or creativity to the pages! And most of the pages held greeting cards I received over the years. Infact, many of the cards are from people I didn't remember who they were!

I like how this hobby/craft has developed over the years. I think with all the tools and supplies we have available to us, the more it sparks my creativity.

I took the book apart (the paper of the pages was just about crumbling in my hands) and I saved the parts I wanted for my new book. I have programs of plays I was in during High School, graduation ribbons, tickets for concerts I attended....it was also fun to go down memory lane and be reminded of the events of my past.

I am working on my Book About Me....and I can't wait until I finish it!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

A Little Fancy

2011-02-01T17:35:00.003-06:00

Hi all! Well, the Blizzard of 2011 is upon us! The snow is blowing, the wind is howling and I"m so glad to be warm and indoors! Hope you are all safe and warm.

Today's feature are cards I created using two cartridges with similar names. One is Paper Lace and the other is Lacy Labels. Lacy Labels is one of the Cricut Lite cartridges only available from Walmart. I purchased it last summer and it has some wonderfully elegant shapes on it. Paper Lace was released late last fall and it also is very elegant.

This first card was made with shapes from both the Paper Lace Cartridge and the Lacy Labels Cartridge. The paper is DCWV Elegant Stack using the ivory and rose color sheets and the Metallic Stack using copper colored paper. The bottom layer of paper was embossed using a Sizzix folder in the Cuttlebug. The flowers were also cut from Lacy Labels. The greeting was cut using Paper lace. I put a little bling in the centers of the flowers

This next card was created using Paper Lace. The background paper is DCWV Natural stack. Its difficult to see in the photo, but its one of the foiled papers. This stack has some beautiful designs in it! The circle greeting was cut using Paper lace. Simple but elegant!
With the weather as it is, and I won't be going anywhere anytime soon, I'm hoping to get some projects completed. The snow is coming and the only thing I can do is PRAY FOR SPRING! =~D.

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Happy BIrthday Kayla (card)

2011-01-31T21:20:00.003-06:00

Hi all! I hope where ever you are you are safe and warm. The weather forcasters are all a twitter due to the "Blizzard of the Century" that is to arrive sometime tomorrow night. Living in the midwest, you would think we would be accustomed to this kind of weather, but the way they talk on the news, sounds like it is the end of the world! tee hee

On to today's feature! My oldest granddaughter celebrated her 6th birthday in late January and I needed to make her a card. She is in her 4th year of dance class and thought the images on the Twinkle Toes cartridge were perfect for her.

I made one just like this one, except for the dancer, I made the hair color to match Kayla. I realized that night I hadn't taken a photo of it, so I made another for my birthday card stash.

I cut the dancer at 4 3/4" tall. The drapes for the background is another image on the Twinkle Toes cartridge, but I used my Gypsy to stretch and narrow to fit a 5 x 7 card. I used a bit of Stickles for the bows in her hair.

I can't wait to use more of the images on this cartridge for layouts and cards for my two granddaughters that are in dance!

Thanks for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Using Wrap It Up Cartridge

2011-01-29T19:52:00.002-06:00

Here are a few more birthday cards for my stash. I had gotten the Wrap it Up cartridge, mostly for the unique boxes on it, but there are lots of phrases on it, great for cards.

This first one has a cupcake welded into the phrase for a simple birthday card. I used card stock from the DCWV stack Sweet, Corner is a Sizzix die and I used Stickles on the cupcake and on the corner.

Make a Wish with the balloons is also a cut on the Wrap It Up cartridge. I cut the balloons in white and colored with Copic markers. I used Stickles on the balloon and on the phrase. The background paper is from the Paper Studio Birthday Extravaganza stack.

Today, I've been on the computer all day! I've been looking for all the information I can find coming out of CHA Winter in Los Angeles. Facebook has been a great place for information. The new items from Provo Craft are the Expression 2 and the Cricut Craft Room - on on line design software. From the movies coming out of CHA, it looks GREAT! And I was looking for a new Expression as a backup (I've had my current Expression for several years, and I know it won't be lasting too much longer) I had been looking at the Black Friday Expression at Walmart, but was waiting for the price to come down. Now, I think I'll wait for the Expression 2 to come out!

CHA is for two more days and I'm sure there are lots more things to see.

Have a great Saturday!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Using my Imagine

2011-01-28T09:25:00.003-06:00

Hi All! Happy Friday! Winter still has its icy grip on the suburbs of Chicago, so I plan on staying in and creating for the next several days. The fridge and pantry are well stocked and I have no birthday parties or family commitments so it will be nice just to "hibernate" and be creative.

The projects selected for today were created using my Imagine. I don't use it all the time, but when I want to create something unique, I will get out my white cardstock and get to printing and cutting on the Imagine.

This first card, I used the Yummy cartridge for the flourish corners and background papers. I love the flourishes on this cartridge. Happy birthday was cut using Create a Critter and I used Stickles for the letters. For the one layer of the background paper, I used a white on white paper from SEI and printed on it with the Imagine. Then I took a cotton swab and rubbed the ink off the 'glazed' areas for a very unique effect. I will do a separate post for this paper on another day.

I used Yummy on this card also to create the ice cream sundae and the border. For more dimension, I used stickles for the chocolate sauce, whipped cream and cherry. The border is from the Martha Stewart All Occasion cartridge, using the print from Yummy. The background paper is from the DCWV stack Sweet.

After making many, many birthday cards, I look for unique greetings on the front of the card. When I saw this in the Yummy cartridge folder, I thought it would be great for a card. I cut the front in layers...the background is one layer in brown, the layer of pink with the words You Take, and the words THE CAKE the top layer. I used Stickles to give dimension to the cupcake and the words Background paper and border are from DCWV stack Sweet, and border punch by EK Success.

I want to experiment more with my Imagine to create more unique projects. I can't wait to try more of the glazed and white on white papers in the Imagine and see what effects I can get!

An exciting weekend is coming up, with CHA Winter starting Saturday, January 29. Its always fun to see all the new products previewed for crafters of all kinds! I look forward to seeing what Provo Craft has in store! I also like to see what is new and innovative for scrapbookers and papercrafters! Although it would be so much fun to be there in person, I will enjoy watching the blog posts and videos that will be released.

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Happy Birthday Jack and Juli

2011-01-27T00:35:00.003-06:00

Today's feature are cards I made for my twin grandchildren. They don't officially turn 1 until February 18th, but since they moved to Japan, we celebrated their birthday early.

The first card was for Jack. Used Pooh and Friends cartridge and cut Tigger out at 5 1/2". Hip Hip Hooray was cut from Create a Critter.

This card was made for Juli. Piglet was cut using Pooh and Friends, at 5", balloons cut using Celebrations and Happy Birthday from Gypsy Wanderings. I colored in the balloons and characters using Copic markers.

The background paper was from the Birthday Extravaganza paper Stack by Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby's line ).

Its going to take some effort to get into the habit of posting every day, but I'm working towards that goal! I hope you visit often!

have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Back in the Saddle Again...

2011-01-25T23:32:00.003-06:00

Yes, I'm back. I took a little break from blogging. At first, it was because things were so crazy busy. First it was the craft fair in November, then the three weeks I spent sewing princess dresses for my granddaughters. I then made quite a few gifts for the grandkids for the Christmas. I made robes and jackets and nightgowns. By that time I knew I had done enough sewing to last me for a long time. Before I realized it, its nearly the end of January and I'm ready to return to blogging and showing my work.

Although I was away from the blog for quite a while, I have been creating. I've been making cards, mostly birthday cards. With all the birthdays in my immediate family, it will be nice to have the cards made in advance. Also, I have plenty to post here on the blog.

For today's post, I am showing some t-shirts I created for Christmas gifts. I used the iron on transfer sheets, and printed and cut in the Imagine.

The first one was made for my Granddaughter Juli. I used the Sugar and Spice cartridge for the Snuggle Bunny image.

I made one of these t-shirts for each of my twin grandchildren. I used the font from the Paper Lace cartridge for "Nonnie". Heart shape from George and "ME" from Opposites Attract.

In the coming days and weeks, I'll be posting lots more often. Its good to be creative again and I hope you'll come back to see what I've been creating!

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Shall We Dance Blog Hop!

2010-12-18T00:13:00.004-06:00

Hi all! Today I am participating in my FIRST Blog Hop! I hope you arrived from Created By Missie's blog http://createdbymissie.blogspot.com ( If you came to my site on your own, head on to Greengirl Scraps http://greengirlscraps.blogspot.com and start from the beginning!

Here is my project for the bloghop. The photos are of my then 2 year old Granddaughter dressed for her first dance recital. She and her sister love dancing and I knew I would get lots of use out of this cartridge, scrapping all their dance shows.

Supplies used:

Bazzill Swiss Dots Cardstock

Bazzill Glazed Cardstock

Bazzill Bling Cardstock

Copic Markers

Shall We Dance Cricut Cartridge

Gypsy

Bling

Here is the list of all that are participating.

1. Greengirl Scraps http://greengirlscraps.blogspot.com
2. All Things Crafty http://allthingscrafty3.blogspot.com
3. My Fantabulous Life http://fantabulouslypink.blogspot.com
4. Crafty Scentiments http://craftyscentiments.blogspot.com
5. Created By Missie http://createdbymissie.blogspot.com
6. Koala-T Kreations http://koalatkreations.blogspot.com (you are here)
7. Craftin' On My Door http://craftin-on-my-door.blogspot.com
8. Time 2 Createhttp://dlmbscrapping-time2create.blogspot.com
9. Say Anything Crafts http://sayanythingcrafts.blogspot.com
10. Scrappidy Ashy http://scrappidyashy.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit the next blog in the hop - Craftin' On My Door!

Have a great Saturday!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

I've been MIA - Wore my OTHER HAT

2010-12-16T22:25:00.003-06:00

Its been a month since I last posted. As I'm sure many of you agree, this is always a hectic time of year. I've had little time for papercrafting because for three weeks, I was sewing costumes for my granddaughters. They went to Disneyworld and had a special outfit for each day. I sewed 4 special costumes for each. They both got a Alice dress (Kayla's is more modern, similar to the recent movie and Kerri's was the traditional Disney type Alice.) I also made a Belle, Snow White and Princess Tianna (from Princess and the Frog). I sewed for Kayla a white and silver bride Cinderella gown, Jasmine outfit and a different style Princess Tianna. My daughter also had a Minnie and Tinkerbell outfit for each of them.

Here are a few photos of the girls in their "gowns" as Kerri called them.

Kerri being silly

Kayla in her Cinderella Bride dress

Kayla as Jasmine

Kayla and Kerri in their Alice dresses with White Rabbit

Kayla wearing Cinderella gown and Kerri wearing Sleeping Beauty after their day of beauty at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

I had hoped to give my sewing machine a little rest, but I do have a few Christmas gifts to finish. But I will be posting projects I've completed for gifts and an upcoming blog hop on Saturday.

Hope you are warm and cozy where you are, and may your holiday shopping be completed!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Getting Into the Holiday Mood

2010-11-15T20:29:00.004-06:00

Hi All!

Well, the craft fair is over and it went well. Saturday brought many holiday shoppers and it was nice to see the people crowding the aisles, searching for hand made gifts and decorations. Sunday was not quite as busy, but still a good crowd. It was nice to have my cases lighter in weight when I returned home. Katie and I spent the two days talking about our plan for 2011 and which shows we would like to do.

Now that the craft fair is history, I am in the Holiday spirt and even completed some gift shopping. I am shifting gears and for the next couple of weeks, I'll be sewing princess dresses for my 2 granddaughters. I will take breaks for papercrafting and posting here, but most of my time will be spent sewing.

So, before I move on to the sewing, I'd like to show some of the wall decor I created for the craft fair. The ones I made for Halloween and Thanksgiving went well, so I created more for the Christmas season.

This was the first one I created. I was inspired by the project in the Joy of the Season cartridge. I did mine a bit differently and used the two different versions of the wreath. Printed holiday paper is from Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby's brand) I used chipboard in the two layers of the background...plain circle and scalloped circle. Glitter paper is Core'dinations and JOY was cut using Opposites Attract Cricut cartridge. Ribbon was attached between the layers

I used Celebrate with Flourish Lite Cricut Cartridge for the wreath and the scalloped circle in the background with the eyelet border was cut from Lacy Labels, another Cricut Lite (I used this cartridge quite often with the background shapes for these wall decorations. Background paper is from 2009 DCWV Christmas stack, glitter paper is Core'dinations, greeting is from Winter Frolic and I used Stickles to outline the bow.

This is one of my favorites. I cut the shapes and the snowflake border on the top layer from Lacy Labels. When I saw this snowflake shape, I wanted to use it and I was thrilled to find a use for it finally! The church was cut using the Christmas Solutions Cricut cartridge. Blue paper with snowflakes is from Bazzill's glazed paper holiday like. Bottom layer (Gold with dots) is from DCWV Christmas stack. I used gold cord for the hangar.

Another wall decor using Lacy Labels for the two background layers and for the Santa and his sleigh against the moon was cut using Cricut Solutions cartridge. Glitter Paper from Core'dinations (this stuff is great! Glitter stays on the paper instead of getting everywhere when cut) Background paper is from K & Co 2009 Christmas stack. Greeting was cut using Winter Frolic.

For this one, I cut a basic oval using George Basic Shapes, used Gypsy Wanderings for the scalloped oval. For the animals, star and Baby Jesus, I used Winter Frolic. Background paper is DCWV Christmas stack (I believe it was from a few years ago!) Animals Baby and manger were cut from white paper and colored in with Copic Markers. Greeting cut also using Winter Frolic.

A similar one, but on a square shape background, with Baby and star only. Square shapes cut using Lacy Labels.

Another wreath wall decor. Used Joys of the Season for the wreaths, background shape from Lacy Labels, printed paper from Paper Studio Holiday stack and Joy cut using Opposites Attract.

A few years ago, I saw a rubber stamp that had the word JOY spelled out with shapes and that inspired me to create this panel. Stocking and candy canes from Christmas Cheer, wreath from Joys of the Season, background shapes from Lacy Labels. Shapes were cut using the Imagine, enhanced with Stickles. Background paper from Paper Studio Christmas Stack.

I think this was my favorite of all of them! The Window shape and tree were cut using Christmas Solutions cartridge, fire place cut using Christmas Cheer and piano was from A Child's Year cartridge. Background shapes cut from Lacy Labels.

This last one was created using Christmas Cheer for the Gingerbread house, the Gingerbread man was cut from My Community. Paper is from Bazzill (darker blue with glazed snowflakes) Light blue with snowflakes is from DCWV Holiday Stack. I used Stickles for some of the candies at the front of the house and a little bling for the "wind" swirls. Greeting cut using Winter Frolic.

Hope you enjoyed today's features! I enjoyed creating these panels and they were a big hit at the craft fair.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Koala- t hugs,

Cathy

Projects Created with my Imagine

2010-11-10T22:34:00.007-06:00

Hi All!

Wow, two posts from me in one day!

I was so excited that I created these using my Imagine. I had hit a few snags when using the freezer paper method (see previous post), the paper didn't stick down in places and the paint seeped through. Fortunately I was able to fix the boo boos. I decided to try something else and was thrilled with the results.

I purchased a package of the Avery Ink Jet Iron On transfer paper. This was for white or light colored fabrics. With this version, I had to reverse my image before printing. I used the blue print from the Imagine cartridge Yummy. The words "Tiny Dancer" are from the Cricut Cartridge Once Upon a Princess. The dancer girl is from Shall We Dance , but still had to use the freezer paper method (the Mac version of the Cricut Sync software is not available yet, so I was not able to use Shall We Dance in my Imagine yet....fingers crossed it will be out next week!).

This next bag was made using two different types of the iron on transfer paper. For the first layer which is the crown and word "princess" shape from the Once Upon a Princess cartridge. I used the Avery ink jet iron on transfer paper. I had to reverse the image with this also. I ironed it and it transferred well. For the second color for the crown, I used a transfer paper that is for dark fabrics. This was made by Wilton (yep, the Cake decorating folks!) and I LOVE this stuff! I didn't have to reverse the image, printed and cut it in the imagine and all I had to do was peel off the paper backing and place it on the fabric and iron on! I had to line it up so it covered the purple of the first layer, but if you look carefully, it does have a nice purple outline around the pink crown. I was very happy with the way this turned out! This is one of the bags I sewed myself.

These next two bags I used the Imagine and the Wilton transfer paper for dark fabrics. Made it SOOO EASY! I sewed these bags too.

These words were cut using the Hanna Montana cartridge. The print used on the word ROCK is from the Yummy Imagine cartridge.

The corners from this were cut using the Yummy Imagine cartridge and the word Imagine is from Home Accents and color print is from Yummy Imagine Cartridge. For some reason, it photographed more yellow, but it has more green and pink and some blue in the print too.

Thanks for stopping by! Wish me luck for the craft fair....AND that I survive the weekend (its a lot of work sitting around waiting for sales!)

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Latest Projects

2010-11-10T22:16:00.003-06:00

Katie and I have our 2 day craft fair coming up and I've been busy! Here's a quick post to show the totes I've made for the craft fair.

These were made using the freezer paper method and craft paint. The white and pink bag I purchased from Hobby Lobby, but the blue denim ones I actually made myself. I knew there was a reason I kept that denim in my ever dwindling stash of fabric! I used my Cricut Expression and the cartridge Wall Decor and More for the dancers on the first bag and the single dancer on the last one is also from Wall Decor and More cartridge.

For the second and third bags, I used Shall we Dance cartridge. I just received this cartridge about a week ago. This is a Cricut Circle exclusive cartridge and ever since seeing the graphics, I knew I wanted to make something using the ballet shoes and dancers on this cartridge.

I have a few more bags to show, but will create another post as I used another method to create the graphics!

Thanks for stopping by. I'm looking forward to getting this show over with. Once it is done, I will be able to post all the other projects I've created!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Latest Circle Cartridge - Shall We Dance

2010-11-04T09:13:00.002-05:00

Hi all! Its been so hectic lately, I have sorely neglected my blog! Halloween costumes to sew, birthday celebrations and preparing for the upcoming craft fair has all kept me very busy.

I thought I'd do a quick post today, showing a new project made with the latest Circle Exclusive cartridge - Shall We Dance. With 2 granddaughters in dance, this cartridge will be used quite often!

I had this idea before ever receiving the cartridge and hope to make a few of them for the upcoming craft fair (Harper College - November 13 and 14 for anyone in the Chicago area)

I used the freezer paper method to create templates to paint the ballet shoes on this tote bag. It was a bit tricky because I used 2 colors, but it turned out pretty well.

I cut the base image at 9" and also cut out the layer to paint the dark pink. Great for that little girl starting out in Dance.

Well, its back to work! Have a great day everyone. It always seems to amaze me how quickly the year passes, especially this time of year. Halloween is over and Thanksgiving is 3 weeks away!

Have a great day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Cards Made with the Imagine

2010-10-20T23:25:00.003-05:00

Here are a few cards I've made using the Imagine.

The first one I used the cartridge called Yummy. And Yummy it is, with all the food and celebratory images. I love the colors on this cartridge and the prints. The flourishes that are imprinted on many of the images are my favorites. And I like the color combos of pink and brown and blue and brown...this is a must have!

This next card, I used Yummy to create the flourishes and the background print. Happy birthday was printed and cut using Create a Critter and I used Stickles to color it in. The bottom layer was an experiment. I have a stack of white on white paper by SEI. I wanted to see how it would come out after being printed. I used a blue print from the Yummy cartridge and used a Q-tip to remove the ink from the glossy flowers. Its difficult to see the actual image, the light just shows the glossy flowers embossed in the paper. On another day, I will post, showing the different papers used in the Imagine.

I'm slowly getting accustomed to using the Imagine. Its pretty nifty. It will be even NIFTIER (if that is a word tee hee) when I can choose color and designs, print and cut, using the Gypsy.

I think I will only be limited by my IMAGINation! =~D

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

My IMAGINE IS HERE!

2010-10-19T20:05:00.007-05:00

Things have been quite hectic around here the past few weeks. In between making Pink Lady costumes for my granddaughters and making items for the craft fair in November, my Imagine arrived! I had an idea I would be receiving it, just didn't know what day. It arrived the day my daughter and granddaughters were visiting and Kayla was almost as excited about it as I was!

I knew I had to concentrate on setting it up but Kayla was so excited for me, I unpacked it with her. She chattered on about how cool it was as we took the cords and ink and packing materials out of the box. I lifted the Imagine out of the box (and this baby is HEAVY!) and put it on the table...the space I had designated weeks earlier where I would put the Imagine. Kayla looked at it for a moment and said "can we do something with it?". I told her about all the "technical stuff" I had to do before getting it to work, but promised the next time she came over, we would make something together.

That evening, after the girls went home and I had dinner, I sat down and read through all the instructions and got my Imagine up and running. I was a bit apprehensive after reading of the problems some were having with their Imagine, but I forged ahead. Fortunately, all went well and I was printing and cutting in no time.

This is the first project I made, using Nursery Tails (a cartridge I had ordered and received before my Imagine even arrived!) The colors are bright and the graphics sharp. It took a bit to calibrate it , so the images were cut out correctly. But with the help of all the information that had been posted on the various message boards, I was able to get accurate cuts.

I have been using the Imagine, in between finishing my sewing projects. It is an AWESOME crafting tool! In the coming weeks, the Imagine will be made compatible with the Gypsy and I will be able to create my projects on the Gypsy and print and cut them on the Imagine. I see lots of potential with the Imagine. I am very fortunate that I won this "COOL TOY"!

In the coming weeks I will feature projects created with the Imagine. Hope you come by and see what I come up with!

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Celebrate Dancers

2010-10-04T21:32:00.002-05:00

Hi all! Hope you had a great weekend. The craft fair on Saturday went well. Its always good when we make more than what we paid for the show entry fee! Katie and I had a nice day and came up with ideas for the next show in November. I wasn't feeling great, was fighting a cold (its starting to go away) but I managed to get through the day and feel good about the results.

Today, I'm featuring a few more magnet frames I created. I did get lots of positive comments on the magnet frames, but didn't sell any.

These three are all dance themed.

The first two, I used one of the frames from Lacy Labels and the dancer is from Wall Decor and More.

I used DCWV Silver cardstock and the black and silver from All Dressed Up. Dancer shape was cut using glitter cardstock from Core'dinations.

This one I used Cindy Loo for the frame shape. The ballerina is from Joy of the Seasons and paper is DCWV.

I'm taking a little break from creating to do a little sewing, but will be returning to papercrafting to prepare for the November craft fair. This is a 2 day event and I want to be prepared!

Have a great day!

Thanks for stopping by.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Shape book for that Furry Family Friend

2010-10-01T00:18:00.006-05:00

Happy October everyone! Hoping you are enjoying autumn where ever you may be!

Here's one last post before the weekend and the Craft fair! I've got everything packed up, made new name tags for my daughter and I, even a new sign.

Paper Pups was one of the first cartridges I bought in 2006 shortly after the Cricut came out. I used it quite a bit then, but realized I had not used it in a very long time. I decided to make a shape book for the craft fair.

I used my Gypsy to weld a rectangle to the dog shape from Paper pups. I cut the shape from chipboard, and two layers of cardstock to cover the chipboard.

Here is the finished product.

I cut the terrier and highlighted it with copic markers.

Best Friends was cut using Paper Pups. WOOF cut using Pooh Font . Corners are cut using Picturesque.

The pup and the paw prints on this page were also cut from Paper Pups, fire hydrant was cut from Paper Dolls Dress up.

Thanks for stopping by. Wish me luck for the craft fair! Its at Schaumburg High School in Schaumburg, Illinois. Its on a well traveled street, well advertised and I've heard great things about this particular craft fair. I'll give a full report when its over.

Have a great Friday!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

More Items for Craft Fair

2010-09-29T23:37:00.004-05:00

Its been a busy week, getting everything together for the Craft fair on Saturday. I made more magnet frames and here are some Halloween themed frames.

All frames were cut with the opening to hold a 4 x 6 photo - the frames measure 5 3/4" high by 7 3/4" approximately. I purchased the adhesive backed magnet sheets from Hobby Lobby. The sheet is 12 x 24" and I was able to cut 6 - 6 x 8" sheets from it. I applied the cardstock to the magnet sheet before cutting and when I cut it, I set the multi cut on my Gypsy to 3.

This first frame was made with Happy Hauntings. I LOVE this cartridge. It has lots of great Halloween themed images, including some great frames. This has the four skulls on the corners, and I added a bat, a pumpkin and BOO.

I used Lacy Labels for the shape for this one, using my Gypsy to weld two sizes to make the frame and the bat and pumpkin are also from Happy Hauntings.

This one is another frame from Happy Hauntings, made with DCWV Halloween paper stack.

This last one, the frame was cut using Lacy labels and the Images from Happy Hauntings.

Tomorrow I'll post more frames, different themes.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you are enjoying the final days of September!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Lee DeWyze Concert WOW!

2010-09-25T00:15:00.004-05:00

Last week, my friend Marie called and asked if I would like to go with her to see Lee DeWyze. He would be performing at Arlington Park Racetrack (Arlington Heights, IL) and I said YES! I hadn't been watching much of Idol over the past few years, but when I heard they had a contestant from the town where I lived, I had to check it out. He received a great deal of support from Mount Prospect and the surrounding suburbs and we are very proud of our American Idol winner! And now, I was going to have the chance to see him in concert!

It was held in the grandstands at the racetrack and the weather was a bit cool to be outdoors, and we were in the last row at the top, but none of that mattered once he appeared on stage. He sang some songs I didn't recognize, a few I did (The Boxer, Hallelujah, Rocket Man). He did one song, I think was called "Dreaming" and he said that was the first time performing that song. I can't wait until his new CD is released in October.

Here are a few photos of the concert.

Thanks for letting me share my excitement!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Halloween Wall Hangings

2010-09-24T00:13:00.003-05:00

Today, I'm posting three more projects similar to the ones I posted Tuesday. These are Halloween themed. I really like the Happy Hauntings cartridge. Lots of fun Halloween phrases and shapes. And the layers of the shapes give more dimension to the shapes.

The base shape was cut using Lacy labels, using one layer of chipboard and cardstock (DCWV Halloween Stack and EK Success Halloween paper) to cover the front and back of the chipboard. All Halloween shapes were cut using Happy Hauntings.

Its a bit difficult to see in the photo, but I used Core'dinations glitter paper for the letters and the cat.

This one is cut the same way, except the BOO was cut using Wild Cards cartridge.

And the last one...another variation.

I've made a total of 8 of these wall hangings for the craft fair. If they sell, I'll make a few for the next show in November, but with a Christmas/winter theme.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

And the Countdown Begins!

2010-09-21T22:27:00.005-05:00

Less than two weeks until the first craft fair of the season! I can honestly say for the first time, I'm ready! The last few craft fairs we worked did not go well. Its difficult to determine what to bring and if it will sell. But we are going to give it a try and see how well it goes.

Here are a few seasonal decorations I made to sell.

The first one is with an autumn theme. I have seen decorations like this selling in the store, so I thought I'd try to make a few.

I used Lacy Labels for the shape, and cut it out of chipboard. I covered the chipboard with paper from DCWV's Rustic Stack on front and back of shape. I inked the edges of each panel.

I used several different cartridges for the fall themed shapes for each of the panels. Satin ribbon was used to attach the shapes together and for a hanging loop at the top.

Tree is from Stretch Your Imagination, Pumpkins are from Pooh and Friends, Acorns from B is for Boy, Leaves are from Mickey and Friends and Everyday Paperdolls and basket and apples are from Doodlecharms. I cut all the shapes from white paper - its a special paper I found at the art supply store that is for airbrushing. It worked beautifully for use with the Copic markers.

Here are some close ups of the panels.

This one is a little more specific for Thanksgiving. The word Grateful is from the Gypsy Wanderings cartridge, Pumpkin from Happy Hauntings, Leaves from Micky and Friends, Acorns from B is for Boy and Horn of Plenty is from Paper Dolls Dress Up.

Here are a few more close ups of the panels.

I also used the airbrush paper for these cut outs and colored the shapes with Copic markers.

I love Autumn and the colors but I try not to think of what comes soon after fall!

Hope you enjoyed your stay...and please, come back soon!

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Winter Frolic Christmas Card

2010-09-17T11:04:00.004-05:00

Here is another Christmas Card made with Winter Frolic. I didn't think I would want this cartridge, but when I saw all the extras and the borders, I knew I had to get it.

This card is made at 5 x 7. I used Bazzill Glazed Holiday cardstock for the background. This paper is awesome! (they now make a non holiday version of this paper). The snow was cut out of Core'dinations Whitewash paper with blue, embossed with Sizzix Tim Holtz swirls embossing folder. Boy was cut at 3 3/4", greeting cut at 2 1/2".

I love the greetings with this cartridge also. They are multi layered and have a little swirl to them too. I highly recommend this cartridge for holiday cards and layouts.

Busy weekend coming up. My granddaughters are coming for a sleepover tonight and tomorrow I babysit the 7 month old twins tomorrow. I love spending time with my little sweeties!

Have fun this weekend! Thanks for stopping by.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Cuttlebug Card

2010-09-16T01:08:00.002-05:00

Here's a quick and simple card I made using one of the newer Cuttlebug folders that cuts and embosses at the same time.

I used Core'dinations paper to run through the Cuttlebug, sanded it lightly for the images to come through. I punched the corners with a decorative corner punch by Fiskars. The layer below that is cut from gold vellum and the corners are also punched.

The background paper is from the Rustic stack from DCWV. Scalloped circles are cut with the Cricut. It covers a heart shape on the green layer, to give it a different look than the heart. The greeting is an acrylic stamp.

Hope you enjoyed today's feature.

Today I received a confirmation from Provo Craft that they will be shipping my Imagine in early October, and asked for my shipping address. If you remember, back in July I was fortunate to be invited to the Provo Craft Launch Party at the start of CHA. Everyone was awarded an Imagine (we got a certificate for it) Even though that happened in July, I still say "I can't believe it" when I think about it! I guess I'll believe it when it ships in October and its on my desk! I'm so excited for its arrival! And you can be sure I will post projects made with the Imagine.

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

School Bus Mini BOok

2010-09-12T23:21:00.005-05:00

I would have to say one of my favorite projects to make is the mini book. I've made quite a few of them and I am on the Design Team for the Cricut Mini Albums blog. This week's theme was "Back To School".

I create this book using my Gypsy and the bus shape is from Doodlecharms. I welded a narrow rectangle to the left side of the bus shape to give it a straight edge for binding the book.

Each page is designated for grades PreSchool through 8th grade.

I used pockets as photo mats, so school information for that grade can be documented.

Many of the corners were made using border punches (there is a tutorial earlier on my blog)

I have several more mini books to post. I've been preparing for the upcoming craft fair October 2, and have a nice supply of mini books to sell.

Don't forget - Tuesday is the BIG DAY. HSN will be hosting the Launch of the new Cricut Imagine! At 12.00 AM September 13 EST (I am in the Midwest, so will be parked in front of the TV at 11:00 PM Monday night!) Its also going to be an all day Scrapbook supply event, showing not only the Imagine, but many new products and tools for us to make our creating more fun!

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

First Christmas Card of the Season

2010-09-10T21:54:00.004-05:00

I know, its a bit early, but I got this cartridge - Winter Frolic, and I had to make something with it. It has lots of cute images on it and it will be great for cards and decorations.

I made this card a 5 x 7 size. Image was cut at 3", greeting cut at 2 1/2" and border cut twice, at 1". Background paper is from last year's Christmas stack from K & Co.

Don't forget, only a few more days until the launch of the Cricut Imagine! At 11:01 PM Central Time, HSN will be showing the new Imagine. I can't wait!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Toy Story Aliens

2010-09-09T23:07:00.002-05:00

I recently got the Toy Story Cricut cartridge. I bought it because my daughter in law loves anything Toy Story and I told her I would decorate the twins' room with the characters.

When I got the cartridge, the first characters I cut out was the Aliens (Ryo's favorite). As with most Disney Cricut cartridges, the smaller the cut, the more difficult it is to assemble them. Its the little pieces that will cause problems.

I cut these aliens at 3" tall and the small pieces were not too difficult. I like to use adhesive backed cardstock and that makes it so much easier to assemble the pieces.

The greeting is cut using Wild Cards. I inked the background of the cardstock. On the inside of the card it says "Ooooooh!"

Hope you enjoyed today's feature. I had fun making this card and I just might save it for my daughter in law's birthday next month.

In the next week, there will be lots of excitement on the Cricut Messageboard and Circle Messageboard. On September 14 at 12:00 AM (11:00 pm on September 13 in Central time) Provo Craft and HSN will have the world launch of the Cricut Imagine. I will be watching to see this new product in action, but will have to wait patiently for my Imagine to arrive. I was one of the fortunate ones to get a certificate for an Imagine at the Provo Craft Launch party in July. Word is, it should arrive some time in October. In the mean time, I'll be watching all the videos and reading all the information and watching the HSN launch to learn all there is to know about the Imagine! By the time my Imagine arrives, I'll be able to operate it blindfolded!

Thank you for stopping by and hope you have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

First Project with Glass Etching

2010-09-08T19:56:00.004-05:00

Its September already! Kids are back in school, there is a noticeable difference in the temperature and the days are getting shorter. I always considered September the calm before the "storm" of the holiday season.

I have a variety of projects to show, so I hope you'll be a frequent visitor!

Today's project is my first attempt at Glass Etching. I had made these glass blocks awhile ago, but used vinyl. I wasn't completely pleased with it, and wanted to try etching (as long as the vinyl was already on the glass block). The one thing gave me pause was how caustic the etching cream is. But I decided to jump in.

I used the Cricut Cartridge New Arrival for the Moon and Jasmine for Sweet Dreams. Here is the final result. I added a light and a stand.

All supplies - glass block, stand, bulb light with thumbwheel switch, etching cream and vinyl were purchased at Hobby Lobby.

I gave it to my son and his wife for the twins' nursery.

Thanks for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Princess Mini Book

2010-08-29T23:03:00.004-05:00

The summer is flying by. Its the end of August, the kids are going back to school (some are already back) and even though the temperature is still hot, there are definite signs of the change of the seasons.

Creating became difficult lately, so I decided to give my craft room a mini makeover. I couldn't spend lots of $$, so moving furniture, purging unwanted supplies and giving a new coat of stain to the wooden work spaces made a big difference.

I will post photos soon...there are few more things I need to finish. So, in the mean time, I'm posting photos of my latest project for the Cricut Mini Albums Design Team.

Two of my granddaughters love to dress up in princess dresses, and they were the inspiration for this mini book. I used my Gypsy to weld a rectangle to one of the princesses from the Cricut Cartridge Once Upon a Princess to create the shaped page for this book. The printed cardstock I used is from the Princess Stack from Paper Studio (this is Hobby Lobby's own brand) This stack is a perfect companion to this cartridge.

Thanks for stopping by.

I'm looking forward to posting more often, now that my scrap room is nearly finished. It is more conducive for me to create!

Have a great week. I will be enjoying each and every moment of what is left of summer!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Freezer Paper T's

2010-08-09T23:06:00.004-05:00

I've been wanting to make these for some time. I bought the paint and the freezer paper but hadn't gotten around to actually painting.

This past weekend, the two older granddaughters were here for a few days. I thought a perfect activity for us would be to make t-shirts. I had purchased pink t-shirts for the girls and my daughter washed them so we could paint them.

I cut out the design from Wall Decor and More. This cartridge is very creative, but the only image I've cut out is the dancer border. I set the Cricut to low pressure and 2 blade depth. I placed the freezer paper on the cutting mat, paper side down (the other side would not stick to the mat). I used my Gypsy to place the design on the mat, and reverse the image because it was cutting out on the back side of the freezer paper.

After cutting it out, I ironed on the negative of the design. Good thing there were only two little pieces to iron on besides the large negative of the design.

Kayla, my 5 year old granddaughter, chose purple to paint on the pink t-shirt. I gave her a sponge brush and I applied paint to the parts of the t-shirt that showed through the stencil. I told Kayla to dab (I was concerned that if she used a brushing stroke, it might pull up the edges of the freezer paper.) She did a great job. I went back and made sure all the t-shirt was covered with purple paint.

Then, it was Kerri's turn. She chose black paint for her pink shirt. She's only 2 1/2 and not as "crafty" as her older sister. I helped her paint the design and she seemed pretty happy with her painting.

We had lunch and by the time we came back to the craft room, the t-shirts were dry and I peeled away the paper. We were all very happy with the results. Here are the girls wearing their shirts!

Both of the girls are in dance class and can't wait to wear their shirts to class. They are already talking about more designs we can paint on shirts for them!

Thanks for stopping by...hope you are staying cool!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Variations of a Theme

2010-08-02T16:48:00.003-05:00

Hi all! Hope you are having a great Monday! Today's feature are three cards I made using Stretch Your Imagination. I've always wanted this cartridge and when I found it at Walmart on clearance (for $23.00) I had to get it.

This particular cartridge has a card feature and I chose the baby card. I liked it and made it three times, but with a difference for each card. All three cards are 5 1/2 x 5 1/2"

First one, I made with blues and greens - perfect for a new baby boy. I cut the baby out of flesh tone cardstock and used Copics to color in the details. The greeting is from Wild Cards.

This is one in pink and purple, perfect for a baby girl. I used purple with white polka dots for the background and pink cardstock for the layer. Greeting was cut using New Arrival. I also rounded the corners on this card.

The last one I made in green and yellow - and could be used for a baby shower, when the gender of the baby isn't known. I cut the overlay smaller and used an EK Succes mini scallop border punch on the side edges.

Thanks for stopping by today! Enjoy!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

What a WEEK!

2010-08-01T20:13:00.005-05:00

Happy August everyone! The summer is flying by. It was an exciting and exhausting week, attending the Provo Craft Launch party on Tuesday, Friday morning was the Circle Meeting, and later to CHA SuperShow, Friday night dinner at Giordano's and back to the Super Show on Saturday. WHEW!

I enjoyed seeing so many crafty products. My first impulse is to BUY, BUY, BUY, but I was conservative. I did purchase a few Copic markers, and a book on Metal Clay for my Daughter (it was her belated birthday gift). She bought me a pack of Core'dinations paper (LOVE this stuff) and a Cuttlebug embossing/die combo. Can't wait to make some cards with this!

It was also so much fun to meet so many people with the same passion. We all love our paper crafting and we all love Cricut/Provo Craft. It was fun to meet people that I've seen on the internet and Message boards. As exhausted as I was, I still enjoyed helping Robyn (My Pink Stamper) set up for her class and help the attendees with their projects. Most seemed to be very well versed with the Cricut and it was a hoot to hear all those Cricuts "chirping" at the same time!

My daughter and I rushed back to the Cricut booth with raffle tickets in hand, and I was hoping we'd win a Cake (I'd give it to Katie, as she would do GREAT with one of these) but we didn't win. That's ok, we had a blast together. She got to do a make and take of the metal clay and made a beautiful silver pendant, and at her clay class, made another pendant with polymer clay. I think she's got another creative adventure in front of her!

I got to do some resting today, but back to reality tomorrow! It was a week to remember and I know I will be talking about it for weeks to come!

here are a few pictures from the week.

This is the Cricut head, painted by the artist David Garibaldi. He performed at the Launch party on Tuesday. In a word, AWESOME!

Ginger Adams from Provo Craft is a sweetheart! It was truly a pleasure to meet her! I am very short compared to her, and she stooped down to hug me for this pic!

Here I am with the "bug" of the hour! Cricut! The Circle meeting was lots of fun. A room filled with Cricut fanatics! A little bit of heaven, it was!

Thanks for letting me share my fun week.

Enjoy what's left of your weekend, please stop by again soon!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

I've been FRAMED!

2010-07-29T00:55:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone!

Lately, I've been having fun with FRAMES. Between the Cricut Cartridges Cindy Loo and Lacy Labels (Lite), I 've been making all sorts of frames. I've used them in mini books, I've made a few for scrapbook pages and making the frames with magnets to display those special photos on the fridge'.

This first frame I cut using Cindy Loo, paper is DCWV Glitter Stack. I cut the frame from chipboard (.022 mm thickness) and a layer of the printed cardstock. I cut a shadow with the center filled in (used the omit feature on Gypsy to omit the lines in the center of the frame). I cut the leaf design on the side out of chipboard and cardstock. When I glued the front part of the frame to the background, I glued just 3 sides, so I could slip the photo into the frame (just in case I wanted to change the photo in the future) Added a few pearls too.

This frame was cut the same way - chipboard, cardstock and shadow layer.

I created this frame on the Gypsy, using Lite Lacy Labels and New Arrival. I also used a layer of magnetic sheeting.

I used Lacy Labels and Robotz for this frame.

The next two frames are also magnet frames, and used Base Camp for the stamp shape, and George to put the opening inside the shape, and the flowers are also from George. These two frames were featured on Tuesday Treats, as I was the day's featured designer yesterday (July 27).

Three of my 4 grandkids were the 'models' in the photos I used.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed today's projects! I'm still giddy from the Provo Craft launch party on Tuesday. I just now need to be patient until I am able to get my Imagine!

Have a great day.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Oh, What a NIGHT!

2010-07-27T23:41:00.002-05:00

I had the pleasure to attend the Provo Craft Launch Party earlier this evening. Its nearly midnight and I'm still reeling!

A few weeks ago, it was posted on the Cricut Message Board asking who from the Circle would be able to attend the launch party on July 27. Being a member of the Cricut Circle, I replied that I would love to go. When invitations started showing up last week, I was disappointed that I didn't get one. I thought maybe they did a lottery to choose names, as they did say they had a limited space. But Monday, I did get an invitation! I was very excited to attend.

After taking longer to get to where I needed to go (darn parking garage), I finally arrived and after only a few minutes standing in line, I started talking to other women in the line and met some fellow Message Board Members. After showing my invitation, I entered the room, where there was food and drinks and even spray on tattoos. I got my first tattoo! Probably the only one I'll ever get! I met up with many other wonderful fellow Cricut fans. I met up with Simone who I knew from my local scrapbook store...and found out she no longer works there! And, I also met up with a former co-w0rker! I left my job 11 years ago, and it was fun to see her again.

The presentation began, Jim Thornton talked for a short time and introduced the film of the winners of the "Next Big Thing" contest. It was a very touching film and they were two very deserving winners!

The next part of the presentation was a performance by David Garibaldi. WOW. That's all I could say, the performance left me awestruck! He used paint and music and extravagant movement and brushstrokes and created the most incredible portraits! I know everyone in that room was blown away!

WHen that part was finished, a PC rep (sorry, can't remember the name, I was still reeling from the painting performances!) spoke a short time, telling us about the gift bags and everyone in the room would receive an IMAGINE! I can't believe it! I think it still hasn't sunk in yet! But as I drove home from the hotel, I thought, I need to re-arrange my scrap room and make space for it!

I had an incredible time, and I'm so happy I got to go.

Well, that's my excitement for the month! HAHA. I can't wait to get the Imagine and create all sorts of projects with it to share here!

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

The Gears are Turning

2010-07-21T23:27:00.001-05:00

Time seems to fly past me and then I realize the things I didn't get done. This past weekend was fun spending time with my 4 grandchildren. Good thing was, I had time with 2 at a time. I'm sure when they are older, I'll be able to be with all 4 at once, but at the ages they are now, it would be overwhelming! Kayla is 5, Kerri is 2 1/2 and the twins are 5 months old and I love each and every minute I spend with them.

Its also been an exciting week. I watched the launch of the Martha Stewart Cake - its the same model as the Cake that was released earlier this year, but Martha Stewart has joined forces with Provo Craft and they released a "kitchen White" Cake cutter, and 3 new Martha Stewart inspired cartridges. They are perfect for a wide variety of cakes, cupcakes, even cookies!

Then, there was leaks of information about a new cutter from ProvoCraft. Allegedly, its called the Imagine and it will print images and cut those images out! Right now, all information is speculation and guesses, but will be released at CHA in Chicago next week.

And, today, I was able to order a cartridge I've wanted for a very long time! I ordered Picturesque. Cricut.com offered this cartridge out for sale and I had to get it. I has lots of great shapes and cards and CORNERS (I LOVE corners!).

Now that things are starting to settle down a bit (at least before next week, when CHA hits town and we hear of all the new crafty supplies that will be coming) I have a card to show.

My son LOVE robots. With him being such a techie I know he would love to build one some day. Until then, I will be making cards with robots on them. I used the Cricut Robotz cartridge. What is great about this cartridge is that it has a font on it too.

Hope you are as excited as I am about all the new crafty news next week. Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Thank you Card

2010-07-14T23:08:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone! Hope you are staying cool where ever you are in the world! Today was the hottest day of the season so far...but, its summertime!

Today's feature is a simple thank you card. I cut the flowers using Lyrical Letters cartridge, "thanks" cut using Don Juan. I inked the background of the card. I colored the flowers with Copic markers and each flower received a dollop of Stickles

Today, the Cricut Circle Message Board was initiated and so far, its great! I am looking forward to all the events and sharing with other Cricut Circle members!

Have a great day! Thanks for stopping by.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

"Birdie" Greetings

2010-07-13T08:51:00.001-05:00

I have to admit, two of my very favorite cartridges of late are Lacy Labels and Cindy Loo.

Today's feature is from Cindy Loo. It would make a great full page mat or, in this case, a pretty birthday card.

I cut this shape at 4.75" and cut it twice. The first layer, I cut from ivory paper, and used my Copics to color in the leaves, branches and bird. Then, the second layer, I cut using the brown cardstock, and cut out the design so I have a frame for the design.

The background is also ivory cardstock, embossed with Sizzix embossing folder (using my Cuttlebug) and the edges were inked. Stamped greeting completes the card.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Balloons to Celebrate

2010-07-11T20:40:00.003-05:00

Hope you all had a great weekend. The weather was true summer like and now its storming. The flowers needed the rain, so I'm not complaining!

Here are a few cards I made featuring balloons. I love to cut them out of plain white cardstock and color them with Copic markers. Both can be used either for a birthday or a new baby.

This first one features a happy elephant (cut from Cricut Everyday PaperDolls) and the balloons are cut from Celebrations. The balloons are colored in using Copic markers and white Gelly Roll pen for the white highlights. I use black button cord for the strings tied to the balloons and to the trunk of the elephant.

The background paper is from the Color Kaleidoscope stack from Hobby Lobby's Paper Studio line. (this has some great bright, primary color papers)

This next card is fairly simple. The background paper is Bazzill Swiss Dots. The koala was cut from Cricut Create A Critter, I sketched in highlights with Copics. I used Black Glaze' pen to shine up the eyes and nose and white Gelly Roll pen for highlights in the eyes, nose and balloons. The balloons were also colored in with Copic markers. Used black button cord for the strings.

The grass was cut from Zoo Balloo cartridge. I know I cut that row of flowers and colored them too with Copics, but I can't for the life of me find what cartridge the cut is from. I will search my Gypsy and see if I can find it.

Thanks for stopping by to see my work. I hope you are having a great summer so far. This week, I should be receiving my Cricut Circle package and the Circle message board should be up and running. I'm looking forward to what the Circle is all about.

Enjoy!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

This weeks Cricut Mini Album DESIGN TEAM Project

2010-07-09T22:44:00.002-05:00

The theme for this week's project was Vacation or Summer. I thought of vacation and the one thing I know I take on a vacation is a Camera. There is a cut on the Create a Critter Cricut cartridge that is the shape of a camera and I thought that would be great for a shape book. I cut the shape from chipboard and coverd with swiss dots Bazzill cardstock.

Title was cut using Robotz Font and details inked in.

The inside pages, I made photo mats using the frames from the Cricut cartridge Cindy Loo (LOVE this cartridge!) Using my Gypsy, I was able to delete the inside cutting lines so the frames are mats. On these, I used the flourishes for those particular frames.

Another Cindy Loo frame photo mat, and on the right, I placed an accordian folder to hold 4 photos.

More frame photo mats, and I used an EK Success border punch that cuts out a row of flowers. I used this as a trim that the photo can be inserted into. On the right, I used ribbon as photo corners.

The right sided page has 2 folders that hold 3 photos each and the right side is a photo mat that is a pocket that holds 2 tags that can be used for photos or journalling.

I'm hoping that with future themed mini books, I'll be able to use more graphics to match the theme. I'm getting better with these books and I love making them.

Thanks for stopping by. Another summer weekend coming up. Have a great weekend.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Cricut Lite - Lacy Labels

2010-07-08T23:50:00.004-05:00

The new Lite Cricut cartridges are wonderful! WIth 24 different cartridges, there is something for everyone. Although I won't be getting all 24, there are a few that are great. One of the two I purchased is Lacy Labels. In seeing the content of this cartridge, I thought they would be great for cards....but I know I'll be using it for mini books and scrapbook layouts.

Today, I'm featuring a card I made with Lacy Labels. Again, I had to reach back in the memory bank to use the Cricut on its own, no Design Studio and no Gypsy!

When I finally figured out the sizes, I created this card.

The background paper is K & Company embossed papers, inked. The oval layers, oval flourish and butterflies is a set from Lacy Labels. Happy Birthday was cut using Gypsy Wanderings and this was all made into a 5 x 7" card.

There are many different shapes on this cartridge and I can't wait to try them for cards and for layouts. Now that it has been added to the Gypsy software, I can get a better idea for sizes and I want to try to make one of these labels for a frame for a photo.

If you are considering getting a few or more of the Lite Cartridges, I highly recommend Lacy Labels! I think its going to be used quite a bit!

Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Cricut LITE - Celebrate with Flourish

2010-07-07T20:08:00.002-05:00

For about a month now, there has been the buzz about the 24 Cricut LITE cartridges, an exclusive to WalMart. They were to have them on display for sale by July 1. I was able to find a couple of these cartridges and couldn't wait to try out some of the cuts. Funny thing, though, I had to cut "the old fashioned way" as they were not added to the Gypsy software until this week. I'm such a creature of habit, I really had to work to cut just using my Cricut without any form of software.

Since this cartridge has lots of holiday shapes and titles, I picked the birthday cake, one I could use every day.

For the base of the card, I used Core'dinations White Wash paper, embossed with Tim Holtz embossing folder, sanded to reveal the teal color. Used a pumpkin color for the cake and the side borders, cut with Martha Stewart Scallop border punch. Peach colored scalloped oval was cut using Gypsy Wanderings.

Its a simple card, but I tend to lean towards simple, that's just my style!

Thanks for stopping by to check out today's feature. Its beginning to cool down here in the Chicago area, and we are in for a stretch of beautiful, summer weather! Enjoy the summer where ever you may be!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Keeping Busy-New Project!

2010-07-07T00:43:00.003-05:00

Well, last week, I finished my second large project within a month's time. This last project was a book for my sister's 50th birthday. We had a surprise party for her on July 4th. The book was 12 x 12, had 14 pages (both sides, so 28 sides). I had plenty of photos to put in it for her....it was photos of her I had taken over the years, either by herself or with family members. I am happy to report that she loves the book! I took pictures at the party and told her I would add them to the book. My next big project will really be two projects and I need to finish them by the beginning of August, but I don't want to say who it is for....just incase they stop by!

So, now, I will post some cards that I've made. I have plenty of cards to show. And, I have to admit, I've purchased several Cricut cartridges in the past month (the most I've ever purchased in the past 4 years since first getting the Cricut!) I have lots of ideas whirling around in my brain!

Without further delay, here is today's project.

This card was created using the Wild Cards Cricut cartridge. I cut it at 5 x 7", using an ivory cardstock, brown cardstock for the dial and wire. Kinda makes me laugh to see this phone and to think how many years ago, phones like this were all we had. Now there are wireless phones, cordless phones....some small enough to fit inside the mouthpiece of the old time phone!

I chalked the phone for definition. Used Happy Birthday stamp for the front and on the inside the verse reads "Consider your age unlisted!" This card will be perfect for an upcoming family birthday!

Thanks for stopping by...hope you enjoyed today's entry. Please come by again and see what I've created with all my new cartridges!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Gate Fold Mini Book

2010-06-25T22:12:00.005-05:00

This is another project I created as Design Team Member of the Cricut Mini Albums blog.

I had seen a gatefold book and thought how cool it was, so I decided to create my own.

Using my Gypsy, George for the page shapes. I used Gypsy Wanderings for the title. I used binder rings for the bindings (instead of the Bind It All) because these type books get quite bulky when photos are added. The paper is DCWV Once Upon a Time Stack.

I used the entire of paper ( I used the 8 x 8 size so the design wouldn't be too big for the book) so the design would flow across the two pages.

On the individual pages, I used border punches for the tops of pockets to hold tags for photos and even journalling. I also used border punches to create narrow borders and to be used to hold photos in place. Tags were cut using Tags Bags, Boxes and More cartridge.

I also did the facing pages to match.
I also used border punches to create photo corners. I love photo corners - and I tried to create areas so the owner of the book can just add photos without any adhesives or glue.

Ribbon are also great to use to hold photos in the book.

The photo corner on this page was actually cut from one of the designs in this particular stack.

I took the liberty to post photos of my family to show how they fit nicely into the pockets. These lovelies are my granddaughters (that love to pose by the way!)
This is a photo from the day my son and wife's twins were born. Yep, that's me in the upper right corner of the photo.

Hope you liked today's project. I have many more ideas to create mini books and I've has so much fun being a member of the Design Team.

Now, back to the project I'm working on. Its for my sister's birthday, so I have lots of work to complete!

Thanks for stopping by, Have a great weekend.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Ice Cream - Perfect for a HOT Summer Day

2010-06-24T23:03:00.002-05:00

I don't know if I'm a rare person for this, but I only like ice cream in the summer time. I rarely eat it in the winter (I hate being cold) but when its hot, I could eat ice cream every day!

This card reminds me of summer birthday parties (and in my family there are plenty. We have 7 family birthdays in June alone!

I started with Core'dinations Chocolate Box paper, embossed it with D'vine Swirls Cuttlebug folder. I cut a circle from the DCWV Blossoms and Butterflies Stack and using the Martha Stewart Border punch, I create a strip that I clipped and curved around the circle, giving it a doily look.

Ice cream cone is cut using the Sweet Treats Cricut Cartridge and a little Stickles for sprinkles.

Hope its not too hot where you are, but if it is, have some ice cream to celebrate Summer!

Thanks for stopping by!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Cupcakes for your Birthday!

2010-06-23T11:17:00.002-05:00

I saw a card similar to this in an Archiver's ad and I thought I would try to duplicate it in my own way.

Green background cardstock is Core'dinations, embossed with Swiss Dots and D'Vine Swirl Cuttlebug Embossing folders. Circle cut using Sweet Stack by DCWV. Edge around circle was cut using Martha Stewart Border punch and straight edge snipped to create border to curve around the circle. Cupcakes were cut using Sweet Treats and colored with Copic Markers. Pedestal was cut using Celebrations.

Blue strip was trimmed using EK Success mini scallop border punch. Scallop circle with stamped greeting.

Sometimes when I make a card, I have a difficult time sending it out right away...but how can anyone else enjoy it if I keep it for myself? Guess I'll have to make another variation so I have another on hand.

Its great to be getting back into creating again. Although I loved the time I spent with my kids and their families, especially my Grandchildren, its nice to be home and creating every day.

At the Cricut Message board, all the buzz lately has been about the new Cricut Lite Cartridges. Although they don't carry them at my local Walmart, I did find them at the Walmart near my daughter's and I was able to pick up two. I have been busy making cards with them and can't wait to show them off! So be sure to stop by again soon!

Have a great day...thanks for stopping by and have a great Wednesday!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

This is your Life...so far....

2010-06-22T17:15:00.003-05:00

Hi All!

The past few weeks have been crazy! Birthdays, Graduation, dance recitals, making gifts and all this only to be complicated by my car undriveable! Its been hectic, but all is calming down now. Today's feature is a book I made for my niece for her graduation. She turned 18 in May and then Graduated high school two weeks later.

This was another BIG BOOK! I used 12 x 12 cardstock adhered to 12 x 12 sheets of chipboard. I used basic colors (Becca is not a "frilly" type person, and her mom told me Becca's favorite color is "Cubbie" blue!)

For the cover, I used clear acrylic sheets for the front and back, and the page beneath it was made with Whitewash Coredinations paper, embossed with Cuttlebug folders. Layer underneath was trimmed with Martha Steward border punch. Title was cut using the Gazelle.

Throughout the book, I used several different Martha Stewart or EK Success border punches.

Printed paper from these two pages is from the Birthday Stack from Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby) Cupcake and shapes were cut using Sweet Treats Cricut Cartridge.

The book was a big hit, my niece really loved it!

My next project is for another family member that will be celebrating a big birthday milestone!

Thanks for stopping by....now that things are settling down, I'll be able to post more often. Hope you can come back soon!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

CUPCAKE CARD - TAKE 2

2010-06-05T21:50:00.003-05:00

Cupcakes seem to be the "BIG THING" lately and I'm having fun making a variety of cupcake cards (well, at least these cupcakes are FAT FREE!)

I came across a method to use a border punch on a curved edge. I wish I could remember where I found this, as I would like to give this very creative person credit. I decided to give it a try with this card.

The bottom layer of the card is red cardstock, embossed using my Cuttlebug and a Sizzix folder. I cut two ovals using my Cricut and George, two different sizes. I embossed the top (smaller) oval with the Happy Birthday Cuttlebug folder. I used this bright green cardstock (I'm getting braver in my color choices!) and used the Martha Stewart Border punch and clipped the straight edge between the two scallops to allow the paper to curve. I lined it up along the edge of the large oval and attached it to the back.

Cupcake was cut using Doodlecharms and I colored the flame and the bottom of the cupcake with Copic markers. The frosting was embossed using D'Vine swirls and the Cuttlebug.

Hope you enjoyed today's project. Wishing you a crafty weekend!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Latest Project for Cricut Mini Albums Design Team

2010-06-03T21:48:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone! Today's feature is my latest project for teh Cricut Mini Albums Design Team. I had the idea for this book, but got stuck part of the way through it. It sat on my desk for awhile and I kept looking at it. It finally clicked as to how I should finish it.

I started out using the Teddy bear shape from Create A Critter Cricut cartridge and welded it to a rectangle from George to create a page. (I also used my Gypsy to create this book)

I used Pooh Font set for the title on the cover. Used Tags, Bags, Boxes and More for the tags.

Duck was cut using New Arrival

The title Precious was cut using Once Upon A Princess. The left sided page has a folder that opens up and holds two more photos inside.

Another tag pocket and the baby buggy was cut using Everyday Paper dolls.

The page on the left is another folder that opens up to hold 4 more photos (see last photo)

I made it to fit either a girl or boy. The paper is from Hobby Lobby's Paper Studio Line. Stack is called Jung-a-low, Bung-a-low Baby. It has great colors and prints neutral for either gender.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed your visit!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Monkey Birthday

2010-06-02T21:31:00.003-05:00

Hi All! Here is another of the birthday cards I've created recently. I love this monkey from the Everyday Paper Dolls cartridge. I cut it from white paper and colored him with Copics (there is no layering for this particular shape). The vine was cut from ZooBaloo. The verse is from Beyond Birthdays and the scalloped circle was cut using Gypsy Wanderings.

Here is the inside of the card, cut using Creative Critters Cartridge.

Thanks for visiting. I have 2 big projects to complete in the next few weeks and I can't wait to show them off. Have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Happy Birthday Cupcake Card

2010-06-01T12:34:00.002-05:00

One of my most recent cartridge purchases was Sweet Treats. Its has a great variety of cupcakes, ice cream cones, fancy cakes and can be used to make some very whimsical cards.

There are 7 family birthdays in the month of June, and since I make cards for my mom to give too, I have made quite a few cards in the past few weeks.

This is the cupcake card shape, cut at 5 1/2" tall. I used Stickles for the sprinkles, Copic marker for the edging of the flower and a mini stamp for the greeting.

Chocolate cupcakes are one of my favorites and this one is CALORIE FREE! =~D

Thanks for stopping by. Hope your June is off to a great start! YEA SUMMER! My favorite time of year.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

I'm Back! Mojo's Workin'!

2010-05-27T12:19:00.006-05:00

Hi Everyone! Its been a month since I've posted anything new, but I'm back! I took a little time off because the ol' creative juices were running low. But within the past two weeks, I've been able to get creative again and I have lots of projects to share. I appreciate all that have visited in the past month and hope you'll come back to see my latest works.

This first project was a book I made for my mom for Mother's Day. The great grandchildren call her GG (great-grandma) and I made a mini book with all her great grands.

I used my Gypsy and the Sweet Treats Cartridge to create the flower shaped page. The book measures about 7 x 7" using photos as the centers of the flowers.

I used chipboard for the pages, and Core'dinations paper for the flowers. I love this paper. It is great to use as is, or to sand, or in some of the pages, I used Cuttlebug embossing folders.

I used Don Juan font cartridge for the title on the cover of the book.

I used Copic markers to highlight and shadow parts of the flowers. The verse was printed from my computer.

I also used Don Juan font cartridge for the names of the kids

And I included 2 empty pages for any future great grandchildren!

Mom really liked the book and has it displayed with other books I've made for her.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you will return soon for more of my latest creations!

Have a great day.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

My latest Baby Book

2010-04-27T11:07:00.005-05:00

My daughter in law's mother has been visiting from Japan since January. She was here to help out with the twins, born in February. She is going home today and I wanted to make her a baby book to take with her.

Since she does not speak much English, I didn't want to put any english titles, but I wanted to do something special for the cover.

For the book, I cut out the pages at 7 x 7, using George and my Cricut. This was the best way to get all the pages the same size (sometimes I'm not the greatest at getting my pages all even!) I used the K & Co. baby stack for the paper. With the help of my Daughter in law and Terri from the Gazelle cutter forum, I was able to cut out the Japanese characters for my grandson and granddaughter's names. Since the characters were very thin, I used the "negative" cut out, cut in yellow, with blue behind it to show the letters. I used a Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page punches for the mats. The book was pretty thick, so I used Binder Rings to bind it together, adorned with lots of colorful ribbons.

I made sure there was plenty of space to add photos. I made a pocket and tag on the right side page.

These are "Z" folders to hold more photos.

Here is the one folder shown opened.

Here are pockets with tags to hold photos and/or journalling. The pocket will also hold a photo. I made sure I used lots of photo corners or ribbons or borders to make it easy to insert and hold the photos in place.
These pages are folders that hold a photo on the front and opened hold two more photos inside. (love those little faces!)

On this page, I made corner pockets for tags to hold photos and plenty of space to write down dates and journalling. Teddy bear and train were cut using my Cricut.

Here is another page with two more folders. The book holds a total of 30 photos!

I had fun making this book. I hope it is a nice keepsake for the other grandmom to take back to Japan with her.

Im currently working on a new project for the Cricut Mini Album's Design Team and I have a few Mother's Day projects to complete!

Hope spring has sprung where you are and have a great day!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Cricut Mini Albums Design Team Project

2010-04-19T11:01:00.004-05:00

Here is another project I've completed being a member of the Design Team for Cricut Mini Albums Blog.

I chose the Cupcake from Sweet Treats to create the pages of the book, cutting the shadow feature at 6".

For the cover, I made the cupcake. I used Stickles to give dimension to the frosting and I used Paper Glaze to give a glossy look to the cherry. SWEET{IES} was cut using All Mixed Up.

For various embellishments throughout the book, I used EK Success or Martha Stewart border punches.

Pages throughout the book are brown and pink and I used paper from DCWV Sweet Stack. Added bling here and there. On the left side page, it is an accordian folder that holds 4 pictures. The ribbon goes around the book, and the closure is made with Basic Gray magnets sewn into the ribbon with a dot of FabriTac glue to hold in place.

This is the accordian folder shown open, with places for 4 photos.

These pages are made with pockets to hold tags for more photos or journalling.

Another accordian folder on the left, and tag pocket on the right, with a place on the pocket to place a photo too.
Accordian folder shown open. Each photo mat has either corners, ribbon or border to hold the photo in place.

Last 2 pages of the book.

I enjoyed making this album and I'm going to put my grandchildren's photos in it!

Thanks for stopping by. Please come by again for more of my creations!

Koal-t hugs,

Cathy

Gatefold Mini Book

2010-04-10T16:53:00.005-05:00

Happy Saturday everyone. Hope you are all having beautiful spring weather and getting a chance to spend some time outdoors. I went for a walk earlier and it was nice to see the tulips in bloom, the trees exploding with green and the grass looking lush and verdant.

I was looking through my photos of projects completed this year and realized I had not posted this particular mini book. So this is today's feature.

I was searching the internet one day and saw a gatefold book kit on one site. I liked the look of it and thought "I could make that". In fact, I made a couple this style!

I cut the chipboard by hand. It was fairly simple because I used the scraps I had left over from another book I had made. The complete book measures 8 1/2" wide by 5 1/2" high. The first three pages of the book are 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". The last pages are slightly smaller in width than the entire book, just so they would fold in correctly.

I used the Rustic Stack by DCWV. LOVE this paper. I've always loved earth tones and this paper has a great variety of earthtones.

The front of the book is decorated with Petaloo flowers on the right and used the EK Success border punch (Bracket) to make the border on the left.

Another border punch used on this page and cut this frame from the Accent Essential cartridge and the Cricut.

I enjoy using elements that make it easier to just slip the photos into. Here I used a ribbon for photo corners and on the right an EK Success punch border.

Here I used EK Success border punch for the corners and the top of the pocket to hold the tag.

The postage stamp edged frame was cut using Base Camp and Cricut.
This is a wide shot of the first full page with the two smaller pages on the sides. Makes it easy to display photos in your book. The middle page has a pocket made using a Martha Stewart deep edge border punch.

This is a photo of the back of the book, with the last pages open on either side.

I like the look of this style book and I hope to do more in the near future!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great Saturday.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T09:15:00.003-05:00

Whatever your beliefs or however you celebrate the day, may it be one of joy and new beginnings. I'll be leaving for my sister's in a couple hours to spend the day with family....including my 4 grandchildren (haven't seen the twins in a few weeks! They are growing nicely!) I wanted to post a project I finished Friday night.

Although my "kids" are adults, I still like to do something for them for Easter. I don't like the traditional Easter basket for them, so I do something a little different.

George - the Bunny

Using my Gypsy. I incorporated various shapes from the George cartridge to create these bunnies.

Here is a closeup of one of the bunnies. His ear kind of looks cut off because of the black background, but its just curved. I used Copic markers for the highlighting and each bunny carries their own Happy Easter sign. I attached these to empty almond containers (you know, the ones that have the plastic label with the daily serving marks on the side) I filled the containers with candy and made one for my son and daughter and each of their spouses.

Here is a smaller version of the bunny, this one I put on a card I made for my grandchildren.

Hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy the emerging of spring! Its MY FAVORITE time of year!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

Cricut Mini Albums Design Team

2010-04-03T00:28:00.004-05:00

I am pleased to announce that I am a member of the new Cricut Mini Album blog. We will be creating mini books with our Cricut to showcase on the blog. Here is my first challenge. We were asked to use any shape from the Cricut. I used the Apple shape from Doodlecharms. I cut it at 6" from chipboard and used apple colors - red, apple green and golden yellow.

Leaf and stem were colored in with Copic markers. I didn't want too many layers since this is where the book was bound.

For the cover, I used Don Juan for the title. I cut a smaller sized apple from Coredinations paper and embossed with Cuttlebug folder D'Vine Swirls. Small apple was cut using Doodlecharms and I used Paper Glaze to give it a shiny look.

Since its a smaller book, I wanted lots of space to add photos. I made pockets that are also photo mats. In the pockets, I put tags. Each tag can have a photo added on one side and journalling on the other.

Don Juan was used to cut "sweet". I used ribbon for photo corners.

On the left side page, this is a folder that will hold two photos inside, with a magnetic closure. I used Basic Grey magnets..these are VERY STRONG magnets! I also used border punches for added design. The border on the left and top of pocket and photo corners on the right were created using EK Success Border Punch called Brackets.

This is the folder show open.

I like using border punches to create paper ribbon. I used this on the left side. I

Another folder holding 2 photo mats, with Basic Grey magnetic closure.. CUTIE PIE cut using Don Juan

This is the folder, shown open.

Hope you enjoyed today's feature! I am excited about being a member of the Mini Albums Design team and look forward to more projects!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great Saturday!

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy