Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Christmas with the Cricut...Art Philosophy Style

I am really trying to share some of the work that I've been doing.  One of the things that I have learned as I've been making cards for my Artfire Studio is the quick way I can make really cute cards using the Cricut.  As I've posted about early, the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge is probably one of the best cartridges I've seen.  I was able to make this set of 4 cards in almost no time.
To make these fun cards, I cut the scalloped oval bases to measure 5 1/4 inches.  Next, I cut the ovals and the matching red layer frame to measure 4 inches.  The holly leaves were cut using the 1 3/4 inch measurement.  How did I know to cut the holly leaves that size?  The matching stamp set called "A Holiday" has the measurements printed right on the plastic stamp carrier.  After all of my cutting was done, all I needed to do was a little stamping on the holly leaves and the sentiment (also in the A Holiday set ...A 1115) and I was ready to assemble the cards.  I had 4 completed Christmas Cards in no time!

I am really loving the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to help me complete great cards quickly.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Bundled Buddies...a fun Holiday Card

Whoo-Whoooo...hold on to your socks...a post 2 days in a row!  Yes, I am making a good effort to keep things updated here.  There are so many cute projects and Holiday products that I must keep this going...heeheehee.

A few months ago, I played along with 365 Card Challenges on a regular basis.  Only because of my crazy schedule, I got away from their fun challenges.  Today, I thought that I would devote a little time to playing along.  Today's challenge is "The 3 F's."  We were to come up with a card that contained fringe, fancy cuts and we were to come up with the third "F."  Cute challenge....anyway, here is my card...
For the fancy cuts, I used my Martha Stewart punches.  The stripe of Cranberry is the made to look like a scarf.  I scored and sanded the strip and then fringed the edges.  My third "F" is the friends sentiment.  It could also be the fur of that cute little beaver, too.  BTW, the sentiment and the beaver are from a Close To My Heart stamp set called Bundled Buddies.  It is so cute, containing several images of little animals all dressed for winter.  The image is colored with my Copics and I added Liquid Applique to his hat and some Crystal Snow on the ground and snowball.

It was fun to play along with 365 Cards once again.  For Now, Happy Crafting!

Monday, November 7, 2011

A Rosette Christmas Tree

Hi everyone...still busy...so what else is new?  I've been working on all kinds of fun projects for my workshops, Michaels Classes and my Artfire Studio.  I thought that I would post one of the cute little projects I've recently completed.

This paper Christmas Tree stands about 6 to 7 inches tall.  Just perfect as a small decoration on your buffet, fireplace or dining table.  Here is how I made it...

1.  You will need to cut 6 strips of paper.    The width of the strips should be graduated.  I used 2 x 12, 1 3/4 x 12, 1 1/2 x 12, 1 1/4 x 12, 1 x 12 and 3/4 x 12. (I used CTMH Olive and New England Ivy)
2.  I punched on edge of each strip using a border punch (I used MS Deco punch)
3.  Using my score board, scored each strip the 12 inch length on the 1/2 inch mark (24 total scores each strip)
4.  Accordion folded the stripes, glued ends together, folded inward to create a rosette.  (I used an 1 1/4 circle punch to help hold together and also used CTMH Liquid Glass as an adhesive.)
5.  When all 6 strips are folded into rosettes,  attached them together in ascending size.  6.  Rim the flower pot in Liquid Glass and set the assembled rosettes on top.
7.  Attach a star to the top.
8.  Using a glue pen, "color" glue on the edges of the branches and sprinkle with Crystal Snow. 

I image that you could use the same procedure and make the tree any size that you wish.  Just remember, if you are making larger rosettes, you will need to increase the length beyond the 12 inches I used.  Feel free to give this cute little tree a try.  For Now, Happy Crafting!