Tuesday's with McSmitty Girl - Baby Shower Card & Wedding Layout using Cricut

Hi everyone,

here are my creations for this month's DT posting. The materials used are from well known brands such as Kaiser Craft, Crate Paper and Prima! All projects were created from materials in this month's DT Kit (except where noted). Everything was perfectly coordinated and there was plenty of product to go around! The main tool used was my Cricut (that's no surprise - check out Posh Designs Interactive Community and go to 'My Page' to see why).

I created this layout titled "Love is kind... Love never ends" as a dedication to my Wedding Day. I was nervous to create such an important LO. Perhaps I was scared that I would 'ruin' my pictures and therefore the overall project. But after seeing the cardstock papers in this kit (all from Kaiser Craft); I was inspired. Below are my step by step instructions on creating this LO.

Using Kaiser Crafts Patterned Papers from their Reminiscing Collection, I used "My Love" design and trim med out .25" all around to fit onto 12x12 background cardstock for weight and 'to ground' the various patterns used in this LO. I also used Cricut's Home Decor Cartridge to cut the floral
image.

My first cut was the flower-1 image using the shadowed feature with the Fit to Page mode. The second cut was the Normal feature cutting at 11" which was the size of the Fit to Page mode from the previous image. I then nested and glued the images together and then cut them in half and placed each piece onto the side of the page (one on the left and vice-versa, to make it appear as one but also give continuity to my double page layout).

I arranged my pictures. all cut the same size and exact shape using my Coluzzle for balance. For the title I used the Cricut Stone Script cartridge cutting all the letters at 1-1/4". Lastly, I journalled and embellished for finish.

*Other materials used: Solid cardstock: Stampin Up, Journalling Pen: Sharpie

For my second project I made a Card, Envelope and Tag Set using the New Arrival Cricut Cartridge. My Dear MIL and I are invited to a Baby Shower in March and they are having a boy! For these items I wanted to see if I could use just 2 pieces of cardstock because I wanted everything to coordinate. Well to my surprise, I did with healthy scrap left over! Here are my instructions for the items created here. All materials used are from the DT Kit.

For the card I used Kaiser Crafts "Treasure" Patterned Paper again, from their Reminiscing line. Using the Cricut I cut the card at 6" using the Real Dial Size mode. I then cut out the "mommy" and "mommy-s" images at 3-3/4". I colored in the parts for added dimension, nested the glued the images onto the card. I embellished using Crate Paper's Mia Collection Rub-Ons and Cosmo Cricket's "Drop me a Note" Cardstock Stickers. (On sale for only 1.99$)

Now, for the envelope, using the Cricut I cut envelope-2 at 6", scored and folded the card accordingly ensuring the pattern was on the inside! I used Kaiser Crafts "Recollect" patterned paper. I then glued "It's a Boy" (positive image from tag created) onto the back. Lastly, I placed a chipboard piece to ensure proper closure!

If there are any questions related to this project especially related to the Cricut functionality used for these projects, please let me know. I'd love to hear from you!

Posh Designs Blog Candy Giveaway and the Winners are...

Congratulations to our 3 lucky winners of Posh Designs Sweet Blog Candy Giveaway... Here are our random numbers for this draw:

2, 8 and 11 (we will be contacting you shortly)

Prospero's Daughter

Anonymous (hi hi hi...) ~ trishy75(at)hotmail(dot)com

teresamatz ~ matz.academy@gmail.com

Flirty Fridays - Valentine's gift box

Because I may not be around tomorrow, I will wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day, one day early!

My project for this week will actually be part of my Valentine's gift to my special someone :-)

I had fun with this one, it's simple, adorable and oh so practical.

When closed it makes a 5 sided "box" that I intend to use for a flower. I took a full page of cardstock, the one I chose was from the Taj Mahal paper pack, gorgeous and perfect for this item. I folded it so it was in 7 segments all the same size. It worked out to be about 1.7 inches per segment. The top segment was cut so that it created a triangular flap. The next segment down had two holes punched into it for the ribbon to go through.

On the inside I used a piece of The Chocolate Box core'dinations cardstock with a co-ordinating colour to the outside of the box. I used chipboard letters to spell out "be mine" and placed them underneath the paper and sanded over the letters so they would show through with the core colour. I used one of the Bittersweet rub ons to add a little something to the inside of the box. I kept the inside simple as there will be a flower in there and I didn't want it to feel too busy. I inked the edges, both inside and out of the box to finish it off.

I used a round velcro tab under the flap to keep the box closed. Threaded a ribbon through the two holes that were punched and added a simple heart embellishment to the front. For something like this you can make it as simple or as detailed as you'd like.

The combinations are endless. I plan to use it for a flower, you could make it smaller and use it for something entirely different. It could be used as an invitation box instead of the usual invites that could get sent out. Now that I've actually made one and realise how simple they are, I think I'll be making more of them in the future.

Once again, Happy V-Day!

Flirty Fridays - It's coupon day!

Let's pretend we have a time machine and we've just gone back to yesterday, Feb. Friday the 6th, ok? *lol* I sometimes feel that's what my life is like, going back and forth between places and times. Oh wait, sorry that's the tv shows I watch. As you can see my Friday post is a day late, but here it is!

I think I've really been trying to come up with ideas that are outside the page to show you what else can be done with the amazing supplies available to us. This week I've made a coupon book, perfect for a loved one in your life.

You'll notice that it's pretty straight forward, a rectangular piece of cardstock with a patterned piece overtop of it to add some colour.


I've made a number of coupons that will be placed on the inside of the booklet. You can make as many as you want. I went with four to keep things simple. Use your computer to print up the coupons with whatever you think appropriate, the sky's the limit!


Use a hole punch or in my case my eyelet punch to make holes for the ribbon to go through. This is a handy way to keep the coupons together and inside the book. The outside front sleeve just slips behind the left front lip. You can keep this super simple or decorate it to your heart's content. I've inked the edges to give it a little extra something. I'm still new to inking so bear with me :-)

After it's all put together, tuck it in a loved one's pocket or slip it into their Valentine's Day card and wait for the coupons to be redeemed!

Valentine's Day Cupcake Cards/Boxes

My son and I always try to come up with something a little different for his valentine's at school. (he's really big on the holidays, and loves to do little "gifts" for his friends)

As I was surfing arround online I found these really adorable little Cupcake "boxes" and thought these might be really fun to create. So after making a mock up one and showing it off, kiddo decided these would be "perfect".

They are quite simple to make, (each one has taken just over 5 mins to make) they are more cutting than anything, but they are definately worth the effort. The "ingredients" are few for these little cupcakes: card stock, patterned paper, scisiors, hole punch, ribbon, paper scorer and of course I used ink on the edges.

I have the template saved on my computer, if you would like a copy of it, just email me and I will send it off to you (I can be reached via my profile).

Posh Designs Blog Candy Giveaway! CLOSED

This month is all about love! And here at Posh Designs Scrapbook Store, we are giving away 3 complete collections of Pink Paislee’s Sweet Cakes line! Because we need to make room for all the fabulous new products that are coming in!

Wondering how you can get your hands on these sweet goodies?!

It’s simple all you have to do is post a link to this blog candy on your blog, or a link to Posh Designs Scrapbook Store: http://www.poshscrapbookstore.com/ore.com/ on your blog! Then leave a comment on this post, and spread the word!

Don’t have a blog… Don’t worry just spread the word, and leave a comment on this post and make sure it includes your email address! It’s that easy!

This contest is open to everyone! A winner will be drawn using random number generator. So go on spread the word, and you could be the winner of Posh Designs Sweet Blog Candy Giveaway!
This collection is so adorable from the ribbons to the rubons, it is too cute for words!

And an added bonus... You get two sheets of each gorgeous papers that are in the second photo!

So spread the word and you could be one of the three lucky winners to get these sweet goodies!

Be sure to leave your comment and/or link before February 16th, goodluck!

Frosty Fridays - It's tea time!

I'm back in the saddle... so to speak. The cold of doom seems to have left me, for which I'm very thankful for.

For today's post, I decided to step away from the page and create something different. Here's a little something you can make for a friend, a loved one or even as a nice little gift for any occasion. With the weather being cold, it's always nice to come inside where it's warm and cozy!

I made a little envelope, one which will hold a nice warm treat for those cold days! You can use any paper you'd like, check out the new items pages or the clearance section for ideas!

The body of the envelope is 3 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches with the envelope flap coming out by about 1 1/4 inches. It can be made to suit any size you need, just follow the general outline and all will be good :)

I've used co-ordinating papers on the inside bottom (3" X 4"), the outside flap and the front for embellishment. I wanted mine to be wintery and the SEI poppy line worked well for me on this project. Unfortunately the store is out of stock on a number of the items, but there are new lines coming out soon!

Inside I've put directions for making a cup or small pot of loose leaf tea on the top flap, with a small bag of tea at the bottom of the page it's ready to give.

I've inked the edges to give it a worn look and when using brads made sure to cover the opposite side of the paper with a co-ordinating paper to cover the back of it.

You can fill the envelope with any hot beverage mix. Try some hot chocolate, flavoured instant coffee or even put together a mix of mulling spices for cider! You may even decide to use the envelope for other purposes, depending on the size, it does hold a fair amount of whatever you choose!

Enjoy creating your own little gift envelope and feel free to leave comments with suggestions as to what *you* might put in it.

Imaginisce Wild Things Available for Pre-Order

Critters, critters, cute fuzzy critters and they're everywhere, I just love them! Perfect for your next trip at the zoo! Either way these are so cute and perfect for anything, even a safari themed birthday! These embellies are sure to put a smile on you face!

Here's what's listed in the store:

Beastie Epoxy Brads, Go Wild! Chipboard Stickers, Jungle Vine Ribbons, Party Animal Rub-Ons, Roaring Rub-Ons, Call of the Wild Rubs-Ons, Lion, Panda and Tiger Studded Stickers, and Safari Sticker Stackers

R.I.P Brad Maker & Hello i-Top

Hey ladies!

Boy, have I got great news to turn that frown upside down! This post is especially for those who have received the sad news unfortunately from me :( about their pre-orders for Around the Block's Brad Maker...

Sadly the company has closed down all the pre-orders have been cancelled, the Paper Gator will also be discontinued and so are all their other products. Despite the many glitches and bugs they found two CHA shows ago, I really desperately wanted to own one since the whole concept of making your own customizable brads was just plain ol' amazing!!!

Now for the good news thank, thank, thank you Imaginisce they have taken everyone's mourning for the Brad Maker and came up with something brilliant the i-Top which is one step above the Brad Maker, if I say so myself!

Here's what they're saying about this fabulous new i-Top tool:

You're about to grip your new favorite tool! The i-top transforms an ordinary brad or button into a custom accent in an easy 2 step process. Just place your paper and blank brads and give a little squeeze. It's that easy! You just can't top it! The i-top tool comes equipped to make 16mm and 22mm brads, but purchase the large carriage (item 001310) for the ability to make 28mm brads.

i-Top Paper Punch:
Use these babies to punch out a perfect topper for your next amazing brad.

Topper Templates:
3 sizes: 16mm, 22mm, 28mm

Large Die Carriage:
When your idea is really big you need big brads to match, switch out the carriage on your i-top to this big baby. Perfect for accommodating a photo topper. We're thinkin' big here. (not pictured)

i-Top Storage Tote:

Meet your new favorite bag. No doubt about it. Open this beauty to reveal 3 clear zipper pouches. You'll see exactly what we mean.

i-Top Toppers:

Life is short. You've got things to do. That's why we got these spiffy coordinating fabric and paper toppers all ready for you - pre-cut, self-adhesive, designed to go with your favorite paper lines. Custom brads in practically no time. You can thank us later.

Brad Daddies:

You're a grown-up. It's time to start dressing your brads however you want! (And you don't have to clean your room either!)

I will be taking Pre-Orders on these babies, EXACT shipping date is sometime in June, no worries they are ALWAYS punctual! I will post them on the site each with their respective prices. Be sure to reserve your goodies, with all the noise the Brad Maker made this baby will triple that, no doubt!!!

Nature Boys created by...

Ilse from PE

Congrats Ilse... This LO is beautiful! It's clean and simple... I just LOVE IT! The colors are perfectly coordinated, love it... In fact all of your layouts were just gorgeous I hope that you'll get to post them on the Gallery and share them with our scrappin' gals! Don't forget to email me to claim your prize!

Thanks everyone for participating!

A couple of hours left... Tic Toc...

Hey gals, there's only a couple of hours left to submit your layout for the contest... Hurry times running out!

Layouts will be accepted until late tonight 11:59 PM EST

Don't forget to tune in tomorrow as we announce our lucky winner! Goodluck :)

Be sure to sign up and join our new community!!! ~ Nini

Basic Grey, Die Cuts With A View,CHA 09 Releases

We have just added the New Basic Grey lines in the store!! Wisteria, Porcelain, Marrakech and Lime Rickey! They are simply gorgeous! Basic Grey Makes it easy by providing coordinating embellishements for each line Buttons, Brads, cute Glazed Brads and funky Rub-Ons! Perfectly coordinated!

Here is the Porcelain Collection Pack from Basic Grey which includes 18 sheets of 12' x 12' papers, one sheet coordinating Alphabet Stickers and one sheet of coordinating Element Stickers! With all the beautiful colors, and fun patterns you will want to buy all the coordinating embellishements to go along with each pack!

Card making made simple! The Wisteria Card Kit from Basic Grey includes enough Wisteria fun Patterned Paper Die-Cuts, printed and pre-scored Cardstock, Rub-Ons, Printed Chipboard, and Envelopes to create 8 unique cards.Basic Grey does it again! You'll be making beautiful handmade cards in no time!

Also Available are: Lime Rickey Card Kit, Marrakech Card Kit, and Porcelain Card Kit.

And look at these trendy new stacks from Die Cuts With A View! Here are just a few, so be sure to check them all out! They are so much fun. Here is the new Whimsy Stack! This stack is bursting with beautiful patterned papers, flourishes, florals and paisley.Give your upcoming projects a fun light whimsical look!

Everyone loves the trendy little critters that are popping up everywhere. Well we've got some Animals for you! Here is the new Premium Stack from Die Cuts With A View! The new Animal Crackers Stack is too cute for words! The papers in this stack are fun and playful! And will add a touch of humor to all your scrapbooking projects!

Also Available are: The Green Stack, All About Boys Stack, The Garden Party Stack, The Citrus Stack, La Creme Stack, Taj Mahal Stack, Latte Stack, Nana's Kitchen Stack

They have included 3 new Solid Cardstock Stacks which are: The Citrus Cardstock, La Creme Cardstock Pack and Latte Cardstock Stack more to be announced, stay tuned for more great new CHA Winter 09' Releases from all of your favorite designers!

A big shout out...

Another member has joined our ranks, a hearty welcome to Jackie, all the way from BC!

She'll be our social networking guru and add a west coast style to our site. Button, button, who's got the button... that would be her! Can't wait to see what she's got in store for us.

Maybe you'll do a layout for us of the snow you had and then we can compare notes!

Here comes the bride...

I'd like to offer a big warm welcome to our newest DT member... the Pink Bride!

Another Ontario girl, but who is from further north than I was, has become part of our family.

She says : "My newest passion has become making cards, and I made Christmas cards for the first time this year. I am also in the process of making all of my wedding invitations and thank you cards"

I hope we'll have a chance to see those invites and maybe learn a thing or two about making cards.

Maybe once summer rolls around you'll do a post about the infamous shadflies? I remember seeing them as a child and it's been ingrained in my memory since.

Once again, welcome and we're looking forward to seeing your work.

Less than 3 days left...

ANOTHER, reminder wanna win a Big Bite?! Already own one... No problem, you can choose 40$ worth of supplies from our store...absolutely FREE! What's the catch send in your scrapbook layout or project and enter in this month contest!!! There's less than 3 days left got something good in your scrap room?! Bring it on!!! Who knows you might be our lucky winner!!! Get featured on our blog! How cool is that! Goodluck and don't forget to check out the details by clicking on "contest details" you know... the image with the Big Bite. (you can't miss it) Hugs, ~ Nini

Only 7 Days Left...

G'morning ladies,
just a reminder that there's only 7 days left to submit your layout(s)/project(s) for this months contest, hurry for your chance to win We R Memory Keepers Crop a Dile Big Bite, if you already own this tool you can choose 40$ (our price) worth of the supplies from the store, pre-order items are not eligible, goodluck and happy scrapping! ~ Posh D

Imaginisce Summer Cool - Coming Soon....

Calling all fans of Imaginisce!!!

Keep your eyes peeled for this darling little collection: Summer Cool is filled with bright colors, trendy designs and yummy embellishments! 

We're taking early reservations, email us to get your hands on this spankin' new line before it even hits the shelves! 

Summer Cool Paper Pack, Floppy Dots Epoxy Brads, Petal Pops (Flowers), A la Mode Ribbons, Summer Lovin' Rub-Ons, Pops n' Flops Rub-Ons, Triple Decker Cone, Hot Hibiscus and Popsicle Toe Studded Stickers. 

~Flip-Flops, Ice Creams, and Blossoms oh my! 

Prima CHA 09 Releases ~ Available for Pre-Order

Available for Pre-Order: (click on images for larger view)

Little Darlings for Prima Marketing These fantastically cute paper pieced animals would be great additions to your projects. If done on your own these cuties could easily take anywhere from 2-4 hours each! Prima has taken take the guesswork and labor out so you can focus on the more enjoyable parts of crafting. For now we've got the Bunny, Chick and Kitten available more to animals to come!!!

Fiesta Flowers, are bright and colorful flowers are sure to bring a smile to any project. You can expect beautiful layers upon layers in the highest quality of paper flowers. These are not intended to be pulled apart—they are finished flowers. Ready for pre-order: Baja, Cabo, and Citrus

Prima Mini Clear Stamp Set:
We know you are looking for a bargain and you don’t like to compromise quality Prima has created these fun kit-style packages of clear stamps. In each package you get a small clear stamp, a small opaque ink pad (opaque means it’s much like paint), and a few pieces of die cut journaling blocks. The idea is to stamp the design right onto the journaling note and use it either directly on a card, layout as an embellishment. These miniature sizes allow us to give you high quality product at a low cost.
3 styles available for now: Duo, Bugs, and Tweet

Mommy and Me Rub-Ons Style A and B available for Pre-Order more coordinating items available soon!

New Cosmo Cricket - Coming soon...

...to an online store (Posh Designs... wink, wink, nudge, nudge) near you!

There are four new lines that once you see them you won't be able to wait to get your hot little hands on them!

There's two Double Decks! That's two paper collections in one. How awesome is that? Lil' Man and Snorkel are in one collection while Girl Friday and Everafter are in a second.

If these are anything like previous Cosmo Cricket lines (and from what I can tell they are!) then you are in for a treat. The papers are delightful, the embellishments adorable and the enjoyment from scrapping with them, unmeasurable!

Both Lil' Man and Snorkel are themed towards your sporty boy, Girl Friday is very much for the young lady in your life and Everafter is a romantic line filled with love and good wishes.

Not only are there paper collections, but there's Crafting Kits for all four lines! You'll find them filled with papers and borders, then there's elements, ribbons and rub ons to add.

You can bet your sweet bippy that I'll be reserving one of each! I'm getting excited just thinking about them... Hopefully you are too! Keep checking the new items page!

CHA Winter 2009 Sneek Peeks - Glitz Designs

Hi everyone!

I thought I'd share with you these awesome new collections from Glitz Designs!!! We'll be stocking in these goodies after the show! These 5 hip lines are Audrey, Hot Mama, Glam, Rebel and Gigi plus their fabulous brand new line of Vintage Rub-Ons

Click on the pictures for a larger version :) Enjoy!

Which line(s) do you dig the most?!