Sugar Rush is SWEET indeed!

I had the opportunity to work with Basic Grey's new line Sugar Rush recently and I have to tell you---it is my new favorite line. Yes, I still love Nook and Pantry, but Sugar Rush is...so sweet! I guess it is technically Basic Grey's Valentine's line for this year, but this line is so versatile that you can use it for any love, girlie or sweet layout.

Here is the layout I made:

Usually I use cardstock for my backgrounds or photo mattes, but the patterns in this line look so cute together, I couldn't help but mix and match several of them. I also added a few of the Sugar Rush Woolies (my favorite Woolies so far because hearts and butterflies are staples in my stash!).

And of course I had to sprinkle a few Sugar Rush buttons to complete the look.

The colors are so amazing in this line and using it really helped me get rid of my winter's blues.

Check out the Store and order your Sugar Rush items today!

Rebecca

Important ~ PDSS Card Sketch Challenges

Hi there, and I hope you've had a great start to your weekend!

This is just a quick reminder to let you know that you've got only 2 days left to submit your entry to PDSS Card Sketch Challenge #5 which is going on now.

We're hoping to get more entries, our next challenge will be monitored very closely if we don't have enough participants we'll unfortunately have to end our Bi-Weekly Challenges.

So gather up your crafting supplies, tell your friends about it and start playing along with us!

We've got a great prize up for grabs and I hope our prizes will lure you into participating! Who doesn't love free goodies, right?!

Please don't be shy it doesn't mean that just because you haven't shopped at our store that you can't play along with us; our challenges are open to anybody and everybody!

Our Design Team members work very hard to organize and prepare each challenge and I would really hate to see their hard work go to waste!

Thank you in advance for your understanding!

Not Just for Christmas...

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a great holiday with your friends and family. Now that the holidays are over, you don't have to put that Christmas paper away for another year. Chrismtas paper is so versatile these days, you can probably use some to make everyday layouts!!

For this layout, I used the North Pole collection by Crate Paper. Yes, some of the paper is very holiday themed, but some are not! I sought out the colors I wanted to use for this layout that were not overly christmasy. The blues and greys worked well for this photo.


I also used some wonderful Prima Fiesta flowers from the Posh Store. These blooms are sooo pretty!!


I hope i've showed you to look at your supplies in a different way. Take another look at your holiday paper to see what you can use it for!!

Happy crafting everyone!!

Mara

Thursdays with Kim - Unusual Cards part 1

Hi girls!

Hope you've all had a great holiday season and made sure to take a lot of pictures so you can scrap them!

Did you know that being part of a design team has great advantages!?

Mara, Raquel, Nini, Michelle, Stacy, Rebecca, Dawn, and Kristen are so inspiring!

And for that reason, I decided to create a new collection of svg files (to use with the cricut) inspired by their creations! It's sort of a scraplift in homage to their fabulous work!

So here are four cards I made with Crate Paper's newest collections: Bliss and Cottage.




Aren't they great?! Come back next week and I'll show you more cards and tell you how to get these svg  files for FREE!!!

Hugs and kisses
Kim @ KLDezign

Cricut Tuesdays with Michelle

Happy New Year and Happy 1st Tuesday of 2010! I want this year to be year that you continue to play, grow creatively and be constantly inspired to try new things ‘outside of your comfort zone’. Scrapbooking, cardmaking and paper-crafting are all wonderful outlets to express yourself while crafting keepsakes that will be cherished. Personally for me that is why I fell in love with this hobby.

In keeping with my wishes for all of you, I have decided to stay true those wishes and bring that upon myself; therefore my weekly Cricut Tuesday column will change to bring you more die-cutting ideas, tips & tricks and inspiration using other die cutting tools such as punches, the Big Shot and the Slice machine. Now don’t worry… I still adore my Cricut (it has not been abandoned); I am simply shifting the focus away from the Cricut machine to incorporate other tools to mix things up a bit for me as a paper-crafter.

So let’s take a walk down memory lane as I gather up for you my best tips, tricks and past projects to hopefully give you the inspiration to best utilize your Cricut machine to its full potential.

Tip #1:
Layer, layer, layer… Take any cartridge that you have and layer on all the creative features possible to give that ‘pop’ factor to your projects. Use solid cardstock, mix and match patterned papers; try even mixing and matching solid cardstock with patterned paper for a unique look. Also try it with phrases, shapes, and letters. I bet ya you’ll be amazed with the results. Here’s an example of one my favorite layouts below featuring the Storybook cartridge:

Tip #2
Create your envelope first when cardmaking… This tip is true for any cartridge Provo Craft has created that has a coordinating envelope with card. Cartridge examples include: Wild Card, Beyond Birthdays, and A Child’s Year. Whether your card is going to be a shaped one or a standard shape such as rectangle or square; you will need to create your envelope first to ensure the optimal fit for your card to be inserted inside.

• Trick #1: Press the Fit to Page button ON. Your Cricut machine will automatically calculate for you the maximum size of envelope. Don’t forget to turn off that button once your envelope has finished cutting.
• Trick #2: Remember that calculated number so that you can adjust your size dial accordingly to create your card.
• Trick #3: To mail your cards use a heavier weight cardstock such #65 or #80 for your envelopes and lighter weight cardstock/patterned paper to create your card (I mention this because in Canada our mailing system is based on weight and size; if your country does not charge you to mail your cards in this fashion; this trick is completely optional for you). Reverse the papers/cardstock used when personally giving the card to the recipient.
• Trick #4: Have any doubled sided patterned papers to use up? Using these types of papers automatically creates a ‘liner’ for your envelope. This trick is especially useful when using the Wild Card cartridge; the ‘liner’ creative feature now becomes optional.

Here are 2 photos of some of my favorite cards and coordinating envelopes created this past year:

Tip #3
For quick assembly of a paper crafting project; use 1 cartridge that has coordinating fonts, phrases and/or shapes such as Walk in My Garden or Storybook.

Here is a coordinating card, tag and envelope created all from the New Arrival cartridge:
(This next statement is an oxymoron but…)

Tip #4
For added interest, mix up your cartridges to creative a unique paper crafting project. If you have the Provo Craft Gypsy or the Cricut Jukebox; these tools will maximize your ability to coordinate fonts, images and phrases from all the cartridges in your personal Cricut library.

Here is my layout created for the PDSS Sketch Challenge that used the Accent Essentials and George and Basic Shapes cartridges:

I am looking forward to the upcoming year where I will be stretching my creative muscles in order to inspire and help you. Together let’s become better paper crafters. Welcome to your new Tuesday – Die Cut Tuesdays with me!

Happy Crafting!
~Michelle

A lesson to learn

Cooking 101..... Grandma and mom gave me a lesson on making toffee!!! This is a lesson I paid close attention to. Every year grandma makes all the goodies for the holidays, this year I really needed to learn how to make it myself. I even took pictures of the recipe. Amazingly my grandma told me she typed the recipe in 1952!!! For Christmas I got wooden spoons (which I didn't have), and a candy thermometer...both which I need to make this wonderful candy! Next year I plan on trying it on my own :)

For this layout I used Cosmo Crickets Eary Bird line. I thought this was the perfect line to use. The paper reminds me of a vintage look. Not to mention the fun pictures that come with it on the elements sheet such as the blender at the top of the page. Even the word "Yummy" was on the elements sheet. I popped it up on a piece of chipboard to give it some demention. I added some thickers, buttons, and also used making memories mini alphas.

Hope you've enjoyed my cooking layout :) Head over to the posh store and grab some YUMMY goodies of your own. What better way to start the new year out then with some new stuff to play with.

Stacy

A New Year A New Blog!

Hi all!

After much thought and DH pushing me to it, I finally decided to start my own personal blog! Hope you can pop by sometimes, I plan on making this new year a very crafty one! Have a great week! *hugs* ~ Nini :)

http://ninidesigns.blogspot.com/

Quick & Easy Holiday Thank You Cards

Now that the holidays are over, I have a list of "Thank You" cards to send and I like to use some of my holiday paper stash for holiday thank yous. This year that means lots of October Afternoon Very Merry cards. I love this line and making "Thank You" cards with it gives me another chance to work with the seasonal patterned papers from the collection.

With some strips of patterned paper, a few die cuts and some glitter glue, buttons and ribbons, I was able to throw together four cards in no time at all!

Head on over to the Store to check out this adorable collection and get your holiday thank yous done today!

Rebecca

Winners of PDSS #3 & #4

And the winner of our PDSS Sketch Challenge #3 using Random.org is...

#2 BethieJ

And finally the winner of PDSS Sketch Challenge #4 again using Random.org is...

#1 jenny_oul


Congratulations to both jenny_oul & BethieJ! Please email Nini and she will get that prize to you as soon as possible. You need to make sure you get in touch with her by the Saturday. Or you will forfeit the prize and another winner will be chosen. So do hurry.

PDSS Sketch Challenge #5

PDSS Sketch #5 is provided by our lovely Kim.   

You can rotate, flip, turn or stretch to make this sketch work for you.

These challenges will be on a bi-weely basis, which means that you will have two (2) weeks to get your creations completed, loaded and linked up!

Sketch #5: 

Here's what's being offered to one random winner of the challenge: American Crafts Clear Acrylic Stamp Set - Birthday

All you have to do is participate by creating anything with the sketch in mind. Post in Mr. Linky below by typing your name and leaving a direct link to your creations. Below are some inspiration for you from the Posh Designs Scrapbook Store Design Team. Remember to have fun. Happy Crafting!

Michelle

Nini

Stacy

Mara

Kristen

Deadline: January 11th @ 11:59 pm EST 

Please type in your name and place a direct to your creations in Mr. Linky below. Thanks!

Cricut Tuesday with Michelle

Hello and Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone had a wonderful, memorable Christmas and that Santa brought you new scrappin' goodies to play with! With alot of the Christmas crafting out of the way; let's get back to just havin' fun (not that making Christmas crafts is not fun or anything...).

Here's a quick project to make using the Wild Card cartridge. This card was created from a special request I received a couple of weeks ago and you know who you are ;) So here is the Owl Card located on page 72 and everything was cut at 5-1/4". The best part of this cartridge is all the die-cuts coordinate with the main images (the card and envelope). This includes layers, icon, frames, liners and phrases plus so much more.

Here are a few tips I learned along the way when using this cartridge:

1. Use cardstock the blackout creative feature to create your card base only.
2. Use patterned paper as layering piece over top the above die-cut using the standard cut image.
3. Do not change the size dial after you've created your envelope. This includes cutting the phrases, icons and layers.
4. For quick assembly, use a paper collection already coordinated for you and/or scraps.
5. Add other embellishments and/or stamps to your card or envelope to add interest like I've done here with my envelope (I used a bird & cherry imaged stamps).

I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy Cricut Tuesday edition! I'll see you in the New Year - All the Best in 2010!

Cheers & Happy Crafting ~Michelle

A Simple "Hello" & "Love You"

Hi all! I made these super quick & easy cards using the Crate Paper Season Collection Kit! Everything I used is from the kit except for the white cardstock, blue ribbon and staples! If you are short on time and need to whip up a few cards for that someone special, the Crate kits are the way to go!

They come packed with so many goodies! This particular kit comes with 16 double sided patterned papers, 13 journal stickers, 12 title stickers, 7 borders AND 53 FREE designer die cuts! WOW! What a deal! :)

Head on over to the Posh store to check out the gorgeous kits! Hurry, I see some quantities are limited!

Kristen :)

Merry Christmas

Hey peeps,

our last and final winner of our super cool Win your Wish List Contest has just been announced and I would also like to take this opportunity and wish you a very Merry Holiday Season.

I am deeply thankful for your friendship, confidence and loyalty this year. May God bless your heart with good health, happiness and love, cheers!

Nini :)

A chalkboard for Christmas

Hi girls!

Christmas is in only days away and I hope your presents are all wrapped and tucked under the tree! This year I decided to make a few personalized presents. I made bookmarks for our children's godparents and for my step Mother I made a chalkboard.

I've seen it on one of my favorite web site and I just had to make my own. It's really easy to make.

You need 2 picture frames (8"x10") it's easier to work when it's in wood but I didn't find one so I used plastic instead! Unmount the screw, the glass and the fixture.

Make a layout or an arrangement (mine is a little winter layout).Then mount the frame back to how it originally was! If you're frame did not come with a backing then you'll need one of about 8,5" by 10,5".

Now you have two choices, you can paint the backing with chalkboard paint. Or you can buy a chalkboard. I already had the paint so I painted my backing.Remember to give it at least 2 coats and wait 24 hours.

Mount the second frame, but don't place the glass on the piece of chalkboard. Now you only have to fix the two frames together.You'll understand why I suggest to work with a wooden frame instead of plastic!

Place the two fixture like THIS on the back of the frame. (It's more esthetic when you don't see it). If you're like me and have a plastic frame, then you'll need some really tacky glue, I used silicone glue. Wait another 24 hours until it's finally done and looks something like this:

I hope you've enjoyed today's project! This is my last blog post before the holidays and I'd like to wish you-all a merry and bright Christmas and holiday season!!!

Love you girls!

Kim @KLDezign

Merry Christmas Cards

Hi everyone!!!

I have created two cards, these cards were pretty quick to make. I used the Maya Road's Artistic Scroll as a template for both my cards. The first one was cut out of Kraft Cardstock. Using Fancy Pants Christmas Magic Paper Kit I selected my paper and trimmed out another piece using the same shape as my background insert. I also used a border sticker from the kit itself. I then stamped my sentiment across the top and punched out some snowflakes (3) placing them randomly.

My second card was made for a very very special lady. And I wanted her Christmas card to be unique. I used Crate Paper's Bliss Collection these kits come with amazing stickers and diecut elements. Using Martha Stewart's Doily Punch I punched out the edge, then overlapped the two different pieces of paper together. Lastly, I stamped a sentiment and punched out a snowflake and adhered it onto the card. To add more definition I doodled all around the edges.

I hope you've enjoyed today's projects! Happy Holidays!!!

♥Dawn♥

Cricut Tuesdays with Michelle

Happy Holidays Everyone and I am glad you’ve joined me for another edition of Cricut Tuesday with me!

Christmas Day is only 3 days away! Do you still have gift wrapping to do? Well this week I am going to show you how to make quick, beautiful gift tags using the newest Cricut cartridge, ‘Very Merry Tags’ which is a Limited Edition cartridge for 2009-2010.

For those of you who have not seen or aware of this cartridge here’s a bit of info about Very Merry Tags:

• This cartridge is more basic than your typical Solutions cartridge.
• There are no creative features.
• The price point is geared to be lower than your typical Solutions cartridge based on the above two factors.

From what I’ve seen this holiday season and for the Spring 2010 season; these types of cartridges will be holiday themed based for that particular time of year (though please do not quote me on that, I am not entirely sure – I am going on by what I’ve seen in the market place thus far).

To create these tags I recommend using a size no less than 2-3/4” for some of the shaped tags due to its intricate cuts. *Tip: If you choose a size larger than 3” there will be enough space on the back of the tag to do some journaling. You can substitute these tags for cards if you are truly in a pinch of time.

What you will need for this project…

• Christmas themed papers (optional) - You can use these papers for more basic shaped tags.
• Cardstock in your choice of color(s) – Try using metallic, pearlized or glittered cardstock such as found in the Hippie Chic and/or All About the Girls DCWV cardstock packs, found here. *Tip: Head to your scrap stash first!
• Cricut Marker in your choice of color (optional) – To create a quick outline of the shaped cut of the tag without using ink pads, etc to color the edges. Though you can leave this step completely out if you wish.
• Ribbon, Cord or Thread
• For this project I used a black Cricut Marker and set my size dial to 3-3/4” and 4” (based on the size of scraps I had at the time of crafting).

 Here are the instructions to create your ornament:

1. Set your size dial to at least 3-3/4” or taller. 
2. Ensure your pressure and depth adjustments are appropriate to your paper/cardstock of choice. Select your tag image in row 3 or in row 5. These are the set blackout creative feature for each of the tags. Press CUT. 
3. Then press the corresponding shaped tag in rows 1, 2 (for row 3 blackout tags) or in row 4 (for row 5 blackout tags). Do not adjust your size dial.
4. Insert your Cricut Marker color and Press CUT.
5. Once it has completed your drawing; Press LOAD PAPER. Switch your marker out for your cutting blade.
6. Press REPEAT LAST, then press CUT.
7. Nest and adhere the shaped tag die-cut onto the blackout tag.
8. Write your message on the back of the tag (optional).
9. String through your ribbon to hang off of your present.

Although this cartridge is oriented to the holidays; think outside of the box! The present shaped tag can be used for birthdays or baby showers. The ‘joy’ or ‘warm wishes’ sentiment tags can be used for a get well or house warming gift. Plus the blackout tags are fantastic to use on their own to coordinate the gift wrap and as mentioned above substitute the gift tag for a card. Mix up patterned papers or even coordinate with solid cardstock scraps.

If you do not own this cartridge, I encourage you to look at your cartridges that contain shapes or sentiments and apply the above creative suggestions to help you get your gifts ready for the holiday season.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish every single of you a Very Merry Holiday Season! May you and yours be blessed with good tidings, wonderful memories with family and friends you share this occasion with.

Cheers! ~Michelle

Just a Quickie

Hi Everyone!!! Here is a quick card I created from the North Pole Collection Kit by Crate Paper. I love all the punchouts that come with Crate Paper collections. Perfect for putting together a quick card when you need it!!

I cut descending shapes from my Cricut and added the christmas tree as a focal point for my card. A holiday sentiment bracketed by two jewels rounds out the card. Easy peasy!!

Happy Crafting!!
Mara

Out of my comfort zone!!

Hubby took this picture of my daughters and me the day we took family pictures for our Christmas cards. I loved this picture and wanted to use something different, something out of my comfort zone.

Ok ladies....you all know what i'm talking about. As a scrapbooker you have your favorite lines i'm sure!! Maybe you want to try something new or different??? I'm sure you all have that paper that is very pretty but your not quite sure what to do with it or even how to use it. Well i'm here to tell you it can be done. I tried it this week and it wasn't that hard.

For this layout I used paper from Websters Pages. I picked the very beautiful Natures Storybook line for my paper. It doesn't stop there though girls. I also used Websters Pages holiday wings stickers, and the designer journaling cards. I also added a little button, some ribbon, and some fun thickers for my title.

Once I started working it all just kind of flowed together. So I'm asking you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Now stop on over to the Posh Store and find that "Out of your comfort zone" paper and goodies and let's see what you come up with. You just might surprise yourself!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Stacy

Third winner announced!!!

Happy Friday!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to our THIRD random winner of our WIN YOUR WISHLIST CONTEST!!!

Hurry and consult the board, who knows it really might be you this time!!!

If you haven't started your Wish List, head on over to Posh Designs Scrapbook Store for a chance to win next week's FINAL drawing!

Wanna up the ante, be sure to participate in our current BI-WEEKLY sketch challenge (#4) for a chance to win a MYSTERY PRIZE PACK you've got 10 DAYS to load and link up your creations!

Good luck everyone and Happy Crafting! Have a safe and happy weekend!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Hello everyone!

Have you checked out the new Crate Paper Collections in the Posh store?! These kits are just too cute to pass up! I ordered the new Season Collection Kit & I'm having soooo much fun creating with it!

I had a blast making this funky layout of my best friend Beth & I!

I used the Love, Spring & Rainbow patterned papers to create this layout. I also used some of the die cut shapes, border stickers, a journal sticker and a title sticker - ALL from the kit!

For my title, I used some My Little Shoebox Tiny Alpha Stickers. Be sure to check these out in the store too! I'm addicted to these tiny alpha stickers. I use them on almost everything I create!

These kits would be great Christmas presents for all of your scrappy friends! They will LOVE you, trust me!!!

Happy shopping...and creating!!! ;)

Kristen