Cricut Craft Room Basics 101

Come join me for this lecture/demo class this Friday!  Even though Provo Craft is introducing a new cutter and software this month on HSN, many of us will still take advantage of the FREE software download called Cricut Craft Room.  It is a pretty basic software class but there are many useful tips that you will receive when you join us.

Here is one of the cards that I will be demonstrating the "Hide Contour" tool function...

This card was a copy from an issue of Papercraft magazine and it is all designed in CCR using Close to My Heart's Artiste cartridge.  You will receive all of the files for the projects so you can go home and cut them out yourself!  Here is what the file looks like!

Be sure to RSVP by February 6th!!

When:  February 7th
Where:  My home
Time: 6-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $10.00
What to bring?:  a USB stick for all of your free designs  ...you do not need to bring your Cricut!


Please email me your RSVP by Feb. 6th!

AWA Workshop in January

We had a great time this past weekend with the Sarita WOTG.  Elizabeth and her co-workers were participating in a team building event recently and they are truly a crazy bunch!

The "In Love" sentiment did not really work with this layout, so I covered it up with a moustache from the Cloud Nine stamp set.

I used the CCR (Cricut Craft Room) to create all of the cuts for the page and it was quick and easy to cut the kits for my ladies!

You can download the file here if you would like to have the quick and easy cuts as well.

Supplies:
Sarita Workshop to Go - "retiring" on January 31st!
Cloud Nine stamp set- only $15.00 with a $35.00 order!

If you are interested in grabbing up some of the WOTG paper packs, NOW is the time to do it!  You can shop in your jammies on my website here

Enjoy!!

Artbooking in August Week #4

Where or where did August go???? Welcome to the last Monday in August as we celebrate this creative and artistic adventure!  If you have been following the party, then you know over 35 Close to My Heart consultants have been participating in the "Artbooking in August" Blog Hop!  

 Each Monday in August, these ladies were asked to post artwork to their blogs and they did a phenomenal job, I must admit!!

Their challenge was to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and any CTMH paper pack.   Their mission was to design each of the following:

1. 2 page layout
2. Card
3. Mini Book
4. Home decor or giftable item 

They were able to choose what to make and when to post it. AND if they wanted to add stamps to their designs, that was o.k.  The designs they posted were beyond my wildest dreams and I was so impressed with all of their creativity!

So sadly I am posting today that this is the LAST Monday in August for the "Artbooking in August " Blog hop.  I hope all of you enjoyed it as much as I did!  If you joined us today, then click on my Pinterest board here... and view all of the previous posted artwork.

If you get lost along the way you can always go back to my blog post here which features all of the bloggers and their indivdual artwork. 

If you have been hopping with us, then you have arrived from Gina Brandstetter's blog here.  Isn't her artwork gorgeous???

So you ordered the the WOTG July Constant campaign G1062 Canvas Art Kit and have no idea WHAT to do with it?!!!

Well I have a solution....create a photo collage using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge!

I used the overlay cut from the winter page in the Artbooking cartridge....

I cut the base page at 11.5" square to make the frame from page 61.  Then I created the word "Family" using the font and CCR to accent my photos.  ( There is another design coming this week using the negative space from my "Family" word) 

I added the heart mini banner and the rectangles of color to the layout.The rest of the artwork are from the Dimensional Elements included in the canvas kit.

                           

I just want to tell you that this was an EASY picture frame to create and it will look terrific on my family room wall...(p.s. photo of the wall coming later this week...)

If you have been following my blog then you know I created the base using the Cricut Craft Room!.  Here is the picture of the CCR file - I added a few elements and then after I cut it out, I did not use them!  But I know you are a bunch of creative ladies and will adapt the file to your needs!

If you are interested in the CCR file then you can download it here!  I used a few papers from the Huntington paper pack and then accents from the kit, but you can use any of our products to match your decor!

Now it is off to Terry Ann Diak's blog here where you can view her awesome artwork!

enjoy!!

Artbooking in August Week 3

Wow - this month is flying by!  Welcome to the third week of the Artbooking in August Blog Hop!  The last two weeks over 30 consultants have dazzled us with their creativity!  If you have been following our blog hop, then you know the ladies were presented with a challenge to create!

Their challenge was to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and any CTMH paper pack.  Their mission was to design each of the following:

1. 2 page layout 
2. Card
3. Mini Book 
4. Home decor or 'giftable' item 

They were able to choose what to make and when to post it. AND if they wanted to add stamps to their designs, that was OK.  This week they will add another great design to the challenge and I am anxious to see what everyone has created!

Remember this is a circular blog hop and if you get lost or confused along the way, the list is posted on my blog here.

If you are hopping with us then you have arrived from Gina Brandsetter's blog here

Today my design is a Halloween mini-book using the following pages from the Cricut Artbooking handout.

I messed up a bit and cut the pages at 8" instead of the recommended 6" -oops! But I rather like the larger size of the mini book....

pg 54

pg. 55

I created the title in the CCR by welding both the Halloween title from this page 

...using the shift function to get the title.  and the text from Artbooking....  do check out the dl I have included below...

I added some photos from my stash to create a mini book of memories...

Our costume for the JFD Halloween party - Hanz and Franz!    How easy was this costume?!

Many years of Halloween fun to remember the best of times..

all rolled up into one little mini- book!  If you would like the CCR file for a few of the cuts that I have included you can download them here...

Now it is time to hop onto Terry Ann Diack blog's here  where I am sure you will fine some absolutely awesome artwork!!

Artbooking in August Blog Hop - Week #2

Welcome to Week #2 of the Artbooking in August Blog Hop. Last week's artwork was so phenomenal and this week over 35 creative consultants are at it again!

Their challenge was to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and any CTMH paper pack.  Their mission was to design each of the following:

1. 2 page layout 
2. Card
3. Mini Book 
4. Home decor or 'giftable' item 

They were able to choose what to make and when to post it. AND if they wanted to add stamps to their designs, that was OK.  This week they will add another great design to the challenge and I am anxious to see what everyone has created!

Remember this is a circular blog hop and if you get lost or confused along the way, the list is posted on my blog here.

If you are hopping with us, then you have arrived from Gina Brandsetter's blog here and viewed her fabulous artwork. 

If you are just hopping along then continue on with Terry Ann Diack's blog here but if you are interested in how I created this card... read on...

Last week I selected a 2 page layout and this week I selected a card.  I guess I have  such a "Type A" personality that I have to go exactly by the list!

I must admit that I am very disappointed in that we do not have a Halloween paper pack!  I have my doubts that there will be one in the mini Holiday catalog coming out in October, but we'll see.  Good thing I save every scrap of my Halloween papers and buy extra as well!!

Here is my Halloween card ... an inspiration from Pinterest

Supplies:

Z1906 Cricut Artbooking

B1413 Perfect Fit - Halloween stamp set

Z1830 Brown and Tan Glitter Paper

Z1829 Black and Grey Glitter Paper

X5668 Honey cardstock

1386 Black cardstock

X5758 Sunset cardstock

Zip strip and Halloween Assortment from the Moonlight paper pack (retired)

page 40

I cut the overlay at 5" from the machine (pre -CCR file availability) and ended up with a bunch of scraps...

I am still trying to figure out what to do with these awesome scrap pieces!!

Then I used the other designs from these two pages to accent my card.  

page 70  

page 71

I had a 'not-so-happy' experience cutting the glitter paper.  I have decided there are two rules one must follow!

#1 - Use a brand new mat AND

#2 - use a brand new blade!!

I cut right side up, AND wrong side down and the fence would still not cut out...

SO in the end,  the black cardstock is finally what cut it nicely....

Here is the CCR file.....if you would like to download it you can click here  *** You must have a 'Box' account

Now it is time to hop  on with Terry Ann Diack's blog here to check out here creative work...

If you get lost you can always go back to the original blog hop list here.

AWA Laughing Lola Workshop was a success!

My first Artbooking with Addie workshop was a success!  I created a CCR for both my layout and card.  I thought I would share them with everyone!

I used the layout from the WOTG and then added the extra pieces from the NEW Cricut Artbooking cartridge.  You can download the files here

I used the card made by Bekki Edwards from our recent SOTM swap for the class sample.

These files are from the Cricut Artiste cartridge.  You can download the file here

enjoy!

April Claire Workshop and the Cricut!

Sometimes I think it is funny how my mind 'channels' the thoughts of Close to My Heart!  In my Cricut workshop on April 7th, we practiced using many of the function buttons which Christine explains in this video!!  Take a look at it and see if you agree!

Here is the layout that I created for the April workshop using the "Make It From Your Heart" layout and the Claire paper pack.

The title tag  was quick and easy in the Cricut Craft Room..  Just weld the banner shape in the AP cartridge along with the lettering from the Artiste cartridge and viola!

Here is the last card from the Cricut Basics class created by Sharon.  It required 20 hearts for the design - just use the Quantity button and cut them out all at once! The original design can be found on page 102 of the IB.

Enjoy!!

Cricut Craft Room and the Artiste cartridge

Yes - it is really 'user-friendly'! I have several posts on my blog using the Cricut Craft Room, so just click on the Cricut Craft Room selection in the Labels panel on the right and you will find my designs.  I have included some of my files in the posts to share as well. To help you get inspired, you can view this video from Close to My Heart giving you a basic tutorial of a few functions such as "Hide Contour". 

January SOTM Blog Hop

Happy New Year!!  2013 has arrived and with it a new CTMH Idea Book and thoughts of spring!  We have over 60 consultants hopping with us this month and if you are following the blog hop, then you have come from Lisa Sargent's blog.

I just cannot imagine thinking bout this month's stamp set without thinking of LOVE!  Valentine's Day is my second favorite holiday- I love the colors and the candy, of course!

 

                                

I decided to create a Valentine favor box using the Art Philosophy cartridge.  I welded the heart on the same page and added the small circles for the ribbon as well.  This is a perfect project for a make-n-take or a workshop.  You could probable get two to a page if you reduced the design in size. Here is my Cricut Craft Room design - very simple to recreate.

The link to this file can be found here.   You will want to create a box account to be able to downlaod this file.  Enjoy!

Then I thought it would look like vintage lace if I embossed the roses onto the background paper.  It did not take much time at all to create this favor making it the perfect SOTM project for my January workshop.

Supplies:

Paper:  Ruby and colonial white cardstock

Inks: Versamark Ink and White embossing powder, Ruby and black ink

Stamps:  S1301 Happy Valentine's, Love is from the Whoo's Your Valentine?

Ribbons: Organza ribbon

Now it is off to  Vicki Price's blog where you will find more creative artwork using this stamp set.

Close to My Heart SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome December!  Where in the world did this year go?  This month over 60 consultants are hopping along in this blog hop and I hope you are getting many inspiring ideas from everyone.  If you have been hopping along, then you have come from Pamela O'Connor's blog and have seen her gorgeous frame!

I have been listening to Christmas music on Pandora - LOVE it!! It seems so festive even when it is 80 degrees here in Florida!  So when I took a look at this set all I can think of holidays ( funny,  isn't it?).... so I started creating my holiday tags for each month of the year.  Here is a close-up of the set...

So I would love to know what you see when you look at this set!  Leave me a comment and you may be the winner of a BRAND new S1212 Year-Round Cheer!!  Now how about that for a 'surprise Christmas present!!!"?  The last day to leave a comment is December 15th!

So what do my tags look like??  I started with January and February - ok- I reversed them in my photo - (switch them in your brain... :)  I just love how these 3-D tags turned out!  How about you?

More of my tags will be coming soon.....How would like some of these Cricut Craft Room files?  Send me an email and I will be happy to send you the files!  My email is Sweetaline@verizon.net   Do you need a tutorial to create these yourself?  If so, leave me a comment and I will post them!

The supplies for these two tags are"

Cardstock - Blush and sky, white daisy and black

S1212 - Year-Round Cheer stamp set

Now it is off to Pamela Ellison's blog to get inspired by her Event calendar toppers! What a fun hop this is - tons of great ideas from all of these wonderful consultants...such a wonderful diversion from all of the 'hustle and bustle' of the holidays!

Enjoy!

Day 19 of the Artiste in August Blog Hop

If you have been hopping with us, then you have arrived from Becca's blog.  Thanks for hanging in there and checking out all of our designs this weekend.   woohoo!!  Today is my Howdy Partner Open House!  I am all ready, I think.....  Here is the Western scene for the photo shoot

Today's photo is the banner that I created and hung from the food table.  The banner was cut with the Art Philosophy cartridge and the rest was cut with the Artiste cartridge.

  The mustache file looks like this....

You can download the CCR file for all three cuts here.

Now it is off to Kathy's blog  to check out her artwork!

Here is a list of the bloggers below so you can follow along without getting lost!

Gloria Rogers - http://www.scraptabulousstudio.com/
Rebecca Kings - http://heartfeltcreationsbybecca.blogspot.com
Adeline Brill - www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com   YOU ARE HERE!
Kathy Johnson - http://kathyscreativecorner.com/
Amy Edwards - www.paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick - http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Pamela O’Connor - http://reflectionsofmyartandsoul.com
Melinda Everitt -  http://ifyoublingit.blogspot.com/
Tina Gale Husong - http://tiggersscrapplace.blogspot.com/
Denise Hobbs -  http://oklahomainker.blogspot.com/


Enjoy!

Day 18 of Artiste in August Blog Hop

It's the weekend!!!  Tomorrow is my Howdy Partner Open House and I am going crazy trying to get ready!!

Here is a close up of the sheriff's badge that I created in the Artiste cartridge.  It was not that hard to recreate.  I found the star on the cartridge and then added small circles to each end.

 I found the star in the Birthday Boy section and then added the circle - "i"- in the card button.  I then used the copy and paste function to duplicate the circle and lined it up using the arrows.

You will notice that the sheriff badges are gray or to be exact the color- Slate.  That is why the RGB color codes are so valuable.  You can set the exact color codes when you click on the color bubble in the software.

CCR has been recently updated to reflect the pictures depicted in this post.  I found a picture which highlights the changes.  HTH!

Then simply copy and paste the number of designs that you need and you are all set!  You are all ready to cut.

Tomorrow I will share the file - so stay tuned....

 Now it is off to Kathy's blog  to check out her artwork!

Here is a list of the bloggers below so you can follow along without getting lost!

Gloria Rogers - http://www.scraptabulousstudio.com/
Rebecca Kings - http://heartfeltcreationsbybecca.blogspot.com
Adeline Brill - www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com   YOU ARE HERE!
Kathy Johnson - http://kathyscreativecorner.com/
Amy Edwards - www.paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick - http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Pamela O’Connor - http://reflectionsofmyartandsoul.com
Melinda Everitt -  http://ifyoublingit.blogspot.com/
Tina Gale Husong - http://tiggersscrapplace.blogspot.com/
Denise Hobbs -  http://oklahomainker.blogspot.com/


Enjoy!

Day 3 of the Artiste in August Blog Hop

Today is Friday and it is the Artist's Choice day!  If you have been following the blog this month, then you have arrived from Rebecca's Blog. You will find her link below along with the rest of the ladies!

Gloria Rodgers -  www.scraptabulousstudio.com
Tricia Rathke - http://craftingthedayawayy.blogspot.com
Lalia Harris - http://craftylalia.blogspot.com
Rebecca Kings -http://heartfeltcreationsbybecca.blogspot.com
Adeline Brill - you are here!
Jessica Wilson - www.craftinandstampin.blogspot.com
Kathy Johnson-  http://kathyscreativecorner.com
Amy Edwards - Paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com
Jen Patrick -http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com
Pamela O'Connor - http://reflectionsofmyartandsoul.com
Melinda Everitt - http://ifyoublingit.blogspot.com
Michele Eickholt - http://chelescrafts.blogspot.com
Tina Gale Husong - http://tiggerscrapplace.blogspot.com
Denise Hobbs - http://oklahomainker.blogspot.com


As the Artist,  I decided to create a door hanger with the Artiste cartridge and YES - you can do it all with the Artiste!  I wanted to challenge myself with the designs to see what I could create.  SOOO I just added another image to the cartridge. :) making it 701 images!!

 I started with the circle.
 

Then I pulled up the rectangle with rounded corners

I combined them to create the door hanger and then copied a smaller version and added the Boo, Eek! and Spooky to the inside rectangles.  I saved the file in the color of Sunset - RGB codes in this software are under in the Mat Layers tab (click on the color dot to change them)

Here the link for this ccr file...Cricut Craft Room file here


I embellished the doorhangers with the following CTMH products:

X7161 Moonlight paper pack- NEW!
Black and White Daisy cardstock 
Black, Slate-NEW! White Daisy and Sunset ink colors
B1413 Perfect Fit-Halloween stamp set -NEW!
Z1798 - Black Tulle Ribbon - NEW! 
Z1802 - Satin Polkadot Ribbon - NEW! 

Now it is off to Jessica's blog to check out her artwork!