Monique Griffith Designs

Pack Your Bags Layout Kit

2011-11-11T21:16:00.000-08:00

Fall greetings, scrappy friends! It's getting chilly around here - just the right time for a tropical getaway, don't ya think? Well, we've got just the thing for you. Whether you had a relaxing cruise this summer, or you're planning an escape to your favorite tropical paradise for the winter, this new layout kit will be perfect for capturing those sunny memories.

This "Pack Your Bags" layout was designed by the Bling Queen herself, Wendy Lawrence. It's available to purchase on our Cricut Kits page, which can accept PayPal or Google checkout. It's shipping now, and there are only about 15 kits still available as some of our local friends have already snatched them up.

Included with this kit will be all of the patterned papers, cardstock and ribbon that you'll need for the layout. And of course, you'll also get complete directions with our Cricut Cut Chart, which shows you exactly what you'll need to cut on your machine, along with written instructions and plenty of color photos. Plus the photo mats are pre-cut for you to make your life even easier.

To complete this project as shown, you'll need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and mat, Pack Your Bags cartridge, light brown chalk ink (used Gingerbread color), 3D pop dots, white gel pen, brown pen, Diamond Stickles, plus basic tools and adhesive. Optional: Cuttlebug and embossing folders (Swiss Dots and Devine Swirls - or folders of your choice).

You can check out this kit and all of our other available projects on our Cricut Kits page. This complete kit is $25, including directions. Or you'll see the option to order just the directions for $10 and then automatically download them (if using PayPal). If you have any questions at all, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com.

We've Got a Blog Candy Winner!

2011-09-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for joining us back on the blog last week. It has been fun getting back at it, and we've enjoyed reading all of your comments.

As promised, we have drawn a winner for the Echo Park "Country Drive" paper pack. This is one of my favorite paper sets ever - so happy and sweet with all of my favorite colors!!

And the winner is...

Sandra Joy said...

"Happy Belated Birthday Emily! I'm sure all of her friends had a great time! What a fun project!"

Sandra Joy, please email me your shipping info to moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. Congrats!!

Keep checking back this week for more posts, and more chances to win additional blog candy!

Birthday Cake Card

2011-09-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends! Becca here. Hope yall had a great weekend. It was a fun one for us over here. Nana Susan had herself birthday and we celebrated with cake, pizza, root bear floats, and presents! Yum! I made this Birthday Cake Card for her using my handy dandy Cricut, a few of my favorite carts, and my Cuttle Bug. I used Birthday Bash and A Summer in Paris. Both are are really fun. The solid card stock is from Bo Bunny, and the patterned paper's from My Mind's Eye (Quite Contrary line). The cake was cut using A Summer In Paris cart and the "Happy Birthday" font was cut from Birthday Bash.

The measurements are as follows:
Cake - 3 1/4"
Font - 2"
Polka Dot Mat - 4" x 5 1/2"
Green Mat - 4 1/2 x 5 3/4"
Card - 6 1/2" x 10" (fold in half)
Ribbon - 5 1/2"

I cut (2) cakes for this card so I could use one to create a shadow by "offsetting it". Before attaching the cakes together I ran it through my Cuttle Bug using a "swirly" type embossing folder. Any design will work. After chalking it with purple chalk ink I layered the cakes and attached it to the card with pop dots. After cutting the mats I chalked all sides with brown chalk ink. I love what a little chalk can do. It just makes it pop! Then I layered my pink ribbon and my green ribbon and attached it using basic adhesive.

To complete this card you will need:

Birthday Bash cart
Summer in Paris cart
Cuttle Bug folder (any"Swirly" shape)
Green and pink ribbon
Pop Dots
Basic tools and adhesive
Purple and brown chalk ink
White gel pen
Rhinestones

*Don't forget to leave a comment today for your chance to win some yummy blog candy. Oh, and Monique will be picking a winner for last weeks blog candy. So stay tuned my friends, and have fun creating. Ta!

If the Shoe Fits...

2011-09-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, friends!! Monique here. I hope you've all had a wonderful week and are looking forward to your weekend.

Ok, we all know that shoe-themed cards are very popular (who doesn't love a cute pair of shoes, right?), but instead of the usual high-heeled shoe design, I went with a running shoe on this card. My very good friend Stephanie had a birthday on Monday, and I'd been wanting to make her this card because she was really hoping to get $ toward a new pair of running shoes for her birthday.

The running shoe was cut at 3" from the Pink Journey cartridge. However, the cut on the cartridge has no layers or shadow or anything. So I first cut it out in hot pink, trimmed off the shoelace part of the image, and then attached the shoe to solid white cardstock. I then hand-trimmed the white cardstock, essentially creating a 1/8" shadow around the shoe. Then I cut the shoe again, but this time in black. Using scissors, I trimmed away the sole of the shoe, and attached it to the pink shoe. I also saved the little "hole" pieces that you'd normally throw away, and I just glued them inside the spaces in the pink shoe. The cool skull image was cut from Indie art at 1". Had to go with skulls for Steph! Finally, I used my Crop-a-Dile to punch holes in the shoe, and then threaded white ribbon through the holes and tied a bow. The sentiment was just hand-written with a silver Signo pen.

Stephanie and I and our friend Erin are doing triathlon training with a group, including coaches. We meet 3 times per week for killer workouts all around town, plus do workouts on our own an additional 3 days/week. We've been working on swimming, biking, and running, and are planning to compete in the Golden State Triathlon in Sacramento on October 9th. It'll be a 1/2 mile swim (harder than it sounds!), 15 mile bike ride, and 3 mile run. This is quite a stretch for me as I only started exercising about 3 months ago after almost a year of cancer treatments, and even before that I wasn't doing anything physical, so I was in BAD shape!!! But I have come really far with training. I can now swim more than the needed 1/2 mile in a super cold lake (though slowly), I'm decent at biking, and had 1 stretch of 23 miles, and I'm even getting better at running. I think I might be able to run my first continuous mile very soon - I'm getting close, and have NEVER done that in my whole life. It's amazing what you can accomplish with hard work, isn't it? So that's a big reason that I've fallen a bit behind with blog posting and whatnot. I've really been focusing on my health. Oh, and I've also dropped about 30 pounds in the past 9-12 months - woohoo! All of my clothes are getting too big! It's an empowering feeling to be somewhat back in charge of my own body, and to know that I'm not too old to get in shape and accomplish something as crazy as a triathlon. And that goes for the rest of you too. It's never too late to get off that couch!

Don't forget to leave a comment on today's post for a chance to win this week's blog candy - the Echo Park "Country Drive" paper pack. See ya again soon!

"Wild" Card

2011-09-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It's Becca and I'm here to share this cute little card with you that I made using the Create a Critter cartridge. I just LOVE this cart! This "Wild" card can be used for any occasion. Hence, the "wild card". I used it as a birthday card for my father-in-law and he loved it. The solid card stock is from Bo Bunny. One of my favorites for sure. The patterned paper's from Basic Grey. The measurements are as follows:

Giraffe - 5"
"Wild" - 1 3/4"
Leaf -3"
Flower - 1"
Cloud - 3/4"
Dark Green Mat - 5 x 6 1/2"
Patterned Mat - 4 1/2" x 6"

This cute little giraffe is gonna need a bow. Isn't he cute? He wears it well!

To complete this card you'll need basic tools and adhesives, the cartridge listed above, brown brad, brown chalk ink, and green ribbon. Have fun creating!

Oh, and don't forget to leave a comment so you can be entered to win our yummy blog candy. Monique will draw the lucky winner who will receive Echo Park's Country Drive paper pack. Be sure to stop back by tomorrow to see more fun stuff and enter again. Fun fun!

Birthday Banner!

2011-09-12T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Monique here. Thought I'd check in and say hi and post a little something just for fun. Around here, September is birthday season. My little Emily just turned 7 on September 1st, and she wanted a Disney Pluto birthday party. Umm, yeah, just try looking around the internet to see how much Pluto birthday stuff is out there. VERY little!! Good thing my trusty Cricut is friends with the Disney gang. We whipped up this snazzy banner in no time, and it was just the perfect touch for the party. It was kind of a group effort, actually. I designed it, Wendy cut it out, I assembled it, and then Nana Susan helped with the flower placement. It takes a village sometimes.

We used Bo Bunny cardstock, of course (yum!). The banner pieces were cut from the Birthday Bash cart using Fit to Page, so they'd be max size. The font was also Birthday Bash. And of course, Pluto and the dog house were from Mickey and Friends. I strung it together with green ribbon, and added a whole bunch of silk flowers and buttons to girly it up a bit. We had such a fun birthday party here with Emily and 25 of her closest friends playing party games and eating birthday cupcakes. I love my girl!!

Don't forget to leave a comment on today's post for another chance to win an Echo Park paper pack - "Country Drive". This is gorgeous paper - one of my very favorite lines I've seen in a long time!

FALL BACK TO SCHOOL LAYOUT AND CLASS

2011-09-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

GREETINGS EVERYONE!

It's Susan here and I have some great things to fill you in on!

First from the whole team we want to say
" YAY! We are happy to be back! "

Monique, Susan, Becca and Wendy
(We'll all be posting this week!)

The summer has been great but fall is even better and we are all ready to roll. Monique's focus on family, relaxation and health has paid off and we'll be posting some pictures soon to prove it!
Watch for Monique's post & creations tomorrow!!

NEW KIT & IT'S A CLASS TOO! "SCHOOL DAYS" by Nanasusan

Bursting with warm fall colors,
this nostalgic layout is ready to frame your little ones
and capture their back to school experience.
I LOVE this time of year!
Join us September 22 at 6pm-10pm.
(1879 Butterfly Ct. Rocklin, CA)
You'll enjoy light snacks, learning to make these cute flowers,
and a fun evening. See the Cricut Kits page to buy the class, kit or just directions.

To make this kit you will need the Cricut Expression, "A Child's Year" cartridge,
brown chalk ink,pop dots, adhesive, small hole punch, thread and basic tools.

Kits, just the kit directions, and the CLASS
which includes the directions
are available now for purchase
on this blog -see Kits tab at the top.
You'll want to sign up now for the class as there is limited space.

Don't forget to leave a comment for
a chance to win
Echo Park "Country Drive" paper pack
and come back tomorrow through Friday to see new designs
and leave comments all week. Each new day you leave a comment
gives you another entry in the drawing.

New Layouts: "Go Wild" and "The Simple Life"

2011-08-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

Guess what! We have TWO new layouts to share with you today, and they're both kits. Either of these new kits can be ordered from our Cricut Kits page, which can accept PayPal or Google checkout. There's also the option to order just the directions, and then you can automatically download them. If you'd rather pay by check, just email me your order at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com and let me know your state or zip code.

The first kit, "Go Wild" is by Becca Rees and uses the super fabulous Create-a-Critter cartridge. Isn't this just the cutest layout? It would be perfect for pics of a zoo day, or the kiddos monkeying around at the park - or even for a day at Disney's Animal Kingdom. (Oh, and don't forget to see below for the winner of last week's blog candy!)

Included with this kit will be all of the patterned papers, cardstock and ribbon needed to complete the layout. You'll also get our detailed directions with Cricut Cut Chart that shows you line by line exactly what to cut on your machine, with all of the settings. The directions also include well-organized written instructions and several color photographs.

To complete this project as shown, you'll need a Cricut Expression and mat, Create-a-Critter cartridge, chalk inks in the following colors: dark brown, blue, orange and purple, 3D pop dots, white gel pen, black pen, Diamond Stickles, plus basic tools and adhesive. Cuttlebug and Divine Swirls embossing folder are optional.

Next up is "The Simple Life" layout, designed by me (Monique). Wouldn't you love to just jump into this layout and live there for a week without a care in the world? Ok, unless that means getting up at 4:00am to milk the cows.

As with our other kits, this one will include all of the papers, cardstock, and ribbon needed to complete the layout. And by the way, we also pre-cut some of the background strips and the photo mats for you. Of course, you'll also get full directions with cut chart and lots of color photographs.

To complete this project as shown, you'll need the following: Cricut Expression and mat, Country Life cartridge, dark brown chalk ink, 3D pop dots, white gel pen, black pen, stapler, plus basic tools and adhesive. Cuttlebug and embossing folders (Divine Swirls and Tiny Mosaic) are optional but helpful.

Either of these new kits can be ordered from our Cricut Kits page. The complete kits are each $25, which includes full directions. Or you can order just the directions for $10 and then download them automatically. Both kits are ready for shipping NOW. If you have any questions, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com.

And finally, we have a winner for last week's blog candy! Please email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com with your shipping address, and I will send you the brand new "The Simple Life" kit (shown above). Congrats!

Shelley said...

    Glad to see you guys posting again! :) Love the new layout! You are both so talented! Like mother, like daughter! :) Thanks for the chance to win as well. Take care!

    Shelley
    http://carleys-closet.blogspot.com
    shelleymace21@gmail.com

Nifty New "Cruisin" Layout & Blog Candy!

2011-08-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is the nifty new layout by Nana Susan. She has been busy creating this summer! This layout IS a kit, and is available for shipping now! To order, just go to our Cricut Kits page to use our shopping cart. Or you can just purchase the directions and download them automatically.

This rockin' retro layout would be perfect for older pics from the 50's, or even pics from a modern sock hop or just a night out getting milkshakes at your favorite diner. The kit will include all of the patterned papers, cardstock, and ribbon that you'll need to complete the layout. Plus you'll get our detailed directions with Cricut Cut Chart that shows you line by line exactly what you need to cut on your Cricut with all of the settings for each cut - and plenty of color photos to help you out.

To complete this project as shown, you will need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and mat, Nifty Fifties cartridge, charcoal or black chalk ink, 3D pop dots, white gel pen, Diamond Stickles, Gold Stickles, plus basic tools and adhesive. Cuttlebug and embossing folders are optional.

The complete kit with full directions is $25, and can be ordered from our Cricut Kits page. Or you can purchase just the directions for $10, and then download them automatically in pdf format.

And by the way, we have now added some of the other newer directions sets to our shopping cart, so be sure to check it out. If you have any questions at all, you can email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com.

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance at some fabulous blog candy. You could win my new kit, "The Simple Life", which is coming out very soon and uses the Country Life cartridge. And keep an eye on the blog for more on the way!

Summer Update

2011-07-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

Hello, crafty friends! Monique here. Sorry it’s been so long since we’ve posted on the blog. The summer started off with a bit of a health scare for me, which thankfully turned out to be fine. But I also figured out that it was imperative for me to take some time off immediately for my mental and physical well-being, and work on finding a healthier balance in my life. So I have been spending lots of time with my little girl, hubby, and the rest of my family and friends, relaxing and traveling, and exercising a lot. (I’m even training to do a triathlon in October. Crazy, but fun!) It’s been a really incredible summer, and it took that little health scare to shake me up and realize that I need to be spending the bulk of my time a bit differently.

Jared, Emily and me with Goofy at Disneyland in June. What a great family trip this was with the 3 of us, and now I can't wait to go again! It was so much fun to feel like a little kid.

Now what? Well, now that you know I haven’t actually fallen off the face of the planet, I think you also may be pleased to know that the design team and I have been busy the past month. We each have a layout kit to release very, very soon. We’ll start it off in the next few days with Susan’s “Cruisin” layout, which uses the Nifty Fifties cart. Then Becca will introduce her adorable “Go Wild” layout, using the Create-a-Critter cart. Next up will be my new farm-themed layout “The Simple Life”, which uses the Country Life cart. And finally, Wendy will make a splash with her “Pack Your Bags” layout, using the Pack Your Bags cart, of course!

We won’t be posting daily as we were previously doing, but we’ll at least try to post a couple of fun things each week, and a giveaway now and then too. Whatever we can do while still maintaining some healthy life balance!

Thank you so much for all of your patience and understanding, and to those of you who dropped me an email to check on me. Things are going much better now!! I’d love to hear from you all. Leave me a comment and let me know what you’ve been up to this summer – or if you still have some exciting plans before school starts up again.

Guest Designer

2011-06-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! shelly here today . WOW i was so honored when wendy approached me about being guest designer for this month. i havent had the pleasure of meeting her or monique who i hear are just the sweetest but we live about 2 hours away so a visit is in the future.

thank you so much monique and wendy for thinking my crafty abilities are worthy.

for my project i made a card which is what i normally post on my blog. i do layouts too i just rarely share them.

i didnt make this card for any one specific person.. i made it for us all.. a reminder to NEVER lose yourself in someone or something so much that you lose yourself.

so now for the card..

for this i used walk in my garden (caterpillar) doodle charms (jar adding foam stickies behind for depth) and zoobaloo (branches and leaves. i bent one of the branches slightly and only adhered the top and bottom portions again for depth . pic 3 shows this)

wimg and d/charms were the first image carts i purchased, they are still my go to favorites.

i added stamped butterfly images, stickles, liquid pearls ,martha stewart border punch and colorbox fluid chalk.

thank you so much for your comments and thank you again monique and wendy for making me feel special :) have a great day and a fun weekend! happy crafting :) shelly

Liberty Mini Album

2011-06-03T01:53:00.000-07:00

Red White and Blue! Oh yes this is very patriotic mini that I am sharing with you today here at Monique Griffith Designs. Hi this is Elizabeth from 217 Creations. Thank you Monique and Wendy for having me over to play! I have so many details to share with you! There are so many pics- it is pure eye candy!

The base of the album is made using Elegant Edges. I cut the pages at 5.24 inches (Real Size Off). The paper is from K & Co Americana collection. This collection is awesome. I found it at Joann's. It is double sided and so full of yummy patterns! Once I attached all my papers to the album pages, I inked the edges with Chestnut Color Box ink. This particular shade of brown has a bit of a rust tone with really compliments the paper.

Next I bound the album with my Cinch.

Then I began tying ribbons from my stash along the sides and the edges.

I kept tying until I felt like the album was full.

usually on my minis I like to have pockets and tags. But this one I did a bit different. I made a few of these straps out of thick ribbon to tuck pics and stuff into. I wrapped the ribbon tight and sealed to itself with ATG tape.

I then tied a flat bow and hid the seam. The ribbon is not attached to album. it is loose and can be lifted on both sides. I really love how this turned out!

Next I began cutting with nippers the back of these brads off. by cutting the back portion off, the brad will lay flat on my album. I used these on several pages and on the cover.

On the cover I used Pink By Design Stamps in Red, White and Blue to stamp the sentiments. I started with a red trimmed white grosgrain ribbon.

Using Archival Ink, I stamped the three sentiments to create a border. Stamping on fabric and ribbon is super easy and a great way to incorporate stamps into your project.

Since the ink dries pretty quick on fabric, I could add it to my cover using Terrifically Tacky Tape. Another feature on the cover I want to point out is the red metal spindle. I found this in a garage sale for a stamping store here in Kansas City. I always look for hardware items to add a bit of interest to my projects. To hide the hole in the spindle, I added a rhinestone. The font on the front is actually a phrase from Cricut Stand and Salute. The shadow layer and the sentiment are cut at 1.15 inches (Real Size Off). I also added some red white and blue pom poms. I found these at Joann's.

So do you want to see this inside pages?!?! I have both photos and video to share today.

I have a video of the this mini in action here:

Liberty Mini Album on You Tube

If you are reading this on the blog, there is not need to click this link. It is for the readers who subscribe through Feedburner since Feedburner does not always add videos.

Here are the inside pages. I have made some notations about some pages and features. The bottecap on the left is from my stash.

The photo mats are all cut at 3.5 for base and 3.25 for top layer. On the right, I used some manila paper and stamped with Pink by Design Let's Write Backgrounder.

The stitching on these two mats are done with Paper Pizzaz Easy Stitcher. I used a White Signo Pen to the stitching. The Easy Stitcher is a a stencil that allows you to draw really straight stitching. I only wish I could draw that straight!

I love minis that become a part of my home decor. This one is no exception. It stand beautifully and can display all photos of my kiddos enjoying the holiday.

I want to thank you so much for looking through my album. This mini was so much fun to make. Now if you want the free Gypsy File, please visit my personal blog at 217 Creations.

I always appreciate the time it takes to leave a comment and to follow or subscribe both here at Monique Griffith Designs and on my blog 217 Creations. Have a great day!

A Little Pick-me-Up

2011-05-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!! It's Sarah from Pink Cricut and I am SO excited to be guest designing for Monique and Wendy today!

I had the pleasure of meeting these super-sweet ladies at Winter CHA- and they are both so beautiful inside and out! :)

Here we are waiting to go into the Gala (Emma, Monique, Wendy, and me)

Okay-for today's project Monique and Wendy asked me to do a Breast Cancer awareness project- which was perfect timing- since my stamp company, Pink by Design is releasing 2 Breast Cancer Awareness stamp sets next week!

I did a 5x5 inch square card--using the DCWV Blossom Stack and the Forever Young Cricut Cartridge.

I embossed the dark pink layer with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder, and the light pink layer with D'vine Swirls. (I think these are the 2 folders I use the most)

I layered it on top of a white doily I cut from a stock image on the E2.

I used a ton of pop-dots to really make the cricut cut stick out!

I then added some bling and bows - (what girl doesn't like bling and bows?) :)

Here is the inside of the card:

Once you choose Hope anything is possible.

Since this card is going to someone I know- I also wanted to be able to give her something more.

So, I made her a little set of cards to go with her card!

I used kraft cardstock, papertrey ink cardstock and Spellbinders Lacey Squares.

Each of these cards is stamped with the Pink by Design Save the Tatas stamp set, as well as the Breast Wishes stamp set that is coming out next Friday :)

The sentiments read:

Thanks for the Support

Breast of Friends

Hang in There

and Hope

I will tie these little cards with some pink twine and put them in a clear envelope to gift them in.

Thanks again to Wendy and Monique for having me on their blog! I hope you enjoyed my little projects- and feel free to come say hi to me anytime at Pink Cricut! :)

Have a great LONG weekend!

Race for the Cure Layout

2011-05-20T02:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! It's Lauren here from Lauren's Creative! I am so thrilled that Monique and Wendy invited me to design a project for their blog today! They have both provided me with endless amounts of inspiration. I have only been scrapbooking for a little over a year and since finding Monique and Wendy's blogs - my scrapbook layouts have improved 110%. I could gush about them a little more, but I don't want to "fan-girl" them too much and freak them out. :)

For today's project they asked me to design a Breast Cancer Awareness themed project, and I immediately decided to come up with a layout with a "Race for the Cure" theme. I know many of you participate every year and I'm sure you have some beautiful pictures that you'd like to display in a special way!

If you prefer single page layouts, I think this page would make an adorable layout in and of itself. I would probably just add a journaling space in between the runners. I used the Pink Journey cartridge for the runners and the ribbon cuts, but even if you don't have that cartridge don't let that stop you from "scrap-lifting" this...there are similar runner silhouettes found on the Sports Mania cartridge. There are also similar ribbons on the Car Decals cartridge as well as Stand and Salute.

I really wanted the runners to look like they were carrying the banner, so to achieve that look - I simply attached a glue dot to the top of a toothpick, so the baker's twine wouldn't come unraveled. I then wrapped the baker's twine around the toothpick a few more times and knotted it off. To create the streamers, I just tied another length of baker's twine around the end. I then secured them to the runners' hands by attaching another glue dot.

The second page is pretty simple - I really wanted the pictures to be the focus. It is a little hard to tell, but the middle picture is actually attached using pop dots to give a little more dimension to the page.

Thank you so much again to Monique and Wendy for having me!

I hope that if you like this project, some of you might come visit me on my blog - Lauren's Creative. If you have any questions about this layout - please don't hesitate to email me. (My contact information is on my site.)

Materials Used:

(2) 12 x 12 kraft cardstock (Recollections Brand - Michaels)
(2) Scalloped Squares sized at 11.50" from Accent Essentials
Photo Mats: Finished mats will fit - (1) 4 x 6 and (3) 4 x 4 photos
4 1/2 x 6 1/2 (white), 4 3/8 x 6 3/8 (brown) 4 1/4 x 6 1/4 (pink stripe)
(3) 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 (white), 4 3/8" x 4 3/8" (brown) 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 (pink stripe)
"Banner" sized at 3.02" (or 10.50" fit to length) from Twinkle Toes
"Race for the Cure" sized at 1.5" using "Real Dial Size" from Cherry Limeade (shadows welded using my Gypsy)
(2) "Runners" sized at 6.00" from Pink Journey
(10)"Butterflies" sized at 1.50" using "blackout" feature from Pink Journey
(5) "Butterflies" sized at 1.50" using "shadow" feature from Pink Journey
"live," "love," and "fight" sized at 1.50" from Kate's ABCs (shadows welded using my Gypsy)
"Pink Ribbon Flourish" sized at 2.65" from Pink Journey
Journaling Space - "Scalloped Card" sized at 3.92" from Pink Journey, I added "Ribbon" sized at 1.07" and also used the "hide contour" feature to hide the score marks for the card.
Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain
Sakura Gelly Roll Pen - White
Pink Gems - Michael's
3/8" Grosgrain Saddle Stitch Ribbon - Michael's
Baker's Twine - Scrappy Moms Stamps
(2) Toothpicks - you could also use lollipop sticks or wooden skewers
Pop Dots

New Official Cricut Blog

2011-05-19T00:48:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post tonight to let you all know that Provo Craft has launched an official Cricut blog! It looks pretty awesome, and sounds like they're going to keep it active with tons of great stuff going on. There was even a video of Jinger Adams showing her gorgeous craft room. Be sure to go check it out here: http://cricutblog.org/ and become a follower for chances to win shopping credit on cricut.com.

Happy Wednesday-Hump Day!!

2011-05-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

Hello! I hope you are having a good week. I wanted to share my first E2 project. I only played with it a day and was having a little trouble with my title so I used the same words but with a different cart. Promise that I will get it mastered...

The paper used was from Echo Park "Little Girl".

The grass and lettering are from Plantin School Book

The bears are from "Just A Note"

The hearts are just embellishments that came with paper pack.

Make it a great day...

Wendy-Bling Queen

Princess Layout Kit

2011-05-16T23:16:00.000-07:00

I sure hope you are all off to a good start this week. The oh-so-super-talented Becca Rees happens to have a wonderful start to the week. She and her hubby and kiddos just moved in to their brand new house that they have been waiting about 9 months for, and it's beautiful! Plus it's only about 4 houses down and around the corner from my house! And speaking of beautiful, Becca just designed this gorgeous new Princess layout, which is available as a kit. See below for details.

The Princess layout kit will be ready to ship out by May 31st. To order, just visit our Cricut Kits page, and you can use our new shopping cart. It'll be ready the same time the Disney Autograph album will be ready, so take advantage of combined shipping!

The kit will include all of the papers, cardstock and ribbon that you'll need to complete the layout. Plus you'll get detailed directions with Cricut Cut Chart and plenty of color photographs.

To complete this project as shown, you will need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and Mat, Once Upon a Princess cartridge, dark brown and purple chalk ink, 3D pop-dots, white gel pen, Diamond Stickles, Petal Pink Liquid Pearls, glue pen, plus basic tools and adhesive.

The complete kit with directions is $25, and you can order it from our Cricut Kits page. If you'd like to purchase just the directions for $10, you can check back by May 31st, and then purchase and download the directions automatically at that time.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. And don't forget to leave a comment on today's post for another chance at this week's blog candy - the Echo Park "Splash" paper collection. It just arrived today, and it's even yummier in person!!

Disney Autograph Book - Plus Echo Park Blog Candy

2011-05-15T23:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!! (Is that a contradiction of terms?) As promised, we've got new blog candy for a new week. Who would like to win the very brand new "Splash" paper pack by Echo Park? Just leave a comment on today's post, and then come back each day this week for more chances.

Also as promised, we are releasing a new kit today. The Bling Queen - Wendy Lawrence - designed this masterpiece - it's a Disney Autograph Book!!!! How cool is that? Fun AND useful!!! In fact, my hubby and I decided just yesterday that we're going to take our little Emily to Disneyland this summer, so I will be signing up for this kit right away. The rest of you will have to get in line, LOL! (It'll be ready to ship by May 31st.)

To order this kit, or any of our other kits, just go to our Cricut Kits page and use our handy-dandy new shopping cart. You can pay with PayPal or Google checkout, and it combines shipping and calculates your postage based on where you live. It's been working very nicely! Plus we'll be featuring one more new kit tomorrow, and it's already listed in the shopping cart, so you can see it and order it along with this Disney Book.

This colorful Disney album will work perfectly for pictures of you or your kiddos with all of your favorite characters - plus space for the characters to sign the page! There are beautifully detailed pages with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Daisy and Donald Duck. You could even use this for a past trip by just transplanting the autographs and adding your pictures.

This kit will include the album that you'll get to decorate yourself and 6x6 chipboard page inserts, plus all of the patterned papers, cardstock, ribbon, brads and twine that you'll need to complete the project. You'll also get our detailed yet easy to follow directions with Cricut Cut Chart, well-organized written instructions, and plenty of color photographs.

To complete this project as shown, you will need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and mat, Mickey & Friends cartridge, Mickey Font cartridge, Diamond and Black Diamond Stickles, white gel pen, black pen, Cuttlebug (optional) with Swiss Dots embossing folder and Tiny Bubbles embossing folder (or embossing folders of your choice), black chalk ink, red and green chalk ink, hole punch, 3D pop dots, dark brown acrylic paint (inexpensive stuff from any craft store), plus basic tools and adhesive.

This complete kit is $30, and will be ready to ship out May 31st. You can pre-order it now on our Cricut Kits page. Or you can purchase the directions only for $10. To purchase directions only, just check back on our Cricut Kits page by May 31st, and you'll be able to pay for the directions and download them automatically at the same time. If you have any questions at all, you can always reach me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com.

Gypsy Tote Winner Announced

2011-05-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful, rainy Sunday afternoon here, and I hope you're all doing well. It's time to announce the winner of the custom-embroidered Gypsy Tote bag. Are ya ready? Here's our winner...

coolnana72 said...

What a cute layout! You are so talented

Please email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com to claim your fabulous prize, and let me know what you'd like it to say. A huge thanks to Myrel France for sponsoring this giveaway! And for the rest of you who are now sad that you didn't win, you can order your own!! Just email Myrel at myrelf@aol.com. She does incredible work!!

By the way, I have not yet heard from either of the 2 winners of the quarter Circle membership. You have until May 17th to contact me, and then I must pass them on to somebody else. So I sure hope you see this. Those 2 winners of the Circle membership are...

katieo said...

Inspiring photos. Your team look so happy and enthusiastic. I am glad it wasn't too hot. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Nhi P. Tran said...

I would totally love to join the cricut circle. Those flowers were very lovely.

Be sure to come back tomorrow. We'll have new blog candy AND a wonderful new Disney-themed project kit by Wendy. Oooooh, trust me - it's CUTE and useful too!! And it's limited in numbers, so based on how our other Disney kits have sold, I don't think this will last long at all. (I'm gonna buy one myself, so y'all will have to get in line.)

Play Time Layout with the E2

2011-05-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's Saturday already? Where did this week go??? Well, it's my Saturday as Guest Designer on Everyday Cricut, so if you're coming from there, thanks for stopping by, and feel free to look around the blog here. You can also leave a comment on today's post for a chance to win a custom-embroidered Gypsy tote bag. If you haven't been to Everyday Cricut yet, be sure to pop on over there! Also, I want to give a huge thank you to Emma for being our Guest Designer here yesterday. Didn't she do an amazing job? Thanks, Emma!!

Alrighty, who has gotten the new Cricut Expression 2 yet??? I just got mine 2 days ago, and finally took it for a spin today. Well, I must confess that first I got my super smart hubby to do the update for me, and THEN I dove in. I actually read through the entire user manual, while trying out each function. Yes, I'm a nerd. But I feel pretty comfortable with it now, and really love it. So today I decided that I'd like to make a project using only the E2 and the carts that are pre-loaded into it. Here it is. See below for sizing details...

This single page 12x12 layout was made using mostly papers from Echo Park's "Playground" line (plus a couple of solids from Stampin' Up). I am a HUGE Echo Park fan - their papers are wonderful to design with! I used the Cricut Essentials cartridge to cut the navy blue "merry-go-round" wheel at 9 1/2". The orange circle behind it is 10", and the white circle behind that is 10 1/4". The cut isn't really meant to be a merry-go-round, but I thought it kinda looked like one and went with the paper and theme. I also cut the arrows from Cricut Essentials, all at 3", including the white shadows.

The "Play Time" title is cut at 3 1/4" from the Just a Note cartridge, and this is the cartridge I was most excited to start playing with. I think it's just adorable - and it also has THE cutest tri-fold cards on it - can't wait to try those out!! I like that the "Play Time" title has so many layers and a nice shadow - that really helped me tie in a lot of the colors from the layout. And of course I added a few buttons for a little extra cuteness.

This bear and slide are also from Just a Note, and it's cut at 4 1/2". Again, lots of great layers (I'm all about the details!!), and a nice shadow as well. Since there's so much color going on in this layout, the white shadows really help separate them visually. I added faux stitching in both white and black, and some little polka dots as well.

I don't use arrows too often (don't know why that is - they're so cool!!), but in this case, I really think they helped give the scene a sense of motion and fun. Oh, and I used a double layer of pop dots to pop up the navy blue merry-go-round cut to give it extra depth.

The photo mat sizes are as follows: Merry-go-round pattern is 4 1/4" x 6 1/4". Red solid mat is 4 1/2" x 6 1/2". Light blue mat is 5" x 7". All layers are inked with dark blue chalk ink (as are the other Cricut cuts in this project). I tucked the photo mat into the navy merry-go-round wheel, again to just add more depth and to help tie everything together. Thanks for coming over to play today, and don't forget to leave a comment for a chance at this week's blog candy!!! Enjoy your weekend!

Race for a Cure!

2011-05-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Good morning! All I have to say is "FINALLY"!!! I've been trying to do this post since yesterday afternoon! I apologize for this being so late:( Okay! First of all, my name is Emma w/My Creative Time & I would like to thank Miss Wendy & Miss Monique for giving me this FABULOUS opportunity to be a "Guest Designer" here! THANK YOU LADIES, I truly feel honored!;) I was asked to do a project "Breast Cancer" related, so this is what I came up with! I decided to do this 8x8 layout~ which I LOVE to do rather that a 12x12! I do like 12x12 layouts, BUT, if I had a choice, it will mostly be an 8x8! I used 3 different carts for this! "Stand & Solute", "Lacy Labels" & "George & Basic Shapes"! Below you can see how I layed it out in my "Gypsy Girl"!;)

This is how I designed it in my "Gypsy Girl"! Sorry the picture isn't very good:( Basically, this is how I came up w/my design. I got a square from "George Cart" & made it 8x8, used the border feature on "Stand & Salute" cart for my Adorable ribbons! I actually weldine 2 sets of ribbons together & they are sized at 1.32! Of course, if you are not a Gyspy owner, you can either size them at 1.25 or 1.50, it depends on what size layout you choose to go with! For the frame, where the picture goes~ I used "Lacy Labels" cart. There are 2, one is sized at 3.75 & I shadowed it w/another one sized at 4.0! After everything was cut out, then I decided it need those CUTE flowers! Those are a die set from Papertrey Ink & they come in a set of 3 different sizes! I thought they were PERFECT for my sentiments! For the base of my layout, I used an 8x8 paper pad made from Colorbok called "Fleamarket"! What a CUTE stack, I found this at my Joann's & it was PERFECT for this particular project. I was able to use this background paper as journaling paper as well! The paper for the flowers are from stampin up, the ribbons I used Rasberry Fizz cardstock from Papertrey Ink & the frames, the white & kraft cardstock are ALSO from Papertrey Ink! EVERY SINGLE SENTIMENT I used were all from my stamp set called "Race For A Cure" This is a VERY special set I designed & it's definitely my FAVORITE by far! By purchasing this set, you are partnering w/My Creative Time to help "Stamp Out" breast cancer. For each set that is purchased, My Creative Time will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure!

In honor of this "Special Cause" I decided to do a special "Pink" giveaway here! All you would have to do is leave a comment here & a way for me to contact you & I will pick ONE "LUCKY" winner to win this cute pink tool kit for your cricut projects, my "Race for a cure" stamp set & a set of CUTE PINK acrylic blocks!

ALSO, for another "9" chances to win this AWESOME "Pink" prize package, you can visit my blog HERE! I also teamed up w/my design team & we did a little blog hop for this special cause as well! Just leave a comment on all the blogs in the hop & your name will be entered a total of "10" times for an opportunity to win all of this!!! All I ask, is if you all can be patient & just check throughout the day because alot of us had issues w/blogger & most of my designers will have their posts up by the end of the day! Make sure you leave a comment under the "Race for a cure" blog hop!

A HUGE "Thank you" hug to Sweet Miss Wendy & Miss Monique for this opportunity to be a "Guest Designer" for YOU!!;)

Big Hugs & Lots of Love,

Emma;)

Summer Layout & Card - Doodlecharms

2011-05-11T23:53:00.000-07:00

Greetings on a lovely Thursday! How is everyone doing this week? I'm having kind of a mellow week, and taking some time to catch up on life a bit. Ya know - all of that silly, non-scrappin' stuff that is supposed to be important - like paying bills, running errands, getting my hair cut, doctor appointments, etc. It's time to get that nonsense out of the way so I can play with my new toy that just arrived today.... my E2!!!! Woohoo!!

Okie dokie, so you probably guessed where this is headed. Yup, I'm pulling from the archives today. You may not have even seen this before (or have you?). I designed this about 3 years ago for a class when I taught at our local scrap store. It was one of my favorite projects at the time. I just LOVED the paper, and kept wanting to eat it. All in favor of scratch 'n' sniff paper, raise your hand! This layout used the Doodlecharms cartridge - an oldie, but goodie! You can click on the photos to see them larger. And don't forget to leave a comment today for another chance to win the personalized Gypsy Tote!!

Summer Blast Layout: Doodlecharms shapes within the squares are all cut at 2". The flower behind the title is 4 1/2". Colored squares are 3x3, and are textured with the Cuttlebug. I used the Divine Swirls and Swiss Dots embossing folders. White frames behind squares are 3 ¼ x 3 ¼. Assemble squares, then punch a hole through the top and bottom for those on page 1, and through the sides for those on page 2. Then weave ribbon through the holes. Layers of photo mat on Page 1 – sizes are as follows: Outer white mat is 6 ½ x 7 ¼, Bright Green mat is 6 ¼ x 7, Fruity mat is 5 ¾ x 6, Gold mat is 4 x 4, intended to hold picture that is 3 ½ x 3 ½. Page 2 mat sizes are as follows: Outer white mat is 6 ¾ x 11 ¼, Bright Green mat is 6 ½ x 11, Fruity mat is 6 x 10, Gold mat is 4 ¼ x 6 ¼, intended to hold picture that is 3 ¾ x 5 ¾. You may also opt to add a journal box to the portion of the Fruity mat on this Page 2. A tag journal box is always adorable. You'll also use (4) Green patterned border strips, which measure 1 ½ x 12, and (4) Pink border strips behind those, which meausre 2 x 12. Summer Blast title was created with the Design Studio Software, using the Cuttin' Up font.

Dragonfly card: Dragonfly and tag are from Doodlecharms. The dragonfly was cut at 2", and the circle tag layers were cut at 4". White card base is 5x7. Pink Bling background is 4 ¾ x 6 ¾. Green Floral Glitter background is 4 ½ x 6 ½. After you cut all of the pieces for the dragonfly, glue the Pink Bling body on top of the Green Floral dragonfly, and then glue this Green Floral dragonfly onto the Peachy Bling shadow, but only use one strip of adhesive under the body – don't glue down those wings! Now adhere the yellow circle tag onto the white circle tag, lining up the tops with the holes in them. Attach dragonfly at an angle, and then lift his little green wings up to give him some dimension. Put green and pink ribbon together, fold it, and loop it through from back to front. The word “shine” was cut using the Cricut Design Studio Software, with the Cursive 101 cartridge. If you lose the dot for the “i”, you can always use a fun rhinestone for even more bling.

Thanks for stopping by today. And be sure to check in tomorrow, as we will have another very talented Guest Designer sharing a project with you.

Happy Wednesday-Hump Day!!

2011-05-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

Ok-Sorry I am a little late on the post today.

But I decided to show you one of my favorite projects. This altered book was precute so I just had to hand cut the pages. (Really was no big deal)

I used New Arrival for all the cut's. I inked all the edges with pink. Enjoy

Hope you have a great day.

Wendy-Bling Queen

Announcing 2 Winners of Cricut Circle Quarter Membership

2011-05-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

Here are the 2 winners. Please email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com by May 17th to claim your prize. Congrats!!

katieo said...

Inspiring photos. Your team look so happy and enthusiastic. I am glad it wasn't too hot. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Nhi P. Tran said...

I would totally love to join the cricut circle. Those flowers were very lovely. :]

Cute Gypsy Tote Giveaway & Hello Card

2011-05-10T00:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday, everyone!! First off, I want to show you this week's new blog candy. The winner this week will receive a custom-embroidered Gypsy tote bag! These fabulous bags are embroidered by my friend Myrel France, who does such fantastic work. Isn't that font too cute? And check out that Cricut green!! To enter, just leave a comment on today's post, and then come back each day during the week to leave a comment on each day's post. If you'd like to order your own Gypsy tote bag, you can just email Myrel directly at myrelf@aol.com. Thanks, Myrel for sponsoring this week's giveaway!!

This Gypsy bag is has a double handle, and is plenty spacious.

Check that out - I've got my Gypsy in there, along with my wallet and sunglasses case, and there's still room.

And for today's project, I want to share a card that Nana Susan made. She used the Stamping cartridge to cut "Hello" at 1 inch in pink and green. Btw, I think that the Stamping cartridge is one of the very BEST cartridges for card makers - it is incredibly useful with some great images and a perfect variety of sentiments.

The paper is from Stampin' Up, and the flowers were hand-cut from the paper and then punched with a Martha Stewart Starburst punch. Susan distressed the flowers by rolling the edges in water and bending up randomly. The ribbon is also from Stampin' Up.

Soft colors with a distressed finish. So beautiful and feminine.

The punched out middle and threaded buttons add a unique touch.

The inside of the card is simple, yet perfectly coordinating.

Check back later today as I will be announcing the two winners of the 3 month Cricut Circle membership!!

Race for the Cure - And the Cricut Circle Giveaway Continues!

2011-05-09T00:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a brand new week. I hope everyone had a Happy Mom's Day! I'm thinking maybe you are all enjoying the bonus giveaway I've got going on, because there's a bunch of comments on yesterday's post! And if this is the first time you're reading about it, I'm giving away TWO 3-month memberships to the Cricut Circle. To enter, just leave a comment on today's post - and one on yesterday's as well. I will draw the winners from the pool of yesterday's and today's comments only, and will announce the winners sometime Tuesday. Plus Tuesday there will be a brand new giveaway - woohoo!

Ok, since I already shared my only weekend craftiness with you on Saturday (the Hope and Courage Cards), I'm going to take today to just share a few pics of the Race for the Cure 5k walk that we participated in on Saturday morning. 25,000 people came out to help fight the good fight against breast cancer, and I truly enjoyed the spirit of togetherness and a common goal. Here are a few pics of the big day...

Team Monique had about 72 members, including 5 survivors! We raised about $7625 and counting.

Monique and Team Captain Stephanie

My favorite pic of the day. Emily predicts a huge victory. Uncle Matt seems to agree.

Kicking off the Race at about 8am.

What it's all about.

Check out those cool team shirts!

This 100 year old Survivor was crossing the finish line at the same time as our team. Amazing!

Crossing the finish line. We did it!!!

Survivors' Ceremony. This was my group. We were the 0-1 year survivors. We had the shortest hair and the best dance moves.

A very happy day. It's great to be alive!!!

Happy Mother's Day! Plus blog candy winner announced...

2011-05-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today is Mother's Day, and I want to wish all of you moms out there a wonderful day. But I also know that not all of us women are moms, and some of us women have even recently lost our mom, so it can be a tough day in some ways. So to those of you who struggle with this day, big warm hugs and special blessings go out to you. You are ALL wonderfully important and loved!!!

And you are all also invited to participate in this special bonus giveaway I have going on!!! Provo Craft was kind enough to send me these FABULOUS paper flowers for Mother's Day, along with some little tags that are each good for a 3 month Cricut Circle Membership. So, I am giving away TWO of these tags!! Let's hear it for Provo Craft!!!!! To enter, just leave a comment on today's post, and come back on Monday and leave one on Monday's post as well. I will draw the winners from Sunday and Monday's comments, and will post the winners sometime Tuesday. (See bottom of this post for the winner of last week's blog candy.)

And for those of you who don't know, here's what you get with a 3 month Circle Membership...

One exclusive cartridge.

Special buying privileges such as rebates, monthly coupons and opportunities to buy other exclusive products for your Cricut, from friends and partners of Provo Craft.

Extra reward points and special cricut.com discounts.

A members-only bracelet with an exclusive Cricut Circle charm.

Access to a free, online version of Cricut magazine.

Inspiration and education from exclusive Cricut Circle webinars, swarms, meet-ups and events.

And speaking of blog candy, would you like to know who won last week's prize? It was a special one to celebrate reaching 2500 followers. So for this winner, I will make a custom-designed 2 page layout in her choice of theme. And the winner is......

surfnfroggie said...

Looks like ya'll had a great time! Glad you are doing well and are able to do such wonderful things for the CURE!
surfnfroggie

Congratulations, surfnfroggie! Just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com and we'll start tossing some ideas around.

Hope and Courage Card Set

2011-05-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday!! I hope you're all having a great weekend, and have some beautiful weather to enjoy. By the time most of you read this, I will be walking in the Sacramento Race for the Cure with Team Monique!!! Yup, the race is Saturday morning at 7:50am. Have I mentioned that I'm not a morning person? Eeeek!! It's going to be so much fun, though, and I've heard that the Sacramento race is even bigger than the San Francisco one we did last year. I'll be sure to take plenty of pics for ya. And I'm so proud of our team - at the moment, we have raised over $7600 to help in the fight against breast cancer!!!! Yay!!!! And it's not too late to support us - you can click HERE if you would like to support me or anyone on the team.

You may even notice that my friend Robyn Cardon - My Pink Stamper - is a part of our team. In fact, she just released several new stamp sets, and one of them is called "Hope and Courage". It is a breast cancer awareness themed stamp set, and she is donating proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. So be sure to check out her newest stamp release on her site HERE. Robyn also sent me the set, and so I made a few fun cards with it this morning. Hope you like them!!

Set of 4 cards. I used the "Hope and Courage" stamp set by My Pink Stamper. Papers are Echo Park "Be Mine". Cricut carts used were Pink Journey and A Child's Year.

Gotta love that "Cancer Sucks!" stamp. I thought it went nicely with the "Thanks for your support". And you can see the pink ribbon stamp in there too.

"Fight like a girl" is from the Hope and Courage set. The card shape and scalloped shapes are from ACY. Butterfly and ribbon from Pink Journey.

"Thinking of You" and the butterfly are from the Hope and Courage set. Card shape and tags are from ACY. Wings are from Pink Journey.

"Hope", "Believe" and "Walk" - plus "for the cure" are all individual stamps. This is a window cut card from ACY. The shoe is from Pink Journey.


Here's the inside of this window cut card. I always make a card within a card when there's a window cutout like this.

Be sure to leave a comment on today's post for another chance to win this week's blog candy - a custom designed layout in your choice of theme! PLUS - come back on Sunday. It's Mother's Day, and I have a special little giveaway to announce. Just a little somethin' fun that Provo Craft sent me and I get to share!!

Also, I want to give a huge thanks to Cassie from Glue Meets Paper. She was our Guest Designer yesterday, and did such an incredible job! Please make sure you check out yesterday's post if you haven't already. And also go check out her blog HERE. You've gotta see the gorgeous Pooh layout she posted there. She's got a great style and lots of talent. Look out!!

Friday's Guest Designer: Glue Meets Paper

2011-05-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Cassie here- your Guest Designer this Friday! You might know me from my blog, Glue Meets Paper, and I'm so excited to be here. I've been a fan of Monique's ever since I started scrapbooking years and years ago :)

For this month Monique and Wendy asked us to center our projects around Breast Cancer Awareness and our Cricut. I was pretty excited to have an excuse to use some pink, I have a little boy so I never get to pull out the pretty floral papers :P

For this first layout I used the Emma's Shoppe collection by Crate Paper (does anyone else love Crate Paper as much as I do? That might be impossible...)

Cricut Cuts: Fight: Hello Kitty Font cut at 1.45" "like a girl!": Designer's Calendar cut at 2.0" Breast Cancer Ribbons: Designer's Calendar cut at 2.0" Scallop circles (these were cut in half, theyre in the top right and bottom left corners): Mini Monograms Journaling Box (I welded a flower to the original journaling box using my Gypsy to create my own custom journaling spot): Storybook cut at 3.23" Butterflies: Storybook cut at 1.35" Flourish: Storybook cut at 1" Heart: Gypsy Wanderings cut at 2.88"

And of course I have to use up all my scraps so I decided to make a matching card with my leftovers. Whenever I make Cricut cuts I usually cut a few more than I expect to need, this way I have extra's if I change my layout design or want to make a cute matching card afterwards. I really wanted to do up the details with this card so I did a lot of layering using my die cuts and some phrase stickers, ribbon, and brads from the Emma's Shoppe collection by Crate Paper. I just love the scallop circles in the Mini Monograms cart, they make the perfect banner when you cut 'em in half :)

So I thought I was done but I didn't want to give up my foray into pink quite that quickly so I decided I had to do one more layout! I kept this one simple and used my Cricut to create the background elements for my page and then to balance the right hand side I added a few fun elements in the upper lefthand corner. And of course I had to finish with some bling for Wendy ;)

Cricut Cuts: think: Printing Press cut at 1.12" Pink: Designer's Calendar cut at 2.24" Scallop Circles: Mini Monograms cut at 3.24" Upper Left Circle: Accent Essentials cut at 2.65" Scallop Borders (Upper left and right hand side): Accent Essentials cut at 0.65" Breast Cancer Ribbon: Designer's Calendar cut at 3.00"

Materials: NoelMignon.com kit "Truly Scrumptious" and Crate Paper: Emma's Shoppe Ribbon and Brads

So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed my journey into the land of pink as much as I did :) And a big thank you to Monique and Wendy for allowing me to Guest Design for them!

-Cassie (aka Glue Meets Paper)

You Take the Cake Card & Birthday Pics

2011-05-05T00:29:00.000-07:00

Hey, everyone! I want to thank you all for the sweet birthday wishes for me - and for the anniversary wishes for Wendy and her hubby. It was a great day! The project we're sharing with you today was made by Becca, and she had this to say about it:

"I made this birthday card for Monique. I've always wanted to do something with this cart. All of those birds are just so cute! I really enjoyed using the "Glossy Accents" to make the shiny dots on the background and on the bird's eye. What a neat product! I can't wait to use it more. Hope yall are havin' a great day so far."

Don't forget to leave a comment for Becca to be entered for this week's blog candy - a custom layout that I will design just for you in your choice of theme!

Cartridge: Three Birds on Parade. Paper: Fancy Pants, Bo Bunny Cardstock, DCWV Cardstock.

Need: Three Birds on Parade Cartridge, Pop Dots, General Adhesives, White Gel Pen, Glossy Accents - (clear bubble dots on back ground and on the bird's eye), Diamond Stickles, Buttercup Liquid Pearls - (cupcake), Rhinestones, Chalk Ink - Jumbo Java (brown), Malted Mauve, Aegean Blue.

Cuts: Cupcake Bird - 4 1/2", Cupcake Bird Shadow - 4 1/2", All Colored Layers - 4 1/2", Phrase "You Take the Cake" - 1 1/2", Phrase Shadow - 1 1/2".

Other Measurements: Card - 5 1/2" x 4 1/2", Polka Dot Mat - 5 1/2" x 4 1/2".

It's such a beautiful AND cute card, Becca! Thanks for making it for me!!!

**************************

In other news, my birthday was soooo superly duperly awesome! I got to sleep in til 10am (heaven!!), then out to lunch with mom, Lucy and Becca at Mimi's. We came home and got ready for a party with 55 people. Steph met us here to help get everything organized. It was our Team Monique dinner since the Race for the Cure is only a few days away, but it kinda turned into a birthday party. What a way to celebrate!

It was SOOOOOOO much stinkin' fun to have everyone here, and they even surprised me with a few gifts. My sweet husband got me an iphone, for crying out loud!!!! Please help welcome me into this century. Wendy and Stephanie went in on a gift certificate toward my pink ribbon butterfly tattoo, Lisa Kirk got me a beautiful salad bowl, Brenda got me a Vera Bradley gift cert, and Paul & Becca got me an Old Navy gift card. Plus - get this - remember the Tim Holtz item we had at the silent auction? Tim made it himself, signed it and donated it. It went for a hefty sum, but it was all just a sneaky plot by a bunch of my scrappin' friends to give it to ME for my birthday!!!!! Can you even believe that????? Oh my goodness, I am not kidding you - I have the best friends and family that a person could ever ever have! This has been the BEST birthday of my life!!!!! I'm gonna share a few pics of the party just because it was such a blast...

Wendy with her girls - Brittney and Maddy

My little Emily with her Uncle Matt and Auntie Steph

My friend Jennifer Jackson who is an angel on earth.

Sharon, Erin and Steph - Love them!!!

Alison (my bestest friend of 20 years) and me.

Waiting in line for some grub.

Me with the team cake.

My hubby got me this new iphone. Woohoo!!!

Friends and fam hanging out in the living room.

Speech, speech, speech! I have no memory of what I said.

The sneaky surprise - the Tim Holtz treasure!!

Phyllis, Monty and Janet - some of my amazing scrappin' friends!

We had quite a crowd, and it was an evening I'll never forget!

Today is a BIG DAY!!

2011-05-03T23:54:00.000-07:00

Why you ask? Well today is Monique's Birthday and my Wedding Anniversary of 20 years.......

So this a Bonus Birthday for Monique... Make sure you post to wish her a Happy Birthday and enter for the blog candy... Did you see what the blog candy is??? WOW... Better check it out if you did not read about it.

So on the launch day of the E2-I won a Cindy Loo cartridge. So I thought I would make a card with the new cartridge.

The "Thank You" was cut at 1 1/2 inches and the flourish border was cut at 2 inches. The ribbon is from Webster-I love this beautiful stuff and the bling is from Prima. I used my cuttlebug for the base of the sentiment and for the Old Olive layer on the card.

Hope you enjoy.

Have a Happy Wednesday

Wendy-Bling Queen

Crop for the Cure & New Blog Candy!

2011-05-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! Hope you're all having a wonderful week. This weekend (Sunday) was our 2nd Annual Crop for the Cure. This was a Cricut crop fundraiser event, which raised money for "Team Monique" for the Race for the Cure to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Btw, don't forget to leave a comment on today's post for a chance at this week's blog candy. As promised, I'll be giving away a custom-designed, one-of-a-kind 2 page layout in your choice of theme. What theme would you pick?

Team sign made by Steph Culton using vinyl as a stencil and then painting.

Just Monique

What it's all about.

The Crop for the Cure event was a HUGE success - I really could not have been more thrilled with how it turned out, and I want to thank a few people who helped out these last few days to make it come together: my hubby and the rest of the fam including Becca, Wendy, Stephanie Culton, Jennifer Jackson, Marsha Toms, Judie Lawrence, Courtney Lee, Rita Poteat, Gina Cross, Sharlene Melhaff for her generous donation of about 20 prizes, and so many others who helped throughout the day (sorry if I left anyone off - eeek!).

Scrappy time with friends!


Ronda and Lucy

Denise and Sandra

And would you like to know the TOTAL (rough) amount that this event with 54 scrappers raised for this amazing cause? Drumroll, please................ $3400!!!! Can you believe that? Wow!!!! We raised about $1400 from sign-up fees, $1100 from the silent auction, and $900 from the raffle. And HUGE thank you to Provo Craft for sponsoring this event, and for so generously donating the raffle prizes - a new Expression 2 Anniversary Edition (WOW!!!), a Cake Machine, and some Cricut.com gift cards. Thanks, Provo Craft - you are the best!! The silent auction was a hit as well, with donations from several reputable companies, designers, bloggers and individuals, including Tim Holtz, Robyn - My Pink Stamper, Cricut Magazine, Oh My Crafts, Emma - My Creative Time, Sarah Pink Cricut, Expressions Vinyl, Craig Evans Photography, SC Photography, Echo Park Paper Co, Okieladybug, Scrappy Mom Stamps, Lisa Kirk, Paula Wells, Clare Dempsey of Scrapin Covers, Abby Grimaldi, Lisa Kirk, Martie Janway, Sharlene Melhaff, Alice Narlock, and possibly a few others I may have missed.

The Tim Holtz item. :swoon:

Autographed and everything!

We had four 6 foot tables FULL of silent auction items!!

This gorgeous E cover and scrap bag was sure a hit!

The crop was from 11am-11pm, and was located at my neighborhood Ranch House, which is just a beautiful location. It always feels like a little resort getaway there. 54 ladies showed up (it sold out in ONE day!), and everyone seemed to have a blast. A few friends even surprised me with little birthday gifts - how sweet is that? And Wendy made everybody sing to me - how embarrassing! My bday isn't until the 4th, so that was a fun pre-birthday surprise. We had several door prizes donated by me and a few others, including Sharlene Melhaff who seriously brought at least 20 prizes with her. Pizza dinner was brought in by Papa John's Pizza, who gave us a great deal, and my mom sprung for a couple of cakes.

Does it look like they're getting anything done? I think they did!

No shortage of snacks. Everyone chipped in and brought stuff.

Rachel Loesch made these delicious cake pops. Yummo!

We did make a few little simple favors for the event. We didn't have much time to make things, but Wendy and I made 60 little pillow boxes with hot pink Bo Bunny cardstock. The pillow box was cut from the Easter mini cart, and I used DS to hide the contour line of the bunny that normally cuts into the box. We were able to get 4 boxes out of 1 piece of paper. Mom used the Pink Journey cart to cut out pink ribbons at 2", and then she and Lucy put candy in the boxes and tied a ribbon around each one so they wouldn't pop open (the glue wasn't quite holding). Expressions Vinyl donated a few sheets of pink vinyl in addition to the silent auction item, so I used those sheets to make 70 pink ribbon decals in various sizes from 3 1/2" to 6". Everyone who attended was able to pick what size they wanted.

Favor boxes with candy.

Pink Ribbon decals for everyone.

Rita Poteat lends a helping hand at the registration table.

I didn't bring any of my scrap stuff with me because I know I don't get anything done when I'm running a crop like this. It's more fun for me to just float around and visit with people. We even had a couple of our recent guest designers there - Courtney Lee and Lezlye Lauterbach, who did such a great job this past Friday. They were fun to hang out with! Overall, I'd say it was a smooth event, great location, happy scrappers, and a truck load of fun. Oh, would you like to know who managed to get some of those big ticket items? Ok, Janet Rhodes was the successful bidder on the Tim Holtz hand-crafted and autographed item, Janet also won the raffle for the Cake Machine, and Gina Cross won the raffle for the E2 (talk about exciting!).

Gina wins the E2, and about went through the roof with excitement. Judie got the first celebration hug.

Gina is a total sweetheart, and is beyond thrilled to win.

Janet jumps for joy when she hears her name called for the Cake Machine.

And I'm the lucky one to get the celebration hug this time.

Lezlye seems to have a mat issue. You might wanna get that checked out by a Cricutologist.

Wendy and Courtney Lee - my sweet friends!

Thank you again to all of our sponsors, and especially to you wonderful ladies who attended and made it such a success. I appreciate you all from the bottom of my heart, and can't wait to do this again. Our 5k walk is coming up this Saturday morning, and I am pumped!! You can still donate to the team by clicking HERE. Do you think it's too late to get in shape for it?

Winner Announced & Texas State Report

2011-05-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Sorry for the late post. I was out all day yesterday til after midnight at our Crop for the Cure, and have been pretty comatose today, LOL!

Let's get to the winner of last week's blog candy, shall we? Here's our winner of the Elegant Cakes cartridge...

Beverly said...

Very cute card! Those papers are perfect!

Beverly, please email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com with your mailing address.

And since I didn't post earlier today, I'm going to go ahead and share a little project that Emily and I worked on this afternoon. She was assigned a state report, and chose the state of Texas. My friend Phyllis loaned us the 50 States cart, and we used a few others as well. So here's some pics of how it turned out. I did most of the Cricut cutting since we were in a bit of a hurry, but Em helped make the decisions, assemble things, and did all of the writing after we read about each state symbol.


State shape, bird, flag and state name are all from 50 States.


The strip with the images slides through like a movie strip. You can click on pics to see what Em wrote.


Bluebonnet flowers are from 50 States.


We put the state fish on here, and got the cut from Everyday Paper Dolls. Em helped decorate the fishy.


Star and square are from George. I used Centerpoint, and cut the star at 2", then immediately cut a square around it at 2 1/4" still using Centerpoint.


State, star and "Austin" are from 50 States. I like what she wrote, hehe.


Cowboy boot is from Old West. She was pretty proud of her report. Not bad for procrastinating, huh?

Check back in just a few hours for the Tuesday post. I'm going to share a few pics from Crop for the Cure, including the little favors we made. In the meantime, be sure to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win this week's blog candy - a custom-designed one-of-a-kind layout in your choice of theme!

Guest Designer on Monique Griffith Designs

2011-04-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

Guest Designer on Monique Griffith Designs

Lezlye Lauterbach

from Lezlye's Ink & Paper Creations here to say HI!

I was SO excited and honored to be a guest designer for my friends Monique and Wendy! I am so glad to have met them and they live close to me too! They are Very Talented and have Awesome personalities too!

I will be going to Monique's Crop for the Cure on May 1st and hopefully some of their future events! If you are in the Sacramento - El Dorado Hills area you should definitely check them out and look me up too! I love meeting crafty friends! They are worth traveling for! If you are going to be there, say hello! The last one in October I was able to meet lots of fun ladies!

Thank you ladies for having me today!

Ok, for my project I wanted to use a New cartridge that I was able to get when Michael's had them on sale for $34. Campin' Critters! I was shocked to see it there, so I snatched it up! ( I did have a trip from my friend Justine, she also let me borrow her Pooh Font Cartridge for this layout. I usually make a lot of cards.. have been slacking in the scrapping department.

Cricut Cartridge Campin Critters

Lake Mountain scene cut at 8.5

Bear peeking behind tree cut at 8.5

Title & and shadow cut at 2

Camping trip sign cut at 3.25

Deer cut at 2.5

Bunny cut at 2

Photo Mat is 7.25 x 5.25

Cloud paper was printed on my Imagine using Best Friends Cartridge

Brown Polka Dot Paper is American Crafts

Sun cut at 2

Moose w/ camera cut at 3

Porcupine cut at 3

Campfire cut at 3

I cut three different colors of the flames

Some images were inked and white gel pen added.

I had done another tree background that was cool but didn't have room for it , so you may see it on a future project.

Thanks for stopping by..

An ENORMOUS THANKS to Monique and Wendy for asking me to be a guest designer. Ask me back anytime, perhaps cards next time!

Behind the Scenes

2011-04-28T00:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday! Today happens to be our shipping day, so I thought it might be fun to give you a little peek behind the scenes on the night before ship day. Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win this week's blog candy - the Elegant Cakes cartridge!! AND - check out how close we are to reaching 2500 followers. Wow! We just hit 2000 followers less than 2 months ago! So to celebrate, NEXT week's blog candy will be a special one. You all seemed to really love it the one time I did it before, so next week will be a layout designed just for the winner in their choice of theme. Be thinking about what you'd like next week if you win!

Waiting for directions to be added.

Our team has prepared over 200 kits this month, and about 75% are already sold. Making the kits takes many, many hours of prep - ordering supplies, cutting cardstock and ribbon, writing directions, having someone test the kit, making revisions, printing directions, adding directions to each kit, and sealing it up.

The sold out "R is for Rabbit" kit.

After all of the kits are sealed up and ready, it's still quite the process just going through and making sure we fill each person's order and ship them everything they requested. Each order goes through an assembly line of us filling the box, and it ends with me checking it over before the box is closed up.

Nana Susan's Joy Canvas kit - there are still a few available.

Each box (except for flat rate boxes) then gets weighed, and we print off the shipping labels. This labeling process usually takes 1-2 hours, and then it's off to the post office. We ship Priority Mail, so people normally get their packages 2-3 days later. Plus we have our local Cricut friends who like to stop by and pick up their kits in person.

Twine for the Stampede kits.

After everything is shipped off, it's time to start up again. We all have new kit designs that will be ready to show about a week later, and the process then starts over.

Stampede kits. This is round 2, and there are still some availabe.

Be sure to check out our new shopping page HERE, complete with shopping cart. This is a MUCH faster and easier way for you to place orders rather than having to email me to make your requests. Plus the other cool thing is that you can now choose between using PayPal or you can use Google checkout, which allows you to use a credit card. And you don't have to wonder if an item is out of stock - it keeps the inventory for us, so if something is out of stock, it'll tell you right away. And finally, you can actually order directions and download them immediately where ever you see that option to add the directions to your cart. We'll soon be adding more directions to some of our retired kits as well.

Becca's Springy Sunshine Blossoms of Life Flowing through the Bubby River of Breezy Happy Moments Cards. Whew. Just a couple of these kits left.

Hope you enjoyed the tour! Be sure to check back tomorrow for another fabulous Guest Designer!!

Have a Super Birthday

2011-04-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday!!

I happen to be playing with the Mickey & Friends Cart and thought I would make this card.

Again I used Mickey & Friends and cut Mickey at 4 1/2 inches. I used Basic Grey "Life of the Party". I also used a little of red twine. Hope you enjoy.. Be looking for a Disney Kit very very soon.

Don't forget to come visit me HERE

Make it a great day.
Wendy-Bling Queen

Celebrate Card by Nana Susan

2011-04-26T00:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!! Ok, who stayed up late with me to watch the Expression 2 launch on HSN? Wasn't that fun?? I even saw one of Wendy's birthday layouts on there - woohoo!! So far, they have announced 2 winners of the design challenge contest. So the rest of us will have to bite our nails til tomorrow. And speaking of winners - don't forget to leave a comment today for a chance to win the Elegant Cakes cartridge. It is gorgeous and will work in any Cricut - not just the Cake machine!

Here's a quick and sweet card that Nana Susan made for her little grandson who is about to turn 2 years old. See details below...

The card itself is folded to 6 7/8" x 4 7/8".
The blue mat is 6 1/2" x 4 1/2".
Top animal print is 3 1/2" x 4 1/4".
Lower plaid print is 2 3/4" x 4 1/4".

Cuts are from Birthday Bash cart.
- the Bear in Wagon is 3 1/2".
- the number 2 is 1 1/2".
- "Celebrate" is 3/4".
- the inside greeting "Happy Birthday Little Guy" is 2 1/2"

Have a fantastic Tuesday!!

Blog Candy Cartridge, Easter Pics & Tea Party Layout

2011-04-24T22:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a new week, and new blog candy!!! (See below for last week's winner.) This week, we are giving away a cartridge!!!! Who would like to win the Elegant Cakes cartridge?? It's not just for the Cake machine - it'll work in your Expression or baby bug too! Just make sure you're a follower of this blog, and then leave a comment on today's post. Plus come back each day this week for more chances.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! Ours was fantastic! Our family, including Paul & Becca & kiddos, went to church, and then we came back here for lunch and an Easter Egg hunt. The kiddos loved it, and each found about 20 eggs. Here's a few little Easter pics for you...

My Emily. I'll scrap this on my "R is for Rabbit" layout.

She loved the card I made her. See yesterday's post if you missed it.

Samantha, Emily & Kainoa check out their loot.

A little bonus - Kainoa finds a slug on his egg. Yum!

Also, we are VERY excited about the launch of the new E2 in less than 24 hours!!! Who is staying up to watch it on HSN? Me, me, me!!! We're lucky in California, because it'll come on at 9pm our time, which is 12 midnight Eastern time. Be sure to tune in!! And here is the layout that Nana Susan submitted for the contest. Isn't it just too cute? Lovin' her Tea Party theme!! Good luck to all who entered!!

And finally, the winner of last week's blog candy is....

Queenie said...

"I think your card is hilarious and cute. Happy Easter."

Congrats, Queenie. You win any in-stock kit of your choice OR 5 sets of directions. Email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com to claim your prize.

Inappropriate Easter Card

2011-04-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to make this Easter card for a long time. It's based on a funny little comic I saw once and it cracked me up. So yes, it's a bit inappropriate, especially since I'm giving it to my daughter. But I can tell you right now she'll love it. Her sense of humor is as messed up as mine is.

The card itself is 4 3/4" x 6 3/4". The white mat is 4 1/2" x 6 1/2", and the striped mat is 4 1/4" x 6 1/4". The chocolate bunnies are from the Easter cart. I think the left bunny was cut at about 3" (on Flip), and the right bunny is 3 3/4" (also with Flip). The background scalloped circle was cut at 4 1/2" with Real Dial Size on, and the grass was cut three times at 2". Everything is inked except the brown cuts. I used a Stampin' Up scalloped circle punch to take a "bite" out of the left bunny's butt, and the right bunny's ear.

The little talkie bubbles are from George. I printed off the sayings on my printer, and then cut them into the talkie bubble shapes. the left one is 1 1/2", and the right one is 1 1/4". Both are inked and shadowed.

Inside the card: The white mat is 4 1/2" x 6 1/2", and the pink polka dot mat is 4 1/4" x 6 1/4". The chocolate bunny is 3 3/4", and the Happy Easter sentiment is printed and then cut at 1 1/2". The smaller white mat is 3" x 3 3/4". The smaller blue mat is 2 3/4" x 3 1/2", and the smaller yellow mat is 2 1/2" x 3 1/4".

This will go perfectly with a treat box I made last year as part of a kit, and never gave it to my little girl. So now I have a lovely matched set. The treat box is also from the Easter cartridge, though I don't recall what size it was cut at - I think somewhere around 9".

Be sure to leave a comment for this week's blog candy - your choice of any in-stock kit or 5 sets of directions. Have a very Happy Easter! And enjoy your chocolate bunnies, hehe!

Guest Designer: Court's Crafts

2011-04-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Courtney Lee from Court's Crafts here to say hello!

I am SO thrilled and honored to be a guest designer for my good friends Monique and Wendy! I couldn't be prouder to be associated with these two lovely ladies and have gotten to meet them several times in person! They are beautiful inside and out.

I will be going to Monique's Crop for the Cure on May 1st and hopefully some of their future events! If you are in the San Francisco - Sacramento area you should definitely check them out! They are worth traveling for! If you are going to be there, say hello! I'll probably be one of the only redheads there! Well, that depends on what color Monique's hair is going to be... but something tells me pink! :)

Thank you ladies for having me today!

I wanted to make something Easter themed since Easter is this Sunday so I hope you enjoy some last minute inspiration and I hope you get to spend some wonderful quality time with your family.

Monique, Wendy, and I are HUGE fans of Echo Park so I was excited to pull out their Springtime collection and have some fun!

Wendy and I are on My Pink Design Team together so I wanted to use some of Robyn's stamps as well.

I can't believe I didn't fit any Imaginisce on there! The bling queen is going to be so disappointed in me! (Wendy is the self-proclaimed "bling queen"!) Okay, next time I will BLING it out!

Designer's Notes

I used my Stickles to put little dots in the middle of all of the polka dots so that it sparkles. It's a fun way to make a big print look like a smaller print.

Who says you can't have two types and colors of ribbon on one project. Have fun! It's YOUR creation!

Recipe:

Cartridges: Tags, Bags, Boxes, and More™ (favor bag), Sentimentals™ (stamp shape), and Martha Stewart Seasonal Cake Art™ (remember to use those Cake carts in your normal Cricut!)
Sentiment: My Pink Stamper: More Faithful Sayings™
Embossing: Swiss Dots Emboss Folder™
Paper: Echo Park Springtime™
Scalloped Border: It's a sticker from Echo Park's Springtime!
Stickles
Ribbon: the yellow and white are Offray I believe. The purple is from my stash.

I loved being a guest designer this week! I would love it if you would "hop" by (like the Easter bunny!) and say hello on my blog: http://CourtsCrafts.blogspot.com! Have a beautiful day everyone!

Love You a Latte Card

2011-04-21T00:27:00.000-07:00

Today, we have a sweet little card made by Becca Rees. And she has so kindly given us all of the details, so check that out below. Also, be sure to leave a comment for her today for a chance at this week's blog candy - any available kit of your choice ($25 value) OR 5 sets of directions ($50 value). And don't forget to check out our Cricut Kits page with snazzy new shopping cart functionality. Oh yeah, we are big time now, baby!!

Becca says...
"I made this beautiful coffee cup card with my little bug friend Cricut. It's a get well card for my sister who is having surgery today. I just hope she remembers. . .HA!"

Cartridge:
Kate's ABC's

Paper:
Webster's Pages
Bo Bunny cardstock

Need:
Ribbon
Diamond Stickles
Blue, Black, and Pink Chalk Ink (I used Tim Holtz Distressed Ink)
White Gel Pen
Liquid Pearls (Bisque)
Clear and Black Rhinestones
General Tools and Adhesive
Tea Cup Stamp
Black Stamp Ink

Measurements:
Card - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Pink and Beige Mat - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Black and Beige Patterned Mat - 4" x 5 1/4"
Tea Cup - 3 1/2"
Decorative Cut Outs for Tea Cup - 3 1/2"
Ribbon - 4"
Ribbon Tie - 3 1/2"
Cream Mat Insert - 4" x 5 1/4"

Message from Monique...

On a personal note, I would like to request a moment of silence for our messagboard friend and fearless Bug Guide leader, Admin Becky. She was let go by PC yesterday due to "workforce reduction". She is the last person they should have cut, as she made an enormous difference on the messageboard, which is a huge profit machine, and was always there to answer everyone's questions and take care of issues. An amazingly valuable asset to PC, and not replaceable. Admin Becky, you will be greatly missed, and the world of Cricut will not be the same without you!!!

Happy Birthday to Cricut

2011-04-19T22:51:00.000-07:00

Do you know that Cricuts b-day is this month? Do you know that the new 5th Anniversary E-2 comes out next week? Have you seen it? It is a must have...

I am telling you because that I what I am asking for from my family for my birthday which was yesterday. And my bestie got me the teal one for my birthday too..... I guess we are "as my friend says it" CRICUT HOARDERS.... ha, ha Now for the layout.

I used Sweet Treats and Everyday Cricut..... And Nikki Sivils paper-It's My Party-Love it.

Hope you enjoyed it.

Hugs-
Wendy-Bling Queen

"Joy" Decorative Canvas

2011-04-19T01:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Tuesday! Around here, Nana Susan owns Tuesdays. Are you all enjoying seeing her beautiful work? Here is her latest creation, "Joy", which is a pair of decorative canvases. This is actually a kit, but she is only making just a few as some of the supplies were a bit tricky to get ahold of. To order, you can email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com (include your state and preferred payment method - PayPal or check) - or you can wait until a little later today, and then I should have this added to the new shopping cart on our Cricut Kits page. See below for more project info. And don't forget to leave a comment for Susan, which will also enter you in the drawing for this week's blog candy - any available kit OR 5 sets of directions.

This kit will include the 2 canvases, all of the papers, cardstock, ribbon, flowers, rhinestones, mirrors, lace, etc that you'll need to make the project. You'll also get detailed directions with Cricut Cut Chart and plenty of color photographs, including some step-by-step photos to help you with the process.

Supplies needed to make this kit: Cricut Expression and mat, Serenade cartridge, brown distressing ink, gold gel pen (optional), 3D pop-dots, multi medium or mod podge, plus basic tools and adhesive.

The complete kit is only $25, or you can get just the directions for $10. Shipping is available, and is $5 in California or $6-$9 in the rest of the US, depending on location. Combined shipping is also available. This will be ready for shipping April 28th.

By the way, please join me in wishing my bestie, Wendy (aka Bling Queen), a very happy 40th birthday today! Pop on over to her blog to leave your birthday wishes!! Plus be sure to stop by tomorrow as Wendy will be posting a project.

A Winner, A Favor, and a Disney Layout...

2011-04-18T02:53:00.000-07:00

First things first! Since I didn't post yesterday, here's the winner of last week's blog candy - the Liquid Pearls and Stickles. Please email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com with your shipping address. Congrats!!

Just A Pac Rat said...
"This layout is adorable! Thanks for sharing your great talent with us."

***********************

Ok, now I have a little favor to ask of all of you. Last week when I went for a follow-up appointment at the radiation office, I ran into somebody I know - Angela - a Cricut friend who has taken classes from me before. Anyway, she and her husband were there with their 9 year old son, John Jr., who has a rare form of cancer called Rhabdomysarcoma. It is in his skull and lungs. I met him, and he is the sweetest little kid, and so handsome. He has a LOT to go through, including a solid year of chemo, and he just had surgery to put in a feeding tube. I asked Angela if we could do something for John, and she said he loves to get things in the mail, so if you're able, would you mind sending him a card? It doesn't even have to be handmade if you don't have time to make one. I'm going to be sending him one this week, and hope it gets to him in time for Easter. HERE is his blog, and here's his name and address...

John Hoffman Jr.
5835 W. 2nd St.
Rio Linda, CA 95673

Thank you all so much! And please feel free to spread the word. I got so many cards when I was sick, and it really does lift the spirit to know that others are supporting you and praying for you!

**************************

Alrighty, now on to today's project. I just spent most of Sunday making this. In fact, it's 2am and the Stickles are still wet. Hope you like it!

The paper and ribbon are from Bo Bunny. I used 6 cartridges on this, which is crazy. I usually just use 1 or 2 carts, but my vision required a variety this time. Below is a list of carts & sizes:

Mickey Font - Title. B balloon is 2 1/4". "irthday" is 1 1/4". M balloon is 2 3/4". "agic" is 1 1/2".
Tinkerbell & Friends - Tinkerbell is cut at 5 1/2". Pretty tricky to do at this size.
Disney Classics - Peter Pan is 8".
Simply Charmed - Birthday cake is 1 1/2".
Birthday Bash - Presents are 3 1/4".
Kate's ABCs - the scalloped square in the background is cut at 9 1/2".

All of the pieces are inked. Plus I added white dots, black dots, and Diamond Stickles. There was quite a bit of layering on this layout, but I wanted to go all out and have some fun with it. Plus I was so anxious to use my new Disney Classics cartridge! This makes me want to take my little Emily to Disneyland for her birthday!

Be sure to leave a comment today for a chance to win blog candy - your choice of any available Cricut Project Kit OR 5 sets of directions!! And stop back tomorrow to see Nana Susan's beautiful altered canvas project.

One more cool announcement - our shopping cart is now LIVE!!!! Woohoooooo!!! Go check it out HERE. And soon, we will add another page that will show the retired projects that have directions available.

Sweet Bunny Easter Card

2011-04-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

Who's in the mood for Easter? Me, me, me!!! I even decided to whip up a little Easter card last night, so I thought I'd share it with you. I made this for Emily's 1st grade teacher, who is just wonderful. This was pretty simple to make, and probably took me about an hour, which is FAST for me!! I'll give you all of the cut sizes and info below, so you can make one yourself if you'd like. And don't forget to leave a comment for another chance at this week's blog candy - a collection of Liquid Pearls and Stickles.

Oh, and since I've had about a dozen emails asking me where to buy Liquid Pearls, I will say this. I now carry them for my local peeps to buy when they're here for classes and crops. If you're not local, but are purchasing a kit that needs to be shipped, I would be happy to add these to your order. I just don't sell them individually online because I can't keep up with the demand, shipping, etc. Anyway, if you do want to add them to your order, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. They're $2.50/bottle, and here are the colors I currently have in stock: Silver, Ruby Red, Peacock, Lavender, Baby Blue, Flamingo, Rouge, Ocean Blue, Platinum, Petal Pink, Buttercup, and Bisque.

Here's the info for this Easter card. The card itself was cut from A Child's Year at 6 1/2" - and it cuts the bunnies right out of the card. How cute is that? The word "Easter" was cut from Designer's Calendar at 1 3/4". I cut it in 3 different colors, and just off-set them to give that shadowed look. Finally, the cross was cut from the Easter seasonal mini cartridge at 3 1/2".

When you open up the card, you'll see kind of a card within a card. I tend to do this whenever I make window cut cards, so that you can still see through the front of the card, but doing this allows you to write inside of the card without having the writing show through to the front. Ok, so the inner large white mat measures 6" x 4 1/2". Then the brown "inner card" is cut at 5 1/2" x 8", and folded to 5 1/2" x 4". Inside of the brown inner card is one more white mat, which measures 5" x 3 1/2".

I inked pretty much everything, including the inside edge of the cut out bunnies. And I forgot to take a picture of it, but I took the bunnies that cut out, and I inked them too and then glued them onto the envelope. Btw, I was able to use a standard 5 x 7 envelope. Most of the cards that you can cut from the ACY cartridge will work with a 5 x 7 envelope if you cut the card at 6 1/2". It's a super simple and adorable way to start making a card and then you can add little embellishments to it - I highly recommend trying it out!

The paper used is from Basic Grey - the Hopscotch line, including the solids. The ribbon is from Stampin' Up (Apricot Appeal color), and the flowers are just some fabric flowers I had sitting around. I also added self-adhesive pearls to the middle of each flower. Thanks for stopping by today, and have a wonderful weekend! Also, a huge thank you to Krista Norman for being our Guest Designer on Friday - what a cute and cheerful Easter layout she posted!

Hop into Easter~~~~~Please click to enlarge:)

2011-04-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hello again this is Krista Norman your guest designer from BellaandaideesMom.....I am once again honored to design for Monique Griffith Designs this month. Easter is coming at fast speed. I love everything about this time of year, from the bunnies themselves, flowers, eggs, butterflies, the growing vegtables and fruits, I wanted to capture the feeling of all of these elements in my design itself. I hope you enjoy my creation as much as I loved making my vision come to life. Thanks so much to Monique, Wendy, and the rest of the team for allowing me to be a part of this awesome DT.... and thanks to all of you for taking the time to look at my layout~~~Hugs to all~~~~

Details:Accent Accentials Image 48 for Large bunny body cut at 2.5

Accent Accentials 48 for small bunny body cut at 2 inches

AC-Large bunny ears the oval 1 and 1/4

AC small bunny ears 1 inch

AC-Big Bunny outside feet oval 1 and 1/2

AC-Small Bunny outside feet oval 1 and 1/4

AC-Inside large bunny ear Accent 2 and shift on oval cut at 1 inch

AC-Inside bunny ear Accent 2 and shift on oval at 3 /4

AC-big bunny feet little circles on feet 1 /4

AC-little bunny circles on feet 1 /4

AC-The heart for nose 1/4 Big Bunny

AC- the heart for nose 1/4 Little Bunny

For paws on Bunnies AC for big and small the flower number 2...Big bunny 2 and 1 /4

small bunny 2 1 /2 Cut the flower in half to make paws

WIMG-Leaf 2 cut at 1 inch

1 and 3 /4.............CAC-Carrots

Big carrots were cut from Contry Life at 1 inch and 2 and 1 /2

Easter solution cart eggs were 2, 1 and 1 / 2, and 3 inches

Circles for inside flowers using George cut at 1 and 1/2

Basket DoodleCharms-1 and 3/4

Kate's ABC Butterflies...2 inches

George all letters 1 and 1/4

grass made myself and added dimension
Made the hydrangea myself with a punch

Springy Sunshine Blossoms of Life Flowing Through the Bubbly River of Breezy Happy Moments Cards

2011-04-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

What???? That's a perfectly fitting name for this lovely set of cards. How on earth could you describe these cards with just one or two words? Believe me, we tried, and it just didn't work.

These cards were made with the oh-so-versatile Wild Cards cartridge. There are 5 cards with 5 coordinating envelopes, for multiple occasions. This is a kit, and was designed by Becca Rees. Doesn't she do some fantastic work? She's only making 25 of these kits, so they won't be around for very long, and this is a GREAT way to learn how to use Wild Cards, which can be kind of a tricky cartridge if you're not familiar with it. To order, email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. See below for details...

The kit will include all of the patterned papers, cardstock and ribbon that you need to create the 5 cards and 5 envelopes. You'll also get detailed, yet easy to follow directions with our Cricut Cut Chart that shows you line by line exactly what you'll need to cut on your machine, with sizes and settings for each cut. Plus there are well-organized written instructions and plenty of color photographs.

To make this project as shown, you will need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and mat, Wild Cards cartridge, dark brown chalk ink, 3D pop dots, white gel pen, brown pen, Diamond Stickles, ruler and scoring bone, glue pen, plus basic tools and adhesive.

The complete kit is $25, or you can always order just the directions for $10. Shipping is available and ranges from $5 in California to $6-$9 in the rest of the US, depending on location. We're happy to combine shipping, and you won't pay over $10 combined shipping, even if ordering multiple kits. This might be a great option for those of you who ordered the Toy Story kit, R is for Rabbit, or the Elegant Cards. This Springy Sunshine Blossoms of Life Flowing Through the Bubbly River of Breezy Happy Moments Card kit (whew!) will be ready to ship April 28th.

To order, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. Include the name of the kit(s) you'd like (ok, I'll let you abbreviate the name just this once!), your state or zip, and preferred payment method (PayPal or check).

Speaking of cards - I have a little request for those of you big-hearted card makers out there. This is something little that you can do, but will make a big difference. My very good friend, Brenda, has a son - Greg - who is in the military, and we would really like to let him know how much he is appreciated. Brenda has had a very difficult year and faced tragedy that I pray none of us will have to face in our lifetime, and this is something that would mean so much to her. If you are able, please join me in sending a card to her son to thank him for his service. Here is his address...

SR Riley, Gregory

SHIP 12 DIV 158

Recruit Training Command

3515 Sailor Drive

Great Lakes, IL 60088-3515

And don't forget to leave a comment here on the blog for Becca today, and it will enter you for this week's blog candy, which is a collection of 5 Liquid Pearls and 5 Stickles. Yummy!!

My Girl with Mother's Day Cartridge

2011-04-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday!!!!

Well I pulled out some old pictures..This is my 19 year old daughter. Wow-Times flies.

Paper used was Olivia by Basic Grey. I decided to do something a little different. I added a 8x8 piece from the coordinating paper and added various sizes and colors to add on top of the 8x8 to give a different look. And added my pictures without mats but used pop dots to bring them off the paper a little.

The cartridge used for flowers was "Mother's Day" and Hannah Montana for the letters. I used my itop to create my own brads. (A few of the stickers were from the paper pack)

Pop over to my blog for more pictures by clicking HERE

Don't forget to leave a comment for Monique so you are entered for some fabulous blog candy...

Thanks so much,
Wendy-Bling Queen

Elegant Cards & Bustier Gift Box - Summer in Paris

2011-04-12T00:42:00.000-07:00

Greetings, everyone! Today, I am excited to get to show you the latest project by Nana Susan, "Elegant Cards". She has been working on this one for a while now, and I just think it is the most GORGEOUS set of cards I have ever seen! Not to mention the bustier gift box - how amazing is that??? This is a kit, and it's also a class for those of you in the Northern California. The class date is May 3rd from 6-10pm, and then kits will be ready to ship out shortly after - probably around May 10th. To order, email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. Include the name of the kit you'd like, your state, and preferred payment method (PayPal or check). See below for all of the details and pics.

And don't forget to leave a comment today for Nana Susan, and that will also enter you for a chance to win this week's blog candy - 5 bottle of Liquid Pearls and 5 bottles of Stickles!

This chic and elegant card set and gift box uses the Summer in Paris cartridge. Ooh-la-la! The kit will include the pre-cut box (so you won't have to have the Tags, Bags, Boxes cart and long mat), plus you'll get all of the beautiful patterned papers, ribbons, flowers, pearls, and envelopes for your cards. You'll also get directions with Cricut Cut Chart, easy to follow written instructions and plenty of color photographs.

To complete this project as shown, you will need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and mat, Summer in Paris cartridge, distressing ink (black or dark purple or dark blue will do), decorative border punch (optional), scoring bone and ruler, hole punch, stapler, 3D pop dots, plus basic tools and adhesive.

This complete kit is $25, or you can always purchase just the directions for $10. If you do order just the directions, keep in mind that you'll need the Tags, Bags, Boxes cart and a 12x24 mat in addition to the supplies listed above. Shipping is available, and ranges from $5 in California to $6-$9 in the rest of the US, depending on location, and we're happy to combine shipping if you're purchasing other kits.

If you are in the Northern California area, we'd love to have you sign up for this class on May 3rd. It will be here at my home in Rocklin from 6-10pm, and you'll get a fun night out plus hands-on help with your project. The class is already half full, even before anyone has seen this project, so I'm guessing it'll fill up quickly.

To order, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. Include the name of the kit you'd like to order, your state, and preferred payment method (PayPal or check). You might even want to order 2. I can't tell you how many people tell me that they buy a cute "gift" project like this, but then can't stand to give it away, LOL!

Have a wonderful day!!

R is for Rabbit - Layout using Kate's ABCs - Plus Blog Candy!

2011-04-11T00:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Monday! I hope you all had a restful weekend, and got to do something you enjoy. I sure did. On Friday, I picked up my little Emily from school at noon, and we had a mommy/daughter date, which was lunch and a movie. We saw "Hop" - so cute! Then the weekend was spent scrapping for fun and hanging out with the fam. Well, the "scrapping for fun" consisted of me playing with the new Kate's ABCs cartridge that I just got, along with some beautiful Basic Grey and Bo Bunny papers. And this is what happens when you combine an amazing cartridge with gorgeous papers. So just before posting this, I decided that I would go ahead and turn this into a kit. You can blame Nana Susan for that because she's the one who talked me into it. To order, email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. Include the kit, your zip, and preferred payment method (PayPal or check). See below for details (and blog candy too!)...

I'm just going to make a very limited number of these because it is a pretty new cartridge that not everyone has yet. But if you have a little girl, a niece or a granddaughter, this is an absolute must-have cartridge - you will LOVE it!!! I think it may still be a JoAnn's exclusive, but don't quote me on that. If you like this kit, and you're planning to get this cart, I'd recommend that you order this kit now while it's in stock because I'm not making very many, and you can always get the cart later if you want.

This layout would be great for any Spring or Easter pics of your sweet little one. I am planning to get my little Emily a brown Easter bunny, just so I can have some cute pics for this layout - is that crazy or what? Please tell me I'm not the only one who does things like that, LOL! The kit will include all of the patterned papers, cardstock and ribbon that you need to complete the layout (there's a LOT of paper involved here - the background alone takes 8 sheets - yikes!). The photo mats will be pre-cut for you, and you'll get full directions with Cricut Cut Chart, well-organized written instructions and plenty of color photographs. If you'd like to see how our kits work, you can see a video HERE.

Supplies you'll need to make this project as shown: Cricut Expression and mat, Kate's ABCs cartridge, dark brown chalk ink, white gel pen, brown pen, 3D pop dots, scalloped border punch, Ranger Liquid Pearls (Buttercup yellow and Petal Pink), plus basic tools and adhesive.

The complete kit is $25, or you can always purchase just the directions for $10. Shipping is available, and ranges from $5 in California to $6-$9 in the rest of the US, depending on location. Combined shipping is available. These should be ready to ship by April 28th. To order, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. Include the name of the kit you'd like, your state or zip, and preferred payment method (PayPal or check).

Be sure to check in tomorrow. I'll be posting Nana Susan's latest kit - Elegant Cards. Oh. My. Goodness. Her project is sooooooooooooooo exceptionally beautiful - I can hardly wait to show it to you!!!!!

Hmmm, does anybody around here like blog candy? How about a nice little assortment of Ranger's Liquid Pearls and Stickles? Those are a staple to scrapping life! Just leave a comment here on this post, and then come back each day this week for more chances!

Here are the Winners of the Directions...

2011-04-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

Announcing the winners of this past week's blog candy. Ok, I said I'd pick 2 winners, who would each get to pick FIVE sets of full directions ($50 value). Well, I decided to pick an extra one from those of you who added my button to your blogs - so thank you for doing that!! Here are the winners...

Peg Toth said...

    that is just too cute. I'm reading Toy Story to my grandson now. Thanks!

valerie said...

    Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing your talent.

    Valerie
    vharrison 902 at gmail dot com

Faye's Crafti Corner said...

    Added your button to my blog :)
    http://fayescrafticorner.blogspot.com/

Congratulations to the three of you!! Please email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com to claim your blog candy.

Time Mini Album

2011-04-08T03:05:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! This is Elizabeth from 217 Creations. I am Monique's Guest Designer today! I am head over heels for this mini album! I have over 30 pics to share plus a video! This entire mini is made using square coasters. I literally used EVERY Distress Ink color. I made it a point to mix and create rather than be systematic in my process. I find I create best when I let it just flow.

I started by embossing these square coasters with several embossing folders. Most of these are from Tim Holtz but I used my Cuttlebug to do the embossing. Because the the coaster material is thick, I got a nice deep embossing that is appealing to the eye and to the touch.

Next I dumped all my Distress Inks out (yes I own them all).

I began by swiping each coaster with the Distress Ink Pad directly. I did not use a sponge dabber or applicator for this process. I would highly recommend using a splat mat while you do this. I am not super picky when it came to my colors mixing. In fact, I wanted them to. So I did not "clean" between ink colors on my mat. The effect is beyond cool. So it maybe difficult to say which colors are specifically on each coaster page.

Here they are all embossed and inked. You will notice when you do the swiping how the embossing just pops out and becomes so defined!

Here are the backsides. I made it a point not do the same the color combination throughout the album.

All the ribbon is from my stash, as well as most of the findings! What I love about this size of mini, I can use lots of scraps to complete the project! To tint these rosettes, I spray Sapphire Glimmer Mist, Yellow Daisy, Wheatfields, and Cranberry Zing. Then I pressed a little Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink into the ribbon.

All the paper is from Webster's Pages. These cuts are from Paper Lace.

The argyle looking cut is cut at 3.35 inches (real size off). The scrolling and its shadow are cut at 3.83 inches (real size off).

These are from Heritage. The corners are cut at 2.42 inches (real size off). The various scrolls are all cut at (real size off):

A-1.0 inches

B- .61 inches

C- 2.06 inches

D- .61 inches

E- 3.12 inches

These are from Sentimentals.The key and it shadow are cut at 3.35 inches (real size off). The keyhole and its shadow are cut at 3.82 inches (real size off).

This Butterfly is also from Sentimentals at 2,18 inches (real size off)

Next I worked on some Tim Holtz Addage Tags. I inked them up, sprayed with Wheatfields Glimmer Mist, Crumpled and let dry.

Then unfolded and - tattered old looking paper! LOVE IT!

While everything was drying, I bound my coaster pages with the Cinch. I used a 1.25 inch ring in Antique Brass. I have gotten pretty good at my CInch but every now and then- OOPS!

This is an "OOPS!". I got going too fast and did not push the coaster all the way into the machine.

I could not bare to throw away the coaster, so I cut it down to size and used it as a mat for another page.

Finally I added all my embellishments to my pages and then began work on the cover. I used a floral spray from Hobby Lobby. I actually "threaded it down the spine inside the binding. I used hot glue to hold it down in select areas. Once the flowers were dried, I tied all my ribbon along the side. I used several pieces of glittered tulle. I also added the charm that says "Time"

This cut is from Gypsy Wanderings at .76 inches (real size off). I took an old mini frame and disassembled it. I adhered the cut insdie then closed the frame back up. I also tied a small ribbon through the top.

Then I hot glued it to the album cover.

So do you want to see it in action? Watch the video!

Here is some eye candy for you! Each page is distinct. As I said in the beginning, I cannot guarantee which colors are on which pages because of the swiping method I used. I have some notations on materials that I have used.

The satin flowers on the left page are form Hobby Lobby. I bought it by the yard. On the right hand side, I used Victorian Velvet Distress Ink to tint some twill ribbon. Then I used Terrifically Tacky Tape to stick it down. Finally I used some Film Strip Ribbon from Tim Holtz on top. To adhere the film strip to the ribbon, I used Tombo Vellum runner.

The left hand side has my cuts from Heritage as well as a Webster's Pages cameo. The right hand side is a card from October Afternoon.

Left side has the addage tag and the right hand side has a metal key from my stash with a corner cut from Heritage.

The flower is actually made from the Knifty Knitter. The pockets are from Sentimentals. I cut them at 3.82 inches (real size off). The tag is also from Sentimentals. It was cut at 4.06 inches (real size off). The tags were stamped with sentiments from Pink By Design "Enjoy the Journey"

So pretty!!! I love the layering!

I used some metal washer on this page with a random number disc that I got out a rummage bin at a scrapbook store.

I layered twill ribbon that was swiped with Aged Mahogany Distress Ink and then I hot glued a line of beads. On the right hand side, I used TTT (Terrifically Tacky Tape) to hold the lace on the edge. The lace is tinted with left over ink and Glimmer Mist form my mat.

On the left I added some metal swirls and rhinestones to add some Bling! The right hand side I added small strip of stretchy lace. Once again I used TTT to adhere the ribbon the the page.

The tag's sentiment is again from Pink by Design "Enjoy the Journey". The sayings on the front of the pocket are actually a rubber cling I have from Tim Holtz. I love those metal clips at add pics and findings! The right hand side is one of my favorite parts of this album. It over hangs the side a bit so there is a small "tab" hanging out. On the backside of the "tab" . . .

I stamped "Enjoy the Journey" from Pink By Design. I also added a cut from Heritage. The right hand side, I wrapped a ribbon around and added a mini clothespin.

I added the addage tag "Dream" to the right hand side.

On the left, I adhered a cut from Heritage and on the right I added the tinted rosette ribbon.

On this pocket and tag, I added a silk orchid and some greenery. On the right I added a scrolled cut from Heritage.

On the left I added a strip of ribbon and then the scrolling from Heritage. Then I added a mini clock that I bought from a mixed lot off ebay. On the right I added another cut from Heritage.

This is the back cover. I love how this mini can stand as piece of home decor or art for display.

This is a view looking down.

I hope this mini is inspirational! I loved making it to share with all of you. I so appreciate your comments and following/subscribing here at Monique Griffith Designs and on my personal blog at 217 Creations. If you'd like to download this free Gypsy file, please visit this link: Time Mini Album
Thanks again and have a fab weekend!

Queen for a Day & Team Monique T-Shirts

2011-04-06T23:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a royally sweet card made by Becca Rees. This would be perfect for a birthday, or even just for a friend card for any occasion. Here's what Becca had to say about her adorable creation...
"I LOVE the little frogs on this cart. They're so stinkin' cute! And check out that crown. Queen for a day? . . Yes please."

Don't forget to leave a comment for Becca today, and it will of course enter you for this week's blog candy, which is 5 full, detailed sets of Cricut Project Kit directions of your choice. There's going to be TWO winners, so good luck!

Cartridge: Paisley. Paper - My Mind's Eye - Quite Contrary line. Solid Cardstock - My Mind's Eye. DCWV - Used for the Sparkly Crown and Title paper

You'll Need: White Gel Pen, Diamond Stickles, Basic Tools, Adhesive, Pop Dots, Brown Chalk Ink (Jumbo Java), Green Chalk Ink (Tea Leaves), Mauve Chalk Ink (Malted Mauve)

Measurements: Card - 4 1/4" x 4 1/4". Green Frog - 2 3/4". Brown Frog Shadow - 2 3/4". Dark Pink Shadow - 2 3/4". White "Queen" Title - 1 1/4". Pink "Queen" Shadow - 1 1/4".

A little side-note. We have had many people ask about "Team Monique" t-shirts, and if we'd be offering to sell them. The answer is yes! And it'll be a fundraiser for Team Monique for Race for the Cure, so it's for a great cause. The shirts this year will be charcoal gray, and will have the same cool design that we had before - our team logo on the back, which is the butterfly with the pink ribbon body, and they'll say "Team Monique" on the front, with the pink ribbon. See pics below, but mentally substitute charcoal gray instead of black - and 2011 instead of 2010. If you're a member of Team Monique, the shirts are $10 (plus actual shipping if you need it to be shipped). Otherwise, they're $20 (plus actual shipping) for everyone, and proceeds go to the cause. We have to get the order in tomorrow, so if you'd like to get one, email my friend/Team Captain, Stephanie Culton, at sculton@hotmail.com. Btw, we've now got 34 people on our team and counting!! Go team!!

It's Wednesday and I'm Egg'cited to be here!!

2011-04-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

Since Easter is right around the corner-I thought I would use a fun stamp set that Emma sent me.

This card was made with "A Child's Year" on the card option at 5.5" and the egg was cut with the icon option at 3".

Pink/White paper is from Pink Paisley
Green pattern paper is from Stampin Up
And Yellow paper is from Bo Bunny
Ribbon is also Stampin Up

The sentiment was from Emma at My Creative Time. Click HERE and show Emma some blog love.

Have a Super Wednesday.
I have a big blog hop on Friday so come visit me then by clicking HERE .

Bling Queen Wendy
See more pictures below:

A Little Bird Card

2011-04-04T23:36:00.000-07:00

I've gotta say that I'm so thrilled that you all enjoyed yesterday's Toy Story layout. In case it isn't obvious by now, I LOOOOOVE doing layouts! I'd love to do one every single day - wouldn't that be fun? But alas, life pops up and says "Too bad! You have other responsibilities!" I am going to try to do one more this week, though, so wish me luck.

For today, we have a very special Guest Designer - Lucy Griffith! Lucy is my mom-in-law, and she lives here with us and is a very dear member of our family. And did you know that the three of us ladies (my mom and Lucy and me) all share one big craft room? We spend a good chunk of our day sitting around our scrap tables pretending to be busy. And once in a while we even make something! Lucy mostly makes cards, and she is quite good at it. So I want to show off one that she made just recently - I think it's adorable! Don't forget to leave a comment for Lucy - this is her first time as a Guest Designer. Oh, plus it enters you for this weeks blog candy, which is 5 sets of directions.

The patterned paper is from Pebbles Tree House Collection, and the cardstock is from Stampin' Up. Lucy used The Straight from the Nest cartridge to cut the bird at 2" (pg 28 in booklet), and the grass at 1/2". She inked and popped up the bird with pop dots. The "A little bird told me" phrase is from Just Because Cards cart, cut at 2 1/4", as is the circle which was also cut at 2 1/4".

The folded card is 4 3/4" x 6 3/4". The white mat is 4 1/2" x 6 1/2". Red mat is 4 1/4" x 6 1/4", and the printed mat is 4" x 6". She also added Diamond Stickles and used her white Signo gel pen to add some extra details.

Lucy always dresses up the insides of her cards. I don't know where she gets the patience. I'm always exhausted after I do the outside, so I ignore the insides - I'm bad!! She used the Birthday Bash cart to cut "It's your Birthday" with Real Dial Size on at 2 1/4", and she cut off the bow. She also used the Cuttlebug and the Swiss Dots folder to emboss the yellow piece, and of course inked the edges to add more depth.

With energy to spare, Lucy even created a matching envelope liner - yowza! I'm lucky if my cards even get an envelope, let alone one this fancy!

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you're having a wonderful week!!

Toy Story Layout & New Blog Candy

2011-04-04T01:54:00.000-07:00

Is it Monday already??? I hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was productive AND relaxing - just perfect! Ok, well first of all, it's a new week and that means NEW blog candy. So the winner of this week's blog candy will receive FIVE sets of our full Cricut project directions of their choice. Each set is typically 4-6 pages of detailed, yet easy to follow directions with Cricut Cut Chart that shows you line by line exactly what to cut on your machine, plus written instructions and plenty of color photographs. This is a $50 value. AND there will be not just one winner, but TWO winners. So be sure to leave a comment on today's post, and come back each day this week for more chances. Want a BONUS CHANCE??? If you have a blog - just add my button to your blog's sidebar. See my right hand sidebar for the code. Then you can come back and leave a second comment on today's post telling me that you added it. That's it! Good luck!

So today's layout is hot off the presses - the Stickles are barely dry! Who loves Disney? I sure do!! And I've been wanting to do a Toy Story layout ever since this cartridge came out. I finally found the perfect papers (which will work for boys OR girls!), and really had fun putting this together. Ok, ok, I will warn you that Buzz and Woody are not the easiest Cricut cuts to layer. There are a lot of little pieces, and the pictures in the cartridge booklet are super tiny, so it can be hard to see where they all go based on just using the booklet. But looking at a larger image would make it much easier. Keeping in mind the multitude of tiny pieces, I decided to make Buzz and Woody pretty big - they're much easier to put together that way, and I really wanted them to be the focus of the layout anyway. But you do need to have a safe place to keep your little pieces while you're working, and a good glue pen or Dry Bond for attaching them when you're ready. I would say this is a layout for Intermediate to Advanced Cricuteers.

And yes, this IS a kit - and a class too, actually. For you locals, the class will be Wednesday, April 20th from 6-10pm here in Rocklin, CA. For the rest of you, the kits will be ready to ship just a short time later on April 28th. To order the kit or sign up for the class, email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. Tell me which class/kit, your state and preferred payment method (check or PayPal). See below for more details...

Included with this kit, you will receive all of the patterned papers and cardstock needed to complete the layout. (This kit uses a LOT of paper since there are so many large cuts and so much layering going on.) Some of the background strips and photo mat inserts will be pre-cut for you. You'll also get the full directions with Cricut Cut Chart, well-organized written instructions and several color photographs.

To complete the project as shown, you will need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and mat, Toy Story cartridge, dark brown chalk ink, white gel pen, brown pen, 3D pop dots, Diamond Stickles, a good glue pen or adhesive for fine cuts, basic tools and adhesive and possibly tweezers - oh, and a little patience!

The complete kit (or class) is $25, or you can always purchase just the directions for $10. Shipping is available, and is $5 in California or $6-$9 to the rest of the US, depending on location. I'm happy to combine shipping if you're purchasing other kits. Click HERE to see what else is available.

Thanks for stopping by today. Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered for the blog candy - and add my button to your blog for your bonus chance as well!

Announcing 4 Winners of the Cricut Magazine...

2011-04-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Below I have listed the 4 winners of this week's blog candy - the Cricut Magazine. I hope you all enjoyed my review of this issue. It was sure fun to pour through it, and I'll go back to it again for more inspiration. And for those of you who asked, I am not published in this issue. But I am going to be published in their birthday idea book that will be coming out soon, so hopefully I can do another review and blog candy with that. It's such a nicely done magazine, and I have submitted some projects for future issues, so we'll see what happens. I'll keep ya posted if I get published in any of them!

If your name is on the list below, please email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com with your mailing address so I can get your magazine right out to you.

Grammy GG said...

    Appreciate the excellent honest review. I agree with you that I really like doing 2 page LOs--rarely do a 1 page LO. I love idea books and would love to win a copy of the Cricut magazine. Thanks for the opportunity.

JenJackScrap said...

    Hmmmmm....I'm SO happy that someone I trust reviewed this mag. I have toyed whether to subscribe myselft and/or even purchase a subscription as a gift for my mom and/or sister, but wasn't sure if it was really worth it. I must say, your review has me considering subscription(s) a little more seriously. Thank you for your cander!!

teachdanz said...

    sometimes the boy gifts are the hardest to make cute. This one oozes "cute", nice job!!
    ikennic at q dot com

Scattychick said...

    This is great I love the backing paper and the animals are just too cute :)

Guest Designer Friday!!!

2011-03-31T23:00:00.000-07:00

Ok-This is Wendy and this Guest Designer is a little special to me!! She is the "Junior Bling Queen"

Yep-that is right My daughter Maddy.

Well tonight she had a talent show and can I say-"The kids RAISED THE ROOF" She must have thought about that when she did this card.. She used the paisley cartridge and cut the lady bug at 3" and added bling for the eyes and the ends of the antenna's.

The paper was a mix of Stampin Up and Pink Paisley.

She also added the few buttons and ribbon to make it pop.

Ok-I am a proud MOM but Yes she did the raise the roof. She loves to dance and that is what her group did tonight with the help of an awesome mom that keeps the group organized. (I just love this mom)

First picture I have included a picture of tonight. I whited out the kiddos that I did not have approval of posting. (Forgot to ask) Yes, she does have attitude just like me... ha, ha

This is her dance recital from last July with my bff and her adopted "Auntie Mo".

Thanks for coming by. Please leave comments as I am sure Maddy will want to read everyone at least 10 times each..... So show her some love....

Don't forget to come visit me by clicking HERE. I have a HUGE giveaway and today-Friday, April 1st is the last day at 12 midnight.

And Monique is giving away 4 yep 4 of the Cricut Magazine. So leave your comments...

Happy Easter Layout

2011-03-31T00:04:00.000-07:00

Easter is just around the corner, peeps (hehe). What a wonderful and beautiful time of year. And Becca has designed a perfectly sweet layout just for the occasion. Becca says...
"This layout was so much fun to do. I love the colors, and the cartridge is awesome! I found these pictures of my kids from last Easter and just had to do something with them. I used my daughters skirt for the color scheme. I absolutely love the way it turned out. Hope you like it!"

Be sure to leave a comment on today's post to be entered for this week's blog candy - I'll be giving away 4 Cricut magazines. And check back tomorrow for another fabulous Guest Designer!!

Need:
-Diamond Stickles
-White Gel Pen
-Basic Tools and Adhesive
-Liquid pearls: Buttercup (yellow), Petal Pink, and Cantaloupe (orange)
-Brown chalk ink

Cartridge: Easter 2010 Mini Cart
Cricut Cuts:
-Bunny 3 1/2"
-Lamb 4"
-Basket, shadow, and bow 6 1/2"
-"Happy Easter" and green shadow 2 1/2"
-Eggs and egg shadows 2 1/2"
-Pink bow on title and bunny 1"

Paper:
Basic Gray Sugar Rush paper
JoAnn's cardstock

Ribbon:
Pink and white checkered ribbon 26" long. (1/2 of a piece for each page which includes extra to wrap around to the back)
Green polka dotted ribbon 6 1/2"

Happy Wednesday-Hump Day!!

2011-03-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

Yep-It's Wednesday and it's my day-Bling Queen

Just a fun birthday card-For this card I used Birthday Bash and cut the card at 5 3/4". It is a great scallop card.

The gold paper I created by just fan folding a strip of paper that was about 1/2" in width and used it all around the circle. I used several strips.

The cupcake was cut with Sweet Treats at 3". I did emboss and stickle.

Now for the super duper blog candy... First it is Monique's-She is giving away 4 Cricut Magazines-WOW 4... Have you seen this magazine. It is fantastic. Lots of techniques...

NOW-Come over to my blog by clicking HERE and join in on my SUPER blog candy.. And find out how you can get more chances to win...

Have a super day
Wendy-Bling Queen

Froggy Kisses - Baby Boy Gift Bag & Card

2011-03-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

Today's project is brought to you by the uber-talented Nana Susan. Let's hear it for Nana Susan! Woohoo!! And don't forget to leave a comment today for another chance to win 1 of 4 Cricut Magazines that I'll be giving away this week. See yesterday's post for a thorough review if you haven't already.

Susan made this adorable card and gift bag using papers from Cloud 9 Design - the Baby Boy line. What is it about going to a baby shower that makes us want to go all out and bring the cutest gift??? I have no idea, but this would certainly get a lot of ooooh's and aaaaaah's before the gift itself even made an appearance.

The tag on the bag was made from the New Arrival cart, cut at 3", and the shadow was cut at 2 3/4". She originally cut the shadow at 3", but said it's a very fat shadow, and she wanted to tone it down a bit, so dropped the size. She used coordinating paper, a border punch and ribbon to complete the bag. Simple, yet fabulous!

The card is 5 x 7. "Kisses" was cut from the Sweethearts cart, and she just cut off the "Hugs and" part of it. The blue circle is from George, cut at 1 3/4", and the frog is from Animal Kingdom, cut at about 2 1/4". The ribbon and brad are from Stampin' Up.

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to check back tomorrow to see what Wendy has in store for you!

Cricut Magazine Volume 2 - Review and Blog Candy

2011-03-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday, Cricuteers! Alrighty, so Cricut Magazine contacted me and asked if I would review the newest volume (April/May) of their magazine. I said "of course!" and they sent me one to review and a few extras to give out as blog candy. Sweet!! I have FOUR copies to give out this week, so be sure to leave a comment today, and come back each day this week for more chances.

Ok, I'm going to be honest in my review here. Cricut Magazine didn't pay me to do this, and they didn't ask me to say anything in particular - just do an honest review. So here goes...

I will say first of all, the the magazine is beautifully published. It's put out by Northridge Publishing, and they've been around for quite a while, so it looks very sharp, the editing and photography are all top notch, etc. The other nice thing is that it's not just full of advertising like some magazines are. There's actually not a whole lot of advertising - maybe just 10-12 pages out of 130 pages, and even those ads are relevant, so it's not bad at all. Perhaps that's why the magazine is a wee bit on the pricey side at $14.95 newsstand price, but it is more like a book AND you can get it for quite a bit cheaper per issue if you subscribe.

Cricut Magazine is quite full of bunches and bunches of useful ideas, and there's quite a variety, so there would certainly be something for everyone. There are altered projects, cards, layouts, even fabric projects. I personally am a huge fan of layouts, and the ones in the magazine are great, but most are 1 page. There are some 2 page layouts, but I'd like to see more. My years of teaching with the Cricut have shown me that most people prefer 2 page layouts. But you can always adapt the 1 pagers and make a coordinating second page. The cards are varied - some simple, some a little more detailed, so again it's a good variety.

There are a few places in the magazine where they really dig in to show and explain some cool techniques step by step. For instance, they show how to use Tim Holtz grungeboard in your Cricut to make some beautiful dimensional flowers, which are stunning! They also show step by step instructions to cut fabric in your Cricut and make the most adorable little baby onesies. That's very useful information, and certainly would cost you less than paying for a class.

In my opinion, the one thing they could improve would be the consistency in providing detailed information in the directions. Some projects have Cricut cut sizes listed, and some mention only what cartridge the cuts are from, but no sizing. However, I think they might be working on making that a little more consistent for future issues - I hope so. The only other thing I noticed was that some of the projects are very Cricut-focused, and on others, the Cricut work looks like more of an after-thought. So maybe it's a beautifully detailed layout, but just has one little Cricut cut on it. No biggie, though, and by far most of the projects are pretty Cricut-centered.

Overall, it's a fabulous magazine, and there's plenty of "meat" in it - both for the beginner and the more advanced Cricuteer. This is really what all of us Cricut fans have been begging for for years! I'd say it's well worth the money for the ideas, and especially for the step-by-step techniques they include. I looked in the magazine, and it says you can call 1-888-225-9199 to subscribe. Or you can do so online HERE. It says it's $39.95 for 6 issues (=$6.65/issue), $74.95 for 12 issues (=$6.25/issue), $109.95 for 18 issues (=$6.11/issue), or $144.95 for 24 issues ($6.04/issue), and I believe it's published once every 2 months. Also, HERE is the link to their Facebook page so you can "Like" it and find more info.

Who else has received the new Cricut Magazine, and how do you like it? Are you all excited to win a copy?? And btw, if you'd like to submit projects to be published in the magazine, HERE is the link to their submissions page.

Winner of Basic Gray Paper Pack...

2011-03-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

We've got a winner for this week's blog candy, which is a Basic Gray paper pack. Please email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com with your shipping address. Congrats!!

monica said...
I love it I just bought the Paisley cartridges.
Monica
mmapplegate@sbcglobal.net

Be sure to check back tomorrow. I will be reviewing the newest edition of Cricut Magazine, and will have blog candy to go with it. Hmmmmm.

About Team Monique - Race for the Cure

2011-03-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

I've been getting a lot of questions lately about Team Monique, so I thought since we have so many new subscribers and since Robyn talked about it on her UStream last week, I would fill you in on what this is all about. In case you missed it a couple of months ago, here's the video of my recent "Pink Journey"...

Team Monique was started by my good friend, Stephanie Culton (who also put together the above video) last summer after I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. We did the 5K Race for the Cure in San Francisco to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We had the largest friends and family team with nearly 50 members and raised about $9400. This is where a HUGE chunk of research funding comes from, and honestly, what better way to help find a cure???

Did you all know that 1 in 8 of us women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in our lives? (And you don't need to be over 50 to qualify - I'm in my 30's!!) I don't know about you, but I know a lot more than 8 women, and it breaks my heart to know that such a huge percentage of them will have to go through what I just went through. But they are making progress through the research - both toward finding a cure AND through early detection and improving treatment. It made a huge difference in my treatment, and you just never know which 1 of your 8 closest friends or family members will need that same support.

Our Team on Race Day in San Francisco, Sept 26th, 2010

Because this is not money that goes in my pocket, and because it's SUCH an incredibly important cause, I would really encourage you to support us in our fight. Seriously, even if it's $1 or $5 - maybe it just means giving up a coffee today. Look how many followers we have on this blog - that would really add up and make a difference!

I have been through a LOT in the past 9 months - being told I most likely had only 2-5 years to live, going through super aggressive chemotherapy, double mastectomy, and then twice-daily radiation for 5 weeks. I won't lie - it wasn't a big party. BUT I chose to look for the blessings in life, and I vowed to work on finding some good in a bad situation. This is that good. This is how we can make a difference. It's a miracle that I'm still here, and I've been declared "No Evidence of Disease" and that is in large part because of the improvements in research and treatment. (We all know it's also because of the massive outpouring of support and prayer too!) Now I actually have a decent shot at watching my daughter grow up, and I am so thankful for that!

Stephanie and me on chemo day. Rock & Roll, baby!

To support our team, you can donate by going to my personal fund-raising page HERE. Or you can go to our team page HERE, and click on any name to support them - it all goes toward our team and the cause. Or you can even join Team Monique if you'd like and help us with further fund-raising. If you're local and want to join, we'd love for you to come walk with us on May 7th in Sacramento. If you're not local, you can still join and help out if you want to by doing "Sleep in for the Cure" and getting your friends and family to support you. Or just keep it simple and make a donation - I'm not picky!

Wendy, Steph and Me at our Crop for the Cure fundraiser Swarm

From now until May 7th, if you make a donation to Team Monique, I will send you a free set of directions to the Tuff Girl layout pictured below or any of my Cricut project kits ($10 value). Just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com, and let me know that you donated and mention which project you'd like the directions for.

We are also doing a "Crop for the Cure" event on May 1st. This is an all-day Cricut crop and silent auction, and it sold out over 50 spots in ONE day. We have some amazing companies and individuals contributing items for the silent auction such as Tim Holtz, Provo Craft, My Pink Stamper, Cricut Magazine, Oh My Crafts, Expressions Vinyl, Echo Park, and many more. If you have something you'd like to contribute to the silent auction on May 1st, you can email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com.

Thanks for stopping by today, and thanks for all of the support!!

First Birthday !

2011-03-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

This is Edna from Create With Expression today I will be sharing with you all a two page scrapbook layout that I created with Birthday Bash and George Basic Shapes, my inspiration for this is my Grandson and getting ready for his first birthday even if it's not until November lol!!! All my papers are from Core-dination, JoAnne Open Stock, DCWV Glitter. Some of my other tools I used are Glossy Accents, Stickles, Black Brads, Gelly Roll pens in Black and White, and also My Pink Stampers Sweet Baby set for the (Happy) around the page.

My Base is Two 12 X 12 sheets of DCWV then One sheet of JoAnne Open cardstock pattern paper, my cuts are the following from Birthday Bash--- Font at 1 1/4 inches, Banner at 2.5 inches with the Shadow and regular , Packages at 6 1/4 inches, Squrrial at 4 inches, Dance Dog at 4 inches, Ballons at 3 1/4 inches cut 3 times, Birthday cake at 10.50 inches. From George and Basic Shapes I cut One Photo mat at 4.5 inches and then again at 4 inches for the inside layer, then I cut two at 3 1/4 inches and two at 3 inches for the inside layer, then Platin Schoolbook I used for the Zig Zag at Fit To Page (about 11 1/2 inches)

Wow! that was alot lol! and I just added the brads to the Banner and then a touch of Stikles here and there with the Glossy Accents, I am very excited about the turnout and hope that you all are inspired and excited with me :) again I want to thank Monique and Wendy for inviting me as a Guest Designer today and you are ALL AWEWSOME !!!!!

Create Hugs

Edna

Girl Stuff Layout with Paisley Cartridge

2011-03-24T00:07:00.000-07:00

Oh, I think you might just like this one! This is a stinkin' cute layout by our fabulous new designer, Becca Rees. I'm tellin' ya - she's got some talent goin' on! See below for all the details so you can make it yourself. And don't forget to leave some love for Becca by leaving a comment - and it will also enter you for this week's blog candy - the brand new "It's My Party" paper pack by Basic Gray! Bring it! And be sure to check back tomorrow for a special Guest Designer. And just to tease you some more because I'm a big meanie, I am going to do a review of the newest issue of Cricut Magazine and will have a few copies to give away too, so check in for that either Saturday or Monday. Lots of good stuff goin' on!

Becca says she was inspired to make this layout by her daughter's favorite colors and love for girlie stuff. She used the Paisley Cartridge, My Mind's Eye Paper - Quite Contrary Line, and Bo Bunny Cardstock.

Need:
Stickles - Daimond, Black Daimond
Liquid Pearls - Petal Pink, Buttercup (yellow), Peacock (turquoise)
White Gel Pen
Adhesive
Olive Green Ribbon 2 ft.
Chalk Ink - Brown, Aegean Blue,

Measurments:
(2) 4" x 6" pics with 4 1/4" x 6 1/4" light blue mats
(2) 3"x 4" pics with 3 1/4" x 4 1/4" light blue mats
(1) 4" x 4 1/2" pic with 4 1/4" x 4 3/4" light blue mat

Journal Box:
3 1/4" x 2 1/2" with 2 3/4" x 3 3/4" light blue mat

Cricut Cuts from Paisley:
Yellow Flower 3"
Smaller Yellow Flower 1 1/2"
Sunglasses 1 1/2"
Title 3"
Frog 2"
Boots 2"
Umbrella 3 3/4"
Yellow Shirt Ourtfit 4"
Green Dress Outfit 4"
Blow Dryer 3"
XOXO 1 1/2"

Have fun scraplifting!! Btw, are there any certain themes of layouts you'd love to see? I'd love to design another layout just for fun that you can scraplift, and I always enjoy hearing about what you'd really like to see more of here. Thanks!

Birthday Bash+Plus Blog Candy

2011-03-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone-Hope you are having a great day or getting ready to start and awesome day.

I made this card to show you a simple card. I saw a card similar to this in a magazine and to be honest I could not find it when I wanted to scraplift it-well since I did not find it I had to just do what I wanted.

The paper and ribbon I used is an order line called B-Day Bash by Imaginisce. The Elephant was cut at 4 inches using the cart Birthday Bash. You guys will notice that the stamps I normally use are from My Pink Stamper but believe it or not-I have NONE that say Happy Birthday so I had to use a Stampin Up stamp.

I used pop dots on the ear of the elephant and the sentiment.

Remember to pop over to my blog and and become a follower. When I get to 1500 followers I will have some big blog candy..... Click HERE

For those of you that have asked about my FROG....(item holding card) I found it at a local antique store.

Now you also need to comment here so that you will be entered into Monique's blog candy. Everyday is a new entry.....

Big Bug Hugs-
Wendy-Bling Queen

Music to My Ears - Disney Layout - Plus New Blog Candy!

2011-03-22T01:46:00.000-07:00

I got home from Texas about an hour ago. And yes, right now it's about 1:20am, which is equivalent to 3:20am Texas time. Guess it might be time for a little sleep! So for now, I'm going to do a quick post and show you the layout I made last weekend when I was at the Lake Tahoe retreat. This layout is for Kathleen in New Jersey. She was the winner of the custom layout prize, and she chose a Disney music themed layout. Her son is going to be in a band competition at Disneyworld soon. So I combined the Mickey & Friends cart and the Quarter Note cart for a little music magic. Hope you like it!!

And btw, this week's blog candy will be the Basic Gray paper pack that I used to help make this layout. It's called "Life of the Party". It's brand spankin' new, and super duper cute and useful. It retails for about $20 or so. Just follow this blog and leave a comment to be entered. Plus you can come back each day for more chances.

Of course all of the characters are from the Mickey and Friends cart. I believe Goofy was cut at 6". Mickey and Donald were 5", and Pluto was at 4 1/2". I actually used dark brown chalk ink and inked EVERY single layer of the characters - even the eyes and tongues. Eeeek! So yes, it took me all day to make this, but I loved every minute of it. I lined them all up like they're in a marching band, and gave each character an instrument, placing it in their hands the best that I could. Kathleen's son plays clarinet, so that is the instrument that Mickey has.

I was trying to come up with a cute title, and then saw it staring me in the face. "Music to my ears" - how perfect is that???? So the title itself is from Quarter Note (cut at 3 1/2"), but I spliced the mouse ears into it from the Mickey cart. I also added extra layers to give it more depth and make it stand out. Normally, this title would just have 2 layers - the ivory and the orange. But I added a dark brown layer off-set under the orange, and then cut out the title again in red, and cut away the pieces I wanted and added those on top of the orange.

Not sure if you can tell, but the instruments are all Stickled to make them a bit more festive. I thought it looked especially good on the brass instruments. I also shadowed each character to help separate them from the busy background paper. And also added white dots to bring a bit more life. The fancy shmancy music notes were all cut at 1 3/4".

Goofy is on the saxophone, and Mickey leads the way with his clarinet. All characters were pop-dotted. Mats are quadrupled to help them stand out against the background and also to help disperse the different colors throughout the layout. I used white faux stitching on the mats and around the background. The silver brads and orange ribbon are from Stampin' Up.

This journal box is from Mickey and Friends. Or was it Mickey Font? See - I definitely need some sleep!! I hope you all like the layout. And Kathleen, I'm especially hoping that you and your son love it. I will work on getting it shipped off to you this week. Nighty-night, all!