Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We've been busy around here just in case you didn't notice. There's now a much requested subscribe area on the right sidebar now under "Get Email Alerts" so you can find out every time we post something new here. And we have a brand new Facebook fan page, with its own giveaways going on. So go check it out. You could even win a Gypsy if you refer the most friends to "Like" the page and say who sent them. There's also a post with a giveaway for a free set of directions. Wendy's gonna clobber me for giving so much stuff away!! :)

Speaking of giving stuff away... here's a picture of this week's blog candy. 8 different Uniball pens (best on the planet!) and 3 chalk inks. This is a $33 value. If you want a chance to win, make sure you're a follower of this blog. Then leave a comment on today's post AND come back every day this week and leave a comment on each day's post for more chances. We'll randomly pick the winner from all of the week's comments.



Today's video is a brief tutorial on how I use these chalk inks and pens. We're going to be working on bringing you more videos, but for now I thought I'd start off with something simple that I get asked about a lot. And btw, I'll eventually get a "store" set up on this site - but just so you know, I do sell these pens and chalk inks. So when you're buying a kit, you can request these as well for $3/each, and we can toss them in your box for no extra shipping.



Be sure to come back tomorrow for another post and another chance to win. Plus find out a little more about the oh-so-mysterious Bling Queen Wendy!

Just a reminder-We will have a prize to give away EACH week.  All you need to do is leave a comment.  For your best odds you will want to leave a comment each day so by the end of the week you will have 5 entries...

We also have a fun "Tips & Tricks" Video tomorrow. So come back.

Sorry for the delay-But this is a list of the winners from the UStream Friday Night...

Early Bird Prize:  StampinCricut
Donated by My Pink Stamper:
Cricut Layouts DVD-Rita P
Pinkalicous Stamps- ScrappinJoy
Punny-licious Stamps- SunnysMania812
Donated by Oh My Crafts:
Home Decor-MaryJean838
Country Life Cart-Sanaie109
Jubilee Cart-MotherMonkee
From Tammy Skinner:
Gypsy A-Z DVD-Janorthua-1
Create A Critter-Kristin Sullivan
Donated by Monique:
BoBunny Valentine Paper-Catdpow
Fancy Pants "It's Your Day" paper-Mreitsma
Catch A Wave Kit-Owlbescrappin
BoBunny "Cambridge"-Vicksand
Minnie Mouse Kit-Majessie18
MME OohLaLa Paper-Scrapbooker1962
Pooh Cartridge-Poohbearbuglv
Paisley Cartridge-Tifany

Remember to contact Wendy at wendylawrence@surewest.net.

Have a super evening.

Wendy

Oh, the UStream event tonight was sooooo much fun!!! It was our first time doing this, and Wendy and I had such a blast. Thanks so much to all of you who were able to join us. Wow, there were SO many comments blazing through that chat room - it was pure madness! We had about 350 people tune in. If you didn't get to catch the show, here it is for you. It's actually in 2 parts (and it didn't record the very end of the 2nd part for some reason) because we lost our stream toward the end, but anyway, you can see most of it if you want. We were a little hyped up on caffeine as usual.

I'll post a list of the prize winners later since Wendy has the info at the moment. AND for those of you who asked during the broadcast, HERE is a link to the Team Monique page for the Race for the Cure. Anyone can join the team and help with the cause. Even if you're not in the Northern California area, you can still join in and do "Sleep for the Cure". And there are no minimum fundraising amounts or anything. But if you are near Sacramento, we'd LOVE to have you walk with us on May 7th. Bring it!!





Ok, in the video it looks like I keep scratching my behind, LOL. Not the case, I swear! My hands were freezing, so I kept sitting on my hands to warm them up. Note to self - wear gloves during the next one. I'm such a dork!

Happy Friday, everyone! And a happy day it is indeed!! Thank you all so much for checking out the slideshow in yesterday's post, and for all of your support and encouragement. What an exciting day yesterday was. And, as they say - today is the first day of the rest of my life! And don't forget that tonight is the UStream live video event HERE at 6pm Pacific Time (9pm EST). There will be lots of prizes, including stamps and DVDs donated by My Pink Stamper, a DVD and Create a Critter cartridge from Tammy Skinner, AND Oh My Crafts is donating 3 cartridges - Home Decor, Country Life and Jubiliee! Wow!! Let's party!!!!

Alrighty, we've got 2 brand spankin' new Cricut kits for you! If you're new to our site, here's how the kits work. Each kit includes all of the paper, cardstock, ribbon, brads, etc that you need to complete the project. You'll also get very detailed yet easy to follow directions with our Cricut Cut Chart that shows you line by line exactly what you need to cut on your machine with all of the settings for each cut. Plus there are well-organized written instructions and plenty of color photographs. You just need your Cricut Expression, the cartridge(s) and a few basic supplies that we'll list for you. To order, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com with your zip code and payment preference (PayPal or check). Don't worry - very soon this site will have a functional shopping cart system - woohoo!!


This super sweet "Life is Tweet" chipboard book was designed by none other than the Bling Queen herself - Wendy Lawrence. While it's perfect for Valentine's Day, it's actually also rather versatile, and would make a great gift for anyone you love.


To complete this project as shown, you will need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and mat, Straight from the Nest cartridge, Tags Bags Boxes & More cartridge, dark brown chalk ink, white gel pen, 3D pop dots, brown pen, Stickles, corner rounder (optional), Cuttlebug and embossing folders (optional), plus basic tools and adhesive.


This complete kit is $30. Or you can get directions for this kit or any of our other kits for $10/project. This Life is Tweet kit will be ready for shipping on January 26th, so you'll have plenty of time to make it for Valentine's Day. Shipping ranges from $5 in California, to $6-$9 in the rest of the US depending on location, so be sure to let me know your zip or state when ordering. We are happy to combine shipping, and there are several other kits in stock, so be sure to check out the Cricut Kits tab on this website for more info.


Btw, there are only a small number of these kits available. And at Christmas time, our limited kits all sold out very quickly - some even within 24 hours. So don't wait around too long if you're wanting to snag one of these.


Hey, guess what! We have a brand new designer on our Design Team, and her name is Becca Rees. Welcome aboard, Becca!!! Becca is a fabulous designer with an artist's eye for color. I've gotta be honest here - Becca has knocked this one OUT OF THE PARK!!!! How stinkin' cute is this Valentine Cards & Gift Box kit???? Look out Cricut world!!!


You all have been begging me for a card kit for the past several months, and this does not disappoint. Each card is its own work of art, and there are even supremely cute little Valentine sentiments in each one. And check out this gift box! The box itself will actually be pre-cut for you in the kit as it takes some sneaky manipulation in Design Studio to be able to make it large enough.


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


The complete Valentine Cards kit is $25, and even includes 4 envelopes. And as always, if you want to order just the directions, those are available with great detail for $10. This will be ready to ship on January 26th - the same time as the Life is Tweet Book - so combining shipping is always a good idea. And you'll never pay more than $10 shipping, even if ordering multiple kits. For a single kit, shipping is between $5-$9 depending on location.


To order, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. Tell me what kit(s) you'd like, your zip, and preferred payment method (PayPal or check). It may take me a day or two to get back to you because of the UStream event tonight, so please be patient with me - thanks!


Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you enjoyed checking out the new designs by Wendy and Becca. I feel so blessed to have such incredible designers working with me!! Btw, if you want to sign up for our Newletter, you can do so by clicking HERE. See ya tonight on UStream!!!

Welcome to my newly designed blog! Hope you like it! And today just happens to be the very last day of my treatment for Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Over the past 7 months, I have gone through chemo, double mastectomy and twice-daily radiation. It's hard to believe that I am reaching the treatment "finish line" today, and can finally move on with my life and what I love to do - design with my Cricut!

Here is a video that my friend Stephanie made to celebrate this day! Thanks, Steph!



Keep checking back. We have so much in store for you on this blog! And don't forget the live UStream video HERE on Friday night at 6pm PST (9pm EST). There will be lots of prizes, and at least one of them will be chosen from the comments you leave on this blog post.

Happy Holidays and a Very Merry Christmas to all of my scrappy friends! Don't you just love this time of year? I hope you're all able to take some time out from the busyness of it all to really just stop and ENJOY the season, and to appreciate what it is that makes it so special. For me, that means my faith in God and my wonderful family and friends. And the hot cocoa, warm jammies, the cozy fireplace and Christmas lights don't hurt either!

Alrighty, here's a couple of brand spankin' new kits just perfect for this magical season. See below for details. To order, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com and include your state or zip code, and preferred payment method (PayPal or check).


This wintery whimsical "Snow Much Fun" kit was designed by Bling Queen Wendy Lawrence. And btw, she's a Guest Designer today (Saturday) for Everyday Cricut, so be sure to check it out! This bright and playful layout is perfect for any of your winter pictures. It's so cute, you might have to plan a snow trip just to take pictures for it! Included in this kit, you'll receive all of the patterned papers, cardstock, and ribbon that you need to make the layout. You'll also get detailed, yet easy to follow directions with a Cricut Cut Chart that shows you line by line exactly what you need to cut on your Cricut. There's also well-organized written instructions and plenty of color photographs to help you out.


To complete this project as shown, you'll need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and mat, Winter Frolic cart, Accent Essentials cart (or any cart with snowflakes), brown chalk ink, 3D pop dots, white gel pen, Diamond Stickles, plus basic tools and adhesive.


This complete kit is $25, or you can order just the directions for $10. Shipping is available, and is $5 in California or ranges from $6-$9 in the rest of the US depending on location. I'm happy to combine shipping, and you'll never pay more than $10 for shipping, even if ordering multiple kits. There are several other kits currently in stock - just see the slide show and list at the top of the blog. These new kits will be available for local pick-up on December 12th, and will ship out December 13th.


Below is the new "Happy Christmas" kit, which was designed by Nana Susan Rees. Believe me, this rich Victorian look is her specialty! There are so many details here, including textured velvet ribbon, Cuttlebug embossing, red rhinestones and gold ink accents. It's perfect for those Christmas morning pictures, or any Christmas family gathering.


Included with this kit, you'll receive all of the beautiful patterned papers and solid cardstock, plus the stunning ribbons, button and red rhinestones. You'll also get the full directions with Cricut Cut Chart, written instructions and color photos.


To complete this project as shown, you'll need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and mat, Christmas/Noel solutions cartridge, Cuttlebug with various embossing folders of your choice (optional), brown chalk ink, tan chalk ink, white chalk ink, 3D pop dots, glue dots, white gel pen, gold gel pen, brown fine-tipped marker, Diamond Stickles, plus basic tools and adhesive.


As with the "Snow Much Fun" kit, this "Happy Christmas" kit is $25 for the complete kit or $10 for the directions. The kit is available December 12th, and will ship on December 13th. If you previously ordered the "I Believe" kit or the "Live Simply" kit, these will all be ready at the same time, so it's easy to combine shipping and save some money.


To order either of these new kits, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. Be sure to include your state or zip code so I can calculate postage. Also let me know if you prefer that I send you a PayPal invoice, or if you'd rather mail a check.

Btw, just a little note about the future of this blog, classes, etc. My design team and I are planning on ramping up the blog very soon with more consistent posts. We'll show new projects, new tools and techniques, a video here and there and even regular give aways. So stay tuned for more info. Plus for you locals, we are planning on starting up classes again in February when we return from CHA. There's even talk of more consistent crop nights and retreats. It should be a fun and busy year!!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today, and I wish you a warm and magical Christmas!

I hope you all are enjoying the beautiful fall weather. It's my favorite time of year as we transition from the crisp autumn air to the chilly winter nights. Time to turn on the fireplace and cozy up with some hot cocoa! And in the spirit of the changing seasons, I'd like to introduce 2 new kits to you - one for fall, and one for Christmas! See details below. To order, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com.


This beautiful fall layout was designed by the Bling Queen herself - Wendy Lawrence. It uses Bo Bunny papers, and it's perfect for a wide range of family pictures. Included in the kit, you'll receive all of the papers and ribbon, plus brad, button and itop brad needed to complete the layout. You'll also get detailed directions with Cricut Cut Chart and color photographs.


To complete this project as shown, you'll need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and mat, Accent Essentials cartridge, Graphically Speaking cartridge, Cuttlebug with Swiss Dots embossing folder, brown chalk ink, dark green chalk ink, 3D pop dots, mini glue dots, white gel pen, brown marker, plus basic tools and adhesive.


The Live Simply kit above and the I Believe kit below are $25 each for the complete kit, or you can order just the detailed directions for $10 each. Shipping is available, and is $5 in California, or it ranges from $6-$9 in the rest of the US, depending on location. I'm happy to combine shipping, and you'll never pay more than $10 shipping, even if ordering multiple kits. There are several other kits in stock - just see the slide show at the top of this blog for a list and pictures of current inventory. These new kits will be available for local pick up on December 12th, and will start shipping to other locations on December 13th.


This dreamy layout was designed by Nana Susan Rees, and isn't it reminiscent of a snowy Christmas Eve night? Yes, Santa Claus is coming to town! It uses whimsical yet rich papers from My Mind's Eye, and features many delicious details, including plenty of texture and dual pull-out journal tags.


Included with this kit, you'll receive all of the patterned papers, cardstock, coordinating brads and ribbon, and rhinestones that you'll need to complete the layout. You'll also get detailed directions with Cricut Cut Chart and color photographs.


To complete this project as shown, you'll need the following supplies: Cricut Expression and mat, Christmas Cheer cartridge, Ashlynn's Alphabet cartridge, Cuttlebug with Swiss Dots and Snowflakes folders, brown chalk ink, 3D pop dots, white gel pen, hole punch for brads, Diamond Stickles, plus basic tools and adhesive.


To order either of these new kits, just email me at moniquegriffith@yahoo.com. Be sure to include your state or zip code so I can calculate postage. Also let me know if you'd prefer that I send you a PayPal invoice, or if you'd rather mail a check. Kits will ship by December 13th.


Thanks for stopping by today. And keep your eyes peeled because I'm going to be releasing 2 more Winter/Christmas kits soon!