Could You Use a Cricut Rescue?- The Story of the Cricut Cape

 
Awesome! Then I am your girl!  I even have a cape!

Cricut Rescue-pic
What? Yep, you heard me right.  Well, I casually mentioned in blog post the other day that I threw on my Cricut cape and went to work.  I was amused by that thought. Laughing out loud My imagination took me to a huge room where you could hear the chirping of the machines… music to my ears.  But then that sweet sound gave way to groans and grumbles as people struggled with their Cricut machines.  They were in such despair… Not knowing what all those buttons were for…how to clean a mat or even better, get it sticky again.
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(I have been known to look like this a time or two when I was trying to figure it all out.  Just ask my husband)

I pictured myself coming to their rescue! So many people have told me I should teach a Cricut class. I could see it now…STOP! Step away from the machine! I am here to save the day my crafty capers!

But wait! I need a cape!

Well, that snapped me right back to reality. I quickly texted my best friend and crafty girl, Trudy. Forgetting it was 8 am on a Saturday. Sleepy smile
Me: I need a Cricut Cape!!!
Me: With ruffles and trimmed in polka dots.
Trudy: What kind of ruffles? Any Colors?
Not, “what the freak do you need a Cricut Cape for?” That was until the phone rang.  It was Trudy. She thought I meant a cover for my Cricut ( she makes those and they are awesome!!) So, I told her my story and of course it all made sense to her!

 “Oh yeah, you need a cape!”
That’s why I LOVE HER! No judging, just giggling away and crafting a plan.  I was so looking forward to seeing her in a few weeks, with or without a cape. LOL!  So, she rolled up all ready to rock it out at Close to my Heart’s Regionals Celebration in Chicago.  Guess what she brought with her?? Capes for us!

OH MY! It was hard to wait, but we did. When Regionals came to an end we had to show them to everyone.  We caused quite a stir but that isn’t unusual! My ideas and her mad skills make us quite the pair!
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Here we are the Cricut Crusaders also known as “Cricut Craft-Savers”.
It’s really hard to get a good picture when your natural tendency while wearing a cape is
to fly around the room!
See, even our Close to my Heart VPs, Monica and Kristine had some fun with it!

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(Seriously?! Where else can grown women act like this? That’s why I LOVE my Close to my Heart family!)
Of course Trudy cut it all out on the Cricut. Right down to the dimensional bow which she cut out of fabric using the Cricut Artiste Cartridge! Of course, you have to have some bling!! SO CUTE! That girl is beyond talented! Wouldn’t you agree?

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So, now that I have a cape and I ain’t afraid to use it  Let me save you!
Leave me some Cricut love in the comment section and let me know I am not crazy. Or tell me I am and I am okay with that too!
Would you wear this cape??

And, I am off to save the crafting world..One Cricut at a time! Chirp Chirp!… see, I can’t stop!!
Blogger Labels: fabric on Cricut,Chicago Regionals Celebration,Close to my Heart,Cricut,Rescue,cape,Craft,,fabric,Artiste Cartridge,,Class

Autism Puzzle Piece Handmade Mini Notebooks


I LOVE helping people! I really love it when it saves them time and money.
There is some family out there thanking God that their mother, Cathy, Vice President of Autism Solution Pieces, found me.
WHY?

Well, if it wasn’t for me, they would be spending their Easter Break coloring and cutting out puzzle pieces for  ASP Fundraiser Event. I know how that goes! Believe me, as a teacher I drafted my family on more than one occasion for this type of “family bonding”. Funny, they never really saw it the way I did. My teenager would probably use words like “child labor” and “sweat shop” in moments like this.

Upon hearing that, I knew I had to save that poor family from that type of torture.  So, I put on my Cricut Cape and went to work.

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In about an hour I had a ton of pieces in all different sizes.
This puzzle piece shape along with 4 mini puzzles can be found on the
I have a serious issue with wasting paper- thus the name
“Blessed Scrapper.”
I am known for keeping scraps and giving them new life.
So, when using the Cricut Craft Room or my Gypsy to design something I fill every space I can. I thought the smaller ones would come in handy at some time.
                                                           and they did!!
I made some little notebooks for those wonderful ladies who volunteer so much of their time to helping families with Autism.
I started out with my favorite little composition books from the Dollar Store.
3/$1.00 and a great way to use up scraps.

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I made them in minutes, because that was all I had.  One of the them was on her way to pick the pieces up.  So I grabbed whatever scraps I had laying around and added the puzzle pieces and their initials.  The decorative zip strips from the papers really came in handy for these mini notebooks.
These little books were my way of thanking them for all of their hard work and all they are doing to help families with Autism. I like to do that. I think just recognizing people in little ways like that is fun. Especially volunteers!

One reads, together, we can move mountains and the other, On the Road to Paradise.   As a Christian I believe that.  This is just the pathway we are taking until we reach heaven (Paradise).
My journey, thus far, has been a long and interesting one. I will be sharing it this month to honor Autism Acceptance Month. I hope you’ll come back.

,Dollar Store Craft

CTMH April SOTM Blog Hop- My Sunshine!!

Welcome from Maureen’s Blog!  You are embarking on a wonderful journey into summer with the April stamp of the month, My Sunshine.

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  When I saw this set I was super excited and I knew exactly what I was going to do.  I made this layout that captures one of my favorite moments from last summer when we were at the Waterford Balloon Festival.
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I have to thank my Pinterest followers who keep repinning this sketch from my
“Scrap It Board” It kept reminding me that I wanted to use it. At least a version of it Smile
 
 
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new logo(Layered title done with Cricut Artiste. Cut letters in 2 different colors in same size and layer on the paper to shadow. EASY!!)

Stamp backgrounds on pennants with

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No Limits
In an attempt to replicate the colors of the balloon in the photo, I used markers.  Instead of stamping with ink I colored the individual blocks with markers and then stamped it. It turned out a little lighter than I would have liked, so I also went over the blocks with marker lightly again.
I cut the balloon again on yellow at 3” to mat the white balloon.
How does that work?
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Now you are off to find something wonderful at my buddy Carla’s blog.  Don’t forget you can only get this stamp through April 30th and that is NO FOOLING!!

Say Happy Spring With Bobble Head Easter Crafts

 Saying Happy “Spring” with an Easter Craft and FREE Patterns 
to help you make your own!

 I saw a version of this in Family Fun Magazine.  They showed how to make your spring and then it dawned on me that I finally knew what to do with our adhesive springs!

Watch my video below to see What goodies I have in my tray AND what I am going to make with them. I promise it’s super cute and you don’t want to miss it!

Can you guess what I am making by looking at my crafting tray?

Want to know how I made them, watch this tutorial!

Super quick tutorial on the Easter Bobble Head Craft

Thanks for watching! Here are the patterns. I am teaching this to my arts and crafts class so that’s why there are multiples. I think any teacher will appreciate this!

Bobble Head Bunny Pattern
Bobble Head Chicky Pattern
Shop now for adhesive springs!

Now, I would love to see your creations so be sure to link back!

If my Van Could Talk

Disclaimer: Sometimes I write this blog for you and sometimes it’s for me. This post may be a little of both…
She might be telling me off because recently we had to take her to pasture.  But I am also pretty sure she would thank me for letting her be a part of our lives. She has enough blackmail material she could write a book, maybe even get a MOVIE deal ( at least on Lifetime) on all of the things she saw and heard over her 11 year span.
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Every passing of MCDONALDS ended up in screaming FRENCH FRIES!!!! CHICKEN NUGGETS!
Kenny Chesney- the only CD that would calm her down
Plenty of arguments, “Who’s driving, am I driving? GREAT! then let me drive!” most likely heard on one of the many trips we took to Arkansas when my parents moved there to retire, Kansas, Iowa.  So glad we had that time together as we lost several great aunts in that time span.
We sent Scott off to war and welcomed him home after 1 long year and a week! 
MANY DIY projects which required MANY trips to Home Depot.
All of the second hand furniture and vintage treasures we picked up at rummage sales and at the end of people’s driveways.

The best was when we had chairs tied to the top and looked like we were the Beverly Hill Billie’s while pulling up along side the mercedes next to us.

All the vendor events with Leaving Prints and then Close to my Heart.
Many heart to heart talks with Savana after a song would play that would spark a conversation.
I bet she will never forget the many trips to New Berlin Therapies when Sofie was receiving speech, OT and PT. We would crank SUPER CHICK and sing a the top of our lungs,
We ARE A THOUSAND VOICES STRONG! WE ARE THE GIRLS WHO SING THIS SONG- WE ARE SO BEAUTIFUL!
Lots of girl power was gained in those trips.
How bout Omaha? I will never forget when I was on the phone with Scott calling from some duty station and I was so distracted I drove the complete opposite way of home and didn’t realize it until my grandma saw a sign that said “OMAHA” was coming up.
OOPS! Wrong way!! and so many more….
11 years of moments and memories- thanks Girl! We’ll Miss You!!

Floral Happiness SOTM Blog Hop


Welcome from Krista’s Blog. So glad you stopped by!
Even I , who adores floral was a little perplexed about how to use it.  Until of course I used it! So much fun! Now I have a bunch of ideas and can’t wait to see what everyone else has made!
I am big on making things for my walls lately. So, this time it’s a 6×6 canvas that looks a little bit more like spring in the country
Happiness is
I also used my new favorite background stamp set for the chicken wire.
Floral Paper from Chantilly- I distressed it to tone down the bright colors in hopes that it would look like old torn wallpaper.
Barn wood Paper is from Dakota

Here is the entire 16 piece stamp set!

Now you are on to Pamela’s Blog for more inspiration!

Canvas Art Kit from Close to my Heart


You’ve seen it, you admire it and say you would love to do something like this. But where to start? How about a kit that includes the supplies and a full color instruction guide?  This is one of the newest kits I now have available in my store. 
Watch the video below to see the options you have with this versatile kit!

Here is a great video from Close to my Heart. Enjoy! Then go right on over to my website and order your kit today! OR contact me to plan a class for you and your friends!

Custom Craft Organization With CTMH

The first thing I thought of when I saw this was ORGANIZATION for my runaway crafty supplies.
Invention is the mother of all necessity right? Well, I found it very necessary to find a way to corral all my “ROGUE”  chipboard letters.  If I don’t see them I won’t use them. Plus, it is just easier, more fun and definitely cuter!!

My Creations Cubby Graphic

So, how did I get there?
It was rather easy!
1. Remove the chipboard dividers and paint.
Did you know they came out???
So, you can paint them, cover them with paper, stamp on them, you name it!
I used black spray paint.  But the can I used left a mess.
I LOVE my craft heater! It was created for impatient crafters like me to speed up the drying process!!
But then! I just saw my splatter spots that much sooner! Sad smile
2.  I inked up a sponge with Black Staz On and went over those edges and spots.
It worked like a charm!!
3. Then I used regular transparencies and cut the boxes using the
Cricut Artiste Cartridge.
(It was my friend’s idea to make them clear.  An even better chance of my using them).
4. After scoring I started to adhere the box with Liquid Glass
but it slid around and didn’t hold well.
Used my Tombow and worked like a charm. BUT! you could see the tape line.
I made it pretty with Washi Tape. Which also secured the outside of the boxes.
5. I grabbed some 1 3/4 scalloped circles I had cut on the Cricut, as well as the coordinating stamp.
(the Kudos stamp that comes with Artiste Collection would work fabulous with this!)
I grabbed my FAVORITE paper from the For Always Collection.  It matches my craft room perfectly. Fun, functional and fancy!  Here is the finished product. I LOVE having these at my fingertips and am using them more now!  I also am making a second organizer for shapes.  Then of course I kept having other ideas pop into my head.  The possibilities are endless!
Now it’s your turn!
What would you like to organize in here?
Did this spark more creative organization ideas?
Want to make your own?
Do you use your crafting supplies to make things to organize your supplies?

Valentine’s Day!-9 Projects to Show Love

 

 

 

Except ME Apparently!  Here is the rewind of events! Hand Stamped Chocolate Holders Started off the month hand stamping 30 chocolate holders for my cousin, who gave them to her clients for Valentine’s Day.         Prepared Valentine Tree Kits for the Kids Arts and Crafts Class. Everything was cut with the Cricut! Ended up being cancelled for SNOW!

Open House On Sat. Feb. 9 we held our open house and guests had a choice or what color heart to use.  This was easy peasy with the Cricut Artiste Cartridge and the killer swing cards they have on there. Cut, Fold and make it pretty.

I also taught a chalkboard technique for the inside of the card. Future post coming, Simple Be Mine Plate Decoration with Vinyl and you guessed it, the Cricut Artiste Cartridge!

I also had found this cake stand a while back at Good Will. It had mint green ribbon running through it and hanging charms. That was a bit too fancy for my taste. So, I threaded my absolute favorite ribbon through it instead.

 

Now on to T-Shirts with Heat Transfer Vinyl Having a 14 year old daughter means being enlightened by all sorts of silly things. When you see the shirt, you will most likely know what I am talking about. Courtesy of You Tube! Her friend saw some similar shirts on Etsy and wanted to make these. In steps SUPER MOM with her cape and her GYPSY!! Laughing out loud Heat transfer vinyl is da-bomb- diggity! Just remember flip and glossy side down. Sadly, we wasted a lot of vinyl learning this lesson.

Then! 2 days before Valentine’s Day JUST WHEN I THOUGHT I GOT OFF SCOTT FREE the dreaded email came from Sofie’s teacher. They are having a Valentine’s Party! UGH! Refer to shirt! We started a week ahead last year if you’ll recall. So, I went to my trusty Pinterest board and found this I  ended up with….

  1. Pencils from the Dollar Store,
  2. Hearts cut with the Cricut
  3. Typed the saying “You’re the Write One”
  4. and a hope and a prayer we could get these done!

Sofie typed out her friend’s names and glued them on and then stamped her name. Which made the process much faster. She is not capable of writing all of those names and hers in an evening!

I taught the Valentine tree at class on Valentine’s Day. I had to make a little something for my group. It’s not fancy, but it was DONE! Also found this idea on Pinterest.

Did I mention the morning of Feb. 14 my best friend who moved to Michigan decided to pop in???? It was the BEST Valentine present EVER!!!   This does not include our own little family celebration the evening of.   Believe it or not, I didn’t take any pictures! So, I guess in the end, I did have time for Valentine’s Day. I am glad I was able to help others show their love or not so much love in my teenager’s case.   I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine’s season too! When did this holiday get so big? I blame it on BLOGGERS and PINTEREST! What do you think? Leave a comment and tell me about it! Until next time- Sarita

Home Sweet Home- Feb. Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! 

We will be featuring February’s SOTM, Home Sweet Home, a set of 4 stamps.

If you have come here from JILL’s BLOG you are on the right path!

The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here 

and work your way all around. 

  • Over 60 consultants showcasing artwork!

    Look for LOTS of NEW STUFF from the NEW Idea Book!

     This is simple to do – just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! 

Here we go!

I am a classic girl and CTMH has answered my prayers 
with a gorgeous black and white paper pack!
Yes! There will be lots more of this in my future! For now, is the above wall art I made.
I embossed the stamped image in white.
The frame I have had FOREVER and never could find the right picture. 
So, I covered the opening with my art.
I hope you enjoyed!

Now you can keep hopping over to see what the wonderful creation Angela has for you on her blog!

OR you can read some more!

I LOVE this set! All the hard work of TYPOGRAPHY is done for you. What is typography you ask? If you follow my Wordy Wise board on Pinterest you probably have seen a lot of it.  Some refer to it in the crafting world as Subway Art. Here is the definition.

typography-revised-word

So, you can see how this qualifies!

Look at this artwork from Close to my Heart. So endearing! This stamp look great “dressed up” OR just simply stamped. Look at that muslin drawstring bag! JUST one of the new products in the Spring Summer Idea Book.
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