Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Starting off fresh for the New Year!

First of all welcome, welcome to anyone here!! if your dropping by or visiting on occasion, I'm glad your here! Been busy this month!  
First off, Merry Christmas!! to everyone!  I hope that you had a joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus.  A happy time, winter in the air!  A very nippy 48 degrees outside and a light rain in Mesa tonight!   I figured it was time to make a comeback!  

First of all, I am happy to say I am the proud mama of a Champagne Expression! I guess I should be giving out die cut cigars right now! The other Cricut children include an Imagine and the original Personal. I am not the most saavy in knowing how everything works, but I'm working on it!  I love reading about new cartridges and new breakthroughs in the PC world (That's Provo Craft not Personal Computer)  I will admit though another addition has also been the little Sizzix Texture Boutique.  Yes, CB folders  work with the Sizzix!  I am looking forward to the embossing adventure with great anticipation!  Distrez it all has also come into my crinkled little paws so that will be a blast too!  I'll take you along for the ride as I will be updatting weekly and trying to have a few projects to add here and there!  Looking forward to it already.

Cricut Imagine has been a little bit of a touch and go situation and I'm trying to get accostomed to the little quirks and temperments (IT HAS MANY) It is a little more delicate than the E or P and if you push the wrong button it could be a disaster! So I am trying to figure out what's what on this and I will keep those interested and updated on that situation.  

HOME LIFE:  Everyone is happy and healthy!  My eldest is putting in an new engine for his 240SX and has been busy with that project since Christmas Day! I'm hoping that will be over soon but we may be looking at a major renovations where his vehicle is concerned!  It is an awsome car and has a lot to go. Thankfully many of the items he wanted, wheels, exhaust system and the new engine itself are ready and waiting!  #2 son is still working on the whole Potty training thing.  He does well when mom and dad are not around but when we are...that's when it happens!  Cross your fingers on that one!  Santa was kind to him despite the few occasions when I heard, 'Go Away mommy I don't want you!  I want daddy'!  Ah yes the words every mother wants to hear.  He usually apologizes afterword but that is touch and go! My darling hubby was on his best behavior this year and he got loads from Santa this year! 

me?  I'm okay, I'm still living with multiple problems and getting by with as little strain as possible.  Crafting takes me away to a world where I feel normal.  

I have a few goodies on my blog today.  I have photos from the cards I worked on this year, the tags I made and the Let it snow!  white out challenge!  

These are the cards I made for Christmas this year 

This card was done for a friends Cricut challenge.  It stated: Cuts are from the Winter Woodland cartridge ONLY (No other images from other carts are allowed). You must use the deer on page 55, the trees on page 37 and the phrase on page 66 (either base or shadow/blackout) ONLY.
Many more fun challenges and talk can be found at Scrapbook.com



These next 18 are a grouping using Basic Grey - Wassail Collection - 12 x 12 Layout Kit and Bazzill craft paper 12x12 cardstock.

These 6 included; Bazzill  In-Stitch'z Collection - Stitching Template Granny Stitches, 12 x 12 Cardstock - Canvas Texture - Pomegranate and Aspen, Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads - Aged Mohageny and Pine Needles, Tattered Angels glimmer mist - Suede, Sandylion Essentials - poinsettias, old button jar button, Cricut, carts used: George and Basic Shapes



These 6  Bazzill   12 x 12 Cardstock - Canvas Texture - Pomegranate and Aspen, Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads -  Frayed Burlap, Old Paper, Aged Mohageny and Pine Needles, Tattered Angels glimmer mist - Suede, Prima - Sugarplum Roses Collection - Flower Embellishments - Cinnamon, Brad buddies, Hot off the press - Christmas Mugs and Iced Gingerbread Men, Sandylion Essentials - poinsettias, cotton lace and ribbons from Ribbons and Lace , Cricut carts used: Christmas Cards, gold dipped leaf from trinket bottle and a homemade wool rose
 


Range ink Glossy Accents, Bazzill 12 x 12 Cardstock - Canvas Texture - Pomegranate and Aspen,Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads -  Aged Mohageny, Pine Needles, Frayed Burlap, Old Paper, Forest Moss and Walnut Stain, Sandylion Essentials - poinsettias, Tattered Angels gilimmer mist - Suede and Green Apple, cotton lace and ribbons from  Ribbons and Lace , Cricut, carts used: Winter Lace, Christmas Cards, Bazzill  In-Stitch'z Collection - Stitching Template Granny Stitches, Prima - Sugarplum Roses Collection - Flower Embellishments - Cinnamon




These next three cards were made with the Imagine. Cricut cart Winter Frolic was used for these:





This card was inspired from a class where I made 12 other cards!
To see these cards visit Master Scrapbook Designs - Susan Mast
 


This card was inspired by a very special person who hopefully will receive this latest on FRIDAY!  Thank goodness we are friends! 


 Next of course I have my tags that I made for a swap.  Yes a swap atScrapbook.com:


Last but not least I have the LO from the Let it Snow- color challenge at Scrapbook.com, total white out! That was truly a challenge! I choose the lil bugs 1st trip to the snow!   Click for a close up!  


And that brings me up to date!  Any questions or 'q's send me a msg or leave a comment I'd be glad to answer as quickly as I get it. 


Bye for now,
Maryann

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Cricut Imagine is here and where to find help. ***SPECIAL UPDATE

The Cricut Imagine is out!!!  So far the new owner evaluations are  between the pro's and the con's (see HSN Imagine listing and some new owners speak out!).  There are some who have already sent thier Imagine back and wait for a new one! There are others who have had no problems with it and love their new Imagine!  I will keep you updated!  

Places where to find help:

 this is the actual Cricut forum spot set up JUST FOR IMAGINE owner help!
Imagine tech support forum 

this is a list of videos over the last 24 hours for the Imagine
list of you tube videos for Cricut Imagine 

I will be updating this every day for the next week or so.  I hope this helps someone.  

Thursday there were no updates but Today I have a few of my own...
I called:

Gypsy Q:  updates for the Gypsy and the Imagine won't be ready untill end of the month, mid October.  Till then?  trudge through the carts and know that it won't be an issue after October.

Outline:  To outline as the artist intended.  use default.  For a larger outline use the custom and you can increase the line that way and give it a different color!  Outline currently only be used with the Imagine cartridges.  Sorry, no update on that one.  
Mats:  No, we are not crazy.  Some of the mats are a little difficult but the adhesive does increase with use.  Do try to use a plastic scrapper on the mat and then a quick wipe with a warm water cloth.  DO NOT DRY.  let it dry.  There should be some sticky then.  If not?  Call Support

Imagine:  It is a computer.  Be kind.  Pushing too many buttons at the same time can confuse your Imagine.  If it starts to get fussy try shutting it off, unplug and then get it going again after 5-10 minute pause.  It should come back to normal.  Otherwise call the Cricut Support. 

Paper/Cardstock:  Trial and error.  It is suggested to use the 70 lb paper/cardstock.  Once again if it is lighter paper/cardstock?  Try a slower speed and/or lower depth on the blade.  

Other Q's?
 Cricut Support
Monday-Friday, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (MST)
Cricut suppport: 801-932-1144
Toll Free: 877-7CRICUT (877-727-4288)
Fax: 801-794-9001
email: support@Cricut.com

Be patient, they are swampped with phone calls.  I waited for 8 minutes. 
NO QUESTION IS STUPID!!  So they sit and laugh about it on a coffee break.  No problem.  You got your question answered that is all that counts! 

Good Luck!  Heck!  Send me an e-mail, I might be able to help or learn something new!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

A do nothing week...NOT

I've been overtired, a little cranky and not feeling at all like doing stuff! Duncan has been getting into trouble again. Justin well, his birthday is coming up so he is on his best. Ross has been busy! He is making me something and once he is done I'll know and you'll know! All the laundry got folded and put away! There is my accomplishment YAHOO! I did do something!
Now for the goods:

Scrappin

I got an IMAGINE 8 min into the HSN debut! Yes, I was so excited I could not stop pacing and saying I can't believe it! Here's how it happened. I was watching, My hubby was to and he said 'Are you going to get it or what?' I said OK. while on the phone with the rep he shouted out to me ' get the paper too!' I said 'how about the extended warranty?' and he said, ' yeah, that too'! I got other bits during the 24 hour scrapping on HSN (that could explain why I was tired the next day)!

I got a few carts Very Merry Tags and Life's a Beach today! hurray! I shopped for some stuff at my LSS, Scrapbook etc. Then the worse happened! While I was there I found out I missed my class ! Susan came out and said hello then said I missed her class! My jaw dropped and I was bummed the rest of the time! She gave me the packet and I now have fall and Halloween pop up cards to make! I'm looking forward to that and I am sure I will be calling you soon coffeejavalatte!

Quilting

Yes, shopping does count! While at LSS I got some thread I needed to continue the baby quilt. I got some basting spray at Joann's . I have the second border done...oh that was last week. Well, I am planning on doing something! This is the week, I feel it! and as soon as I can I will go climb a big mountain too! I need to finish the baby quilt. Well one good thing! I got the card finished for the baby quilt! 

OK, all I did was shop but that is exhausting too! The fact that I did shop for scrapping and quilting items. So HA!


Till next we meet. Same Bat time, same bat channel!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

HANNAH MONTANA CARTRIDGE GIVE AWAY!!!

This is not my normal BLOG day but had to put this out there! I really like this cartridge and have been wanting it for the fonts!  It is primarily fonts. Cute other bits on there like 'Pop Star', 'Rock' (that one is pretty nice!), 'Daddy's Girl', and 'Princess'! 

I'm not a fan really. Well she is a sweet kid and does sing well but as far as getting a t-shirt and writing fan-mail (unless my 3 year old wants me to) is concerned, I won't be doing that anytime soon (Sorry Miley).  

Hit  Hannah Montana Cartridge Give Away  (<-- here) and Good Luck!! 

Toddles!!!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

97°F, Current: Partly Cloudy Wind: SW at 7 mph Humidity: 8% Gotta love AZ

Another relatively bright afternoon here folks.  The kids are napping (Bug, dad and dog), and it is time for the big updates!  

Progress repot for the Baby Bear is here! Most all the classes (okay English was a 78%) had above the 90% mark! That is BIG news here!  Graduation is this year (May 2011) so this is always panic time for many parents. Yes, even those straight A's and high scores off the charts types too!  I think it has to do with the stress of Graduation and getting out into that big, bad world out there! 
 
The bug has been a bit over the top the past few days!  Really defiant, loud and telling stories of how the dog did it and he did not.  He does not know about that opposing thumbs deal with dogs.  Basically we KNOW he did it! He is definitely bent on making our lives as interesting as possible.  

Ross got SOOOO much accomplished this week!  He finished the closet doors for Bug's room and the the bedroom door as well.  He had this wild idea of three colors and I thought.  Okay, I'll bite.  He did it and looks terrific!  Pictures will come when we finally have the border up because the paint choices don't make any sense without it! 

I did not cook dinner at all this week. Not boasting but bumming about that. Had a rough week before then the weekend trip tends to wipe me out as well so this week when I was able to do something I worked on the quilt and the new baby's card!  


Scrappin':

another scrapless week. Oh NO! I lied (now we know where he gets it from, darn!) I've been to the closeout sale (do sales count?)  of one of the lovely stores I visited,  'A Scrappin Affair'.  I was very sad to hear that they were closing and had hoped to see them again at another location but that did not happen.  Duncan went with me and it was chaos.  A narrow path with stuff in nice, and simple displays.  To move items from a small shop to the back of another place where the room you have is a quarter the size of said original store?  TOUGH DEAL!  I dealt with a few loud "I want to go home", "I want daddy" and of course "carry me"! I made an additional visit on Friday, ALONE and shopped a for additional goodies. I have more CS (like I did not have enough already) paper, embellies and pens. 

I am working on a card for my cousin to give her with the quilt.  There is stitching on it and has some of the colors of the quilt on it.  My cousin is not big on the baby colors and pastel deal.  She likes bright and bold. I have given her that!  I'll show a pic of that card to come once completed!  

Before I forget!  Today is the 9/11 Blog Hop starting at Pink Cricuts!  Start there and you will get instructions on your next stop! Great Give aways and terrific stops at each blog!  GO!   9/11 Blog Hop
 
Quilting:

Here is a picture of the progress thus far.  Second border not sewn on but it gives you an idea of how it is to look:

 Lots of fun working on a baby quilt!  It does not freighten the newbie in me as much as the first one I did.  The fact that it is a gift still makes me a little squeamish about making it. I have done the first border in white and the second will be done in the same fabric patterned squares as are in the quilt blocks.  I am sure I will be finished with the second border soon! (Crossing Fingers!) 




 

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Over the river (okay canal) and through the woods (it is called a forest! There is desert, cactus...SAME THING), to grandmothers house we go!

Hurray for us! There was no stress about house cleaning and baby for 2 nights and 2 days (we are normally responsible for the 1st night)! A holiday weekend and we actually WENT somewhere! Yes, a two hour drive is going somewhere especially when it means a temperature drop anywhere from 10 to 25 degrees in some cases! That means a whole lot when you find yourself soaked from just stepping out the front door to freezing when you get out of the car! My cousin had her baby! YAHOOO!! A little girl as adorable to imagine! I saw that my cousin's strength was starting to get a bit low and the whole " I'm doing great" turned to "when is this going to be over". I'm happy to say mom and new baby girl are doing fine as are daddy and the new big brother!

SCRAPPIN'

Funny but I actually did do something this week! My poor exhausted cousin came over to pick up her son and do a family page for his 1st day at preschool! I worked with her, got out the Gypsy, did a few cuts while she watched on and had Braxton Hicks! And no picture, can you believe that?  You would think after the last mini disaster I would remember to pull out the camera and say cheese.  SHEESH!

QUILTING

This week has been a big 'not much done week'. Aside from putting on the
first border and taking it off again because it was not done right. Ah yes, the newbie in me strikes again. I read two different ways to do a metered border now for you gals who have been doing this like puting on your slip on shoes, I'm sure you are laughing. But there are those who do not quite match your expertise and abilities. Yup, I'm one of those! I've done two quilt borders and they both have been squared corners. This is my first mitered so bare with me!

Hope those who read are doing well, staying healthy last but not least, Scrappin' and Quilting there hearts out!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Yahoooooo! It is Saturday!!

I keep thinking that every Saturday is a holiday because I get to sleep in just a little! 

Keeping busy, on my toes and this is the first time in a long time I've really been able to type!! Had some problems due to the weather but been feeling better than weeks past. 

The Bug had his first sleepover!  Big day and night on Wednesday.  We are the official on call people for my cousin when she has another big moment in life to celebrate!  Just a false alarm but the boys (her son and my son) had a great time!  They are only 6 weeks apart and it's nice to see the two of them growing up together! 


Scrapbooking:

I joined in on a scraplift for August.  That was fun! 


 Page 16, scroll down to newazscrapper (Pic of my babies) and you will see my layout and the layout that I scraplifted.  I can't wait till September! 


Quilting

Worked on my cousins baby quilt.  That is rough work!  The whole idea of giving this to someone as a gift!  I think I was really intimidated by that.  I did not want to make a mess of the fabric and I did not feel comfortable sewing!  I managed to get over the anxiety and have complete the blocks!  Now assembly and borders and I will have a quilt front!  

 

Sunday, August 22, 2010

WOW! A scrappin' we will go!

I am so very proud of myself!  I finished sandwiching Duncan's 1st quilt, cut the fabric on my cousins baby's quilt, cut fabric for a 'test' quilt, and finished a Layout in uhh, a week?  Yup a week!  YEA ME!  

So wear is all this stuff?  waiting to be sewn, waiting to be photographed and I'm waiting for a good moment to do all this stuff!  

But on a super note I actual feel better than I have in days despite the weather!  Not a bad thing considering it is the end of monsoon season here! 

This is to let anyone know that has visted recently that September 14th is the BIG DAY on HSN!!!  

CRICUT IMAGINE
will be making it's BIG debut!  I'm excited!  Why?  Because it is the end of the summer, Fall is upon us and around the corner is winter and Christmas!  Who doesn't want one of these under there tree??  I currently have a personal and have been wanting an Expression.  I've uh, changed my mind?  I wrote Santa a letter stating that my last list has been updated and enclosed was the updated list.  I'm sure he has read it.  Hopefully everyone who expected an Expression with tons of carts has done the same.

CRICUT IMAGINE  will work with all the regular carts, with the gypsy and have the regular perks of our CREATE AND EXPRESSIONS With one unique factor...ability to print and in color! There will be a few carts expressly designed for the lovely machine and the printing feature is courtesy of our buddies at HP.   Exciting News for the CRICUT CREW wait on baited breath for new toys to play with!

A fond adieu to one and all! Until Next time when I will finally have something photographed and blog updated! 

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Why I should WIN a Cricut Imagine...

I deserve to win a  Cricut Imagine because I am a mommy of a 3 year old and I plan to get as involved with his school activities and such as much as I can! So simple to say, heard many times before but with me it's just a little different.

In 2003 my 9 year old son and I had a major car accident.  He had minor injuries.  I did not do as well.  I became physically disabled and was no longer able to work.  My world changed.  Ironically 2 years later, I met my husband and we married a year after that!

One year, one day other medical problems and 6 painful, tiring months later we were blessed with a baby! Because of his size he needed time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  I noticed in each individual area was a 12x12 colorful page with a picture of the baby, foot print, birth information and parents' names.  The title: Welcome to Banner Mesa NICU.  The nurse walked in and I told her that I was admiring all of the scrapbook styled signs above the incubators.  She said, "I'm so sorry! I've been gone and hadn't started yours!"  She asked me to join the NiCU Mommies Crop Night.  I did!  The baby was released 9 days later, next day we moved into our new home.  

I loved having a craft to document and create memories of our family!  That Christmas I received a Cricut Personal!  My first creation was a Disney Mickey door hanger for my eldest.  Shortly thereafter the medical issues and pain worsened.  I spent days in bed and was not able to put a scrap page together.  By January, I was barely able to take care of our new baby.  

After 2 years, diagnosed with lupus, various implanted gadgets, I felt well enough to dust off my scrap table and get back to work on baby journals and photo sorting!  That brings us to February 2010!  With painful hands and occasional fingers locking I do my best on layouts with my Cricut personal!  I use it for EVERYTHING I CAN!  I've a few more cartridges, and Gypsy.  So long as I pace myself, I'm fine.

I'm not too busy anymore, I do not work, nor able to.  I have time for my sons, my husband and my Cricut Crafting.  I thought (NEED) to get an Expressions eventually but raising two boys takes its toll on a budget.  I saw Imagine and thought: NOW WHAT DO I DO??  I hope that you read this and choose me for an Imagine!!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Happy Days!!

Bug celebrated his 3 birthday! Hubby and I celebrated 4 years of marriage the day before.  It has been difficult this week as a flare up has been one of the worse! My fault though.
Saturday the 31st we had a renter leave our place in a state that appeared beyond repair and cleaning! At 4:00 in the afternoon, finding someone to do a '911' job is impossible. Although if we are ever in need of a Bio-clean (one of those groups who cleans murder scenes/crime messes) I now have a phone number! We were off to the supermarket for a rug doctor then home to gather supplies. I called my parents and my aunt was visiting as well so they hopped in the car and helped too! There we all were cleaning the condo and doing our best to make it presentable until necessary repairs could be made. I can honestly say that the bio-clean guys probably would have been the best choice in this situation based on some of the 'messes' we found.  
One week after that fun job and I'm still not feeling the best but I am not feeling like I did this past Monday either!  

SCRAPPING
I have not done A THING!  Well, not entirely true, I cleaned up MY little corner of my hub-bubs office  and thought about the layout for cutting some chipboard. 

QUILTING
I FINALLY finished a quilt! Okay, it's the doggy quilt but that's okay, accomplishment comes in baby steps sometimes.  Four blocks sewn together, quilted with batting, backing and a label...technically that is a quilt!  Each block is a 10" x 10" and the name of the block is 'Children's Delight'.  I printed the block pattern from Quilters Cache.  This place is an excellent resource for block patterns and quilting information.  Thank You Marcia Hohn, you are WONDER WOMAN (note, all caps)! 
Here are some pics:
 Front was made with holiday scraps in brown and white, binding with green.












Back is made with  the same white scrap fabric on front and label has a machine stitched green leaf border. The lettering flowers and cross stitch  border between the date and quilter information hand stitched in 18 count Aida fabric.    
            










I had fun doing this and learned a great deal from it. Now to go forward, bind my big quilt and start another!  Bye for now

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Back for More!

HOME FRONT
Bug is having a growth spurt sleep cycle - What a relief!! Hubby has been a bit tired lately too (he is the Middle Of The Night go-to person). Justin is working a lot and has FINALLY decided to work on his car (long story...another time)!A couple of days now I've been bouncing, well not bouncing literally more like hobbling, from scrappin' to quilting.


Scrapp News: I have completed the 'Au Naterel' and will be posting that together with Grandma and Grandpa layouts in the next couple of days. look for me at My Place to the right! Working on an idea and will post it HERE once it is completed! It is a mini-scrapbook for purse use and grandma grab outta the sack and show off type of thing!

Quilt News: I have NOT started the binding on my first quilt BUT (and a very large one I might add...) I have almost completed the dogs quilt! Almost done with the binding and accomplished the corners with few problems. Label time around the Corner!! Hurrah! (no military affiliation, just like saying it)

That's it for now!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

First Day in Blogland!

First time Blogging. So stay with me here. I love scrapbooking and have just learned how to quilt. There is so much to learn but I have to take my time. I am a mommy of 2. Bug is going to be 3 and Baby Bear, well, not such a Baby anymore at !7.

I have some disabilities that make typing and the above crafting a little difficult but on good days and when Bug is busy with Big Daddy I can work at my own pace.

The disabilities? Where do I start? Diabetes technically this is not a disability until complications set in and that is where I am. Lupus (newly diagnosed) once again not a disability but the arthritis makes it impossible to do things sometimes! Chronic Pain (from an accident in 2003) this one actually counts as a true disability! I suffered a leg injury that basically makes walking a little difficult. Mall trips include a wheelchair. Short doctor visits and grocery shopping (when I can) with a cane. I have a few devices that make living easier. Insulin pump for the diabetes, implanted nerve stimulator, implanted pain medication pump.

I plan on having bits about information I have, info that I get and info about other blogs and sites that I find on scrapping ( Cricut ROCKS!! ) and quilting. The icky stuff? I don't talk about that too much but when asked I will answer!