Mama Scrapper In AZ

GIVEAWAY ALERT North East of Arizona!

2011-02-20T01:05:00.000-08:00

Meredith is having her first giveaway!! Congrats Meredith!

Click on the above link "Memories By Merdith" then look for the February 10th Entry to enter and win!

Good Luck!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2011-02-19T01:03:00.000-08:00

Ask me if I'm not excited!!! I got yummy cupcakes from where else? Cupcakes! Some hunny loves me! I had hinted at that one and didn't want anything more but today I got a Vermont Teddy Bear too!

"Love at first Bite!" His teeth retract as all good vampires do! Isn't he gorgeous? So is the hubby who got him for me! I am a big vampire fanatic.

I need to add that I did had to go to the ER for my pinkie. With all the wild things that have been happening with my meds, lupus, diabetes and pain problems, I did not have much of a choice. That evening I hit a 10+ on the scale! I'm getting spots again on my head! Those things are awful! Methotrexate is on the agenda so I need to make an appointment with my RA to get started. I'm not feeling good about this medication move but the other stuff is not helping with the swelling. I guess that means the lupus is taking a step in it's direction. I know that I will get better again but I'm afraid of the problems that can occur taking the Methotrexate. This is the moment that I pray and leave everything up to Him! Good news is after 6 weeks of a bad cold, I'm FINALLY over it.:D

okay, now for the goods...

QUILTING:
Sewing sort of counts! I am starting the Jeans Pocket Hanger for Martica's Swap! I am keeping busy! I am dusting off the sewing machine for that so if I'm pulling it out of retirement I am going to make this TOATALLY worth it! That means I will be on scrap hiatus for a while.

SCRAPP'N: All kinds of good bits tonight!

Homemade Anti Static Bag for Ebossing! EASY TOO!

a clean pair panty hose or a single stocking
baby powder or corstartch ( I like the smell of the baby powder especially if I'm dealing with icky smelling stuff)
A tall glass

Cut the top off the pantyhose as far up the leg as you can. or just to where the reinforced bit starts. Put the toe of the stocking inside the glass about 4 inches hanging inside. pour in the powder or cornstarch enough to fill an inch or of the toe. Carefully pull out the stocking and twist the top twice making a ball at the toe where the powder is. pull the other side over the ball and twist twice again. Continue to do this till you have a enough to make a knot at the end.

I left enough at the end made my knot then made a lace flower but before I tied the ends to make the flower I put it arount the knot and then pulled the ends of the string around it making the top a nice little grasp flower! :) For those who have never made a ribbon/lace flower:
http://www.scrapbook.com/videos/?m=view&v=1299&c=1&w=ribbon+flower

A super HUGE thank you to Linda Israel for this information! SHE IS AN INCREDIBLE ARTIST!! http://lindaisrael.com/2010/06/13/how-to-make-an-anti-static-bag-for-embossing/

Okay! What got done for Valentines? WOW! Last week was my lil bugs party and I did 10 mailboxes (11 if you count the dog), the same amount in Valentine cards and a Valentine for Hubby!

Mailboxes for Valentines

This is one of the 11 mailboxes that I made for the Preschool Valentines celebration! As I said I used Cricut cartridge LOVESTRUCK 2010 and the Expressions to cut! I used Bazzil Prismatics-White for the Mailbox. Doted Swiss-Ballet Up was used for the hearts on the flag and the mailbox door. Monochromatic-Raven was used for the name, and Pomegranate for the flag and closure heart on mailbox. I know that I should have done more but the hands were a bit swollen and were not doing what I would have liked. They were perfect as is!

Valentine for Hubby 2010

This the card I made Valentines 2010 for my handsome hubby! The Lavena ribbon on the sides and the closure ribbon is from our wedding! The knife for cutting the cake was decorated and I took the ribbons, the flower with rhinestone and the lavender beaded baubles from that very piece to make this Valentine! Here's a good question for Hubby when you give him this: "Do you recognize any of the stuff on your Valentine"?

The cardstock is all Bazzill! I know that the card was made with Bling-Infatuation, the White hearts are Prismatic-White. I believe that the Red heart is Prismatic-Red Carpet. But not sure about the lavendar hearts! :o(

This is this Years card!

I am learning to Emboss, hence the Anti Static bag above! And I really wanted to do all kinds of things I've not done. I embossed the front with a stamp, "I Cherish our Friendship, an I will love you now, and forever". I embossed on a pink velum from a Making Memories-Watercolor Brite pack (I've never used velum before this). I placed the velum over a fun Valentines printed paper, Fancy Pants Designs-Love Birds Collection - Only One. The card and 3" heart are Bazzill Monochromatic- Pomegranate and the 1" heart is Monochromatic- White. The printed paper was cut with Martha Stewart, large punch around the page-Double Arches.

Handmade Flower Swap

http://www.scrapbook.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/1550127/tp/1/

From left to right top: The first is ribbons and lace, some were smaller white lace flower with the same black lace flower. The flower center done with stickles as is the entire flower. Here is an excellant video to make the flowers: http://www.scrapbook.com/videos/?m=view&v=1299&c=1&w=ribbon+flower TIP: To achieve length of ribbon or lace to make flower, multiply the width of the ribbon or lace by 12 then you will have the length in inches to cut it! The Center is a paper flower. This was made with Bazzill Prismatics, Raven and the printed paper is Lily Bee Design-Christmas Town Collection- Night Divine. The last on top is a quilled (my version of a pansy) in black and red. Quilling is relatively easy for those with working fingers! For quilling there are a few items you need! My suggestion is to purchase a kit, it contains two types of quill tools (purple), tweezers, circle measure with ruler, quilling strips, glue, detailed beginner instructions on quilling and a few instructions on how to make a few finished quilled items, a few cards and frames last but not least you have a wonderful clear and purple container to keep it all in for future quilling use! Just google search 'quilling kit'. I did that and there are some for $20. WOW, that was a mouthful! The bottom row from left to right: The first is ribbons and lace done with light blue lace with dark blue satin ribbon. The Center is a paper flower. I used Bazzill Prismatics Nautical Blue Light and the printed paper is We Are Memory Keepers-Old Glory paper pack (using that stock!) the last on the bottom is a felt rose in dark blue. I used stickles Stary Night for a little sparkle.

To make the paper puffy flower: I used the Cricut Cartridge Mothers Day Bouquet, sixth row, second flower, long 9 petals. The same flower is on; Accent Essentials - page 41,Walk In My Garden - page 25 has a long 7 petal flower that would work as well.

For one flower cut one, 3" , one, 2.5", one, 2" and one 1.5" from solid cardstock and printed paper>
Glue flowers together, gluing just in the center, alternating from cardstock to the printed paper, from largest (3" flower) to smallest (1.5" flower).
Push center of flower with pinky finger or rounded bottom of wooden spoon and pull the petals upward.
Let the glue dry completely. When glue dries, gently curl each petal toward the outside of the flower.
When you get to the last layer, 1.5 inch petals, glue the end of each petal to the bottom.
Use a button or large brad for the center.

You can complete 4 flowers from one 12x12 piece of solid colored cardstock and one of printed paper. Yes, it is a bit of work but they are so pretty!

To make the felt rose: (wool felt is best!)

Cut a circle, about the size of a DVD, to get about a 2" completed rose.
Cut a spiral around from the outside to the inside of the circle.
Start to roll from outside of circle to the inside. while doing this use tacky glue or glue gun intermittently to keep it secure.
Roll to end the securing with glue.
Pinch the rose from the bottom and the center moves up a bit.
Trim the edges with small 'V' cuts and form petals on the edges of a few layers of the rose. You can do this before hand, but I like doing it after. Rose is complete!

Wow! Is that it?? Yup LONG week but I'm glad! I'm beat. 3 days late but I got ya!

HAS IT BEEN TEN DAYS ALREADY ? ?

2011-02-04T01:41:00.000-08:00

WOW!! I was sitting there at the table and thought, 'gee, it's been a while'. I looked at the date on my last blog and thought it's time to write!

We are barely getting over that nasty cold! Hubby is still a little nasalie and the baby got so bad he got a secondary and ended up on antibiotics! Baby bear had it, gave it to us and now is getting 'it' or something like 'it' again! His working till midnight does not help matters any. Hopefully this will be the last of it! I still a little stuffy but I really think I might just fight it off after 5 weeks! The lupus and diabetes plays havoc with your ammune system. Not nice at all.
Ross is doing okay, the feeling good because the baby just wants him is starting to ware off. Huh, go figure! He won't let me bath him, or do anything else unless daddy is there or he does not want me there at all. Going outside or going out? Mommy, mommy I want to go with you. Food? Yup, you guessed it! I'm the goto person for that too! Ross is getting tired of it, I feel bad when I try to help but all we end up with is more screaming and fussing! Time-out is not working as well as it did in the beginning.

Our little creature feature. We love him to death but his mood is driving us nuts! As I said I think that and being overworked at home is killing him! The bugs going to school has helped a bit. We have that short lull on Tuesdays and Thursdays which does not charge the batteries completely but it helps! His appetite has gone down and he is streching like crazy! His jeans that fit for 2 years have all of a sudden gotten too small. The 24 month shirts are fitting NO MORE. Yes, he is 3 and a half years old, I should have known this was going to happen but it still is a shock to see and feel ($$)!!
My 240zx driver has worked so hard on his car it is so nice to see him driving it again! For a while he was driving my vehicle (not that I drive it but it is still mine) for a while or the hubby truck. He is working till midnight now like I said and it makes me so sad to see him working so late. He has school at 8 am and I know that is not easy. Granted the school is literaly spitting distance away. Yes, baby bear has gone to the neighbor at the end of the cul de sac and spit at the school to prove me wrong. After three tries he found I was not wrong. Ahhh yes! The joy of boy! I am hoping we can do something special after he graduates from High School!
Me. Not much to tell. I've said that before and ended up with a NOVEL! I've been busy finishing the flowers for my handmade flower swap. 3 different flowers for each person in your group (4). I am in blue group and black group. I've got ribbon roses to do for each and I'm done! Finally! The swelling in my fingers gets really difficult sometimes. I drop things more often and find that sometimes they cramp up so that I've got clenched fists and WHAMO! Trigger finger(s)! Not always at the same time, thank goodness! But it has happened. I'll be starting the Methotrexate in a few weeks. I'm afraid of taking it but we'll see what happens. Pain situatin has been a steady 6 the past few days with the occasional 7-8 evenings (like now).

QUILTING

The only thing I've done isdesign the labels for my last two quilts OHHHH, I did make stick pins and the whatcha mawhosie that I made to display the pins is quilted. So I guess that counts! I quilted this as one of my practice pieces and decided it was worth using to stick my stick pins on! The flower is made from fabric and felt flowers from 3 birds-flower packets. The stick pins are extremely easy! They are just corsage pins with the pearl tops. I've colored them with Sharpie markers ( I got the 24 color pack) then beaded on a few beads, spacers and Swarvoski crystals. Between each I added less than a drop of liquid cement (please don't ask how I did it, I still have nightmares!) I think that was the most difficult was working with the liquid cement!


This is a loop da loop stitch with stars

I have a swap due on the 12th of March. I'm not sure which category to put it in to. Seeing how it involves sewing I'll put it here! They are jean pockets! You use them for a LO, to hang in the scraproom (put pens, pencils, rulers) or just hang them to look pretty! I'll post that one either next time or after that! They are cute!

SCRAPP'N

I've been the happy swapper! I've not recieved my tags yet but the due date is the 12 of February. I have my cards completed. I think I've finally learned how to do cards! I've been over complicating it and putting way too much on my cards. Sometimes I think it is okay. Other times, maybe not. Here are the othe two participents for the card swap:

You ever want to get one of those cards 'Thinking of You' for someone, and there is NEVER enough room for everything you want to write? Well I made this an A2 card! I made the pink snowflake for the card in my second to last blog post. It still got used for a card! It is Anna Griffin, Isabelle Collection, 12 x 12 Glittered Paper - Pink and Green Tiles, corners are hand cut and punched with a 'corner adorner-fleur di lis', the horn snowflake is from Cricut cartridge Winter Lace and the butterfly is from American Crafts, Dear Lizzy Enchanted Collection, Details, vinayl pieces - Hyacinth

Thinking of you card

Playing with my new toy! Sizzix Texture boutique. The embossed flower is from that and I've added a little ColorBox Cat's Eye, Archival ink in pinkolicious. The blossom fabric flowers went well here! They are from the 3 birds blossom packets from above. Pink and Green seemed to be on the agenda for the past weeks in my cards! Cricut cartridge Wall Decor and More was used for the flourished word 'enjoy' Button is a wool fabric pink button! It was from one of my moms late 50's outfits!

Enjoy! card

I had to do a sympathy card and wanted to make it look a little birghter than your typical sympathy card. This was made with the Cricut Imagine, color from Cricut Imagine cartridge Country Fair (not in poor taste honest!), a little blue lace, 1 paper flower and a gray brad. The words 'With Sympathy' are from Cricut cartridge Caligraphy Collection.

A different sympathy card

I am in the process of finishing up my flowers but I volunteered for the preschool Valentines day goodies and I also piped in to do little mailboxes for each one of the kids! I could not help it! I saw them in the Valentines Cricut cartridge, 'Love Struck 2010', and I've been wanting to do them since Valentines last year! So far so good! I'll be showing off those and the rest of my flowers next time.

Night night all! 2:17 AM, it's cold, RA letting me know it's there and I think I'm turning in early!

Nothing but a cough, sniffles and a card to share. :o(

2011-01-24T17:45:00.000-08:00

I've had a cold the past 10 days! Horrible! I think I'm finally over the worse of it but I'm so tired I can't really enjoy the relief. Did that make sense? I know that part of the problem is because of the Lupus too. I was hoping that it would just disappear by Saturday but that did not happen! Well, despite my better judgment (who knows when that ever really shows up), we went to the opera on Saturday night and saw Turandot! Wow! That was wonderful! I started to feel very uncomfortable with pain the last 20 min but I toughed it out! I gave a bolus with the pump but that only helps the back with a little relief to the leg. The Headache does not disappear. even as I'm typing now.

The Lil Bug is doing well and growing so much! I feel like I just bought clothes for him and he is starting to really grow into them! We got them big enough so that he would have them for at least the rest of this year! I wish I could get him regular clothes. He inherited my lousy skin sensitivity which causes irritation and rashes with most materials. We can wear the organic cotton stuff but if you have seen the prices on that...you'd be shocked! We are at 3 years and I keep hoping this will pass!

18 year old Baby Bear is well, still 18. He has been working on his car a lot lately! Vehicle is back on the road and looking great! The Lil Bug says 240SX with out skipping a beat and big brother thinks that is the BEST!

My poor hubby is still battling this cold too which makes me worry a bit. He has had this monster longer than I have and that leaves me with one question. When does it finally go away? He has been working so hard trying to keep the household running. I often feel very bad for not helping like I know I should. It's all frustraiting sometimes and somehow we always manage. For the most part, we always manage. :o)

Quilting

no news is not always good news. I still haven't made the labels for the last two quilts I made! Urrrrghhh! I know that they understand. Strange but lately I feel like I'm never really focused. f

Scrapp'n

For list of products pls visit my gallery at 'My Place' (click tab) on the upper left

I saw the HSN Cricut/Anna Griffin card contest on Facebook and thought 'NO PROBLEM! I can do that"! Make a card with at least one or more of the Anna Griffin products and one or more cuts from one or more of the following Cricut cartridges; Don Juan, Winter Lace and Wall Decor and More. Unfortunately I saw it the day after they put it out on facebook. That makes a ton of difference when trying to find the Anna Griffin paper! Sadly I had none!I managed to find some at a few places and purchased some from my FAV online place, Scrapbook.com, I figured I had the weekend and overnight it on Monday this will be fun. Saturday had come, and I had been at a lite night scrap the night before at my local place Scrapbooks etc,. My scrapping cohort informs me that Monday is Martin Luther King Day abd the post office will be closed. I looked at the clock, 3:30 PM our P.O. was closed already. I posted my card as she did and thought there is always something else we can do!

I have these two swaps to finish up! One is the 3 card swap and the other is handmade flowers swap. My two colors are black and blue. I figured that since I always feel that way, I'll make flowers in those colors! I will show those next week!

I have started the Preschool for the Lil Bug! It looks great so far! Will get some pictures of that in next week too!

Okay, that is it for now!! Happy January 24, 2011 to anyone who sees this on this day!

Stick Pin Tutorial - Jennings644

2011-01-13T06:12:00.000-08:00

I'm Back!!! And more goodies to share!

2011-01-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

I returned just as I said I would! Exciting news New Years came and it was 100% better then last years. (DON'T ASK!) I hope that whoever is watching has also had a pleasant time in 2011! It's the 12th! Time to break those resolutions! *LOL* I am doing fairly well. The Baby Bug is in school twice a week! If you include Sunday School that is 3 times a week! He is enjoying everything and loving being away from the parental units. His first day of school we arrived to pick him up and he did NOT want to come home. That was a bit embarrassing but....oh well! Daddy is back at work! After a five week vacation it is about time! Yes, we are together 24/7 anyway with him working from home. But when he is in the office there is some sort of difference, how would I word this, hummm? Peace! Yes that's it! Quiet meaning, sound w/out yelling! I've had a headache the past few days it might just be the mental drop from high, loud speed! Justin, *SIGH* give me a few more weeks and I'll tell you!

Christmas Program at Church (shepherd)

First Day of School

NOW FOR THE CRAFTY BITS!
Quilting

Finally finished the quilt!

I was so impressed with it that I screamed (quietly though, it was 12:54 am) when it was completed:

Scrappy Stuff
Christmas 2010 Page

This is of Baby Bear and Baby Bug (picture i mentioned when last we met) Don't we look happy!

This page was made with Bazzill 12x12 smooth White Cardstock on the base with Tim Holtz Fire Brick and Forest Pine Distress Ink, also distressed edges. 1st layer is Bazzill 12x12 Canvas in Pomegranete, and Aspen. The 1st mat on the photo is Basic Grey Wassill double sided paper pack and the 2nd mat is the other side of the 1st! White with red patterned paper has a little Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distree Ink and a touch of the other two. A red velvet ribbon border to the left and a red velvet flower with a lace flower layer inside. Ended with an vintage glass button eenter with a tied with hemp twine.

Stick Pins

I made some stick pins with the use of a You Tube video. WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT YOU TUBE? Very simple to make as I said in SB.com, I spent more time making the waawhoosie thinkgy to display the pins then I did actually making the pins themselves. SIMPLE! Some corsage pins, color the top peral or drop pearl with permenant marker to match beads/crkystals being used on the pin. Four to 6 items depending on size then a drop of Blossy Accents to keep them from falling off! Not much Glossy Accents is needed. The You tube video I saw is above this blog ! Let me know how they turn out!! These ARE truly EASY!

Lace and Tag Swap (Double click close up!)

I was so happy to complete these tags until I started looking at everyone elses...OUT OF THIER LEAGUE! I can't even hope to be a water boy! I corresponded with the host and she smoothed out my ruffled feathers for me. She is a sweetheart Hey Martica @ scrapbook.com!! OXOX

I continued with my tags. They were made with the print was Imagine, cartridge: Elise, Cricut cart for Patterned Papper and colors, Cricut Lite - Lacy Labels for tags front border and back. and added heart butteflies and dangle flower are Beyond Birthdays. 3 types of lace to each label .

I did add other little baubbles to this just before sending them. each tag had a mock charm hanging from each dangle flower. The charms wee NOT charms but a throw together with two vintage buttons. One of the butons is glass and the other is not. I am hopping they are eventually used in the receivers future LO's or cards or something! :)

That's it for today! Have a lovely week and see you next Wednesday!

Starting off fresh for the New Year!

2010-12-29T22:30:00.000-08:00

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

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

2010-09-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

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!

A do nothing week...NOT

2010-09-19T04:56:00.000-07:00

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!

HANNAH MONTANA CARTRIDGE GIVE AWAY!!!

2010-09-14T23:43:00.000-07:00

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!!!

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

2010-09-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

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!)

2010-09-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

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!

Yahoooooo! It is Saturday!!

2010-08-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

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!

http://www.scrapbook.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/1539883/post/13202395/hl//#13202395

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!

WOW! A scrappin' we will go!

2010-08-22T02:20:00.000-07:00

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!

Why I should WIN a Cricut Imagine...

2010-08-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

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!!

Happy Days!!

2010-08-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

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

Back for More!

2010-07-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

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!

First Day in Blogland!

2010-07-24T22:19:00.000-07:00

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!