12 Tags of Christmas: Day #9

my version of tag #9

The Inspiration: Tim's tag #9--see www.timholtz.typepad.com for more.

I think this may be one of my favorite tags so far. Instead of stamping the flourish like Tim did, I used an inked embossing folder and heat embossed the flourish design with white pearl embossing powder from CTMH. After that, I used Red Brick Distress stain over the whole tag and the pearl embossing powder acted as a resist, but picked up some of the stain. Then I swiped the whole tag with clear embossing ink and coated it in clear embossing powder and heated for an enamel look. I inked the edges of the tag in Burlap distress ink.

I am excited to say that I made my own embellishments from a candy cane stamp embossed with red, cut out, and inked with burlap. I used the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge to cut holly leaves, and I crumpled them, sanded them, then inked with burlap and glued them behind the candy cane and accented with red pearls from Queen & Co. My favorite embellishments are the tickets though...I diecut those from the cardboard packaging from candy canes! Then I sanded them to distress and added more burlap ink and stapled them on the tag with the Tiny Attacher. I used white seam binding ribbon and a bow of green and red bakers twine that mimics the look of the candy cane stripes.

I've enjoyed this 12 tag adventure for the inspiration its given me to take the time to sit down and play with some involved techniques that I usually don't allow myself the luxury of having the time for. Only 3 more days to go!

12 Tags of Christmas: Day #8

My version... with lamp post and silhouettes cut from the Heritage Cricut Cartridge, Making Memories stamp, tags, and flowers, Tim's holiday kraft resist paper & inks...

with a vintage pen quill and antique key!

The inspiration: Tim's Tag #8 you can see more at www.timholtz.typepad.com

12 Tags of Christmas: Day #5

My version of tag #5 utilizing product packaging, Raisin and Pearl mixative alcohol inks, Tim's diamond stamp...

bow and pearls, along with two sizes of doily circle borders cut from Tim's Kraft Core cardstock with the CTMH Art Philosophy Cartridge.

The inspiration: Tim's Tag #5--you can learn how to make this by visiting www.timholtz.typepad.com

12 Tags of Christmas: Day #3

The inspiration: Tim's Tag #3- you can see more at www.timholtz.typepad.com

My improvisation: Inkadinkado Stamp from my friend Peggy, cut'n'dry with Ranger and CTMH reinkers, CTMH and Tim Holtz distress inks...

CTMH JOY stamp, CTMH liquid glass, Cricut Art Philosophy holly leaves, Straight From the Nest Branches, Queen & Co Red Pearls, Stampendous Gold Embossing powder...

Ritzy Ditzy Glitz spray, gold bell, twine, and organza ribbon!

Now I can't wait for day 4!

Naked Boxes--Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

Click on the photo to make it larger and you will see the projects pretty much actual size! I tested out my new exclusive Close To My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge tonight on my little personal electronic cutter...and at their full sizes on that machine (5.5" setting) they come out pretty dainty and adorable if you ask me! The pillow box, heart box, and the box with the handles come out a decent size for party favors and treat holders. The other three are scarcely big enough to house a single chocolate--but for my jewelry gift giving the little chinese food box or tied up ribbon box would hold a ring or pair of earring and be a darling thing all decorated up for whatever the occasion. I can't see them working out if any of these were made any smaller...and I'm glad my friend has the Expression so we can get these beauties up to their full potential come time for our new monthly workshop club projects! I'm so excited! Right now they are plain naked white boxes...but just wait till you see the projects we turn out from this new cartridge--my mind is reeling with ideas!

Create-A-Critter Cricut Gift Bags & Cards

It's been awhile since I posted a new project. Here are the gift bags and matching birthday cards that I made for Jeff's niece and nephew. I used my Create-A-Critter Cricut Cartridge and the characters come out adorable. A little stamping, googly eyes and stickles bring them to life.

Cricut Critter Creations

"Bee Yourself" LFB Page Front & Back

"Smile Squirrel" Card for Aly

Well, I have a very generous friend who came to acquire a Cricut machine that she did not need and passed on to me. I won three cartridges on Ebay, and we decided we would share our collection between the two of us...and two of the cartridges that I ordered came in the mail today so I pulled it out to play. I figured it out pretty quickly and made a pile of cut-outs for future use, and put a few to work on the card and little fat book page above. The trees, branch, and clouds are from the "Serenade" cartridge, and the Smile sentiment and animals are from the "Create A Critter" cartridge. The Bee Yourself stamp and bee and hive are a CTMH Petite Perks incentive stamp set.

I NEVER thought I'd own a Cricut because I never wanted (or really could afford) to foot the expense. I'm so lucky to have someone to share my passion with, and someone who knows I will put to good use and appreciate "hand-me-down" items. I feel very blessed. I've enjoyed exploring some of the creative options of the machine today.