Cindy Loo Circle Card - with Video & Cut File

Happy Monday everyone!  I did not have the correct cartridge for the weekly BBTB2 challenge so I am going to share a project I created for Custom Crops.  I used the new CINDY LOO cartridge and made cute circle card. 

Cindy Loo has loads of adorable doily cuts, florals, flourishes, trees and wildlife.  This one card covers several fo those areas listed:  doilly, wildlife, & trees. 

Go to my page at Custom Crops - just click the blinkie in the upper left column of this blog - and you can view the video as well as read the article and see photographs.  And did I mention that the cut file is at Custom Crops for free download?  Oh yes - Custom Crops has it all today!!!

BBTB 2 Heart Card - Yet Another Valentine Moment

Happy Monday!  It is, of course, time for the weekly BBTB2 challenge post.  This week's challenge cut is the Heart card from the Wild Card cartridge.  We could use this heart shaped card anyway we wanted. I went with the seasonal "go to" and created a Valentine card.

I cut the basic Wild Card Heart card in white cardstock.  I then used printed paper in colors of white, pink, green, blue and red and cut the card front only.  I switched cartridges at this point and cut the shadow scalloped heart from the Sweethearts cartridge in pink cardstock.  I affixed the printed heart to the front of the scalloped heart.  I then attached the scalloped card to the Wild Card Heart basic card.

I used red foil paper and cut assorted embellishments from Wild Card and Tie The Knot.  I cut the "Be My Valentine" phrase (from Wild Card) for the inside of the card from the red foil also.  I ran the foil cuts through the Xyron machine to apply adhesive, then I set them aside for later use.

My final Cricut cut was the sweet XOXO cut from Tie The Know.  I cut this is a Pink Paislee gingham, the reverse side of one of their "Cupid" cardstocks.  I cut the XOXO shadow in Core'dination cardstock and attached the two layers together.  I then affixed the cut to the lower third of the card front.

The flower embelishments on the front and inside of the card were made using prima white daisys, prima solid and gingham flowers and paper punches.  I used a 1 1/4 inch circle punch and cut the circle flowers from the opposite side of the gingham paper.  I then used a 3/4 inch circle punch and cut flower centers from the same paper. I hand trimmed a flower stem from the paper and attached it "growing" from the XOXO cut.  I used large glitter brads to affix the four layers of flowers together. I finished the card front by attaching the foil embellishments.

Inside the card is the red foil Valentine phrase, yet another of the layered flowers and a delicate green stamp to represent the stem.  All this card needs is a little note and a signature!

Please come back tomorrow for this week's Gypsy Spot challenge - today's card is part of a matching Valentine set which will be completely revealed tomorrow!! Sneak peek in the final photo in the this post.

Owl Always Love You

It is Bitten by the Bug Monday and you know what that means: the challenges have posted and wow are they fabulous. In fact as I scrolled through the projects I kept thinking each one was so unique and so talented. The challenge cut for the week is the Owl from the Wild Card cartridge.

The Owl is actually a card unto himself, but I decided to use him as a front piece on a rectangular card. I chose the Wild Card cut with the cute "ripped" piece that attaches to the front. I also made my own circle tag using a Microsoft application and clip art.

I crafted my card using a new set of Crate paper I purchased at convention. The ink is a Technique Tuesday product, part of a class kit from the Creating Keepsakes Convention.

On a side note, I spent much of last evening trying to reorganize my scrap room. I had not unpacked my XXL rolling tote (which was in overflow mode) since the convention. I had a problem (which I had anticipated) dealing with printed paper storage. My storage method for prints was full and just could not handle any more product. I "macgyvered" a temporary fix and will have to decide on a long term fix in the near future. At least I bought myself a bit of time.

New Projects & Cut Files!!

Cherry Good Wishes:

I am so excited: I have seven new projects, complete with cut files and assembly directions, awaiting you download at Custom Crops. Just click on the blinkie to the left to be taken to my Custom Crops profile. Once there, click the name of the project to see the individual projects and to download cut files. Also, while you are there please, PLEASE, please leave comments on my projects... CC loves that!!! I truly hope you enjoy the projects!!

Fashionista Purse Book:

Birthday Girl Crown Card:

Merci Little Bird Card:

You Really Rock Card:

Fold Out Gift Card Purse:

Vase Box and Card Set:

Cozy Cottage Card

The challenge this week at Bitten by the Bug is the house card from the Wild Card cartridge. Have I shared with you just how much I like Wild Card? I use it for all of my base cards these days, no matter what else I do with the card. And the selection of "base cards" is just amazing.

Regina challenged us to use the house card and I immediately thought cottage! I used Stampin' Up card stock to create this cozy cottage. I double-layered the roof, adding lace trim. I also added an additional card stock "back ground" piece behind the door and plants.


The basic house card has a four section round window, which I deleted with the Hide Selected Contour feature. I replaced the window with a decorative cut from the Home Decor cartridge. I also added a crochet trimmed brad to the window center.


Instead of layering the front door, I used one door piece with pop dots only on the right side; the left side I zig-zagged closed. A small brad made a perfect door handle, and a small ring was a perfect door wreath.


The two topiary and the wreath are covered in flower soft. I used markers on the topiary, but decided they need more pop. Then I remembered the flower soft and applied it to the wreath as well.

The entire top edged of the card was straight stitched, as well as doodled.


I finished the card off with an additional rectangle containing the word WELCOME. I have new neighbors in the new house across the street, so I plan to drop by some brownies and this card later this week.

BBTB 2 - OR - A Quick Post for Donna

In a previous post I mentioned that I created two projects for this week's Bitten By the Bug challenge. I was not sure which was better, or if either was worth sending. I trusted my husband to choose one. He surprised me by going for the bright, fun card. Not that this card is dark... But anyway, Donna asked to see my "other" BBTB (almost) entry. :)




Now I have to go make dinner!

Woo-Hoo! It's Finally Official....

I can FINALLY share in details: TODAY is the official kick-off of the Custom Crops design team. There are 8-9 of us who were hired to design cut files, write articles (or combine the two in my case), or create instructional videos for Custom Crops. There has been a "soft" opening going on for the last week or so, but the official kick off is today.

Please go by Custom Crops today, scroll down the menu until you "Articles" and click any of the links for great articles, videos, and FREE CUT FILES. I currently have eight free cut files on the site. Donna, Margie, and others also have free cut files. Please, please DO leave feedback... I would LOVE to know what you think.

My cut files have instructions with each, as well as a list of cartridges needed to complete the project. I have given sneak peeks below of two of the files. The photos in this post also are from my Custom Crops projects. And best of all.... I have another four almost finished so they should be up next week. This will be an on-going venture so do check back!!!

Bitten By the Bug Monday is Almost Over...

Here it is, bedtime on a Bitten by the Bug Monday and I am *just* getting my challenge project posted. Thank goodness Regina isn't as pokey as me! I bet you have already been by BBTB and checked out the amazing projects using the smiley face cut... I grabbed a few minutes and took a peek this morning. Just beautiful work!


My project is somewhat whimsical... Kind-of fun... Full of color... And just made me smile. I actually made two projects for this cut, each very different in size, color, and content... Then I let my husband pick. I actually thought he would like the blue/green project better but no, he too liked the fun colors of this card.


I used the Wild Card cartridge to cut the base card in SEI double sided card stock. I loved the bright inside and the fun print on the the cover. I then used solid card stocks and cut the two shadow pieces - one in white and one in cranberry. I also cut and punched the eyelet border piece. Next I but the smiley face and the double scalloped frame (or bonnet). I also cut the cute little bird. Assembly was a breeze with my Max glider. I finished the card off with markers and ribbons, and the SEI tag. Oh... and the inside reads: Oh happy day!

Talking A Walk on the Wild (Card) Side

You know, the Wild Card cartridge has such a variety of cards, shapes and cuts, I feel like I am just scratching the surface on learning what is available. Last night's project was the lace cornered bi-fold card.


I cut this card in Bazzil Ecru Bling card stock. The insert pieces (inside) are cut in Bazzil white, as are the frame pieces for the front and back. I used the Home Accents cartridge to create a three layer embellie for the inside, and prima flowers and a pretty cream organza ribbon to embellish the outside. With the addition of some stamping this card just might make a nice wedding card...

Blue Birds of Happiness

Today was a L-O-N-G day here in Aiken. It rained off and on all day... and all I wanted to do was go home and take a nap! I finally did that this evening... which is why I am yawning and posting at 11:00 pm!!!


A few weeks ago my Wild Card cartridge arrived. I made a couple of cards, designed a few others, then put it away. Tonight I pulled out one of the wild cards I designed and went "wild" cutting mixed layers and colors and textures. The result... This wild Blue Bird card.


All of the elements were cut from the Wild Card cartridge... It really is a great cartridge. I especially loved the birds. I cut three layers of birds and branches, and popped them with pop dots.


I finished the card off with doodling, prima spring mini flowers (May and June), bling, and light blue ribbon. I added a little bird cut and a journaling circle to the inside of the card.