Moolah Bank (CWC Challenge 36: National Dairy Month: Design Team Project)

It's Wednesday and time for a new challenge at Cooking with Cricut.  This week we are celebrating National Dairy Month for the challenge.  You need to use your Cricut and include a cow image or the colors black and white with no more than 1 other color.  Be sure to check out all of the projects by the design team and enter your own project into the challenge here: http://www.cookingwithcricut.com/.

For my project, I knew what I wanted to make immediately.  Walmart now has their pancake mix in a little mini milk jug and I have been saving them and knew this would be the perfect time to use one of them.

I started out by cleaning the empty jug after I had used the pancake mix and removing the labels from the outside. Here is how it looked to begin with.

Next, I spray painted the jug white and the lid black.  Once the paint had dried, the spots were drawn on with a marker and then painted in.

I left one side blank, so I could use vinyl to decorate it.  I used the Don Juan Cricut Cartridge to cut Moolah and a dollar sign.  I think this makes an adorable bank.

Patriotic Yarn Wreath

I have seen a few of these yarn wreaths around the internet and decided to do my own take on one. Here is what I came up with.

To make the wreath, I started out with a foam wreath form from the Dollar Store and some red, white and blue yarn.

I used the hot glue gun to glue the beginning and end of the yarn as I wrapped it around the form.  I looped the red and white 20 times for each section of the stripes.

When it was fully wrapped, I used the Simply Charmed cartridge to cut three stars out for the side.  I added faux stitching lines around the outside.  I used the Don Juan Cricut cartridge to cut the USA out of blue glitter paper for the center of the stars.  The stars were attached with hot glue.

I am entering this into the following challenges:
My Sheri Crafts: Independence Day: http://myshericrafts.blogspot.com/
My Craft Spot: Seeing Stars: http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/
Fantabulous Cricut: Red, White and Blue: http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/

Frog Pillow Pal

The Simplicity Sewing Patterns were on sale for 99cents at Hobby Lobby last week, so I picked up a few.  Yesterday, I decided to make a frog pillow pal from one of the patterns I got.  I think he turned out so cute, so I will probably try a few more of the pillow pals that were with this pattern.

I used fleece for all of the material.  It took 5/8 of a yard in green material and then scrap pieces for the spots and eyes.  The mouth is baby rick rack.

 Here he is enjoying some Cheez-Its, lol.

Fourth of July Decoration

I thought of this idea yesterday and went out to Hobby Lobby to get a paper mache number and some small wooden letters and went to work.  I spray painted the number blue and the letters white and red.  Once these were dry, I hot glued the letters to the side of the number.  The small stars are buttons that I added with mini glue dots.  Finally, I used glitter paper to cut the fireworks using the Stand and Salute Cricut Cartridge and hot glued them to the back.  I was originally going to have it standing up straight, but I really liked the slanted look, so I decided to keep it like that.

This is what I started out with to make this.

After the numbers and letters were painted they were attached first to begin the decoration and the the star buttons were added.

Finally, I added the firework cuts to finish it up.

I am entering this into the following challenges:
So Saturday at Card Creations and More: Patriotic: http://cardcreationsbyc.blogspot.com/
Alphabet Challenge: Half a Dozen (use 6 of the same thing, I used mini star buttons): http://alphabetchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
I am also linking this up at:
Decorate to Celebrate: http://decoratetocelebrate.blogspot.com/

Patriotic Flag Frame

I have had the idea to do a flag type frame and finally decided exactly how I wanted it to look.  I painted the frame and then used the font on the Batman Cricut Cartridge to cut the numbers for the glass out of black vinyl.  I put white glitter paper behind the glass and added some white buttons to the frame.  Finally, I used a black marker to write from the Declaration of Independence on the frame: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

This is the frame that I started out with.

I spray painted the base with white spray paint. It took a couple of coats because the frame was dark.

Next, I was ready to add my acrylic paint.  I taped off the frame and used Aegean Blue and Tomato Red to add the blue corner and the red stripes.

Finally, I let that dry and then hot glued some star buttons to the blue corner.  Then I added the inside with glitter paper, the vinyl date and hand wrote the words with a black marker to finish the frame.

I am entering this into the following challenges:
Whimsical Wednesday:  Patriotic with brads, buttons or bling: http://whimsicalwednesdays.blogspot.com/
Creative Cutter Room: project must include a flag: http://www.creativecutter.org/

CWC Challenge 35: Watermelon: Design Team Project

It's Wednesday and time for a new challenge over at Cooking with Cricut! This week we are celebrating "National Watermelon Seed Spittin' Day" with a watermelon challenge.  Be sure to use your Cricut and a watermelon on your project.  Stop by to see all of the projects by the design team and enter the challenge here: http://www.cookingwithcricut.com/.

I made a shape card for my aunt's birthday for my project.  I used the Simply Charmed Cartridge and my Gypsy to weld two watermelons together.  I added some googly eyes, faux stitching and a little premade bow to the card to dress it up.  I also used a clear glitter pen to go over the pink areas so they would shimmer.  The inside says "Have a sweet birthday!"

I am also entering this into the following challenge:

Simply Sundat at Getting Cricky with K. Andrews: Face it (must include a face): http://www.gettingcricky.com/2011/06/simply-sunday-shine-on-world-needs-your.html

Sunshine Shape Card

Madison at Funky Cards has a new project on her blog she is doing monthly called: "I Feel The Love".  She is collecting cards for different people each month.  You can read all about it and get involved by visiting her blog here: http://funkycards.blogspot.com/  This month, she is collecting cards for a teacher, Ms. Pentoney, who is battling cancer. 

I decided to make a bright and cheery card for her, so I went with a shaped card using the sun on the Create a Critter Cartridge.  On the inside, I wrote the sentiment "Sending you lots of sunshine!"  I added some google eyes and faux stitch lines to finish the card.

I am also entering this into the following two challenges:
Fantabulous Cricut: include a sun: http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/
Celebrate the Occasion: must have a sun: http://celebratetheoccasion.blogspot.com/

Vinyl Pail

The last vinyl thing I made for my sister's birthday present was this little pail to put all of her presents with.  I used the Cheri font to cut this with SCAL and then cut some circles in 1inch and 1/2inch to put around the pail as well. 

Once it was finished, I added some green shredded paper to the bottom and then filled it up with the items I had made for her and the gifts I bought.  I found some cute tissue paper that was green with polka dots that I used to wrap the presents I bought her so everything would match.

Uncle Sam Glass Block

I have had this idea for a while now, ever since I found an SVG of Uncle Sam on Wikipedia.  I used a mini glass block from Hobby Lobby for this.  The inside is filled with foam stars that are white with glitter on them.  I then used a red, white and blue star ribbon around the outside.  I don't know if anybody else is like me, but I feel like I cannot tie a decent bow to save my life, lol.  Anyways, I then used SCAL and the Cricut to cut the Uncle Sam out in black vinyl.  This is my first 4th of July Decoration for this year.

 Here is a picture of how the back of the block looks and a better view of the foam stars.

I am entering this into the following challenge:
Decorate to Celebrate: 4th of July Decorations: http://decoratetocelebrate.blogspot.com/

Chalkboard Frame

I was making this downstairs and didn't take any pictures in the process for some reason, so I don't have step by step photos.  However, I can give you some instructions so if you want to make your own chalkboard frame you can.  I just started with a frame from Walmart (one out of their $2 section).  I removed the glass from the frame and cut a piece of chipboard to fit in the photo insert.  Now, I was ready to paint.  The frame was spray painted white and I then used spray chalkboard paint on the chipboard insert.  (You need to use two coats spraying opposite directions horizontal and then vertical for the chalkboard paint).  Once everything was dry, I put the insert inside my frame and then added some green circles that I cut with vinyl around the outside. 

I think this turned out nice and because it is a frame, you can set it on your desk and use it for notes.  I made this to go with my sister's birthday gift, so I added a Happy Birthday message to the chalkboard.

An Award

I received a blog award from Stacy over at http://lovethatbug.blogspot.com/ and I am so thankful to her for passing this along to me.  If you have not visited her blog be sure to do so.  She recently had a Create a Critter card series with adorable cards for all of the cuts on this cartridge you should check out!

Update: 6/19/11:  I also received this award from Kaitlin at http://cupcakesandcards.blogspot.com/.  Thanks so much!! Be sure to check her blog out if you haven't already!

How sweet is this award with all of the strawberries!! Ironically, I was eating strawberries when I saw her post passing this on to me, lol.

The rules for the award are the following:

1) Send a thank you to the person who nominated you and include their link.
2) To accept this award, I had to answer 7 random facts about me.
3) Pass the award on to at least 8 other awesome blog buddies.

Seven Random Facts:
1) I love scrapbooking and crafting.
2) I am new to sewing and really love it as well.
3) I am a big reader.
4) I play video games with my hubby and sister (Xbox 360).
5) I am a big desserts person, I think I would take ice cream over real food if I could, lol.
6) I love making things for my niece Kaylee.
7) I love all of my blogging friends and looking at all of the wonderful blogs to get inspiration and ideas.
 
Now is the hard part, because I want to pass this along to all of my followers.  I have chose the following 8 blogs to pass this on to, be sure to check them out if you haven't before.
 
1) Rhonda   http://www.scraphappenswithrhonda.blogspot.com/
2) Jen  http://www.jenscraftcorner.com/
3) Georgiana   http://carsonscricutcreations.blogspot.com/
4) Carri  http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/
5) Madison  http://funkycards.blogspot.com/
6) Angi   http://cokiepopaper.blogspot.com/
7) Tina http://ollieanddextersmommy.blogspot.com/
8) Jennifer  http://www.gator-4-life.blogspot.com/
 
Thanks again to Stacy for passing this on to me.

Vinyl Sandwich Holders

I found these plain sandwich holders at Walmart for $1 each.  I thought it would be great to dress up for Kaylee to take in her lunchbox and my sister Britney also takes her lunch to work, so I made her one too.  I used the font Hey Valentine to cut the letters and the little hearts that are around the holder.  I used green for Britney's and pink for Kaylee's.

Sweet Lollipop Card

A while back, Robin at Fantabulous Cricut made some lollipop cards that I thought were adorable.  I decided to make my own version for my sister's birthday card.  I love how this turned out and I will be making more for sure. 

I used the Mini Monsters Cartridge for the circle and the swirl.  I welded the circles together at a size of 5 inches.  I used glitter paper for my cuts to make it sparkly.  I added a real popcicle stick to the back and then placed a green circle over it so you could not see where the stick was attached.  To finish it off, I wrapped the card in a small celophane bag and added some green ribbon that I curled.  The inside sentiment says: Hope your birthday is really sweet!"

Here is the card before it was put in the bag.

I am entering this into the following challenge:
Simply Sunday at Getting Cricky with K. Andrews: Anything Goes: http://www.gettingcricky.com/2011/06/simply-sundays-challenge-its-all-about.html

CWC Challenge 34: Father's Day: Design Team Project

It's Wednesday and time for a new challenge at Cooking with Cricut.  This week, we are challenging you to make a Father's Day project.  Be sure to stop by the blog to check out all of the design team projects and enter the challenge here: http://www.cookingwithcricut.com/.

For my project, I had already made my father's gift, so I decided to work on something for my grandfather.  I bought a plain coffee mug and used the Car Decals and Batman Cartridge to cut designs for the front and back of the mug out of black vinyl.  I wanted to have a matching card, so I used Car Decals and Batman again with the Wild Card Cartridge for my base.  My grandfather loves butterfingers, so I filled the cup up with some for him.  He is a big coffee drinker also, so I think he will get a lot of use out of this gift.

 Here is the back of the mug.

I am entering this into the following challenges:
My Sheri Crafts: Father's Day: http://myshericrafts.blogspot.com/
My Craft Spot: We Love Dad!: http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/
Alphabet Challenge Blog: F is for Father's Day: http://alphabetchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Whimsical Wednesdays: Father's Day: http://whimsicalwednesdays.blogspot.com/

More T-Shirts

I have made some more t-shirts using vinyl and fabric paint.  Here are the latest ones I have made.

The first two are Green Lantern shirts for me and Kaylee.  She is excited about the movie coming out and wanted shirts to wear when she sees the movie.  I traced the image in SCAL.

Next, my sister Britney asked me to make her a shirt with the Xbox power symbol on it for her birthday that is coming up this week.  I did a google search for this image and traced it in the SCAL program.

The next shirt is another one that Kaylee requested.  She wanted a Jack Sparrow shirt that said Mrs. Sparrow with a pirate sword.  I used the font Aye Matey and the Lettering Delights svg for the sword.

Finally, I made me a funny shirt.  My hubby and me came up with the idea of making a shirt with Big Foot that said Believe.  We may also make one with the Loch Ness monster later.  For this one, I used the Camping Critters Cricut Cartridge for Big Foot and Don Juan for the font.

Cactus Pin Cushion

I saw this idea in a book that I got from Hobby Lobby on patchwork projects.  I used that inspiration and hand drew my own pattern to the size that I wanted to make this.  I used fat quarters for the fabric that is the cactus and the base.  I got the small flower pot from the craft store also.  When the cactus was sewn, I added some pins to my pin cushion to look like the needles on the cactus.

I am entering this into the following challenge:
Frosted Designs: Stitching: http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/

I Love Soccer Layout

Kaylee played soccer for upwards this year and she loved it.  I made this layout using the Sports Mania Cartridge for the title, George and Basic Shapes for the frame and Cars for the flame.  I outlined everything in black and also added stickles to the heart in the title and the flame.  The stickles were in colors: orange peel and yellow.  The glittery soccer ball in the corner is a sticker. 

CWC Challenge 33: Pick Your Poison (Favorite Cartridge and Color): Design Team Project

It Wednesday and that means time for a new challenge at Cooking with Cricut.  This week our challenge is Pick Your Poison.  You will need to use your favorite Cricut Cartridge and your favorite color.  Be sure to stop by http://www.cookingwithcricut.com/ to see all of the projects by the design team and to enter the challenge.

For my project, I picked Create a Critter to use and the color combination of pink and green.  All of the cuts on my layout came from Create A Critter.  I outlined all of the cuts in black and then added some faux stitch lines, google eyes and stickles to the butterflies to give them some sparkle. I think it came out very bright and girly.

Dad Shape Card

I made this shape card for my dad and I couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out. Me and my hubby both agree that it looks a little bit like my dad.  I used the Car Decals Cartridge and the Gypsy to make the shape card.  I added some google eyes inside the glasses also.  Finally, I used the Batman Cartridge to cut out the sentiment for the inside: "Dad You Are #1".

I am linking this up to the following challenges:
So Saturday at Card Creations and More: Shape Card: http://cardcreationsbyc.blogspot.com/
Fantabulous Cricut: #1 Dad: http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/