CKS Convention Reminder

Registration for the CKS Convention in July opened and my sister and I registered. I signed up for a Heartfelt Creations class and can't wait. I wanted to sign up for an Art Impressions class but they were both at the same time. Follow the link below if you don't want to miss out on classes.
http://www.ckscrapbookevents.com/CKScrapbookConventions/CKCLancaster.aspx

Cricut Mentors

My first Cricut mentor, Patty, was a fellow crafter and church member. She seemed to have it all figured out. She not only owned a Cricut  but also a small  handheld gadget that allowed her to access her cartridges remotely. I was totally in awe. Also jealous to tell the truth. However, since most of my crafting occurred during late evening and early morning hours I reached out to online resources. I count myself extremely fortunate to have found two amazing mentors: Melody Lane and Crafts by Two. (If you don't already follow them you should. They are awesome) I immediately became Patreons of both and my knowledge and skill grew by leaps and bounds. I have learned so much that I am able to create projects and designs on my own and now mentor my original mentor, Patty.

Cricut Machine Journey

I have been reflecting on my Cricut journey and thought I would like to blog about that. Although I had seen the Cricut demonstrated on QVC and, although fascinating, I didn't see that as something I would have much use for. After attending a scrapbooking event, however, and seeing some amazing layouts another attendee was producing with Cricut I knew I had to try it. I bought a used one on-line and jumped right in on using it. The first project I attempted was to put a vinyl title on a scrapbook cover. The machine I bought was prior to the release of the Cricut Expression and required, what to me was complex calibrating, requiring mathematical expertise which I did not possess. I also experienced great difficulty in removing cuts from the extremely sticky mat I was using. I had enough success, though, to persist and to move up to the Cricut Expression when it was released. I found this to be much more user friendly and also found Cricut Craft Room on line. I was able to create more complex projects and was thrilled when I found out about SVGs (three dimensional designs). I stayed up until all hours of the night making tea pots and box cards. I continued to have problems with sticky mats and cutting fails but enough successes to persist. At last the Explore and Design Space were released. I was inspired! My crafting expertise grew by leaps and bounds. I don't yet own the newest machine, the Maker, but I know it is in my future.

Acetate Insert Card

I watched a YouTube the other day showing how to place an acetate insert on the front of a card and wanted to try it. So when I woke up at 2 a.m. this morning I thought that would be a good thing to do.
I used a 4 x 5.5 card base. I cut the opening with a die from Die-Namics steel cut die set Stiched Snow Drifts. The sentiment is from a Stampendous stamp set called Thoughtful Wishes. The other stamps are from  Close To My Heart set S1603 Sunshine Birdies colored using Tombow Dual Brush water pens.

Lawn Fawn Rose Gold Embossing Powder

After seeing the Rose Gold embossing powder used is several posts I have been wanting to purchase some. I kept putting it off, though, because I have two other gold embossing powders. I finally ordered some and it arrived today. I immediately pulled out my supplies (pictured below) and made a card based on a technique demonstrated by Gina K. Except for wishing I had placed the sentiment a tad lower, I am pleased with the result.

This is the third card made in our monthly card class. I am particularly proud of it because I was able to create the letters using my Cricut. I really loved the examples I saw on Pinterest and YouTube which were created using letter dies, but I don't own any of those and really wanted to present this card to my class. They loved it as much as I did.

Another Screen Card

This version of the screen card was designed for the monthly card class I teach

 I used the instructions and measurements from a You tube by https://www.youtube.com/user/papercrafter45

Fancy Frame Bird Card

This is card 1 made in my April Monthly Card Group

Card Base cut from purple card stock 7 x 10 scored at 5in, and folded so fold is at the top

Spellbinders “Botanical Bliss” Frame Die Cut 5x7; cut and adhered to card front

Bird embellishments cut using Cricut    https://design.cricut.com/#/design/86819817

Sentiment cut from dark purple card stock using -die set and layered twice

birds embellishments enhanced with sparkle pens on wings and outlined with markers

eye and beak colored with black marker

Thinking of You die (unknown maker)

Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful

Between being busy with Easter events and coping with all of the spring snow we have had (flurries yesterday even) I haven't been inclined to blog. I am still reluctant because I have something I really want to share but want to wait  until after my monthly card class so that I don't spoil the surprise of the cards we will be working on. So I am considering this my Spring Break. I'll be back on Monday to talk about my new favorite card!