Spotlight on Shantaie & Meda!

Introducing Shantaie Fowler Our Senior Design Team!

Q: How has my scrapping evolved since joining the team?
A: I have stepped outside of my comfort zone many times with the challenges. It's great to try something that maybe I would never have on my own, like a mini album. I have also learned so much from my fellow DT members, they are so inspiring and eager to share.

Q:What inspires me?

A: Everything!! I see beauty in so much of what is around us every day. I’m easily inspired by nature, fashion, and everyday household items. What is more beautiful than a bird on a branch, or a sparkely bracelet? Inspiration is everywhere!!



Q:What are my favorite projects?

A; I have to say that I really love 3D projects, the mushrooms have gotten a lot of attention and came out exactly as I envisioned them...

http://inkingpink.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-heart-mushrooms-cuttlebug-challenge.html

I also really love how the entire movie party ensemble turned out for our Birthday palooza! It was so much fun to create an entire themed party that was so different from my usual style.

http://inkingpink.blogspot.com/2009/09/cuttlebug-be-inspired-challenge-4http://inkingpink.blogspot.com/2009/09/cuttlebug-be-inspired-48-birthday-bag.html9-mini.html



Thank you Shantaie!

Introducing Meda Halmaciu our Blog Administrator... without her, the fabulous posts on Wednesday would not happen! Meda does all of this from Romania!!

1. How has your scrapping evolved since starting the team?

Definitely the most important change is that I rarely do not use my Cuttlebug on a project

anymore, and I think I've become the queen of cuttlebug wedding invitations. I have made over 

1000 of them this year since being on the cuttlebug challenge DT!

2. What inspires you?

My creativity is generally spontaneous. It just strikes me. Sometimes it's just like cooking: 

I look what I have in the fridge (aka work table)and try to make something up. 

When I don't create I like to fill my inner inspiration jar with beautiful things that other artists create.

3. What are your favorite projects you have created?    

That is difficult to say. I love almost everything I make.  Here are some of my recent favorites:

 *my new sketchbook* (http://handmadebymeda.blogspot.com/2009/10/cuttlebug-be-inspired-54-card-becomes.html)

 *Princess Emily's Birthday set*

especially the mask :-)
http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-decorate-masks-using-cuttlebug.html

and the mini album: 
http://handmadebymeda.blogspot.com/2009/09/emilys-carnet-de-bal.html

Many thanks, Meda!

Thanks to all of our fabulous followers, too!  We wish you all a 

very Happy New Year!  We look forward to doing many wonderful and

exciting things together in 2010!  

Check out our Twitter tweets, and sign up with our FaceBook page!

Just search Cuttlebug Challenge Blog, and there we are!  

Health, Happiness and Blessings to all,

Maggie

Major Announcement for CHA! Cuttlebug Asian Line!

Hi Everyone,
We interrupt the 12 days of Christmas to Announce the New Folders from Provo Craft!
The Asian Line will make it's debut at CHA Winter!
This line contains not 2 but 4 5x7.

As always the team has been furiously creating exceptional inspiration to share with you starting the first week of January as we Countdown to CHA again!

Will you be at CHA? if yes let us know as I will be there to represent the CuttlebugChallenge blog!

The new folders are as follows:

5x7 Emboss, Plum Blossoms
5x7 Emboss, Oriental Weave
5x7 Emboss, Kimiko
5x7 Emboss, Bamboo
A2 Emboss, Japanese Scales
A2 Emboss, Mandarin Screen
A2 Emboss, Koi
A2 Emboss, Lanterns

PS these folders will be available soon at Cricut.com  for a great price of $29.99 for all 8 folders including the 5x7 what a deal eh!
Merry Christmas,
Maggie

These folders works very well with the Pagoda Cartridge Provo Craft introduced last month :)
Let us know which folder is your favorite and how you like the larger sizes.

Thank you,
Happy New Year!

Technorati Tags: Provo Craft Cuttlebug Asian folders

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Spotlight on the Design Team!

Hi Everyone,
It's with pleasure we spotlight Jackie and June, they have been such a joy to have on the team and watch them grow :)
Let's get to know Jackie Gallagher a bit better :)

1. How have your scrapping has evolved since starting the team?

 My scrapbooking has really gone to the next level because Cuttlebug Challenge Blog has really made me think outside the box!  I've tried so many different things that I would never ever think about trying! 

 

2. What inspires you?

Many things inspire me!!  The scenery outside, magazine ads, trying a new technique...and even having new products in front of me!!

 

3. What are your favorite projects you have created with links of the projects?

 

 Here are a couple projects I have created that I absolutely LOVE!!

The candle is actually still sitting in my dining room!! 

http://luv2scrappp.blogspot.com/2009/11/teresa-collins-and-cuttlebug-challenge.html

 

And this "Friend" card is another one...for those of you who know me, FLOWERS are my absolutely favorite to work with!!!!  

http://luv2scrappp.blogspot.com/2009/10/cuttlebug-challenge-55.html

Introducing  fabulous June Houck !

Let's get to know June better :)

1. How have your scrapping has evolved since starting the team?

 I use my Cuttlebug embossing folders must more often now when doing a layout.  Prior to joining the team, I used die cuts and other embellishments, but I rarely embossed.

2. What inspires you?

Challenges inspire me the most.  They make me think "outside the box" and stretch my creativity.

 

3. What are your favorite projects you have created with links of the projects?

 My favorite project are the Gold-leaf Lizard (http://simplyelegantpapercrafts.blogspot.com/2009/08/all-that-glitters-here-is-gold-leaf.html) and the Christmas Planner (http://simplyelegantpapercrafts.blogspot.com/2009/11/cuttlebug-challenge-christmas-planner.html).

 

Please let us know what are your favorite projects of theirs?

Have a fabulous day,

Maggie

Spotlight on Betty Bee!

Hi Everyone,
Happy New Year! this week we are showcasing our talented team as we gear up for a new season on the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog.
Please be sure to come and tell your friends as we debut the new Asian Line for Cuttlebug!

Introducing the fabulous Betty Bee our Design Team Coordinator:

 Let's get to know Betty:

What Inspires Me?  Challenges!!  I had thought about it, and I find that the challenge of the week, new merchandise to work with, or a deadline, etc.  are the things that fire me up.  I love to work for a goal and a purpose, and being on the design team is an ideal fit for me.   I am also inspired by stamps,  digital images and things that I want to color with my Copics or water color pencils.  And, of course, I am always inspired by the amazing and talented girls on this fantastic design team.

When My Mojo Is Gone How Do I Get It Back?  I go into my studio and start organizing and rearranging my "toys" and things start to "talk" to me!  Sometimes I'll sit down and punch out borders, or cut out Cricut cuts, and just see how they look, and play with colors.  I always love to color with my Copics, so that is a good way to jump start things, even if I just add to my supply of images.  Then I love to go blog hopping for major mojo-itis!  There are a zillion and one great blogs out there, and I have my favorites that I read every day...just like great vitamins to make sure I stay pumped up! 

Here are a few of my favorite projects that I have done for Cuttlebug Challenge Blog.  I must say, too, that it's always fun to be thinking "What can I do next?"


Favorite Projects http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/2009/10/fab-friday-tv-sort-of-new-cuttlebug.html:  Four cards with new folders

Shiny wrapping paper video http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/2009/09/fab-friday-tv.html

Embossed Vinyl Business Card Holder Video http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/2009/07/embossed-vinyl-business-cards.html


Please tell us what is your favorite inspiration from Betty?

Have a fabulous day!
Maggie


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Oh My Crafts Winners!

We are excited to Announced our OMC Winners!


A huge Thank You to Oh my Crafts for donating the Folders to our wonderful readers!

Please don't forget to visit their site for all your crafting needs :)
They also have the new Blue Cuttlebug Available on their site.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Send your Address to cuttlebugcontest@gmail.com.

You are Awarded The Cuttlebug  Winner Badge for your blog for all to see you are a Cuttlebug Challenge Winner!!




Following # of entries..

15,54,60,63,113,45,89,21,104,85,62,99,69,24,47

oops sorry the # is 60 not 600..

Congratulations everyone :)
Have a fabulous day,
Maggie

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas,

On behalf of the wonderful team we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We thank you for making this blog such a success with your continuing support !

Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts, as we celebrate you and our family,

God Bless,
Maggie

Welcome to our 12 day of Christmas Inspiration!

Good Morning Everyone,

It's the most wonderful time of the Year! 

We are excited to present our first 12 days of Christmas!



Starting today the Design Team has been creating fun easy to follow inspiration based on the 12 days of Christmas Song!

Are you excited? we sure are..Help us out by telling everyone about this Inspiration and leave us comments of what you think..
Spread the word on twitter, facebook.
Have a great weekend, come back later to see June fantastic Inspiration.

Our Stamp Giveaway  here

Please scroll down to see all the Inspiration!

Thank you,
Maggie

On The Twelth day of Christmas...

My true love gave to me..






`Twelve drummers drumming`

Hello Everyone Terrie here.


I hope you have all been enjoying the creations and projects the creatively talented Design Team have been showcasing for the 12 Days of Christmas Celebrations
Well today is the last day for our twelve Days of Christmas Inspiration.
brought to you today from myself.
The Design Team have given you lots of Inspiration hoping you all feel ready and Inspired into creating those beautiful projects for Christmas.
The tree is up and dressed. The table is ready with those beautiful napkin rings, plates and the gifts are wrapped and ready.
I felt all I needed was a table decoration to finish my ensemble.
When I thought of my Inspiration 12 drummers drumming.

I immediately thought of 12 flowers on sticks dressed up in a circle arrangement.
I suppose I assumed the sticks to be drum sticks and the circle arrangement as the drum.
So without further ado here is

My `Table decoration` arrangement.

Full supply of materials …..
Cuttlebug embossing folders from PROVOCRAFT.
Paper or cardstock. Metallic rub ons, sticks.tissue paper, sprig of berries .I used an old one from a bunch of dried flowers. Hot glue gun, florist oasis, something to stand your arrangement in. (I used one of my candle holders) Craft punches. Pins from Tabby crafts



Start by punching out lots of circles or even flowers.
Emboss them all using your favourite Cuttlebug folders. Use the metallic rub ons to help the patterns stand out.
Then mark from the top to the centre of all your pieces.
Pull them altogether to form the cyinical shape .Glue two pieces together adding beads to the centre and your stick on the back using your glue gun to hold all together.
Carry on doing this until you have your twelve flowers.
Wrap strips of tissue paper around sticks ready for you to fill your arrangement in.

Next cut your oasis to the desired shape. Place on the top of your container that’s going to hold it. Start by forming your arrangement adding your glued flowers twigs and finish adding your pins. I placed a candle in the centre of my arrangement.
The choice is yours.
To complete tie a ribbon around the base and add and a little florist ribbon and string with a button to complete.
I think they look beautiful with complimenting napkin rings to help complete your Christmas table.

TABLE DECORATION

`Voila` my COMPLETE table decoration....

These can be done with colours to suit your colour themes.
I hope you enjoyed that. I would love to know what you all think?
I want to take this opportunity myself and on behalf of all the
Cuttlebug Design Team to
`Wish you all a very Merry Christmas`
May you be happy safe and Healthy…
`Thank you` to you all for your sweet comments.
Enjoy your festivities
Terrie

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On The Eleventh day of Christmas.....

My true love gave to me eleven pipers piping....

Hi I'm Shantaie Fowler and its day 11 of our wonderful 12 days of Christmas inspiration, I have a heart warming gift you can put together quickly! Even faster than singing this song!!





Eleven pipers piping?.....how about piping bags filled with hot chocolate mix?!
You may have seen these at your local gourmet shop for as much as $10.00 each {ouch} but I'm going to show you how to whip these up in minutes and for a fraction of the price of retail.

Supplies:

You will need to gather a few supplies:
2 hot cocoa mix pouches per cone
chocolate chips, or melting disks

marshmallows, sprinkles

2 piping bags per cone

small rubber band, and ribbon

How to :

To begin assembly, pour contents of two cocoa pouches into one piping bag, cut top of bag leaving approximately 2 inches at top and fold over tightly.

Insert bag of cocoa into 2ND piping bag, this step prevents loose cocoa from migrating and causing your marshmallows and sprinkles from looking "dusty" Top off bag with sprinkles, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. Secure bag with a small rubber band and tie with ribbon.

For this tag I cut out the sizzix top note die with a pretty blue paper from core'dinations, and embossed with the flurries folder. After a light sanding, I layered the watercolor paper cut from a nestabilities die, and water colored my image. {Stampin'Up! Polar bears}





I have made more than eleven of these, and I can tell you they are the perfect solution to your last minute gift needs! I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and invite you to visit again tomorrow for the 12Th and final project for our 12 days of Christmas series.

Thank You for sharing your thoughts with me, I LOVE your comments! Happy Creating, Shantaie


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On the 10th day of Christmas...

Hi everyone! It's me, Cindy. I hope you are all doing well with your holiday preparations. I'm here on this tenth day of our twelve days of Christmas to hopefully inspire you with some last minute gift boxes or centerpiece ideas.

The tenth day is Lords leaping. I've interpreted the Lords as Kings and have made some 'Crown' topped gift boxes. These are easy to assemble and can be decorated however you like.

Materials:
Paper: Paper for box and any additional panels. I used Bazzill and Core'dinations
Misc: Cricut (optional), Cuttlebug, Embossing folders (Candy cane stripes, Fleur de Lis, Swiss Dots), Ribbon, Gems, Pearls.

How to:
1. I first cut my templates using my Cricut (links for templates with and without Cricut at the bottom of this post), then scored and folded where indicated.
2. After I folded and secured my boxes, I attached the paper panels I had cut, embossed and lightly sanded. I think when I make these again, I'll attach these paper pieces before folding. It would be easier to do so on a flat surface. Of course, if you opt to stamp images directly onto the boxes, you would do that before folding it into its box shape, too.
3. The next step is to embellish with gems and pearls or whatever you like.
4. Tie ribbon/bow around 'neck' to secure the box closed. Hint: I'm really bad at tying bows and perhaps your recipient is, too.... because of this I first wrapped a small piece of ribbon around the neck, securing it with velcro on the ends and then tied a bow separately and glued it to the front. This way the ribbon can easily be removed and replaced without having to retie the bow.

Here you can see them pushed together in a group, which would make a nice centerpiece, particularly if they were all done in the same color or were similar in appearance.

The template for the box comes from Claire Brennan, via Splitcoast. You can print it directly onto your 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock and cut it out. Knowing I would be making at least three of them, I like to use my Cricut whenever possible for repetitive cutting, so I appealed to the Cricut message board for someone to make me a 'cut file' for these boxes and Cindy McVey was kind enough to do so. You can get a cut file for use with Design Studio or one for use with Gypsy on her blog. Keep in mind you must have the capability of a 12x12 mat to use it.

Thanks for stopping by today. Perhaps you have been inspired to make a King box or two (or three!). Leave us a comment - we love to hear from you. We'd also love to see your version if you make one! I can only imagine some of the great versions you will come up with of this box!

If you haven't seen the previous creations in celebrating our twelve days, be sure to go back through the posts and see them! They are fabulous.

Have a fabulous week,
Cindy

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On the Ninth Day of Christmas

My True Love Gave to me,

Nine Ladies Dancing

Good morning everyone! It's Cassie today with day 9 of our 12 Days of Christmas. I hope you've been enjoying all the inspiration and projects so far this week. I feel so lucky to get to design with the talented artists on this team!

I found this pretty dancing lady ornament over Thanksgiving. I think she's so pretty in clear with the feathers. Would you believe she was only one dollar? It's true! I knew it would be really neat if I could find a way to suspend her, as if she was dancing on air.

I found this unfinished frame at my local craft store. It's meant to have a picture in the middle that swivels and turns. It was damaged and marked down and I knew it would be a perfect fit for my dancing lady.


Supplies Used:
wooden frame
dancing lady ornament
string
ribbon and tulle trim (Offray, found at my local Wal-Mart)
assorted flowers (Prima mostly)
pearls and gems
hot glue gun
glue dots
white acrylic paint
foam brushes

1. I started by removing the broken center portion of my frame holder. Then I painted it white with the help of my three year old. He did a great job and I always get such a deep feeling of joy when he helps me with a project.

2. I suspended the dancing lady ornament using some string. I couldn't find my beading cord so if you look closely you can probable see the string; it's not as noticeable as I feared it might be originally.

3. Using hot glue, I then attached the trim to the top portion of the frame.

4. Cover the bottom of the frame with flowers and gems. I thought they added a nice touch and I especially liked the idea of seeing her dancing among the flowers.

Thanks so much for joining us today! Please leave a comment letting me know what you think! Each and every one is treasured!! Also, we are still on our journey to 2500 followers. Following is an easy way to keep up with all the projects, tutorials and challenges that you can find at Cuttlebug Challenge!

On the EIGHTH Day of Christmas...

My True Love Gave To Me.... EIGHT MAIDS A MILKING!

Merry Christmas Everyone!! This is Tammy and I get to share my version of Eight Maids a Milking! It's homemade flavored coffee creamers stored in recycled Starbucks bottles.





I started with a 4-pk of Starbucks Frappuccino



My family enjoyed drinking them for me and then I just removed the labels... they came off easy too!



I gathered my ingredients (recipes at the bottom of this post) and started mixing...



My front labels are two cricut frames from the new (not released yet!) SONGBIRD cricut cartridge with a cute 'Maids a Milking' stamp from the 12 Days of Christmas set by PENNY BLACK. I cuttlebugged my bottom frame with the Swiss Dots embossing folder (my personal favorite).



I printed the flavor labels from my computer using the GRINCHED font and punched them out with a circle punch. Put one flavor label on the back and one on the top.



There you go... my version of "Maids a Milking"... lol. I am making several sets of these to give away as Christmas presents. Hope you liked it!




TAMMY'S COFFEE CREAMER RECIPES

Candy Cane Coffee Creamer

3/4 cup non-dairy coffee creamer
1 tsp. peppermint extract
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Cappuccino Rum Coffee Creamer

1 cup Hersheys Cocoa
1 cup non-dairy coffee creamer
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons rum extract

Chocolate Covered Cherries Coffee Creamer

3/4 cup non-dairy coffee creamer
1/2 cup Hershey’s Cocoa
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon cherry extract


Pumpkin Pie Coffee Creamer

4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp allspice
1 cup non-dairy creamer
4 tablespoons Splenda

Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tsp per cup of coffee.


Hope you enjoy them!!  Please leave us a comment if you do!  Share your creamer recipes if you have some unique one!  Merry Christmas Everyone!