Goodbye 2010, hello 2011 - Happy New Year!

 

 

Hello Everyone,

We want to thank you for making this year such a fabulous one for us, as we changed our format and incorporate the changes you so heartily embrace.

Happy New year to you and your love one. We will return next year with bigger ideas and inspiration!

Before we begin our new year’s celebration, we received a few emails requesting an easy way to create a belated Christmas card, and Christmas lay out!

With out further ado we challenged our DT member Ellen to come up with the quickest card and lay out to help you out, thanks for the request Candee!

 

Happy New Year everyone, I’m Ellen and I am sharing a quick Christmas card that you can make in minutes using your Cuttlebug and any left over Christmas papers, or older stash to send.

Sometimes we forget someone on our list and have to quickly create a card and send out, I’ve always believed it is better to send late than not send :)

 

 

 

Be Merry!

 

 

Details of Cuttlebug Christmas embossing folder!

 

 

Crazy for Christmas!

 

 

 

Thank you so much Ellen fabulous quick ideas.

 

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Happy New Year everyone! As we get busy with plans for New Year’s Eve celebration, I wanted to share with you a fun festive eye catching centerpiece.

This centerpiece elements creates the perfect atmosphere for a truly special New Year’s Eve party to ring in the new year.

All you need is your Cricut, Cuttlebug machine and core’dination paper and a few items voila, let’s get the party started!

 

 

Happy New Year 2011

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much, Jackie for showing us all how to create a fabulous Centerpiece!

 

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We have a winner!

The winner of the www.CricutCartridgeStorage.com

is Mad Crafter…

Please send in your physical address, email and the prize you won to cuttlebugchallenge@gmail.com

This prize is coming directly from the mfg and please allow ample time due to the Holiday!

Have a fabulous New Year everyone we will be back on Wednesday January 5th :)

Thank you so much for being a follower and telling your friends about this amazing site and the wonderful group of artists :)

Maggie

Rolling pins, and creative ideas with die cuts- Rendez vous Monday!

Hi Everyone,

Happy Monday after Christmas!  I’m sure Christmas was a blast for everyone. Santa was quite generous at my house and  I’m ready to do the shopping frenzy for next year. I’ve decided next year my theme is going to be Turquoise, red, white. I will be buying gift wrapping papers, ornaments, Christmas ribbons, Christmas mugs, clear balls, to fit the theme I’ve selected.   Remember in this post how I talked about selecting theme for the following year?

Welcome to

 

Hello everyone,  I am Tracy Pounds ! Happy new year to all. I wanted to share a quick gift you can make using your Cricut, Rolling pins and any other items from your stash for a unique gift using a chopping board. Awesome family recipes will sure be a hit1

This sure will be a treasure items the recipient will cherish for years to come!

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Tracy for this fabulous idea :)

 

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Hello everyone, I’m Meda. Happy New Year!

Sometimes at Christmas time you get unexpected gifts and here’s a quick idea on how to reciprocate.

This is a very quick and easy idea using a gift basket!

 

 

Create a small box and embellish using your Cuttlebug Machine!

Tip

Use the negative to create a card as below!

 

 

 

 

Thank you Meda for this lovely elegant idea.

Happy New year everyone! Be sure to stop by on Wednesday as we celebrate with a fun idea for New Year’s

Maggie

PS don’t forget to sign up to be a follower :)

Merry Christmas 2010–Last minute ideas!

Merry Christmas to all of you and thank you for being part of our lives.

We are truly grateful to you for making us part of your daily routine.  The day we have anticipated all year long is finally here. May this day be as bountiful with blessings to you and your family.

We’ve received several request for simple decorating ideas and simple gift giving. We are sharing you with a quick gift-inspiration today!

Please help us welcome the bubbly Joy  Tracey from Everyday Cricut.

Let’s get to know her better!

One of the best things about this wonderful hobby of ours is the people you meet and the friendships you forge.

 

I met Joy online on this site matter of fact, and quickly we became friends. I finally met her in person  last year at Winter CHA , while I was doing demo in the Provo Craft booth. I  met  Tammy,Melanie and Robyn.  Joy is really a Joy to be around she is so bubbly so you can’t be unhappy for long around her! Joy Tracey is a professional blogger running both the Obsessed with Scrapbooking and Everyday Cricut blogs.

 

We challenged  Joy to create a quick  centerpiece.

Let’s begin!

Reindeer Centerpiece
Supplies:

Gold Reindeer
Gold Charger Plate
Ribbon
Decorative Picks
Greenery
Glue gun with glue
(all can be purchased at Michaels)

How to:
1) Tie Ribbon and pick onto Reindeer.  Glue on at strategic spots to ensure adhering.
2) Glue Reindeer onto Charger Plate (if desired - may be easier to store if you don't glue onto plate)
3) Place greenery on plate with picks.  Glue gun picks to greenery.  Glue greenery onto charger plate if desired.

 

 

Thank you so much Joy for being with us today!

 

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If you’re stumped as to what to give people - why not create your own gift-card using your Cricut?

Jackie Natal created a quick simple stocking gift card using Cricut and a Cartridge.

 

 

 

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Merry Christmas everyone, I am Maggie Lamarre with you today to share a simple scrumptious recipe to give as a party favor to your guest! 

Your guests will thank you for such a delightful treat.

It is very easy to make and pretty sure you have all the ingredients already.

 

Scrumptious Brownies!

Supplies:

• Nutella, Cinnamon, Brownie mix, Peanut Butter, Raspberry jam, Vanilla

How to:

• Follow direction for brownie mix on the box
• Mix 1 cup Peanut butter, 1 cup Nutella, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1tsp vanilla,  together until smooth
• Pour the brownie mix onto the cupcake pan half way, then add a dollop of the Peanut butter mixture in the center, then add more brownie on top. Add a dollop of raspberry jam on top in the center, bake following the box recipe.

 

 

 

 

Voila done, this is a very quick nice gift to give and can I tell you how heavenly the house smelled with this brownie yummy…

 

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You will not believe what we caught last nite in our Christmas Village??? None other than Santa sneaking thru the chimney…

 

 

 

Merry Christmas everyone,

Have a  fantastic weekend!

Maggie

How to scrapbook a mini album as a Christmas gift - Be Inspired

Hello everyone,

Can you believe it's Wednesday already??? and only a few more days till Christmas?  This year has flown by and the holiday season is going equally as fast. I think it's so important to capture these special memories while we have the chance.  So we've decided to have Jackie as our hostess today to feature her lovely project designed to do just that. . .crafting a mini album as a gift for Christmas using our sponsors: Graphic 45, Provo Craft Cuttlebug products, and Martha Stewart. 

On behalf of the design team and myself, we want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas.  We would also like to thank every single one of you for making us part of your daily routine. Without your support, we would not have been able to continue.

Our linking party continues from last week with a fun giveaway!

Scrap'n Tote - A Cricut Cartridge Storage System! 

Scrap'n Tote stores and organizes your Cricut cartridges, books, and overlays in 12 "Easy-View" "Side-By-Side" pages.  Scrap'n Tote also comes with a complimentary "Easy-View" storage pouch for your supplies.  Toss your 12"x12" Cricut mat in the back of the book along with your scrapbook paper and you're set!   Just grab the handles and go!  Everything you need in one convenient Tote!
For more information please visit our website at: www.CricutCartridgeStorage.com

Here’s the prize for this party!




Here’s how to enter:

• Link a project in the party
• Tell us what your fondest Christmas memories are!

It's that easy!  Winners will be announced on Dec 29th, the day of our next party :)

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Hi. I'm Jackie your host today and I can't wait to share this little mini album with you. I love the holidays and I want my family to remember these special times. So I've decided to create this album.  Come along with me today and be inspired.



Let’s begin!
I started with a premade 6 x 6 chipboard album from the dollar bin at Michael's 

Cover

• Cover with Deck the Halls Graphic 45 Christmas Past line ink with red cat's eye.
• Cut the Santa from Visions of Sugar Plum Graphic 45 Christmas Past.
• Cut the Angel from Ode to Joy paper from Graphic 45 Christmas Past. (Mini frame came from Michael's Christmas section. Flowers are from Prima)
• Finish off with stickles to add a little glitter.

Page 1

• Cover with Let It Snow from Graphic 45 Christmas Past. Ink the edges with red cat's eye.
• Using red card stock, cut a 4 x 5 mat then use  Christmas Wishes from  Graphic 45 Christmas Past to cut at 3 3/4 x 4 3/4 piece and adhere to the 4 x 5 red mat.
• Attach stickers to the page. Stickers are from K&Company, Vintage Christmas.
• Punch holly using the Martha Stewart Holly Craft punch and add 3 red pearl beads.
• Deck the Hall Christmas tree came from the K&Company. Vintage stickers.

Page 2

• Cover with Let it Snow from Graphic 45 Christmas Past. Using gold card stock, cut at 4 x 5 and ink with cat's eye
• Using Christmas Wishes from the Graphic 45 Christmas Past, cut a 3 3/4 x 4 1/2 piece and adhere to the gold card stock.
• Using the Deck the Halls from Graphic 45 Christmas Past, cut 3 3/4 x 1 1/2 piece and adhere to gold card stock,  hiding the seam with 3/4 gold ribbon, add pearls

Page 3

• Cover with Night Before Christmas paper from Graphic 45 Christmas Past and ink the edges with light blue cat's eyes.
• Light blue card stock: cut at 4 x 5 and use the Cuttlebug Winter Wonderland folder. Add bling and adhere to page.
• Using the Martha Stewart Arctic Snowflake punch,  make 4 white and 2 blue snowflakes and adhere together using pop dots and additional pearls. The Santa stickers came from the K&Company Vintage Christmas.

Page 4

• Cover with Night Before Christmas paper from Graphic 45 Christmas Past, ink the edges with light blue cat's eye. 
• Med. blue and white card stock :cut 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 and 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 pieces. Then use the Martha Stewart Snowflake folder, ink the edges, and adhere to page.
• Adhere snowman to top of page.
• Add stickles to add glitter to the pages.

Page5

• Cover with Deck the Halls paper from Graphic 45 Christmas Past and ink the edges with red cat's eye. Red card stock: cut mat 5 x 4.
• Let It Snow from the Graphic 45 Christmas Past: cut at 4 3/4 x 3 3/4 and adhere to the red card stock. Then add to page
• Christmas tree was made using the Martha Stewart leaf punch and the Let it Snow paper. Use gold ink to ink the edges of the leaves.
• Add red bling and a red star on top.
• Angel stamp was cut from the Ode To Joy paper from the Graphic 45 Christmas Past. Adhere to red card stock and attach to page.

Page 6

• Cut the page 4 x 6. Cover with Deck the Hall from the Graphic 45 Christmas Past and ink with red cat's eye.
• Cream card stock: cut at 3 x 6 and punch the edge using the EKsuccess snowflake edger punch. Adhere red card stock under the snowflake edge
• Ode To Joy from the Graphic 45 Christmas Past: cut at 2 1/2 x 6 ink and adhere the cream card stock.

I used the Bind it All and added ribbon and charms to finish the book.



We can't wait to see what our talented readers come up with!  We hope you are inspired to create an album this year and fill it with those special memories you'll be making.  Maybe it will even be a New Year’s resolution to get it completely.  I know. . .  always looking ahead!

Speaking of, don't forget to come back on Friday where we will be highlighting simple last minute ideas.

Have a great day and don’t forget to sign up to be a follower and to participate in the linking party this week!

Maggie

Christmas Gift ideas for last minute–Rendez vous Mondays

Hello everyone,

Happy Monday! Today we are excited to share another great gift idea for those last minutes Christmas gifts that seem to sneak up on us! We have Jackie to share an easy canvas idea that is sure to put a smile on the recipient's face.

Welcome to Rendez vous Mondays!







Hello, I’m Jackie Natal your hostess today. This is a very quick idea for your last minute gift giving needs. My sister is going to be receiving this canvas to put in her hallway. She'll  be delighted when she opens the present to find this project. I hope you are inspired to make some of those last minute gifts memorable.

Let’s begin!
I measured the area it will go in but it's not necessary. My canvas measures 16x20.

How to:

• Paint the canvas a color of your choosing.
• Paper line Imaginisce more than mistletoe paper ,  cut at 3.75 x 3.75 Cricut cartridge Winter Woodland . You can free hand cut or use your Cricut Gypsy to cut the sizes so they are all perfectly aligned.
• Cut the words Joy and Love from  with their shadows.
• Use premade stickers from holiday time handmade stickers.
• Stamp the poinsettias from Heartfelt creations poinsettia stamps.
• Cut the poinsettia using Blossom 2 Nestability die from Spellbinders.Use glitter embossing on the poinsettias and leaves. Add rhinestones from Martha Stewart/Eksuccess to the center of the poinsettias.
• Adhere the mat to the lower section of the canvas and add the pictures. Then adhere the sticker to a portion of the picture.
• Add stickles liberally on the paper to enhance.

Voila you are done!

Supplies:

• Imaginisce more than mistletoe paper
• Plaid paint apple candy
• Cricut cartridge Winter Woodland
• Blossom 2 Nestability die from Spellbinders
• Heartfelt creations poinsettia stamps

Bo –bunny carries a canvas set where this idea was inspired from.
Merry Christmas,
Maggie,
PS Don’t forget to sign up as a follower and add your projects onto the linking party

Will Santa say you were Naughty or Nice this year?

Hello everyone,

Happy Sunday and we are only 6 days away from Christmas, wow!!!  Are you ready? Did you get all your crafting done.  All the presents wrapped and under the tree? I know, you want to hit me right now don't you?


We are so excited to announce the winners of our blog hop with Want2scrap and the 12 days of Christmas, are you ready to find out who the big winners are???

Want2scrap Blog Hop $25.00 Grand Prize Winners are

• Passionately Winner joni  
• Want2Scrap Winner Cindylu2u 

Daily winners are:

• Day 1 winner of  Imaginisce  i-rock  Tanya 
• Day 2 Martha Stewart Glitter Glue  Amy 
• Day 3 Graphic 45 papers  Scrappy Chic 
• Day 4 Cricut Machine tote winner luvmyshihtzus, Cartridges winner Tanyac 
• Day 7 the Twinery ona_i_ja 
• Day 9 Superman Cartridge  Ms. Jen 
• Day 11 Meda Halamaciu store  Craftyanny 
• Day 12  Birds Party Printables  fusiafscrapping, ILONA,  Kim.,pennyd , ruth

Winners please email me your email address, physical addresses within 7 days to cuttlebugchallenge@gmail.com. Several of these prizes are coming directly from the mfg so please allow ample time to receive them. Most will be closed for the Holidays!

Here is the badge for your blogs.



Don’t forget our Linking party going on every Wednesday! Come celebrate your projects with us :)

Be sure to visit us tomorrow as we share some fun last minute gift-giving ideas for Christmas.

Sneak peak of tomorrow’s post :)


Have a fabulous day,
Maggie

Amaryllis, Paperwhites, and Invitations. . . Fabulous Friday!

Hi everyone,

We all have a friend or family member  that's hard to  find unique items for. Chances are you have friends that love to garden or love to have beautiful plants around. You can use a smaller vase and send as invitations to a party.
Well you will love this wonderful gift idea we have for you! Think of Amaryllis and Paperwhites! They are great bulb plants to give as gifts during the holidays!



Welcome to Fabulous Friday!




Hello, I'm Maggie your hostess today! Every year I look forward to surprising my mother with a unique plant.This year I've decided to give her a hybrid Amaryllis called Razzle Dazzle. Isn't that name fabulous?? These giant flowers are bursting with color and bloom with striking vibrancy that will surely be an attention grabber  this Christmas!

So get your notes out and get ready to be inspired in your gift-giving! I know you can find someone special on your list to give these too.  You could even give them the bulbs this year in a beautiful package with printed directions.  Why wait? 







Once the blooms have unfurled, my mom will be getting this vibrant amaryllis below in a seashell vase.



Are these bulbs hard to grow?  Not all all! Here are a few things to know before you begin. It's possible in cold or warm weather to force these bulbs to bloom with just a few preparations ahead of time. Did you know the Amaryllis is one of the most grown bulbous plants in the world, outside of Tulips? I had no idea they were as popular as they are. 

I started my preparations over the summer by collecting interesting rocks and seashell with my daughter to create a unique display for the gift.

TIP
When purchasing bulbs, the larger the bulb the more flowers you will get.


How to:

• Follow the tutorial for making a candle hurricane to create the vase we're adding the seashells in.
• Wash the seashells and rocks.

Forcing the bulb to bloom by Christmas.

I started on August 1st, once I received the bulbs.

• Clean the  bulbs  by removing the first layer.
• Add the bulbs in separate plastic cups.
• Wrap the cups in cheesecloth and mark them Amaryllis bulbs or Paperwhites. Put in back of the fridge away from the door. Every two weeks or so check them to make sure they are they are dry, not humid.

This will be a great craft for kids, watching the bulbs for leaves and creating a growing chart.

November

• You should see little stalks coming out. Fantastic! This is what we needed to help mother nature along.
• You can do two things at this point. You can pot it in soil or follow the tutorial below.

Potting your plant

• Add the washed rocks to the bottom of the vase.
• Add the seashells to form a pit leaving a space for the bulb.
• Fill the vase w/water to within an 1/8 inch of the bottom of the bulb.
• Place in a sunny spot and fertilize w/slow release fertilizer every 3 weeks.

Care for the plant once done blooming

Once the blooms have faded, cut the stalks and leave in a sunny spot. You should see second generations of blooms appearing until they are ready to go dormant again.

Voila, a great gift for any occasion.






Other ideas!

I have several Paper whites I’m giving as gifts. These Paper whites put on a stunning display especially when you add several bulbs together. The intoxicating smell is marvelous. Mine last me at least 6 weeks w/slow release fertilizers.






Here’s what they'll look like once blooming.  You can always tell when Spring has sprung because my mom’s porch is adorned with Paperwhites.






I hope these tips help you explore the wonderful world of Amaryllis and Paper whites. Whether you give them as gifts to family and friends or simply as a gift to yourself, you'll love the smell of Paper whites!

Have a fabulous day and be sure to come back as we feature a new guest for Sunday spotlight.

Leave a comment and let me know if you have forced any Amaryllis, Tulips, Paper whites or any other bulb.

Maggie
PS Don’t forget our linking party going on now..