New tools?

I was looking at this punch that will cut little holes in your paper to minic the sheets in the spiral notebooks that the kids have in school.  I'm not sure if it will put the little cut tears in it or just the holes but, i thought that would be cute in the layouts.  In addition, I could still use acid free paper. 

Then, it hit me.....how silly!  If I truly want to do that, I could use a bind it all!

Or a small square punch or the punch for threading ribbons.  Of course, it depends on how often you will be making and using the torn notebook paper look in your projects. 

I can also bind up the papers and tags that I want to use in the future.


Tip:  You can use your BIA to make your own little journaling notebook.  Just journal, date and when you are ready to complete your project, just tear it out. 

The only thing is I just had to pick up the Martha Stewart Embossed Button Punch.  My I-top will make little brads but, this punch is a different type.  I just wish it was available in a smaller size. 

Oh why do they make such cute tools that we just have to have them?  What cross uses have you found for your tools?

Paper Calamity

While working on a paper project, I had the misfortune of not finding the correct shades to compliment my printed paper choice. I found all but, one color…..a green for my little Martian. I guess a Martian can be another color because I really do not know the true color of what a Martian would be. I mean I have not seen one nor have I received an invitation or a visit from a foreign visitor. Although I guess you could count my husband if you count Europe…hmmmm….nope you can’t really count him although the INS states on immigration paperwork to write the alien's name! LOL  Anyways, I digress...back to the dilemma that has me baffled. How to find a paper that my machine loves without leaving all types of ragged edges?! GRRRRRR

So, I wonder if the Cricut is a paper SNOB? Could it be? I have discovered that the more expensive papers generally do much better getting crisp clean edges. It does not do well with the packs of colored cardstock from Michael’s but, it will do the Recollections line of printed scrapbook paper. And the above picture is the Paper Studio line in Lime Green Linen. It cut so badly, that I would be so embarrassed if I was out at a crop or having a class or demonstrating the machine. OMG! Could you imagine if I was selling this line of paper? WOW!

In case you do not know, the Paper Studio was open stock at Hobby Lobby. While I can use it to hand cut, I sure cannot recommend it in the cutting machines. The other two rockets next to it in two shades of Teal would be the Brazil paper. See how nice the edges are and there are no pulls? If I could find a local store with a bigger selection, perhaps I could find the correct Lime Green paper for my project.

The sad thing is I also bought some solid cardstock from Hobby Lobby but, it did not state Brazil paper on it so, my guess is it probably is not. I have not tried to cut that yet but, I hope it is better than the Lime Green Linen printed paper or it will have to go back.

I also bought some cute boys paper there from the Paper Studio line but, it might have to go back or be used for an all hand cut project. Although I think it will more than likely go back because I love to design and the weld feature is my BFF! LOL

Be sure to test cut a line before you stock up on it or, at the very least, do a test cut on it before you cannot return or exchange it. It is not like I can even use the Lime Green paper as a test cut because looking at that mess……. :sigh: I would say OMG it is a flop!

Have you made a list of the paper that you absolutely love? And a second list of those that do not work for your needs? I know that I am adding to my lists.

Getting Your Feet Wet!

Do you look at the pile of supplies that you have accumulated? The cartridges that you fought tooth and nail for at Black Friday? Or marvel at the recent score that you SAVED SO MUCH ON? Do you gleam with delight at all the wonderful projects you are going to make with all the pretty paper? :SCREECH: SLAM the breaks on! OMG...Pretty paper? Use my supplies?! OMG!!!!! Then, it will be used up and I won't have anymore? :SHREEK: Hmmmm....does that remind you of anyone?

Well....pretty paper.....and supplies were made to be used up and made into beautiful creations! Did you know that once you use the paper you CAN get more? Yes, you can! Or you could buy a few extra sheets esp. if you made something right away with it because it (hold on a new concept here.......) would still be in print and available in-stock. Also, those stamps were made to be inked, used and appreciated outside of their original packaging! :grin:

Ok there are some supplies that are more difficult to get but, sometimes isn't that part of the fun of a hobby? Trying to find the best deal, or to have it first or maybe even something very special and limited like perhaps an antique button or a clipping of your child's first haircut?

There is a price or value on an item that we purchase but, it somehow becomes priceless when we put our personal touch on them. Not only that but, the wonderful warm and fuzzy feeling we get with the satisfaction of the amazing things that we made out of simply paper, glue and a little inspirational creativity spun onto it far outweighs the monetary value. An added bonus is the accolades that we may receive from a friend, family member or even someone on a message board, swarm, or a wonderful comment on a blog whether it is your blog or a link from another blogger.

The increased pleasure that you will arrive at by using and creating your own beautiful masterpiece out of paper and glue will be exponentially greater than that which you arrive at by merely looking at that stack of paper and embellishments.

An Added bonus, once you get going you will improve! :) I'm a bit of a perfectionist and sometimes I find that holds me back too. :D Think of all the missed favorite projects that would go uncreated. Think of the missed opportunity for someone else that might be inspired or use your idea as a jumping off point to put their own spin on it?

Or maybe you want to recreate a beautiful inspiring project from a designer. That might even help get your feet wet because I know it will give you some ideas.

My Gypsy really helped me to get my feet wet! :D i find more time to design and it's relaxing. I also decided to swarm once a month so, that gives me a definite time and place that I MUST DO SOMETHING! :D

Now, you might ask what about if I mess up my creation? It's ok with mess ups too because scraps work for other things too! lol Yesterday I made a mistake and was all off in another world and forgot to delete an image on my gypsy screen. Unfortunately, it messed up the image because it cut words where they shouldn't be! :D So, i just scooped up the cuts and re-cut the affected image. oops! will I do it again....I hope not but, I probably will! :D

I own too many cartridges not to get my mind busy and hands wrapped around my gypsy to cut another day on my cricut!

What's holding you back? What is your inspiration? It is time to get your feet wet and .....JUST DO IT!

Cosmo Cricket COGSMO

My cricut and Gypsy are really going to have some quality time together! 

I received my shipment of Cosmo Cricket Cogsmo today! It is great space, robot, teckie, boy to man paper! 

So many thoughts.....so little time!

WOW! Quick Shipment!

I posted about this a few days ago.  There was a sale on the OUAP and here is the post.  WOW! I received it today!  Time to go RIP that PUPPY open! She has to BREATHE!!!! Ha Ha 

That was really a quick turn around! 

Just Because

If you are considering the new Just Because cartridge from cricut, be sure to check out this video.

There are helpful hints on labeling the book and determining what envelope to use.  Also, there seems to be a sizing issue.  Joy goes through some of this on the video. 

It really looks like a cute card.  I see a lot of possibilities for the cartridge.  I wonder if with the launch of this cartridge that Provocraft decided to get rid of the TBBM?  hmmmm.... I love my TBBM. 

Thank You Baby 2 Bride Card

I made this Thank You card by welding images from Gypsy Wanderings, Gypsy Font and Tags, Bags, Boxes and more.  I outlined the front of the card by replacing the blade housing with the cricut markers.  It gives more emphasis on the butterfly, flower and Thank you.  In addition, I used Graphic 45 paper, Dew Drops, ribbon and a beautiful antique button pre-WWII.  There is so much detail in the button that just is not captured in the picture.  It has 4 delicate pressed flowers in the center which you cannot begin to even see in this photo.

I used the Color Box Paintbox Ocean breeze in a chalk ink to help the card pop. 

Inside the card is a beautiful coordinating print.  You can leave it or add a coordinating solid cardstock to write your personalized message.  The pictures do not do this justice!  It looks beautiful in hand!

I did need to use the little dental pick to get the small little pieces out.  Some of them wanted to stay for the delivery of the message.  I do not blame them because it makes it hard with all its beauty to send this thank you to another home. 

I hope that this inspires you to create something unique and all you! And as always, please send me a message and let me know how this inspires you.