FCCB Challenge #239 ~ "Beyond Red & Green"

Hello & happy December to you! Of course, it's also Monday, which means it's time for another FCCB Challenge Me Monday....

Challenge #239 ~ "Beyond Red & Green"

 (create a holiday project without using red & green)

For this card I used my favorite cartridge of all time, "Art Philosophy". It really is a genius cartridge & every cut is useful. Even the font is outstanding. There is absolutely NO wasted space in this handbook! If you don't own this cartridge yet, the only way to purchase it is through a Close To My Heart consultant. My consultant is Diana Larson & she's fabulous! Click HERE to check out her online store. Ok, that's enough of my chit chat for one day! Finally, we arrive at my card....

SIZE:  5 x 7"

CRICUT:  Expression 2 & Gypsy

CARTRIDGE:  "Art Philosophy"

PAPER:  CTMH; DCWV; Core'dinations

EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug with Darice folder

OTHER:  Ranger Liquid Pearls "Baby Blue"; stars from my stash; 3M foam tape

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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thurs. December Linky Challenge; anything goes
BBTB2 -  Christmas tree; Cricut only
My Sheri Crafts -  Challenge #147; "Oh Christmas Tree"
Little Scrap Pieces -  Saturday Linky Party; anything goes
Cut It Up -  Challenge #59; Non-traditional Christmas card


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Thank you for stopping by & I hope to see your creations for the challenge! 

Let's Talk Turkey

Hello & happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there in blog-land! I hope you had a fabulous & yummy day! My whole family went to my Grandma's house for dinner. I made this card to wish her a happy Thanksgiving & to thank her for hosting dinner. I used several cartridges & I think they all worked well together. Of course, nothing says Thanksgiving like a teddy bear in a turkey costume! Huh? Oh well....I think he's pretty stinkin' adorable....

Inside

SIZE:  5.5"
CRICUT:  Expression 2 & Gypsy
CARTRIDGES:  "Art Philosophy"; "Create A Critter 2"; "Teddy Bear Parade"
PAPER:  CTMH; Lawn Fawn "Sweater Weather"; Core'dinations
OTHER:  Stickles "Black Diamond" & "Platinum"; Smooch Pearlized Top Coat; Sakura gel pens; 3M foam tape


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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday November Linky Challenge; anything goes; 5th entry
Little Scrap Pieces -  Saturday Linky Party; anything goes
Simon Says Stamp -  Wednesday Challenge; anything goes; (optional: use Lawn Fawn)
Word Art Wednesday -  Challenge #160; anything goes
BBTB2 -  "Giving Thanks"
Party Time Tuesdays -  Challenge #191; anything goes


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Thank you for visiting me! Have an awesome weekend!

FCCB Challenge #237 ~ "Embellish Me"

Hello & happy Monday to you!  It's time for our Monday challenge at FCCB. I hope you can join us, or at least pop on over to see what awesomeness my DT sisters have created!


Welcome to another Challenge Me Monday!

Challenge #237 ~ "Embellish Me"
(use at least 3 embellishments)

This Week's Sponsor

For my project, I used one of the new Anna Griffin cartridges, "Elegant Embellishments". This is a really fun yet practical cartridge. There are a few card designs, some basic shapes & some word art. Here is what I created using one of the card cuts....

SIZE:  A2

CRICUT:  Expression 2

CARTRIDGE:  "Elegant Embellishments"

PAPER:  CTMH; My Mind's Eye

OTHER:  Doodlebug floral embellishment; Martha Stewart pearls; Viva Decor pearl pen "Ice White"; Fiskars corner rounder; 3M foam tape

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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday November Linky Challenge; anything goes; 4th entry

Word Art Wednesday -  Challenge #158; anything goes; 2nd entry
BBTB2 -  Anything goes, Cricut required
Little Scrap Pieces -  Saturday Linky Party; anything goes

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Thank you for visiting me! I hope you're inspired to check out our challenge! 

A Belated Veterans Day Card

Hello crafty friends! I hope you are all having a fabulous week! I know I'm a little late, but I still wanted to share this card I made for my husband for Veterans Day. I couldn't post it until after I gave it to him (as he does occasionally read my blog, lol) & then I wasn't feeling well yesterday. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I'm so proud of my husband's service (82nd Airborne Div.) & so grateful for all the men & women who have served or are serving to protect our freedom. Happy (late) Veterans Day! 

Inside

SIZE:  5 x 7"
CRICUT:  Expression 2
CARTRIDGE:  "Artfully Sent"
PAPER:  CTMH; Recollections; HOTP
STAMP SET:  My Pink Stamper "Fabulous Phrases"
EMBOSSING:  VersaMark watermark pad; Ranger embossing powder; Marvy heat tool
OTHER:  Darice star gems; Sakura gel pen


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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday November Linky Challenge; anything goes; 3rd entry
Simon Says Stamp -  Wednesday Challenge; "We're Seeing Stars"
Heart 2 Heart -  No ink
Little Scrap Pieces -  Saturday Linky Party; anything goes
Word Art Wednesday -  Challenge #158; anything goes


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Thank you so much for visiting me! Have a great day!

Peaceful Holiday Wishes

Hello my crafty friends! I hope you are enjoying your Tuesday (hey - at least it's not Monday). Today I'm sharing the second card I've made with the new "Christmas Kitsch" Cricut cartridge by Anna Griffin. I know I just said this yesterday but this cartridge is amazing! The cards are all relatively simple & quick. This will make it so much easier to crank out all my Christmas cards for my family. Every Christmas my uncle's girlfriend orders 30-40 cards, my cousin orders 20 & my aunt orders 20-30. As if that doesn't keep me busy enough, I also make a lot of card bundles to give out as gifts. This is why I'm starting to make them so early. Last year I waited till the last minute & worked myself into a complete frenzy. Oh well - live & learn, right? Anyway, here is my card for today....

Inside

SIZE:  5.75" square
CRICUT:  Expression 2
CARTRIDGE:  "Christmas Kitsch"
PAPER:  CTMH "Snowhaven" paper packet
OTHER:  CTMH Liquid Glass; Martha Stewart punch "Aspen Snowflake"; Viva Decor Pearl Pen "Ice White"; Sakura pens; 3M foam tape


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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday November Linky Challenge; anything goes; 2nd entry

Crafty Catz -  Challenge #253; anything goes 

Heart 2 Heart -  No stamping

Simon Says Stamp -  Wednesday challenge; anything goes; 3rd entry

Party Time Tuesdays -  Challenge #188; anything goes

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Thank you so much for visiting me! Have a lovely day!

FCCB Challenge #235 ~ Anything Goes

Hello friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! It's Monday & that means it must be time for another FCCB challenge!....

 Welcome to another Monday challenge!

Challenge #235 ~ Anything Goes

This Week's Sponsor

Click HERE to join the challenge!

For my project I used the new "Christmas Kitsch" cartridge by Anna Griffin. It has so many cute shaped cards, super simple cut-out cards, tags & envelopes. I can already tell I'll be using this cartridge a ton for my Christmas cards this year, but here is the first card I decided to make....

Inside

SIZE:  5.5" 

CRICUT:  Expression 2

CARTRIDGE:  "Christmas Kitsch"

PAPER:  CTMH

STAMP SET:  CTMH "Just To Say..."

INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Glacier" & "Cranberry"

OTHER:  Ranger Liquid Pearls "Onyx Pearl"; Viva Decor Pearl Pen "Ice White"; Sakura pen; silver glitter button from my stash

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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday November Linky Challenge; anything goes

Crafty Catz -  Challenge #253; anything goes 

Divas By Design -  Anything goes

Heart 2 Heart -  No stamping

Simon Says Stamp -  Wednesday challenge; anything goes; 2nd entry

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Thank you for stopping by & have a fantabulous day!

FCCB Halloween Card Swap Blog Hop

Happy Halloween! Welcome to the "Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Design Team Halloween Card Swap Blog Hop". That is a mouthful isn't it? Not everyone on the team swapped cards, but those of us that did decided to do a blog hop sharing our cards with you. The first card is the card we made and the second card is the card we received. 

Here is the card I made....

SIZE:  4 x 7"

PAPER:  Doodlebug

STAMP SET:  CTMH "Happy Haunting"

INK:  Tim Holtz Distress Ink "Black Soot"

WET EMBOSSING:  VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad; Ranger Embossing Powder; Marvy Uchida Heat Tool

DRY EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug machine; Darice "Spider Web" embossing folder

OTHER:  Fiskars Paper Edgers; Doodlebug gems; American Crafts colored pencils; 3M foam tape

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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thurs. October Linky Challenge; anything goes; 3rd entry

Crafty Catz -  Challenge #253; anything goes 

Divas By Design -  Anything goes

Simon Says Stamp -  Wednesday challenge; anything goes

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And here is the card I received from Karla....

Isn't this so cute? Click on her name above to visit her blog & see all the details.

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Your next stop is the lovely & talented Michelle. Happy hopping!

-Diana ♥

FCCB Challenge #233 ~ "Colors Of Fall"

Hello friends! I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend & that your Monday has been relatively painless so far, lol. As many of you already know, I lost my Grandpa about 10 days ago. He was 90 & lived an amazing life. He spent 70 of his 90 years hand-in-hand with my Grandma, who is 89 & still going strong! We just had his funeral & service on Saturday. There are a few pictures from it posted on my Facebook page (Diana Lynn Martin), if you'd like to have a look.

Now that the sad news is out of the way, let's have some fun & introduce our new challenge!....

 Happy Monday and welcome to another FCCB Challenge Me Monday.

Challenge #233 ~ "Colors Of Fall"
(must use:  brown, orange/yellow & red)

 
 This Week's Sponsor

To qualify for the prize, be sure to use at least 1 Cricut cut on your project and, if it's not obvious, please let us know which cartridge(s) you used.

For my project I chose to make one of the super-fun swing cards from the new "Artfully Sent" cartridge. I can tell already that I'm going to be obsessed with this cartridge for quite some time!.....

SIZE:  5 x 7"

CRICUT:  Expression 2

CARTRIDGE:  "Artfully Sent"

PAPER:  Doodlebug "Happy Harvest"

STAMP SET:  CTMH "Curlicue Frames"

INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Chocolate"

OTHER:  Doodlebug "Doodle Tags" sentiment stickers; Smooch Pearlized Top Coat; 3M foam tape

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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thurs. October Linky Challenge; anything goes; 2nd entry


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Thank you so much for dropping by & I hope you'll join us for the challenge! 

-Diana ♥

FCCB Challenge #231 ~ Birthday Cards

Hello friends! It's time for another fantabulous challenge, so I hope you can join us!....

Happy Monday and welcome to another FCCB 'Challenge Me Monday'!

Challenge #231 ~ Celebrate: Birthday Cards

This Week's Sponsor

My Style Stamps


Winner will receive the 'Christmas Wishes' stamp set

To qualify for the prize, be sure to use at least 1 Cricut cut on your project and, if it's not obvious, let us know which cartridge(s) you used.

Be sure to visit FCCB to join in the challenge.

Here is my project....

Inside

Envelope ~ back

SIZE:  5" square
CRICUT:  Expression 2 & Gypsy
CARTRIDGE:  "Paper Lace 2"
PAPER:  Pebbles; Recollections; Core'dinations; DCWV
STAMP:  Inkadinkado
INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Holiday Red" & "Outdoor Denim"
PUNCH:  Martha Stewart
OTHER:  Stickles "Star Dust"; Fiskars Paper Edgers & corner rounder; WRMK Envelope Punch Board; 3M foam tape


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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday October Linky Challenge; anything goes


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Thank you so much for visiting me & have a fantabulous day!!

-Diana ♥

"Artfully Sent" Is Here!

Helloooo crafty friends! I'm so excited because I just received the new CTMH "Artfully Sent" Cricut cartridge. I actually got it 2 days ago but am finally getting to really play with it today. Below is the first card I've made with it & I'm working on another, which I will post later when it's done, along with many more I'm sure. I love this cartridge & I think it's going to be great for busting out some quick cards when the need arises. I can't wait until they come out with the Gypsy update so I can link it to my Gypsy!

If you don't already have a CTMH consultant, I would like to recommend mine. Her name is Diana Larson & you can go directly to her CTMH store by clicking HERE. She is awesome! Just sayin'. Anyway, here's my card for today....

Inside

SIZE:  A2
CRICUT:  Expression 2
CARTRIDGE:  "Artfully Sent"
PAPER:  Bazzill; Core'dinations; Recollections
STAMP SETS:  Paper Smooches "Bold Buzzwords"; CTMH "Joyful Birthday Occasions", "Lollydoodle" & "Curlicue Frames"
INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Holiday Red" & "Crystal Blue"
OTHER:  Recollections rhinestones; Viva Decor Pearl Pen "Ice White"; Fiskars Paper Edgers "Victorian"; Sharpie pen; 3M foam tape


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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday September Linky Challenge; anything goes; 3rd entry
Heart 2 Heart -  Favorite stamp or stamp set; must use CTMH products
Little Scrap Pieces -  Saturday Linky Party; anything goes
Word Art Wednesday -  Challenge #150; Proverbs 4:23; anything goes
Pause Dream Enjoy -  Linky Challenge #19; real or faux stitching
BBTB2 -  "Celebrate Cricut"; use any Cricut cut
My Sheri Crafts -  Challenge #142; "Birthday Celebrations"


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Thank you so much for visiting me today! Have a fantastic weekend!

-Diana  ♥

Never Forget....

*** Click HERE for the FCCB "Mix & Match" Challenge ***

Good morning, friends! Being that today is the 13th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, I wanted to take a minute & acknowledge it in my teeny tiny little corner of the blog-o-verse. I tend to be pretty verbose, but today is one of those days when I reflect a little more & talk a little less. In my opinion, it's a day when images speak much louder than words, mainly because no words can express how we feel about such an unspeakable tragedy. So, all I'm going to say is God bless each & every one of you & may love & gratitude fill your heart, maybe just a little bit more today....

SIZE:  A2
CRICUT:  Expression 2 & Gypsy
CARTRIDGE:  "Summer Celebrations"
PAPER:  Bazzill; Recollections; Core'dinations
EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug machine; Darice "Stars Asst." folder
STAMP SETS:  CTMH "Glamour Lowercase Alphabet"; K Andrew Designs "Sweet July"
INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Holiday Red" & "Star Spangled Blue"
OTHER:  Fiskars Paper Edgers "Ripple"; 3M foam tape


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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday September Linky Challenge; anything goes; 2nd entry
Word Art Wednesday -  Challenge #149 (Revelation 2:7); anything goes
Simon Says Stamp -  Wednesday Challenge; "Make Your Own Background"
Divas By Design -  Wednesday Challenge; anything goes


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Thank you for stopping by & have a blessed day!

-Diana ♥

FCCB Challenge #227 ~ "Mix & Match"

Hello my crafty compadres! I hope your week is off to a promising start! Today is the start of another fantabulous challenge, so I hope you can join in the fun!....

 Happy Monday and welcome to another FCCB Challenge Me Monday!

Challenge #227 ~ "Mix and Match" (use at least 3 patterned papers)

This Week's Sponsor

Winner will receive "Be Wild and Free" stamp set
(US and Canada only)

To qualify for the prize, be sure to use at least 1 Cricut cut on your project and, if it's not obvious, let us know which cartridge(s) you used.

Here is my card, which I'll be giving to my friend's daughter for her 1st birthday....

SIZE:  A2
CRICUT:  Expression 2 & Gypsy
CARTRIDGES:  "The First Few Years" & "Storybook"
PAPER:  Recollections (card base); Echo Park "Bundle Of Joy"
STAMP SET:  Paper Smooches "Party Posse"
INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Cocoa"
OTHER:  American Crafts colored pencils; 3M foam tape


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Other Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday September Linky Challenge; anything goes
Little Scrap Pieces -  Saturday Linky Party; anything goes
Pause Dream Enjoy -  Linky Party #18; puns
Word Art Wednesday -  Challenge #148; anything goes
Pumpkin Spice -  Challenge #82; birthday


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Thank you so much for visiting me & have a fantabulous day!!

-Diana ♥

The Sisterhood Of Crafters "Fancy Fold" Challenge

*** Click HERE for the FCCB "Back To School" Challenge ***

Greetings to my crafty friends! I hope you are all having a wonderful week! Today I'm excited to be featured again as a "Step Sister" for The Sisterhood Of Crafters.

The challenge theme this time is "Fancy Folds". I must admit that I don't do a whole lot of these, but every time I make one I think to myself "I should do these more often", lol. This easel card was really fun to make....

This 5 x 6" easel card was made entirely with products from the Doodlebug "Fruit Stand" collection. The products include:  12 x 12" cardstock, Doodle Tags, Mini Doodle-Pops, Mini Banners & washi tape.


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More Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday August Linky Challenge; anything goes; 5th entry
Word Art Wednesday -  Challenge #147; anything goes


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Thank you so much for stopping by & have a wonderful day!

-Diana ♥
 

FCCB Challenge #225 ~ "Back To School"

Hello my crafty friends! I realize it sounds like a contradiction to say "Happy Monday", but I'm saying it anyway :)  The good news is that we have a new challenge starting today & we'd love for you to join in on the fun!

Welcome to another FCCB Challenge Me Monday...

Challenge #225 ~ Back to School

This Week's Sponsor

Winner will receive a stamp set of their choice.

To qualify for the prize, be sure to use at least 1 Cricut cut on your project and, if it's not obvious, let us know which cartridge(s) you used.

Here is my project.....

SIZE:  5 x 6.25"

CRICUT:  Expression 2 & Gypsy

CARTRIDGE:  "Create A Friend"

PAPER:  Bo Bunny; Bazzill; WRMK

INK:  CTMH Distressing Inks "Dutch Blue"

OTHER:  Sakura gel pen; 3M foam tape

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More Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday August Linky Challenge; anything goes; 4th entry

Little Scrap Pieces -  Saturday Linky Party; anything goes

Crafting By Designs -  August Challenge; anything goes

Cute Card Thursday -  Challenge #335; "Back To School"

Word Art Wednesday -  Challenge #146; anything goes

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Thank you for visiting me & have a fantabulous day!!

-Diana ♥

The Sisterhood Of Crafters "Your Favorite Colors" Challenge

*** Click HERE for the FCCB Sketch Challenge ***

Greetings to my crafty friends! I hope you are all having a wonderful week! Today I'm honored & excited to be featured as a "Step Sister" for The Sisterhood Of Crafters.

The challenge theme is "Your Favorite Colors". This is a tough one for me, because my favorite colors tend to change with the seasons, but I'm currently loving the bright summer colors, specifically hot pink & green. I really like contrasting them against a strong neutral, like slate grey, as I've done here with this set of simple note cards....

SIZE:  3.5 x 4.75"
CRICUT:  Expression 2 & Gypsy
CARTRIDGES:  "Storybook" & "Small Talk Frames & Tags"
PAPER:  CTMH "Lollydoodle" paper pack & card kit
STAMP SETS:  CTMH Petite Perks "Nature's Delight" & "Delicate Wings"
INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Pear", "Cotton Candy" & "Slate"
DRY EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug machine; Provo Craft "D'Vine Swirls" folder; Darice "Chevron" folder
WET EMBOSSING:  VersaMark Watermark stamp pad; Ranger embossing powder (White); Marvy Uchida heat tool
OTHER:  3M foam tape 


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More Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday August Linky Challenge; anything goes; 3rd entry
Die Cuttin' Diva's -  Challenge #178; "Favorite Color Combination"
HIMCR -  Blogiversary Challenge #2; "Keep It Simple Sweetie"; 2nd entry
Word Art Wednesday -  Challenge #145; anything goes
Creative Card Crew -  Challenge #68; wet or dry embossing


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Thank you for visiting me & have a beautiful day!

-Diana ♥