Echo Park Cricut Circle Challenge

Cricut Challenge Week of April 7, 2011-Sketches

This week's challenge called for a sketch and a layout/project of choice. Oftentimes, I use sketch to create my layouts. I may choose the photo and then decide where I want to go. For example, I chose a picture of my daughter and dog. ThThe photo shows the two playing in the snow. I went with pinks, reds, and blues for the colors. Next, I knew I needed to use at least two Cricut cuts. I have several winter carts and decided on Speaking of Winter and Mr. Frosty. I used my imagine to color and cut the paper.

ON the sketch, I drew out which papers, shapes and embelishments. I also make notes about supplies needed. The sketch really helps to organize my layouts. A sketch also helps me to be organized and less mess in a small scrap area.

Sometimes, I let the paper lead me to design a layout. I have been drawn to Pink Paislee and Crate Paper lately. I have bought several paper kits. Paper kits or any monthly kit like Noel Mignon are easy to work with because everything is coordinated for you. The Imagine carts allow for easy coordination, as well. I usually pick out three papers and design around them. I always use my cricut to cut out the big shapes even if I am not using a specific embellishment like a snowman or butterfly. I still use a sketch no matter what. A sketch is like a road map to your project. If you do not feel like you can make a sketch or do not know where to start there are plenty of blogs and website that have tons of sketches. Just google scrapbook sketches and you will find plenty.

Two more challenges for the Circle

Here are two more challenges for the Cricut Circle. The first picture is for the magazine challenge. The challenge called for a way that you organize your scrap supplies. I used the plastic zip velcro bags that came with my Scrapbox to organize my cords. I used the Cricut Everyday cartridge to create labels for the bags. This enables me to easily find my cords. The second challenge is the monthly challenge which called for a kids project. I made a game after the popular memory game. I made circles of different patterns and animals. I used Birthday Bash and George to make the game.">">

Cricut Weekly Challenge March 28

The challenge called for an "everyday" theme. My two girls wore pink everyday (or just about). This was a picture of my youngest when she was two. Wow, look at those cheeks! The baby girl cheeks have long disappeared into a beautiful young lady. The layout was done with Pink Paislee paper and Prima embellishments. I used the accents essentials and straight from the nest cartridges. ">

Weekly challenge for Cricut Circle Blog

This week-the challenge was to use your imagine machine. I used the Paper Pups and Best Friend cartridges. This was my first project using the Imagine. Loved it! The printing was amazing.

Fairytale and Folklore Cricut challenge

This is my enry for this week's Cricut challenge. I used Pink Paislee's Restoration for the whole layout except for the dollie. The carts I used were A Child's Year, Accent Essentials, Storybook and George's Basic Shapes. I also used Shimmer Mist rose color. The picture represents a fairytale because my daughters used to go out in the backyard and pretend there were fairies and other mythical creatures in the garden and old oak tree. The girls were three and five at this time. They are now 14 and 16. Eleven years ago, where has the time gone? Which is why the page is aptly titled, "Once Upon a Time".

Cricut Circle Feb. Month Challenge Enry

Here is my entry for this month's challege. The theme was banners. The challenge was to create a banner using at least cuts from any Cricut cartridges. I used "Straight from the Nest" cart for the six penants. I used "George's basic shapes" for the circles and other shapes. The paper is from My Mind's Eye. The embellishments are from My Mind's Eye as well. I also wrapped a pencil with Pink Paislee tape. I added pearls, tulle and ribbons for an added touch. I am going to place the banner on a book case above my desk in my classroom. I had a fun time creating this banner. I also have enjoyed looking at the amazing banners created by other circle members.

Cricut Circle

I have been a Cricut circle member since August. I really like the blog and monthly magazine. Not real keen on the messageboard. The circle board is the typical messageboard dominated by a few. Not meant any friends on the board. Gonna give it another six months then I will decide if I want to continue to pay for a blog and digital magazine that is 80 bucks every three months.

Houdini

I have a new puppy! A little Havanese! Well, I have had him since July. I bought him in San Fransisco. I thought people were nuts who were overly crazy about their dogs. I am one of those people now. He has brought so much love and joy into our lives. Houdini is truly the best puppy in the world!

Chance to win

Hop on over to www.cincinnaticoupons.net for a chance to win a really cool album kit by polka dot and paisley!!! The kit is from the Cosmo Cricket Material Girl line. It is just about the prettiest thing I have ever seen.

Experimenting with color

I have really enjoyed working with the new Cosmo Cricket lines: Material Girl and Garden Variety. Often, I am unsure on how to use colors. But a little trick I have learned is to use the coordinating papers in one line to compliment one another. I use to try to mix and match different lines. I would buy single papers that I liked. But now I just buy whole lines that I like. Some might think I am an idiot but I am still just learning the basics of scrapbooking.
Another thing, I am learning is to experiment layering with geometric shapes.
The following layouts show how I tried different shapes, patterns and colors. I think it turned out ok.

New layouts

Spring is a comin'

WoW, it is so pretty outside! Hoping to do some layouts this weekend and share some techniques!

Been awhile...

With the holidays and starting school, I have not been able to post for a while. Been really busy, so busy, I have not scrapped since the beginning of the year. Too much to do in such a little time. I have purchased a scrapbox. It should be here by Feb. I hope to have pics up. Scrapping should become easier. I have everything in boxes now. Too difficult to scrounge around for everything. Then, I hope to show some techinques, I have learned. Until then!

I love some shabbyblogs.com

Does anyone notice the snow drifting on the screen? Just another little cute touch-shabbyblog offers. Did I mention for free?

Blog hop...

ZVA Creations..is having a contest. Really fun, really inspirational. All you have to do is leabe a comment on tweleve blogs for a chance to win some scrumptious ZVA products. Start here...http://paperhugs.typepad.com/paper_hugs/

http://the-gypsyspot.blogspot.com/
A wonderful contest is happening over at The Gypsy Spot! You can have the chance to win a gypsy. So hit the link and entry!

New Scrap Blog-ScrapWorm

I love to scrapbook. I started a little over a year ago. I am totally addicted. With this blog I hope to share trials and tribulations of scrapbooker but a mom as well.