Crafty Clean Up Tip #1

I'm all for getting my work area organized and finding new ways to make the most of my supplies. Now this idea isn't an original idea, but when I saw this I had to come up with a way to make it my own.

So, does your sponges look like this? 5 colors on each sponge?

Mine did up to today!

I hate opening up my drawer with all the dozen or so sponge pieces in it and trying to find a few sponges with a clean spot on them so I can still recycle them. I keep thinking I can still hold on to them because this one looks red, and that one could be blue - but no more! Another crafty lady took a Round Tab Punch (contraband item - another company's punch) and punched out tabs for her sponges (zoom down to last photos to understand that last sentence). So I searched "their" site to see prices of punches and shipping costs, all the while trying to justify spending money on another punch - then it hit me - MAKE IT MYSELF!

So I opened up one of my software programs for my Cricut and hand drew the shape above. (actual screen shot above) As you can see that little piece on the far left will be added to the rest to create the correct shape as shown below:

Looks just like "their" punch - but I didn't have to wait or pay for it!!!
Now, when I imported it into the program for cutting - it looked like this:

I assumed it wasn't going to cut right because of where the "green" is - that's suppose to be the end shape - the green is what it should look like when it's done cutting, (after trying to adjust the image a dozen times via software) I thought I'd try it anyways .

AND IT WORKED!!!
And when you fold it in half - a perfect Round Tab!

(Why yes, those are my real finger nails!)

Then staple it to the sponge, write the color of the ink on the tab and I'll never have to search for a clean spot on a sponge again!!

Now, we have 60 different colors for CTMH, I don't usually sponge every color, mainly browns & black, so I'll add as I need to. I don't plan on making 60 of them right away. I'll order a cardstock swatch sample pack (our company has 3x3 swatches on a metal ring we can purchase for around $2) and cut each tab out of the coordinating cardstock so that it's easy to see in the drawer.
Hope you liked this idea - I figured I just saved myself $15+ and 10 days of waiting!

Do you want to know the best part about this?? I can stretch the image on the screen and I can make these any size!! I don't have to buy one in all the different sizes!! I think that's priceless!!!

The Nugget Box Stands Alone

My title sounds like a kids song - "the cheese stands alone" does anyone know that one - It's in my head now. Anyway, my daughter was circling my table all day when I was creating the 4 Drawer Box that I posted a few days ago and she kept saying "is that for me?" I told her if she let me finish without circling like a hungry shark, I'd make her one and fill it with a surprise! I used a Pewter Decorative Brad for the handle, and she does have a hard time opening it by pulling the brad, can't grip it under the brad. The heart is another chipboard one I cut out using my Cricut. In fact, this whole box was done on my Cricut. I designed it so I didn't have to pick up a cutter. In the picture below you can see just right of the heart, on the fold is a cut line. I put that in so that it will fold without having to score it! So my little peanut disappeared into the living room long enough for me to make one for her and even decorate it and as promised, I filled it with candy - just in time for Valentine's Day!

Treat Box Times 4.

I was reading the many emails that I get from signing up on tons of other people's blogs and I stumbled across this adorable gift box. The person wanted me to pay $3 for the pattern and if I wanted to use it for a workshop they wanted me to buy a pattern for each person at $3 per person. So I stared at the screen, blew up the photos of her artwork and figured out what it was and made it myself without needing to purchase anything. Plus, I figured out a pattern on my Cricut so I can cut the drawers, sleeves for the drawers, tops, & bottoms of the project! Now I can mass produce them! (If I really wanted to.) This cute project has 4 drawers, one on each side. The handles were the hardest. I know I wanted to use an eyelet for around the hole so that it would not rip from pulling on it. I wanted it to look like a handle, but didn't have anything to make a large brad stand away from the drawer front. So, I created handles by taking our Pretty Pins and pulled off all but the top beads. I re-threaded the pink bead back on and fed it through the eyelet and put a white little bead back on in the inside for a stopper. I then clipped off the end of the pin and bent the end over to form a little loop. The handle falls down, but it is super strong. To do this I was lucky I've played with wire in the past and had several wire cutting and shaping tools in my collection of toys. :)
I cut the top out of chipboard using the George and basic shapes cartridge - it has a rounded corner box on the cartridge. I cut the heart out of chipboard and then I cut the papers for the squares and the hearts to cover the chipboard - giving it a nicer look. I sponged the edges of the heart with Chocolate ink to make it defined. I'll be adding a decorative top to it later, I just couldn't wait to post it. The paper pack I used is the new Veranda Level 2 Paper Kit.

So are you dieing to know how to make these??? Here's a clue - nugget box! Now, go click on my photos and see if you can figure it out and make your own. I've also seen these with 2 drawers up - stacked like a little dresser. This would make a great candy box or put small presents inside. Now it's your turn to make one - or attend my class for it! (dates not decided)

My 3D Valentine Card

Here is another great card that I'll be doing for a workshop. It comes in it's own mini box! I can get a few cards into that box! Now I did Valentine's day cards, but you can do any paper pack you would like and create a different theme - Birthday, Everyday, Thank Yous - anything!

The box is the picture above, looks like a pizza or mini shirt box. I stamped the heart twice and cut it out and layered it with foam squares to give it dimension.

Box open

Card opened up and from the front view.
Below is the side view

I used our Heartfelt Felt piece to embellish the card.

Here is a second one from the same paper pack. When you cut up a whole pack, you will have a couple of styles you can make depending on which papers you put together.

Here's the card inside the box all folded up.

All you need is to purchase a level 2 paper kit and sign up for the workshop. Again, I'll be supplying cutting guides so we can make as many cards as the kit will allow. Let me know if you would be interested in making these!

Email me for date and time - it will be on a Saturday if all goes well.

Waterfall Card - Workshop

I'm starting a new workshop this will be the first month. We will be doing different projects each month. You can come to as many or as few as you want. The only things you are required to purchase is the supplies for the project. Orders must be place by Feb 26th so that we get everything in time for the March 13th class!

This first month is this waterfall card. Purchase a Level 2 Paper Kit and attend my workshop to learn how to make this card. We will be cutting up the whole pack to create as many cards as we can with the whole kit! You will need to bring glue, a cutter, bone folder (or the scoring tool for your cutter) and any stamps or embellishments you would like to add to your project. Stamps, inks and markers will be available. Glue available for purchase. I also have a few cutters that can be borrowed.

This workshop will be on March 13th, 2010 at 9am - call or email me for location

(the Lake House)

Email me for details.

CTMH Product Highlight Blog Hop

Once again we are doing a Product Hightlight Hop! This month it's You Rock Stamp Set D1346. You should be coming from Sylvia Jacquot's blog, if not, just keep hopping and you will go back around.

I saw the layout on the right in our Reflections book and I then took another layout that works with it (left page) and added the same little blue strips around the edges.I didn't have time for the photos but I'll add them soon.

I even used the new paper pack called YOU ROCK X7122B! I didn't have a need for the guitar so I just used the swirl.I took Daisy White Ink and stamped the swirl on several of the squares and corners. I just love the colors in this paper kit! I anchored them down with white star brads from the Mini Melody Collection.

Thanks for looking, now click here to go to Carol Loftus' blog!

CTMH SOTM Blog Hop

Hello again! This month is a Piece Of Cake - Really - that's its name! You should be coming from Laurie Newton's blog, if not just keep jumping and it will come back around and you be able to see all the blogs.

I had a card swap so I made 8 of these cards. Cocoa cardstock for the base, Juniper cardstock, Colonial cardstock and a piece of B&T from the Veranda Level 2 Paper Kit (backside) are the main pieces.

The image I stamped with black Stazon ink and colored the tops with Creme Brulee marker. I took Create-A-Shade paint and gently brushed over the tops to give them a "glazed" look.

I used Juniper ribbon to make the photo corners. I covered the dish part of the stamp with Liquid glass to give it a high shine. A sparkle dots the "i".

Now head over to Sarita Schraeder's blog to see more!

Eisen Retreat

Just launched a new blog for Eisen Retreat - join us for a weekend of fun, freebies and plenty of time for scrapbooking! Spa Day Saturday, all food and drinks included!

See Details at my website - http://eisen-retreat.blogspot.com

CTMH Product Highlight Blog Hop

We're starting something new! On the 15th of every month, a few of us consultants have decided to pick a product and do a whole blog dedicated to that product!

This month it's the Imagine Book!

You should be coming from CINDY LEEK'S site. if not, that's ok, read to the bottom, click the next site and it will wrap back around so you won't miss anything.

The Imagine Book is all about scrapbooking and layouts. Tons of ideas and recipes for making lots of pages. I did the layout found on page 78 and it's called Safe & Secure.

I did the lettering on my Cricut as well as the snowflakes. The paper is Jingle Paper Kit. I just wanted to use the Creme Brulee on a Christmas layout. I'm debating changing the big journaling white panel (printed off my ink jet printer) with white tags instead. I've done a lot of classes for layouts, rarely do I get the photos on the page. That's a New Year's resolution - finish pages!!! If you have a better idea about the journaling please leave me a post!

I put the tiny letters thru my Xyron machine (it turns anything into a sticker!)

I used our glue eraser to get the excess off the edges of the letters.

You can see a lot of glue around the "m" here's before and after shots.

Love the little Xyron for tiny letters!
Thanks for looking.
Now go to BARBARA'S site to see her great layout!

WHAT SNOW STORM???

I just wanted to give a big THANK YOU to the ladies in the Sheboygan area! Thank you for attending my Cricut Class last night. Yes, I drove an hour in the snow storm to get to them, but I was very tickled with the amount of calls and emails letting me know that they were all still coming!

It took 15 minutes longer to get there than normal and a 1/2 hour longer to get home, but I had no problems and it was like a small adventure in the snow. I've never driven the car I have in this weather so I really tested it. NO close calls or near misses, just plugged in a good CD and enjoyed the ride!

My husband & I had his and her snow plows a few years back and we did subcontracting for a large company so I'm not afraid of the white stuff, in fact it's my version of snowboarding/snowmobiling but with a comfy chair and seat belt!!

Calling Hobby Lobby today to setup the Advanced classes for next month!

Thanks again ladies!

A little Discount on Software!

Recieved this email this week and thought I would pass it along!


You're getting this mesage because you selected to be informed when MTC comes out with updates. If you no longer wish to get these updates hit the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.

Don't forget we still have a 15% off coupon code: YOU-TTTH-TUBE only good on the ScrappyDew.com Make the Cut software purchase. Spread the Word.

Update is Free just download program or trial and Install over top of old program. No need to uninstall and reinstall.

http://www.scrappydew.com/make-the-cut/ and you can download the trial.

In this version:

Shadow Layer: Improvement

Timeout Error Fix
The new setting is in "Help" >> "Advanced" >> "Slow down data rate"

Selections are Dashed
When you edit-select something, the shape will now be dashed. This makes it much easier to see when on top of other shapes.

Warning Margins
These margins are set to the exact same width and height as the margins on Design Studio. These margins are kinda like a "danger area", where if you place a shape inside of it or overlap a shape inside of it, it might not cut the part of the shape. You can still place shapes there -- and they may cut -- so, it's just a guide that Design Studio had, so it may be important.

Rotate with your mouse!
It's about time, right? Click on a shape so it's edit-selected (Red outline), then move you mouse to the upper left hand corner of the shape. Click and hold your mouse and move in a circle.

Move Magic Selections
Magic select a few pieces, then just click on any one of them and move the mouse.

Scale Magic Selections
Another great feature! Magic select a bunch of shapes. Hit "Ctrl+E" or "Edit>>Shape Magic>>Scale" and set a new bounding width/height.

Shape/Layer Lock
You can lock a shape, or group of shapes now! This is great if you don't want your mouse moving something it shouldn't. Plus when you click on something underneath the locked layer, it brings the buried shape to the top so you can move it. You won't have to Shift+Tab so much.

Gallery Fixed!
To everyone who couldn't download from the gallery, you should be able to now. If you still can't, please make sure Make The Cut! isn't blocked by your firewall.

Upload Window updated
Added a check box that makes sure you know that you can't upload copyrighted material.


More info on what has changed http://make-the-cut.com/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=443&page=1#Item_0

Source of this message was extracted from the Make-the-cut.com website

Giving Back at the Office!

I'm a REALTOR for a large company in town (SHOREWEST) and I like to treat the secretaries well that work in our office. So this year me and Patti at the office went around and collected money for gifts for our two ladies. I made each one of these personal signs for their house and we had enough left over to give each of them $100 in gift cards to the local Chamber.

Let me know what you think. These were 18 x 8 - ish in size. This one we took a picture of it at the office because I wrapped them and forgot to take a photo! Oh, This is another Cricut project that I cut the vinyl on my toy!

Blog Changes & Freebie!

I just rearranged my blog, took out some extras and added a few new things. I added some of my favorite blog sites - you should check them out. Some of the ladies actually have Cricut files for the Cricut or the gypsy that you can download and use. Some files are designed to be used with SCAL or MTC - if you don't know what those files are for - you need to check out the other websites I added - these are software sites for cutting with the CRICUT WITHOUT CARTRIDGES! What a thought!!! I just purchased MTC and I'm loving it!

I also, listed an organizing site and a booking keeping site for keeping your New Years Resolutions - I know that's in my goals.

So check it out and let me know what your favorite sites are or if there is additional self help places to add. I'll be giving away a stamp set from my Stuff for Sale site - you get to choose the stamp set - so leave a comment to win! I'll be picking a winner on Friday January 8th!

Rock'n Birthday Card

Another project I did during the holidays - A young man turned 13 just before Christmas and I made this card for him. He wanted itunes??? (I know it's downloading music - just never done it since they outlawed it on the internet - and I know that's the legal way of getting music, but never done it). So I found this card in one of our card books (or maybe in the catty for this stamp - see if you can find it!) Anyways, I needed a card in 2 hours and this is what I came up with. The stripe paper is from an OLD paper pack, back in the day when you could buy a whole pack of B&T in color with lots of different patterns.

I stamped the guitar and then took Sunflower Marker and highlighted the swirls inside and around the guitar. I also free hand some lines behind the words YOU ROCK with the marker laid on it's side.

The left side is done with a stamp, the words were printed out on my inkjet and layered on Topary and Dutch Blue cardstock. I believe the ink was also Dutch Blue and I stamped it right onto the lined paper with the music notes. The stamp set is You Rock and there is a new paper pack that is just released this month called You Rock too!

An Oldy but Goodie

Some of you CTMH Consultants maybe seen this card before. I was searching thru my huge files of photos and cards this Christmas for a card to make that had something fun on it but not too hard since I sent these out the week of Christmas - talk about waiting til the last minute! So this is not an orginal idea of mine.

If you haven't seen this technique, it's done with velum paper. I took our Apen Christmas paper and covered the card with the snowflake B&T paper. I stamped the polar bear on white cardstock with Stazon ink (this works the best when using any markers so that the outline doesn't start to run) I then colored in the the scarf, his ice skates and a little pink in his cheeks with out markers. I then cut a small piece of velum paper (about 1/2 the height of the card - watch how tall your polar bear is!) and stamped the polar bear on this with the Stazon ink and used our colored pencils to color in the scarf, ice skates and cheeks - this doesn't show up really well, but it does give a hint of color on the ice. Then I fliped the velum over and glued it to the bottom of the card - making sure his reflection is going the rigt direction. I glued the velum down first then glued my cardstock polar bear above the velum lining up the feet - with a little gap or space above the velum.

Last year Walmart put all the Martha Stewart Christmas glitter at 1/2 price and I thought what the heck and bought a 6 pack of white, a 3 pack of each red, green and blues (each having 3 bottles of different shades of color or with silver and gold). The 6 pack of white had 6 different textures of white - chunky like rocks, fine glitter, little circles and one was like flakes. So I took the flakes and a darker blue and mixed them in a craft jar until the white was mostly blueish. It comes with a glue tube so I drew a line down the center and sprinkled it on and then took my finger and pushed the glitter into the glue so that it would stay on.

24 cards later and I'm done with one more project - why only 24? I only had time for close family and friends - I'm planning on doing more and sending them out throughout the year. My New Year's resolution! Hope you liked this! I'm thinking of starting my Christmas cards now for this year!