Pages

Thursday, September 30, 2010

$15.95 Cricut Cartridges ~ Today Only

I just received an e-mail from CricutMachine.com that has a special on Cricut cartridges for $15.95.

 I do not know the rates for shipping, but I thought that was a pretty good deal. I haven't been able to get any cartridges from eBay for that price lately.

Please let me know if you explore any further and find out if shipping is reasonable.

Don't forget the Halloween Hop starts tomorrow. I am super excited and hope you come back and visit each day.
Halloween tricks and/or treats will be available. 

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )

Any Guest Crafters Interested?

Would you like to be a Guest Crafter? I am looking for someone to be my second guest. I would love to share your bio and work with others. If you are interested please send me an e-mail. Thanks!

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : ) 

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Student's Scrapbook Club

Today was the day...the first day of our Scrapbook Club for our 3rd - 5th graders. The students were extremely excited and eager to make projects (even the 3 boys who attended). One teacher told me her students were so thrilled that they could not stay focused for the last 30 minutes of the day. OOOPS!

We only had 45 minutes, but Yvette and I showed them how to make a simple card that they could take home. We provided a base card, a rectangular piece of solid cardstock,  a 1 1/2 ' strip of decorative Cricut paper,  a piece of ribbon, and Cricut cut.  

We used the school camera this time, so there are only a few pictures. I plan on taking pictures each week (with my camera in the future), so we can create a collection of all the projects to share with parents, staff, and PTO.

Next week we plan on creating a layout. We may extend our time to 55 minutes if possible with all we want to teach the kids.  More pictures to come after the next club meeting!

Don't forget the Halloween Blog Hop is this weekend. Be sure to check back on Friday, October 1st for the first of three projects. Blog goodies will be available too!

Stay Creative,
Georgiana  :)

“Creativity can solve almost any problem. The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything.” 
~ George Lois

Monday, September 27, 2010

Scrapbook Club for 27 Lucky Students

I am super excited that our Scrapbook Club starts tomorrow after school.

My friend Yvette at The Little Things and I are offering a FREE enrichment activity at our elementary school for 3rd - 5th graders. We only expected about 15 - 18 students for the first 6 week session, but we actually have 27 students signed up to attend. During the next session that starts in November we already have another 27 more. We even have a few boys on the roster!

While on lunch break today I stopped at Joann's to search for some blog candy for this weekend's Halloween Hop and found this amazing deal on ribbon instead, so I had to buy a bunch for the club. I figured the students will enjoy it (well, I know I would!). The spools were either 10 cents, 25 cents, or 50 cents each. I just couldn't resist the deal. I was so excited I forgot to use my teacher discount card, but that is okay. The deal was too good to worry!

This isn't even all of it!
I left some (I think I left about 8 or 9 rolls) at school since we already cut some pieces for the card we plan on making. Since there are many more students than we anticipated we are trying to plan and prepare ahead. I will say all the ribbon was about $7.00. Not too bad since PTO paid for our Cricut Expression and the new Personal Cutter. Plus, I received donations from our local scrapbook store and 3 or 4 other companies that I had e-mailed this summer donated a bunch of goodies. I will be sure to post which ones tomorrow (the list is at school in the box). I would like to send out a big THANK YOU to them for their generosity.

I will be sure to post again tomorrow evening with an update about the turnout and the student's comments.  I will also post some pictures of the cards the students make.

Can you believe I am going to get paid to teach kids how to make cards?!?! How fabulous is that!

Stay Creative,
Georgiana  : )

Sunday, September 26, 2010

It was a Drippy Goo Day!

My daughter and I went to Disney World ~ Magic Kingdom today while the boys went camping, and I had planned on stopping at Joann's on the way home to pick up the Cricut Personal Cutter (for school) since they had a one day only special. While I was there I found the Drippy Goo punch I have been looking for!         Yeah!
It was on sale for 25% off, and I was able to use my teacher discount card for another 15% off.
Martha Stewart ~ Regular price $14.99
 I also made another Thank You card. This one is for my In-laws. They gave me birthday money that went toward the Country Life cartridge that I won on eBay (can't wait until it arrives!). I used the same paper as my mother's card, but changed the fold and ribbon placement. I think they will be pleased.

Hope you had a great weekend. I am back to school tomorrow for a Teacher In-service day while all the kids get the day off. I wish I had another day off...would love to craft some more!

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Throwback Thursday Challenge! - Challenge~98

Good morning & Welcome to another Throwback Thursday challenge!! 1st of all I want to give a shout out to my Bestie ~Nikki because she helped me w/this idea for a challenge! Frankly, I thought it was a PERFECT idea!;) Why not create a card using NO machines~ lets make our cards "Old School" style! hehehe! Remember when there was no fancy die cutting machines or anything like it back in the days!! All I remember is cardstock, pattern paper, scissors, glue & stamps! YEP, this sure was a challenge for me because you have NO idea how many times I picked up my Gypsy Girl: (So I had to remind myself that there were no Gypsy either back in the days! 

To qualify for the giveway, you must:
****Link your project up to "Mr. Linky" below
****Challenge is based on "ORIGINALITY"
****Must create a "CARD" BY HAND using pattern paper w/your cardstock
****Must be an ORIGINAL project made especially for THIS challenge
****ONE entry Per Person Please.
****Deadline for project will be SATURDAY, SEPT 25TH @ 6:00pm CST
****Last but Not Least~ HAVE FUN!!

I decided to use Emma's challenge to make my Mother a Thank You card since she unexpectedly sent me some money for my birthday. I hope she likes it!
I used brown cardstcok as the base and 4 different decorative sheets from the Flower Shower Spring Stack by DCWV.
I used my paper trimmer to cut the birds and their houses from the sheets and layered the papers. I used a clear stamp and brown ink for "thanks".
I love the different flaps on this card. It is the same type that Dorcas sent me. 
I added brown satin ribbon that I purchased at Michaels today for 20 cents.

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )

Friday, September 24, 2010

Local Scrapbook Store Challenge

The local Scrapbook store in my town is having a Design Team Challenge and the winner gets a $15.00 store credit and a discount. Since I love to make cards and shop for craft supplies, this was perfect. Here is what is posted on that site...

Are you interested in being a Priceless Design Team member? Here's the details -

Submit your project, it can be a card, scrapbook page or other papercrafting project, by email to pricelessscrapbooks@hotmail.com, with Design Team in the subject line. The bulk of the project must be made with supplies we carry. We'll pick 4 designers to be on our design team for 3 months. Each month you'll be required to submit at least 1 project to be posted on our Blog. For each month you serve on our design team you'll receive $15 in store credit and a discount on all supplies purchased. Sound like fun? Then submit a project, or two, for the Octorber-December Team by September 25th, the theme for this months' call is Halloween, Thanksgiving or Fall
 
Here are the two cards I made. I purchased the decorative Halloween paper at Priceless Scrapbooks and used Mini Monsters for most of the cuts. I did use From My Kitchen to cut the spoon.
The cauldron is cut at 3 inches and is attached with foam dots. I used an orange stamp to add a little boiling bubbly (something new I wanted to try). The sentiment is cut at 1 1/2 inches. I like the inking on the inside.
 
The second card is the spider. She is "Stunning Sue the Spider"! I made her legs "pop" out for dimension and gave her wiggly eyes. The sentiment and base shadow was cut from a bright yellow cardstock.
 
I hope I get selected for the Design Team, but if not, the cards were still fun to make.
 
Stay Creative and have fun crafting this weekend.
Georgiana : )

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Surprise Birthday Cartridge Winner is...



Ticketgoddess and she said...


I just signed up to follow you...Happy Birthday, can't wait to hear what your husband got you for your special day!!

PS - Love your quote, Maya is one of my favorite authors!!
Please send me an e-mail so I can get your package in the mail.
Congratulations!
Georgiana : )

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Birthday Gifts Revealed

 The time finally came and I opened my presents. After all the suspense I couldn't believe what happened when I opened the first one. There is a story...which goes back to our first Christmas married. My husband made a statement that he wanted a fire extinguisher for his truck, so I bought him one...I know...what was I thinking, but it was practical. Well, it was pay back time...

My husband said this Houdini Pro tool will help me escape from my jeep if I ever have an accident and end up in a reservoir. It will cut the seat belt and break the window. Oh, and it has a blinding flashlight too.
 I sure hope I NEVER have to use it!

Then to the second package...
It was a leather carrying case with handle for my Cricut Expression. My husband said now I will be prepared when I do all that traveling. I just wish I had somewhere to go!

The last package was...
 A Gypsy.

I definitely need help with this one! Anyone! Please give me some helpful tips on how to use this product or let me know what are the best sites to go to. I have so many questions now and would appreciate anyone's advice, tips, comments, etc.

FYI...Papercrafting Pro is having a wonderful sale and since I received a little money unexpectedly I had to see what there was. I am glad I did! Although you have to have a monthly memership, you can do a 2 day free trial. I used my son's email (since I already used mine) and found some great deals (12X12 mats for $6.00, 6X12  paper for $2.50, and Cuttlebug embossing folders for 99 cents). The only drawback is you have to pay for shipping, but they are quick!

I am so glad you joined me this past week to help celebrate my birthday. It was a great day! I had one student say I looked years younger than I am...I think he was looking for an A.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the announcment of the Cricut Cartridge winner.

Thank you again for all the Birthday Wishes!

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )

Birthday Announcement

Today is the day when I announce the surprise Cricut Cartridge, but first this is what I came home to last night after Parent Night.

Just sitting there teasing me. And I have to wait until this evening. Only 10 more hours!

Here is the name of the Cricut cartridge.....


My World

I also have embellishments too, but that is still a secret. I will announce the winner tomorrow morning. If you haven't entered for your chance to win yet,
 please click here.

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Hello...Who Is It?

After receiving Dorcas' birthday card in the mail, I decided I had to try a new fold just like the one she sent me. I really like the format and the layout is super easy.
Yeah!
(Thank you again!)

I wanted to use my Heritage cartridge since I have only used it a few times, and then I remembered Momo had a challenge...Just Because. I thought the telephone would be perfect.

I used We R Memories Keepers designer paper ~ Madame Royale. I layered lots of coordinating pieces on the various folds. 
This is the front of the card. The telephone is cut from Heritage at 2". I layered two different pieces of ribbon and then added the three buttons.
The flaps open...
RING RING RING was cut from Plantin SchoolBook at 1/2".
Inside is another telephone cut from Heritage at 3" and the sentiment is a stamp my daughter picked out at Michaels.

Don't forget to check out my first guest crafter. Celeste has a great Halloween project.
Tomorrow is the BIG day! I will reveal the title of the Cricut cartridge (but not the embellishments ~ the icing on the cake remains a surprise). The winner will be announced on Thursday, September 23rd.

Be sure to visit again tomorrow. I can not wait to tell you what my husband got me. It is wrapped and already sitting on the counter and he said I had to wait until everyone is home from school before I can open them. I wonder if I can just unwrap one little corner and peek without him knowing...the suspense is just too much!

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : ) 

Monday, September 20, 2010

WOW! It is a Marvelous Monday...My First Guest Designer

I thought it would be great to ask a fellow crafter to be a guest designer, so here is to my first (hopefully of many more). I hope you will go check out her site. She has some amazing projects, especially that cowboy boot!

 Celeste from C.C.'s Cards and Crafts
A little about me:
 I am married to a wonderful man that deals with my addiction to crafting. We have a beautiful daughter and a very handsome son (such a proud mommy!), as well as a very, very little chihuahua. We live in a small (emphasis on small) town in Idaho which is perfect for us. We love the outdoors - everything from ATVing, camping, and of course - hunting. I am currently a stay-at-home mommy, one of the hardest jobs I've ever had; but loving it!! My dream is to be a High School math teacher - it's OK, I know most people will read 'math' and cringe. I've been crafting for about 2 years now. I started out with a personal Cricut (Baby Bug) and about a year later decided to move up to the Expression. I love to craft when my kids have either a 'break time' (because 'nap' is a bad word) or after they go to sleep. My little ones 'help' me craft some of the time, especially when we make cards for family members. I created a blog to document my creations for me or my family to look at; but soon found that there are so many creative people out in blog land . . . then I got sucked in! :) I am terrible when it comes to writing, so in my posts you will see a lot of parenthesis, exclamation points and smiley faces made of a colon followed by the end parenthesis. :) HAHA (It's so TRUE!!!) My main creations are cards, but periodically dabble in other things.

Moving on to my creation...I just have to let you know that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and with my parents living in another state I love to help my little ones send cards to family for all sorts of holidays or for any other reason.


For this one I used the October 31st and Paper Doll Dress Up cartridges. I started out by scoring the front part of the holder at .5" in on the two sides and the bottom so that you can easily fold the three sides to create a little pocket. Using my adhesive gun (ATG, Tombow, whatever you have) to adhere the tabs to the back of the black cardstock.

Using my Gypsy I cut out the gray house with all of the detail, duplicated it, and used the 'hide contour' feature to the second house on vellum. I also used vellum to cut out the cute little ghosts. I did use a pen to write over the cuts made on their eyes just so you could see them.

The cloud was cut twice, once on gray and once on white. I just cut the lightning bolts off of the gray cut. The moon is just cut on yellow cardstock. You'll notice a little bit of shimmer on the blue cardstock. I added it to give a little shine as well as trying to make it look a little like mist. Sorry, I noticed I got a little on the ghost in the top right corner.

Put all of the parts together and here's my end result. I did put a piece of paper on the back so that my little ones could draw a picture for Grandma & Grandpa (tradition). :) I did have some envelopes that are perfect for this particular size (that's why I made it the way I did). I found them at a local paper store, but I'm sure you could find them at any craft store.


Recipe:

7.25" by 5.25" piece of black cardstock (for the back of the holder)

4" by 6.25" piece of back cardstock (for the front of the holder)

6.75" by 4.75" piece of blue cardstock (for the base of the card)

3.0" by 4.5" piece of orange paper (to write on for the card)

House cut from Oct.31 cart measured at 5.75" by 5" (adjusted using my Gypsy)

Cloud cut from Oct. 31 cart cut at 2.05"

Ghosts cut from Paper Doll Dress Up cut at 1.82"

Moon from Paper Doll Dress Up cut at 1.35"

If you would like to be a guest designer, please let me know. I would love to show off your work to others. Remember, in education we do not steal ideas...we share.

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )

Don't forget about my Birthday Giveaway. If you haven't checked it out yet, click here.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Color Challenge at More Than Favors

Wacky Wednesday #8 - Color Challenge

This week for Wacky Wednesday Paula at More Than Favors wanted to do a Color Challenge... The Colors are Pink, Black, Grey & White.


A friend at school has a birthday next week, so I wanted to create a card just for her.  First, I layered the pink and gray distressed paper and added self-adhesive ribbon. Then I used the Hoot 'N Holler cartridge. The owl and balloons were cut at 3". I used foam dots to attach them to the front of the card. The silver gems add a little sparkle.

The inside has a Happy Birthday stamp in white.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for our Creative Crafter guest and be sure to enter the Birthday giveaway.

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )

What a Wonderful Weekend

Yesterday I received not one, but two birthday cards in the mail from two great crafty friends. I appreciate their thoughtfulness and wanted to share their cards.
Cheryl made the card on the left and Dorcas created the card on the right. Be sure to visit their sites and be amazed by their creativity.
A mighty huge THANK YOU goes out to both of you! I love them!

Today I went to Michaels since I have been holding on to a super special coupon. It was a 50% off one regular price item and then for every $25 you spent you would get a $5 Reward Card Coupon for the following week. Well, I have been looking at a Xyron machine (I even have been chatting with Celeste about the right size) for a few weeks. Today happened to be the day that I was able to get my new toy. Coupons are fantastic!

I am ready to start exploring and I hope that it is as easy as Celeste says it is. I'll be posting and let you know!

Be sure to come back tomorrow. I am going to have a "Creative Crafter" as a guest and I will be showing off one of her new projects.

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )

“We will discover the nature of our particular genius when we stop trying to conform to our own and other’s people’s models, learn to be ourselves and allow our natural channel to open.”
~ Shakti Gawain

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Another Challenge...

I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone for all the wonderful birthday wishes. There are only a few more days and then I get to open my present(s). My husband reminded me today not to look in his closet or else. That almost sounds like an invitation. I am guessing that is where he is hiding my present.  I guess I will be good and wait four days. This is going to be a challenge since I saw a brown box just sitting there waiting to be opened. I didn't peek...really!...he opened the door as I walked by and my eyes just happened to be facing that direction.

While waiting I was able to make this card (no it did not take me days to make the card ~ I have been busy grading papers, writing lessons plans...good 'ole school stuff). I used the Mini Monsters cartridge and K&Company paper. I added some Halloween ribbon and a few buttons to match the dots. I love to layer paper!

This Trick or Treat! stamp was purchased at Michaels along with the Neon green ink pad. It shows up great on the black cardstock. I always use the 40% off coupons they give out at the register. I usually have my daughter go through the line, then my son, and then me. I try to use all the coupons and get the most savings I can.

I am entering my card into the following challenges:
* The Cricut Cardz Challenge ~ Halloween
Alphabet Challenge Blog~ Unused Stash ~ the wiggly eyes are about 3 years old and were hiding in the art closet. They fit her face perfectly.

If you still want to enter my birthday giveaway you still have time. Be sure to click here for your chance to win. Winners will be announced September 23rd.

Thank you again for all the birthday wishes. I hope you come back again real soon.
Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )

“Everyone who’s ever taken a shower has had an idea. It’s the person who gets out of the shower, dries off and does something about it who makes a difference.”
~Nolan Bushnell

Monday, September 13, 2010

What is the Birthday Fairy Bringing... A Giveaway?

Happy Birthday!
A Challenge and A Giveaway
Wow! I can't believe the Birthday Fairy will be coming soon. I am extremely excited...My husband bought my present about a month or so ago and has tried to hide it, he has taken the package to work, he has threatened to return it...all so it would stay a surprise. He thinks I am going to try and sneak a peek (I wonder what gave him that idea!) Well, my birthday is next week, so time is almost up!

He suggested I make my own birthday card since I like to stay up late and make so many others. I decided I would, so I could get what I like. Actually, it was just another excuse to make a card. I also found two challenges to make my card fit. The first challenge is the Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot. It is their 2nd birthday and you had to include two layers. I included two of everything...2 cards, 2 layers, 2 colors, 2 ribbons, 2 tags, 2 embossing folders, and 2 new techniques. The second challenge is Paper Cutz Challenge #8 which is Tags.

My birthday card has my favorite colors, a new punch that I weaved ribbon through (this was new for me), and I even tried to sew again on the inside. I think the right side looks pretty straight, but I am definitely not ready to sew any school clothes yet!
I made it into a gift card holder (hint, hint, hint). I folded the card flap upward and sewed the sides. I attached a strip of pattern paper and a tag with a brown flower brad. The tag reads "Celebrate". I wonder if I can get 2 gift cards since everything else is in 2's?!?!?!

Our school guidance counselor's birthday is this month, so I thought I would make her a card too.



In the mean time (while I am waiting patiently), I want to celebrate with YOU! I am offering a Birthday Fairy surprise...a brand new, unopened Cricut cartridge. Now the title is a surprise. If I have to wait I thought it would be fun for you too.
Which cartridge could it be?????
I am also going to include a few surprise embellishments too. Sort of like... the icing on the cake. Yummy!

Here are some birthday rules...
1. Please be a follower and leave a comment on this posting.
2. If you leave a message or picture on your site about this giveaway, please post another comment saying so with the link (for another chance). Remember, I want to take a peek.

The surprise title is will be revealed on my birthday, September 22nd, and the winner will be announced on September 23.

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
 ~Maya Angelou

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Grandparents Day

My daughter was super excited today...it was Grandparents Day. She made this card (she took the picture too) and some chocolate lollipops just for them.




Trees...Alphabet Challenge

I have not used my Pagoda cartridge (my daughter has used the Panda cut a few times), but I remember seeing all the wonderful cuts and thinking how they would make beautiful projects. After reading that the Alphabet Challenge was "trees" I knew I had to use it. I was feeling a bit inspired, so I created a 3-D card. 

The Bonsai tree was cut at 3". The Asian Writing paper is by Hot Off the Press.
The torn paper river and bridge are propped outwards (sorry the picture is not great...I will keep trying and replace if I can get a better image) and the tree is attached with foam dots. The hummingbird and dragonfly were both cut at 1".

Inside the card
 I still have a few more cards I would like to finish today. Hopefully I will be able to post before going back to school tomorrow. Be sure to come back again and THANKS!

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : ) 

Graveyard

Graveyard Embossing Folder

I am glad everyone liked that embossing folder. It is by QuicKutz. I did get mine from eBay a good month ago, but I did do a little researching this morning and found who else may still have it in stock. I hope the links are current (you just never know with the internet) and helpful.

http://www.ohmycrafts.com/Quickuts-embossing-graveyard.aspx $0.99

http://store.crazyscraps.com/ef-a2-045.html $1.99

http://www.paperdelight.com/new-quickutz-a2-embossing-folder----graveyard.aspx $2.50

http://www.scrapbookexpress.com/gra2emfo.html $2.50

http://www.quickutzoutlet.com/embossing-folders-c-52?sort=20a&page=2 $4.49

http://www.quickutz.com/qk2/viewItem.aspx?ic=EF-A2-045 $4.99


Good Luck!
Georgiana : )

Saturday, September 11, 2010

R.I.P.


This is the first time I used the Graveyard embossing folder. It is pretty spooky looking and speaks for itself, so I did not add a lot of extra cuts. I used the tombstone on p. 71 from Mini Monsters and the bats were cut from October 31st. The striped background paper is from the K&Company Halloween pack and the ribbon is from Michaels. All of it was on sale and/or purchased with a coupon since I am the frugal crafter.  :

I saw I had a few new followers...Welcome! Hope you enjoy and come back often. I have two other cards in the works and a couple Halloween projects coming soon. I appreciate comments, suggestions, e-mails, etc. I would love to start some challenges and present some guest designers too. If you are interested just let me know! I am eager to start right away.

Wishing you lots of creative time,
Georgiana : )

“Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.”
~ Theodore Levitt