Summer Fun!

If you are looking for my One Year Blogoversary Giveaway, please click here.

Hello.  Summer sure is a fun time of year!

I have been super busy in a math meeting this week trying to prepare our testing curriculum for next  school year. I know we just got out and we are already preparing for the next one. I enjoy being a part of the process, so...I am going back next week for the Science portion.

When I get home in the afternoon I have been working on preparing for the 3 upcoming hops (please see right sidebar) that I am participating in, creating cards for my design team projects (Paper Playtime and Die Cuttin' Divas), and then trying to squeeze in a challenge or two.

 Although it has been storming everyday, I am still in the mood for a yummy picnic. Fourth of July seems like a great time to celebrate and have a piece of watermelon with a glass of lemonade. Afterwards if the weather is nice, maybe we can go fly a kite.

Challenge:

Bitten By the Bug2 ~ watermelon

Simply Charmed ~ p.46 ~ watermelon cut at 2 3/4" ~ black brads for seeds 

Create a Critter ~ p. 61 ~ Sweet cut at 3/4"

Simply Charmed ~ p. 48 ~ Lemonade glass cut at 3 1/2" and lemon cut at 1 1/4"

Create a Critter ~ p.39 ~ Just Chillin' cut at 1"

Challenges:

Cricut Cardz ~ #81 Cook-Out/Picnic theme

My Time to Craft ~ #146 Summer

Scrappy Frogs ~ Red

Please note: Foil paper may cause a glare when photographing.

Create a Critter ~ kites (p. 48) cut at 3 3/4" and Sunny Days (p. 52) cut at 1" 

I hope you are enjoying your summer.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana : )

Road Trip!

If you are looking for my One Year Blogoversary Giveaway, please click here.

Good morning to all my crafty friends. It is a wonderful day here and only going to get better because I get to take a "Road Trip". Well, not a real trip across the country, but a trip down memory lane. This week the challenge at Die Cuttin' Divas is planes, trains, and automobiles. 

 As I was growing up I remember getting in the RV with my grandparents and traveling from Massachusetts to Florida to visit Disney World and all the other Orlando attractions. I even remember one year I had the chicken pox a week before leaving.  I was not going to miss my annual trip and I went with spots all over.  

Here is my card to honor those ever-lasting memories.

Going Places cartridge

RV was cut 1 3/4" (p. 97)

Suitcase was cut at 1 1/2" (p. 90) and Road Trip! was cut at 1 1/4" (p.97)

I look forward to seeing your cards this week at Die Cuttin' Divas and I hope you will share one of your memories. I have another one about a plane, but I will save that for the "Traveling Showcase" on Friday.

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )

Organizing Cartridges and Blogoversary Update

If you are looking for my One Year Blogoversary Giveaway, please click here.

Have you ever looked for an object and been frustrated because you could not put your hand on it immediately?  I know I sure have been. I decided it was time to organize my Cricut cartridges to a system that was user and space friendly.  After seeing a post the other day about organizing, I thought what a great idea. I need to do that! So, I purchased a couple photo boxes at Michaels since they were on sale 3 for $5.00.

This morning I began alphabetizing and documenting titles on dividers.

Then I created a binder for the carts. My daughter helped with the sewing. My binder may not be the prettiest, but it sure is easy to use! Until I come up with another idea, I think this is going to work much better.

 I used a sheet protector with a piece of colored cardstock and divided it into 3 columns.

Then my daughter sewed on the lines that I had drawn. I cut a slit on the top of each pocket to store each individual cartridge. They will also be filed in ABC order on each page.

I would love to know how you organize some of your supplies. Here are my buttons and brads.

I bought these boxes at Joanns for $1.99 minus the coupon that gives a 40% discount. This system works great. I sure do like being able to go to one section and look for the size or shape since they are sorted by color. 

 Now I need to work on organizing my gems and florals. Any suggestions?

Lastly, I am going to share the next batch of goodies I bought yesterday since I now have 600 followers. The metallic cardstock is awesome. Plus there are some brads, ribbons, and frames. I may take another trip to a different set of stores in the Villages this week, so there could be even more.  I would like to add some buttons and craft thread. :)

Here is a new picture you can use to post on your sidebar for the extra chance. If you have not entered yet, please click here.

Until next time,

Georgiana : )

Happy Blogoversary to Carson's Creations

It is hard to believe that it has been one year since I started this site. I have to thank my friend, Yvette, for getting me hooked on Cricut. She pushed me to get my first Expression and now she probably thinks "Oh my!" Last summer, we sat and talked on the phone to figure out how to start our blogs, which backgrounds would look the best, who we should follow, and then we would call, e-mail or text each other the newest challenges we should enter.

Thank You Yvette!

Because of you I also have made many other crafty friends, hosted a few Blog Hops, applied for a couple Design Teams, and I have entered numerous challenges. I truly love the world of crafting and all it has to offer. I have learned so much and there are plenty more techniques and folds I still need to try. My list has grown and I am hoping to cross off  a few this summer.

Since I want to share this special occasion with everyone...

I would like to offer some "Blogoversary Candy". Here is the first batch. It includes: stamps, ribbons, gems, rub-ons, gold letter stickers, and die-cuts.

When I reach 600 fellow crafters I plan to add another batch. I am currently only 11 away, so I am hoping I will be shopping some more tomorrow. If I reach 675 fellow crafters before the deadline I will add another batch (sounds like cookies, huh?). How exciting!

Please leave a comment on this posting which includes:

•  Your contact information. This should include your blog name (if you have one) and your e-mail address.
• What you like to see on a crafting site.  For example...I like picture tutorials. It is easier for me to follow along and create the project with the step-by-step instructions.
• If you have been following for some time, do you have a favorite posting, project, or hop that made an impression? 

Bonus: If you post about my special occasion on your site, leave a comment that you did for another chance to win. 

The deadline will be Thursday, July 12th. The winner will be posted July 13th.

Thank you again for making this a memorable year. I hope there are many more to come!

Stay Creative,

Georgiana   :)

   

Music to My Ears

When I was younger I played the flute, but now I would like to learn how to play the violin. I do not have much spare time right now, but once I retire (in about 20 years) I plan on taking lessons. When I saw this cartridge, Quarter Note, I knew I had to have it because my family LOVES music.

This was my first cut of many more. She is a violinist  (p.69).

 Here are a few of the wonderful phrases you can find on this cartridge:

Music to My Ears

Music Soothes the Soul

The Gift of Music

Musically Inclined

Where Words Fail Music Speaks

I made this card for Linda's birthday challenge. Happy Birthday to You, Linda! Can you tell she loves purple, bling, and ribbon?

Inside sentiment was cut from Birthday Bash at 4".

Challenges:

Fancy Framework ~ Pretty Purple Birthday Challenge

Cupcake Craft Challenges ~ Sketch #147

Take Care,

Georgiana

P.S. Guess what tomorrow is?

UF Gator Cards and New Cartridges

I finished up the UF Gator cards that were requested from a fellow teacher this evening.

(click on pictures to enlarge)

I used Birthday Bash for the first card.

The gator was cut from Create a Critter and embossed with a diamond folder.
 
The 3 tier cake was cut from Sweet Treats.  I sure do like those corner punches.
 
The Fed Ex man stopped by yesterday with a package. Look what he brought.
 I really like the images on Quarter Note. I already have a few ideas, so I am looking forward to using it.

One more day of AIMS math training, then I have a few days off to relax and try a few new techniques. I am also going to be posting Blogoversary information soon.

Take care,

Georgiana  

Together Forever Using a Christmas Cut. Are You Up for the Challenge?

Hello Crafty Friends!

Did you know there is a new challenge at Die Cuttin' Divas today? Every Tuesday a new challenge is posted and this is your chance to use any of your die cutting tools to create a card. I have a Cricut Expression, which I use everyday and a Gypsy that I still need to figure out. Many of you may remember my husband bought it for my birthday last year and he reminds me every-now-and-then that I should be using it. Okay...after saying that...I am definitely making myself feel guilty, so I should try sooner than later. : )  Send me your tips though. I am going to need them!

The challenge this week is to use a Christmas cut, but do NOT make a Christmas themed card. 

Can you tell I am feeling lovey dovey here?

(Click on photo to enlarge)

I used the Joys of the Season cartridge to cut these 2 Turtle Doves at 4". Then I stamped Together Forever in the upper right corner. 

• The swing was cut from silver metal paper.
• The doves and heart were cut from white glitter paper. 
• White ribbon with silver trim created the bow and there are two silver heart brads in the lower corners.
• Wiggly eyes

Now it is your turn to create and submit. I will visit throughout the week and leave you some love too. : )

Stay Creative,

Georgiana  

Special Note: There are only 3 days until my Blogoversary. Be on the lookout for a giveaway soon!

Warmest Wishes This Summer

This is the second post of the day. Please feel free to scroll down to see Thanks with an Oriental Flair.

Living in Florida means hot, humid weather and this summer (well, it is almost summer) we have already had many record high temperatures (95 degrees and higher). When I say "Warmest Wishes" on my new card, I actually mean HOT!

Materials I used:

Serenade cartridge ~ tree cut at 2 1/4" and flowers cut at 1/4"

Create a Critter cartridge ~ grass cut at 3/4" on p. 45

Wild Card cartridge ~ Warmest Wishes cut at 3 1/4" on p. 32

Quick Quotes paper ~ My Michelle

green grass paper

white and yellow cardstock

yellow flower brads

yellow flower buttons

white craft thread

(click on photos to enlarge)

I made all these flowers after realizing the original brads I was going to use didn't fit correctly. The prongs on the back were way too big.

 Challenges:

GAB ~ #20  Anything Summer (This tree reminds me of the Crepe Myrtle in my front yard that just bloomed this past week.) 

My Sheri Crafts ~ # 62 Summer

Scrappy Frogs ~ Red

Whimsical Wednesday ~ photo inspiration with red and yellow

I hope you enjoy your week. My daughter has horseback camp, so she is super excited at the chance to muck stalls (YUCK!) and my son is waiting to hear about a lifeguard job. Me...AIMS Math training for a few days (and then some crafting time in the afternoons).

If you haven't had the opportunity to answer the opinion poll in the upper left, please do. I truly value your input.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana : )

Thanks with an Oriental Flair

Good morning and Happy Father's Day. I hope you are enjoying your day and giving all those Dads that extra special attention they have earned. My hubby gets to pick what we do today and he has decided a movie and a late lunch would be perfect, so we are off to see Green Lantern shortly. When we return, I know my hubby plans on watching the last round of golf. We are all routing for the Rory Mcilroy. I am not one to sit and watch sports, but can you believe how well he is doing?

I started this card last night and finished it this morning for the M.A.G Challenge by the Page. This week page 52 of the Pagoda cartridge was selected.

Take Care,

Georgiana

Z-fold Pictorial, Pt. 2

Hello and thank you for coming back today.  I would like to say "Welcome" to my new crafty friends and thanks for completing the Cricut cartridge poll to the upper left. So far Kate's ABC is looking like a winner. If you haven't told me what you think, please share your opinion. There is time before the poll closes. 

It has been a satisfying Saturday with a birthday/pool party this morning and quiet time this afternoon. The boys went to Bass Pro (a definite man store) for goodies for their upcoming Boy Scout trip, which leaves my daughter and me at home.  :)

Therefore, I wanted to add Part 2 today since I have been working on a few more Z-fold cards.



Second



First



 

To begin with, you should have your base card that was created in part 1. Now you are ready to decorate. I cut my first solid piece of card stock the same size as my base, so my angle is aligned. If you are not making an angle on your Z-fold and you are keeping your top straight then you do not have to do this step.  I then cut my decorative piece of paper so the angle is the same. Score the lines the same as the base. Mine are: 3 1/4" and 6  3/4".

Next, I cut on the score lines vertically. You will need to trim one side of each piece and the bottom, so it is slightly smaller than the base. I like to see the various colors when layering. Also, you will want to save the bottom strips you trim off to decorate the envelope.



Before adhering any of the papers, try using an edge punch to create a topper. I have not used my punches very much, so this was a great chance to explore. I sure do like the look an edge punch adds and it is super quick and easy. You can change the topper for the theme or season as I did below.

 

Here is the card after adhering all the papers, but before adding my die cuts and embellishments.

I used Create a Critter for the shell (2"), sandcastle (3") and the crab (1 1/2") all located on page 40 of the booklet.

  I layered florals on these two card. On the left card, I added another piece to the front that slightly hangs over the edge and another for the sentiment on the back flap. The pink card is still a work in progress.

The possibilities are endless with a Z-fold card.

You still have time to enter the Playtime Paper challenge. You can even go look at the Design Team's creations to get a few more ideas.

What are you waiting for? Give one a try!

Happy Crafting,

Georgiana

Happy Father's Day to You, Pop

Click here for Friday's Fantastic Guest Crafter. You do not want to miss Tara's project nor a chance to win some of those beautiful felt flowers.

Hello Again!

I have another post for today on this fantastic Friday. I have been super busy crafting and sharing some DT love. I even did some laundry, so it was productive. : )

Since my husband knows that I do not like to purchase cards from Walmart any more, he asked me to make him a Father's Day card for his dad (well, he actually calls him Pop). Of course, I said yes. The in-laws are getting a new television (I do not think the one they have  is actually from the 50's, but it is pretty old.) and his father is NOT into modern technology, so I thought this image was perfect.

Once I showed my husband he agreed. : )

I used the Nifty Fifties cartridge to cut the T.V. at 3".

Here are the images from the cartridge. If you do not have this one, it definitely needs to be added to your wish list. 

Here is a close-up of the T.V.

The inside is stamped.

Don't forget to use those scraps. I use the long pieces to decorate the inside and the outside of the envelopes.

Challenges:

Stamp, Scrap, and Doodle Saturdays ~ Father's Day
My Sheri Crafts ~ Father's Day

If the Shoe Fits ~ For the Men

Glitter Geeks ~ Father's Day

Craft Us Crazy ~ Father's Day

Little Red Wagon ~ For Dad

The Sisterhood of Crafters ~ Celebrating Dad

I still need to make my husband a card, but I will have time to do that tomorrow while he takes my son shopping. My daughter should be able to make her own card and then post it at her site, One Creative Teen. She sure has picked up the crafty bug lately. She just doesn't have the "post it" often type. Maybe with time...

Enjoy your weekend,

Georgiana

Fantastic Friday's Guest Crafter

Hello to Everyone!
Thank you for visiting on this fantastic Friday. I have a special guest today and I know you have seen her work. If not, today is your lucky day. She makes amazing cards from her scraps and so many other creative projects. I have mentioned her before and my daughter was so impressed that she scraplifted her circle card for all her teachers and friends.

I would like to introduce Tara from Homemade Happiness.  
Yeah! 

Hi Everyone,

I am so excited that I am the guest crafter today at Carson's Creations. Thank you Georgiana for this wonderful opportuntity to share my creation with you and your followers.
(You're Welcome Tara! I am thrilled you agreed!)

For my appearance today I made a booklet that we will take with us on our trip to Ontario next week. I have been seeing those 'smash books' popping up and really liked the idea. I don't actually want to take glue and supplies on vacation (well... I do lol, but am not allowed and won't have much down time) so I decided to make a book with pockets that I can just tuck all our brochures and ticket stubs in. Then I will have them all in one place when I need them for creating my scrapbook afterwards. I have not decided yet, but I might even use this book as a mini book afterwards.

To create this book I used the same template as my card organizer that I made a while ago.  

 The measurements of the book are 8" by 7" with 4" deep pockets. Pop over to my blog if you would like to take a look at the card organizer (I'll have a link on today's post). I have also made a video of the card organizer and a demo on how to cut down and fold one of the pages so that you can make your own if you wish. For my Ontario book I used all patterned scrap paper. This helped out a bit on my mission to use my scraps up! I did cut one 12 x 12 piece down just for the cover because I didn't have any more big scraps that I liked enough for the cover after completing the inside pages but not bad considering :) The title on the front is stickers from my stash, little pieces of ribbon are all from my older stash of ribbon and the felt flower...I made it!
 Tara

I hope you enjoyed Tara's visit today. I sure do love the colors she used for that cover and the ribbon is perfect! She has more wonderful pictures, instructions, and a giveaway, so please visit Tara at Homemade Happiness!

If you would like to be a guest crafter, please let me know. Either leave me a comment or send me an e-mail (coachfans at cox dot net).

Oh, could you please complete the cartridge poll in the upper left corner. I am very interested in your input! I have updated the "My Cricut Cartridges" tab and I am eager to see which cartridge may be next. Thanks! I would truly appreciate your opinion.

Until next time...which will be very soon since I am almost done with my Z-fold Pictorial, Pt. 2. I have a few extra tips that will extremely helpful with creating this type of card. Don't forget there is still time to enter Paper Playtime's Z-fold challenge.

Here is  a sneak peek.

Stay Creative,
Georgiana : )