Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Creating with Multiple Patterns in a Craft Project.

First off - I apologize for being MIA after the kick off of the blog hop.  I got that nasty bug that has been going around and I could not shake it.  Every time I thought I was starting to feel better it would return in a matter of hours. 

I was officially well on Monday, but because I had fallen so far behind in everything, it has taken me 2 days to get to my blog.  I think I am going to write a blog post dedicated to catching up after you or someone you care for gets sick.  It is like falling into a black slack hole and unfortunately, the merry-go-round keeps spinning. If you are hard wired like me, the negative chatter (in my head) that occurs during and after these life lapses can be as miserable (if not worse) than the illness itself.  But enough about that... lets talk about craftiness.

This week's challenge in the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog is "Mix and Match- Use 3 different patterns of paper in a project".  As icky as I was feeling, I just had to participate in this challenge.  The use of multiple pattern papers in scrapbook layouts is one of my FAVORITE design styles.  One of the best multi-pattern-paper scrapbook and Cricut artists I know of is Monique Griffith.  She does amazing things with colorful, vibrant, active palettes.  Visit her website to see her gorgeous creations!

Cricut Cartridge Simply Charmed
For my DT contribution towards the challenge, I used 4 different patterned papers in a 2 page layout. I used the Cricut Cartridge, "Simply Charmed" (page 57 - scarecrow hat) to cut out the hats that coordinated with the hats in the photos (the top photos on the right page). I did the bumble bee and lady bug details by hand.

Working with a paper collection makes multiple pattern paper projects a breeze.  No need to scour your stash to find the perfect hue or complimentary pattern.  When you purchase a collection you can put together dynamic pages with very little effort.  Some of the best collections for this kind of design come from:

Simple Stories

Basic Grey

We Are Memory Keepers

just to name a few.  There are so many great paper lines to work with that sometimes the hardest part is picking which one to buy next!

Monday, January 6, 2014

Blog Hop and Cricut Cartridge Wild Card 2

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog is hosting a blog hop this week!  Follow the links below to see our Design Team's projects and and meet our newest members plus win prizes! Finish up at the FCCB website and submit a project for a chance to win a set of clear stamps from Scrappy Moms.  This weeks challenge is to create a project using a sentiment.
This is my project using the Cricut cartridge "Wild Card 2."  This cartridge is relatively new and is fast becoming one of my favorite.  I love the artwork and the randomness of the projects.  Certainly there are a couple corny card projects but most of the designs are quite clever.  I will be offering more information about Wild Card 2 this week so make sure you pop over to learn more.

And now the details about my giveaway!
The winner will receive a copy of Cricut Mini Albums.  
It is loaded with tutorials and tons of inspiration.  And to make things interesting, I will also be revealing a few additional giveaway goodies on Tuesday! To enter this giveaway you can:
  • become a follower (join this site)
  • "like" me on Facebook
  • pin a project from my blog.  
For each activity you do from the 3 choices you get an entry.  Let me know which activities you completed by leaving a comment. I will pick a name from the total number of entries on Sunday, January 12 at 5PM PST.

Here is the line up for the FCCB Blog Hop:
Emily Mollie's Blog 
Jackie Luv 2 Scrapp
Elizabeth Unik by Yes


Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Cricut Cartridge, Wild Card- Table of Contents and Overview


I have had the Cricut cartridge, "Wild Card" for several years and while it isn't my go-to cartridge when I make the quick card, I certainly have enjoyed working with it.  As with most of the card-centric Cricut cartridges, Wild Card takes a while to get familiar with.  Because the projects are so very detailed, expect to do a few rough drafts before you get the final product.  But once you get it right, you will be pleased with your creations.

Here are a few tips before you get started:
  • Use scratch paper for your first pass (a single sided pattern is best - see next tip).  I wasted many sheets of nice paper while I was still in my learning curve. 
  • Use single sided pattern paper for all of your envelope test cuts and take note which side needs to face upwards on your mat when you cut the layers for your envelope.
  • If you want to have a pattern on the outside of the envelope and a pattern on the inside then you will have to use the flip function for one of the cuts.
  • Make sure you cut your envelope before you cut your card.  You don't want to cut your card at the largest size possible and then not be able to cut an envelope large enough for the card to fit inside.
  • Use the "fit to page" function to find out the largest size the envelope can be cut.  You will want to jot that size down so when you cut the card you can turn off the "fit to page" feature and enter the same measurement as you used for the envelope.
  • Cut both the envelope and the liner with regular scrapbook paper instead of cardstock so the envelope isn't too bulky. Bulkiness will distort the creases and the overall shape. 
  • Make sure you write down all your notes when you cut out card projects. You should write the size inside of your cartridge handbook so the next time you want to make the card you already know the largest measurement option. Write down which layers need to be flipped when you work with pattern paper. This is a fabulous practice to get into when ever you use your Cricut but with project and card cartridges, it is especially important.
Wild card really has a lot to offer if you take the time to look at it closely.  I don't know about you, but I have a tendency to overlook many of the features on project-specific cartridges because I am looking at the primary content.  Wild Card offers cards and envelopes plus 2 phrases, 2 icons, a liner, a blackout for both the card and the envelope and an upper and lower case alphabet for each key/ handbook page.


The frames can be used in a variety of ways other than with the cards.  They are darling and really versatile.
I like the phrases also! They are relevant and practical and they come in nice fonts too. 
The blackouts are a great but, again, beware of bulkiness.  With each layer of paper, the fold expands.  This will prevent your outside layer edges from lining up with your inner layer edges.
The font is really pretty but I think I could only use it if the letters were welded together. 
Actually, I'm hoping you can help me with this.  I have such a hard time using cursive letters individually.  I find that the angles and sizes do not mesh when I am putting them together to create a word.  Do you run into this problem?  How do you keep your words and titles looking neat and purposeful when you lay cursive letters down individually?

Below is a list of all of the images and phrases on this cartridge with their page numbers.  If you find any errors in the spreadsheet, please let me know so I can correct it. If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site.