I want to meet the designer who came up with the concept for the Cricut cartridge Stretch Your Imagination. The artwork is so much fun and inspiring. Every time I look at the graphics I feel a little whimsy sweep over me.
You can see the playfulness come through in other artist's work too. Take a look at this adorable card by cuddlebug_fan at Leirad's Corner. Her work is impeccable, the detail is wonderful, but the wonky baby carriage makes the card totally fabulous!
And look at this card by Jeri at Bug 'n Me Creations. Jeri added some super cute details like the white dashes on the spider legs and thematic embossing. On it's own it would be darling, but those long legs are fantastic and take the card to a whole new level!
This card by Jaqui J at Creative Today is absolutely marvelous. The stretched babies are as fun as fun can be, turning embellishments on a plain white card into a playful little dance of baby fun.
This cartridge has a large variety of images in regular and stretched sizes as well as a card, frame and a silhouette.
You can see that all of the holidays and seasons are covered as well as a number of decorative elements including tags and swirled silhouettes.
In this example, there are 2 primary images- a "2-pumpkin" character and a stretched "8-pumpkin" character. Both of these images have a layer, a silhouette, a shadow and a blackout.
At the bottom of this page is a jpeg with a list of the words/ expressions and a list of the
images on the cartridge. The list is sorted alphabetically and has the
page number for each line item. If you would like a pdf of this
information, you can download it by clicking here:
If you find any errors in the spreadsheet, please let me
know so I can correct them. 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.
April was an adventurous month in my crafty world but I didn't manage to post many photos or project updates. Now that I have finally edited the photos I took along the way, I am going to bring you up to speed, starting with my Sn@p album by Simple Stories.
When the SN@P album was first revealed at summer CHA, I went coo- coo for coco puffs. I didn't indulge in the Project Life craze because I just didn't need to fall behind on one more thing. I played with the idea but I wasn't crazy about the color schemes and the 12 x 12" design was just too intimidating. Sn@p was colorful, compact and I *loved* the mix and match pages. Yes there were other lines offering similar album styles, but the whimsy of the color scheme "had me at hello."
When it Sn@p finally arrived at my LSS in October, 2012, I bought a nice stash of supplies which I immediately put on display, front and center, in my scraproom. Here they would sit for 6 months, literally gathering dust. Neither adhesive nor scissors touched my Sn@p supplies until April, 2013.
As you can see, my March calendar isn't very full. I'm thinking of adding dates and pages containing headlines, trivia and activities from our family calendar. Page content and photos can come from Facebook, web searches and email.
My Selphy printer relieved my anxiety about all the trimming I would have to do to make the photos fit into the small photo sleeves. This is what got me started.
I just can't stand my handwriting. No matter how slow I go; regardless of the writing instrument, it is a hot mess. Unpredictable, unreliable and all around sloppy.
To add insult to injury, I can't spell. There- I said it out loud. La-dee-da-dee-da! I am a lousy speller and I'm too lazy and/ or rebellious to look words up in a dictionary or via MS WORD spell check. But I have made a pledge that I will write at least 77.63% of the words in my Sn@p with my own writing. It is unattractive and won't get my pages pinned on Pinterest , but it is honest and sort of the point to this kind of album. So not only is it a dandy of a little memory book, it is also an exercise in humility.
Regardless of my penmanship, I will post my progress in hopes that it will inspire those of you who also have handwriting hyper-phobia. If i can do it, anyone can.
Where to start...
My absence wasn't very polite and perhaps my Disney Passport/ guidebook/
memory album will give you something to play with and shed some insight
as to why I have been distracted.
During the month of April, my husband and I whipped together an amazing adventure to Disneyland to celebrate his last chemotherapy treatment after a year of horrible medications, side effects and over-all stress on our family. While they hadn't detected any sign of his disease for 6 months, the doctors feared he may relapse so they had extended his drug cocktail twice, making a 26 month treatment into 50. It was finally over and we wanted to punctuate this marker for our children who had seen their daddy sick, depressed and exhausted.
It was to be a surprise so I was busy behind closed doors making mini albums, packing goodie bags and creating all kinds of treats. The biggest project was creating "Disney Passports" (mini albums) for the kids.
The Disney Passports included maps to both Disneyland and California Adventure and descriptions of all the rides in both parks that were age appropriate and would be in operation during our visit. What I mean is that I did not include baby/ toddler rides because I was trying to conserve space and did not include the rides I knew were closed for renovation so they wouldn't be disappointed.
Each Park and Land had a tab and I included the schedules of the various parades and shows. There were extra pages for notes and ephemera and there was also a pocket page with six little baggys containing shiny pennies and a quarter so they could put them in those machines to get them stamped into a souvenir. FYI - those machines now cost $.50, not a quarter.
I also created coupons for both days we would be in the park in anticipation of bickering. Unbeknownst to me, Disney magic cures all sibling fussiness. The constant arguing I have come to know and HATE never showed its face, not once, during our entire vacation.
Disney Passport / Memory Book Tutorial
Cover
The exterior cover
was made with chipboard'ish material (which means semi-pliable). I wanted to have an extended lip on the edges of the cover preventing the tabs from sticking out too far and getting smashed or peeled off so I used the back page of a K&Co paper pad which is 12 x 12.75" in size. There was a hole punched at the top for retail display purposes, which I planned to use for a ribbon to hold the book closed.
I folded the chipboard with the rough side up so that the slick white side became the interior cover pages. NOTE - I attempted to score the chipboard (even lightly with a craft knife) but I still ended up with the crinkly fold and uneven edges. The paper cover and the interior bulk would make this fact irrelevant so don't stress if you run into the same problem.
I used navy blue glittered paper - Joanns brand, to cover the chipboard. The paper was 12 x 12.5" because of the extra strip at the end. Since the paper was shorter than the chipboard and would also need to be extra wide to account for the spine and bulk of the book, I ended up trimming .25" off of each end of the chipboard leaving the chipboard sheet at 12 x 12.25. The hole was now very close to the edge because I had trimmed off .25"
so I adhered a paper reinforcement dot before I put the cover paper on the chipboard.
I used Tombow liquid glue to adhere the paper to the chipboard (while it was unfolded) edge to edge leaving a 1/8" lip on both edges. I did this while the glue was still wet and then folded the book with the paper (un-scored) so that the paper slid into place. I then punched a hole in the paper over the chipboard hole in the card stock.
I covered Maya Road chipboard stars with yellow card stock, inked, printed the Mickey with each child's name, etc. and used my circle punch to the cut the hand made logo out.
Interior
All of the information in the booklet came directly from the Disneyland website. I just copied it, then pasted it in a MS Word document using "Paste Special"-> Unformatted Text. This converted the HTML with assigned font, font size and other formatting into my default settings in word.
I
printed the passport information (see below) on 8.5 x 11 paper. To get the booklet formatting, I selected "Print"-> "Properties" (on the print screen) -> then on the "Duplex/Booklet' drop down menu, I selected "Booklet" and MS Word automatically converted the document so that the pages were split in half and correlated into proper order when layered and folded.
I folded each page in half and used my bone folder to flatten the creases to eliminate as much bulk at possible.
I attached the booklet to the cover with a rubber band through the middle of the signature.
To cover up the rubber band and add some customized embellishment, I tied a large red ribbon in the same manner. I attached hand made charms to the ribbon with their initials, stars and hearts using trimmed ball chains and large jump rings.
I tied a long but thin red ribbon in the front cover hole which I used to wrap around the book several times and tuck to hold it as closed as it good go.
The Maps
I printed the maps on 8.5 x 11" paper and used my xyron to laminate them.
I scored down the middle on both sides, then folded the maps in half, using my bone folder to enforce the crease.
I had a heck of a time with the formatting and eventually called Avery to help me. The downloadable MS Word formatting template is on this page on the left.
I printed each park and land on the tabs and adhered them to the pages.
Content
Below is a link to the PDF of these books which you are welcome to download. If you
would like to
share this information
on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please post a
link to my site.
The books are formatted to print as booklets and double sided. I don't know how that will work if you do not have a printer that prints front and back. Perhaps you can change the formatting in Adobe. If not, leave a comment saying you would like me to email you a copy in MS word so you can manipulate the settings.
Below is the link to the PDF of the park maps that are edited to accompany the guide. I edited out the legends to keep the map size large enough to read and pasted the legends into the content (included in the PDF above).
I also put together goodie bags for the kids to carry in the park. It is amazing how many Disney characters can be found on everyday products!
I bought the backpacks (blue, pink) and cups (blue, pink) on Amazon and the tissue, wipes, autograph books and fans came from the Dollar Tree. The T-shirts came from the Disney store in our mall (2 for $20). The blue backpack was plain (I ordered a green one for me and am still using it as a purse) so I ordered the "Abu" patch (Aladdin's monkey friend) and ironed it on (VERY CAREFULLY) to make it "Disney".
I gave the kids these bags and books when we told them we were going to Disneyland. The "reveal" was definitely one of my favorite parts of the trip and we have it all on video!
This chapter has so much more to it which I'm thinking about sharing on a Disney specific page. I searched and searched for information about Disney before we went and I just love to share what I know. what I will tell you is that this trip was one of the the most amazing experiences of my life (in my top 10 for sure!) and I have been floating with true joy; that kind of joy that sometimes evades me for months at a time; ever since we got home. Even after a new chapter of our life began...
I am sad to say that one week after we returned from Disneyland the results of my husband's final blood work came back and his disease has returned. It appears to have mutated and is drug resistant to the most powerful drug protocol available at this time.
Please keep us in your prayers. We are spiritual people and believe that God blessed us this once-in-a-lifetime vacation together. It seems silly to credit a trip Disneyland in the face of a terminal illness but I guess that is why they call it the Magical Kingdom.
It was truly amazing. I haven't even transferred the photos from my camera to my computer because I am still swept up in the magic of Disneyland.
I haven't felt this way in a really long time and I have been savoring it rather than jumping into the scrapbook or even cleaning up from all the Disney craftyness I did for the trip. I want to retain this feeling of joy for as long as I can and it is easier than I thought because Disney branding is EVERYWHERE!
I am seeing the mice and princesses at gas stations and in check-out lines and on antenna balls and on food at the grocery store (its a little bizarre.) Thank goodness it wasn't a horrible trip or I'd be clobbered with reminders.
That said, I hope you will forgive my gradual return to reality and the world beyond my family and the magical kingdom. I am unpacked and some of the laundry is done. I went to the grocery store too. But that is where I stand right now. Once I'm back into my routine, I'll post the books I made for the kids along with a gazillion other things I have worked-on or thought about working on. Until then, I will leave you with this:
I have to tell you that I have a lot of irons in the fire right now and if only I had photos, I could share so much more. First off... we are going to Disney next week!
It is a surprise for our kids and I am dieing to tell them because my husband is pretty low key about his excitement. I am bouncing off of the walls happy and am having a hard time focusing on much else. I'm almost done with the "TOP SECRET" and CONFIDENTIAL" files I made for the kids which includes laminated maps of both Disney and California Adventure plus descriptions of all the rides! It also has a section where they can write their daily schedules. It is also laminated so they can erase if they change their minds (or have to compromise with one another.)
I have also put together goodie bags for both kids in Disney drawstring backpacks that include Disney water bottles, suntan lotion, glow sticks, 10 little baggies, each with a shiny penny and a quarter for those penny stamping machines, a color coordinated personal electric fan and I even found Disney tissue packs and hand sanitizer!!
In addition, the kids are going to get another surprise when we get there. Hee Hee... My daughter will be getting a Cinderella princess makeover and my son will get to make a car at Ridemakerz.
I will post the confidential files one I finish them and some pics of their loot bags too. There is no point in taking pics now because our camera take terrible photos at night.
I have also been working on the pants I started at my sewing lesson last week. Golly, gosh darn it! They are actually turning out to be pretty cute. I'm adding some extra touches so they are a bit different then the original pattern. You'll see...I will also post those photos taken in daylight.
Lastly, my Smash book is coming along nicely. I am able to journal more freely because it all has to fit into a 2 x 3" slot. My Canon Selphy has been instrumental in this process since I can print 4, 2x 3" pics on one 4 x 6" piece of photo paper. It is awesome! You just add this printer to your scrapbooking arsenal. It is amazing!
One last note - something irrelevant to the crafty community but something I need to share. Tonight was my last night as the Home and School President after 2 1/2 years. While I have been ready to let go of the responsibility for a while now, it was still bitter sweet. Even though I head a bunch of activity committees, I still feel like I feel like a certain chapter of my life has come to a close. Anyway, those photos are on there way as soon as we get a little sunshine... I'm off to tinker with my gathering foot on my sewing machine... why you ask?? you will see.
My hubby gave me a sewing lesson for my birthday last month. Today I cashed in my voucher and it was sew much fun! I love to assemble pretty things but a tailor I am not. I've sewn my share of Halloween costumes and I made this quilt:
...and yes, with that old sewing machine. But that was a lot of cutting and straight stitch- nothing fancy.
I am a self taught, intimidated, spazzmaticly unpredictable seamstress. I never know what I will produce, and what's worse is that I don't do "precision" (or ironing).
I'm the same way with cooking. I can whip together a fabulous dinner with whatever is in the fridge but if you want me to bake... you may NOT be in for a treat. There are measuring cups and timers and all these activities that have to be just so. This just isn't my style. I used to pretend like it was...which completely sucked because it was stressful and judgey and I wasn't fooling anyone anyway. Now I try to embrace my impulsive, inspired, uninhibited creativity and remind myself that I am not any less artistic than the guy with sharpened prismacolor pencils. Ahhh - but I digress.
So anyway, I took my sewing lesson and since I was the only one in the class we basically wandered the fabric store discussing fabrics, patterns, thread, needles and all the common mistakes new sewers make when they get started. Then we sat down at the machine and I learned what all the buttons do. I even touched the tension knob! Ackkkk! I was raised that whatever you do, never, ever, ever touch the tension knob on mommy's sewing machine. Well guess what... the world didn't explode; I wasn't eaten by a big slimy monster, nor did I get arrested. Sigh... What a relief. She even had me sew stitches on the "1" tension setting (using the pedal and on medium speed!!) and it was no big deal. Just a loose stitch. Big whoop. I'm so glad I crossed that off my bucket list.
She taught me how to use that weird ruler that every seamstress seems to carry around - the gauge. How did I ever get through life not knowing about the gauge??? I learned to call the grainline "the grainline" and that a nap has nothing to do with hair. It was fascinating and I feel like I have just scratched the surface. I am looking forward to the next lesson where we will discuss "stick pins". ha ha.
Actually I have begun working on F and D on McCalls' pattern M6250. I have elected to make mine an outfit rather than P.J.'s and I'm going pass on the peace signs fabric. I picked out tiny white polka dots on black for the pants and then a sweet pink and black pattern for the top. What bugs me is that I could have bought 2 or 3 of these outfits with the money I spent on my cloth. What is that all about?
So my SN@P album is now on my desk and I'm cutting patterns tonight. I feel a little cross-eyed at this point, but I wanted to make sure I posted this exciting diversion that I'm playing with. The hay garden, scrapbooking and finishing my kid's art books will have to wait for a couple of days. You can never have too many projects going at any given time!
I am so sorry I didn't get the comprehensive overview of the Stretch Your Imagination Cricut cartridge posted. I had to help my son get a big report done and I started working on a SN@P album. It is addicting! I wasn't sure I would like it because the binder wasn't very impressive, (it feels stiff and a little cheap) but it is a lot of fun.
I wish I could say that this is mine but it actually belongs to Melis at LilyBean's Paperie.
I have completed 12 pages in my album so far and I wish I could do another one right now but it is bedtime. I also wish I could eat some french fries and a Dove bar. No such luck. My body needs sleep not calories from fat.
I will catch up soon with pics, a cool tutorial and the cartridge overview I promised! I hope you had a crafty weekend!
I just wanted to let you know that I have been working on the comprehensive overview of the Cricut cartridge, Stretch Your Imagination. It is nearly written and then I'll have to do the proofing (which takes longer than writing) so you will have it this weekend. It is a sedentary activity and since the kids have been home for Easter vacation, I haven't had much time to sit still. I have been busy as a bee doing this and that so nobody gets "bored"... here are a few pics:
We are planting our first hay garden. It took 10 days of constant watering to get the hay ready for planting. We also grew our plants from seeds. Its coming along and has been an extraordinary family experience. I'll post more photos tomorrow including the kids hand drawn plant labels.
Yay! I received my copy of Cricut Mini Albums Idea Book in the mail today. Butterflies flew around in my stomach as I slowly flipped through the pages and then BAM! on pages 94-97 there was my Enjoy the Seasons mini album.
I was invited to submit my work for publication by a representative from Northridge Publishing last October but I kept quiet about the opportunity because I did not want to jinx it. I've been waiting for a little more than 5 months privately hoping that it would all work out. I am so happy that it did!
It is just nice to get the validation that I have created a thing or two that look pretty to people other than me.
Enough of that - I wanted to let you cricut lovers know that I just started working on a comprehensive overview for Once upon a Time. Stay tuned!
I wish I could take credit for this AMAZING DIY project but it is the handywork of Isabelle McAllister.
She is an incredible blogger and produces a really remarkable site. It is eclectic, creative and full of surprises. Click on the tutorial photo below to get the step by step directions. I am hoping to try this very soon and once I do, I'll be posting my project unless it is looks like a shriveled prune. In that case, I'll just tell you what not to do.
