Gamer Tag T-shirts Using The Cricut!

Here are some Gamer Tag t-shirts made from heat transfer vinyl.  The kids had fun using the Indie Art cartridge and the font from the Robotz cartridge.

Supplies I used:

Cupcake Bucket Gift Idea

Here's a cute gift idea.  My niece made this during crafting with Aunt Tracie weekend.  She used the Sweet Treats cartridge and Pooh Font cartridge along with outdoor vinyl to create her master piece.  I picked up these cute buckets at the Hobby Lobby for about $1.25 each.  Fill them with popcorn and candy and you have a really great gift for a friend!  By the way...she actually made this bucket for her hamster who is named Cupcake - gotta love it.

Supplies Used:

                                    

One Crafty Chick - Heat Transfer Vinyl Shirt for Me!

Here's a shirt that I made for myself.  I must remember that since I've lost weight I am  no longer XL so this is pretty big on me.  But I love it anyway!  I used Create a Critter for the chick and Pooh Font for the words.  I blinged it with IRock jewels.

Supplies I used:

Heat Vinyl Onesie - Toxic Butt!

I made this onesie for my cousin's new baby boy.  It's made using heat vinyl that is cut from the Indie Art and Robotz cartridge.  Simple steps below.

Quick steps:

1.  Set cricut blade depth to 3, pressure to med, speed to med.

2.  Press flip function on the cricut expression.

3.  Place the vinyl shiny side down on the cricut mat.  The shiny side "acts" like transfer tape.

4.  Using Robotz cartridge put the letters in backwords.  For example ydorB for Brody. Size is 3/4".

5.  Press cut.

6.  Cut the Indie Art shapes using the flip function using 2" shape size.

7. Weed (take off) off the vinyl you don't want on your design.

8.  Place the design on the prewashed onesie.

9.  Iron for 10-15 seconds until the vinyl adheres nicely to the onesie.

Cricut Circle Calling Card

Here's a picture of my Cricut Circle Calling Card. It's what we're supposed to bring to Circle events to win prizes. I used George basic shapes for all of the cuts. The antenna is a letter C that is cut in the middle. I hope you like it!

I Won An Expression for Milenio Elementary!

Provocraft was holding a special contest exclusively for their Cricut Circle members where we could nominate one school of our choice to win a Cricut Expression and the first 500 nominations won!  I nominated Kyrene Milenio because that's where my kids go.  Today I received a phone call letting me know that my school was chosen and that they will receive the Cricut Expression before October 1, 2010.   I think it's awesome that they are donating these machines to schools.  They'll have so much fun making bulletin boards and crafts!

Here's what it looks like:


Here was what I wrote for the justification:
"The students at Milenio receive a challenging education in an environment which recognizes the individual differences and needs of each child. The administration, teachers, instructional assistants, specialists and support staff work to forge strong partnerships with the families of the students.  Music, art, physical education and technology are considered to be part of the essential core learning experiences.  The art program provides strong experiences in the visual arts and student art is proudly displayed throughout our school. Last year when I volunteered for Mr. Blair's class I used the Cricut to create the bulletin for his class and I received so many complements from the kids.  They really liked it!  They will love having their own creations!"

My First Vinyl T-Shirt using the Cricut

Here is a picture of the shirt I made this afternoon.  I used heat transer vinyl and the Indie Art solutions cartridge for the skull.  Now that I know how to do this, I'm ready to help the kids with their designs now!  Keep checking back to see what we create this weekend!

Quick How to:

1. 
   
   Place the vinyl in the circut at 3x3x3 settings.  Vinyl should be dull side up.
2. 
   
   Flip the image you want to cut using the cricut expression flip function.
3. 
   
   Cut.
4. 
   
   Weed (or peel) off the excess vinyl that you don't want.
5. 
   
   Iron on the shirt - glossy side up about 10-15 seconds.
6. 
   
   Peel off the glossy layer on the vinyl.

Supplies I used:

7 Assorted Hippo Cards - Create a Critter Cartridge

Exploring the Create a Critter cartridge today and decided to make some hippo cards.  There are 7 different cards here, but as you can see...they use the same elements...just switched around a bit.  I used vellum for the grass and water.  The water was embossed using my cuttlebug folders.  Stickers are from SEI (beaded) that I picked up at the Mesa scrapbooking convention...I think they were .25 cents a pack.  The rinestones were also picked up there as well - but they were $1 per pack.  The paper flowers are from making memories that I snagged at the local Tuesday Morning store.  So there you have it....7 different cards using pretty much the same elements!  Gotta love it!

How to Etch Glass with the Cricut - Tutorial

How to Etch Glass with the Cricut - Candy Dish Tutorial
Etching glass with the Cricut is super easy and makes a very inexpensive, yet beautiful gift.
Here are X simple steps to etching with the cricut.

Step 1 - Place the vinyl on the cricut mat and load it into the machine.  Choose a design.  I used the Storybook cartridge.   The settings should be slow, max pressure, max blade depth. Make sure you have a sharp blade, otherwise it will not cut the vinyl.

Step 2 - I remove the vinyl letters and save them for the recipent of the gift.  They are not needed in this project.  You will only use the negative portion of the cut.

Step 3 - I like to use transfer tape when applying the vinyl.  It's not necessary, but it sure makes it easier!  Simply lay the transfer tape over the vinyl.

Step 4 - Adhere the vinyl to the glass candy dish and pull off the transfer tape leaving ONLY the vinyl.

Step 5 - Using a paint brush, place the Armour Etch Cream 3 oz only on the letters you want etched and let sit for approximately 10 minutes.  DO NOT TOUCH THE ARMOR ETCH OR GET IT IN YOUR EYES.  READ the bottle for safety instructions.

Step 6 - Wash the etching cream off and peel off the vinyl.

You are left with beautiful candy dish!

Supplies I used:

Congratulations to Kimmie - winner of my first giveaway!

Everyone - thank you so much for playing!

Kimmie - you won!  Since you aren't a follower, I can't e-mail you... Please e-mail me at smartkidz @ hotmail.com with your address by July 18th  so I can send this French Manor Mirror card kit to you.  Congratulations!

Closed - Winner Announced *First Giveaway - French Manor Card*

Here's a card with me and my two princes!  This card was made with the French Manor cricut catridge and bling'd with rhinestones.  Yet - another very easy project that will make a great card for my hubby!

If you like my card, I'm giving supplies away to make your own.  Just leave a comment for a chance to win the supplies I used to make this card less the picture in the middle of course (You will get the card and paper cuts + rhinesone bing)!  I will use random.org to generate a winner so leave your comment before 5 pm on Sunday July 11th.  United States, Canada, or military mailing address only - please!

Two more easy French Manor Cricut Cartridge Cards

These two cards are as simple as cutting out the card, pasting a square behind it, and embellishing.  At first I didn't think I'd like the cut of the dress form, but seeing it in pink in front of a brown background changed my mind.  I love it!  Inspired by my clothing designer friend.  The bird card is very elegant - yet quick and easy to do.  Both cards are cut at 5 1/2 " setting, slow speed, max pressure. 

I'm lovin my French Manor cartridge!

The French Manor Adventure Begins....

The French Manor Cartridge Adventure Begins!

First stop in the many adventures of the cricut circle.

Well...that didn't take long.  I just got my new French Manor cartridge and decided to try my hand at some simple cards.  I chose Medallion #2 on page 56, card 2 option, size 5 1/2".  Then I added a piece of red vellum and embellished with rinestones.  This was a very easy and simple project!  Can't wait to share more with you as I explore this cartridge.

Cricut Cricle Welcome Kit - It's here!

It's here! It's here!  My Cricut Circle kit has arrived!  I'm so happy!

The fed ex man just dropped it off and my hubby was so funny when he marched it over to me...lots and lots of funny fanfare.  In the kit was my welcome letter, member certificate, bracelet, and cartridge.

French Manor is the name of the cartridge and it includes some really nice cuts.

Here is a picture of the bracelet.  Many folks on the Cricut board say it looks like gumball machine jewelery.  Honestly, I love it!  My kids get jewelry from the gumball machines and it never looks this nice.    Not sure what I'll do with it.  I'll have to come up with something creative!




Now that it's all here...let the adventure begin!

Restick and Reuse Cricut Mats

Here's a simple way to reuse your cricut mats.
Simply wipe off any paper stuck on the mat, run the Ek Success 2-Way Glue Pen Bulk, Jumbo Tip all over the mat, and let it air dry.  Some say that you should clean with soap and water first, but I have not seen much difference in the "stickyness".















Supplies used in this project:

Create A Critter Cricut Cartridge Monkey Cards

Cricut Cartridge, Create-A-CritterHere's a a few cute handmade monkey cards that I made with the create a critter cartridge.
These are generally the same paper and cut of the monkey, but I added stickles, ribbon, and flowers to create 8 unique cards.  This one's my favorite!

Here are all of the cards!

Supplies I used:

Glass Etching with the Cricut

While I'm waiting for my cricut circle welcome package to arrive, I thought I'd try my hand at glass etching with the cricut.

Here's a picture of a vase I made for a co-worker's wedding gift. I think it came out nicely!

I joined the cricut circle!

After days of agonizing, I decided to take the plunge and join the cricut circle. What is the cricut circle you ask? Is it a secret society? The kind with a special handshake?
Ugh...well...no.
Actually the cricut circle is basically a club of cricut fans.
It's about $80 per quarter or $280 per year. For my money I will receive 1 new cartridge every quarter for 1 year, exclusive discounts, a cute bracelet, and invitations to special events.

But, is it worth the $$? The answer to that is in the eye of the beholder. To me, the answer is yes. I love playing with my cricuts. Yes - that's plural...currently I have 3 machines (2 baby bugs and 1 expression), but that's a whole other future post. I certainly don't want to have to outbid someone on ebay for a particular cartridge because it's only available to the circle members. As an added bonus - I get to do something for myself without regrets... a treat if you will... for someone who takes care of everyone else... and finally has chosen to do something for herself.

So...I've set up this blog to share with you the many events in my life that are a result of being "in the circle". I hope that what I write will inspire you to be creative, to give, and to take care of yourself too.

For those who would like addtional information about the circle. Here's what Provo Craft has to say about the cricut circle:

******

The CRICUT CIRCLE by Provo Craft is a select community of Cricut ® enthusiasts. Cricut owners are the most creative, passionate, social, and fun-loving people on the planet. The Cricut Circle is our way to celebrate your enthusiasm (and ours!) for Cricut! The shape of the circle signifies inclusion, unity, kinship (think King Arthur and the round table). The goal of The Cricut Circle from Provo Craft is designed to bring this community of amazing people together to learn, share, and grow The Circle love!

What does life look like inside the Cricut Circle?

Four exclusive cartridges a year, one each quarter, (starting with French Manor) ONLY available to The Cricut Circle members.

Special buying privileges like rebates, monthly coupons, and opportunities to buy other exclusive products for your Cricut, from friends and partners of Provo Craft.

Extra reward points and special cricut.com discounts.

A members-only bracelet with an exclusive Cricut Circle charm (get ready to be the envy of your friends).

A special Cricut Circle Community will come together through an exclusive Cricut Circle forum on cricut.com.

Inspiration and education from exclusive Cricut Circle webinars, swarms, meet-ups, and events.

A fun Cricut Circle blog and a monthly project-inspired online magazine to fill your mind with ideas galore.

Charter members will have access to information and opportunities to become a part of the decision making process of future Cricut products by participating on research panels.

*****
May God Bless You Each and Every Day,
Tracie