Stashing Through the Snow

These ornaments are made with cute vinyl mustaches. I used a paint marker to write Stashing Through the Snow on each ornament. Then I stuck the mustaches on. I love the gray one. Which one do you like?

7 Days of Craft Fair - Day 7 - Purse Charms

Purse charms are a unique item that will set your booth a part from the rest.

You'll need swivel clasps to start. Then you can add a variety of beads and charms to make a unique creation. I think I went a little overboard on mine, but you get the picture.

Today's Craft Tip: Put a bowl of candy on your table. It attracks shoppers, and many people feel obligated to buy after they've indulged in your free treats!

Vintage Tim Holtz - Chunky Charm Swap

I participated in a chunky charm swap at the cricut message boards. I made 6 of these charms to swap with the other gals. The clock acutally works if you put a battery in it. It would make a great purse charm I think!

Another Summer Beach Themed Pin Cushion

I liked the one I made for my swap partner that I had to make one just for me.

Here's mine.

Upclose.

Summer Pin Cushion Swap - Beach Pail with Stick Pins

Here's a pin cushion I made for a swap at the Cricut Boards.

I decoupaged the pail on Friday night and let it sit for a day.

Then I used beach themed fabric to cover the batting and syrofoam insert.

I made some jewel themed and shell themed stick pins.

Then I glued little pearls around the entire pail (probably should have thought that one through a ltitle more - next time I'm buying a string of pearls).

The cricut cut is of a shovel - from Everyday Paper Dolls cartridge.

Here's up close.

12 Days of Christmas - Fun Present Swap - Day #5

On the 5th day of present swap my santa gave to me....
Sizzix texture folders!  I've never had one of these before!  How fun!

12 Days of Christmas - Fun Present Swap - Day #4

On the 4th day of present swap, my santa gave to me...

2 pair of mittens

2 Christmas clear stamps

1 2 year planner

How did my Santa know I lost my mittens and needed new ones?

12 Days of Christmas - Fun Present Swap - Day #3

On the 3rd day of present swap my santa gave to me....3 extra large bottles of stickles.  Man, I use stickles on everything - these are perfect!

12 Days of Christmas - Fun Present Swap - Day #2

On the second day of present swap, my santa gave to me...
Football brads!  Totally cool - I haven't seen these in Micheals yet so I'm so excited! 
I also received very pretty pearl brads and micro beads.  I'm super excited to try these out!
This swap is fun!

12 Days of Christmas - Fun Present Swap - Day #1

Here's is what day #1 had in store for me.  ATG tape - how perfect!  Two rolls will last me at least 2 months!  Horray!

Fun with a Stocking Swap

I sometimes participate in various swaps over at the Cricut message boards.  This month I swapped a filled stocking.  Here is the one I received.  The snowflakes and angel were hand crocheted!  I haven't opened it yet because I want to wait for Christmas. So stay tuned to see what I got!

12 Days of Christmas - Fun Present Swap

Another swap I participated in this month  over at the Cricut message boards was a 12 Days of Christmas Swap.  Beginning on December 14th I can open one present per day until Christmas.  Each package is numbered in the order that I should open it.  My secret Santa was extra cool because she added two bell ornaments and a tin FULL of Hot Tamales - one of my favorite candies.  Yum!

Cupcake Spa Socks - Easter 2010 Cricut Cartridge

I got this idea from Greenbean's Crafterole blog - so here's my version....

Instructions:

I used a spa sock I picked up from Michael's for $2 an rolled it up to make it look like a cupcake and secured it with a rubber band.

I cut the cupcake holder at 4" from the Easter 2010 cartridge.

Then I used a glue dot to attach a red pom pom to the top.  Red cinnamon disc candy work as well.

Put the sock in the cupcake holder and both in a cello bag and tied the ribbon.

This was super cute and easy!

New Name!

I recently left the Cricut Circle so I felt the need to change my blogspot name.  I am now writing under AZChirper (Arizona Chirper).  Hooray!

Goodbye Cricut Circle!

I exited the Cricut Circle and will be moving this content to a more appropriately named blog soon.

A Gift from my Circle Pal :)

I was so thrilled to receive a gift from my Circle Pal today.  Here's what she sent me all the way from Trenton New Jersey! In this box was a cute blue bunny rabbit - how sweet :), Martha Stewart Halloween paper - perfect, a tulip jewel setter and pretty pink bling - How perfect!  Thank you so much cricle pal!

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!"

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:

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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