Surprise Thank You Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to Michelle's Crafty Creations!

What's the surprise you ask?  Well over at Cooking With Cricut we are celebrating a couple of things.  First is the 100th challenge for Cooking With Cricut AND secondly to thank Melinda Beltran our "Executive Chef" for all the hard work, time, encouragement, and love she puts into CWC and PWC.  She truly is an amazing person and I am so thankful to have gotten to know her and have a kindred spirit with her.

She started the Cooking With Cricut challenges in October 2010 to encourage crafters to explore their cartridges.  Through her challenges and tutorials and support, she has helped me to leave my comfort zone of crafting.  You all know "that" zone!  She has encouraged her wonderful design team in prayers, thoughts, and friendship.  The design team, led by Melin, is truly a sisterhood.  

If you haven't participated in one of her challenges...what are you waiting for?? ;)

So, Melin, this is for YOU!  A surprise thank you.  Your sweet spirit has encouraged many people, myself included.  You deserve so much more and I hope this small token of appreciation lets you know how much you mean to all of us!!  If you came from my super creative friend Jill, then you are in the right place!!  If you just happened upon my blog, please go back to the CWC to start from the beginning!  You are sure to not want to miss anything! ;)

Today my card features a black, white, and cream theme.  

I followed this sketch by Tamara over at Sketches by Tamara

I used textured script Cuttlebug embossing folder.

Inked over it with black chalk ink.                                                                                                                                       

The butterfly was cut with Gypsy Wanderings

The sentiment was from SU.  Added some bling from my stash.

**BLOG CANDY**

What is a hop without some Blog Candy?  All you have to do is leave a comment and a way to contact you.  You don't have to be a follower, BUT I would greatly appreciate it.  Shipping only to US residents. ;)  In the spirit of "surprises" this blog candy will be a surprise!  Who doesn't like happy mail right?!

(You have until Midnight Thursday to comment)

Thanks so much for hopping along with us.  Don't forget to go back and leave a "thank you" for Melin in the comment section.  I know it will make her smile!  Now please don't forget to head on over to the talented Larelyn at Handmade From the Heart!

Hugs and Happy Crafting!!

Happy 4th of July!!

Hello all and welcome to Michelle's Crafty Creations!

This is my first post of 4th of July projects.  I have some more!!

Over at Cooking With Cricut our Wednesday Challenge is celebrating our country's "birthday"!  So who doesn't like to decorate for "birthdays"??  I do!!!  The challenge was to create a project with red white and blue.  I happen to like the more Americana look with my personal decoration, so my take on it went with that!  I LOOOOOVED how it came out!!!

My banner on the mantle!

These rockets were actually made for invitation for our 4th of July party.  I'll post that tomorrow.

Can I just say paper rosettes are SO. MUCH. EASIER. than cardstock! ;)

This particular lettering was cut in shadow and letter.  I used a burnt red paper to highlight the letters on the banner!  I like the rafia instead of the traditional ribbon.

I REALLY liked how this came out.

To make this I used:

Cart ~ A Child's Year for the letters and background; Gypsy Wandering for the banner; Sweet Treats for the firecracker

Paper ~ DCWV the Guy Stack (LOVE LOVE); Blue rosette Stars and Stripes from JoAnns

Misc ~ Stickles, Ranger distress ink Tea Dye, Rafia, glue dots, and glue gun

Now it's your turn!!  

 Link up your project to the Cooking With Cricut challenge post.  There are some guidelines.

1.  Must follow the challenge topic.

2.  Must be a new project for this challenge

3.  No back dated posts please

4.  Must have a link back to this post on your blog

5.  Must link your project post through Inlinkz and not just your blog

6.  Must use your Cricut in some capacity

7.  Gotta HAVE FUN!!!

8.  You may combine challenges...we like to!

Linking this to:

Jill's Sundays are Lovely #11 + Giveaway

Die Cuttin Divas Challenge #72 

I Heart Naptime Sundae Scoop #36

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Me Monday #118

My Craft Spot Challenge #62 4th of July

My Sheri Crafts Challenge #88 Oh I Love America

Bitten by the Bug 2 Patriotic Challenge

Today's Creative Blog Get your Craft On

Hugs and Happy Crafting!!

CWC's 2nd Blogaversary Day 3 Pinkalicious!

Hello and welcome to Michelle's Crafty Creations!

Over at Cooking with Cricut we have been celebrating our 2nd Blogaversary!  It is a weeklong celebration with some seriously talented Designers!!  Today is Challenge Wednesday!  You know what that means?  Link up YOUR projects as well!!  We can't WAIT to see your creations!

By the way, DON'T forget to check each and every day at CWC to enter for your chance to win some blog candy and get some really cool freebies!! 

Don't forget it is not too late to enter for your chance to win some blog candy from me.  If you want to win a cool stamp set and some "washi" tape click HERE!  

Okay, now for today's challenge.  We were to go pink crazy! ;) I like pink, but it is sometimes hard to put "pinks" together...shading is EVERYTHING!! LOL We also had to add satin-ribbon, fabrics, and flowers.

 I know it's a pink challenge, but I thought some green would go well with it!  

This ribbon is perfect for ruffling!  

To make this I used:

Cricut Cartridge: Gypsy Wanderings for flourish

Misc: Pink twine, button and ribbon from my stash, flower gems, white gelly roll pen for doodling, and Ranger Distress Ink Tea Dye

Now it's your turn!!  

 Link up your project to the Cooking With Cricut challenge post.  There are some guidelines.

1.  Must follow the challenge topic.

2.  Must be a new project for this challenge

3.  No back dated posts please

4.  Must have a link back to this post on your blog

5.  Must link your project post through Inlinkz and not just your blog

6.  Must use your Cricut in some capacity

7.  Gotta HAVE FUN!!!

8.  You may combine challenges...we like to!

I can't wait to see what Pinkalicious project you come up with!!

I am linking this to:

Jill's Sundays are Lovely #9 + Giveaway

Hugs and Happy Crafting!

A "Note" of Thanks..

Hey all my crafty friends!  Welcome to Michelle's Crafty Creations!

Over at Cooking With Cricut we are celebrating "National Card and Letter Writing" during the month of April.  In this day of texting and Face book, card and letter writing is really a lost art.  It is so easy and quick to send a quick text or e-card that basic sentiment seems like a lost art.   I LOVE making cards.  I don't make them JUST to enter a challenge.  Mine always have a purpose with someone intended for the card.  It gives meaning behind it to me.  It is personal.  For this card I made today it is personal.

I have SUCH a sweet friend who goes to my church.  I say friend, she is actually old enough to be my grandma.  She is ALWAYS caring and SO thoughtful.  Not to just me, but to everyone.  My husband was coughing one day in church and that evening she brought some natural cough drops for him! LOL  She is always bringing me coupon inserts {insert coupon addict for me here}, gift cards just because, over stocked items she has purchased from coupons, snacks for my kids....you get the picture!  I LOVE her.  Not because she does this for me, but because it shows her care and servant's spirit.  I admire her.  I hope to leave a legacy like hers.  So this is for her!

I LOVE the simplicity!  

I was actually going to write on the front of this card, but decided against it.  

To make this card: 

Cart~ Gypsy Wanderings for the flourish and Sentiment

Paper~ My Minds Eye Academy (LOVE the paper)

Misc. ~ SU hemp, button and bling from my stash,  Ranger Distress Ink Tea Dye around the sentiment. and Colorbox's Chestnut ink around the edge of the card.

Now it's your turn!!  

 Link up your project to the Cooking With Cricut challenge post.  There are some guidelines.

1.  Must follow the challenge topic.

2.  Must be a new project for this challenge

3.  No back dated posts please

4.  Must have a link back to this post on your blog

5.  Must link your project post through Inlinkz and not just your blog

6.  Must use your Cricut in some capacity

7.  Gotta HAVE FUN!!!

8.  You may combine challenges...we like to!

I am linking this card up to:

Jill's Sundays are Lovely #8 + giveaway

  

Hugs and Happy Crafting!

It all started with the Jones...

Today I wanted to share some gifts I made for some friends.  One was given to my daughter's friend and to my children's piano teacher!

I LOVE this soda.  Actually my whole family does...so getting these and using them are NO problem!!

Voila!  

All I did was carefully peel the label off and measured it.  It measured 3.25 x 8".  

To make this I used:

Cartridge ~ Gypsy Wanderings

Paper ~ K&Co Circus Valentine

Stamp ~ Stampin Up sentiment

Misc ~ ribbon from my stash and sweethearts tart candy

Happy Crafting

I love you...love bug

Hello all my crafty friends!  I was hoping to this posted earlier today, but life happened!! LOL

I created some Valentine Cards for my nieces and nephew.  I wanted to encourage them while their daddy is serving in Afghanistan.  I think these will put a smile on their faces!! (I made the same kind for my own kids...they just don't know..hehehe...)

Love BUG!

Younger love bug!

RAWR

Love shaker cards!!

Open card

Aren't they SOOO cute??!! ;)

To Make this I used:

Cart ~ Gypsy Wandering (bug base cards), Create A Critter all sized with my Gypsy

Paper ~ K&Co Circus Valentine and DCWV solid Princess 

Stamp ~ PKS Everyday and Wide eye assorted

Ink ~ Memento

Misc ~ heart confetti for shaker card, white and red gelly roll pen for doodling, chalk for cheeks on bugs,   red stickles for heart on bugs, and ribbon from my stash.

Hugs and Happy Crafting!!

Sweet 16...and some Blog Candy

Hey all my crafty friends!!  Welcome to Michelle's Crafty Creations!

I hope you all had a fabulous week!  I have been a little busy trying to get some Valentine's decorations/projects done.  So FUN!!

For today's project I made a purse gift bag.  My daughter's friend is turning 16 next week and her birthday party is tonight!  I was You Tube hopping for some neat craft ideas and I stumbled upon hers.  I used her ideas but adjusted for my measurements.  You can find the video tutorial HERE.

This is the front of the purse.  It already has the gift in it!

EEK!

The back side

The over lap to close the purse

I had SO much fun making this!!  It really was very easy.  You do not need a cricut, but I wanted to put a little flourish on it.

To make this I used:

Cart ~ Gypsy Wanderings for flourish; it was sized on my Gypsy

Paper ~ Colorbok for the plain black; Designer paper from Hobby Lobby

Misc. ~ SU bold bright pink passion to ink on the zebra pattern; ribbon from my stash; velcro sticky back to "clasp" the purse; crop-a-dile for hole punches, and a brown paper lunch bag.

I think I will be making more of these!!

NOW for the BLOG CANDY!!  After attaining 100 followers, I wanted to show my appreciation.   All you have to do is leave a comment.  You MUST be a follower in order to receive this.  After all it is for you lovely followers!  Thank you so much for reaching this first blogging milestone!!

I LOVE these!  It is 350 pieces of an assortment of embellishments!!  From brads to eyelets, to neat paper clips which will give your product that "finished" look!  So please leave a comment for your enter to win!  You only need to leave one comment!

Hugs and Happy Crafting!  

I am linking this up at Whimsical Design's "Anything Goes" Wednesday challenge. 

Something Old, Something New.....

Hey all you crafty friends out there!!!  Welcome to Michelle's Crafty Creations!

Welcome to day 2 of Cooking With Cricut's  and Paper Crafting World's FIRST blog hop of 2012!!!  Our Theme is "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue".  Sounds fun doesn't it??!!

If you have arrived from the ever so talented Evelyn then you are in the right place!  If you just happened upon my blog, then you will want to start at Melin's so you don't miss out on their wonderful projects!

Our designers were challenged to use something old (from their craft stash),  something new (perhaps a Christmas gift or new technique) something borrowed (a cricut cut or PCW cut file or digi stamp) and it has to have the color blue!

Today I made a simple lay out.  I had SO many ideas run through my head, But I wanted to do something a little feminine.  My daughter LOVED to play dress up.  She would always dress up as a little ballerina of wear pretty dresses.  I made this lay out with that in mind.  I plan to do another page, for journaling....I will post that another time.  I really only do two-page lay outs if it is a really big event that has LOTS of pictures to post.  I love to write on the page of my scrapbooks once in a while so I left some room here and there for that option.

LOVE how this came out!!

Sewing on paper is def a challenge!!

Check out those flowers!!

There are a LOT of new elements I used.

First for the challenge:

New ~ sewing, lace, and rick rack flowers I MADE!!!

Old ~ Paper!!  I have had that stuff FOEVER! LOL

Borrowed ~ hanger for the dress

Blue ~ Obviously everything but the lace!! 

To make this Lay out I used:

Carts ~ Gypsy Wanderings for the dress and phrases "play and dream"; A Child's Year for the scalloped picture frame; Everyday Paper Dolls for the hanger

Paper ~ DCWV Garden Party Mat Stack

Misc ~ Blue rick rack ribbon to make the flowers; lace; Ranger Distress Ink Tea Dye for a "vintage" look.

I am SUPER excited about how my flowers came out and the sewing (def trial and error)!  I hope you have been inspired to try something new on your projects as well!!

Now what is a blog hop without candy??!!  RIGHT...that's what I say!!  I am offering to one lucky follower the following: 

YUP...a Martha Stewart score board!  I LOVE mine!!  All you have to do is leave me a comment on this blog and become a follower.  Make a comment for each. If you are already a follower just let me know on a separate comment!  I will announce the winner Tuesday! (Please leave me an email to get in touch with you)  Good Luck!

Now don't forget to check out the other designer's projects!  Your next stop is to the talented Mindy!

If you get lost along the way: 

Melin

Court

Evelyn

Michelle  (You are HERE)

Mindy (NEXT)

Felicia

Madison

Nita

Angie

Jen

Happy Crafting!!!

"Giving Thanks" Blog Hop with Cooking With Cricut

Welcome to Michelle's Crafty Creations and the Cooking With Cricut “Giving Thanks” Blog Hop! 

This is my first blog hop and I am super excited!!

If you came from the talented Debbie at Workin Scrappin Mom of 4, you're in the right place! If you've just happened across my blog and would like to hop along with us, you can go to Cooking With Cricut and start at the beginning. 

Today’s hop is all about Thanksgiving decorations – for your home and table.   And on that note I tried my hand on a banner.  I LOVE the way it came out.  I only wish my camera would do it some justice.  I tell ya, I will get those settings right one day!! LOL  

It is actually hanging up on the window in front of my curtains in the dining room...horrible lighting in there....SO I took a picture of it on the kitchen floor! HA!

I LOVE this cut!

I absolutely LOVE the colors.  I wish they made a paper stack for the papers I used.

To make this Banner, I used:

Gypsy to size all my cuts.  

Carts: Gypsy Wanderings for the banner and resized for the layering effect; A Child's Year for the font; Create a Critter for the turkey.  

Paper: Solid card stock is Colorbok; banner layer is TPC Studio's Rustic Garden Fall Phrases; letters are TPC Studio's Rustic Garden Sunflower Toss; turkey "feathers" are from DCWV Harvest Gathering.

Misc: Argoyle embossing folder, PKS Create a Critter face stamp ( I only used the eyes), white gelly roll pen, colorbox chalk ink chestnut, Ranger distress ink tea dye, and ribbon from my stash.

Now what is a blog hop without blog candy??  I am offering.......

Here's what you need to do to have your chance at winning this cartridge:

1. Leave a comment to include your favorite thing about Thanksgiving

2.   Become a follower and tell me you did for an extra chance at winning. (if you are already a follower you can post that you already are! :))

3.  If you created a project for the link up, then post back here telling me you did.

4. Like my Facebook page HERE and tell me you did.

I will use Random.org to pick the winner.  

You have until MIDNIGHT Wednesday (Thanksgiving Eve ;))  That should give you enough time to get your projects in. Then I will choose the winners on Thanksgiving Day!!

Please leave your email addy on your comment so I can contact you if you win.

Now it's your turn! Link up your Thanksgiving project at CookingWithCricut.com. Here are a few guidelines: 

* Must follow the challenge topic and use one of the free files provided at CWC. 

* Must be a NEW project for this challenge. No back dated posts please. 

* Must have a link back to this post on your blog. 

* Must link your project post through Inlinkz and not just your blog. 

* Must use your Cricut in some capacity. 

* Must HAVE FUN! 

* You may gladly combine challenges . . . we love to pile it on TOO! 

The Design Team will pick their three favorites and one lucky person will be chosen randomly to win one of the prizes being offered in this hop. There is also a prize for just leaving us a comment on the CWC blog. One catch, those leaving comments MUST be a CWC follower. Each prize winner will receive a $10 gift voucher-download from PaperCraftingWorld.com. 

Now head on over to the ever so talented Jen at Gator 4 Life to see what she's cooked up for you!

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

 Cooking With Cricut

I am entering this in the Die Cuttin Diva's Challenge #41 Turkey Time and More than Favor's Wacky Wednesday Challenge #59 - Thanksgiving Theme  and Whimsical Design's Whimsical Wednesday's Challenge Happy Turkey Day