Getting in the Christmas Spirit!

I thought I would try out a new background for the holiday season, and I found this one that reminded me of Cricuted cutouts, AND it's red (my favorite color!) so here it is!  I'll probably go back to my butterflies, but for now, I kinda like the new "curtains."

(Click on the photo for a better look at it!)
Look for an awesome new box file later in the week (shown above - called the Three Kings box for its "crown" top), thanks to Cindy Royal on the message boards at cricut.com.  She put out a request for someone to make one from a template she had, and even though it was 11:30 PM when I saw her post, I saw BOX and had to give it a go!  She has test cut it and loves it, but I'm waiting for permission from the creator of the original (non-Cricut) design before I post it. Hopefully I will have it to share with all of you very soon, so check back often - or better yet, sign up to follow me!  I have several projects ready to share and will be posting at least one a week until Christmas!

Cricut Kisses!

Not a creature was stirring...not even THIS MOUSE!

Here's a quick little project that makes perfect favors for a child's class Christmas (or holiday) party, since they really are non-denominational.  They are also adorable tree ornaments that you can double as small gifts for a child who's visiting.  I made them last year for my co-workers with candy cane pens instead of real candy ones.  The possibilities are endless for this quick and easy holiday craft!

Cartridges Used: George, TBBM

Candy Cane Mouse cut file for DS

Candy Cane Mouse cut file for Gypsy

EXPLOSION PURSE BOX READY FOR DOWNLOAD!

UPDATE:  now available in DS and Gypsy - Thank you to Austins_Mom from the Cricut message board for helping me convert it!

I finally got it done - well almost.  The files for Design Studio are online for download, and I finished the written tutorial and folding guide and posted it in pdf format so you can all print it out to follow along.  You will only need to use it once, and then I think you will have the hang of it.  Once you've done a couple, they fold up really fast!

Gypsy ladies, I can't get my software to convert it without crashing.  If you have Design Studio and would like to try to convert it for me, click on the link below to download, then convert it.  If you're successful, PLEASE email the gypsy file to me so I can upload it for others.  I promised to have it ready for you all today, and I feel SO bad!  I'm still working on it though! 

Cartridge: George

Explosion Purse Box for Design Studio

Explosion Purse Box for Gypsy

Enjoy and have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't you just love FREE STUFF?!?!

I know we're not even through Thanksgiving yet, but I want to give you all a Christmas present!  If you don't know about HubPages.com yet, you need to check them out!  I'm a clipart junkie, and they have some gorgeous stuff.  Today I found 100 FREE CHRISTMAS WALLPAPERS for your computer. They have everything from vintage to cute, and the quality is outstanding!  I'm showing you just one "thumbnail" example here, but you really need to go to the site and take a look to really appreciate them. So, Merry Christmas from me a little early. (and Happy Thanksgiving, too) Enjoy!

HubPages.com - Family Christmas Wallpapares

SCAL Files Are Here!

I have had so many requests for my files in formats that can be used in SCAL, but unfortunately, the projects I design in Design Studio or Gypsy have to be totally redesigned in svg format for SCAL.  As of now, I have not done the same projects in SCAL. That said, I DO have a BUNCH of svg files online, and I have put a link to them here on my blog. Look over to the right, just under "The Legal Stuff."  See it there?  There is also a link to my Gypsy and DS libraries, so you won't have to search the archives to find out what I have available online.  In fact, I'll tell you a secret - there are files there I haven't even blogged about yet! 

Please feel free to download anything you find in my libraries, but as always, follow "the legal stuff."  Oh, and leave me a comment when you use one of my files so I FEEL THE LOVE!

And no, I haven't forgotten about the Exploding Purse Box (pictured below).  I'm working on the instruction sheet for folding and putting it together, and then I'll upload it. I should have it completed by tomorrow night or Thursday morning, then you'll still have a 3-day weekend to make some! 

Cricut Kisses!

UPDATED:  The SCAL Files button is now about halfway down the page, just before my blog list.

I did it! Mini Explosion Purse is a success!

After a very frustrating day of almost 12 hours trying to design yesterday in Design Studio, I FINALLY got the project finished that I really can't wait to share with you all.  My poor laptop is limping along with Windows Vista, awaiting the new 7.0 version and hoping that will fix all its ails!  DS kept shutting down on me, and I know it's my computer, because I don't have the same issues at work.  Anyway.....

I have finally completed and cut an adorable little Mini Explosion Purse Box.  I can't wait to use it for all the small gifts I give to my nieces.  It's perfect for jewelry, lipstick or other small makeup, or even a few Hershy's kisses.  I was so pleased with it last night that I kept playing with it, popping it open and closed.  Kids will love it!

If you want to get prepared ahead of time, you'll need some stick-on velcro dots for the closure, and some ribbon or cord for the handle (sized to fit through a standard hole punch and tied in a knot on the inside).  It's a small purse, so scraps of ribbon that are at least 10-12" should work.  You need the George cartridge and 12"x12" cardstock. Here's the "teaser" picture, but I need to make a tutorial for it because the folding is a little tricky until you understand how they go together.  I plan to post it mid-week, so check back or sign up to follow me, and look for it in time to make them over the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Cricut Kisses! Cindy

Toblerone Box Finally Done!

I'm sorry I'm getting this posted so late, but we were involved with wedding activities all day yesterday, then I had major computer issues today, and I basically ended up redesigning this box because I LOST IT this morning when my computer "burped."  Anyway, I hope some of you will try it out and dress it up better than I did.  I wanted to at least do a quick one to give you the idea of the window which uses the "TO" from "Toblerone" to make this box look like a big gift tag that just happens to contain chocolate! 

The file offers you the option to use it with or without the window.  To include the window, cut the box first, then DO NOT hit "unload paper." Instead, hit "load paper" again, go to the page with the window, and cut! 

Please send me photos of your completed projects!  I can see it without the window dressed up with little winter scenes - trees, houses, etc. - to make a little diorama that's also a gift.  The angle of the triangle box makes it perfect for that! 

Gypsy ladies, I will get the gypsy file uploaded as soon as I can. I haven't been able to test it on the Gypsy yet.  I promise to get it on tonight!

Cartridge needed: George
Toblerone Box (with window option) for Design Studio
Toblerone Box (with window option) for Gypsy

Coming Soon!

Mystery Project Revealed

Has anybody guessed yet what my mystery candy is?  Well, it's one of my all-time favorites...TOBLERONE!  I suppose part of the draw is the unusual triangular shape. Great marketing, huh?  Anyway, I saw one yesterday and thought, "I can make that box," and I did - but with a cool little twist!  I completed and tested it last night, and all I have to do now is make a "real" one, dress it up and photograph it.  If you're out and about today, you might want to pick one up for tomorrow when I post the file.  Make sure you get the 100 gm/3.52 ounce size, then come back here tomorrow and get ready to have some fun with it!  And besides using it for Toblerone, it's a great little box for putting anything long and skinny in.  I know all you crafty guys and gals will find dozens of uses for it!  TTFN! See you tomorrow!

You know you have an addiction when you're shopping and you see a box and think, "I could make one of those on my Cricut!"  So where was I?  In the candy aisle of Walgreen's.  (Shhh...don't tell anybody I was looking at candy!)  Anyway, I saw a candy that I love to give people at Christmas, sort of a candy bar, but in an unusual shape, and I thought, "I could dress that up with some Christmas cardstock and make a cute little gift."  Can you guess what candy I'm talking about?  Stay tuned to find out.  I have already started the design, and now I have to test cut, dress it up, and take pictures.  If all goes well, it will be this weekend's FREEBIE.  I think you're gonna like it!

Light up your Christmas!

The modern tradition of luminaries comes from Mexico, brought to them by the Spaniards in the 16th century.  Ancient history suggests that luminaries lit the way for Mary and Joseph in their search for lodging in Bethlehem. In my neighborhood, we place them along the street every year on Christmas Eve to honor the tradition.

This year I decided to make my own and dress them up beyond the usual plain white paper bag.  I've cut the Star of Bethlehem into mine, but you can alter the basic bag pattern by deleting the star (or moving it off your mat) and replacing it with your own design for whatever occasion you're celebrating.

Don't stop with Christmas. These will make beautiful decorations for any occasion!  Use colored paper to make birthday luminaries, or illuminate the pathway for a newly married couple as they leave their wedding reception. Your imagination is the only limit!

Take CAUTION though:  since they're made of paper with a burning candle inside, they can be a fire hazard.  If you place them outside on the street, fill the bottom with sand first, then use a small tealight.  For indoor use, try the new battery operated tealights or votives to get the same effect with no danger!

Cartridges: George and Basic Shapes, Joys of the Season
Luminary File for Design Studio

Luminary File for Gypsy

Frosty the Snowman is in town!

I was pretty much stuck in bed all day yesterday with back issues, so I used the day to design for Cricut! It's never too early to start planning for Christmas, and I tweaked a few ideas that I had started on last year and never finished. Here's the first - my cute little Frosty the Snowman candy bar wrapper, and you only need the George cartridge to make him! He sure does dress up a plain old candy bar, huh? I plan to make these for my co-workers, but he would be perfect for your hairdresser, paper boy, mailman, nail tech...whoever you want to give just a little something to. If you use him, please leave me a comment and let me know how you like him! Enjoy!

Cartridge: George and Basic Shapes

Snowman Candy Bar Wrapper for Design Studio

Snowman Candy Bar Wrapper for Gypsy

Welcome to my new blog! I'm a crafter and former teacher, and I love sharing and exchangin ideas with fellow crafters, so I decided to get on the blogging bandwagon and do just that!

I'm a Cricut lover and own 2 Cricuts and the Gypsy. I've had my "bugs" for several years now and I love to create my own designs with Design Studio. I got really hooked when I taught myself how to design my own boxes for the many various handmade gifts I give. My husband calls me the Box Lady!

Two weeks ago, I received my new Gypsy and I've got the fever! And here she is! Gypsy has a new "dress" and "jewelry." I thought she needed a little bling, and it helps me keep my stylus from getting lost!

Stay tuned as I begin to post photos and files to share with my fellow Cricuteers!