Love is in the Air!

Thought I would share a representative sampling of the Valentine cards

 I made for the grands this year.

We have lots of grandchildren and I have to admit that in years past I haven't been good about sending cards on Valentine's Day.  But, I found myself with a little extra time this year and lots of Cricut Explore options, so I made it my mission to surprise them this year with cards specific to their character and ages (boy tweens and teens are a challenge!)

I used CTMH cardstock and background and texture papers.  Most of the cut files are from Miss Kate's Cuttables.  

Enjoy!

Ooo Lala!

I'm seeing a common thread in the cards we're making in our card class this month - Juniper, Glacier, Lagoon and Crystal Blue.  

Can you tell that my favorite colors are in the "cool" family? 

A Pack of Penguins

I had no idea how very much I would enjoy using my new Cricut Explore!  Every day I'm learning some new skill or trick of what this nifty machine can do.

I created these cute little penguin belly boxes as a wintery treat for my co-workers after seeing a post from a fellow crafter.  

A great way to use up some of my stash!

Be A Blessing

I thought I would share all three cards the New Life Paper Salutations small group is making for the skilled nursing facility where my Mom is right now.

I see lots of folks there with no one visiting and so we are hoping to share some love with them.

Cricut Explore and CTMH

I should confess that I went five years barely using my Cricut.  I had lots of cartridges that I fully intended to use, but I always felt sort of overwhelmed.  That is, until CTMH partnered with Provocraft and began selling it's own branded cartridges.  Now I use my Cricut in almost every project I make!  

I had been thinking about getting a die cut machine that can cut SVG and digital files, but again, felt overwhelmed.  So, I decided to investigate, watch a ton of YouTube videos and finally decided to jump in and bought the Cricut Explore. WOW WOW WOW!

I've been using it to design three cards the Paper Salutations Small Group will be making to deliver to a nearby skilled nursing facility, and I'm amazed at every new thing I learn!  

I hope you enjoy this picture of my very first creation, Nativity Moon.  I wish I could have captured how beautifully the circle sparkle paper shimmers - 

it looks like stars!

Cricut: Explore

Cartridge:  Artfully Sent (I welded the nativity images together as I liked them)

Paper: Black, Creme Brulee, Colonial White, Slate, Circle Sparkle Paper (Michaels)

Ink: Black

  

Look at These New Colors!

I had a roll of medical tape and wondered what would happen if I used it instead of the ever-popular masking tape on a card.  So, I decided to give it a try and think it gives a much chalkier impression.  I just love it!  This card features all five of our new colors, the new thistle ribbon and Confetti Wishes background and texture (B&T) paper.  I used 1" wide easy-to-remove CTMH washi tape to mask the card as I laid down the medical tape/ink for each strip.  Cool, huh?

Supplies:
Ink: Thistle, Canary, Glacier, Pixie, Flaxen
CTMH 1" wide Washi Tape
Paper: Confetti Wishes
Stamp Set: Perfect Fit Birthday - B1417
Misc - Medical tape

Confetti Wishes and What a Hoot!

Here's a little sneak peek into what's coming in August.  I created this card using the August Stamp of the Month and one of new paper packs called Confetti Wishes.  I fussy cut the various shapes in Miss Owl because I love the way it highlights our Background and Texture paper!  The new product debuts on August 1st. 

Paper: Confetti Wishes
Cardstock - Daisy White, Canary, Thistle
Ink: Black
Stamps:  August Stamp of the Month - What a Hoot!, Card Chatter - Birthdays
Non-stick Microtip Scissors
Scallop Border Punch

Just for You - the Paper Salutations App for Android!

I'm so excited to let you know that I now

have an app for Android smart phone users!

I've created it, tested it and it works like a charm.  

No more scrambling through my phone web browser 

to access my blog.  

You can have it too, by following the directions on this link.*

*Be sure your app settings allow for third-party installation.

I'm very much enjoying the time I get to spend once a

month with the Paper Salutations Cards & Gifts

small group ladies!

Penny took this photo of the projects we did in June. 

Yep, the gift bag looks familiar!

Papercrafting at Retreat

Nothing like getting away from the city for a weekend of spiritual refreshment, friendship and even a little papercrafting. 

40 of us made these cute gift bags!

Paper:

Ivy Lane 

Daisy White

Pink and White tissue paper

Ink:

Cocoa

Stamps:

Petite Perks - Delicate Wings

Supplies:

Paper trimmer

Glue stick

Twist ties

Sticky dots

Bitty Sparkles

Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

Envelope Punch Board