A Winner, A Thank You, and an Apology

I'm so glad that so many of you visited during the Grillin' & Chillin' Bug Hop.  Barb did such a great job organizing her first blog hop - Well done, BARB!

Now, for my blog candy winner - Random.Org selected comment #27 - Charlotte!!

Charlotte has a terrific blog called A Little Bit of Detail.  I hope you'll visit and see her wonderful work.

Charlotte, if you'll contact me at lsuesart at aol dot com, I'll get your prize in the mail right away.

I also wanted to extend a huge thank you to my new followers.  I'm so excited that you've chosen to join me in this wonderful papercrafting journey. I now have over 200 followers and  have also had over 10,500 hits on my blog.  This crafting and blogging community is just the best.

Finally, an apology.  Blogger and I aren't seeing eye to eye right now.  I can't seem to leave comments on blogs that have the embedded comment box.  Blogger isn't recognizing my user name or password and keeps kicking me back to the sign-in screen.  I know others are  having this same problem and I read that Blogger is aware of the problem. In the meantime, it's a pain.  I seem to be able to comment on blogs with drop down comment windows - go figure.  Thank goodness I can still post to my blog - whew!

Well, that's it for today.  I'm in the middle of creating a welcome poster and calling card box ( it will really be a decorated picnic basket)  for our Circle Meet-up this Friday.  Rather than having a swap, we are doing 2-page layouts and embellishments to donate to Crops of Luv.  I also did the table poster for that area and my 2-page layout.  My calling cards are almost finished.  Oh my, the heart starts racing just thinking of what I must finish,  but it's all good -

it's crafting, right?

Don't forget my Quick Tip Tuesday post at FCCB.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope you're having a wonderful holiday and enjoying the beginning of the summer season.

The Grillin' & Chillin' Bug Hop is still going on.  It's not too late to leave a comment

 to be eligible for my Blog Candy. 

The winner's name will be selected by Random. Org and posted tomorrow.

You can find the bug hop here.

Also, today is Challenge Me Monday #62 - "Remember This" - at Fantabulous Cricut.

Be sure to check out the design team's wonderful ideas for remembering a special

person, time, or anniversay.  Remember to use a Cricut cut and then link

your project to the Challenge Me Monday post.

And, check FCCB tomorrow for another of my Quick Tip Tuesday posts.

Today I'm sharing a card I made for my sister-in-law to give to a dear friend

who will be traveling to Hong Kong. 

 My SIL chose all of the images from Pagoda.

The Kanji symbol she chose represents "fun".  All of the papers are from the SEI Poppy Pad.

I used Stickles, VersaMagic chalk ink, my white Signo pen, and foam dimensionals to accent the cuts.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

It's the Grillin' & Chillin" Bug Hop!

To celebrate the beginning of summer, Barb over at BugBites, is hosting two consecutive weekends of

 "Bug Hops".  How fun is that?

This weekend we're all about Grillin'.  Each designer along the bug trail is featuring a project based on the

Grillin' and Chillin' theme.

If you've come from Kerie's blog, you're buggin right along.  If you just dropped in to visit my blog and think you'd like to hop along, you can click HERE to start from the beginning.

OK, here's the exciting news - you, too, can participate by creating a project and linking it up to BugBites for a chance to win a Big Prize.  But, there's a twist.  Your project must include at least one Cricut cut and at least one of the critters that have been hidden within some of the bug stop blogs.  Be sure to visit all the bug stops to find your critter choices.  And, be sure to check out the blog candy being offered along the way.

For my Grillin' project I made my very first side step card!! 

I just love this little bird with all its layers from Three Birds on Parade.  I used Accent Essentials to create the frame for the sentiment.  The sun is from A Child's Year and the grass from Plantin.  The picnic goodies are from an embellishment pack. 

Now for the blog candy.  If you're kind enough to leave a comment, your name will go into a drawing to win 2 chipboard 6 x 6 album kits. Just a little thank you for stopping by.  If you'd care to become a follower, that would be wonderful.  Do you see how close to 200 followers I am?

 Be sure to let me know how to contact you.

 The winner's name will be posted on Tuesday, May 31.

Your next stop is Saundra at  http://luvscrappingtogether.blogspot.com.  Hop on over to see what she has for you today.

If you get lost along the way, you can return to Bug Bites for a list and the links to all the bug stops.

Remember, once you have hopped to all the bug stops, it's your turn to show us your Grillin' and Chillin' project.  Make sure to include a Cricut cut and one of the hidden critters.  Link up your project at

BugBites by Midnight CST May 30 to be eligible for the big prize.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Copic Practice

Yes, I am definitely practicing with my Copic Markers and for good reason!

My local scrapbook store has just begun to stock Copic markers and they've had such a positive response that the store owner is starting a Copic Club.  The gals meet each month to create a project and add three new markers to their collection.

The wonderful news is that I have been asked to teach the classes!!  Woohoo - am I excited or what?

They began their collection with 3 red, 3 yellow, 3 blue, and 3 green complimentary shades.  For my first class, we're adding violet.

Here are the images I'm presenting.  The store will decide the style of cards and the papers to be used.

So, what do you think?

This will be so much fun - a new class and new markers every month - good idea, huh?

Don't forget the Grillin' and Chillin' Bug Hop which starts Saturday, May 28- May 30.

The hop begins at BugBites.  I'm the 4th bug stop along the way.  Of course, you can start here if you'd like.  There will be blog candy at each stop and the opportunity to create a project for the Big Prize.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn



Quick Tip Tuesday

Today I'm sharing another idea for FCCB's Quick Tip Tuesday.

Rather than tossing your extra Cricut cuts - you know, the ones that are smaller or larger than you wanted, or that you decided not to use afterall - you can use them as masks.

Here's a quick card I made using some extra flower cuts as masks to create the background mat.

I just used a make-up sponge and some ink, but you could use your Copic Airbrush or Mini Misters as well.

Did you notice the "Bug Hop" blinkie at the top of my blog?  Barb, at Bug Bites is sponsoring this hop.  There will be 20 blogs to visit and blog candy along the way. Also, a chance for a special prize for those of you who link up to her blog at the end.

If you're not traveling this holiday weekend, plan on joining us.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Blue Skies at FCCB

Woohoo!  It's Challenge Me Monday #61 at Fantabulous Cricut.

In celebration of  glorious spring weather, this week we're including a cloud, the color blue, and, as always, a Cricut cut in our designs.

I went a little embellishment-crazy on this card!  The sun is from Create a Critter, the cloud  from April Showers, and the leaves from Florals Embellished (ok, I admit it - the flower is there too, but I added some inking that I didn't like so I covered it with Prima flowers).  The sentiment is stamped on a Nestabilities scalloped mat  and heat embossed.  I added dimension to the cloud with the Divine Swirls embossing folder.  The dragonfly is a stamp from Pez-a-doodles. The set included the colored skittles.  I outlined the wings, head and flight trail with my 3-D glazed pen.  As you can see, I used Stickles everywhere and a few Liquid Pearls for good measure.  Some inking and foam dimensionals finished this 5 x 7 card.

Be sure to visit FCCB to see the other team members' projects and then link yours to be eligible for this week's prize.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Welcome Baby

It's Scrappin' Saturday at Fantabulous Cricut.  Sandee asked the design team members to create something using a sketch of our choice from Pagemaps.  What a great website to get inspiration for cards and layouts. 

I made this card for a dear friend who just became a great grandmother. 

The papers are DCWV Nana's Nursery - I love the colors!  The cut is from Cricut American Alphabet with all the layers.  I also used the Cuttlebug to emboss the white mat.

Be sure to visit Fantabulous Cricut to see which sketches the other design team members are featuring and check back here for Challenge Me Monday and Quick Tip Tuesday.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Masculine Birthday Card

I'm still trying to stay away from brand new papers (that won't last long!) so I used papers from my scrap drawers to put together this quick masculine birthday card. I do believe these scraps are from My Mind's Eye.

The sentiment is from Create a Critter.  I used baker's twine (love it) and a button to embellish it.

I just got Campin Critters in the mail.  What a cute cartridge.  I plan on using it to create some things for the Circle Meet-up since our theme is Summertime in California

 (think camping, boating, rivers, lakes, mountains).  

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Card Size Chart

So, today is my debut for Quick Tip Tuesday at Fantabulous Cricut.

If you have the Martha Stewart Score Board, you may know that there is a cardsize chart in the bone folder compartment.  It's way too small for me to read comfortably and it doesn't include related ready-made envelope sizes.

I created this chart for you.  Just click on the picture to enlarge it and save as a handy reference.

I hope you'll visit FCCB.  There is something new everyday.  And be sure to watch for my next

Quick Tip Tuesday post.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

So Much to Share!

Happy Monday!

Today I have a card to share and several things to tell you about.

First, my card - I was following a softball game via the computer so I got out my Copic markers and colored this image during the game. Then I dug into my scrap drawers, pulled some papers to mat the image, added some ribbon and called it done - easy, peasy.

Next, be sure to check out the new Challenge Me Monday at Fantabulous Cricut

This week's theme is "Try This Angle".  You need to include a rectangle and a triangle on your project.  

Be sure to take a look at what the Design Team members have created.

Then, starting tomorrow, I'll be the hostess for Fantabulous Cricut's Quick Tip Tuesday.  Every Tuesday I'll be posting a quick idea to help make your crafting easier or more organized.  I hope you'll take look and tell me what you think.

Finally, if you're a Cricut Circle member and live near in or near Northern California, be sure to read the Circle Messageboard about our upcoming Circle Meet-up in Rocklin on June 3.  Rita Poteat is the organizer and it's going to be a fun-filled day.  We'll be donating crafting items and 2-page layouts to

Crops of Luv.

Whew!  that's a lot to share in one post.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Another Challenge Card

This card follows the 3rd sketch on Raq's Challenge on the Cricut message board.

I used Fabulous Finds for the mat with the circle cutout.  I copied it, increased the size by 1/4 inch and used hide contour to hide the circle - waalaa - a shadow mat.  The flower is from Cricut Essentials.

The papers are all from my scraps - they're beginning to overflow LOL!  Oh, I do love paper.

I actually went back and removed the ribbon after I took the picture - I just wasn't crazy about how it looked.

Hope you have a terrific weekend.  My crafting To-Do seems to be growing.  I'd best get busy.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Simple Birthday Card

I've really missed playing along with Raq's card sketch challenge posted each week on the Cricut message board.  The gals are always so supportive and give such positive feedback.  I have learned so much from them.  Anyway, I am determined to join in more often, so, here is my card using

sketch #1 (there are usually three sketches posted).

I used Copic markers to color the flower and then added Glossy Accents to the center and a few Stickles on the petals.  The sentiment is heat embossed and I finished the card by adding a few Liquid Pearls.

Did you know that if you flick underneath your card, the Liquid Pearls will settle and you can get rid of that little nib that you often get when applying the Liquid Pearls or Pearl Pen?  Don't do it too hard or the pearl will flatten.  I learned that trick from a gal at my LSS.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Tutorial for Hershey Nugget Box

Several of you asked how to make the Hershey Nugget box featured in my FCCB post (below).  It's really quite simple and once you've made one, you'll see it's easy to alter it to fit other treats - I made several last year for Cadbury Eggs.

So, here goes:

1 piece of cardstock cut 91/2 x 4

Score the 91/2 inch side at 5/8, 1 1/4, 8 1/4, and 8 7/8

Score the 4 inch side at 5/8, 1 1/4, 2 3/4 and 3 3/8

1 piece of cardstock( I used patterned cardstock for this piece) cut 5 1/4 x 7

Score the 5 1/4 inch side at 1 1/4, 1 7/8, 3 3/8, and 4

Your score lines should look like this:

Cut out the marked areas on the 9 1/2 x 4 piece:

Then cut on the lines indicated and begin to fold on the score lines.  Place adhesive where indicated by the wiggly lines and then construct your box.  The long sides will be folded in first.

Once your box is complete, add a ribbon loop to pull the box out of the wrapper - I used glue dots:

Fold the wrapper (7 x 5 1/4 piece) along the score lines and adhere in back - be sure to check that the box slides easily in and out before securing the adhesive.  Embellish your wrapper to go with your theme.

Finally, cut seven 3 3/8 x 1 inch strips to wrap around the Hershey Nuggets.  You can add die cut letters or shapes, or you can stamp on the wraps.  It's up to you.

That's it!  Thank you for your kind words.  I'm glad you liked the idea  Now, off you go to try one of your own. 

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

It's Teacher Feature at Fantabulous Cricut

It's time for Challenge Me Monday #59 at Fantabulous Cricut.

The theme this week is Teacher Feature.  School's end is just around the corner and it's time to say thank you to our hard-working teachers.

The challenge is to create something for a teacher and include a Cricut cut and the color red. 

I made a candy box which holds 7 Hershey Nuggets.  The box slides out of the cover.  I used Cricut American Alphabet (right now an E2 exclusive) for the letters on the candy wraps and A Child's Year for the apple and it's layers.  The paper is DCWV Grade School Pack.

You can join in the fun by linking your own creation to the Challenge Me Monday post at

Fantabulous Cricut.

And to all of you who are or were teachers - a HUGE thank you.  You are truly appreciated.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Wishing You

I made this quick sign using the Mother's Day cart with my E2.  I just selected "fit-to-page" and used my black Cricut pen.  The E2 self adjusts to the pen settings - woohoo!  I added a few embellishments to the

12 x 12  patterned paper and colored in with highlighters.  This will go on the wall in my Mother-in-law's room at the her care facility.  It's large enough that she can see it.

Please come back tomorrow for Fantabulous Cricut's Challenge Me Monday #59.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Young Man's Card and a Blog Award

Thank you so much Stacy and BeeJay for this terrific blog award.  I've linked their blogs to their names so I hope you'll take the time to visit them and see the wonderfully creative things they have to share.



The rules for this award are as follows:

Your blog has been deemed Cricut-tastic.  Wear this badge proudly on your blog and share it with others whom you think also have Cricut-tastic blogs.

Finally, tell 5 Cricut-related things about yourself.

Hmmmm, Cricut related things?  Well, here goes . . .

1.  I started with the Baby Bug, added the E and Gypsy, and now have the E2.

2.  I scrap almost every day - retirement has its perks!!

3.  I have over 100 cartridges (including the Gyspy downloads), but who's counting?

4.  I do some of my best creating just before I fall asleep.

5.  I truly value the Cricut friends I've made on mb's and blogs - you're the bestest!!!

There are so many blogs that I love to visit to get inspiration and ideas that it's difficult to name only a few.

With that said, I'd like to deem these blogs Cricut-tastic:

http://www.sonyaspapertrail.blogspot.com/

http://www.shesasassylady.blogspot.com/

http://www.glendascards.blogspot.com/

http://www.papermaineiac.blogspot.com/

http://www.nonnascraftcorner.blogspot.com/

http://www.prettypaperprettyribbons.blogspot.com/

http://www.bugbites411.blogspot.com/

http://www.sandyfromukiah.blogspot.com/

http://www.peachypapercrafts.blogspot.com/

And now for my card -- this is for a young man in ROTC at the University of Texas, Arlington.  He's celebrating his 22nd birthday.  The sentiment is from Create a Critter.

Well, my friends, that's it for today.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Mother's Day Card with a Cross

I had a request for a card with a cross on it.  Here's a quick one designed on the Gypsy and cut on the E2.  I used Sentimentals for the label, using the hide contour for the cutout found on the base.  The cross is from Easter 2010.  Again, I used hide contour for the cut detail on the base.  I also increased the shadow image by an eighth inch.  Finally, Swiss Dots and Victorian embossing folders, and salmon Pearl Pen to add some dimension, and, of course some ribbon - I love ribbon!

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Special Card for the Chemo Nurses

My sister-in-law asked to me to make a card for her chemo nurses.  I decided to make a pedestal card so  it could sit next to the fruit basket she will take to them.  There are a number of quilts displayed in the Cancer Center - quilt auctions have been a major fund raiser for the center - so I added the quilt paper in keeping with the theme. 

Don't forget to drop by Fantabulous Cricut for the newest Challenge Me Monday post.  This week's theme is Flower Shower.  Just link your project for a chance to win this week's prize.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn