Fall Wedding Decor Projects with the Cricut

Hey there!  Last summer I was asked to help design and produce decorative touches for a fall wedding.  The  wedding was going to have a camp theme as the wedding and reception were at a nice camp and lodge.  The bride's colors were primarily navy and orange, though she was including other fall colors as well.  The items needed were individual place menus, escort cards, favor tags, and table photo frames.  This project took far longer and was far more involved than I ever thought it would be.  But, in the end I was happy with the items I designed and made.

The photo above is a sample of the menu card.  I made the basic navy card with the white top frame and white stamped text holder for 170 tags!!  I hand stamped each white text box before adhering it to the navy tag.  The leaves in the top section of the of the card were cut individually in one of five different colors.  This was a nice way to add additional fall colors to the decor.  The leaves were hand stamped in coordinating ink and them placed onto the menus with pop dots.

The menu text was printed on vellum and attached to the front of the white text box.  For a finishing touch twine was tied around the menus.

Because this was a camp setting, the bride wanted to make S'more kits for her reception favors.  I cut tags for the favor bags in orange to match one of the bride's main two colors.  I then created the Kim & Tom labels, with the phrase "S'more love" repeated in a the outer circle of the label.  I used a paper punch to cut out the labels (oh if I had only been using the Silhouette print and cut feature back then!!!).  I created the four layer fire cut for the bottom from of the S'more favor tags.  One the tags were assembled, twine was cut and packed with the cello bags for the favors.

I cut and stamped a truck load of extra multi-colored leaves.  There for a while I thought I might never want to see that leaf stamp again! I created enough leaves that they could be used as escort cards on the table assignment board and as scatter leaves for the tops of the tables.  It was A LOT of leaves!

I was also asked to make photo frames for each of the guest table.  And lest you think I was done with the leaves - OH NO!  The frames were double sided and each had six leaves attached - three for each side.  I used the bride's navy and orange colors to created the frames and accented with the multi-colored leaves. The bride printed landscape 5x7 inch photos for each frame, with the table number printed on the dual photos of the bride and groom.

My suggestion for the frames was different than what the bride wanted.  I would have put a 5x7 inch photo of the bride on side of the frame and a 5x7 inch photo of the groom on the other side.  I then would have cut the table numbers in a fun font and attached them in the upper left corner of the frame and added the leaves to the lower right corner of the frames.  But you know what?  It was not my wedding so I made the frames they way they wanted .... Even if mine would have looked better!!

I asked the bride for professional shots of the items I made to use on the blog, but she sent me photos of her and the groom, and the one photo of the frame and favor tag.   I would have loved to share the escort card tree with you, but oh well....

Remember this is the last couple of days to to enter my August drawing.  Anyone who purchases a Close to My Heart Cricut Cartridge through my on-line store will go into the drawings detailed below.

Let's "sweeten the deal":  Close To My Heart has decided that anyone who purchases $50+ worth of merchandise in the month of August will receive the August Stamp of the Month - A CHOCOLATE AFFAIR for FREE!  That's right - this stamp set is FREE when you order Artbooking.

Anyone who orders a cartridge through my on-line store in the month of August will go into the drawings for my special giveaways.  

The first prize winner (through random draw) will receive a brand new Cricut Expression.

The Second Prize winner will receive three additional CTMH Stamp sets that coordinate with Artbooking.

In the Moment // Wild Wonders // Perfect Fit - Holidays

The Third Prize winner will receive the Frosted Paper Pack, or any CTMH paper pack - winner's choice.

Thanks for stopping by today. 

Adorable Purse Favor/Gift Bag

Hello everyone!  I have an adorable - quick and easy! - purse to share today.  This purse was made using a cut file from SVGcuts.com .  I love their 3-D projects!  This purse was super quick to cut and assemble - the most time consuming part was the tassels.  I will use this as a gift bag for a girlfriend or my daughter.  But how cute would these be for bridal shower favors?

This purse is from a set called Luxury Handbags.  There are six different styles of handbags in the file.  This style works well with double sided printed card stock like I have used here.  I used the more sedate print on the outside and fun print on the inside and the front pocket flap.  I wanted the bright pops to show on the handle and pocket.

This is the last week to receive the August Stamp of the Month FREE when you place an order of $50 or more with Close To My Heart.  When you order the Artbooking cartridge you will receive the August Stamp of the Month as a bonus.

Also remember this is the last week to enter my August drawing.  Anyone who purchases a CTMH Cartridge through my on-line store will go into the drawing detailed below.

Let's "sweeten the deal":  Close To My Heart has decided that anyone who purchases $50+ worth of merchandise in the month of August will receive the August Stamp of the Month - A CHOCOLATE AFFAIR for FREE!  That's right - this stamp set is FREE when you order Artbooking.

Anyone who orders a cartridge through my on-line store in the month of August will go into the drawings for my special giveaways.  

The first prize winner (through random draw) will receive a brand new Cricut Expression.

The Second Prize winner will receive three additional CTMH Stamp sets that coordinate with Artbooking.

In the Moment // Wild Wonders // Perfect Fit - Holidays

The Third Prize winner will receive the Frosted Paper Pack, or any CTMH paper pack - winner's choice.

Thanks for stopping by today. 

Let's Get Wet!

Hey there!  Welcome to a Bitten By the Bug 2 Monday.  Can you believe it is end of August?  Sadly that means the end of Summer is quickly approaching.  My Design Team sister Michelle wanted us to take one more opportunity to enjoy the summer with some water fun!  Michelle is hosting this week's challenge - Let's Get Wet!  You are challenged to use any water themed Cricut cut on this week's project.

I found my Cricut water cuts on the CTMH Artbooking cartridge and used the wave frame and wave flourish cuts to create my beach front card.   I like this card and I like that every single cut on this card was created with the Artbooking cartridge.  I especially like the background water and sunset illusion.

The majority of the cuts I used can be viewed on pages 67 and 82 of the Artbooking handbook.  The background is on page 82 and the water frame, flourish and palm tree are on page 67.  I also used a sun cut and a circle from the cartridge.

After cutting the background blue color and all of the page elements, I cut 3/4 inch tall strips of sunset and water color card stock to place behind the chevron cuts.  I like the water and sky view created by the strips of card stock.

The tree was added in layers, as were the water flourishes.  The finishing touch on the card was the sun with the Artbooking title "fun & sun".

Please be sure to go by the BBTB2 blog and view the team's water fun projects.  I think Michelle's idea for "Let's Get Wet" was a wonderful idea for the end of summer!!

This is the last week to receive the August Stamp of the Month FREE when you place an order of $50 or more with Close To My Heart.  When you order the Artbooking cartridge you will receive the August Stamp of the Month as a bonus.

Also remember this is the last week to enter my August drawing.  Anyone who purchases a CTMH Cartridge through my on-line store will go into the drawing detailed below.

Let's "sweeten the deal":  Close To My Heart has decided that anyone who purchases $50+ worth of merchandise in the month of August will receive the August Stamp of the Month - A CHOCOLATE AFFAIR for FREE!  That's right - this stamp set is FREE when you order Artbooking.

Anyone who orders a cartridge through my on-line store in the month of August will go into the drawings for my special giveaways. 

The first prize winner (through random draw) will receive a brand new Cricut Expression.

The Second Prize winner will receive three additional CTMH Stamp sets that coordinate with Artbooking.

In the Moment // Wild Wonders // Perfect Fit - Holidays

The Third Prize winner will receive the Frosted Paper Pack, or any CTMH paper pack - winner's choice.

Thanks for stopping by today. 

Like a Rolling Stone....?

Yes, yes I really did borrow my title from Bob Dylan.  Somehow it seems fitting.  I have spent the last 36 hours in kidney stone purgatory praying for the stone to roll on out!   I am soooo thankful that this did not hit while I was in Charlotte last weekend.  Though having said that, I think my trip to Charlotte may have contributed to the stone.  I did not drink enough water over the weekend and once I realized that, it was too late.

The "attack" hit at bedtime on Wednesday night.  I call it an attack because it felt like something was attacking my body.  This was truly the worst kidney stone I have ever experienced!  And because I was home alone, I had to run through the list of those who I could call at midnight for an ER trip!!  What a night.  Anyway I am finally feeling better and hoping that if I live with a tumbler of water in my hand perhaps I can prevent this from every happening again!

In spite of all of that drama, I actually have a project to share with you... mostly because it was made several weeks ago.  I love this flip up owl easel card.  This is a cut at the Silhouette America store.  I may have added an extra layer, but over all the card is very representative of the original cut file.

After cutting and assembling the card, I added dots and dashes to embellish this simple but adorable card!

So you all know that I am loving the Artbooking Cartridge - even more than I thought I would.  If you are still sitting on the fence about purchasing Artbooking, I am giving you another look at the cartridge set and the specials for which you will be qualified with your purchase through my on-line store.

Let's "sweeten the deal":  Close To My Heart has decided that anyone who purchases $50+ worth of merchandise in the month of August will receive the August Stamp of the Month - A CHOCOLATE AFFAIR for FREE!  That's right - this stamp set is FREE when you order Artbooking.

Anyone who orders a cartridge through my on-line store in the month of August will go into the drawings for my special giveaways. 

The first prize winner (through random draw) will receive a brand new Cricut Expression.

The Second Prize winner will receive three additional CTMH Stamp sets that coordinate with Artbooking.

In the Moment // Wild Wonders // Perfect Fit - Holidays

The Third Prize winner will receive the Frosted Paper Pack, or any CTMH paper pack - winner's choice.

Thanks for stopping by today. 

Creating Keepsakes Convention Wrap Up

Hello everyone!  I am a little late posting today.  I promised a recap of the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Charlotte, NC last weekend.  To begin with, I had SO MUCH FUN but I was SO tired when I got home!  This year there were only five of us from our usual group that was able to attend the convention.  Our teacher and school administrator friends were on a tight schedule as teachers reported last week and school started on Monday.  I wondered how many parents were also unable to attend due to the school schedule. Anyway, five of us were able to attend.  My friend Susan, pictured on the right below, and I went up to Charlotte on Thursday afternoon and came home Saturday evening.

I took six classes at the convention, three on Friday and three on Saturday, leaving myself some nice shopping gabs in my schedule.  Most of us hit the ground running on Friday morning with an 8:30 am Heartfelt Creations class. Susanne and Susan above and Pat below and I enjoyed the HFC start to our day.  I love HFC dies and stamp sets and we made such pretty cards in the class.

I actually took four Heartfelt Creations classes, which may seem excessive, but I learned something new in each of the classes.   The card below was made in one of the classes.

I can honestly say that I spent more money at the HFC booth than all others added together!  I do so love their products.  For each HFC class I took I received a free stamp set of my choice from the booth.  I choose stamps that matched new dies or dies I already owned.

I also took an Embellish It Latest and Greatest class, which was nice, except Shelby, the usual instructor, was unable to attend on Friday.  Of course I took the Friday class.  My final class was a recipe book with the Button Farm.  I confess that I wanted to leave after a drawing in the shopping area, so I picked up the kit and the instructions and skipped the class.  I do not normally do that, but it was my final class on Saturday afternoon.

Several years ago my friends Suzanne and Pat discovered a wonderful Asian restaurant near the convention center and dining there has become an annual event - Fujo Bistro.  The group of five from Aiken went to Fujo on Friday night.  I had a sushi appetizer and Hawaiian Pineapple, Shrimp, and Chicken fried rice.

On Saturday Pat, Suzanne and Kathy went out to Fuel for mediocre pizza.  Susan and I joined our friend Susan and Joy (from Joy's Life) for dinner at Fujo Bistro.  Joy had the adventure of dining with three Susans and as a bonus she only has one name to remember.  Dining with Susan, Susan, and Joy was a true delight and we stayed at the restaurant talking for a couple of hours.

Below is another Heartfelt Creations card from one of my classes.  This card is a gift card holder.

The center section pulls out and the gift card may be attached to the part that hides inside the flower pot.

One of my pricier purchases from another vendor was this fabulous recipe book kit I purchased from Embellish It.  It has such a vintage look and I think this will be darling when finished.

I decided not to show you all of my purchases, but I will say I purchased several sets of designer card stock.  The two sets below and a wonderful vintage Christmas paper set.  I also picked up some loose card stock sheets.

I did purchase some new embellishment products and a new tool or two that I hope will be helpful.

Susan and I had a wonderful time and could have stayed another day in Charlotte.  Sadly though we did not sign up for the Saturday night crop so we came home.

I hope that the convention is earlier next year so that all of my teacher friends can attend.  I am so ready to go back and enjoy the convention all over again!!

Live with Purpose

Hey there!  Tomorrow I will post about the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Charlotte last weekend.  I had such a nice time!  But today is Monday so that means it is Bitten by the Bug 2 time!  This week's challenge cut was selected by the uber talented Melanie who chose the theme: "Summer Heat is for the Birds", use any Cricut Bird cut.  

I chose to use one of the fun owls on the new Artbooking cartridge - there are two fun owls on the cartridge - along with the stylish tree and fun background cut.  Yes, my entire card was made wht just one cartridge - Artbooking.

I cut the detailed background at 5 x 3.75 inches along with the tree frame.  I wanted to leave a color frame around my cuts.  I cut the owl at 1.25 inches and the tag at 3 x 1.5 inches.  The stamp I used is from teh new CTMH set, In the Moment.

If you have not already done so, do go by and check out the design team projects at BBTB2.  I saw such a variety of birds at the site this morning!

ou know that I am loving the Artbooking Cartridge - even more than I thought I would.  If you are still sitting on the fence about purchasing Artbooking, I am giving you another look at the cartridge set and the specials for which you will be qualified with your purchase through my on-line store.

Let's "sweeten the deal":  Close To My Heart has decided that anyone who purchases $50+ worth of merchandise in the month of August will receive the August Stamp of the Month - A CHOCOLATE AFFAIR for FREE!  That's right - this stamp set is FREE when you order Artbooking.

Anyone who orders a cartridge through my on-line store in the month of August will go into the drawings for my special giveaways. 

The first prize winner (through random draw) will receive a brand new Cricut Expression.

The Second Prize winner will receive three additional CTMH Stamp sets that coordinate with Artbooking.

In the Moment // Wild Wonders // Perfect Fit - Holidays

The Third Prize winner will receive the Frosted Paper Pack, or any CTMH paper pack - winner's choice.

Thanks for stopping by today. 

Quick and Simple Artbooking Card

Hey there!  Today I have a quick card to share with you, then I will be on my way to the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Charlotte!  I made this card with only one Cricut cartridge, of course, CTMH Artbooking!  

Used three cuts from Arbooking - the fabulous shaped frame, the scroll flourish and the matting cut - all of which were cut from card stock in my scrap stash!

I used the new CTMH stamp set, IN THE MOMENT, to stamp the frame and the frame insert.  I used CTMH ink to do the stamping.

I am going to give you one more peek at the card, then I am off on my annual trip to Charlotte.  This year I have six classes.  I plan to be a bit more reserved in my purchasing... but of course I say that every year!! LOL.

You know that I am loving the Artbooking Cartridge - even more than I thought I would.  If you are still sitting on the fence about purchasing Artbooking, I am giving you another look at the cartridge set and the specials for which you will be qualified with your purchase through my on-line store.

Let's "sweeten the deal":  Close To My Heart has decided that anyone who purchases $50+ worth of merchandise in the month of August will receive the August Stamp of the Month - A CHOCOLATE AFFAIR for FREE!  That's right - this stamp set is FREE when you order Artbooking.

Anyone who orders a cartridge through my on-line store in the month of August will go into the drawings for my special giveaways. 

The first prize winner (through random draw) will receive a brand new Cricut Expression.

The Second Prize winner will receive three additional CTMH Stamp sets that coordinate with Artbooking.

In the Moment // Wild Wonders // Perfect Fit - Holidays

The Third Prize winner will receive the Frosted Paper Pack, or any CTMH paper pack - winner's choice.

Thanks for stopping by today.