Fantabulous Cricut

Thursday Tutorial- How about a little Washi and ribbon flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne cricutcraftingrammyblogspot.com) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Hello everyone! This week at Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog the challenge is Fancy Trims -fabric, lace or other trim. I had planned on doing a tutorial for you this week but being a grammy took priority. Besides caring for my 15 month old granddaughter Mon- Friday I am blessed to have my just barely 2 year old granddaughter visiting for 4 days. They are having so much fun but wearing me out.
So first I would like to share two posts I have bookmarked about the new popular Washi Tape. Washi tape is a crafting tape originally from Japan that is like thin masking tape. I have seen so many cute projects lately that people have done with Washi Tape. So check out these two posts

10 Things to do with Washi Tape written by Nina at Waffle Flower Paper Crafts

Cute and fun ideas

Then if that's not enough ideas check out this post which includes a huge variety of tutorials on how to make your own Washi tape.

100 Crafty Tape Ideas -MelStampzblogspot

Also check out the wonderful ribbon flowers and video tutorials our own Fantabulous Cricut Creater Robin has posted this week on her blog.

Robins Creative Cottage

I so hope you enjoyed these posts and check them out. Don't forget to join us this week at FCCB for the Fancy Trims challenge. We so enjoy seeing all your creative projects each week.

Wednesday Winners #98

noreply@blogger.com (AmyJRockstar) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Good morning Fantabulous Friends,

Have you all been checking out our Wednesday Winner's posts lately? I've been noticing that in our last several challenges many of our Top 5 picks are fairly new to the blogging world! Some of the gals only have between 1 - 10 followers so I would highly encourage you all to not just check out the pics here, but to actually click on the link of the people that have made the Top 5 and check out each and every blog. Another suggestion is to go back and see some of the other entries because often, several of the posts were almost picked for the Top 5. That means there is a ton of talent out there and these gals (and guys) need our support!

Since doing the Wednesday posts, I have found so many incredibly amazing blogs that my head is spinning and my heart is swooning! ;) Ladies, allow yourself some "me" time and sit back and peruse our Challenge Me Monday & Wednesday Winners posts, even if you did not enter the challenge yourself. You won't be sorry (I promise!) and chances are, you might even make a few new friends! I often have to remind myself to take the time to check out different blogs and that is why I love doing the Wednesday posts so much...because it encourages me to make that time! If you want to see what I'm talking about, check out last week's challenge right HERE. I hope you have as much fun with it as I do. If you don't have the time, at least make a goal of clicking on our Top 5 picks. These ladies (and gentlemen) ;) have worked so hard and they deserve our attention! Of course, you'll want to follow our design team members and guest designers as well, right? ;0)

Alright, well this is totally off topic, but as I mentioned last week, I didn't get a chance to use the awesome stamps provided by K. Andrew Designs for our Monday challenge, but I did get my project done to show you all today! I hope you all enjoy my creation. I had so much fun making it and OMGosh, the stamps I used are so very versatile. It was a Valentine's Day set, but can be used for many other occasions. I just love it when you purchase something (although this set was sponsored) and realize you get more bang for your buck than you thought and that's what you will get with Kristal's stamps! For details on my card please check out my personal blog.

Scrapping, Card Making, and Living with Fibro

For this week, we have another awesome sponsor -- Joy's Life. Wow, she has some super cute stamps! Be sure to check them out if you haven't already and even if you have, pop in to see what's new! I just love how she incorporates a bold font with an elegant font in lots of her sets. Such a clever idea! Thanks Joy's Life for sponsoring our prize this week!

Thanks for joining us today, now it's time for this week's winner and the Top 5!

~This Weeks Winner~
Prize from - Joy's Life

#11 Mary - Clover Rose Creations

Congratulations Mary!!!
To claim your prize please contact Marlene at... hearts0314 @ msn .com (remove spaces)
You have two weeks to claim your prize.
Remember to grab your "FCCB Winner" blinky to display on your blog, you can find the blinky code in the right hand side bar.

~Design Team Top 5~

#9 Tammy - Bowman Crafts

#42 Samantha Bell - Craftychick Cards

#45 Jenny - Jenny's Scrapbooking Haven

#29 Cindy - Cindy's Scraptastic Designs

#12 Holly - Ribbons & Glue

Congratulations Ladies!!!

Remember to grab your "FCCB Top 5" blinky to display on your blog! You can find the blinky code on our right-hand sidebar.

Thank you to all those who participated in our challenge.

Come join us for this week's "Fancy Trims" challenge - Here.

Use fabric, lace or other trims on your project.

(Be sure to use at least ONE Cricut cut on your project.)

XO ~ Amy Jo (Coordinator)

Quick Tip Tuesday - Patch Me

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Makes) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:11:00 +0000

Welcome to this week's Quick Tip Tuesday! Do any of you have children that seems to wear holes in all the knees of their pants? Well, I have avoided them until this year with my eldest boy, he has put holes in the knees of 90% of his pants. Being on a budget, I can't afford a whole new wardrobe of pants. So, I decided to use my fabric stash, Heat n Bond, and my Big Shot to make my own patches.

1. Pants that need a patch.

2. Adhered "Heat n Bond Ultra Hold" to my fabric.

3. Select Big Shot Die and run fabric through.

4. Viola, you will have home made patches.

5. Peel backing off fabric and iron on patch to pants.

6. Finished pants.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, I have several more pants to go:) Please come by and check out our Wednesday winners.

Happy Crafting,

Melanie

Challenge Me Monday #99

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Happy Family Day to our Canadian friends in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario! Enjoy the day off with your loved ones!

Ribbons and lace are such a wonderful way to dress up your paper crafting projects. Not only do they create interest for the eye, but the added texture and dimension create a unique look that turn your project into something "fantabulous"!

#99 – Fancy Trims
Use fabric, lace or other trims on your project

This week, Fantabulous Cricut is being sponsored by Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Really Reasonable Ribbon has been meeting the ribbon needs of crafters, wedding planners, rubber stampers, scrappers and the artistic community for over 10 years. They offer great wholesale pricing on full spools of many of their styles, and really reasonable discount retail pricing on ribbon by the yard.

Really Reasonable Ribbon offers a large selection of ribbon styles, including a variety of colors and widths in grosgrain, organza, gingham, satin, ric rac, twill tape, bakers twine, jute and much more.

Really Reasonable Ribbon offers convenient online shopping, FAST shipping and GREAT ribbon prices.

You can also visit their BLOG for daily posts with creative projects featuring ribbon and two fun challenges on the 1^st and the 15^th of each month.

Some of our design team members were sent some Really Reasonable Ribbon with which to play. Here are their fantabulous projects:

Amy Jo

Simply Charmed, 3 birds on Parade cartridges

Jessica

Create a Critter cartridge

Lisa

Elegant Edges, Paper Lace, Sophisticated cartridges

Sabrina

Songbird cartridge

~ Design Team Inspiration ~

~Guest Designer~

Amy
Love You a Latte cartridge

View Amy's Spotlight Sunday post HERE

Faith Abigail
Sweet Tooth Boxes, Imagine Bubblegum Stripes cartridges

Jewels
Accent Essentials, Sentimentals cartridges

Sarah

Slumber Party, Cherry Limeade cartridges

Sherrie
Kate's ABCs cartridge

~This Week's Sponsor~

This week, Fantabulous Cricut is delighted to be sponsored by Really Reasonable Ribbon. Really Reasonable Ribbon has donated a $15 gift certificate to be given to one lucky participant to be drawn at random from all eligible entries.

To link your project for this week's "Fancy Trims" challenge, click on the blue "add your link" button below!

This challenge ends at Midnight, February 26th (Mountain Time).

As a courtesy to our design team, please consider turning off the word verification on your blog. With the new system, it has become quite difficult to leave comments for our FANTABULOUS followers.

Spotlight Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Beckie) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Spotlight Sunday! We are super duper glad you are here!

This week's spotlight is on Amy of Redheaded Crafter . Amy grabbed a DT top 5 with this fabulous card...

The creativity doesn't stop there. If you hop around Amy's blog you'll see great stuff like...

WOW! I know you're ready to hop over and see the rest of Amy's terrific stuff, but let's get to know her a lil bit better before you go...

When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?

I started paper crafting at a very early age because my mom is very "crafty". She would have my sister and I do a lot of creative activities instead of watching TV.... Thanks mom! :) I also have become addicted to crafting since I bought my Cricut Expression!!!! Love it!

What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?

My favorite thing to make is cards! I love entering challenges (such as FCCB) and it's so fun to give my cards to people and see their reactions! :)

What is your favorite product to use on your projects?

I have a ton of favorite products! I love all of my Provo Craft items, but I also use my clear stamps, Glossy Accents, Stickles, and DCWV paper stacks a lot!

What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?

My absolute favorite Cricut cartridge is Create a Critter!!! This cartridge not only has the adorable critters, but it's also full of a ton of other images that I use all of the time! It's a must have cartridge! :)

What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting?

I really enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. I live in a small town, so most of the time we go to the movies, but we also have a bowling alley in town which is fun too! I'm also a first grade teacher, so that takes up a lot of my time! :)

Any other information you would like us to know about you?

I'm just a silly girl who loves to craft and meet other crafters! There's really not much more to know than that! :)

Thanks Amy! Now you can hop over and check out Redheaded Crafter . Be sure to come back tomorrow for Challenge Me Monday. Amy will be showcasing her talents as Guest Designer, along with the talents of the FCCB DT. You won't want to miss it ;0)

Be blessed, Beckie
Spotlight Sunday Hostess

Scrappin' Saturday - Page Title Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Scrappin' Saturday! This week's theme -- the pun -- demonstrates how much impact words have on our projects. Words also set the tone for our scrapbook pages and can communicate about a person, place, or emotion. If you're stumped for a page title, here's two of my favorite places to browse for inspiration:

I Dream of Scrapping: Title Search - This site organizes page title ideas by topic and has an extensive collection for sports and people/relationships.

Scrap Sayings - This site also organizes title ideas by topic, but includes sections for song lyrics, speech quotes, and alliteration.

I also like to use rhymes for page titles. One great resource for finding rhymes -- both ending and beginning rhymes -- is Rhymer by WriteExpress.

How do you decide your page titles? Have any tips or sites you'd like to share with us? Please tell us on the comments below.

Have a happy, scrappy weekend,

Jessica

Thursday Tutorial- Homemade Wiggle Wires By Amy of Love to Crop

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne cricutcraftingrammyblogspot.com) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:12:00 +0000

Hello everyone. It's time for the Thursday Tutorial and I have a great one for you today. I have had the pleasure of becoming friends with Amy from Love to Crop through one of my other DT's and Memories in Time Blog Hop Group. Amy is so talented and creative and she is also very talented on the computer. She taught me a lot and she is the one that recently made my darling Cricut Friends Blog Hop button.
So a few weeks ago Amy posted the directions on how to make home made wiggle wires to make your cards wiggle and jiggle. I was always wanting to make my cards move like this but had never ordered the fancy little dulahs. So I tried out her tutorial right away and made my own cute Wiggle card for the Emily Blog Hop I was in. It was so easy and worked perfectly. I am so excited that I have this new option for my card making. Kids and adults alike will love it. This is my first card using the tutorial to make my Wiggle Wire.

Amy has graciously given me permission to post the tutorial here . I hope you will leave her a thank you comment here or hop over to her blog and thank her there. ..

And since I wanted her "wiggle" to be enjoyed while on display, I placed my mermaid on an easel card...
Amy also shared the following tips on finding wire with meTips on free wire -- I buy wired ribbon and pull the wire out from the edges when I don't need it for the bow -- Then I save it on a magnet in my craft room!! :) I still use the springs from clicker pens when they wear out (and I always pick those up for free -- the promotional ones from different companies)... Twist ties from the garbage bags also work -- Just cut off the "paper" from the edges with scissors or an exacto knife -- You don't have to get it all. Even the spools of floral wire are just a few dollars and make THOUSANDS of wiggle wires.So thank you so much Amy for a great tutorial and your tips for finding free wire. The Complete Wiggle Wire Tutorial on Amy's blog is linked so you can read other details about her card.
Would love for you to try this out and leave my friend Amy some Blog love for her great directions. Maybe you can try this out for the "Pun Challenge" this week . Don't forget your projects are due Saturday and we would love to see your "Puns."
Also if you would like to make a card for little Emily click below to get info about Emily and how to send her a card at Michelle's blog at Scrappin' For Kenzie!

Wednesday Winners #97

noreply@blogger.com (AmyJRockstar) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:07:00 +0000

Good morning Fantabulous Friends,

Wow, another holiday all finished up! Hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day yesterday. I know a lot of people think of it as a "Hallmark Holiday", but I see it as a perfect excuse to make more cards! I know a lot of you must feel that way to, due to our overwhelming response to this challenge!!! OMGoodness, did everyone catch our "Love is in the Air" challenge? Well, we had a whopping 134 entries!!! Woot, woot!!! Yeah! That's the most I've ever seen since I've been Coordinator! I'm so proud and so happy so many of you entered and enjoyed this challenge. For those of you who missed it, you'll definitely want to see the Fantabulous DT creations, along with our Guest Designer, Tiffany's adorable card and of course - all of our wonderful challenge entries! Be sure to grab a cup of coffee (or whatever it is you drink in the mornings) and take some time to view it all right HERE.

Some of our DT members were treated by receiving product to use for this challenge from our sponsor last week, K. Andrew Designs. Thank you so much, Kristal, for your generosity and for not only providing us product to use, but also donating an amazing bundle of stamps for our winner this week! I know there are a lot of fans out there already, but if you haven't seen Kristal's stamps or blog, please do check it out. Not only is she an awesome crafter, but she is also a wonderful person to get to know.

I must admit, I received some of her stamps and have not yet had the chance to work with them. As all of you that follow my personal blog know, I have been sick with my Fibromyalgia for a very long time and in bed for the last four weeks up until yesterday!!! Reason I'm mentioning this is because I feel just terrible that I didn't get to use mine yet and show my appreciation here on the FCCB blog. As soon as I possibly can, I will post the project that I'm making, using the awesome stamps I've received, here on FCCB. If it's not on today's post, it will be on next Wednesday's post so be sure to stop back for more inspiration from me!

With there being so many entries this week, our DT had such a hard time determining the Top 5, but they managed to do it! ;0) Here we go...

~This Weeks Winner~
Bundle of Stamps from - K. Andrew Designs

#69 Laurel S. - Inspired By

Congratulations Laurel!!!
To claim your prize please contact Marlene at... hearts0314 @ msn .com (remove spaces)
You have two weeks to claim your prize.
Remember to grab your "FCCB Winner" blinky to display on your blog, you can find the blinky code in the right hand side bar.

~Design Team Top 5~

#1 Holly - Ribbons & Glue

#97 Saundra - Luv Scrapping Together

#35 Lori - Got2BeCrafting

#33 Elisa - G8 Country Life

#117 Ronda - Musings from the Button Box

Congratulations Ladies!!!

Remember to grab your "FCCB Top 5" blinky to display on your blog! You can find the blinky code on our right-hand sidebar.

Thank you to all those who participated in our challenge.

Come join us for this week's "Fun with Puns" challenge - Here.

Include a funny title or phrase in your project.

(Be sure to use at least ONE Cricut cut on your project.)

XO ~ Amy Jo (Coordinator)

Quick Tip Tuesday - Center Point Conversation Bubble

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Makes) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:36:00 +0000

Hello everyone,
This week I wanted to share with you a tip on the Cricut machine. Have you every used the "Center Point" function? I have used it, but only for photos in my scrape book layouts. I found another wonderful way to use it with sentiments for cards.

For this week's "Challenge Me Monday" I wanted to use a conversation bubble for my punny quote. I don't have any stamps with punny phrases, so I printed out my sentiment several time on some card stock. I then used the "center point" feature on my Cricut to cut the blurb around my sentiment. The blurb was cut from Create a Critter, it was cut at 1.75".

Here is my card using this tip:

Please be sure to come back on tomorrow for our Wednesday Winners.
Thanks,

Melanie

Challenge Me Monday #98

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:07:00 +0000

I found this fun little cartoon and thought it would be great to share as an introduction to this week’s challenge at Fantabulous Cricut:

Image from www.somuchpun.com

Are you “board” too? “Wood” you like something to do? Why not join our Fun with Puns challenge? Just make sure your project contains a funny title or phrase. We’re expecting some great laughs this week!

#98 – Fun With Puns

Include a funny title or phrase on your project

~ Design Team Inspiration ~

~Guest Designer~

Melissa
Block Party cartridge

View Melissa's Spotlight Sunday post HERE

Beckie
Create a Critter cartridge

Charlotte
Smiley Cards, Preserves, Love You a Latte, Live Simply cartridges

Crystal
Art Philosophy, Simply Charmed, Paper Lace, American Alphabet cartridges

Glenda
Country Life cartridge
Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and D'Vine Swirls embossing folders

Jamie
Love You a Latte, Just Because Cards cartridges

Jennie
Slumber Party cartridge

Kate
Elegant Edges, Plantin SchoolBook, Wall Decor and More cartridges
Cuttlebug Give a Hoot companion embossing folder

Larelyn
Paisley, Create a Critter cartridges

Marlene
Block Party, Create a Critter, Plantin Schoolbook cartridges
Melanie

Create a Critter cartridge
Cuttlebug Spots and Dots embossing folder

Suzanne
Wrap It Up cartridge

~This Week's Sponsor~

This week, Fantabulous Cricut is delighted to be sponsored by Joy's Life. Joy's Life has donated a wonderful prize to award to one lucky participant to be drawn at random from all eligible entries.

To link your project for this week's "Fun With Puns" challenge, click on the blue "add your link" button below!

This challenge ends at Midnight, February 19th (Mountain Time).

Spotlight Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Beckie) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

It's Spotlight Sunday, and We sure are glad you're here!!

Today's Spotlight Guest is the very talented Melissa of Created by Sunshine Honeybee . She captured the win of challenge #93 with this project...

Melissa's talents don't stop with this train. If you look around her blog you'll find other craftiness like this...

Aside from being a wonderful crafter, Melissa is a super lady. Let's get to know her a little better...

When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?

I started scrapbooking when my hubby gave me a Ricoh 35mm camera. I continued to scrapbook over the yrs as he gave me my first digital camera & upgraded me a couple times to newer & better digital cameras. When I first scrapbooked I kept it Clean & Simple (CAS) with no embellishments. Wanted to scrapbook to create layouts using my photos to look back at enjoying & reliving the memories. Started to embellish scrapbook layouts, make cards & other papercraft items when I bought a Sizzix die cut machine. Wanted to papercraft to add more to my scrapbook layouts and for enjoyment of sharing a homemade card or item.

What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?

Favorite project is to add a photo of mine to a papercraft item & recently has been making shaped cards.

What is your favorite product to use on your projects?

Favorite products are: calligraphy pens/markers, Cricut cartridges/Gypsy, embossing folders, Spellbinders dies & vellum paper.

What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?

Favorite Cricut cartridge during this Winter has been Winter Woodland. Other favorite Cricut cartridges would be: Create a Critter, Doodlecharms, Life is a Beach & Sweet Treats.

What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting?

In my spare time I enjoy other hobbies of: calligraphy, crochet & photography. Also, enjoy riding the Tandem Bicycle with my hubby.

Any other information you would like us to know about you?

I always tell everyone I have one hubby, one daughter & one dog. I have one wonderful hubby who works in the computer software programming/testing area of Telecommunications. Hubby does all the gardening, landscaping, repairing & remodeling of our house. We do not like contractors. I have one very talented daughter that is now 20 and a sophomore in college studying Art Animation. I have one dog, a mixed breed Hound dog that thinks he is part Cougar. Had one other dog before the one we have now that I considered my first baby and was the sweetest mixed breed German Shepherd that is now in Doggy Heaven. I use to work in the computer software Telecommunications field for 20+ yrs and left the corporate world so I would not have to daycare my daughter after she finished Kindergarten and entered 1^st grade. If I had it to do all over I would do the same & spend time with my daughter enjoying her youth.

Started my blog with encouragement from Susan/TenSGal of Expression Avenue site. Susan has helped me learn the Cricut, Gypsy, scrapbooking & papercrafting.

Thanks so much Melissa. Be sure to hop over and check out Created by Sunshine Honeybee . Melissa will also be joining the FCCB DT for tomorrow's Challenge Me Monday. We invite you back to see all the inspiration.

Be blessed, Beckie

Spotlight Sunday Hostess

Scrappin' Saturday - LOVE-ly Layouts

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Scrappin' Saturday! I must admit...when I look at the challenge submissions for the week, I get especially excited when layouts are entered. Don't get me wrong -- I love cards and 3D items as much as any crafter -- but I recognize the special effort required to make a whole page (or two!) on a particular theme.

Today I'd like to spotlight three layouts submitted this week that are just gorgeous!

Heather P (The Hunny Pot)

What beautiful colors to celebrate the season of love! Heather used Sophisticated, Straight from the Nest, and Sweethearts cartridges to showcase her photo. I love how she used a patterned paper as a wide mat, too!

Candace (Scrappin' 2 Little Princesses)

Candace also used the Sweethearts cartridge to showcase baby photos of her daughter. What great stitching around the page and on the heart, title, and tree!

Pink Dalmatians

The buttons are the show-stopper on this layout from Pink Dalmatians -- what patience it must have taken to glue each one of those little things down! The heart also features some nice stitching.

Way to go, crafters! You inspire me -- and our readers -- to work on our layouts and keep up with our favorite photo memories.

Have a happy, scrappy weekend,

Jessica

Time for the Thursday Tutorial =-Hearts and more hearts

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne cricutcraftingrammyblogspot.com) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:47:00 +0000

Sorry this is late. I set it to post as usual this morning but it didn't post.

It's time for the Thursday Tutorial and I want to share a layout I did this week using K and Company Valentine paper and two techniques. Some of the Valentine paper is so cute and I figured I could use it with these cute pics of my granddaughter Katie kissing her new baby sister Brittany.

I wanted to try sewing on my layout and my new MS Punch All Over the Page.

The title Kissin My Sis is cut at 2 inches from Kate's ABC.

The little hearts were in my stash from punching with another MS punch. There are two different sizes. I sewed them on in three rows for each page. It was a learning process and I had a little trouble with the old machine I was using but I still like it. Then I added some rhinestones hearts. The bottom row is done with MS All Over the Page heart punch. Below you will find two You Tube videos. One on using the MS punch and one on sewing on paper. There are others on You Tube also. I also found a great article with 6 tips on sewing on paper and great pictures.

Closeup of hearts

Finished double page layouts

Written directions
Tips for Machine Sewing on cards and layouts

You Tube Video on using your sewing machine on paper
My tip on sewing is make sure you keep your finger out of the way. This is based on personal experience years ago and a 5 hour trip to the Emergency room.

You Tube Video on using the Punch All Over the Page Punches by

Martha Stewart

I hope you will find one of these articles or videos helpful. I am definitely going to use both again.
Remember this week at FCCB is Love is in the Air- use a heart in your project. So let's see what you can all create using hearts this week. Also I would love to read your comments. Happy craftin!

Wednesday Winners #96

noreply@blogger.com (AmyJRockstar) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:13:00 +0000

Good morning Fantabulous Friends,

It's already February 8th, can you believe it??? You all know what that means, I'm sure... The day of LOVE is coming up soon! That's right, Valentine's Day! And, whether you love it or hate it, it's still a great reason to make cards and other handmade/homemade goodies. So much better than picking up a card at Hallmark, right? I think a handmade card (or gift) to the ones you love is the best possible way to let someone know how much you care about them ... of course a lovely piece of jewelry or some decadent chocolate never hurts either.. to receive, that is. Just kidding! ;0)

Naturally, at FCCB, we have been maximizing our time before this holiday to come up with as many Valentine's projects for you as we can! Last week, we had amazing participation in our "Valentiny Cards" challenge. Who knew you could squeeze so much love on a 3x3" card?! For those of you who missed it, you'll definitely want to see the Fantabulous DT creations, along with our Guest Designer, Amanda's gorgeous creation, and of course - all of our wonderful challenge entries! You can view them all right HERE.

Some of our DT members were treated by receiving product to use for this challenge from our sponsor last week, My Creative Time. Thank you so much, Emma, for your generosity and for not only providing us product to use, but also donating the sweetest stamp set for our winner this week! You simply must check out her blog and store!!!

Let's get on to this week's winner and Top 5 projects...

~This Weeks Winner~
100% Sweetness Stamp Set - My Creative Time

#67 Melissa - Scrappy MAC Designs

Congratulations Melissa!!!
To claim your prize please contact Marlene at... hearts0314 @ msn .com (remove spaces)
You have two weeks to claim your prize.
Remember to grab your "FCCB Winner" blinky to display on your blog, you can find the blinky code in the right hand side bar.

~Design Team Top 5~

#16 Sandi S. - Sandi's Added Touch

#19 Amy - Redheaded Crafter

#38 Shelly - My Paper Love

#48 Karen - Kaleidoscopic Sparkles

#1 Diana L. - DL Art

Congratulations Ladies!!!

Remember to grab your "FCCB Top 5" blinky to display on your blog! You can find the blinky code on our right-hand sidebar.

Thank you to all those who participated in our challenge.

Come join us for this week's "Love is in the Air" challenge - Here.

Include a heart on your project.

(Be sure to use at least ONE Cricut cut on your project.)

XO ~ Amy Jo (Coordinator)

Quick Tip Tuesday - Embossing Folder Resist

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Makes) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:33:00 +0000

Welcome back to "Quick Tip Tuesday" at FFCB, today quick tip is on how to use your embossing folders in a new way called Emboss Resist. This will allow you to customize where you want your embossing to show up. You will need several layers of thin cardboard, glue, temporary adhesive, embossing folder and a Big Shot or Cuttlebug.

First, figure out a shape or area that you don't want embossed on a card. Cut that out on several layers of this cardboard and glue together. (I used 3 layers of the cardboard that comes with the DSP from Stampin Up).

Next pick your embossing folder and place it where you would like the your resisted space to be and mark edges with a pencil.

Using a temporary adhesive at the corners to allow the embossing folder not to slip. This is great if you are making multiples of the same card, so you will have a consistent result.

Place your embossing folder on marks you did earlier.

Add paper to embossing folder, be sure to make sure it is centered.

You will need to select "Tab 2" on the Big Shot your custom emboss resist folder and one clear plate on top. Run it through the Big Shot.

Here is what it looks like after it has been embossed.

This is a finished monogrammed card I made with this technique.

Here is a quick video where I learned about this emboss resist technique.

I hope you enjoyed this week's tip and be sure to check back tomorrow for our Wednesday Winners.
Happy Crafting,

Melanie

Challenge Me Monday #97

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:08:00 +0000

Everywhere I look, I see hearts! Love certainly is in the air as people prepare for Valentine’s Day. Isn’t it wonderful to have a day set aside to focus on love? It seems as though everybody is just a little bit more loving to each other this time of year.

Love is in the air here at Fantabulous Cricut too! This week, we are challenging you to use a heart on your project.

#97 – Love is in the air

Include a heart on your project

We are thrilled to have K Andrew sponsor us this week! K Andrew designs all her own stamps, all of which are manufactured in the United States. Stamps are made of the highest quality photopolymer which allows stamps to peel off easily while remaining tacky for years. For each and every stamp set sold, K Andrew donates one dollar to charity.

A few members of our wonderful design team received some fabulous stamps from K Andrew and used them to make their "Love is in the air" projects. Just see how easy it is to combine K Andrew stamps with Cricut cuts!

Crystal
Art Philosophy cartridge

Faith

Sweethearts, Pop-up Neighborhood, Elegant Edges, Once Upon a Princess cartridges

Jessica

Doodlecharms, Lovely Floral, Paisley cartridges

Jewels

Cake Basics, MS Seasonal Cake Art, MS Elegant Cake Art cartridges

Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder

Lisa

Home Accents, George and Basic Shapes

Lisa

Formal Occasion, Sweethearts cartridges

Sabrina

Love You a Latte cartridge

Sarah

Create a Critter cartridge

Sherrie

Sweethearts cartridge

~ Design Team Inspiration ~

~Guest Designer~

Tiffany

Hello Kitty Greetings cartridge

View Tiffany's Spotlight Sunday post HERE

Kate

Love Struck cartridge

~This Week's Sponsor~

This week, Fantabulous Cricut is delighted to be sponsored by K Andrew. K Andrew has donated a wonderful bundle of stamps to be given to one lucky participant to be drawn at random from all eligible entries.

To link your project for this week's "Love is in the air" challenge, click on the blue "add your link" button below!

This challenge ends at Midnight, February 12th (Mountain Time).

Spotlight Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Beckie) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Spotlight Sunday! So glad to see you here ;0)

Today's Spotlight Guest is the very talented Tiffany of Tiffany's Creative Ideas . She took the DT top 5 choice with this project...

If you hop over to Tiffany's cute little blog you'll see these other creations...

Aren't these stunning creations? Along with being super crafty, Tiffany is a spunky gal. Let's get to know her a little better...

When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?

I am a 13 year old student. I have always liked drawing,doodling and creating crafts. A little over a year a go my mom got her own blog. I started helping her sometimes with her projects, and at Christmas she got me my own blog. I started making my own projects and posting them on my blog.

What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?

My favorite crafts are cards.

What is your favorite product to use on your projects?

I like using the Gypsy and Cricut. I also like coloring my moms digi's. She showed me how to use Prisma color pencils, which I find cool. I like using anything that sparkles.

What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?

My favorite cartridges are Create a Critter,Rock Princess and Once Upon a Princess.

What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting?

I go to school,I like to play my Nintendo and listen to music on my iPod.I am also in a bowling league.

Any other information you would like us to know about you?

I am so happy you have chosen me to be on your Spotlight Sunday! I have really enjoyed having my own blog. Hope you like my project!

Thanks Tiffany for joining us as Spotlight Guest! Be sure and hop over to Tiffany's Creative Ideas and check her out. Tiffany will also be joining us tomorrow as our guest for Challenge Me Monday. You don't wanna miss Tiffany's project, the DTs inspiration or the new challenge!

Be blessed, Beckie

Spotlight Sunday Hostess

Scrappin' Saturday - Photo Mosaics

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Scrappin' Saturday! I've loved looking at the tiny valentines submitted to this week's challenge. All those little squares reminded me of a neat layout technique I saw at retreat last month -- a photo mosaic!

The scrapper I met was using a product called Mosaic Moments Page Patterns. The pages have discreet lines to guide you in placing your photo squares, keeping them level and equally spaced across the page. What a great idea! For those of us wanting to give mosaics a try without an investment, the same effect is probably doable with pencil, paper, and a little patience.

While not specific to our Cricut machines, these layouts could be embellished further by cutting titles from a font cartridge or even adding a few image cuts. Here's a few interesting photo mosaics I found across the internet:

Diane Harris (Cricut Message Board)

Diane used Don Juan and Design Studio to create custom titles for her mosaic page.

Theresa Amlong (Sunshine Memories)

Who needs a patterned paper background when you have such gorgeous cherry blossom photos?! I love how Theresa overlaid her mosaic with a die cut and 3D flowers.

Helen (Scrap A Little)

Helen's beautiful butterfly layout shows just because you cut your photos into squares, doesn't mean you have to fill up all the squares on the page. Genius!

I hope you've been inspired by the mosaics above -- I sure have! Now I just need to get some photos developed and start cutting!

Have a happy, scrappy weekend,

Jessica

Fantabulous Friday - Valentiny

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy T.) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:21:00 +0000

Have you got your special someone's Valentine made yet? This week's Fantabulous Cricut challenge is a great way to say I love you in small ways. The challenge is to create a “Valentiny” card – a small card measuring 3x3. These would be nice to tuck inside a briefcase, lunch box, etc.

My go to cartridge for "love cards" is Love Struck. It was released in 2010. As you can see from the following picture, there are lots of different images to use for valentine cards, anniversary cards, and wedding cards. Just a great all around Love cartridge.

Another cartridge for making these types of projects is Sweethearts.

Sweethearts is a full Cricut cartridge with the following features: Layers, Tag, Card, Envelope, Shadow, Blackout. I know you will enjoy using this one for all your romantic creations.

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you have a great weekend. Be sure to visit the Challenge Me Monday Section to view all the projects made by the Fantabulous Design Team.

Peggy

Thursday Tutorial for FCCB- Folded Valentines

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne cricutcraftingrammyblogspot.com) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Time for another Thursday Tutorial at Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog. This week the challenge is to make a 3 x 3 Valentine card. I had a lot of fun making a 3 x 3 card. I hope you will create your own Mini Valentine and post it on the FCCB challenge. I love seeing all the variety of projects each week.

I first saw this post on The Paper Variety. The author of the post was Holly from Ribbons and Glue

I am always hunting for new card folds. I think they can be quick and easy to make but have a big impact. You can use any diecut machine, embellishments, ribbon, or stamps to decorate these once you make the folds. The directions are easy to follow.

The lower two cards are actually only 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches when folded and the upper cards are 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches when folded. So they are pretty mini size.

So get out your score boards and try these out.

Tutorial

Hope you get some ideas from Holly's great tutorial. Please join us this week for the Valentine 3 x 3 mini challenge. We can't wait to see how creative everyone is. Happy craftin.

Wednesday Winners #95

noreply@blogger.com (AmyJRockstar) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Good morning Fantabulous Friends,

Wow ladies, you have seriously rocked the last several challenges we have posted! Each time it gets harder and harder to pick our Top 5. Thanks so much for your participation. You guys have posted some seriously Fantabulous projects! I hope everyone is having fun with them! :)

For last week's project, we decided to mix it up a bit with a "Label It" challenge. We ended up with a WHOPPING 77 entries!!! We had an amazing Guest Designer, Kimberly, and if you missed her card, OMGoodness, you're gonna wanna go back and see it! It's adorable!!! I put it in my "Inspiration File" on my computer. :0) Of course, the DT created some super fun projects for inspiration as well! I was amazed by the diversity of their projects! It's amazing what people come up with for these challenges. I don't know about you, but I certainly enjoy seeing all these talented people's projects and getting to know them as well! I have found so many great new blogs (and friends!) through our participants and I encourage you to click on each of the Top 5's links because a lot of these gals are fairly new to the blogging world and I'm sure they would love some new followers! Trust me, if they're on the Top 5, it's a guarantee that their other work is also spectacular!

For those of you who missed the challenge, you're gonna want to go back and check it out HERE. Thanks to our awesome sponsor, Simon Says Stamp is giving away a $25 gift certificate to their awesome store!

You ready for to see who won? Alright then! Onto this week's winner and Top 5 projects...

~This Weeks Winner~
$25 Gift Certificate to Simon Says Stamp

#29 Rebecca - Crafting Mamma

Congratulations Rebecca!!!
To claim your prize please contact Marlene at... hearts0314 @ msn .com (remove spaces)
You have two weeks to claim your prize
Remember to grab your "FCCB Winner" blinky to display on your blog, you can find the blinky code in the right hand side bar.

~Design Team Top 5~

#69 Michelle - Scrappin' for Kenzie

#2 Jessica - Home Spun Elegance

#8 Cindy - Cindy's Scraptastic Designs

#28 Megan - Saxey Designs

#61 The Paper Artist Crafts

Congratulations Ladies!!!

Remember to grab your "FCCB Top 5" blinky to display on your blog! You can find the blinky code on our right-hand sidebar.

Thank you to all those who participated in our challenge.

Come join us for this week's "Valentiny Cards" challenge - Here.

Create a 3x3 card for Valentine's Day.

(Be sure to use at least ONE Cricut cut on your project.)

XO ~ Amy Jo (Coordinator)

Quick Tip Tuesday - 3D Pop Up Sentiment Banners

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Makes) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:26:00 +0000

I hope everyone is ready for this week's "Quick Tip Tuesday", I am going to share with you a tip on how to make 3D Pop Up Sentiment Banners.

First you will need to stamp out your sentiment on desired card stock. Cut card stock down to be desired banner length and width.

Next we need to score our sentiment. Center the sentiment on any inch mark, in the case below it is centered on the 5" mark. Then I scored on either end of my sentiment, the second score mark is an 1/8" over.

Fold along score lines and you will have you own 3D banner to adorn your card or scrap booking.

Here is my card showing this tip from this week's FCCB "Challenge Me Monday". Click here to see another example over on my blog.

I hope you enjoyed this week's tip and be sure to check back tomorrow for our Wednesday Winners.

Happy Crafting,

Melanie

Challenge Me Monday #96

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

The month of February is just two days away and this means that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Today’s challenge will help you get ready for the special day as we encourage you to create a “Valentiny” card – a small card measuring 3x3. These cards are perfect for tucking into a lunch box or briefcase – or simply giving just to say “I love you”.

#96 – Valentiny Cards

Create a 3x3 card for Valentine’s Day

We are so pleased to be sponsored by My Creative Time this week. Here is what Emma has to say:

Hi, my name is Emma, owner of "My Creative Time"! I have been papercrafting for 9 years now & started my own line of stamps back in 2010. In June of 2011, I launched a line of dies to coordinate with my amazing stamps! All of my products are made in the USA. I am able to do this with the support of an AMAZING husband & 2 beautiful boys. I even have the best Mom who helps me out with the shippping department! I am just HAPPY to share everything I know with ALL of you amazing crafters out there today!

A few members of our wonderful design team received some fabulous stamps from My Creative Time and used them to make their Valentiny cards. Just see how easy it is to combine My Creative Time stamps with Cricut cuts!

Beckie

Create a Critter cartridge

Cathie
Martha Stewart Seasonal Cake Art cartridge

Glenda

Create a Critter, Cricut Craft Room Basics cartridges

Cuttlebug Heart Blocks embossing folder

Jennie

Paper Dolls Everyday, Boys Will be Boys, Indie Art, Mini Monsters cartridges

Larelyn

George and Basic Shapes cartridge

Melanie

Create a Critter cartridge

Robin

Accent Essentials cartridge

~ Design Team Inspiration ~

~Guest Designer~

Amanda

Just Because Cards, Storybook, Lacy Labels cartridges

View Amanda's Spotlight Sunday post HERE

Charlotte

Sophie cartridge

Crystal

Simply Charmed, Cricut American Alphabet cartridges

Cuttlebug Block Hearts, Swiss Dots embossing folders

Jamie

Sentimentals cartridge

Kate

Doodlecharms cartridge

Cuttlebug Love Language embossing folder

Marlene
Cricut Craft Room Basics, Create a Critter Cartridges
Sherrie

Birthday Bash, Lacy Labels cartridges

Suzanne

Elegant Edges, Rock Princess cartridges

~This Week's Sponsor~

My Creative Time has generously donated a 100% Sweetness stamp set - which includes a stitched heart die! - to be given to one participant drawn at random.

To link your project for this week's "Valentiny" challenge, click on the blue "add your link" button below!

This challenge ends at Midnight, February 5th (Mountain Time).

Spotlight Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Beckie) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Spotlight Sunday! So glad you are here.

This week's spotlight is on Amanda of The Adventures of Goldilocks . Amanda was our Wednesday Winner for challenge #91 with this project.

If you take a look around Amanda's blog you'll find more of her craftiness...

Along with her talent, Amanda is a super sweetie. Let's get to know her a little better....

When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?

I started paper crafting about three months ago. It started with pulling out the Cricut machine I’d bought my oldest daughter for Christmas last year to help my youngest daughter with a school project. I then decided I’d use it make Christmas cards for my family this year. When I started searching You Tube and blogs on how to make cards and use the Cricut the obsession started. I had no idea the massive sub-culture devoted to paper art. I’m constantly inspired by the many, many talented folks that post their work, tutorials, and ideas.

What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?

I’m strictly a card maker and I’m sure to give them all away. Seems I never run out a reason to give a card.

What is your favorite product to use on your projects?

Anything glittery and sparkly. Rhinestones, glitter, shiny and glittery paper, sparkly ribbon, I could go on and on.

What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?

I find myself using the Flower Shoppe and Lacy Labels cartridges lately. The Flower Shoppe cartridge because I love using different papers and textures together to create beautiful flowers for my cards, and Lacy Labels because it offers such a wide range of shapes to custom size. And I have to mention my old standards, Storybook and Don Juan.

What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting?

Well, I’m mother to three wonderful children and a furry dog-boy. And I’m wife to a most patient husband that supports all of my obsessions. Besides paper crafting, I love, love, love my iPad. It hardly ever leaves my side.

Any other information you would like us to know about you?

I challenge myself with trying to create my cards on the cheap. I’ve found paper and supplies from discount and dollar stores to scrapbooking and craft stores. I come from a very artistic family, everything from paintings to graphic design and since my job as a Project Manager in IT allows me no outlet to express my creative side, producing paper art is a great de-stressor.

Thanks so much for joining us Amanda. Thank you for stopping by everyone! Jump over to The Adventures of Goldilocks and check out Amanda's blog. Also, be sure to check back tomorrow when Amanda Guest Designs with the FCCB design team for Challenge Me Monday.

Be blessed, Beckie
Spotlight Sunday Hostess

Scrappin' Saturday - Four Ways to Use Elegant Edges in Layouts

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Scrappin' Saturday! Yesterday, Peggy showcased the Elegant Edges cartridge and how its versatile cuts work great for labels. I'm also a huge fan of this cartridge, so I wanted to share four ways to utilize its cuts for scrapbook layouts.

#1 - As a Background:

This layout from 6ichthusfish uses a scalloped circle to fill the entire background. What a great way to change things up when so many elements are rectangular!

#2 - As a Photo Frame

Attention is drawn immediately to the photo with a bold frame used this layout from Jackie's Scrapbook Layouts. I love how she continues the leaf motif by choosing a vine cutout for the frame.

#3 - As a Journal Space

Steph Ackerman uses a curved cut to provide a journal space on her teen boy layout. If you have lots to say, make a big cut; if just a few works, the label can be smaller.

#4 - As a Decorative Border

Don't have the perfect border punch to embellish your layout? Use the border function from Elegant Edges. OkieLadyBug adorns the side of her beauty layout with a beautiful repeating scallop.

I've used Elegant Edges for borders and backgrounds before, but now I'm eager to branch out and try my hand at using it for journaling elements. Any of these ideas caught your attention? Let us know how you might use a curvy or scalloped shape on your next layout in the comments section.

Have a happy, scrappy weekend,

Jessica