Obsessed with Scrapbooking

Panda Layout

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:19:00 +0000

I am guest designing over at Hallmark Scrapbook this week...you can check out today's post by clicking HERE!

Thanks so much for all your nice comments!! It's a really tough week here with some big family problems so I appreciate all the lovely things everyone says!! It really lifts me up and I thank you!!!

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Coupons, Winners of SEI Paper Packs and more!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:46:00 +0000

Sneak Peeks of My cards!

I am guest designing over at Hallmark Scrapbook this week so please head over and check it out! I made two cards for today's post at Hallmark Scrapbook using the Just Because Cards and Preserves cartridges - you can see them HERE! Hallmark Scrapbook is one of my favorite online stores! The owner, Jody, has great pricing and outstanding customer service. I mean, outstanding!! I ordered a cartridge on December 22 and had it in hand by December 24! Now, that is SERVICE!

Next up, here are the winners of the SEI Paper Packs!

Thank you so much for all your sweet comments! And I also really appreciate the blog and facebook posts! In fact, check back later because I decided to do some extra giveaways for those people who did blog and facebook posts...woo hoo!

Winner of the Claire Paper Pack and Embellishments:

Winner of the Happy Day Paper Pack and Embellishments:

Please contact me at obsessedwithscrapbooking@gmail.com with your name and address and what you won. You have two weeks to claim your prize!

Finally, here are the coupons for this week:

AC Moore:

Hobby Lobby:

Walgreens:

Michaels:

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Archiver's Coupons and Giveaway Info

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:25:00 +0000

from Archivers

Below are some great coupons I got from Archivers! They are having some great upcoming events that you can read all about HERE! I wish I lived closer to one - I would be there in a second!

Also, let's talk giveaways.

If you just got here, you need to know about the SEI paper and embellishment giveaways I have going on this week! Click HERE and HERE to find out how to enter!

And, did you hear about the NINE cartridges, blue Cuttlebug, Jillibean Soup and SEI paper packs, and Cuttlebug folder holder we are giving away over on Everyday Cricut? Click HERE to enter to win!

Finally, you don't want to miss out on Friday's post here and on Everyday Cricut! More giveaways will be announced! And one of them is HUGE!! So, be sure to head back and check it out!

Now, onto the coupons:

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Happy Day with SEI and another Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:44:00 +0000

It's Wednesday and wait until you see this super cute paper line from SEI called Happy Day! This paper is so cheerful and fun! And the embellishments are fantastic! I feel happier just looking at it!

I was able to whip up this 4" x 9" card in no time because the paper and embellishments just flew together. Everything matches just perfectly! I love a card this size since it fits in a standard business size envelope. I love keeping things standard sizes - it's the engineer in me, for sure!

The top section collaged paper is called Happy Day and was cut at 4" x 6" and inked with Papertrey Ink. The "happy birthday" is cut from a series of borders that come in a pack (see below). What I love is that someone was really thinking and all the border pieces nicely cut into 4" sections - VERY IMPRESSIVE. Often, that kind of detail gets overlooked during the design process. The candles on the glitter paper was another border section, again nicely designed so it cuts at the 4" mark.

I love to finish off the inside so I added an inner layer of yellow (cut at 3 3/4" x 8 3/4"). Then I topped it with a dimensional embellishment - quick and easy!

Now, onto the giveaway!

Here's the prize package - a large Happy Day paper pack with embellishment sheets, Happy Day borders, epoxy stickers and dimensional elements!

How can you win?

1) Leave a comment under this post.

2) Subscribe by email or follow this blog.

To get even more chances to win:

1) Put a post on your blog about this giveaway (including a link to this post) and leave a comment back here with a link to your blog post for an additional 5 chances to win!

2) Put a comment on facebook about the giveaway with a link to this post and leave a comment with a link for an additional 5 chances to win!

3) Do both and get 10 extra chances to win!

That's it! Winners will be drawn on Sunday, March 7. Winners have 2 weeks to claim their prize!

Subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking to learn more about ways to use the Cricut in your scrapbooking!

Welcome to Scrapbook Tool Time Tuesday and info about Inks!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:41:00 +0000

I am starting a new type of post on Tuesdays - one about scrapbooking tools and products.

For my first installment, I will be talking about my favorite inks and associated tools.

The inks I use the most are the Cats Eye chalk inks by Clearsnap and I use those for inking the edges of paper, chipboard, die cuts, etc. I like them the most because they dry practically instantly and so I don't end up with ink all over the place. With other "juicier" inks, I tend to get it on other pieces of the project - specifically where I DON'T want it. Grrr! The biggest downside to the Cats Eye ink pads is that the pad likes to become unglued and fall off if you are a vigorous inker, which I am....

Which leads me to my next favorite tool for inking....the dauber. I use this with Memento and Papertrey Inks and if it gets a little chewed on, I throw it away and grab a new one. They are cheap and easy to use.

Here is a list of my favorite inks and when I use them:

Cats Eye Chalk Ink - Ink edges of Paper

Papertrey Hybrid Ink - Ink edges of Paper, stamp images and sentiments

Club Scrap Hybrid- Ink Stamp images

Memento Ink - Use with Copics (this ink doesn't bleed with Copics); also good for general stamping; not bad on drying time

Staz On Ink - Use when I need a dark color that dries quickly; use on acrylic, transparency, glass, etc. Do NOT use with Copics

Pigment Inks - For Embossing - take a LONG time to dry

Dye Inks - Dry quicker but not as rich a color

If you find you use the same colors over and over, consider getting some reinkers (bottles of ink) in those colors. That will extend your inking capabilities practically forever as those bottles take a LONG time to use up.

This is not a comprehensive list, but rather just the kinds I like to use.

Don't forget the paper giveaways I have going on this week from the fabulous SEI. Click HERE to see yesterday's post and enter to win the Claire Paper Pad and Accessories. Tomorrow, I will feature a different card and paper line from SEI, with another giveaway so be sure and check back!

Happy Tuesday!

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Project and Giveaway from SEI Paper!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

This card is made from a new paper line called Claire from SEI, a company that sponsors Everyday Cricut! WOW! If you thought the SEI line Juliette was gorgeous, Claire is even more beautiful! Each paper has tons of shimmer and shine!

Today, Wednesday and Friday will feature projects made from SEI's paper lines called Claire, Happy Day and Jocelyn!

This card is a 5 1/2" square card made using Core'dinations cardstock as a base. On top of that, I layered a 5 1/4" square of Claire paper called Vivacious. Then, I created a brown tag using the Winsome paper and tied some Claire ribbon around it. Layered on top of that is a scalloped square combo cut from the Cricut Mini Monograms cartridge at 4" with matching white interior square.

On top of that, I made a three layer flower from the Chiplet packet from the Claire line. I pop dotted the top flower to give it a bit of dimension.

Finally, I mounted a button from Papertrey Ink that had a sentiment tied to it, also from Papertrey Ink's Mega Mixed Messages stamp set.

The inside was dressed up modestly with a strip from the Vivacious paper.

So, who wants to win a 12x12 paper pad of Claire paper? With some matching embellishments?

Here's how you can win: 1) Leave a comment under this post with some identifying name so we know who you are.
2) Follow or subscribe to this blog.

That's it.
Winner will be drawn on Sunday, March 7. Winners have 2 weeks to claim their prize!

To get even more chances to win:
1) Put a post on your blog about this giveaway (including a link to this post) and leave a comment back here with a link to your blog post for an additional 5 chances to win!
OR
2) Put a comment on facebook about the giveaway with a link to this post and leave a comment with a link for an additional 5 chances to win!
3) Do both and get 10 extra chances to win!

Subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking to learn more about ways to use the Cricut in your scrapbooking!

Coupons for week of Feb 28 - March 6, 2010 & giveaway info!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:53:00 +0000

First, you won't want to miss out on the BIGGEST giveaway this year (so far...) over at Everyday Cricut! Holidays with the Cricut has been renamed to Everyday Cricut - same great content with a bit more thrust on everyday Cricut cards and layouts. We still will have holiday items, too, but we wanted to broaden our base. Don't worry if you are already subscribed or following - none of that changes! We also changed up our blog design to reflect this.

We had a wonderful blog designer, Sherbet Blossom Designs, who worked closely with us and created the gorgeous new look. She not only does custom designs, but also has some beautiful premade designs. She is an amazing, hard working designer so if you are in the market for a new design, head over to Sherbet Blossom Designs!

In honor of the event, we are giving away a BLUE Cuttlebug machine, NINE cartridges, SEI, Core'dinations and Jillibean Soup paper packs and a Cuttlebug folder carrying case! To enter to win, click HERE to see the information and leave a comment over on Everyday Cricut!

Now, onto the coupons! Michaels has a great one this week! I couldn't get Hobby Lobby's yet so if I find it, I will add it in here later!

Michaels:

Archivers:

ACMoore (with a charity near and dear to me!):

Joann's:

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See the Cricut Cake Machine on TLC's Ultimate Cake Off show!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:35:00 +0000

Watch the Ultimate Cake Off on the TLC channel at 10pm eastern, 9 pm central time on Monday, March 1 for a chance to see the Cricut Cake machine up close and in use!

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Want to be a Scrapbooking Field Event Manager/Tour Manager?

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:07:00 +0000

Just got an email about these opportunities and thought I would pass it on - hope it works out for someone! Let me know if you are applying!

Campaigners is actively recruiting Field Event Managers/Tour Managers that LOVE to scrapbook and are available to travel to different cities to showcase their special scrapbooking skills!

Campaigners is a premiere field sales and marketing agency offering comprehensive marketing services for Tech Brands, CPG Brands, and Retailers.

Campaigners is a division of Advantage Sales and Marketing, LLC, one of the largest sales and marketing agencies in North America.

Job Purpose:

Do you love teaching other scrapbookers the latest techniques and how to use the newest tools? Becoming a Field Event Manager/Tour Manager might be the perfect part-time job for you!

Field Event Manager/Tour Manager need to have some talent in scrapbooking and they must also posses the skills to explain and demonstrate how to scrapbook. To succeed as a Field Event Manager/Tour Manager, you need excellent communication skills and the ability to talk in front of others confidently You must also be able to sell, sell, sell our clients product as well as add-on peripherals (cartridges, scrapbooks, etc).

Job Responsibilities: (including but not limited to):

Acts as primary field authority
Placement and set-up/teardown of assets
Provide leadership to field team in order to reach program goals
Motivate and support team to execute without incident every time at every event
Document the event via reporting and pictures
On-site event coordination including event assets
Responsible for event assets and maintenance
Responsible for ensuring event runs smoothly and acts as the eyes and ears of the company
Storage of assets between events
Communicate event updates as required to Campaigners Management

Job Requirements:

At least 5 years previous experience in managing events tours/retails events
Previous experience scrapbooking (preferred)
A thorough knowledge of principles of effective brand marketing, specifically mobile marketing.
Proven experience in effective communications, consumer and client relations, and management
Friendly and outgoing personality
Experience managing a team of associates and delegating tasks in order to achieve goals
Clean driving record
Organization and writing skills
Detail oriented
Time management and multi-task approach
Ability to travel out to events - as needed
Able to stand for entire shift
Able to lift at least 50 lbs
Previous experience completing recaps, timecards, taking pictures, submitting expenses and troubleshooting on-site issues

If you are interested in being considered for the Field Manager/Tour Manager or as a scrapbooking Brand Ambassador, please send your resume to recruit@campaigners.com. In the subject. please identify what position you’re qualified for and the city i.e. “Field Event Manager – Los Angeles, CA”
LOCATIONS AVAILABLE:

Ohio
Avon
Cleveland

Michigan
Madison Heights
Bloomfield Hills
Roseville
Brighton

Wisconsin
Grafton

Indiana
Indianapolis
Merrillville

Illinois
Bloomingdale
Chicago

Alaska
Anchorage
Anchorage

Idaho
Boise

Oregon
Bend
Clackamas
Wilsonville
Portland
Portland

Washington
Vancouver
Spokane
Spokane
Kennewick
Issaquah
Woodinville
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Everett
Puyallup
Gig Harbor
Tacoma
Olympia

Utah
Ogden
Orem
Salt Lake City

Arizona
Avondale
Gilbert
Phoenix
Prescott
Phoenix
Tucson
Mesa
Tempe
Phoenix
Chandler

California
El Centro
San Diego
La Mesa
Chula Vista
San Diego
San Marcos
Vista
Chula Vista
San Juan Capistrano
San Diego
Bakersfield
Visalia
Bakersfield
Clovis
Fresno
Santa Rosa
Rohnert Park
Antioch
Santa Clara
Manteca
Danville
Chico
Redding
Folsom
Sacramento
Woodland
Victorville
Fontana
Montclair
La Habra
Chino Hills
Rancho Cucamonga
Norwalk
Hawthorne
Signal Hill
Lake Elsinore
Irvine
Yorba Linda
Temecula
Tustin
Goleta
Oxnard
Canoga Park

Nevada
Reno
Carson City

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Gypsy and Design Studio Pros and Cons by Pam (BugBytes)

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:04:00 +0000

Today, I have a guest author from the Cricut Message Board! It's Pam (Bug Bytes) and she is an authority on all things Gypsy! Her blog, The Bug Bytes, is a veritable resource for the Gypsy user. There are loads of free files, information and videos. Pam always shares her knowledge and love of the Gypsy on the Cricut message board and on her blog. She is so kind and friendly - always willing to go that extra step to help others, share and inspire. She is also part owner of another fabulous blog called Tuesday Treats, where weekly, there are projects shown made with the Gypsy that include tutorials. Be sure and check that out also! Thank you so much, Pam, for writing this up for Obessed with Scrapbooking! Here's Pam with a write up on Gypsy pros and cons:

Hello everyone,
My name is Pam and some of you may know me from the Gypsy Message Boards by my MB name, thebugbytes. I do have a blog by the same name - The Bug Bytes.

When Joy invited me to write a little something about the Gypsy and include the link to my articles in my blog I was ….. Thrilled… Well that seems such a mild word to describe what I felt. Those who know me – do know how I regard these calender girls –they are Superstars in my book. Thanks Joy for this “20 mins of fame”.

So here I go…grab a coffee and some munchies – to keep you awake and hmmm – just in case wear a seatbelt so that you do not hurt yourself if you do nod off.

I got my Gypsy during the launch. Well… suffice it to say – I was not thrilled then. I also, without knowing better at that time, linked my cartridges which made it returning it back not an option. It did not come with a manual at that time and the electronic version in the G was useless too. It did not have all the features it was supposed to have and had tons of bugs (what a pun). You can just imagine the frustration all we initial buyers would have felt. It was then when one of my friends asked me should I buy the Gypsy that I wrote my first article – pros and cons of gypsy – you can find the original link here -
Pros and Cons of the Gypsy.

Down the line I did update it and you can find that link here:
More Pros and Cons after Update 0158

I used to spend a lot of time at the MB. Initially we learnt from each other. I started keeping my blog as a log of the G J (gypsy Journey). So if you are interested in the progression, you can read my early posts. It may in a jiffy help you to while away your time in case you have forgotten to check your books out from your library ;). Or maybe it can answer some of your questions on Gypsy as these are topics that touch on some of the questions commonly asked in the MB. A little while later when the topic came up to compare Gypsy vs Cricut Design Studio I wrote another article in my blog and the MB. Here’s that link - Design Studio versus Gypsy

Instead of rewriting all these again here I thought it would be better if I just answered in a nutshell a Question –Why should I buy a Gypsy?

Note the word used here is I. So please do make your own informed decision after sufficient research. Never hurry and impulsively buy (Gosh, I hope my hubby doesn’t read this as he knows I am impulsive. But in my defense I do some research before buying! )

Biggest advantage in having a Gypsy is of course that now Mac users (providing they have the right compatible OS) have the power of welding and designing their creations rather than sticking to the basic cartridge images.

Since I am a windows user, to me, the main advantage in having a Gypsy is portability. So easy to slide it in your purse and design anywhere. You will not believe the places I have taken this and designed… if you can call what I put on the virtual mat as that LOL.

Whereas in design studio – you have to be tied to your computer and even if you have a laptop you cannot carry it as easily wherever you go. This feature alone has made a huge difference in the way I design (again that word). I have started using my cricut more now.

Second thing is no more lugging cartridges (provided they are linked). Just take the Gypsy – for when cutting with the Gypsy you do not need the cartridge in the cricut (Note: The cartridge should be linked and secondly the cricut becomes a slave and it’s controls will not work – so no auto fill feature , fit to page etc) . You might have to make arrangements for referring to the creative feature keys (like which button is the shadow feature etc) as right now it is not in the Gypsy keypad overlay.

To me the biggest plus in Gypsy– hands down this wins in my book – is the group feature. This allows us, as the name suggests, to group things together – like making a set and then do a single action on it. I can group everything and in one go, if I press cut and paste, everything will be pasted together. CDS (Cricut Design Studio) users will definitely see the benefit in this one. Although CDS pastes it in exactly the same spot, you have to select each and every single image and then paste it in. Of course, one more big thing in favor of the Gypsy are the 2 wonderful cartridges that come pre-loaded – Gypsy font and Gypsy wanderings - which will I don’t think will ever come out in cartridge form.

You can share and use gypsy files (not cut files as they have to be converted with paid version of CDS) and many generous people do share their wonderful files which saves you time of recreating. Thank goodness this feature was added in later updates.

But the downside to the Gypsy is that you have to link the cartridges to be able to cut from it and once linked the cartridge cannot be linked to another Gypsy (no it will not get erased when linking – you still can use it as a standalone) and legally cannot be sold unless you sell it with the Gypsy itself. If you do not want to link, there is a workaround for windows users (who also have paid CDS) and many do use it this way, in that you can design with the G and then convert the gypsy file to cut file (cds file) and cut with the Cricut Design Studio (Note: you have to plug the cartridge in and there is some bugs while converting like multipage dump and slanting and skewing reset which needs to be fixed a little before cutting). Also, the Gypsy does not have the hide contour feature still. Again, windows users (having CDS) can follow the same procedure as above for getting use of that too. Unfair advantage for windows users isn’t it?

So, if I do not want to lug my computer and cartridges, I don’t mind linking cartridges and want to have ease of design, don’t want to use the hide contour feature much and want the two wonderful cartridges then I would choose Gypsy over CDS. If you are a Mac user then the point is moot and of course ;) best of both worlds – have both. Cost wise if you find a good deal then you can get the Gypsy for lots lesser nowadays and when you add the price of the two cartridges to it then that factor (again in my view only) should not enter in (Not counting the rewards as it keeps varying). So these are the salient points. Many other points I could think of are covered in my original article.

Before I take your leave - I know some of you will have a burning question in your mind to ask me curiosity and all that – So I’ll answer (really, really hope that hubby does not read this) – yes I do have the G, the CDS , SCAL and now Make the Cut. I do need one of the last 2 (not both but could have stuck to one – I know) to cut many of the images I need of my culture.

So that’s it folks. Do take a look in my blog, The Bug Bytes for details and even there I might have forgotten some points and plain don’t know some more – so I try to add/edit when some stuff pops up in my brain and would welcome suggestions from you for the latter – so do drop in to my blog to say Hi. If you are still awake, here’s a huge Thanks and a virtual Hug from me for sticking on.

…… Sincerely Pam

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Wild by Nature Card and WINNERS announced!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:37:00 +0000

I made a 5" x 7" card using the new Cricut Give A Hoot cartridge - those little animals on this cartridge are just TOO CUTE!

Paper is The Green Stack from DCWV and Core'dinations. Buttons from Basic Grey.

Cuts are:
Raccoon at 2" (all layers)
Grass border at 1 1/2" (cut twice)
Wild By Nature at 3" (all layers)

I always like to add a little something to the inside - nothing too much, just something to tie it all together!

I made a coordinating layout today on Holidays with the Cricut - check it out and also leave a comment on Holidays with the Cricut for a chance to win the three Spring Mini Cartridges that we are giving away this week.

Now, onto the winners!

1) $100 Gift Package from Peachy Cheap

2) ONE "you pick a cartridge" from Hallmark Scrapbook

3) ONE Cricut Deep Blade Housing and Blade

So, for my winners, please send me an email at obsessedwithscrapbooking@gmail.com with your address so I can get these prizes out to you! Have a great day! You have two weeks to claim these.

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Coupons for week of Feb 21-27 & giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:08:00 +0000

Don't forget to enter my GINORMOUS giveaway by leaving a comment on THIS POST!

Here are your coupons!

BIG LOTS ONLY GOOD ON SUNDAY!

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Cricut Cartridge Previews, Blog Hop and Giveaways!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:06:00 +0000

Let's talk giveaways first! I have THREE prizes up for grabs!

$100 gift package from the Peachy Cheap website

PeachyCheap is an online store that offers great scrapbooking supplies.
The fun thing about PeachyCheap is that they are not like other scrapbook
stores. PeachyCheap offers deals 50-85% off daily on great scrapbooking
products. They offer one deal per day, so you need to act fast or you will
miss out. Once they are gone, they are gone. And remember, EVERY day, they
post a NEW "PeachyCheap” deal so be sure to add them to your favorites
list.

The giveaway is worth over $100.00 and includes: the Create-a-Calendar 12
x 12 acrylic Stamp from FancyPants; 12 x 12 Holiday felt from FancyPants;
an Urban Lily Life book journal; Basic Grey buttons; American Crafts
Mini-Marks Rub-on book; Chatterbox Purse-Book; and Making Memories flowers.

ONE "You pick a Cricut cartridge" from Hallmark Scrapbook

ONE Cricut deep cut blade housing and blade

How can you win? Leave a comment on this post and subscribe/follow the blog! That's it! Drawing will be held on Thursday, February 25 at 5 pm. Please enter once. You will have two weeks to claim your prize.

I am doing a blog hop with Melanie so after previewing the projects below and entering to win one of the prizes, head over to Courtney Lane Designs for a look at her gorgeous creations and a fantastic giveaway opportunity!

The new Cricut cartridges are Give A Hoot, Just Because Cards, Straight from the Nest, and Preserves. Below are projects made using the new cartridges.

Cricut Give A Hoot Cartridge:

This project was made using the Cricut Give A Hoot Cartridge.

Butterfly and card from this cartridge - so pretty! Paper by My Minds Eye and sentiment from Kitchen Sink Stamps.

This cartridge includes layered images: owl, raccoon, fox, deer, bear, trees, nest, bee, earth, rabbit, peacock, birds, hedgehog, chipmunk, squirrel, frog, many flowers, bear in trash can, apple, snail, moose, leaves, tree stump, sun, acorn, branches, sea shell. Some of the images are cartoon like while others are more classic like the butterfly above.

It also has all kinds of word art with shadowing: give a hoot, everyday, friend of nature, 100% organic, bear hugs for trees, plant a tree, grow a garden, grow, beautiful world, save the bees please, wild by nature, love the earth, make a difference, natural beauty, friends, celebrate the earth, be gentle, peace, keep it clean, embrace beauty, preserve and protect, we heart earth, peace, treasure nature, hope, earth is a gift, don't pollute, love beauty, feathered friends, go green, save energy, tree hugger, don't be trashy, recycle, I care, nurture nature, trees rule, organic, conserve, be the change, coexist, we're all connected, naturally green, earth friendly, one world, don't waste it, keep it wild, it matters, clean & green.

Cricut Just Because Cards Cartridge:

Envelope and Sticker

This project was made using the Cricut Just Because Cards cartridge.

This whale was just too cute to pass up! He was cuttlebugged to give him some texture. Note that the shadowing is wider than usual. I used Melanie's technique of adding stitching with a white pen - it just adds so much to a project! Paper is by Bo Bunny and Core'dinations.

Just Because Cards has a layered image, a layered word art sentiment, a card to fit, envelopes to fit, a sticker function key and a stencil function key for the word art for each button. This is an excellent cartridge - one I will be using over and over again. I like it more than Wild Card!

Each card is made by first cutting the card at a particular size (above was 6") and then all other cuts are made at that size. Since you make your own envelopes, you are free to cut at various sizes. The envelope sizing corresponded to the card size with no adjustments (YAY!).

Cricut Straight from the Nest Cartridge:

This card is a pop up card made with the Cricut Straight from the Nest cartridge. I used the Border function key and the "happy birdie day" word art. Paper is from Core'dinations, Webster's Pages and DCWV (love their glittery papers!). Card is 5" x 7".

Straight from the Nest has the cutest birds, owls, peacock, bird cages, butterfly, grass, trees, filagree images, swirls, birthday items and paisleys! It also has a corner feature key that puts each of the main images into the corner - so cute. A border feature key is what I used to make the chicks above - it also includes a layering function, which helps make the process easier. Also, a slider function key is available that makes all the base images into ribbon sliders. So handy! Finally, there is decorated word art with shadowing.

Cricut Preserves Cartridge:

This card was made using the Cricut Preserves cartridge.

I used the orange from this card and cut it at 4 1/2". Paper is from KI Memories and Core'dinations. Sentiment from Kitchen Sink Stamps.

The Preserves cartridge is primarily handy for those cooks out there. It has all kinds of labels, tags, lid tags, and cards for preserve recipes. There is also a ton of layered word art that goes along with all the fruit images on the cartridge so you could specify preserves, jams, jellies, butter, muffins, cake, cobbler, bars, etc. along with the fruit names. So nice for gift giving!

You can see more details on the cartridges by clicking the links back to Provocraft below:

Give A Hoot

Just Because Cards

Straight from the Nest

Preserves

Don't forget to check out the Cricut on the Early Show on CBS on Friday, February 19! They will be showing under the Tech Gadgets section!!

Finally, I appreciate all the well wishes! My dad came home yesterday and is doing loads better! It really is a miracle!

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Cricut Cartridge Updates on Design Studio and Gypsy!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:52:00 +0000

Still waiting for Provocraft to give the word to release new projects with the Hello Thursday cartridge release.

Stay tuned because not only will there be projects, but also some great giveaways here and at Melanie's blog, Courtney Lane Designs!

To see the new cartridges on Design Studio, click here: Design Studio Updates
OR you can also update your Gypsy and they will show up. Run your Gypsy software, after hooking your Gypsy to the computer. These are two ways you can see the different images on the cartridges!

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Winners of Superman and LoveStruck cartridges!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:11:00 +0000

First, be sure and check back on Thursday around noon to see some exciting things and enter to win some more BIG giveaways!!

Here are the winners from last week's Scrap Tiffany Blog Hop and Superman Card:

Lovestruck Cartridge:

PAPERSCISSORS is the Winner!!

Superman Cartridge:

LESLEY517 is the Winner!

Winners, please email me at obsessedwithscrapbooking@gmail.com with your address within two weeks!

Tune in Thursday afternoon for some sneak peeks and some giveaways - you won't be disappointed!

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Scrap Tiffany Blog Hop and Cricut Lovestruck Cartridge Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 07:23:00 +0000

Welcome to the Scrap Tiffany Blog Hop! Today, I have a last minute masculine Valentine's card, made using the Cricut Sentimentals cartridge and papers from DCWV.

The "key to my heart" word art was cut at 2 3/4" with both layers and then mounted on a 4 1/4" x 6" card front. I used pop dots on the word art and key to give the card some more dimension.

I tied this festive, matching ribbon from Michaels on the side of the card to dress it up.

This key was also from the Sentimentals Cricut cartridge and is called key1. I cut it at 2" with all the layers.

I always like to finish off the inside of the card. In this case, I just added two layers of paper, in the same motif as the front.

Leave a comment on this post and become a follower or email subscriber for a chance to win a Lovestruck Cricut cartridge!

From here, your next stop on the blog hop is Sheri - be sure and head over and see her fabulous creations!

To start the blog hop from the beginning, head over to Scrap Tiffany so you don't miss out on all the great blogs and blog candy that could be yours!

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You are MY Superman Giant Card, Bloghop & Cricut Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:11:00 +0000

First of all, I want to thank everyone for their kind words and prayers for my dad! He is breathing a lot better and looking a lot better!!! You all have made a HUGE difference in his life - THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! He is still at the hospital but it's so nice to see him improving!

Today, I made a Valentine card for my husband for a little mini blog hop I am doing with Melanie! We wanted to showcase the two newest "cartoon" type cartridges, Superman and Batman. To celebrate this blog hop, we are both giving away a Cricut cartridge. I will be giving away a Superman cartridge and Melanie will be giving away a Batman cartridge.

To enter to win, leave a comment on this post and I will draw a winner on Wednesday at 5 pm. Also, please sign up to follow through email or as a "follower" on the sidebar!

After that, head over to Melanie's blog by clicking HERE!

Some quick details about this card. First off, it is 18"x30' as I folded a poster board in half. I think the big card is such a fun idea, especially to show someone how much you love them. I got this silver poster board at Joann's and thought it would make a nice background to the cityscape I had planned for the bottom portion of the card. I cut Superman6 at 10 3/4" for all the layers, including a shadow background. The shadowing is quite large (1/2" or so all around). I pop dotted him on the card to add some dimension as he flies over the city!.

Then, I cut the "Superman" word art from page 69 of the handbook at 4 1/2" and the "You are MY" wording at 2". The font and shadow for the "You are MY" is also on this cartridge and matches perfectly with the cartoon like feel to the images.

I liked cutting the Superman so large - it made assembling the layers a lot easier. The eyes, cut in blue, were VERY SMALL, even when cut at 10 3/4", so I can't even imagine how that would work at smaller sizes. That will be very tricky!

The cityscape portion was made up using a city cut from the Paper Doll Dress Up Cricut cartridge and was cut at 4 1/2". I cut the cityscape 4 times - two in black, two in grey. Then, I traced the edges onto yellow cardstock and cut that out to back each piece so that lights showed through the windows. I wish there was a blackout for this cut to solve this problem, but there is not. I cut pieces of the cityscape apart to form the different heights.

Be sure to enter to win the Superman cartridge by leaving a comment below and subscribing and then head over to Melanie's blog by clicking HERE to see her project from the Batman cartridge and have a chance to win the Batman cartridge from her!

Tomorrow, I will have another giveaway and last minute Valentine idea so check back - you won't want to miss out!! It's a good one!

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Giveaway WINNER!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:03:00 +0000

I am posting this late as my dad went into the hospital today with pneumonia/congestive heart failure and I only just got home from being with him. Hopefully, they can fix him up quickly! The hospital was so crowded that he is staying in the ER tonight but at least he has a bed and room. Got to find a bright spot in this cloud....

Onto the drawing for the gorgeous Valentine's banner:

Here's our winner!

Congratulations, BridgetL! Please email me your address at obsessedwithscrapbooking@gmail.com!

Thanks everyone for your sweet comments!

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Giveaway and Coupons!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Leave a comment on today's post (with an identifying name) and sign up to be a follower/subscriber for a chance to win this gorgeous Valentine's Banner courtesy of My 2 Scrappy Chicks! I will draw a winner Monday at 3 pm Central time so be sure and enter! We want to get it mailed ASAP!

Here are some coupons for this week! None from Hobby Lobby as almost everything scrapbooking is 50% off! Don't forget they have that Core'dinations paper at Hobby Lobby and it cuts beautifully in the Cricut!

I'm sorry I haven't posted much this week - I have been fighting a cold! I am on the mend, though, so check back this week. I have a lot of good Valentine's stuff planned!

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Haitian Relief Effort - A Personal Connection

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:45:00 +0000

Tammy (one of my partners on Holidays with the Cricut) sent me this article from the Washington Post about her son, Patrick, who is part of the relief effort in Haiti! Isn't this amazing? What a wonderful son to have! I have met this man and he is absolutely fearless. giving and kind - what a tribute to Tammy, her family and America!

Washington Post
February 1, 2010
Pg. 10

Long, Hot Days Of Saving Lives On The Fly

U.S. Army medics, volunteers fight fatigue and shortages

By Dana Hedgpeth

In a hot, dimly lighted tent at University Hospital, in Haiti's quake-stricken capital, a team made up of paramedics from Brooklyn, a doctor from California and a 22-year-old Army medic from Texas tugged at the bandages of a man who was screaming as the surgical wound on his left arm hemorrhaged.

"Anyone have morphine?" someone yelled.

Among the supplies on a rickety hutch in the corner was nothing to alleviate the Haitian's pain.

"Wait!" said Patrick Skinner, the medic from Dallas. "I've got a fentanyl lollipop!"

Minutes after the painkiller was taped to his cheek, the man quieted down, and team members were able to cut off his bandages and stop the life-threatening bleeding. It took them an hour.

On the hospital campus, a block from the collapsed presidential palace, scores of volunteer doctors, nurses and paramedics from Switzerland, Norway, Nicaragua, France, Taiwan, Canada and the United States have joined the local effort to care for injured Haitians. In the past week, they have performed amputations and treated fractures, infections, gunshot wounds and malnutrition.

For Skinner and the dozen or so other U.S. military medics helping the volunteers, it has been a major learning experience. Many said they thought the work here would help prepare them to treat battlefield injuries.

"I like getting my hands in on things," said Skinner, 22, who is on his first deployment. "You look at pictures and you read, but you really don't do it. Here, you're right there with experienced doctors and see how they do things."

"You see it. You smell it," he said.

Over four days at University Hospital last week, Skinner helped with a Caesarean section and two amputations, administered dozens of IVs, cleaned and stitched up wounds, gave blood transfusions and changed countless dressings and bandages.

He is here with the Army's Global Response Force, which is assigned to deal quickly with natural disasters. Since arriving, his 82nd Airborne Division unit has helped transport patients to the USNS Comfort, delivered water and meals to Haitians, fed aid workers and guarded University Hospital so doctors and nurses could work.

"Usually, we're looking for the enemy," said 1st Sgt. Kenneth Johnson, 38, of Spokane, Wash. "Here, we're helping people and trying to figure out where we'll put all the people who are coming in."

16-hour workdays

The U.S. military and the volunteer groups have turned the hospital campus, with its palm trees and purple-blooming bushes, into a scene of organized chaos. They have used a few of the salvageable buildings and set up tents -- for triage, an ER, pre-op, post-surgery, maternity and pediatrics. Outside the post-surgery tent lies a mound of blood-soaked bandages and fly-ridden trash. Not far away, patients lie on stretchers in a concrete-floored tent, waiting for X-rays.

The soldiers are camping in an old building that was used for hospice care, across from a collapsed nursing school with an estimated 100 bodies still inside. They can't get the bodies out, the soldiers said, because they lack the heavy equipment needed.

Skinner, a wiry man with thin, blond hair who participates in triathlons at home, wakes at 6 a.m. and helps tend patients until 10 p.m. He hasn't showered in a week -- just swabs himself with baby wipes.

The medic, fluent in Portuguese, has picked up a few terms in Creole. In one tent, he explained to a woman who was writhing as doctors examined her leg that she was being given morphine. A few beds down, he helped a doctor clean a woman's chest wound.

The energetic medic has become a favorite with many of the volunteers. When he's not checking on patients, he's bringing the doctors leftovers from his ready-to-eat military meals -- crackers, peanut butter, veggie burgers -- because some have eaten little in the days they've been here.

"You name it, and this guy does it," said Jonathan Gates, a surgeon from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

'The worst thing'

The experience has also been tough. One patient died of an infection, another after an allergic reaction to morphine. Three babies have died.

"This is the worst thing I've ever seen in my life," said Sgt. 1st Class Haven Crecelius, 28, of Iowa, who has completed several deployments to Iraq. "Nobody's shooting at us, but . . . " his voice trailed off. He had worked almost 22 hours that day, after 75 patients came in overnight. One woman was paralyzed from the waist down; one kept having seizures five days after giving birth.

"It is hard and sad," he said. "You see kids who are malnourished. . . . I saw a 6-week-old who looked like a deformed dog, he was so tiny. It is overwhelming that people live like this."

Still, there is a sense of hope at the hospital. At one patient's bed, friends and relatives held a church service and sang to her. For other Haitians, there is the chance to make money.

Roody Jean, 28, makes $20 a day manning the doors. "It's a job," he said, holding up his face mask against the smells. "It's better than nothing."

Skinner raced past Jean to help lift a woman with spinal-cord injuries out of the back seat of an arriving car. Then he checked in at the makeshift operating room to find out that a gunshot victim he had helped treat earlier was crashing. Hours later, he learned that the woman had died at a field hospital before she could get on a helicopter to the Comfort.

That night, Skinner walked around the hospital campus with fellow medic Steven Cheaney, 21, of Merritt Island, Fla., chewed some beef jerky and smoked a cigarette to calm himself. Before returning to the military camp, he played with a 10-year-old boy who has taken up with the soldiers guarding a potable-water tank at night. The boy lost both his parents in the quake.

After a few minutes, Skinner headed for bed, as Cheaney reminded him, "You can't save the world in one day."

-From the Early Bird news, on AKO.

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Coupons for week of Jan 31-Feb 6

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:34:00 +0000

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More Photos from CHA!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:15:00 +0000

OK, some more pictures from CHA (Craft and Hobby Association)! Warning: self-indulgent personal stories to follow - read with caution.

We got to go to a fabulous party hosted by SEI, one of our main sponsors on the Holidays with the Cricut blog. While there, we got to preview some of their newest lines and WOW, are they cute! We can't wait to preview their new things for you - so keep an eye out!

While we are in there, Tammy is wearing this black T-shirt that she had made up that says "Calendar Girls" on the back in rhinestones. Next thing you know, our contact at SEI comes running by and shouts at the top of her lungs, "OOOOOHHHHH! The Calendar Girls!!! I just love you guys!!", gives us a quick hug, and darts away. It happened in like a 5 second span of time. Well, Tammy is beaming because she knows it was the shirt that made that happen. The shirt we all went to make but then Melanie and I balked at due to the cost. Um-hmm. That's right....bad choice on our parts. So, with humble pie in my mouth, I say to Tammy, "That $%$@* shirt! You were right! We should have gotten them! Who would guess?" Tammy just starts laughing...

Here's my new friend Bryan - a man crafter of the finest quality! Melanie, Tammy and I were anxious to meet him as we've corresponded multiple times on the Cricut message board. He is absolutely HILARIOUS! The stuff he says is just priceless - I felt like I should take notes while he talked so I could be funnier. Some of my favorite phrases he introduced me to include: "Shut the front door!", "That's so 2000 and late...." and "Jesus...take the wheel" (from the song of the same name). We went out to dinner with him at Downtown Disney, watched fireworks and took some memorable cab rides with unusual drivers.

In the photo above (L->R): Tammy, Kimber McGray, me and Melanie

A little backstory on this photo is needed. For starters, I had been watching/following Kimber McGray and her gorgeous work for YEARS over on 2peasinabucket.com. So, we walk into the Jillibean Soup booth and start talking to Jill (the Jill in Jillibean) and she calls Kimber over. So, like a fool, I start falling all over myself and saying things like, "Are you Kimber McGray?.....OMG! It's Kimber McGray!!!! (insert squeal of delight at a loud volume) I've been following you for years on 2 peas and I just think you are amazing! Everything you make is just fabulous and gorgeous! I can't believe I'm meeting you...can I get a picture with you? Here, stand next to me! I feel like a stalker (insert nervous laugh)" and more. She handled it so nicely and didn't back away in horror. You may not know this but I am loud and when I met her I was practically screaming. Oh, it was a scene!

So, the next day, we walk by the booth again and I'm sure she is going to hide behind the counter if she spots me. But she comes right up to me and asks to take a picture with me! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! I couldn't believe it! If you haven't checked her work out, click HERE to head over to her blog. But really, you've already seen her stuff because she has been in magazines, BOOKS, on design teams, etc. - I guarantee you've seen her work! She's all over the Cricut Card book - she's amazing!

OK, celebrity gushing over now...

well, almost over....

This was a strange two-some to happen upon but we had to get a photo. Weird though that these two characters were together - I mean, aren't they from really different movies? Beetlejuice and Shrek? Is it me? Anyway, they were good sports and Shrek was quite flirtatious so it was all fun!

Leave a comment (if you've made it this far) and let me know if this was remotely interesting...I usually refrain from these types of posts but I figured that since it was Saturday, maybe I could put this in and it wouldn't distract from the regular, serious content.

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Winners and My 2 Scrappy Chicks Website

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:05:00 +0000

Winner(s)!!

Surprise!!! I had such an amazing response to my giveaway that I decided to give away TWO things!

FIRST PRIZE - You Pick One Cartridge from Hallmark Scrapbook - chosen from the Once Upon A Princess Post

SECOND PRIZE - Deep Cut Blade and Housing for the Cricut - chosen from "How to Make a Pedestal Card" Post

So, MDog and Sandy, please contact me at obsessedwithscrapbooking@gmail.com to get your prizes! You have two weeks to respond.

Now, onto business...

Today's feature is about an online store that sells custom or premade scrapbook pages, for those times when well, you don't have enough time. They even have premade scrapbooks, ready to go! My 2 Scrappy Chicks is comprised of two fabulous scrapbookers that I knew from the Recollections store in Texas. They are incredibly talented and have just the cutest designs! If you are needing some cute layouts, you should head over to their site.

Check them out here: My 2 Scrappy Chicks

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How to make the Pedestal Card from CHA!

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:02:00 +0000

Here is a close up video of the project in THIS POST....Hope it inspires you all to create some cards!

Remember to enter on THIS POST for a chance to win a "You Pick One" cartridge from Hallmark Scrapbook! Must enter by 11:59 pm on Thursday, January 28 (nighttime on Thursday to Friday).

Click HERE if you can't see the video!

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Cricut Demo for CHA - Tie the Knot Card

noreply@blogger.com (HappyHappyJoyJoy) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:02:00 +0000

I was asked to do some demos for Provocraft at the CHA Winter show. I chose to make a wedding card using the Tie the Knot cartridge. The cake on the front ties in with the whole "Cricut cake" theme of the booth. I will be posting a follow up video on exactly how to make this card, as this demo video is a bit more about the silly and a little less about the card!

So, a little true confession time....it was scary up there!!! Yikes!! Oh, sure, I look like I am having a fun time but really, I was pretty nervous. It's a blast, though!! Later in the day, I got to do a demo with Melanie. I'll be posting a link to that later in the week.

Check out the video below or click HERE if you can't see it!

Now, a couple of shout outs to two blogs. The first site is called Scrap Time and has AMAZING videos and podcasts all about crafting. Christine, owner of Scrap Time, is a delight - smart, kind and funny! Check her out at this link: Scraptime

Next up is a new friend I made at CHA - Scrapguy! I love the man crafters!! He really gave me a lot of material for my demo above so I dedicate the video above to him - THANK YOU, Scrapguy! You need to check out his site because all week long, he is giving away all kinds of goodies and a grand prize on Saturday! Click HERE to see Scrapguy and get a chance to win some amazing blog candy! A shout out to Bobbie also - thanks for watching!

Don't forget that I am giving away a "you pick one" cartridge on Thursday - see this post by clicking HERE to get a chance to win!

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