Wednesday Winners #87

Good Morning Fantabulous Friends!  

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  The hubs and I were so lucky...  We were planning on just going out to dinner by ourselves, but at the last minute, some close friends of ours invited us to their family home for Thanksgiving and it was wonderful!  They invite us for almost every holiday when we are unable to spend it with our family.  It's so nice to have a home away from home. :)

We would love to hear how everyone (in the States anyways) celebrated their holiday.  We are very Thankful to have you as our friends and followers here at FCCB.  For that is what Thanksgiving is about, right?  At least for me it is.  It's a time to reflect on all things we're Thankful for and also to share that with the world, I believe.  It's a day that reminds us no matter how hard life can be, there is always something to be thankful for.  I'm about to get all teary eyed *sniff, sniff* ;) so I guess I better get to today's topic, which of course is our Wednesday winners!

Last week's "Thank You" challenge was so much fun.  It's awesome to see all the variety of Thank you projects because this one really left a lot of room to be creative.  I know it was a busy week so if you missed out, you will definitely want to check out all the projects from the DT and our entrants -HERE.  I am still loving Thanksgiving cards and am sad that the holiday is over.  :(

~This Weeks Winner~
Free Seat at  Club 52 Techniques
#17 Rae Ann - Joy in Art

Congratulations Rae Ann!!!
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~

#13 Melissa - Doxie Mel Designs



#3 Holly - Ribbons and Glue



#22 Melanie F. - In Love with a Bug


#9 Jessica - Chick-N-Scrap


#27 Carol - Carol's Creations

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 (aren't the projects just Fantabulous?)!

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

Create a holiday card!

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

XO ~ Amy Jo (Coordinator)

Quick Tip Tuesday: Rolling Flowers

Hi everyone and welcome to another Quick Tip Tuesday! Today I have a quick tip for rolling flowers.

I love adding flowers to projects and the Flower Shoppe cartridge has so many beautiful cuts. Using a quilling tool you can quickly and easily create beautiful flowers for your projects.

I first saw this tip from Dayna Sabrina of Sabriolet Designs back in July. She has an excellent tutorial on the Flower Shoppe cartridge HERE. After viewing her tutorial, I purchased the quilling tool specifically to make these beautiful flowers.

To demonstrate, I cut a daisy at 4 1/2" from Flower Shoppe.

I like to ink the edges before I start rolling the flower. Position the quilling tool at the end and start rolling.

Once you've rolled the flower, add glue or tape (I like to use glue dots) to the bottom to secure the petals and there is your flower! Quick, easy and beautiful!

I hope this tip helps you! Thanks so much for stopping by today! Don't forget to stop back tomorrow for Wednesday's Winners!!

Challenge Me Monday #88

It’s hard to believe that December will be here in just a few short days! This week’s challenge is perfect to get you moving on with (or finishing up, if that’s the case!) your holiday cards.

#88 – Holiday Cards
Create a holiday card

Embellish…Enliven…Enjoy…this motto is the driving force behind Creative Charms, a paper-crafting embellishments design company based in Pittsburgh, PA. Creative Charms is most well known for unique materials, whimsical designs, and smart packaging – allowing scrapbookers to be more creative in preserving life’s special moments.

This week, we are delighted to be sponsored by Creative Charms!  Check out the amazing projects that some members of the Fantabulous Cricut Design Team created using Creative Charms products!

Amy Jo
Elegant Edges, Christmas Solutions cartridges

Glenda

Christmas, Lacy Labels cartridges
Cuttlebug Allegro embossing folder

Jamie
Winter Woodland, Winter Frolic, Create a Critter cartridges

Marlene

Stretch Your Imagination, Winter Frolic cartridges

Robin

George and Basic Shapes cartridge

Suzanne

Art Philosophy cartridge

Cuttlebug Brocade Window embossing folder plus

 

~ Design Team Inspiration ~

 Beckie
Winter Frolic, Gingerbread cartridges

Cathie
MS Seasonal Cake Art, Cricut Essentials cartridges

Charlotte
Storybook cartridge

Crystal
Joys of the Season cartridge

Jennie
Once Upon a Princess, Mini Monsters, Create a Critter, Everyday Paper Dolls cartridges

Kate
Elegant Edges, Celebrate with Flourish, Wrap It Up cartridges

Larelyn
Art Philosophy cartridge

Melanie
Christmas Solutions cartridge

Sherrie
Winter Frolic cartridge

~This Week's Sponsor~

This week, Creative Charms has generously donated a "November Kit" to be awarded to ONE lucky participant (drawn by random).

 

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

This challenge ends at Midnight, December 4th (Mountain Time).

Spotlight Sunday

Hello Fantabulous Friends! I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving (for those in the U.S.) and that you enjoyed the holiday with family and friends!

This week I am finishing our Sunday Spotlight for our new FCCB Design Team members.

We are spotlighting:
Cathie from Creative Cutter
Melanie from Melanie Makes
Melissa from Create with the Cricutkateer
Peggy from Daily Grace Creations

First, we will take a look at Cathie from Creative Cutter. 1. When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?
I have been crafting almost my whole life since my mom is very crafty and was my 4H leader, but I really began scrapbooking after attending a Stampin Up party and the birth of my first child in 1990.
2. What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?
I am addicted to making Mini Albums!!! I love the feeling of being done-and my kids love having something to "show off" to friends. I make lots of mini's for gifts and for my children so I rarely ever keep any of my creations, but I LOVE making them!
3. What is your favorite product to use on your projects?
Well besides a Cricut cut-which I almost always include in every project I make, I would say I am a huge fan of Bazzill cardstock and use it almost exclusively!
4. What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?
Not a fair question...they are like my children...how to pick a favorite. My go to cartridge seems to be Paper Doll Dress Up. Anything you ever want to cut seems to be there. I am also a huge fan of Storybook, Art Nouveau & Art Philosophy. I also couldn't Cricut cut without my Gypsy since I own over 175 cartridges having the Gypsy makes it so much easier to get it done.
5. What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting?
Mainly when not in my craft room I am with my kids. I have 6-four girls still at home and most days I feel like the taxi driver. When I get a minute to myself I love to read, listen to music, and cooking with my husband are my all time favorite activities. My husband and I are HUGE University of Utah football fans.....so during football season my favorite activity is to go to Home Games...we have season tickets right near the end zone...Awesome!
Any other information you would like us to know about you?
I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts. My family is of South American descent...they are Peruvian and I am very proud of my hispanic heritage. I had intended to go to law school before having a family, but now I am just a political junkie and love election time it's like my Superbowl!
I LOVE teaching! I never wanted to be a teacher...but since starting my Cricut and scrapbooking classes I love everything about teaching others about this wonderful hobby. I love it so much that next year I'm taking my teaching gig on the road 30 cities across the US and of course my Scrapbooking/Cricut Cruises. Now let's take a look at some of Cathie's creations! This is such a pretty card in pinks and greens, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.The sentiment is so cute and fitting! What a beautiful Fall banner. I love the scarecrows in each end, and that raffia, so cute! This pear card is so sweet. I love the delicate colors and the sentiment.

Now, let's take a look at Melanie from Melanie Makes, and find out more about her paper crafting.

1. When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?
I have always been a crafty person and even took it into my career as an Architect. I had done some scrapbooking for the birth of my first son, but really didn’t get into paper crafting until just about a year ago when I received my Cricut Expression as a Christmas gift. I started out making my son’s birthday invitations and decorations for his first birthday party. I was really honored when they were published in Cricut’s Birthday Idea Book (May 2011) since this was just the beginning for me. My paper crafting is such a creative outlet for me since I am a stay-at-home mom now. 2. What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?
Creating cards is my favorite type of project. I love adding that personal touch to my projects and that I can share them with so many people.

3. What is your favorite product to use on your projects?
I would say that one of the most used products is the Zig Two Glue pen, it is vital for layering those Cricut cuts.

4. What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?
My favorite cartridge is “Create-a-Critter”. I have found so many uses for it; birthdays, get well, congratulations and holiday cards.

5. What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting?When I am not paper crafting, I am usually spending my time with my two beautiful boys, Tyler (4 ½) and Bryan (turning 2 on New Year’s Eve). They keep me busy as so many of you can understand, our favorite things to do are play with cars and anything outside.

Any other information you would like us to know about you?I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed getting involved in this world of paper crafting. I love that there are sites like FCCB to help inspire us and push our creative limits. I am very excited to be a part of such a great group of talented designers. If you keep a look out, I have several more Cricut projects that are being published in Cricut Magazine and Cricut Idea Book in February, March and April.

Here are a few of Melanie's projects from her blog. Melanie has two boys, so she often makes boy projects. This is such a great card for a younger boy.
This little purse card holder is too cute! I love the flower on the outside.
What fun are these Halloween treats! They look so great displayed in their festive bucket.



Here are some projects you will find on Melissa's blog, from Create with the Cricutkateer
This is a great Halloween layout to capture the Fall festivities.
Melissa made this Smashbook for her family. What a great idea to make a mini book for a special holiday! Paper Doll Dress Up has so many cute images for different occasions. I love this mummy tag, so cute!

And last, but definitely not least, we have Peggy from Daily Grace Creations

1. When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?
My daughter introduced me to paper crafting 3 years ago. I resisted at first. I told her I didn't need to get into another obsessive craft to spend money on. I have done sewing, crocheting, knitting, painting, etc. You name it, I've tried it. Well I finally relented and it soon became my passion. My late husband was my biggest fan. After his passing, it became a way of honoring him.

2. What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?
I love to make cards. I enjoy seeing people's reactions to receiving a card that I've made especially for them. I've done some layouts and have tons of photos I need to scrap but I'm guilty of putting that off in favor of cards.

3. What is your favorite product to use on your projects?
BLING. Anything to do with bling, Stickles, gems, pearls, glitter paper.

4. What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?
That's a tough question since there are so many to choose from. I seem to be reaching for Elegant Edges a lot. It is such a great cartridge for labels, borders and frames. I just got Santa's Village and I love it. However, it's seasonal.

5. What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting?
I work in my yard and travel. My husband loved gardening so I'm trying to maintain what he started. My daughter, son and grandsons live in different cities and states from me, so I have lots of places to visit.

Any other information you would like us to know about you?
I have been blessed by God beyond measure. Not only do I have a wonderful family, but I have many online friends who share my love of paper crafting. I have never met most of these friends but there is a kindred spirit among us. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and talent. Here are some of Peggy's creations. I love this butterfly welded card Peggy made. The colors are gorgeous!



I love all the sparkle on this pretty card. It's so soft yet stunning!

This is the inside of the card. It's a tri-fold card.

This sweet doggie is adorable and I love him against the rosette embellishment!


Thank you Ladies for sharing your wonderful talent with us at FCCB! Stay tuned for a new Challenge Me Monday post tomorrow. We hope you all will play along with us. Happy Crafting! SabrinaFCCB Spotlight Sunday Hostess

Scrappin' Saturday - Home for the Holidays Layout

Welcome to Scrappin' Saturday!  I love the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, because the season is filled with one thing I'm very thankful for -- family!  It's often a time to see extended family and spend time with special loved ones.  The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is reported to be the busiest travel day of the year in the U.S., which inspired me to share a spectacular layout today from Monique Griffith Designs.  It's an "oldie" from 2009, but definitely a goodie that captures those precious memories we gather at home during this time of year.

"Home for the Holidays" by Monique Griffith Designs

Monique used Winter Woodland and Everyday Paper Dolls for this layout celebrating the joy of travelling home for the holidays.  Don't you just love all the details...?!  My favorites are the embossing on the house and the ribbons and snow.  The inking and doodling also add whimsy and warmth to this layout.  And how cute is that puppy in the window...?!

I'm totally filing this idea away for our travel photos next year -- maybe even an autumn/Thanksgiving variant.

So, were you one of the millions on the roads this weekend?  Have any layouts to share of those holiday roadtrip photos?  Please share them in the comments for all of us to see!

Have a happy, scrappy weekend!

Jessica

Fantabulour Friday - Thank You

How many of you ate too much turkey yesterday?  Maybe not just turkey but all the trimmings, too.  I know I did.  I was so miserable, I could hardly move.  Then I went with my daughter and daughter-in-law at 5:30 pm to camp out at Toys R Us to get her son an Ipod Touch for Christmas.  I just went along to be with them.  That was really an experience.  I said all that to say, "We have so much to be thankful for.  A loving family is at the top of my list.  

That brings me to our theme this week, Thank You.  One of the earlier Cricut cartridges, Beyond Birthdays says it quite well.   I know a lot of us have this cartridge.  This is an overview it.

On the following pages, thank you is demonstrated in several different languages.

English

German

 French

 Spanish

No matter how we say it, thank you is an attitude that should be a part of our lives every day.  We can all find a reason to be thankful and a way to express our gratitude to those around us. 

Thanks you for visiting with us today.  I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  

 

Peggy