Welcome to Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog! Cricut enthusiasts come share your projects with us. Twice monthly we offer simple challenges for your chance to win! No matter which size Cricut machine you have, come join the fun.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Cricut Craft Room: Saving and Opening Files

Good morning everyone!

It's Missy here with another Cricut Craft Room tutorial.  Today's tutorial is pretty basic, but I'm a teacher, so I know sometimes it is good to review the basics!

So now that you've learned how to do some fancy-schmancy welding and such for your projects, of course you want to save them, so you dont' lose your work.  One thing that is nice about he Craft Room software is that it's pretty intuitive---it "imitates" other programs that we're familiar with, like MS Word and such. 

When you reach a point in the creative process where you would like to save, simply click on the "File" option in the upper left hand corner. 


After you've clicked on "File", select "Save As", just like you would in MS Word.  A box that looks like this will appear.  You'll want to type the name of your project in the box.


After you name your project, select Save.  Once you've done this, your project will be saved in your project library, which looks like this.


You'll find that your projects are organized by date.  By default they are organized from newest to oldest.  However, next do the word "Date Saved", there's a little white arrow.  If you would rather have them saved from oldest to newest, click this arrow and it will reverse the order.

To open a file, simply select "File" in the top tool bar.  Then select "Open".  When you choose open, your project library will open up once again, and you can scroll through your projects.  When you select a project, the project will appear grey and the green "Open" button on the lower right will appear.  To open the project, simply click the green "open" button.


For those of you who use your gypsy, it is possible to import files from your gypsy to your CCR program.  First you have to save your gypsy files to a file on your computer.  Then, you would select the "Import" option that appears in your project library.  When you click import, you should be taken to your computer folders, in which you can find your gypsy files and open them up.

Thanks for stopping by today, I'll be back next week with another Craft Room tutorial!!!




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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Wednesday Winners Challenge #145 Sound of Music


Good Morning Everyone !!
Welcome to this weeks 
WEDNESDAY WINNERS

Challenge #145
SOUND OF MUSIC 

I absolutely love this challenge and judging by the comments and beautiful entries so did all of you.

THIS WEEKS WINNER

Chosen by random.org 
with a prize from
Our very own MOLLY from
of 
20 sheets of music paper

...IS...

NO 18
Created with Art Philosophy  
Guild Master Crystal
Congratulations Crystal. To claim your prize please contact Janea at... recollection alley @ gmail . com (remove all 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

We had 25 amazing projects to choose from this week.
Thank you to every one who joined us 
No 1
Created with Old West, Pooh and Friends
Marcia T
No 12
Created with Paisley
Mollie's Mofit
No 13
Created with Plantin School Book, Hannah Montana
A Busy Bee
No 17
Created with Artiste, Life's a Party
Sherrie K
No 20
Created with Plantin and Paper Lace
Margaret
Congratulations ladies don't forget to grab your "FCCB Top 5" blinky to display on your blog! 
You can find the blinky code on our right-hand sidebar.  
  
We hope you are joining us for this week's challenge # 146 Time Flies
As ever, please use a new project with at least one Cricut cut and tell us which cartridge(s) you have used.

Wishing everyone a Fantabulous Day !!


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Tuesday, January 29, 2013


Hello everyone and welcome to another Quick Tip Tuesday!

Do you ever have trouble aligning your stamped image or maybe even your sentiment? You might have to check out this quick tool for a few tips! 
You can see the original video here


Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for the Wednesday Winners!

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Monday, January 28, 2013

Challenge Me Monday #146 - Time Flies

Happy Monday to You!
I hope that everyone is healthy!  I know that pesky flu and his sister the "flu like" sickness has hit everyone hard!  It sure takes a lot of time to get over it!!!

Speaking of time, our challenge this week is to create a project that includes a clock or something that pertains to time.  Don't let time run out on you to link up for this challenge....corny I know I just couldn't resist.

Challenge #146 - Time Flies



Design Team Inspiration

French Manor, Storybook
Alphalicious

Nikki
Artiste, Alphabet  

Designer's Calendar, Cricut Everyday, Elegant Edges

 Seasonal Characters, CM Traveler, and Create a Critter 2

Once Upon a Princess

                                    

 ~ This Week's Sponsor ~   

This week, Fantabulous Cricut is delighted to be sponsored by Recollection Alley. I have donated  three brand new Cuttlebug embossing folders to be given to one lucky participant to be drawn at random from all eligible entries. 

      Cuttlebug® A2 Spots and Dots Emboss Folder    Cuttlebug® 5x7 Embossing Folder, Typeset
To link your project for this week's "FCCB's Time Flies" challenge,
click on the blue "add your link" button below! This challenge ends at Midnight February 3rd (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.
When linking your project, please remember to list on your blog what Cricut cartridge you used.
 

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Sunday Spotlight


Happy Sunday Everyone!

It is Arin and we are back to showcase another one of our talented Top 5 challenge winners!   Today let's meet Ro Donner, from Toodle Noodle Creative !  She is getting ready to celebrate her five year "blogiversary" in March and has had a fun time allowing her "creative therapy" to blossom into being published in some major crafting publications and making some very original and creative projects along the way.  Here are a of examples of how her amazing creative journey that earned her not only one spot, but two spots on FCCB's Top 5!



Ro's blog is filled with some fun and original ideas that just have to be shared!  Check out this whimsy mug she made just using a Sharpie and vinyl cut with her Cricut!

This gift may be one you would want to place in your back pocket of ideas for a future gift for a wedding or new baby!  Such a clean and simple idea that packs a lot of punch in the WOW factor!

Now let's meet Ro!

1. When did you start scrapbooking/paper crafting and why?
I’ve always loved crafting, since the time I could hold my first crayon.  But I really got the creative bug one Christmas when I was about 12 years old.  My mom got me a box FILLED with all kinds of art supplies…papers, charcoal pencils, oil paints, water colors, canvases, pastels.  I think that’s the best Christmas gift I can ever remember as a child.  While I have always enjoyed crafts, I started with papercrafts about 20 years ago.  I started dabbling with scrapbooks, which became an addiction.  That addiction blossomed into card making (my truest passion), vinyl, jewelry making, sewing, polymer clay, and home decoration items.  What started out as one little 3-drawer cart of supplies has exploded into a small (but efficient) craft room full of wonderful “stuff” to feed my creative yearnings.

2. What is your favorite type of project to make (i.e., cards, layouts, mini-albums, etc....)?
By far, my most fulfilling endeavors involve cards.  There’s something about creating a mini masterpiece that will travel miles to bring someone joy, or comfort, or a symbol of friendship and caring.  A card can be done in a relatively short period of time, so I get to see a finished project fairly quickly.  And with every card I make, I put a little of myself into it.  I get to use many different techniques, layouts and mediums, so I am never bored, and I’m always happy to learn something new.  I have even had several of my cards published in Scrap & Stamp Arts and Just Cards Magazines.

3. What is your favorite product to use on your projects? 
A beautiful patterned or textured paper that makes you just want to touch it usually inspires whatever I create.  But I also love to add a little bling.  I find that most of my projects have a little sparkle incorporated into it.  And ribbon.  I love ribbon.  Oh! And I also LOVE rubber stamps and ink.  And my Cricut and Gypsy!  And embossing powder.  And glitter!  And….ok, I’ll stop.  I love my craft products.  Can you tell?

4. What is your favorite Cricut cartridge?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite cartridge.  I have several that are my “go to’s”.  I find myself using Gypsy Wanderings a lot (not really a cartridge, it came loaded on my Gypsy), but I am also a frequent user of Create A Critter and Paper Pups (I searched long and hard for that cartridge!).  My newest one is Mickey and Friends, which I purchased to be able to do some fun projects for my 2 ½ year old granddaughter’s bedroom that is decorated with Disney characters. 

5. What do you do in your spare time, when you are not paper crafting?
In my spare time, when I’m not hidden out in my craft room, I love to play golf and camp.  We have a seasonal site that overlooks a river.  And in my camper, there is a very large cupboard filled with my crafting supplies and my “baby” Cricut, so I can craft when the urge strikes me.  (My husband keeps telling me we need a toy hauler so I can have a craft room on the road!)  I also enjoy going out to dinner with friends, reading, and movies.  A good nap never hurts either.  And I enjoy spending time with my family (3 grown children, a child-in-law and 2 granddaughters  all of whom live with my hubby and I, with the exception of my oldest son) and seven dogs.  Can you see why I need a craft room and a creative outlet?  LOL 

One post found while spending time getting to know this crafty lady, was showcasing her very cozy and very organized space.  Check out her idea for her Cricut storage.  Be sure to head over and see the full post for other crafty compact storage ideas! 

These final two projects just make you smile when you see them! That is why I saved the best for last! Now this is putting your Cricut to practical use!  Be sure to swing by Toodle Noodle Creative and take in all the benefits and fruit of her utilizing her "creative therapy" time!


Until Next Week! 
Arin
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Saturday, January 26, 2013

Scrappin' Saturday

Hi everyone,
Susie Craft Happy here with today's Scrappin' Saturday!


# 145 - Sound of Music

I want to share this lovely home decor item that Anita over at Scrappy Happy Mommy created.  She used music themed patterned paper and two different Cricut cartridges to create this very lovely home decor item for a dear friend of hers.

Inspiration for scrappin' for most of us comes naturally.  When we're creating gifts for others you can always incorporate things they love or things you love about them on your project.  Many Cricut cartridges, page kits and stamps allow us to do just that.  Remember, if you're stumped for handmade creative gift ideas just search your stash with the recipient in mind, I'm sure you'll find something to fit the occasion.

Another great gift idea would be this Frame Favorites Die Cuts for Wall Decor designed by Vivian Makett over at Scrapbooks Etc. Home Decorating Ideas.  Vivian used a 4"x 6" frame to fill with multiples of the same die cut.  Most of my family and friends know that I love owls so this would definitely be a great gift for me. :-D


To learn more about this project and a list of materials used visit Scrapbooks Etc. 

We want to see your projects where you've used your Cricut  or if you have a great scrapbooking tip, just leave a comment with your blog address so we can stop by to see them!

Hope you're able to find some time to do some Scrappin' this Saturday!!  Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!
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Friday, January 25, 2013

Fantabulous Friday: Sound of Music

Don't you love the sound of the end of the week??!!
Welcome to another Fantabulous Friday post!

This week's challenge is all about music and here is some inspiration for you!

First up:

Indie Arts


Imagine More (Imagine cart),  Joy's of the Season, Wild Card, Elegant Edges


Nursery Rhymes


French Manor, Hannah Montana


I hope you enjoyed today's Projects, here are some cartridges with musical notes:






Come back tomorrow for Scrappin Saturday!




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