Well Show Us Some Digital Layouts, Lady!

I made these layouts with StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0 and the Discover Power Palette in Digital. 

God's Love

I just made my first ever, mini-book with my Bind-It All, my Cricut Imagine, and cardboard toilet paper rolls!

Recipe:
Country Carnival Imagine Cartridge
4 empty toilet paper rolls flattened:  leave the last roll the full length and cut each successive roll going toward the top by removing 3/4 of an inch, then 1 1/2, then 2 1/4 respectively. 
Cut four pieces of cardboard to fit inside each of the flattened toilet rolls with at least 1/2 sticking out for scripture tags and attaching the letters L O V E.
hole puncher or binding tool and accessories.  I used the 3/4 in O wire with the Bind-It All
double sided tape
fibers
inks/chalks
computer printed words and Bible Scripture.  Leave 3/4 of an inch from the right edge of the quote free from wording to attach the letters.  See below

I also decorated the back but forgot a picture of it! 
I am finally starting to have a lot of fun with my Imagine!  This piece may go up for sale!
Natalie

Exciting Launch of New Cricut Blog

http://cricutblog.org/Hey folks!  Sorry it has been months since I have posted!  I have been so busy with the kids and serious horrible colds and honest craft burnout that I couldn't even look at scrapbooking stuff without throwing up in my mouth a little.  That's what happens when I get really sick and depressed from being sick. 
ANYWAY........the reason you are reading this post.....Cricut is launching a new blog and it looks to be pretty terrific and is inspired by the Cricut Circle DT.  Check it out here.

Hope to see you soon!  I had to get my Imagine print cartridges replaced and now I am back in business!
Natalie 

In Pursuit of the Picture

I am not sure if any of you know but I can juggle! Really! And I bet you can too! So with all the bowling pins, flaming torches, and swords that you've already got flying around your head, it might be fun to add to your crafting pursuits, some graphic arts and photographic know-how!

Now, my educational bend is in the Marriage and Family Therapy and Psychology world and although I can read the directions for operating a digital camera, my degrees don't translate to knowing everything in the whole wide world! Really!

With that said, I am trying to learn as much as I can about graphic design and photography for free! I am studying others' work, and finding out what theory drives their creations. To some that sounds like I'm trying to suck the beauty out of the rainbow, but if I'm going to create the way I want, and I can't afford to submit myself to an expert, then it's time to surf the waves of the web!

I came across an article about how to take effective photographs. I liked it, maybe you will find it helpful, too! Alibony.com

I also found a couple links for studying the concept of "The Rule of Thirds".  You can google it as "rule of thirds".
Wikipedia
Digital Photography School.com

You can also google terms like "design elements, design principles, photography 101", etc.

I also discovered this great tool for finding coordinating colors for my pictures, Scrapbook.com Scrap By Color.

Made Out Like a Bandit!

This past week on the 7th, I turned 36!  I had a very scrappy Birthday!  I wanted to share some of the stuff that I was blessed with: a Zutter Bind It All and many different colors of binding wires. The actual products I got are like the pictures below but the o-rings were different. The Zutter came with a DVD, instructions and even template cards to help you figure out where to set the binder for different thicknesses. I also got the space bar that helps bring the holes closer to the edge of the paper.  It also came with a 4 x 4 sample book kit and a 6 x 6 book kit.  These kits included chipboard and white paper already cut.   My hubby got them at Flip Flops and Roses Designs, an e-Bay top-rated seller who also sell Sizzix and Spellbinders.  The have all
kinds of great stuff.




I also got a mini sewing machine with a pedal that can use DC or AA batteries.  It does a regular chain stitch.  I also got a Martha Stewart scoring board and envelope tool.

I was also blessed with 4 new Cricut blades which I really needed. I had been talked into just trying Pazzles blades in it because they were cheaper by some other crafter, but the adjustments I had to make were not worth the cost to me. I also received Michael's Gift Certificates and I had some online credit I used to order some supplies from Scrapbook.com.

I also got some great scrapbook supplies in the mail yesterday from an up and coming Scrapbook designer. I was given these supplies by Groovy Deb at If It's Groovy. I am so excited and we will be sharing who this special crafter is and what the If It's Groovy Design Team has made with her designs very soon, so stay posted!

Winner of Blog Candy!

I used www.random.org to choose a winner for the blog candy I had.  Thanks for all the future blog candy ideas and for sharing with me whether or not you do resolutions and what your goals are for 2011.  I pray that all of you get your hearts desires!

Now for the winner.  I had 13 non-repeating original comments and so entered 1-13 in the random number generator.

So the 7th person to comment was Karen Patterson!  I left a message over at your blog, too, so let me know your e-mail addy so I can get your home addy and send the goodies out! 
Check out her blog Treasured Dreams.

A Couple Favorites

I forgot to add this at the beginning of the year!  My bad! And Blogger erased half of the ones I put in my post for recaps and most of the fashion and trend links I had up!  Argh!

At the end of each year, many full-time bloggers do recaps of their favorite posts and videos.  Will I be doing that?  No, not this year.  I just started doing videos and now that I fave figured out how to do them and how much time it takes, I need to iron out the kinks in my process!  So maybe that is a goal for next year!  Anyhoo.... my forte is to share with you some of those bloggers who are doing recaps!

Top 12 Cricut Crafting Videos of 2010 by Above Rubies Studio

Everyday Cricut Best Cricut Projects/Cartridges of 2010

Joy's Life updated Cricut Cartridge Checklist

Pink Cricut top favorite posts of 2010

I am also going to post links to some of the sites which showcase what is to be hot in the fashion world for the next few months and throughout the year. 
Color Trends from Squidoo

Blog Candy!

Thank you everyone, for helping me reach more than 100 followers, in fact 141! I have blog candy for one lucky person. Go tell it on the mountain, in the valleys, at the beach and in the cafe's that I am giving away some blog candy! Become a follower leave a comment you are a follower new or loyal and tell me your New Year resolution. I want to reach 200 followers so I can give away another prize!
The candy for this blog is a K & Companay Mini Book Kit from one of my favorite designers, Barbara Walton. This mini book kit is worth $10. Since I just do this for fun and don't have a DT or sponsers and such I would like to offer blog candy here and there, but don't have a huge budget. To get more bang for my buck and yours, too, let me know what kinds of fun little things that cost about $10 or so that you'd like to see offered as blog candy. I also make jewelry and wonder, would any of you like to see some of my custom jewelry as prizes? My other blog Patriot Beads has some of my projects featured for an idea of my style.

So on with the candy!
Here it is

I found this little kit at Memory Lane in Missoula, MT, my hometown, while I was visiting this summer.  Their store is so cool and the owners are really sweet!  I love flying 1600 miles to give them my business so they'll stay in business and be there when I move back!  How selfish!  JK!

Recap: How to win; follow, sign-up for e-mail  newsletter ( if ya wanna!), post a comment saying you are a follower and let me know your New Year resolution.  And just for fun let me know what kind of $10 and under blog candy you might like to see; cardmaking, scrapbooking, etc!  UPDATE:  I forgot to add when the chances to win will end, duh!!!  I will close this drawing on January 7th, which by the way happens to be my birthday!  I'll be 36! Yikes!  So midnight PST on Jan 7th I will close the drawing for blog candy!

Happy New Year!

Thanks and good luck!
Natalie

2011 Calendar Blog Hop With Video Now!

It's finally here!  The 2011 Calendar Blog Hop!  So glad you could make it.  I hope you all are having a great Holiday Season and are planning to ring in the New Year with lots of fun and love!

You should be coming to this blog from Michelle at Peanut Butter and Jelly Designs  http://peanutbutterandjellydesigns.blogspot.com/.  If you have just happened upon this blog hop and would care to start at the beginning go to Celeste at Touched by a Butterfly at   http://touchedbyabutterfly.blogspot.com/.  

The Grand Prize Blog Candy is a brand-new Designer’s Calendar Cartridge, donated by Karelj at One By One The Flamingos Are Stealing My Sanity.  In order to be eligible to win, you need to leave a comment on each and every stop on the hop, along with a way for her to contact you.  She will choose a winner by random.org on the 31^st and announce it on her blog, as well as contacting the winner personally.

Here's the entire blog line-up for you to visit from December 28th-December 30th:

1. January and April: Celeste at Touched by a Butterfly at   http://touchedbyabutterfly.blogspot.com/

2.  January and September:  Jessica at  Overjoyed Scrapper  www.overjoyedscrapper.blogspot.com

 3. February: Christel at Scrappin' Sista  http://onescrappinsista.blogspot.com

 4. February and March: Karelj at One By One The Flamingos Are Stealing My Sanity   http://karelj.blogspot.com

 5. March and July: Diane at Crafting This Moment  http://www.craftingthismoment.blogspot.com/

 6. April: Bonnie at A Scrap Above  http://ascrapabove.blogspot.com

 7. May: Michelle at Peanut Butter and Jelly Designs  http://peanutbutterandjellydesigns.blogspot.com/

 8. (You Are Here!)  May:  Natalie at Timeless Legacy Designs  http://timelesslegacydesigns.blogspot.com 

 9. June: Lisa at Lisa's Paper Butterflies  http://lisaspaperbutterflies.blogspot.com

 10. June: Jamie at Glitter, Paper, Stamps, Oh My!    http://jamieisacraftymomma.blogspot.com/

 11.  July: Summer and Jennifer at Cricut Diaries  http://cricutdiaries.blogspot.com

 12. August: Denise at Starlight Scrapper  http://starlightscrapper.blogspot.com

 13. August: Gina at Gina Thornton Stamping  http://ginathorntonstamping.blogspot.com/

 14. September: Deb at If It's Groovy http://ifitsgroovy.blogspot.com

 15. October: Rebecca at Creations with Becka  www.creationswithbecka.blogspot.com

 16 . October: Lora at Notes From The Scrapbook Lady   http://scrpbooklady.blogspot.com/

 17. November: Belinda at Queen Bee's Musings  www.queenbeesmusings.blogspot.com

 18. November and December : Col at Col's Creative Corner at www.scrappycol.blogspot.com

19. December: Deb at Tidbit's Place  http://tidbitsplace.blogspot.com

For my project I decided to make a 2 part video tutorial and it is finally finished! I have left up the written directions and pictures for those who don't care to watch the videos.  Enjoy!  Make sure to leave a comment after you've watched what you like of the video and let Karel know that you visited my blog to be eligible to win.  Feel free to become a follower, too!

After this blog hop is over I have blog candy I will be giving away as I have passed my goal of 100 followers. check back for a post about that and leave a comment to become eligible to win my blog candy after December 30th.  I also have made my blog post updates available in e-mail format so don't forget to sign up for those, too!  If you have any questions regarding supplies or techniques you see in the videos feel free to e-mail me or leave a comment.

Material List:

K & Company Que Sera Sera paper pad

Coordinating Cardstock in pink and ivory

Stampin Up! Inks, chalks and pens: Bold Brights and Earth Elements

Stamp sentiments

Stamp numbers

Stamp flower

Sticker Sentiment-preferably clear

Butterfly die cuts

May die cut

Chalk blending sticks

Floral vellum for picture mats two 3.5 x 3.5 mats and one 4 x 5

Copy of lined or graph paper on cardstock

Embossed or cursive writing on foil, vellum or paper

White gel/chalk pen

Ruler

Paper cutter

Adhesive

Distress inks in coordinating colors

Tan vellum cut in 1/2 in strips

White vellum cut in 3/4 in strips

Stickles in coordinating colors

Dictionary words with definitions of Springtime words 3-6 

Pop dots
 

 1) 12 x 12 page of green paper, upper left area use white gel pen to draw 1/4 in grid lines about 3 inches in and 6 inches down

2) 3 x 2.5 pink cardstock, use white gel pen to draw lines for journaling 1/4 in apart, distress edges, attach to page.  Stamp with pink or orange ink with a flower stamp and then sentiment stamp.  Add 1/2 in by 5 in vellum strip.  Use tape dispenser to give jagged edge.

3) Bottom of page, 12 x 2 1/4 strip of graph looking blue paper or similar, distress edges, attach

4)  6 x 3 piece of paper in light orange behind "May", distress edges and add over blue and green paper on lower left corner.

5) Cardstock with graph or lined paper design, 3 x 2.5 in size, distress edges, add to lower left

6)Add 8 x 8 piece of embossed/printed handwriting paper about 3 1/4 in from left edge.  Cut 7 1/4 by 4 in dark pink and distress edge.  Add it to page lining up with left most edge of handwriting paper, overlapping on it.

7) 6 x 3 1/2 piece of ivory cardstock, handwrite a letter, fold it up, wrinkle it, distress it and add to right side in middle of page leaving 3 1/4 from the bottom.

8)Cut orange patterned paper in 2 1/5 x 5 and rip one of the shorter ends to face to the right.  Distress all edges and attach to top right corner overlapping letter and pink paper

9)Cut 8 1/2 in piece of paper to taper from right at 1/2 in to left at 3/4 in, rip the left edge and distress all edges.  Add to top of layout going from right to left overlapping orange and pink papers.

10) Cut out "May" from coordinating pattern paper, distress, add glitter, add on top of light orange paper leaving part of the "y" unglued to fit picture under

11) Add small paper with "2011" stamped on it, distress edges

12) Add fake tape tan vellum 1 x 1/2 in cut with tape dispenser, to top right corner 1/2 in from top, flush with right side and stamp with sentiment.  Add fake tape tan vellum 2 3/4 x 1/2 to right side of pink paper, cutting with tape dispenser, add fake white vellum tape 1 1/2 x 3/4 in cut with tape dispenser to top of light orange paper above "May", add fake white vellum tape 2 1/4 x 3/4 in cut with tape dispenser to bottom left of pink paper.

13) Stamp sentiment above "May"

14)Cut two butterflies in one design and three in another and use chalks to add characteristics.  May use stickers or punches.  Add glitter to accent.  Add wire antennae to butterflies.  Put two most similar in size on grid paper on lower left and add stamped sentiment in coordinating colors.  Add two of the larger butterflies to the top of the aged letter overlapping the orange paper near top right.  Add smallest butterfly to lower right of the aged letter.

15) Add 3-6 cut out dictionary definitions to bottom right corner overlapping some of the different papers.  Use scanner to get words and print onto acid free paper of coordinating color or find vellum or stickers with similar format.

16) Place 5 x 4 floral vellum mat toward the top in the middle at a skewed angle and the two  3 1/2 x 3 1/2 mats trickling down the page barely overlapping each other. 

Now for the bottom

1) 12 x 12 page of coordinating pink paper for background

2) Cut flower die cuts for special days in varying colors, distress with inks and enhance with glitter.  Handwrite the special day title on the flower.  Stamp the date on the flower.  Cut out Birthday cakes or other icons for other special days if you wish. 

3) Cut remaining days out of a lighter patterned paper suitable for writing at 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 in and distress edges. Stamp the remaining dates on the squares.

4) Cut out Days of Week whole word or beginning of word and use layers to make them pop off page.  I used Gypsy Wanderings font.

5) Practice by arranging where the squares and flowers will go and then use white gel pen to make lines for additional notes, even adding the word "Notes:"

6) Find a suitable quote in clear sticker or stamp and put it on a coordinating piece of paper.

7) Adhere all flowers and squares when you are happy with their placement. 

Whew....I believe that is a quick and dirty description of how to do this page.  If you need any other help with this page or the techniques let me know.  I scraplifted this page from a printed page by K & Company from the Cut and Paste pad.  

I hope you enjoyed this and let me know where I go to see yours!  Happy Hopping!  Next you are off to Lisa at Lisa's Paper Butterflies  http://lisaspaperbutterflies.blogspot.com.

Natalie

 

Thank You Gift Blog Hop Entries Closed - Winner Announced!

I wanted to thank everyone who stopped by my blog and commented on my project for the Thank You Gift Blog Hop hosted by Joy at Joy's Life!  I had a great time and loved all of your comments!  Thanks to you who became followers, which helped me reach my goal of 100 followers! Now I get to trek down to Michael's and pick out some blog candy and I'll be doing that this week!  Just been a tad busy with hops and kids!

Anyway.....Now for the winner....I used Random.org to pick a winner from 75 different people who commented and here's what it showed.....

 And who is the 61st commenter..........hold on I had to scroll for....a....min....ute.....

Anna D.

You and your daughter did an awesome job!!! Just adorable!!!
Thanks for the chance to win. 

You are welcome, Anna! Congratulations! Let's hear it for the girl!  Thanks again everyone and good luck next time!  I will be e-mailing you, Anna, and getting your mailing info!  Buy some popcorn, it's movie time!  

Natalie

  

Update Post for Thank You Gift Blog Hop

I will be drawing the winner for the Thank You Gift Blog Hop on Tuesday so that all of my weekend warrior scrapping sisters and the occasional brother can leave comments and enter to win!

Please tell all of your friends to stop by and see my blog and become a follower as well. I will be giving away some blog candy when I reach 100 followers.  I will be searching for some fun stuff to give away and I will post a separate blurb for you all to leave me some congrats and enter to win so stay posted!!!

"Thank You" Gift Blog Hop!

Welcome to Timeless Legacy Designs by Natalie McBroom, that's me!  I am so glad you are hopping along with all of us today and I hope you are enjoying all the "Thank You" gift ideas that are being presented to you today!

If you've just stumbled upon my blog and would like to start from the beginning of this hop then start at Joy's Life and then follow the links all the way to the end!  Don't forget to leave comments as there will be prizes!   

For my "Thank You" gift I decided to make a little gift bag with goodies for the new hair stylist I met at my local salon, "Details".  It's a small world where I live, she knew my in-laws and was really sweet to me and my little girl.  She gave me a great cut and style.  I plan on going back to her and I wanted to bless her with a little gift of Christmas love!  I wanted to picture the goody bag by my one and only Santa.  My late grandmother Mildred gave this to me and she was one of the people in my life who really demonstrated a giver's heart.  She'd love that I am doing crafts and sharing them with others!

Here's the details of the bag: I used my Gypsy and Expression for this project.  I cut the bag using one of the bags on Plantin Schoolbook.  The paper is K&Co, Secret Santa.  The lightbulb tag is from Very Merry Tags.  The Ho Ho Ho ribbon is from Michael's last year.  The Christmas tree window is a cut I welded into the bag from the Christmas Solutions Cartridge which was part of the free download from Cricut found here and it is going on until December 31st. I adhered a rectangle of clear material cut from a piece of a "report cover" that you can buy at office supply stores.  I found it was more affordable than transparency sheets.  I used Stickles in Candy Cane and Holly to make Christmas lights on the clear material.  I used Stardust Stickles on the tag.  I forgot to let them dry more before I took the picture, but they are beautiful once dried.  If you have never tried Stickles grab some on sale at your craft store and you'll be hooked.  I got all 35 original colors at a great deal on eBay. 

Now for pics of the goodies inside the bag!

I found a website which suggested gifts that would be appreciated by stylists at salons.  I found some great stocking stuffers and gifts at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  I used the coupons I get in the weekly mailer.  I found a marshmallow cupcake lollipop.  It had been dipped in chocolate and then dipped in crushed candy cane pieces.  You could make these from scratch, if you felt inspired!  The lotions are for a stylist's sore feet and dried out hands!  The little notebook is for all the great information she gets from her clients or for words of wisdom she thinks of during the day!  It is travel themed because being a stylist affords one the opportunity to feel like a world traveler without leaving the building due to all the people they meet!

Lastly, my little girl who is 3 1/2 wanted to create her own gift bag as well.  Here is her take on the bag!

Now for the prize!  I'd like to give one lucky blogger the movie "The Nativity Story" to watch.  I purchased this copy at Bed Bath and Beyond and it is a legitimate release wrapped in cellophane and not a bootleg copy!  I loved this movie and it will put you in the Christmas Spirit for sure!   All you need to do is leave a comment and your e-mail on this post for a chance to win the movie.  If you'd like, put your blog link as well and I'll come visit your blog!

Thanks for stopping by today!  If you like my blog, feel free to let me know, become a follower, grab my button to the right and tell others about my site.  Don't forget to sign up to receive my e-mail newsletter.  I regularly post about other blogs, giveaways, techniques, challenges, and just fun paper crafting finds, sales, contests, news and what not! 

Now on to the next blog: Raven at http://love4stamps.blogspot.com/
Here's the complete list of blogs for your reference:

Joy	http://joyslife.com/
Ruthie	http://septemberninth.blogspot.com/
Angela	http://creativecraftin.blogspot.com
Carrie	http://thegreenbeanscrafterole.blogspot.com
Denise	http://cricutmyway.blogspot.com/
Gale	http://www.thehappystamper.com/
Janis	http://pausedreamenjoy.blogspot.com
Jen	http://scrapaholicjen.blogspot.com
Jenny	http://crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com
Jin	http://underacherrytree.blogspot.com
Julie	http://cricutchick.blogspot.com
Lori	http://scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com
Mari (Momo)	http://madebymomo.blogspot.com
Misty	http://abusyplace.blogspot.com
Natalie (ME)	http://timelesslegacydesigns.blogspot.com
Raven	http://love4stamps.blogspot.com/
Theresa	http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/
Tracy	http://www.craftjunkietoo.com/
Yolanda	http://yoliebean.blogspot.com

Clear Your Calendar!

Don't forget Saturday December 12th is the "Thank You" Gifts Blog Hop.  The hop will start at Joy's Life and eventually lead to many other blogs including mine!  I will have a fun "Thank You" gift idea to share with you as well as a prize for one lucky blogger who leaves a comment and e-mail address. 

Sign up for my newsletter by e-mail to the right to find out when I post new blurbs on my blog!  Tell your friends. 

When I get to 100 followers I am going to have a giveaway for one lucky follower!
Have a great weekend!
Natalie

Blinkies, Buttons, and Bling

I have gone crazy looking at all the blog hops going on right now and all the great work and ideas out there!  I noticed that most of the blogs have many blinkies, buttons, and bling all over their page and I thought I'd let my followers know why my blog doesn't necessarily look like the others in that regard.

My goal for this blog has changed over the time I've had it and I have settled into a position in my life right now that I am only on one design team at the time, hence one button in support of that.  I have the button for my site that someday will be updated :).  I put up a few blog candy announcements and blog hops if I feel like it!!!  For the most part I want to keep all of my space on the side columns free to bring you links to all kinds of other sites.  You see I am not the most talented person on the planet (yes I know this comes as a shock to my family), I love my own style and I am just not a pioneer in the paper craft world, so I like to connect others to those who are pioneers as well as those who are newbies.  All of the talent is amazing to say the least.  All of it is inspiring in some way. 

I like to share what I make on this blog, nudge you to be you, and have this blog feel like it is an old notebook filled with knowledge that you'd never throw away.  I have so many goals, to make videos, to make more varied projects, and to showcase more complex and difficult techniques. I have thoughts to share with you and inspiration just trying to get out.  This will all come in time......

So for now, few blinkies, and lots of linkies!
I need to get to bed!
Natalie

Peachy Keen Stamps

Recently, I made a new bloggy friend, Ruth Ann or Ruthie as her friends call her.  She is a member of the Design Team at Peachy Keen Stamps.  This site is great!  They have awesome stamp sets and even hold challenges on their blog and they give away their product.  If you haven't heard of this site before and you like to put "faces" on your creations, then this is the place for you.

I asked Ruthie, which stamp sets should I start with.  I don't have any of the paper doll cartridges, but thought it would be fun to put faces on some everyday die cut shapes.  Here's the advice she gave me.

Hi Natalie,

O.k. here is my advise....

I would start off with one of these sets:

PK-491 Every Day Faces

PK-540 Funshine Face Assortment

PK-570 Basic Paper Doll Face Assortment

All three of the above sets have very basic faces and can easily be used in many different ways. I would choose the one you like best and get that one. All three sets come with 6 different faces, in 5 different sizes. I think Funshine has 7 faces, that is why it costs a little more then the other two.

If you are able to purchase a second set, I would get PK-640 the Princess Face Assortment.  This one is really girlie so I wouldn't choose it as a 1st choice.

If you are going to be stamping faces on things that don't normally have faces, like fruit and other objects, then I would get PK-660 the Laughy Taffy Face Assortment. 

You can also use the basic faces on non-traditional stuff, but the Laughy Taffy set is a fun one to have.

The white pen and chalk really make the faces come to life. I bought both of these items at Michael's with coupons. Lately, I have been using my colored pencils as well.

Hopefully, that helped. :) Let me know if you have any other questions.

Ruthie :)
Check out Ruthie's blog here.  Peachy Keen Site is here.

Sweet Daddy

My newest LO featured at If It's Groovy!

 Stop by If It's Groovy and check out all the Design Team creations lately! 
Natalie

New Blog in Town

I love finding new blogs, if you have any I should check out, let me know!  I list them on my website and I try to list blog hops and other challenges and giveaways.  Let me know about any of these and I'll post them for you! 
I stumbled into a new blog for the Cricut, Flaunt it Fridays!  Check it out!


Natalie

Imaginisce Design Team Call

Being on a DT is a wonderful way to grow as a scrapbook artist and paper artist.  Try out your talent at Imaginisce for 2011.  I would, but I am wayyyyy toooooo busy!  Maybe next year!
Natalie

$450 in DCWV giveaway at Robert's Crafts!

I just found a huge giveaway over at Robert's Crafts!  Hurry over and check it out!

Holiday Blog Hops

Here is a list of some Christmas/Holiday blog hops and giveaways going on and coming up!
My Creative Time
Imaginisce
Scrappin Navy Wife
and another Imaginisce December Sketch Blog Hop
Sweet Sassy Diva
Cooking with Cricut
Happy New Year Giveaway 

The Chargers

My husband loves the Chargers and so do I.  Well, he loves the San Diego Chargers and I just love the ones featured over at Michaels this week!  I have never purchased chargers to put under my plates, but there are some really great ideas!

Go over and check them out here.

New Challenge at If It's Groovy! Tell your friends!

Hey do you get those "words of the day" emails? Do you ever wonder what in the world that word means? Now is your chance to use one or open up a dictionary and create a lo using a word you find! It should be fun and Debbie will have a prize for one winner. Head on over to If It's Groovy and check out what's going on!  Email Groovy Deb at If It's Groovy if you would like to enter: groovydeb@yahoo.com.
Here's my take on the challenge!

Pay It Forward Day and Merry and Bright Card

Today is Pay It Forward Day at my church and I challenge you to give a gift of a kind deed or a donation today or this week or this month! Run through your house and find a box or bag full of stuff you could take to any of your local charity supported thrift stores. Take a few bags of food to the food bank. Make a commitment to an Angel Tree child or church supported fund-raisers! Pay for someone's groceries, or coffee at the coffee house. Maybe even drop a bag of pet food to the local pet shelter. Make treats for your neighbors or people you get services from in your community! Try to work this in here and there this month. You'll find that helping others cheer up takes away your own blues and holiday frustration.

Here is a card I made last night to wish you all a Merry and Bright Christmas and Holiday Season. Today I'd like to share with everyone that I am so grateful for the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, and that I love spending all month celebrating and reflecting on this Man, who is God incarnate! I get weepy when I think of how our Creator knitted together Jesus in Mary's body and kept her safe as the precious baby grew, indwelt in this Man's body His own Spirit, and allowed His own Son to go through a short but fulfilling life on Earth all because He seeks a freindship, fellowship, and relationship with me! Thank Yous are never enough!!!! God bless all my family, friends (internet included), loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, my community, my state, my country, and my enemies. May you all be filled with God's Spirit this season!

10 x 7 in. white cardstock folded in half
5 x 7 in. patterned paper #1, 1 x 7 in. patterned paper #1 edges and folds distressed with sandpaper (SEI Winter Song)
4 x 6 in. patterned paper #2 edges distressed with sandpaper (SEI Winter Song
3.25 x 4.25 in. patterned paper #3 edges distressed with sandpaper (SEI Winter Song)
8 inches red grosgrain ribbon 1/2 in wide
snowflake die cut from white cardstock at 2 in high (Christmas Cricut cart, Gypsy, Expression)
scalloped circle die cut from patterned cardstock at 1.6 in (SEI Winter Song,, any cart with a circle with small scallops, Gypsy, Expression)
snowflake stamp approx 1.5 in wide or less (I used Basic Grey Figgy Pudding: Santa Baby clear stamp set)
sentiment stamp approx 1.5 wide or less ( I used Stampin UP! 2002 All Year Cheer I)
clear stamp acrylic mounting block
coordinating stamp pads 2 colors (Stampin UP! Bordering Blue and Tim Holtz Firebrick Red Distress Ink)
Reminisce foam 3D adhesive squares
Stickles in Crystal color
double sided adhesive

Use any sentiment you choose from your assorted collection.  Don't have any stamps, check out this link for some coupons to your local craft stores.  There are also some great stamp artists on the internet like Joy's Life, Typical Scrapbooker, or any others that are referenced here on my blog to the bottom left of the page.

 

Sand the edges of the paper to create a lovingly worn look!   When adding the #3 patterned paper use 5 3D foam adhesive squares or circles to pop off card.

                                   Adding ribbon makes cards look more handmade and personal!

  Add the distressed strip of paper to the top or bottom or the side of the inside of the card for pizazz!

Practice on scrap paper with the stamps to see where to put each one and then stamp on your project pieces, add a 3D foam piece to the center of the snowy message medallion and top off with some Stickles for bling!

I hope you enjoyed my card and have a great day!!!!  May it be Merry and Bright!
Natalie

Christmas Bags and Tags

My mother, Bead Bum, has been making jewelry for the University of Montana's UC Bookstore gift section for a few years and I offered to make her some cute bags and tags for her Christmas Collection.  Here is a slide show of the bags I made.  Some are large for bracelet earring combos and some are small for just earrings.  She places a card with the jewelry on it inside the bag along with some tissue.  She'll be adding ribbon for the tags.  I plan on making some for other holidays for her as well. 

I made the bags using my Cricuut Expression, Plantin Schoolbook, and Very Merry Tags.  I used K and Company dual sided Christmas paper and SEI paper Winter Song.

Check out my Sketches!

Over at If It's Groovy, Groovy Deb has been featuring my sketches every Friday.  These are not your everyday sketches, people.  These sketches push you to develop a way of scrapbooking that brings your life and your emotions on to the pages.  I hope to develop some 2-page layouts, cook book layouts, faithbook layouts and make sketches from them.  Until then check out the past two sketches I've done at If It's Groovy.  I challenge you to submit your take on my sketches to the blog for us to enjoy!  This weeks sketch and last weeks.
Natalie

5 free Cricut Cartridges for your Gypsy!

Hurry over to http://www.cricut.com/gypsy/promo/default.aspx and get 5 free cartridges if you buy a Gypsy and register it by December 31 or if you already own a Gypsy you can just do an update and receive them!  PC and MAC updates and software available!  Wow!  What a treat!

My new daughter!

Well, folks, I've been away for a bit due to some recovery time needed with having my daughter.  I am happy to announce that she was delivered via C-section on October 7th at 5:18 pm and weighed 8 lbs and 6 oz.  She was measured at 21 inches long, but the pediatrician's measurement was 20 so that is what I'll go with.  She has beautiful curly, brown hair and is such a joy to have.

I'll be back to crafting soon.  In the mean time stop over to If It's Groovy and take a look at all the great Halloween layouts, cards, and projects that the Design Team has made.  Ever thought it would be fun to be on the If It's Groovy Design Team?  Well, if you've got some spunk and you're a Groovy Girl, head on over, check it out and send Groovy Deb and e-mail letting her know you are interested and would like to apply!

Imagine Nation Bloghop

Oh my gosh!  If you love winning scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies then hop on over to Pink Cricut and hurry up as the hop ends tonight as far as I can tell!   Do it, do it now!

Natalie!

Happy October 1st!

It's a blustery day here in Imperial County and a great day to scrap.  I've been a little behind in reading my emails, however I wanted to share the Green Wednesday announcement from Provo Craft.  They are selling the Cricut Imagine with three carts~a totally different combination than that which was offered on HSN.  Click on the ad for details.

If you are having any issues with your Imagine here is a link to Tips, Tricks, & Troubleshooting.
I wanted to let my followers know that my husband blessed me with the HSN deal for our 6th Anniversary!  I have been playing with it as much as possible and I am really enjoying it.  I never planned to get one and I felt so guilty getting one.  I have really denied myself this past year as far as clothes and crafting goodies as in the past I spent a lot more, until the economy crashed.  I am just very humbled and trying to accept that it's okay to celebrate once in a while.  If any of you are struggling with celebrating in these lean times or if you struggle with celebrating, period, you've got to read "Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes", by Joyce Meyers.  The title is misleading in my opinion, and it's turning out to be a great book.  My women's Bible group is reading it now.

I hope to be sharing projects I've made and I want to make some out of different materials than the mainstream Cricut blogs are doing.  I really want to try using transparency material as my current printer will not print on it very well.

On a different note, yesterday my OB doc said that he may induce me next Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday as my due date is on Friday the 8th and it is best not to go too long as I have gestational diabetes.  So we'll see folks, we may have a new little one this time next week!

Blessings from Natalie!

Time to Think About Halloween?

I don't have any fun pics of me as a child dressed up in costume to show you, but I'm thinking I can dig up one or two from my adult Halloween days.  I'll have to put that on my to do list today!

In the meantime, I stumbled onto the Die Cuts With a View Blog via Everyday Cricut and they are both having giveaways.  In fact Everyday Cricut has a giveaway every week and you'd better get over there and check it out!  Sign up to receive e-mail notices from both sites and comment on their posts.  Follow their directions for your chance to win the giveaways and be inspired as well! Make sure you visit DCWV on Facebook, too!

I've got about a week and a half to go before baby is due and I'm trying to take it easy and scrapbooking and making cards fits in well!  Even my 3 year old loves being at the big desk across from me and working on her own projects.....lovin' it!