Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Believe in Magic Skittles New Release/Challenge

 It's week two of the brand new release of the DoubleClick Skittles, 
"Believe in Magic" collection. 

Plus, we're having a challenge as well.  Be sure to link up your Disney or Mouse themed project to our challenge by 8/4/15.  You do not have to use Skittles to link up.  Look for the challenge on the right sidebar here and be sure you read the challenge rules.


So many vacationers head to Disney every summer, and I thought it would be fun to create something functional to store your tickets, receipts, pressed pennies, etc., all in one place.  You can even attach your collectible Disney pins along the sides of this fun, playful passport.  When you get home, you can scrap your saved items.


My fused passport or pocket holder, has a flap with a Velcro tab so you can slip your tickets, receipts, etc. into the back of your passport.  I decorated the outside of my flap with punched circles that were adhered with an adhesive runner.  I've used my We R Memory Keepers Fuse for so many of my Skittles projects; the two really go hand in hand.  And, the stretchy May Arts Ribbon was the perfect "lanyard" to hold up my fused passport.  Toss it around your neck and go!



Have you tried Skittles yet?  These are just as delicious as the candy, only they last longer!  These fun little bubble embellishments go perfect with all your projects.  They're great for blinging out just about everything from cards to frames to mirrors and more. 

Click on the photo below to purchase the new Believe in Magic Skittles for just $4.00.  That's a 3 pk with 25 skittles per bag plus FREE SHIPPING in the USA!  Paypal is accepted too.  Bonus!



Here's a quick glance at how I made my fused passport, starting with an 8x8 page protector I had laying around.


Before you fuse the flap, be sure you trim off the backside, to allow for an open pocket.

Next time, I'll leave just a tad more room, perhaps about 1/4 to 1/2" on the sides, as it was a tight squeeze after I embellished my memory page and slipped it back in.

I love these new Skittles so much, I'm going to have to order more from Carri before they are sold out!  They are hot, hot, hot!


Linking up to these challenges:



Supplies: Believe in Magic DoubleClick Skittles, We R Memory Keepers Fuse, page protector, Tombow Power bond adhesive runner, Tombow foam squares, May Arts Ribbon 2 mm black/white twine, May Arts Ribbon red plaid ruffle ribbon, May Arts Ribbon adhesive scalloped border, Simple Stories Say Cheese paper, hole punch, 3/4" circle punch, Ranger liquid pearls onyx


#wrmk #skittles #tombow #mayartsribbon #simplestories #fuse #cre8time #Disney #mickeymouse #mouse #ranger #summer #vacation #magic #wavingmywand #rangerink #americancrafts

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Bloom with ADORNit and Zig Clean Color

Hello crafty friends and welcome to Saturday!  As a workin' girl, I have to get crafty whenever I can.  That means late nights, weekends and even lunch breaks at work!  Hey, whatever works, right?

I jumped on the Zig Clean Color bandwagon.  Yes, I did.  Recently, I worked a booth at the Scrapbook Expo for the first time.  It was hard work, let me tell you, but a wonderful experience.  I re-connected with artist/designer/vendors from the Craft & Hobby Association, when I was the guest blogger last summer at the Paper Arts show, made new friends and had fun when some of my fellow crafty friends from my hometown popped by my booth to say hi!

Working the Expo does have it's perks.  For example, the vendor discount, which is how I snagged my brand new Zig markers.  




I have to admit.  I have a hard time just coloring.  I always want to add more.  Today's project is no exception.  Yes, I grabbed my Stickles glitter glue and added some sparkles on this ADORNit Art Play Paintable from the "Be Awesome" collection.


I've added some of my favorite products to my Bloom creation, including May Arts Ribbon, Skittles bubble embellishments and Plaid Dimensional Magic Glue for the vase.  


Want to know a secret?  My initial creation was a disaster!  I added a bunch of stuff to the background of my painted image and it was a total flop.  Hey, the creative process is definitely not a perfect science.  Learn from your mistakes and move on.  Which is why I rescued my lovely vase by fussy cutting the entire colored image and ditching my disastrous background.

I think it turned out better than what I originally planned.  It's my first time cutting out an ADORNit colored image which leads me to my next statement.  There's always a lesson to be learned.  Don't limit yourself.  Cut up your image and use it in different ways, if you so choose.  You never know where your art will lead you.  Mistakes are often blessings in disguise.  I love that.






Additional supplies:  Zig Clean Colors (green, carmine red, light gray, light green, persian blue, flesh, violet, brown, cobalt blue, purple, orange, yellow), DoubleClick Skittles in banana, blue raspberry and strawberry, May Arts Ribbon mini pom in white and blue floral print, Tombow Power Bond adhesive runner and foam strips, Ranger liquid pearls, Ranger Stickles glitter glue Eucalyptus, Neon Flamingo, yellow, magenta, Plaid Mod Podge Magic dimensional glue, American Crafts DIY kraft card/envelope, white gel pen, Marvy Le Pen black fine point pen, Doily

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links. Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

#adornit #artplay #mayartsribbon #tombow #ranger #rangerink #cre8time #zig #zigcleancolor #plaid #modpodge #stickles #glitter #americancrafts #kraft #skittles #doubleclickconnect #scrapbook #card #coloring #paint

Friday, July 24, 2015

SITS Summer Photography Challenge Day 10 - Black and White

 Well, I haven't been able to participate every single day of this challenge, but I have enjoyed the days that I was able to link up, and the invaluable tips and techniques.

Today, I'm sharing black and white pictures of my son, taken in Senoia, GA, home to The Walking Dead television show.  Yes, we're fans and we made a special trip to visit the town.  We actually attending a family wedding nearby, here on this old county fairground, which is where I snapped these photos. 

That's a mason jar of ice tea, folks, not alcohol, haha.  I adore this picture.  I took several of the wedding in black and white as well but this is what I call the money shot.


I had to throw in a silly zombie photo as well.
 

Thank you for allowing me to participate in this challenge!


#sitsblogging #sitsgirls 

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Believe in Magic! New Skittles release and Challenge!

Welcome to a brand new challenge at DoubleClick Skittles, and.....

a brand new release!

DoubleClick Skittles Challenge #26 - Disney or Mouse

7/22 - 8/4

*New Release - "Believe in Magic" Skittles

We are so excited about Carri's new release, Believe in Magic.  It's the PERFECT embellishment for all your Disney, Mickey Mouse projects, Pirates of the Caribbean  and more! 


Aren't these new colors fabulous?  Don't forget - each batch is hand made and new releases sell out fast so if you are even thinking about ordering, don't wait!




Today, I've created a self-closing box, using my Cricut Explore and papers from the Simple Stories Say Cheese 12x12 paper pad.



This is such a fun box.  All you do is press the sides together and it pops open.  I re-sized this box to approx 6"x10".   I'll share where you can find this file in my supply list at the bottom of this post.



I had so much fun deciding how I would use my Skittles.  I punched out some circles from my designer paper to make the mouse embellishment and added Skittles to the ears.




I also fussy cut the main image here, popped it out with foam squares and added more of the new  Believe in Magic Skittles.



These fussy cut balloons are added to my main image and decorated with more of these bubbly jewels!  I've added some May Arts Ribbon bakers twine for balloon string, as well as the red natural string behind the mouse ears.  Those fun little curly circles are stickers from SRM stickers.


This was such a fun project to make.  I absolutely love it and I adore how magical the new Skittles are!  I hope you fall in love and try some for yourself.  

Don't forget to go here to purchase the new Believe in Magic Skittles.

Enter the new challenge here, and be sure to read the rules of the challenge.

Linking to these additional challenges:




Supply List:
Believe in Magic Skittles
Simple Stories Say Cheese paper pad
Scor Tape 1/4"
Tombow adhesives (runner, glue, foam strips)
May Arts Ribbon 2mm black/white baker's twine
May Arts Ribbon red natural burlap string
SRM Press Black Stitches Stickers

**I've been asked by the designer of the Cricut Explore Design Space file to redirect folks to her blog and if you would like the DS file for the self-closing box, she will email it to you.  She asks that this file not be shared publicly.  It was made with free Cricut DS images so if you are a design space user, there will not be a charge.  You can find the information here.


#cre8time #believeinmagic #doubleclick #disney #skittles #mickeymouse #pirates #piratesofthecaribbean #mayartsribbon #party #birthday #gift #cricut #cricutexplore #srmstickers #tombow #simplestories #saycheese

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

SITS Summer Photography Challenge Day 7 - Photographing People

 This is a photograph of my son taken in the Winter.  We were on a casual stroll when he suddenly stopped and was just looking around.  He glanced at me and I snapped what feels like the perfect, casual pose.  This is my favorite picture that I've even taken of my child.  I hope you like it too.

I've really enjoyed this challenge and am learning so much!




#sitsgirls #SITSBlogging

Monday, July 20, 2015

May Arts Ribbon Round 2 Design Team Finalist Submission

Here's my round two creation, as finalist for the May Arts Ribbon Design Team 2015-2016
I've created "Floating Lotus Flower Ribbon Lights".    
I have an inexpensive planner and right away, started jotting down ideas.  I came up with about 10 different project ideas.  What stuck in my head was doing a floating project.  A floating lotus made out of ribbon.  And, maybe a light in the middle?  How about a ribbon flower wrapped around the light?  So, that's how my idea took form and here's how I implemented it.  


I googled lotus flowers and was inspired by the photo below and this article from Liz Larson, a student at North Dakota State University.  Lotus Flower Article.  Did you know the lotus flower only blooms in pink or white and is often mistaken for the Water Lily, which blooms in many colors?  There's your fun fact of the day. 




As you can see, I chose to make one white and one pink.  


The ribbons that I'm featuring today are:



My tutorial will include instructions for making two of the floating lights.  

Below are the supplies needed for the Float, Lily Pad, and Lotus Flowers.  Actually, the lily pad was a last minute add on.  After looking at all those googled flowers, I couldn't imagine making a floating Lotus without a Lily Pad.  Bonus!  I hope you'll be patient with me as I break this tutorial down into sections, starting with the float.

For the float you will need:

- Two 5" Circular Craft Foam  (available as a 2-pk at Dollar Tree)
-Two battery operated tea light candles (available as a 4-pk at the Dollar Tree)
-Ruler
-Marker
-Large knife

To begin, measure and trace a 2.5" square in the center of your craft foam and trim edges 
off with a knife. 


Well, that was easy!  Now, let's create the Lily Pad.  You will need:

- One 8.5"x11" sheet of vellum paper
-Clear Glue
- Extra Fine Glitter
-Paint or Ink/Mister
-Scissors
-small paintbrush
-heat embossing tool (optional)
-hot glue gun

To begin, if you have May Arts Ribbon spools this is going to be super easy.  Just trace your circle with the lid of your spool onto your vellum!  Or you can use a die-cutting machine such as a Cricut or Silhouette and cut a 4" circle, or go old school and measure and hand cut.



(Originally, I trimmed a center circle to place the lily pad over my tealight, however I didn't like the height of the lily pad so just ignore those inner trimmed circles.  That step will not be necessary.)

Paint your vellum circle with green paint.  I chose Spellbinders Silk Luster in Luscious Lime which comes with it's own brush attached.  

The vellum will curl, so you may need to use something to hold it down while you paint.  I often turn to my Cricut tools for this but the point of your scissors would work, as well.

Allow to dry or use a heat tool for a minute or less to dry the paint. 

Next, cover your painted vellum circle with clear glue.  I love Tombow Mono Aqua glue because it has a fine tip on one end, and a wide tip on the other end.  The wide tip is perfect for large coverage.



Sprinkle with glitter while still wet.



Allow to dry overnight or for several hours.
Re-shape as desired, then apply to craft foam with hot glue gun.

See the lighter circle?  I thought I'd try one without the paint.  Which led me to believe, YES, it needs paint!  Sometimes it helps to see what works and what doesn't, don't you think?  Crafting is not a perfect science and it just might save you the heartache of skipping out on the paint.



I decided that I wanted a yellow bud in the center, as many of the white lotus flowers have a yellow center.   I chose to make a rolled, quilled ribbon flower.   

You will need:

- Four 3" long trimmed strips of yellow KA27
-Two 3" squares of  Heat n Bond (found in Walmart and Craft stores)
- fine tipped Scissors
-Quilling Tool
-Rolled Flower Die
-Die cutting machine (I used my Cuttlebug)
-Iron
-Heat embossing tool



First, if using wired ribbon, remove the wires.  Trim one edge only from each strip.  Overlap two of the ribbons approximately 1/4" in the center with
your trimmed edges in the center. 

Repeat for the second bud.





Add your heat n bond, glossy side down and iron for 8 seconds or so.  Don't hold too long or you risk burning your ribbon.  This step is necessary to provide a cleaner, crisper die cut. 

Peel off your backing.





Place your ribbon and die through your die cut machine.  In this case, I used my Cuttlebug.
I ran this through several passes to make sure it was cut well.  Even so, a few strands may need to be hand trimmed with fine tipped scissors. 



Use your quilling tool to roll your ribbon flower.  

*There is a slight learning curve if you've never quilled before.  You can find the tool in most craft stores for under $3.00.  You can also find videos on YouTube.  As a special treat, I've made a video for you today, showing you how to roll this flower.  I must warn you; I don't do videos as you will soon see.  In fact, I had my husband hold the camera so I could use two hands.  Maybe this is just the impetus I need to start doing videos?  I highly doubt it.  But, one never knows.... so here's my ah, hem.... video.  Laugh, if you will.  I can take it.  I do hope it's easy enough to help the newbie out.


Terri's Quilled Flower video


If you'd like something a little more "professional", then check out this under 2 minutes video from Judy Morrow and My Favorite Things, makers of the rolled scallop die that I used for this bud:

Allow your flower to slightly unravel.

You will need to slightly heat set the quilled flower so that it maintains it's shape and fits properly over the tea light.  Turn the flower upside down and heat for just a few seconds.  Allow to cool for a few minutes before proceeding.  You may need to insert a pencil up through the bud to open enough to fit over the light.

It's also removeable, should you need to replace the tea light.


Let's wrap this up with instructions for the lotus flower.  We're getting there, yay!


You will need:
-40 2.5" leaf petals made with JC01 and JC17 (20 pink and 20 white)
 -Heat n Bond (optional if using Cricut/Silhouette)
-Iron
-Spray Starch
-Wax paper
-Hot Glue Gun
-scissors
*optional- decorative string or ribbon around base of flower

However you choose to cut your lotus petals, you will need 12 - 2"x11" strips of ribbon to make 2 lotus flowers, if using a die cutting machine.  You will need to iron on strips of heat n bond, just as you did for the bud above.




I used this Cricut Explore Design Space file to cut my leaf petals.  It was created with free basic shapes so you are welcome to use if you are an Explore owner.  Simply click the link and log on to Design Space, then save the file:


You'll need to turn your leaf petals sideways to cut horizontally on the ribbon.

  Once leaves are cut, spread out on wax paper and spray both sides with spray starch.  I read online that this was a good way to stiffen ribbon or fabric.  Blot excess spray from the wax paper.  Cover with another layer of wax paper, press down and allow to dry overnight.   


Did it stiffen to the degree that I expected?  I'd like to say yes, but I have to say no.  It was not as stiff as I would like.  However, it was workable.  



Now, divide your leaf petals in groups:
6, 6 and 8 per float


To better stabilize the petals, trim the bottom so the edge is flat. 

Stack 6 petals and trim 3/4" off the bottom. 



Place your tea light in the center, as a guide for gluing your petals around it. 
Hot glue around the base, taking care to not glue the tealight itself.  Slighty overlap each leaf petal and tack with extra glue as needed to stabilize in an upright position. 


Next, lay 6 petals flat around the base of the inner flowers, as pictured above, evenly spaced and hot glued to the lily pad.


Finally, add the outer layer of petal leaves. 
For these 8 petals, only trim 1/2" flat from the base.  Begin gluing, alternatively spacing around the inner lotus petals, tacking as needed to maintain an upright position. 


I added some mini pom poms ribbon in white around my white flower,  If you have excess hot glue that you'd like to cover up, this is an option.




I know this was lengthy and I appreciate your patience.  I wanted to cover all my bases and I hope I did so.  Thanks so much for allowing me to share this with you today.  These photos were taken at my brother's house where he has a very nice swimming pool which was the perfect backdrop for my photos.  Yes, I just "hated" that I had to go swimming today... haha.  Did I mention that it's mighty humid in Alabama?  As evidenced by my pink lotus..... it wanted to wilt just a bit in this humidity.  The white lotus held up nicely though.  Like I said.... crafting is not a perfect science..... but it sure is fun!





#cre8time #mayartsribbon #ribbon #flower #lotus #lilypad #crafting












Thursday, July 16, 2015

SITS Summer Photography Challenge Day 3 - Macro


We recently took a little excursion up to a Rhododendron Festival in Mentone, AL.  On the way back, we stopped near Little River Canyon and took a mini-hike out to Indian Falls.  

On the way, we spotted trees that were filled with these foamy patches.  I'm not sure what they are, possibly some kind of bug eggs, but we had to get a picture.  I snapped this with my Samsung Galaxy S3 in macro format.



As you can see, I forgot to remove the Macro setting for the next photo, thus the slight blur.
But you can see the foam in it's entirety.  If you know what this is, please share in the comment section.  I would love to know!  Like, I said, this stuff was everywhere.  Maybe these trees produce it?  Some sort of flying insect?  


I'll be out of town the next 4 days and a little bummed that I won't be able to keep up with the challenge, but hopefully I'll get some more great pictures while I'm away.  The tips and techniques have been invaluable, from the challenge sponsors and bloggers.  Thank you!


#SITSblogging #cre8time #foam #insect #bug #nature 


Wednesday, July 15, 2015

"Tanks" A Lot Aquarium Shaker Card.

Reminder.... Don't forget to enter the  


Challenge #26 is: Ocean 

 Link up your new creation (using Skittles is not required)

July 8 - July 21

Today I've created an Ocean themed Aquarium.  Ok, so it's a stretch, haha.  I started out with some seaweed and fish stamps.  The next thing I knew, it started looking like an aquarium!  So I went with it.  :)  I even tried to make it look like light was streaming from the top of the aquarium by adding yellow glitter glue across the top of the card.



I've used several colors of Skittles today including Sailboat Blue, Glitter Bellini (which is about to be retired so run and get some!) and a not yet released color.  

You can purchase these fun colors here!  DoubleClick Skittles Store
(PAYPAL ACCEPTED






This fun shaker card has Skittles glued onto the card, as well as loose inside the pocket.  The stamped images are from So Suzy Stamps, and I've made a fun little seaweed focus on the outer corners using May Arts Ribbon natural burlap string and trimmed felt.



Be sure you comment on all the Design Team projects and check out the rules, to be in the running for the prize being offered.  Good luck!  

Look for the Ocean Challenge at DoubleClick Skittles


Terri


Supply List:

The Paper Studio 5"x7" textured white card
So Suzy Stamps Sea Plant and Little Fish
Flower Soft Meadow
Flower Soft glue
Green sequins from Hobby Lobby
May Arts Ribbon Parrot Green burlap string
Trimmed felt from Target Dollar Spot flowers
Tombow Dual Brush pens Bright and Groovy Collection
Tombow adhesives
We R Memory Keepers Fuse and Page Protector
Ranger Liquid Pearls Platinum Pearl
Ranger Stickles glitter glue in Firefly and Yellow
Black scrap paper
Marvy Le Pen fine point black
Spellbinders Celebra'tions Rectangle Stitched dies
Cuttlebug
white gel pen
Miss Elizabeth's Simple Alphabet stickers


#skittles #doubleclickconnections #mayartsribbon #tombow #wrmk #spellbinders #cuttlebug #ranger #stickles #seaweed #fish #cre8time #felt

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Crafter's Unite! Cricut Rocks!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. Your purchase price is not affected in any way.


Terri here, from Waving My Wand.  You all know I love my Explore.  I use it for so many projects; fabulous die cuts, vinyl creations for photographs, mugs and t-shirts and easy to assemble paper projects like quick cards, banners and more.  If you've been thinking about switching from the "dark side", come on over!  Cricut has amped up it's product line to bring you the latest in cutting technology, including bluetooth technology that allows you to use your Explore hands free.  Link your Explore Air to your ipad, or iphone.  Yes!  Design from the comfort of your phone!  It's possible!  Android is next and I can't wait.  Look at some of the things you can do below.  If you're already a Cricut user, here's some offers you can take advantage of as well.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now that you’re more familiar with Cricut Explore One™Cricut Explore Air™ and Cricut Design Space™, it’s time to chat about some of the really neat things you can create when you put it all together. 

As you’re getting familiar with your Cricut machine, it’s a great idea to take advantage of the free Make it Now™ projects and images that you get with Cricut Design Space™. 

For example, check out this adorable 3D Hot Air Balloons Mobile. It’s a fun, easy starter project and makes for the perfect baby shower or toddler’s birthday gift (and can you believe it's made with felt?). And what’s a gift without a card? Cricut has an incredible selection of card examples made with Cricut Explore machines. There’s even a whole selection dedicated to everything baby, which is where I came across this cute baby shower card

Birthday
What better way to tell someone how special they are than with a hand/Cricut-made card and gift? This super fun shaker card is perfect for a 21+ birthday. And even if you purchase a gift, you can always use your Cricut Explore machine to personalize it. For example, if you bought a friend a purse or a wallet, you could use your machine to monogram it with their initials. Or if you bought them a plain shirt or sweater, you could customize it with a fun image or statement. 

I love this sparkly pineapple t-shirt. All you need is a blank shirt, a roll of Cricut Iron-on, and images from the Cricut® Summer Love image set. 

Pool Party
Soak up the summer fun with a pool party! You can use your Cricut Explore to create everything from invitations to decorations. Here are some really creative ideas for how to add some special splash to a pool party

Engagement/Wedding
Make your own beautiful table decorations, banners, party favor boxes, cards, and more for the happy couple in just a few minutes! You’ll find some really impressive ideas in Cricut’s Design Space, such as this lovely Mr. & Mrs. card

There are an unbelievable number of project examples in the Design Space, which are categorized by type (e.g. baby, holidays, home décor, school, food, etc.) and by level (easy, moderate, and advanced). You can also find a ton of great ideas for projects on Cricut's Blog and Pinterest page

The summer season is a perfect time to get your very own Cricut machine and familiarize yourself with Design Space and all the incredible projects you can create. Try out a few projects each month and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is. By the time the holiday season rolls around, you’ll be a Cricut pro and will wow your friends and family with your stunning crafting skills! 

Happy crafting! 


FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links. Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

#cricut #cricutexplore #bluetooth #technology #cre8time #cricuteverywhere #iphone #ipad #android