New Facebook Page!

I am really proud of the work that I have been creating. So much so that I created a Facebook page to showcase my work. The page is called Handmade Cards by Tiff. You can visit the page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Handmade-Cards-by-Tiff/250909008275823. You can like my page for more photos and info. Eventually, I will be using that page to take orders and ocassionally some giveaways! <Like> the page to keep up with new photos, tips and giveaways!

In the meantime, I had a request to make cards for Grandparents day. Here are two cards that I am very happy with!

The first card was made using the Wild Card cartridge and the My Community cartridge. The second card is made using the Wild Card cartridge. I love how both of them turned out, but my favorite is the old couple with the I ♥ u!

I will post more as I make them. I'll be returning to work next week. I will post more school related stuff and tips very soon!

One more...

Hi all! A couple days ago I posted some cards I made for a project supporting breast cancer. I made one more card using the Wild Card Cartridge (I love this cartridge!) because it is such a wonderful cause! If you would like to make a card and donate it to this wonderful cause, please see my previous post for more details!

BTW, thanks to all who have visited my blog and commenting on my work!

"Pink" Card Donation Project

One of the blogs I follow is www.mypinkstamper.com. She has a message posted on her blog about a wonderful project for breast cancer survivors. If you wish to donate a card, please visit Robyn's page for more information http://www.mypinkstamper.com/2011/08/card-donations-needed-great-service.html.

Here are the cards that I made!

I will try to make a few more before the cut off date. I think it is a wonderful idea to do something to make someone feel just a little extra special!

New toys and more crafting!

Since the last time, I have acquired some tools that I found absolutely necessary to have (although my husband would probably say otherwise, lol).

The first thing is the Scotch ATG. This is an adhesive gun that pretty much has a ton of adhesive tape. It's lightweight and very easy to use. I don't know why I didn't get this sooner! I will say that I had a little trouble loading it in the beginning. I searched youtube for a tutorial and found one demonstrating the proper way to load the adhesive tape (gotta love youtube!). I purchased the pink one because proceeds go to the Susan Komen foundation. So for anyone that wants to purchase one, purchase the pink one!

The next thing is the Crop o Dile Big Bite II. I had a 40% off coupon for Michael's so I used it for the Big Bite. This tool is amazing because it has a six inch reach to punch holes and set eyelets, brads, and gromlets. So far I like this a lot! I only played around with it for a little so I will discuss in detail at a later date if this was worth the purchase.

In the meantime, here are a couple items that I have worked on since my last post.

The first couple of pictures are cards that I made experimenting with color and texture. Of course the shapes were cut with the Cricut expression. I used the Walk in my Garden cartridge and another, but I don't remember which one. The last picture is something I made for a swap partner. This is going in a frame when it dries. The font is done with the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge. I really like the way that it came out! I find that my projects are looking much nicer as I am experimenting more.

Now the last time I promised to demonstrate how to make a mini book using toilet paper rolls, but I deleted the pictures by accident. So I am going to have to make another and show you all at a later date.

Before I go, today was the first time in my life that I experienced an earthquake! New Jersey rarely has them. As a matter of fact, we didn't have one. It was in Virgina, but the shaking could be felt up and down the east coast. It was a weird feeling but thankfully it wasn't enough to do damage where I live. I just hope it doesn't happen again anytime soon!

Been Busy

I'm still experimenting with my new cricut expression. The possibilities are endless! I've made a couple more cards and a simple scrapbook page. Most of the images have come from either the Plantin Schoolbook Cartridge, Walk in My Garden cartridge or Creative Critters cartridge. I'm going to do more experimenting with layering and embelishments before I start to make mini books. Here's what I have been working on so far...

These projects are quite easy to finish. Patterned paper, cardstock, glue and scissors can do a lot (along with a cricut).

In my next post, I'm going to show you how to make mini books using toilet paper and paper towel rolls!

First handmade card

So since I started using my cricut expression, I've been experimenting with shapes, sizes and patterns. Today I decided that I would make card. The envelope, card, and flower shape all come from the Plantin Schoolbook Cartridge. While it is not the most perfect card, it's pretty good for my first one using the cricut. I used a dab of silver glitter glue for the center of the flower. The pink paper is some patterned paper I had on hand.
This card is the first of many to come!

New to Paper Crafts!

I'm a teacher and it's only natural that we are crafty (as least that's what I was told once). I crochet, knit, paint, and sing a little. I love to create new items with my hands as it feels as though I have made a true contribution to the world (other than educating my students, lol).

This week, I was introduced to a new craft: paper crafting. That can include making cards, scrapbooking, etc. I have been debating about buying a Cricut Expression for some time now (mostly because of the cost), but I decided to reward myself because I just graduated from Graduate school with a 3.97 GPA.

The expression came in the mail a couple days ago with 4 cartridges (Formal Occasions, Florals Embelished, Simply Charmed and Life's a Party). I have to tell you it was like Christmas day opening my box with all those extra goodies inside. I have been playing with and experimenting with shapes, sizes and layering since I've opened the box. I didn't know paper crafting could be so addictive, LOL!I've also purchased some additional cartridges at fantastic prices, some from www.ebay.com and some from www.cricutmachine.com. I've even completed a really easy baby mobile using the Simply Charmed cartridge.

 

I am really enjoying using my Cricut Expression! Next on my list to create are some birthday cards and a photo frame clock!

Stay tuned for more simple amd easy projects to complete for the classroom and home decor using the Cricut Expression! ♥