Thursday, August 25, 2011

One happy camper!

Hi everyone!  Welcome back, I know my posts have been few and far between lately and I apologize for that.  I have had so much going on that I honestly have been struggling to get the few I have done and posted on time...I promise I will be better after next week when things slow down for me at least a little bit.  I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer.  Here in Ohio at least, it has really felt like it's winding down into fall the last week or so with temps in the 50's at night and low 80's during the daytime.  This time of year always makes me think of camping because I don't like to camp unless I can have a good bonfire to sit by...if it's too hot for a fire then what's the point of camping without marshmallows?!?  LoL!  When I was fortunate enough to be able to meet some of my crafty friends in person for the Cricut Circle Event at Kings Island Erica gave us all some ADORABLE Imaginisce paper that had yet to be released.  We decided we would take a day like Theme Day Thursdays over at Cricut Craft Room and share our creations all using the same papers.  I decided I was going to deviate from my usual cardmaking and make my first ever scrapbook layout.  I really wanted to add more Cricut cuts but I had an issue with my E2 that I believe is due to an update that I have yet to get done...please refer to above =)   
These papers were great quality and I really enjoyed the bright colors and the nice weight as I prefer the heavier cardstock the better.  
I used:
Papers: Imaginisce Happy Camper line, DCWV kraft paper
Cindy Loo Cricut Cartridge
Darice Finishing Accents wood tag
Staz On Timber Brown ink
Pop Dot adhesive under the tag
Twine

I have to say I am pretty pleased with my first attempt at a layout although I am going to make time to update both my Gypsy and my E2 this week.  Both are great machines but I need to do my part and support their "continuing education".  ;)  Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you all have a great rest of your week and don't forget to stop by for our 100+ Cricut Cartridge Blog Hop the first weekend in Sept.  You will see some amazing projects by some VERY talented ladies, I promise!  
Lot of love, Ricki

Sunday, August 14, 2011

I was supposed to do what???

Hi folks!  If you are anything like me, you need notes to remember things EVERYWHERE!  I mean everywhere, I am amazed how many notes and lists I have been able to fit into the notepad in my Blackberry.  Come to think of it, maybe that's why it runs so slow.  Hmm...anywhoo today is Imagine-ation Monday at Cricut Craft Room and I am one of the featured designers.  I decided to create a new chalk/magnetic board to store my many notes and reminders.

 


So sorry for the bad lighting and my shoddy camera work.  I had to apply many more layers of magnetic paint than anticipated and it was dark by the time I was ready for my pic.  :(  You however, can learn from my mistakes and know that when you use RustOleum magnetic primer you should apply many more than the recommended 2 or 3 coats.  I have 5 as shown and still am not pleased with the strength of the magnetic qualities.  I will more than likely be adding a couple more layers.  
I used:
Teresa Collins Baby Boutique cart
Rust o leum magnetic primer paint
Chalkboard Paint
pre-cut wood plaque
Duncan acrylic paints
Swarovski crystals
Mod Podge gloss finish
resin magnets purchased from JoAnns
 I began by painting my wooden plaque with the magnetic primer, I did not actually prime the bare wood first and that is perhaps where my mistakes lies.  I then used the acrylics to paint the colors onto the plaque, selected the 3rd layer from the invite on the Teresa Collins Baby Boutique on pg. 8, cut at 9in. and Mod Podged the cut.  I added another layer of Mod Podge directly onto the plaque and then layed the cut on top, being careful not to get any more Mod Podge onto the area that was to be painted with the chalkboard paint.  While the Mod Podge was still wet, I layed my Swarovski crystals in place as it can also be used a glue as well as a sealer.  Once sufficiently dry I applied the chalkboard paint in very thin layers to the center of the cut being careful not to cover the flourishes coming towards the middle.  I used 3 layers of chalkboard paint and was pleased with the results from that.    I am very pleased with the results other than the strength of the magnetic paint.  I will definitely be working on that since I love this and want it to be able to hold whatever papers I stick up there without worrying about it falling off and losing it.  Kinda would defeat the purpose, huh?  I appreciate everyone taking the time to check out my little blog, please follow and/or subscribe and as always, I LOVE comments!  I hope you have a great day today!