Meaningful Menagerie

New January Cricut Craft Room Exclusives

2012-01-30T06:02:00.000-08:00

You can see them all here on the Cricut Blog along with projects!- they include Chess Set, Animal Masks, Sea Birds and Fish, Stars and Zodiac.

The Cricut Craft room is fun and easy to use, be sure to check it out!

Here's a look at my Owl mask using the new Animal Mask Cricut Craft room exclusive!

tfl!, Charity

New Cricut Mini infomercial!

2012-01-26T11:32:00.001-08:00

It's worth watching just to see all the gorgeous, creative projects shown!

enjoy!

Cricut Imagine cart WINNER!

2012-01-26T04:52:00.000-08:00

So, I had my son randomly choose a number out of the number of people who left a comment and here is the winner of the Notebook Doodles cart:

~ŠǿƒŧβŖñ™~ said...
Wow!.. What an awesome cartridge!! I'm a follower of your blog.. thanks for the chance...

January 25, 2012 5:52 AM

Yay! Be sure and email me at cjhassel@yahoo.com with your info. so I can send this cart your way! Thank you everyone for your comments!

January Scrapbook Trends

2012-01-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a card I made as seen in January's Scrapbook Trends magazine~

Giveaway- New Cricut Imagine Notebook Doodles cart!

2012-01-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

So, I somehow got two of this fabulous new Cricut Imagine Cartridge-
Notebook Doodles (be sure to check out the Cricut blog for ideas on how to use this cart!) - and I'm going to give one away!

Just leave a comment on this thread by Wednesday, January 25th and I'll randomly choose a winner! Be sure to check back Thursday morning to see if you win! I would love it if you would follow my blog, but you don't have to in order to get a chance at this cart! Good luck!

Cricut Families Idea Book

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Cricut Families idea book is out and full of fun ideas using your Cricut machine! Here are a few projects I made for this book.

tfl~, Charity

January Cricut Hello Thursday!

2012-01-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

TEN new cartridges came out this past week from Cricut- including one Imagine cartridge and the exclulsive cartridge for Cricut Circle members! Be sure to check out all the fun and fabulous projects showing off these new carts on the Cricut blog!

First up, the projects I made using the new Cricut Cartridge - BRIDAL SHOWER!

Cricut Imagine® Art Cartridge, Greeting Cards Inside & Out
You will always have the perfect card on hand with the Greeting Cards Inside & Out cartridge! This cartridge is filled with cards for birthdays, births, engagements, weddings, and a variety of other occasions. You will also adore the ready-to-make projects and cheerful patterns on this cartridge

Cricut® Olé cartridge
Celebrate with the vibrant Spanish and Latin inspired content in the Olé cartridge! This cartridge is packed full of striking images, Spanish phrases, and a bold layered font. You will love using the images on this cartridge for party decorations and invitations, scrapbook pages, cards, and other creative projects.

Cricut® Type Candy cartridge
Spice up your creative projects with the Type Candy cartridge! This charming font cartridge features three sweet fonts with shadows. Each font includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and special characters. These fonts are just what you need for your scrapbook layouts, cards, home décor, and other projects.

Cricut® Elmo & Friends Holiday cartridge
Celebrate throughout the year with the Elmo & Friends Holiday cartridge! This cartridge features Elmo and his friends having fun on Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and other holidays. You will love the festive phrases that are prefect for your cards, scrapbook layouts, home décor, and party decorations.

Cricut® Letter Envy cartridge (Cricut Circle Exclusive)

Embrace your show-stopping side with the Letter Envy cartridge! This Cricut Circle™ exclusive cartridge features an eclectic main font, bold crests, and an eye-catching second font with shadows. You will have fun using the elements from this cartridge to create stunning cards, scrapbook layouts, home décor, and other creative projects.

Cricut® Lite Fun in the Sun cartridge
Showcase a summer vacation with the Fun in the Sun cartridge! This cartridge features people waterskiing, boating, swimming, playing volleyball, or otherwise enjoying a day at a beach or lake. The quirky style is perfect for cards, scrapbook layouts, and other creative projects.

Cricut® Events Baby Shower cartridge
Throw the perfect party for the new mom-to-be with the Baby Shower cartridge! This cartridge has everything you need to create unforgettable invitations, decorations, party favors, table décor, and more. With Cricut® Events cartridges, you will have everything you need to create the perfect event for someone special!

Cricut® Projects Giant Flowers cartridge
Give your projects that extra sense of wonder with the Giant Flowers cartridge! You will love creating larger than life flowers for wedding, event, party, birthday, or home décor. With Cricut® Projects cartridges, you can create unique and customized projects for your home, family, and friends.

Cricut® Projects My Quiet Book cartridge
Keep the little children entertained with the projects you make from the My Quiet Book cartridge! Teach your children, nieces and nephews, or grandchildren their colors, shapes, numbers, and more with this cartridge content. With Cricut® Projects cartridges, you can create unique and customized projects for your home, family, and friends.

Hope you enjoyed~ Charity

Zoo time!

2012-01-02T14:22:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow it's back to school and work for the family, but today was one last day to play together! We went to the Jacksonville Zoo with Aunt Jen and Uncle Scott today! It was a little cool out, but a gorgeous day for seeing all the animals!

Have a great day!, Charity

They're playing with my old toys!

2011-12-30T13:41:00.000-08:00

I decided to pull out what I could find of my old dollhouse- what I can get to without getting in the attic. My kids love the old toys! They get to play with it for a while, but I'm saving these till they get older. My parents gave me this dollhouse years ago for Christmas. I remember it being in my small walk-in closet where I would turn on the closet light, close the door and play after I was supposed to be in the bed. Have to admit, I got a little sentimental watching them play with my old toys and say "how cool" some of it is!

Hope you're having a happy day, Charity

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T17:51:00.000-08:00

Some Christmas projects I've made recently for the Cricut Circle!

The gingerbread is something I designed and created for my son's class Christmas party at school - I cut 30 of the doorhangs, gingerbread out along with clothes, accessories, hair, etc. for them to dress their little characters with!

I also used my Cricut Imagine and My Story to print and then bound peronalized notepads as gifts for Sunday School teachers.

Hope you have had a Wonderful Christmas celebrating Jesus' Birthday!

December Hello Thursday and new Cricut Craft Room exclusives

2011-12-23T05:03:00.000-08:00

So many new cartridges and Cricut Craft room exclusives to check out- be sure to see the full cart images on the Cricut blog and Cricut website! Also, the Cricut Craft Room exclusive images are darling and the Craft Room tool is so simple to use! Here's a list of some of the new things:

Victorian Romance, Creative Memories This and That, Cricut Imagine the good old days cart, Cricut Imagine Notebook Doodles, Movie Night, Bicycling, Chemistry Icons, Crash!Boom!Pow!, Digital Numbers!

Here is the layout I made using the new Cricut Imagine Cartridge, The Good Old Days!

Next, a layout I made using the Crash!Boom!Pow! Cricut Craft Room exclusive cart!

tfl!, Charity

Angry Pigs and Birds!

2011-12-21T05:57:00.001-08:00

Alexander, my son, is crazy about Angry Birds. I really wanted to buy a ornament for him with the characters on it, but I ended up not being able to find one in stores. I could buy one on etsy, but then I saw this fun craft on Obsessively Stitching's website with instructions on how to make them. Obviously, mine didn't turn out as cute- painting is not my talent, lol. BUT I tried and he seems to like them! Hope you're having a great day!, Charity

Merry Girls!

2011-12-20T05:34:00.000-08:00

Last year I took these photos of my daughter and her two cousins that we rarely get to see. Here's the layout with some of the pictures as seen in the Winter issue of Scrapbook and Cards today.

Have a happy day! Charity

December Cricut magazine

2011-12-19T07:23:00.000-08:00

Sharing some things as seen in Cricut Magazine's December issue!

Have a great day!, Charity

Snow Angel

2011-12-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

Some cards I made for the Cricut blog and Cricut Circle blog using a fun Imagine cartridge called Snow Angel!

have a great day! Charity

I love acorns!

2011-12-17T06:55:00.000-08:00

I'm nuts about acorns! Love their shape, color, the texture of the acorn top! Sharing a few cards I made for the Cricut Circle. tfl!

Cricut Random Crafts of Kindness

2011-12-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

I made some Christmas thank you cards for all the wonderful choir workers who work every Wednesday night at FBC JAX teaching the kids music theory, songs about Jesus and much more!

There are also more ideas for Random Acts of Kindness projects on the Cricut facebook page!

Hope you find a way to share some Christmas love and cheer with a random craft of kindness!, Charity

Audrey's pre K Christmas musical

2011-12-15T14:31:00.000-08:00

Audrey's preK school Christmas nativity musical was today- she had a part as an angel. Her line was " In Bethlehem, this very night, a baby boy is born!"
She rocked her part and sang "Happy Birthday Jesus" with the kids!

Bella Blvd. Guest designer

2011-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Bella Blvd. guest design team work- lots of cards~!

thanks for looking!, Charity

Christmas tags and box

2011-12-09T06:10:00.000-08:00

Some fun projects using an Imagine cartridge that I made for the Cricut Cirlce!

Christmas Cards idea book

2011-12-08T06:20:00.000-08:00

As seen in Create- Christmas cards idea book

Audrey's church primary Christmas musical

2011-12-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

They were cute, they sang about Jesus, to Jesus and for Jesus!

Christmas Mini album

2011-12-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

As seen in Create: Holidays Idea book.

November Cricut mag.

2011-12-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

Forgot to share these before! tfl!

As seen in the November Cricut magazine issue.

Alex as Joseph, tree decorating and more!

2011-12-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

Alexander played the part of Joseph in a little skit before Sunday School in the Children's building at church this morning.

We decorated the tree after church this afternoon!

Tonight he sang with the kids in the Christmas Musical- hundreds of children- it was wonderful!

November cards

2011-12-01T06:09:00.000-08:00

These were seen in November Cards magazine. tfl!

Sweet pumpkin

2011-11-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

As seen in November Scrapbook Trends magazine. tfl!

Imagine and Cricut halloween projects

2011-11-29T05:42:00.000-08:00

A few Cricut Circle blog and the Cricut blog projects I made a while back.

The flower card was made using the Cricut Imagine. I printed the patterned paper on the bottom of the card and the green cardstock card base. The flower was made by printing all the layer images from the Imagine cartridge onto printable material paper. The edges were lined with puff paint.

Also, I forgot to share this little Halloween card and treat bag that I made and shared here on the Cricut blog!

Interactive Cricut Cards

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Sharing a few interactive cards I made a while ago for the Cricut Circle blog!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-26T16:46:00.000-08:00

Just made it back from visiting the family down state! Lots of eating, visiting and catching up! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

My Memories Suite Digital Software Giveaway!

2011-11-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

My Memories Suite is an award winning digital scrapbook software that is extremely easy and fun to use. My Memories Suite is rated #1 by Amazon and Top Ten Reviews. Using this software, anyone can create digital scrapbooks, photo books, cards, calendars and gifts without having to buy expensive and complicated software programs.

My Memories has generously allowed me to host a giveaway for one free download of the software! My Memories has also provided me with special discount codes to purchase the software (normally 40 dollars) with a 10 dollar discount and also a 10 dollar discount for you to use in the My Memories Store.

Everyone reading can use this promotional code today at My Memories:

The Share the Memories coupon code provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!
Simply cut and paste this promo code: STMMMS47527

My Memories is also giving one lucky reader their very own My Memories Suite software (a $40 value!)Here is how you can win
(Please leave a separate comment for each entry- the more things you do on the list, the more times you can enter):

1. Visit My Memories, www.mymemories.com, check out their stuff then come back and leave a comment letting me know what products you love.
2. “Like” My Memories on Facebook. By the way, when you become a Facebook fan, you get a coupon code for $5 in the My Memories store! Leave a comment and let me know.

3. Spread the word about the giveaway via Facebook or Twitter! Let me know.

Also, it helps if you leave your email so I can contact you if you win!

I can take entries until Tuesday, November 22nd at midnight EST. I will email and announce the winner of the My Memories Suite software!

See more how-to's and other My Memories videos here.

20 NEW Cricut digital carts on Cricut Craft Room!!

2011-11-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

With the opening of Cricut Craft Room comes the release of 20 brand NEW digital cartridges, available to purchase and use NOW! When you buy Cricut Craft Room Exclusives at Cricut.com they are available for you to use right away on Cricut Craft Room with any Cricut machine! Cricut Craft Room Exclusives are fun, never-before-seen image sets in themes and styles that are perfect for all kinds of projects. We will be adding more Cricut Craft Room Exclusives for purchase all the time, so be sure to check back often! Check out the projects on the Cricut blog lots of inspiration using the latest Cricut Craft Room Exclusives.

Just check out some of the awesome new digital carts!~ and,again, be sure to check out the Cricut blog for inspirational projects using these!

(Click on the names of the carts for links directly to these!)

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, 3D Bows
Create beautiful bows for your gifts! There are nine different bows in the 3D Bows digital images.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, 3D Pinwheels
Make someone smile with the 3D Pinwheels digital images! You will love creating the five pinwheels in this set.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Arrows
Catch someone’s eye with the Arrows digital images! There are nine layered arrows included in this set.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Australia
Share a glimpse of the land down under with the Australia digital images! This set of images features a silhouette of Australia colored by the national flag, the Sydney Opera House, a kangaroo crossing sign, a koala, the phrase The Land Down Under and Ayers Rock.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Funny Faces
Give your loved ones something to laugh about with the Funny Faces digital images! This set of images features a blank male and female face with eyes, noses, mouths, and other features to mix and match as you desire

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Germany
Share some of your favorite parts of Germany with these digital images! This set of images includes a silhouette of Germany colored by the national flag, a beer tankard, a cuckoo clock, the Brandenburg Gate, lederhosen, and the word Deutschland

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Gnomes and Mushrooms
Add a touch of whimsy to your projects with the Gnomes and Mushrooms digital images! This set of images comes with one male gnome, one female gnome, a Gnome Sweet Gnome sign, a snail, a pair of mushrooms, and a mushroom house.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Greek Alphabet
You will love using the Greek Alphabet digital images for all your fraternity and sorority needs! This set of images includes the twenty-four uppercase letters of the Greek alphabet.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Human Body
Explore your insides with the Human Body digital images! This set of images includes a body and a close up of the head. The body image includes major bones and organs and the head has the major bones in the skull and parts of the brain.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Jewish Icons
Honor religious traditions with the Jewish Icons digital images! This set of eleven images includes a Star of David, a Menorah, a Torah scroll, and more.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Karate
Show off your skills with the Karate digital images! This set of images includes one female and two male athletes, a fist, and a fist breaking a brick. Haa-yah!

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Labels
Add a special touch to your projects with the Labels digital images! This set of images features nine different labels that can be used for cards, scrapbook layouts, home organization and office décor, and other projects.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Los Angeles
Recreate the look and feel of Southern California with the Los Angeles digital images! This set features six layered images including Sunset Boulevard, California, an I-10 road sign, and more.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Missionary Icons
Commemorate your missionary’s time spent in service with the Missionary Icons digital images! This set of ten layered images includes elder and sister missionaries, scriptures, a suitcase, and more.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Mustaches & Glasses
Be the hit of the party with the Mustaches & Glasses digital images! This set includes six mustaches and three pairs of glasses that are perfect for party games, favors, and other projects.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, New Orleans Party
Celebrate Mardi Gras with the New Orleans Party digital images! This set features six layered images including a mask, a jester’s hat, beads, and more.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Page Pals
Never lose your place in a book again with the Page Pals digital images! This set includes nine different page markers with cute designs that include a frog, owl, bookworm, and more. They are easy to assemble and an adorable alternative to bookmarks!

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Party Picks and Pennants
Make your party décor shine with the Party Picks and Pennants digital images. The set includes fourteen different flags and two ribbons that are perfect for bringing your party theme together.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Track and Field
Race to the finish line with the Track and Field digital images! This set of images includes two runners, a hurdler, a medal, a trophy, and a running shoe.

Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, Thanksgiving Table Décor
Set the perfect table with the Thanksgiving Table Décor digital images! These Thanksgiving images include place cards, napkin rings, cupcake wrappers, and more.

Don't you love them! Have a great day!, Charity

About me mini album

2011-11-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sharing a mini album I made recently using Fancy Pants design Summer's End line and a Fancy Pants brag book. I like these brag books because they have pockets for holding things, extra photo pages to simply insert photos and pages with plenty of journaling space. This album is all about my likes, favorite quotes, Bible verses, etc. Thanks for looking!

Have a great day!

Northridge's Cricut Magazine design team!

2011-11-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

I have such exciting news! I have been asked to be a part of a wonderful group of talented ladies working for a fabulous publication- Northridge's Cricut Magazine design team! You can read the announcement on the create blog here!

My fellow designers are:

roreerumph.blogspot.com

scrapinkris.blogspot.com

chelemom.blogspot.com

chelemom.blogspot.com

Thanks so much for letting me share my exciting news! Hope you'll check out the magazines!, Charity

Cricut Craft Room is OPEN!

2011-11-11T05:22:00.000-08:00

Cricut Craft Room is a free online design tool that puts thousands of creative possibilities at your fingertips. With Cricut Craft Room, you can view and design with the entire Cricut image library, and cut with all the images you own. Looking for a specific cartridge? Trying to find a specific image? Or working with a specific theme or syle for your project? With a great search tool, Cricut Craft Room lets you find anything you’re looking for. And you can create anytime, anywhere, because Cricut Craft Room works with any laptop or desktop computer, on a PC or Mac. All you need is a computer with an Internet connection.

Cricut Craft Room Features:
Free to use
Access online from anywhere, anytime
Easy-to-use program
Design on a big screen
View and design with all Cricut cartridges
Search to easily find the right image
Digitally store all your cartridges and projects
Windows and Mac-compatible
Explore exclusive online content
Works with all Cricut Machines
Cricut Craft Room comes with a free online cartridge called Cricut Craft Room Basics for you to experiment and cut with right away. It features a fantastic font, as well as many great shapes. One of the great things about the shapes is that they include standard photo sizes for your scrapbook pages. Perfect for matting your photos in a flash! Below are a few projects I created with the FREE Cricut Craft Room Basics cartridge.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Cricut Craft Room and to GET STARTED!

Also, be sure to check out the Cricut Blog for project ideas!

Operation Christmas Child!

2011-11-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

Our church has been collecting tons of boxes for Operation Christmas Child! You still have time to participate! National Collection is November 14- 21.

Be sure to check out the Samaritan's Purse website to find out how to pack a shoebox and the drop-off locations. You can search for drop-off locations near you here! I know that Lifeway Christian bookstores are taking them up during this time as well.

Shoebox Packing:
Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our “Follow Your Box Donation” option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at the Collection Center nearest you during our collection week, November 14-21.

The best part about it- they share the Hope of Christ with every child!

Audrey's Cowgirl/Western/Horse themed 5th Birthday party!

2011-11-05T18:19:00.001-07:00

Ready for a long post? We celebrated Audrey's 5th Birthday with a fun Cowgirl themed party!

The schedule/Activities-

Horse rides -there was a pony and a horse for the first hour so all the kids got to ride a LOT! The horses were so gentle and their hair had been braided with little bows in their hair! Cute!

Coloring - While the pony rides were going on I had taped down (it was a very windy day) some free printable cowboy/cowgirl pictures for the kids at their places at the table that they could color if they got tired of watching everyone else ride the horses.

Calf Roping - My mom found instructions online (I dont have the link, but you could google it I'm sure) and worked so hard to make the adorable little cow for the kids to lasso! She brought the lasso and manned the cow. She even had little prizes for the kids who played- thanks Mom! She also scored the cute little saddle that we set on a hay bale. The kids loved posing on the saddle and playing on it! Thanks to my mom's friend for letting us borrow the saddle for the day!

Find the hidden treasure- When it was time for the ponies to leave we hid some small bouncy balls in the back yard. The kids all went to hunt those down. While they were doing that, I got out the stick horses, also known as hobby horses that I had made for the party.

Stick horses: I do not sew, but I really loved the idea of the kids having a stick horse and decorating it themselves. I found this idea on this blog, but I did not want to mess around with PVC pipe. I found another similar idea but the woman used yard sticks for the stick of the stick horse. Here is what I did. I found a horse head template, downloaded it to my computer, blew it up and printed it out as large as I could on a 81/2*11" paper. I traced it onto posterboard and cut it out. That first cutout was my template to trace the rest of the ponies. Of course, you have to trace and cut twice for each pony you will make. I simply bought wooden spindles from Joannes fabric (around 90 cents each) Once I had all my horse heads cut out I hot glued the spinle onto one horse head. Then, I hot glued the two sides of the horse heads together. Next, I used a hole punch to make the hole where I thought a bit would be and threaded inexpensive twine thru for the reigns. Easy! Each table had crayons, markers and googly eyes for decorating. I could not believe how big of a hit this was- kids from 3-8 years old all loved decorating and playing with these! yay!

Photo Booth- The photo booth was an idea found online- I bought some hay bales from a local church the day after they ended their Pumpkin Patch. The small hay bales for the tables I bought from Wal-Mart. They're actually seasonal decorations for fall. I used a screw driver to make the holes in the decorative hay bales to put the horses in. I simply added the banners I had made for the background, my mustache piques and a sign to the side saying photo booth. Everyone had a great time being silly and taking pictures.

Gifts:I found a lot of fun items from Oriental Trading Company- the cowboy hats, pink bandanas, cowboy boot bags-

Decor:

I made many of the things for the party using my Cricut machine. I made the fun mustaches, the horses on the tables, the banner, the signs and the Audrey banner using my Cricut. Oh, I also made the cupcake toppers as well.

I used several carts to make my projects. The cute horses on the table were made using the Yee-Haw cart from Cricut!

Also, the cupcake toppers were made using both Yee-Haw and also the Imagine Country Carnival- I used the cut only option and used papers/colors that fit with the party instead of printing the colors/patterns that come on the cart.

The mustaches for the photo booth were made using the Cricut Lite Billionare Cart.

Food:
Honestly, I could not afford to go all out on food. We had the party from 12:30-2:30. I worded the invitation to say "Make sure you eat lunch before you come but save room for cupcake and lemonade." to let everyone know I would not be serving a lot of food.

We did have: Pink lemonade, Root beer, bottled water, popcorn in brown paper bags that I cut about half the top off (it was so windy outside that a lot of popcorn ended up on the ground though, lol). We also had the cupcakes, of course!

It was so windy out that we had to shelter Audrey's cupcake long enough to sing before she, or the wind, could blow out her candle!

LINKS to inspire you, as they did me! OH, and a tip- if you're googling for this theme party try all sorts of things- cowgirl, western, pony themed, horse themed, etc. to get more results.

Also, ETSY has tons of adorable printables for pretty cheap, there are some cute western themed clothes, crayons, etc. there too!

Cowgirl baby shower - http://blowoutparty.com/blog/2010/11/cowgirl-party-baby-shower/
Just too cute rhinestone cowgirl party - http://www.nofussfabulous.com/?p=13057
Cowgirl Party- http://www.thoughtfullysimple.com/cowgirl-party-saddle-up/
Fun ideas - http://ittybittybirdy.blogspot.com/2011/03/yippee-ki-yay-cowgirl-party.html
Cowgirl Carnival- http://blog.catchmyparty.com/2010/09/09/trends-cowgirl-parties-on-catch-my-party/
Adored this one- http://www.ucreateparties.com/2011/07/cowgirl-birthday-party.html
Totally fabulous - http://www.tonyastaab.com/cowboy-cowgirl-party/
So Super cute- http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/08/lulus-girl-chic-birthday/
Vintage Cowgirl Party - http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/sweet-customers-claires-vintage-cowgirl-birthday-party/
Amazingly Cute- http://andersruff.blogspot.com/2010/10/from-our-studio-caryns-cowgirl.html
Fabulous- http://www.blog.birdsparty.com/2011/07/real-parties-rootin-tootin-western.html
Delightful- http://diaperduchess.com/?p=1310
Sewing stick horses- http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2010/07/26/diy-stick-horses/
A must See- http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/2009/08/western-birthday-party-ideas.html
Wow!!! - http://athome.kimvallee.com/2010/10/a-sublime-cowboy-party-for-a-little-boy-second-birthday/
So Sweet and will bring a tear- http://zsthedaydesigns.com/blog/2011/10/gwendolyns-cowgirl-party/
Super ideas - http://frostmeblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/western-cowboycowgirl-party.html
Another one- http://cupcakewishesandbirthdaydreams.blogspot.com/2010/10/cowgirl-birthday-guest-party-and-oreo.html
Doable- http://thebeehivecottage.blogspot.com/2011/01/haileys-cowgirl-birthday-party-in.html
Amazing pony party- http://folio-love.com/portfolio/the-tomkat-studio-the-pony-patch-pony-birthday-party/
Cuteness- http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/06/horse-birthday-party.html
Cute cake- http://pennycarnival.typepad.com/penny_carnival/2010/10/catching-up-or-trying-too.html
Inspiration- http://www.etincellecreativestudio.com/2011/07/horse-birthday-party-party-stylist.html
Pink Pony party- http://topthatcake.blogspot.com/2010/08/pink-pony-birthday-party-and-pony-cake.html
Game ideas- http://www.chickabug.com/blog/category/party-themes/country-western-theme
Goodies- http://candysoirees.blogspot.com/2010/10/take-me-to-country-for-1st-birthday.html
Cool- http://ohsugareventplanning.blogspot.com/2011/04/featured-party-forrests-buckaroo.html
Pretty Pony party- http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2010/09/pretty-pony-birthday-party.html
Fabulous cupcakes- http://www.hicketypicketyhandmade.com/2011/02/19/the-cowgirl-party/
Darling- http://www.lilsugar.com/Retro-Kids-Birthday-Parties-14806734
Looks like fun - http://www.oopseydaisyblog.com/2010/07/cowboy-birthday-party.html
Fun bunting-banners. http://www.daydreambelievers.net/2011/03/cowboy-cowgirl-bandana-buntings.html
Pretty Pony party- http://beeinourbonnet.blogspot.com/2009/10/pretty-pony-party.html

THE END

Spooktacular and Halloween Halleluiah night!

2011-10-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

Here's how we spent the last few days- the Zoo on Saturday night for Spooktacular and then to a local church tonight for their Halloween Halleluiah night! Lots of candy and fun was had!

Spooktacular always has so many cool pumpkin carvings!

Halloween Halleluiah night- bouncy houses, games, contests, food, a hayride and a fun petting zoo. Audrey loved petting the tiny baby pigs and a few other animal friends! Alexander loved the soft bunny they had there!

Hope you have a great day!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T06:03:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone! Hope you all enjoy a safe, fun time with your little ones dressed in their costumes gathering as much candy as possible! Here are a few cards as seen in the October issue of Cards magazine!

The boo card was made with American crafts, the Oct 31st card with Echo Park.

tfl!
Charity

Creating Keepsakes- October

2011-10-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

It was so fun to have this page in the October issue of Creating Keepsakes. I used Fancy Pants products on it.

tfl! Charity

October Hello Thursday- new Cricut Carts!

2011-10-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! This past Thursday Provo Craft released a HUGE amount of new carts for your Cricut and Imagine! Some totally cool, awesomely inspiring ones that you really want to check out- you can see them all on the Cricut Blog!

Here are my projects that I made for the Cricut blog. Be sure to check out the Cricut Blog here. (if you are a Cricut Circle member you can see more projecs on the Cricut Cirlce blog).

Christmas Wish projects:

Next, some projects with a very cool cartrige- Noah's ABC Animals- great because there's a font, great images of the animals and- 3D cuts!!!

Some of my favorite carts that I can't wait to get my scrappy fingers on:
Ribbons and Rosettes-

Santa's Village Imagine cart-

tfl!, Charity

Fall Festival

2011-10-24T11:30:00.001-07:00

Last Friday night we went to a Fall Festival at a local church! So fun!

Hope you're enjoying fall!

Filter Embellishment Bats~

2011-10-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

I found a fun craft idea online and made it my own, using Fancy Pants Design's Filter embellishments.

Here is the card I made using the filters for bats...

I used the Fancy Pants Oct 31 line for the card-including patterned paper, stickers, etc.

Here's a photo of the Fancy Pants filters...

Here is a photo and link to the craft I found that inspired my idea and design:

Find more fun ideas for crafting, scrapping and card making on the Fancy Pants blog!

Have a great day!, Charity

Audrey's first time- singing in choir

2011-10-17T18:57:00.000-07:00

The choir program at FBC Jax. is amazing and starts with the 4 year olds! Audrey's preK choir has been practicing and sang for the first time last Wednesday night in big church! She was so excited and they sounded great!

Sweet- Happy Days!

2011-10-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

A while ago Echo Park asked me to guest design for them and I made some Halloween things using their awesome Apothecary Emporium.

I also made a few things for the Cricut Circle blog using the fun, bright and colorful Happy Days collection from Echo Park!

So, months later, I'm sharing the two sweet-themed projects here on my blog!

First up, this gumball hello card! I'll be honest, this is one of my favorite cards ever. It just makes me happy looking at it. I used my Cricut to create this.

This little lollipop box was also made using my Cricut and the Happy Days line from Echo Park. I added the twine and candy wraps for an added touch!

Hope you have a sweet day! Thanks for looking, Charity

I'm Teaching! Fall Banner Class

2011-10-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share that I will be teaching a Fall Banner Class at my local store called The Enchanted Scrapbook here in Jacksonville, Florida! The class is Monday night, October 17th from 6-8pm. The cost is 20.00 per person. Be sure to contact the store at (904) 647-6772 to reserve your class spot! I will be showing several techniques, and there are a few extras I'll be doing that I am not showing on these photos! I'm really excited to teach at this store for the first time there. I'm sure it will be fun so hope to see some of you locals! Also, here is the link to The Enchanted Scrapbook facebook page so you can get the latest info. there as well!

Here are a few photos just to give you the idea of what we'll be making.

Have a great day!, Charity

Cricut Cards idea book!

2011-10-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

It's National Cardmaking Day and in honor, I thought I would share some cards recently published in the Cricut Cards idea book! I used Fancy Pants designs products on both cards. tfl!

Have a great day!, Charity

September cards

2011-09-29T05:05:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! September is almost gone. I thought I would share some cards that were published in the September issue of Cards magazine! tfl!

Rocket for the Birthday boy card- This one was made using Fancy Pants Designs To the Moon line.

Enjoy what's left of September!, Charity

I'm on the Cover!!!!!!

2011-09-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

I just got the email today from Northdridge Media with the picture and I went to their website and there it was- my card on the cover of November's Cricut Magazine!!!!

Here's a link to the Cricut Magazine facebook page for more fun!

Is it Fall yet?

2011-09-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

Is it slightly cooler here in Florida? My car thermostat read at least 90 degrees several times so far this week, but maybe it's a tiny bit cooler! Here are some Fallish projects I made a bit ago for the Cricut Circle blog!

tfl!, Charity

Fall decor- Cricut style

2011-09-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

If you love Cricut and have not found the wonderful,official Cricut blog you are missing some amazing projects and fun ideas! There are also many tutorials, give aways, closer looks at Hello Thursday cartridges and more! Here is a project I made for the Cricut blog and I wanted to share it here as well!

Here is the project, but be sure to check out my blog post on the Cricut blog for detailed cuts, sizes, carts used and instructions- Autumn in a Jar!

Have a great day!, Charity

We met at the Met!

2011-09-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

We had church tonight- at the Metropolitan Park! Everyone left the middle of the park open for the kids to play in and we sat around the edges! Lots of people, music, food, playing. Pastor Mac preached and there were even a few people who got Baptized too! fun!

Audrey's First Ballet Class!

2011-09-16T04:37:00.000-07:00

She's been excited for weeks about taking Ballet - and that's an understatement! Yesterday Audrey took her first lesson at her Pre-K! She was so excited to learn several ballet moves. Here she is showing me a few things she learned!

Bella Cards

2011-09-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Sharing the cards I made using Bella Blvd. designs for their design team call. I will be a guest designer for them this next year. tfl!

Back to School Challenge

2011-09-07T04:48:00.000-07:00

Fancy Pants is having a Back to School challenge on the Fancy Pants blog- you have until Friday to enter for a fun prize! Check here to see all the fun details!

Here's a card I made recently using the Off to School line from Fancy Pants. tfl!

Charity

Audrey goes to PreK

2011-09-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, I dropped my baby girl off at pre-K today. It's her first day. Yes, I cried when I came in the house without her. She's so excited! We bought this little outfit for her months ago when we found it on sale. It seems like the perfect outfit for the first day of Audrey ever going to school! tfl!

Cricut projects to share!

2011-09-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

Sharing some Cricut projects I had published in the August issue of Cricut Magazine published by Northridge media! I used Fancy Pants designs papers on my two cards. tfl!

Blessings, Charity

She's almost off to school!

2011-09-02T19:17:00.001-07:00

Audrey starts voluntary Pre-K on Tuesday! A few days ago we went to her little school and met her teacher, saw her class, etc. My girl is loaded with excitement for her new adventure and I am so happy that she is!

Here's a look at her class, and, I thought the bulletin boards were so cute and then, I realized one of the ladies at the school who helps the teachers with their bulletin boards had used the Cricut Expression to do almost all of them! So fun!

Summery days

2011-09-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

Two summery cards as seen in the August issue of Cards Magazine! tfl!

This first card featured the Beach Bum line from Fancy Pants designs.

Have a great day!, Charity

Summer at the beach layout

2011-08-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

A recent layout I made using Bella Blvd patterned papers and my Cricut Lite Crocs Rule cart.

tfl!, Charity

Echo Park Giveaway Winner!

2011-08-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

A little late announcing the winner- chosen randomly- hubby chose a number between 1-30, lol!

Sonia said...
Wow...loving your Echo Park Apothecary treats! So cool! thanks for the chance to win :)

August 24, 2011 12:47 PM

Sonia, please email me at cjhassel@yahoo.com so we can get your Echo Park collection to you!

Teacher Notecard set- new Fancy Pants Off to School

2011-08-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite releases from Fancy Pants designs has to be the new Off to School line! Here's a look at some projects I've made recently with it! First, this notecard set as seen on the Cricut blog (check out my post on the blog for details about the cut size, etc. to make these cards).

One more card I made with this line:

If you want even more fun ideas and looks at this new line, be sure to check out the Fancy Pants design blog! tfl, Charity

Alexander's first day of 2nd Grade!

2011-08-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Alexander had his first day of 2nd Grade this past Monday! He is really trying his best and seems to be having fun so far! Here are some pictures of his first day!
Don't forget the giveaway going on here on my blog till Thursday- check out this post.

He's looking entirely too grown up and "cool"- ya, don't say handsome, mom! tfl!, Charity

Paper Crafts Sketch

2011-08-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

My card was recently on the Paper Crafts magazine blog promoting their new magazine..

Paper Crafts latest special issue, Card Ideas for Paper Crafters. Based on the popularity of last year’s Go-to Sketches, this sequel features 288 cards made from 72 sketches. And this time around all 72 sketches were designed by some of your favorite Paper Crafts designers.

Here's the sketch from the book:

Here's the cards published using the sketch (mine is the middle one with the house)

tfl!, Charity

Echo Park Guest Designer and Giveaway!

2011-08-22T06:10:00.000-07:00

How fun to be able to work with Echo Park's newest products as a guest designer! Be sure to check out the Echo Park blog and Echo Park facebook site as well!
***also, be sure to read the end of this post for how to enter to win a kit from this line!***

Banner 10-31 card: On this card I cut a spider web from patterned paper and inked the outer edges with black ink. Place that on the center of your card. Next, place two black brads on either side of the web- don't make the brads too tight so that you can wrap them with orange twine. Place banner stickers onto black cardstock. Add 10 star and 31 to centers of banners. Cut around banners so that the bbanners are matted with black cardstock. Use pop dots to adhere banner pieces to card. I used the Cricut Expression to cut the spider and glued it to my card.

Beware of cats jar.
Choose a glass jar to decorate- I got this one fairly cheap from a craft store. Cut a circle the size of the bottom of the jar. I used my Cricut Expression and Cricut Happy Hauntings cart to cut a spooky tree from Apothecary Emporium patterned paper and set it into the glass. I really want to re-use this container during other seasons. So, instead of adhering my sticker (beware of black cats) onto it, I adhered the sticker to black cardstock and cut around it. Then, I attached it to my orange ribbon at the top of the jar.

Spider box: To create the spider box I used the awesome spider patterned paper from this line. I used my cricut and the wrap it up cart to cut the box (material saver off, which turned out to be 9" I then cut the layers of spider at 2". I used the lacey sticker from the Apothecary Emporium line to wrap around the top edge of the box as well.

3D Coffin treat box: I used my cricut once again and cut a 3d coffin from patterned paper using the wrap it up cart <3dcoffin> at 9". I inked the edges. Then, I folded a long strip of patterned paper accordion style and made a pennant-style embellishment for the top of the coffin. I added orange ribbon and topped it with one of the cool stickers from the Apothecary Emporium collection. I also used three small bat stickers from this line, only adhering the centers and gently bending the wings for a 3d look.

In celebration of my guest spot I'm giving away a kit from the Echo Park's Apothecary Emporium line! This is the line I used on the projects shown today! Leave a comment here and on the Echo Park blog for a chance to win! I'll randomly choose a winner on Thursday, the 25th and announce it on my blog and on the Echo Park facebook site! tfl!

Thanks everyone and thank you Echo Park for the fun opportunity!, Charity

Cover Girl!

2011-08-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

I posted this on facebook a few days ago when I saw it, but had to share it here too! What a surprise to see my mini album on the cover of the new Northridge Media Create: Holidays idea book!! I used Fancy Pants Designs Tradition line!

tfl!, Charity

Cricut cards and Scarecrows

2011-08-18T04:24:00.000-07:00

Brand new cart recently released from ProvoCraft- Simply Scarecrow:

and another new cartridge- Ornamental Iron 2

Be sure to check out the Cricut Blog and click here for info. on the Cricut Circle!

Cricut cuteness!

2011-08-17T04:10:00.000-07:00

Back today with some more projects using my Cricut Expression! Be sure to check out the details of how to become a Cricut Circle member and, the Cricut blog is a wonderful place to find crafty inspiration!

Have a happy day! Charity

Lego Birthday Party for Alexander!

2011-08-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

It was time to plan Alexander's 7th Birthday party and he asked for a Lego party! I began looking for Lego things to use for the party- not a whole lot out there that can just be bought from the store. So, thank goodness for the internet- lots of fun ideas, even nice people who are willing to share their ideas, pdf files, etc. for free! So, here are photos from the party. I will do my best to give you links to places that helped me, inspired me, etc. Here we go!

The invitations were made using this download- so cute and it's free!:

Here's the blog where I downloaded the invites from: http://cleof.blogspot.com/2010/07/lego-birthday-party.html

She also had a Lego VIP tag included in the invite. I printed those VIP tags out onto photo paper, cut them out and put them inside some clear name tags I purchased cheap from Wal-Mart. Each kid got a VIP tag when they came in the door for the party!

Another thing for when the kids were first arriving was to have them guess how many legos was in the jar:

Decor:
I really loved the Lego Party here: http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/07/a-modern-lego-inspired-birthday-party/

So, I just used my cricut to cut more white circles and glued them onto my table covers. Also, I bought some white circle stickers from Staples- used them on my cups for the Lego Candy Buffet!

Fun little touch-hung these outside:

Another cute, inexpensive idea is to cover juice boxes to look like Lego blocks. Here is where I got the free download for this: http://deliacreates.blogspot.com/2011/01/lego-juice-box-bricks.html

Activities:
Alexander wanted to do a pin the party hat on the lego man. So, I found it impossible to find an image large enough to make a decent lego man. So, I used this download here: http://twistynoodle.com/media/img/r/lego/lego-3/coloring_book_page_jpg_468x609_q85.jpg

So, I used the paint program on my computer and blew up the lego man's individual pieces, then, used those printed images as templates to cut out each piece from colored posterboard. Then, I went around the edges with black marker. I glued him together on a green posterboard. I cut out my party hats using my cricut and added some white circle stickers. Here's the final product:

I hand cut these lego men out using a free printable from: http://winksanddaisies.blogspot.com/2011/02/lost-lego-party-guy.htmlThen, I used my Cricut to cut hair, clothes, purses, hats, guitars, shoes, etc. for the kids to create their very own lego men/girls. I also cut door hangs using my circut. So, the kids glued their lego people on the door hangs to put on their bedroom doors at home.
The kids working on their lego people:

Here's a picture of the one my son made:

I printed a few of the Happy Birthday men and used them as a banner:

Another ativity was simple, but something the kids could play in-between planned activities, a lego building area- we didn't want to use all my son's small Legos so we used Megablocks instead.

Outside activities included a Lego version of carrying a potato on a spoon. I used plastic spoons for each kid. There were 10 children- 5boys, 5girls. So, we divided up into 2 teams and had a relay race where the kids had to carry the lego (actually a megablock) on their spoon. The boys won that race.

Another activity we did was a Lego toss. Again, I used megablocks for this. Each child had a chance to toss 4 Megablocks. I used a red vinyl tablecloth, cut a bit off, used tent stakes to hold down the four edges. Then, I adhered 6 white paper plates to the red and wrote the point value for each plate. The kids had fun doing this one!

One thing I noticed- a lot of my activities took way less time than I anticipated! I'm not a professional party planner, that's for sure! Good thing we had the goody bags with coloring books and Lego creator gifts for everyone. So, the kids put their little lego planes and cars together for the last part of the party and some of them had fun coloring with the crayons shaped like legos!

Lego Candy Buffet:

The blue cups I used are small. I used white circle stickers on them to make them look more lego-ish. The white dotted balloons I found at Target in the party section. If I had not found dotted ones I was planning on just putting some white circle stickers on solid balloons. The mini candybars I covered with primary colored wraps. I used a paint program to create a solid strip with white circles, then printed, cut and wrapped my candybars. I found the red napkins with white dots at Target as well.

The cake I had made by Publix. No way was I attempting that! lol!

Gift bags:

So easy- I just used my cricut to cut the white circles and pop dots to add dimension.

The gift bag was filled with:

1.Lego man shaped crayons. (I bought mine from http://www.etsy.com/shop/poshpapercreations)

2.Lego candy (I bought mine from Amazon) http://www.amazon.com/Concord-BuildEm-EatEm-Assorted-Flavor/dp/tech-data/B000UH3R1W

3.Lego coloring book (I downloaded it from here- http://cleof.blogspot.com/2010/07/lego-birthday-party.html) I printed the first page onto green cardstock and used my Cricut Cuttlebug to emboss the dots on the front.

4.Lego packs- I saw them on sale at ToysRUs, of course, after I bought them somewhere else for more money, lol.

The kids also took home their lego VIP tags and the doorhangs with their lego person on it as well as candy from the candy buffet!

Other great links for Lego things:

Free lego printables here: http://blog.aussiepumpkinpatch.com/2011/03/lego-party-printables.html

More printables and ideas here: http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/2011/02/lego-themed-birthday-party.html

Lots of fun things on etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?ref=auto&q=lego+birthday

Thrifty: http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-birthday-party-idea.html

Fabulous: http://go.tipjunkie.com/pa/320/modernmomentsdesigns.com/2010/12/23/lego-birthday-party-actual-party/

Cool: http://www.livinglocurto.com/2010/06/lego-birthday-party/

Fun: http://www.polkadotchair.com/2010/05/lego-birthday-party.html

Another one: http://mommygoneartsy.blogspot.com/2010/10/part-1-adams-6th-lego-birthday.html

Fun ideas: http://www.stylelushblog.com/2010/03/party-post-.html

Cute: http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2010/03/09/hes-six-lego-birthday-party/

Nice: http://stylishchildrensparties.blogspot.com/2010/09/lego-birthday-party-dessert-table.html

Here ya go: http://www.yousaytoo.com/lego-birthday-party/434722

http://celebrationsathomeblog.com/2010/02/a-lego-birthday-party.html

http://jcaugustine1.blogspot.com/2011/03/inspiration-lego-birthday-party.html

http://kristencheney.blogspot.com/2011/03/lego-birthday-party.html

http://bdaypartybrainstorms.blogspot.com/

http://www.productionnotreproduction.com/2011/01/so-you-want-to-throw-lego-party.html

Link to Lego font: just scroll down and click on the lego image http://www.squidoo.com/lego-birthday-party-ideas

http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2011/01/lego-themed-birthday-party.html

http://www.nicolehastings.com/2011/02/13/8th-birthday-lego-party/

http://funandthensome.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/party-obsession-building-a-lego-party/

downloadable lego bingo: http://www.bigdandme.com/2011/05/lego-bingo/

pinterest: http://pinterest.com/search/?q=lego+party

http://crunchycatholicmomma.blogspot.com/2011/07/lego-party.html

lego pirate party: http://notwithoutsalt.com/2011/05/17/legopirate-party/

http://angelnavywife.blogspot.com/2011/04/lego-party-decorations.html

Alexander and his friends:

I think the kids had a great time! tfl!, Charity

Saint Nick- new Fancy Pants!

2011-08-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

You may not even be thinking about Christmas yet, but maybe you're longing for the cooler weather! Here's a few things made with the new Fancy Pants collection called Saint Nick.

Here's a closer look at Saint Nick: Be sure to check out the Fancy Pants blog for more ideas using this line~

tfl! Charity

Bowling Birthday

2011-08-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

Last week was Brian's Birthday! We spent the day bowling and having fun! Here are a few pics:

Sweet party and wedding congrats

2011-08-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

Sweet Party Layout using Fancy Pants designs Love Birds line.

as seen in July Scrapbook Trends Magazine.

Wedding Bells Congrats card using Fancy Pants It's the little things patterned papers.

as seen in July Cards magazine.

tfl, Charity

Cricut Projects

2011-08-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

So many new, fun cartridges coming out from ProvoCraft right now! It's so much fun to see the great ideas the design team comes up with on the Cricut Circle Blog. The circle blog is just one of the great things you will get as part of the Cricut Circle- be sure to follow the Cricut Circle link for more information!

Also, be sure to check out the Cricut blog for fun ideas- you don't have to be a Cricut Circle member for the Cricut blog.

Here are two projects I made recently with the Cricut Expression and the newly released Cricut Lite Recess Cartridge.

The images from this cart:

Next up, some space themed projects from the awesome new cartridge line- Event and Project carts! There are fun carts like a girls' makeup party, boy's robot party, sweet tooth treat boxes, etc. I made these projects with the Space Party cart:

Here are the images on this cart:

Have a great day, Charity

Happy Birthday Hubby!, Scripture memory awards and swimming!

2011-08-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Brian!!! We love you! Planning on spending a fun day celebrating with Brian today!

Sunday night was the Scripture memory award ceremony at church for all Elementary school aged kids. Alexander memorized all his Bible verses for the year and received an award. It was really wonderful and we're very proud of him.

I joined the church choir recently. I sing first alto. Brian had the camera Sunday night and took a photo of me in the choir loft, lol!

Yesterday morning we went for a swim with our playgroup friends! We had fun hanging out with our buddies!

Have a great day!, Charity

Summer WAM recital

2011-07-28T19:06:00.001-07:00

Our church had a program this summer on Wednesday nights for Elementary aged kids that was called WAM- Worship, Arts and Music! Kids learned things like ballet, singing, prop making, drama, crafts, sign language and more!

Alexander chose the crafts this year! He made some cool things including these hats for the recital. Here are some pics from the event!

VBS celebration night!

2011-07-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday night was our Vacation Bible Club celebration night at church! It was a chance for our Elementary aged and preschool children to sing, share testimonies during the service and to thank God for a wonderful week of learning. It was the first time Audrey has ever sung in big church with a choir before. Alexander got to sit in the choir loft and they sang several songs! Here are some pictures from the night:

tfl!, Charity

Vacation Bible School at FBC!

2011-07-13T17:13:00.000-07:00

No-one rocks Vacation Bible School like First Baptist! I'm talking about loving, Christ honoring men and women who are pouring their love, time, sweat and energy into these precious children this entire week! I love FBC- parents can feel good knowing that every single worker has gone thru a background check. It's just one of many ways FBC looks out for your kids!

This week the theme is The BIG APPLE- we've had: pony rides, bounce houses, games, fun snacks (including making mini pizzas), snow cones, tiny train rides, wall climbing, obstacle courses, missions time, fun music, and much more! And, of course, there's been Bible story time- so far we've learned that we can love each other, help each other, show God love and that Jesus is God's Son!

Here are some photos of the kids in my class- all were taken and posted with their parent's permission!:

The Room Decor (I didn't help with this, thanks teachers!)

Here's one of me teaching today's lesson:

Cute little guy playing at the "graffiti wall" with chalk! hee!

Bouncing in the bounce house!

Love this cute, fun train!

Here's some of the kids eating snowcones today!

tfl, Charity

Cricut Birthdays idea book!

2011-07-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

This special issue is just full of fun ideas about all things Birthday!

There were several complete themed parties shown in the book and I had the opportunity to provide the items for one of those!
Here's a look at the things I had published in the Cricut Birthday idea book:

tfl, Charity

Circled!

2011-07-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

If you love the Cricut Blog and all things Cricut, you will love the Cricut Circle- be sure to check out all the wonderful benefits of being a member of the Circle!

Here are some projects I made for the Cricut Cirle blog several months ago. Can't share the details of how I made these, cut sizes, etc. here- that's one of the many benefits of being part of the Cricut circle!

First Swimming Lesson!

2011-07-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

The kids just started their first ever swimming lessons this past week! They were both so brave and seemed to have a great time! It was so fun to watch them learn new things and gain confidence! Here's a look at our little fish:

tfl, Charity

thanks and a baby card

2011-07-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

A few Fancy Pants designs projects!

This card features the new Baby Mine line from Fancy Pants:

Thanks card. I made this card with the fun, colorful Beach Babe line!

tfl, Charity

The kids on The 4th!

2011-07-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

A few pictures of the kids from the 4th of July! They spent the morning in South Florida with the Grandparents- at a local parade! Apparently, everyone knows to bring a squirt gun because it's all about getting wet in that beach town parade! My kids had a great time seeing the parade, horses, getting candy, etc!

The cousins were there too and they all loved playing together! That night was fireworks on the beach! tfl!

Spaced Out!

2011-07-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

Cricut has just released so many cauuute cartridges this past month- be sure to check out some of the great projects on the Cricut Blog to see them in action! Some of my favorites this go around- FOUR new party carts- space, robot, makeup and princess!

Here are the projects I made with one of the newest Cricut releases: Space Party!

Here's a look at the cartridge---

tfl!, Charity

Cricut things!

2011-07-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the great projects in Northridge publishing's Cricut Magazine? It really is gettin better every time, with more ideas and tutorials in each issue.

These were seen in the June/July issue of Cricut Magazine:

These two were in one of their first issues- Cricut Magazine April/May:

tfl!, Charity

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July America!!!!

Here are some patriotic cards to celebrate!

This first two I made for the Cricut blog- it's a great blog for all things Cricut! I used the Stand and Salute cartridge for these!

Next up is a card as seen in the June issue of Cards magazine:

tfl and have a happy day!, Charity

Take me out to the Ballgame!

2011-07-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

Baseball season is here and our family went to see the Jacksonville Suns for the first time this year a few nights ago!

We ate popcorn, cotton candy and cracker jacks! We watched some great plays on the field. The kids got to play in the play area, see South Paw and some other fun mascots do some silly things.

The night ended with a big round of fireworks! It was a really great evening- a little breeze was blowing and the sun went down as the game began so we weren't in the heat!

Have a happy day, Charity

Happy Birthday to my neice, Abby!

2011-07-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday sweet girl! We miss you and love you!

Visiting Great Grandma and Grandpa

2011-07-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

We made the trip, driving over 13 hours one way this past week to spend some time with my Grandparents in Tennessee. They are both in their mid-80s and we are so glad to have the time to see them. While there we also went to a great park to play! Here are a few photos of the kids playing and some of them loving on their Great Grandma and Grandpa Bowman!

tfl, Charity

projects coming back

2011-07-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Just putting a few projects back today that have been published! tfl!

Matching card game as seen in Create: For the Home idea book:

Give Thanks layout as seen in Create: 2011 Embellish Idea Book:

Shine rainbow card as seen in April Cards magazine:

Mother card as seen in May Cards magazine:

Have a great day!, Charity

Where'd she go?

2011-06-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

I'm still here! Summer's a really busy time- keeping the little ones busy, etc.

Just thought I'd share a few things I've made for the Cricut Circle blog lately! Also, today on the Cricut blog there were many new cartridges revealed and they are amazing! Be sure to check them out!

tfl, Charity

Blueberry Picking!

2011-06-13T19:08:00.001-07:00

I have never picked berries until this past week! We went out to the North side of town and picked blueberries! Yum and fun!

Cricut.com 150.00 winner is....

2011-05-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

Janee!

Janee said...
I have done both. Thanks for the chance to win.

Janee, please email me (my email is cjhassel@yahoo.com) and I will give you the info. on how to redeem your prize! congrats!

Hope everyone continues to check out the Cricut blog for more fun and giveaways!

Have a great day!, Charity

NEW- CRICUT BLOG! (and giveaway!)

2011-05-18T04:52:00.000-07:00

Hi ProvoCraft and Cricut fans! Great news!

ProvoCraft has just launched a new, official Cricut BLOG!!!

Already a Cricut Circle member? Then this means you get even more inspiration and chances to win those amazing prizes! (There are already some amazing give-aways on the Cricut blog!)

The Official Cricut Blog will introduce artists and crafters to the benefits of the Cricut Circle. It will showcase inspiring projects designed by the Cricut Circle Design Team and provide a central location to receive announcements, promotions and updates on everything Cricut, directly from Provo Craft.

The Official Cricut Blog sponsored by the Cricut Circle will feature the following:
- Inspirational projects using your favorite Cricut machines. The Imagine, Expression, Cricut Cake, Cuttlebug, Yudu and more.
- Hello Thursday Cartridge announcements.
- Educational videos and tutorials directly from Provo Craft.
- Occasional sneak peeks into the exclusive Cricut Circle Community.
- Access to the latest Cricut.com deals.
- And much, much more!

So what’s a celebration without a prize???
The Cricut Circle has so generously offered one of you a chance to win a
$150 credit to Cricut.com!
Here’s what you have to do to qualify for the scrumptious prize:

***To help spread the word about the Official Cricut Blog, grab the ‘blinkie’ below and post it on your webpage, blog, facebook wall, etc. with a link to www.cricutblog.org . Then, be sure to become a follower of both the Official Cricut Blog and my blog!***

You have until Sunday, May 22 to do this. I will then select a winner at random from all those who come back here and leave me a comment that you are now following my blog and the Cricut Blog.

Happy Crafting!, Charity

A little dirt don't hurt!

2011-05-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well, after at least 9 months of being here in the states, my brother and his family are once again overseas for several years. They just left this past week. We already miss them so much! We crammed as much fun and love into the time we had with them- especially in the last few weeks! We celebrated Easter, Mother's Day, Anna's birthday (a week early before they left). These photos are from a few days before they left at my mom's house. The kids had so much fun making mud pies, playing in dirt, playing with water and dirt, etc. They stayed out there playing for hours and hours!

So, in a swirl of birthday cake, homemade pizzas, last minute shopping trips, stolen hugs, muddy feet, cousin talk and more I snapped these photos!

Wishful Thinking classes

2011-05-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Last month I was able to teach a scrapbooking class in Georgia. I used the cute Wishful Thinking line from Fancy Pants Designs. Here's what we made-

tfl, Charity

Circle work!

2011-05-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

It's time for me to share a few more things I've made for the Cricut Circle Blog- the exclusive blog for Cricut Circle members! Be sure to check out this link to find out more about The Cricut Circle~! There are so many awesome projects on the blog- all of them come with specific instructions, including cut sizes, etc. Many of the projects include step-out photos of how to make the projects, gypsy files that can be downloaded to recreate the project and sometimes video tutorials! Oh, and, the giveaways that Provo Craft provides for the Circle members on the blog would rock your world!

Ok, on with the projects- I can't share the instructions or cut sizes here though...

The first two cards were made using a newly released cartridge called Everyday Pop Up Cards:

tfl!, Charity

Cricut Rock Princess cart winner!

2011-05-09T05:05:00.000-07:00

My Random winner is:

Maquel said...
What a generous giveaway, Charity! I don't have Rock Princess yet, but it is on the top of my 'want' list!! And a fabulous layout! It is so cute! I love Halloween!!

Maquel

YAY! Congrats Maquel!

Cricut Craftiest Mom Contest!

2011-05-05T04:36:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm still taking comments for the Cricut Rock Princess cart on the thread below until midnight Friday! Be sure to leave a comment on that thread if you're interested!

Today I wanted to tell my craft friends about the Cricut Craftiest Mom contest!

Here are the details:
To celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Cricut® machine, we want to decorate the craftiest mom with a serious award. We’re offering one lucky winner our Cricut Expression® 2: 5th Anniversary Edition. This limited-edition machine has all the features of the classic Cricut Expression®, plus lots more.

Contest Instructions
Upload a photo of your most coveted, handmade craft project and tell us why you’re the Craftiest Mom now until May 20. Encourage your friends and family to vote May 23-31 – the entry with the most votes wins the limited-edition Cricut Expression® 2: 5th Anniversary Edition!

Prize Eligibility
Only persons residing in Canada and United States who are at least 18 years of age can enter.
Contest Starts
May 03, 2011 @ 12:00 pm (EDT)
Contest Ends
May 20, 2011 @ 12:00 pm (EDT)

Here is the LINK if you want to check out more details about this fun contest!

Also, I wanted to share a few videos about the Cricut Expression 2 Anniversary Edition!

Have a great day!, Charity

Cricut Rock Princess Cart giveaway and some projects!

2011-05-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have an unopened, still in the package Cricut Expression Rock Princess cartridge that I would love to give away!

All you have to do is leave me a comment by Friday, May 6th at midnight here on this thread. I will randomly choose a winner and will post the winner- I would love it if you followed my blog, but you don't have to do that to win! Just be sure to check back as I will announce the winner by Monday, the 9th.

And... if you still haven't heard about the Cricut Circle I would love for you to check out some info on it with this link. The cricut circle is a way for you to get in on all sorts of fun: an exclusive blog just for the circle with posts 6 days a week including tutorials, videos, etc., a cricut circle magazine that is published online monthly, exclusive cartridges available only to Cricut Circle members, extra reward points at cricut.com and an extra amt. off your purchase and so much more!

Here's a layout I made with my cricut expression:

tfl! good luck!, Charity

It's the little things mini album!

2011-04-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

This is the first class I taught this past Friday night at The Scrapbook Shoppe in Georgia. I used the "It's the Little Things" line from Fancy Pants designs on this mini album that's also from Fancy Pants.

Here's a look at what the mini album I made and taught:

tfl!, Charity