Creating a custom background

For this project, my assignment was to use the Wall Decor cartridge and Design Studio to create a background for a layout. This is actually much easier than it sounds. First, decide which image you want to use and what size you want it. Open it in Design Studio, and place as many as you want to use onto your virtual mat. Next, use the nudge feature to position all of your images so that they are touching one another. Make sure you check the "welding" box for each image, then simply cut it out.

I chose the butterfly image, set at 1.5 inches. I layered this over the mustard colored paper, which was over another sheet of black cardstock. Then I matted my photos, positioned them on the page, and added the flowers. The title was cut from the Home Decor cartridge set at 2 1/8". The orange scalloped border was made using the Accent Essentials cartridge set at 1", and then manipulated and welded together using Design Studio.

My first fabric project using the Cricut

I had the chance to work with the Fall Seasonal cartridge and my assignment was to make a tote bag. I was instantly drawn to the flamingo cut. I started by ironing Heat and Bond to the back of my fabric pieces. Next, I cut the white polka dots using the Accent Essentials cartridge set at 2", and cut the flamingo from the Fall Seasonal cartridge set at 11 1/2". Then I ironed them onto my tote bag. I added some pom pom trim around the top, and a pretty pink feather as his wing. It is so easy to make your own personalized tote bags with the cricut.



I have to admit, I was a little hesitant about cutting fabric in my cricut machine. I actually found out, it's quite easy! Just make sure you back your fabric with heat and bond to make it sturdier. Use a fresh blade and a fresh mat. I set my blade depth at 6, my pressure at 3, and my speed at 3. Also, use the multi cut feature set at 2, to make sure the cut goes completely through the fabric and the heat and bond. That's it! Easy enough, so don't be afraid to try it.

Farm Fun layout, and a little tip

My assignment for CX was to use the Create a Critter cartridge. I was so excited to use this cartridge because it is FILLED with the most adorable critters of all types. I had these pictures of my son at the Old Farmer's Days festival, so they were just perfect for this assignment. I started my layout by cutting the animal print paper into a scalloped circle using the Accent Essentials cartridge set at 11.25". I cut the striped paper and adhered it to the right hand page, then adhered the scalloped circle on the left side. I placed my photos over that, then created my title using the Old West cartridge set at 2.5". Then came the fun part, the critters! Both the sheep and the chick were cut at 3". These were arranged over the silk flowers for contrast. The journaling tag and chunky brads were the finishing touches.


Many of your great Cricut cuts can be "lost" on your page if you are mounting them over patterned paper, or even a similar colored cardstock. A great way to make your cuts stand out is to mount them over a silk flower before mounting them to your page. It gives it great contrast and allows the eye to focus better on the cut.

A Doggone birthday card

The challenge at BBTB2 this week was to use the dalmation from the Create-A-Critter cartridge. I decided to make a birthday card with him. Go check out the BBTB2 blog to see all the cute and creative ways the design team used this cut.

Dog and Greeting - Create a Critter
Scalloped circle - Storybook
Circle - Accent Essentials
Banner - Bazzill Just the Edge

Let's Party!

Our challenge this week at BBTB2 was to use a number and any creative feature from the Mini Monograms cartridge. I don't have that cartridge, so I improvised by using a number from the Tear Drop cartridge, and the dotted circle from Accent Essentials to mimic the creative feature from Mini Monograms.

DT Projects

I meant to do this sooner, but you know how that goes!

These are my CreativeXpress projects from last month. My assignment was to use the new Cricut Lyrical Letters cartridge.

Mardi Gras:

I wanted this page to convey all the fun and excitement of Mardi Gras. I chose the lilac, bumblebee, and limeade paper packs because the traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, yellow, and green. After cutting my papers in various sized strips and adhering them to my page, I used the Joys of the Season cartridge to make my beads along the top. I believe those beads were designed to be a Christmas tree garland, but they worked perfectly for Mardi Gras beads! The title letters were cut using the Lyrical Letters cartridge and were mounted on the frame shape from the Storybook cartridge. I used the Fleur de Lis from the Accent Essentials cartridge as my accents because the Fleur de Lis is a traditional symbol of Louisiana, and especially New Orleans. All of my elements were mounted on foam tape for dimension, and trimmed with lilac jewels for an extra touch of bling and fun.

It's Your Day Card:

The Lyrical Letters cartridge has several great images to use for cards. I chose this pear image because it makes me happy! I cut it at 6” real dial size and covered it with the glitter for some fabulous sparkle. The sentiment is also from the Lyrical Letters cartridge and was cut at 2”. I used a trio of eyelets for an added decorative element along the bottom. This cheery card would brighten anyone’s day!

Happy Halloween Card:

(Out for publication, be back soon!)

The Lyrical Letters is such a great cartridge to have because it has many greetings on it, in addition to the very versatile font. I chose the “Happy Halloween” greeting with the accompanying spider to make this card spooktacular! I created the pumpkin shaped card by using the pumpkin from the PDDU cartridge and welding it stem-to-stem using Design Studio. Then I cut a slightly smaller pumpkin out of my patterned paper and adhered it to my card. The web is from the Wild Card cartridge. I cut one web at 5”, and then cut it apart to use at two different spots on my card. The green ribbon was used to simulate the vine of the pumpkin. I used a tiny square of mounting tape under the spider to make it seem like he was really suspended on the web, and the jewels are there just because they are so much fun!