Mother's Day is right around the corner and I am sure all you crafty types are looking for something to make for Mom.  Because of course we have to make something...that is what we do!  LOL!!!
I recently created a gift and coordinating gift box for my Mom using the Bo Bunny Ambrosia collection and some Cricut Cartridges (Giant flowers, Flower Shoppe and Tags, Bags, Boxes and More 2).  You can download the project cut files below if you want re-create this project to use with either your Gypsy or the Cricut Craft Room.
Here is the gift box!  The flower I made is about 5 inches across.  The Giant Flowers Cart is meant to be make flowers that are much larger (10 inches and larger), but with a little patience, I was able to make one smaller!





I created the ring using a ring base that I bought at Hobby Lobby and the flower is actually a button!  I used Super Glue to attach the button and the bling to the ring base.  



These are the cut files if you are interested and already have these Cartridges!

GYPSY FILE

CRICUT CRAFT ROOM FILE

Happy Mother's Day Crafting!
HUGS!
Juliana

It seems to me that every time Bo Bunny releases their latest collections, I find a favorite. The problem for me is that my favorite changes every time I use a new collection. One day it might be Ad Lib, the next day Gabrielle. Which is exactly how I was feeling when I created these two recent projects. Totally loving Gabrielle! But, I admit that has already changed since I made these! Can anyone blame me?

This layout is of my niece and my mom playing. I would have loved to have gotten a photo of them head on, but sometimes you lose the moment when they realize their photo is being taken, so I went with what I could get.
I did a bit of cut work on this, cutting out the vertical damask image and then layering it behind the photos and with the chipboard and butterfly pieces. I also added a bit of stamping using Versamark with both clear embossing powder and a sparkly powder. They are both subtle and add a small touch to the background. Stamping is one of those things that I enjoy doing, but never totally feel comfortable adding to my layout. I am always afraid I am going to "mess it up". I really need to get over that and just have fun playing with them.

The next thing I want to share with you is a necklace I created using the new Trinkets. I went to Hobby Lobby and found some jewelry hardware, beads and a chain that were similar and put this together. I have to admit, that this was quite fun and something that I would love to try again soon. I am actually wearing this piece of jewelry and it was rather reasonable to create since all the jewelry stuff was on sale for 50% off when I bought it!

Just a quick one today! Thanks for stopping by!
HAPPY HUGS!
Juliana

This month for GCD Studios we were asked to work with some of the Chip Art Chipboard tags. Well, I could not just make a simple tag and as I was playing around the the different sizes and shapes I came up with the idea of creating a triptych. The first one is a little Halloween scene. I created the bird and fence using the Cricut Happy Hauntings cartridge.
For this second one I created a fall themed scene complete with a fun little sunflower I created with some of the Chip Art Chipboard Flowers. Stop by the GCD Studios blog to see more HERE.
For my second project this month I used the Chip Art Tool and created a couple of fun leather bracelets. You can stop by the GCD Studios blog to learn more about how I created mine. These are some of the Chip Art stamps I used on my bracelet.
Here is one of the bracelets I created. I just love wearing it with a fun t-shirt and a pair of jeans!
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Hugs!
Juliana

What better way is there to enjoy a day than to try a fun new technique? I love trying new things, so I am hoping you will find this tutorial fun and enjoyable as well! Today, I am going to share with you how to create your own charms using Sculpey clay and the Chip Art tool and stamps! It is a rather simple process that only requires a few supplies including the clay, some water based paint, and the Chip Art tool and stamps. Here is one of the necklaces I made using a charm I created. It is much more shimmery and shiny in real life...I promise!
Here are the supplies you will need...
GCD Studios:
Chip Art Ornamental Stamps /Bloom, Butterflies and Mini Shapes

Other:
White Clay by Sculpey
Clay Cutter by Makin's
24 inch Ball Chain by The Jewlery Shoppe
9mm Jump Ring by The Jewlery Shoppe
Paints by Shimmerz
Acrylic Coating Spray by Krylon


And here is another necklace I created. I am going to share with you the step by step on how I created this one, so keep reading!
First roll your clay out in a small round shape so that it is about 1/8 inch thick. Then take your desired stamp and stamp it gently into the clay. It will leave a lovely impression. If you are not happy with it guess what? You can easily start all over!!!
Continue to "decorate" your clay piece as desired with other stamps.
Continue stamping...now we have a lovely little butterfly family ready to take flight!!!
Use the clay cutter, which is really a little mini cookie cutter if you ask me, and cut out your shape.
Center the cutter over your stamped image and gently press it through the clay.
Remove the excess clay. Pick up the clay piece and use your finger to gently soften the edges of your cut out piece.
Now, take the head of a large needle or other poking device and make a small hole in the top of the clay piece. This is where you will place the jump ring which will attach the charm to your chain.
Here are several pieces I made. These are now ready for the oven. I baked them following the package instructions for Sculpey... 275 degrees Farenheit for 7-8 minutes. (The package says 15 minutes per 1/4 inch thickness and these are half of that thickness so I halved the cooking time and it worked perfectly!)
Here they are fresh from the oven! They will be solid upon removing them from the oven. Once they are cool it is time to start painting!
I found Shimmerz to work perfectly for this along with a small tipped paint brush.
I love how the water based paint filled in the stamped image so nicely and still allows you to see the details so well!
Here are my charms with a bit more paint. My finished charms had a couple more coats of paint on them in places as I continued to add coats of paint to get the desired coverage and color I preferred.
Finish by applying a coat or 2 of the acrylic spray coating. Once this is dry, add the jump ring and then thread it onto the chain. Now you are ready to wear your own hand made jewelry! Or maybe play around and create some as gifts for your family and friends!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and thanks so much for stopping by!!!

Happy Hugs!
Juliana

Do you like or maybe even love jewelry? Well if you do, then this month at GCD Studios is just for you! All month long you have been and will continue to be inspired with all kinds of jewelry that you can make using the fabulous GCD Studios products!

I love jewelry! It makes me feel pretty and it often gives my outfits a sense of completeness. Some of my jewelry means a lot to me because it was given to me as a gift from either family or friends, some of it belonged to my Grandma's, some of it was purchased just because they were cute or I had to have it to go with that certain outfit. I am sure you all have some pieces that fit into these categories.

So, what about making your own jewelry? Have you ever it given it a try? If you haven't, maybe this month you will be inspired to give it a try. Or if you have, maybe you will be inspired to pull out your stash and create yourself a one of a kind piece to go with your latest new outfit!


Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Hugs!
Juliana

Jewelry making is spreading into scrappy land and for many crafters and scrapbookers alike this is great way to use up our stash of goodies. Imagine taking some of your favorite handmade or pre-made flowers, brads, ribbon and bling and turning them into a stylish fashion accessory! One thing to keep in mind is that because you are the making it, you can perfectly coordinate your jewelry to go with your favorite outfits. Another thoughtful use for creating one of these beauties is that it would make the perfect gift for your best fashionista friends! So are you beginning to think that this sounds like something you might want to try? If so, keep on reading for a detailed how-to tutorial on creating your own bib necklace using some of your favorite scrappy supplies. Before we start with the instructions though, I want to share with you one of the necklaces I created with yours truly as the model! LOL!!!
I took my time creating the base for the necklace so that the length of the necklace could be adjusted depending on the style of top I was wearing. Please let me know if you are interested in having the pattern I created. I would be more than happy to share it with you!


So what do you think? Easy peesy right?! So get crafting and please share your creations with us! We can't wait to see them!

Happy Crafting!