Male Birthday card using Cricut

Happy New Year everyone! I apologize for the lengthy absence and raspy voice. I've been sick but managed to make a card for my son's birthday. I hope you can forgive the quality of the video. Thanks for humoring me! ((hugs))-Raquel


P.S. Ski hat is from Dude Cartridge, "Be Yourself" is from Graphically Speaking Cartridge. TFL!

Christmas RAKs

I've seen these little treats before in catalogs, and recently saw Robyn, from My Pink Stamper make them also. Well, when I saw how easily she made them, I decided to give them a go, and I think I have a new favorite Christmas goodie. These are meant for my DS to give to the staff at his school, and if I time it right, I should have plenty for any last-minute gifts I may need. The recipe is: 2 cello bags. 1/2 C.  of instant Hot Cocoa mix in one bag. Cut bag to desired length, insert into 2nd bag, add 1/4 C. White chips, 1/4 C. chocolate chips, 1/2 C. Mini marshmallows, and tie bag with ribbon. I added tags made with TBBM, and JOTS. I also stamped the tags with a Christmas stamp. Paper is from Recollections. Ribbon from my stash. Super easy! Thanks Robyn for sharing these, they're lots of fun to make. Also, if you'd lie to now the cost-the add up to about $1.00/gift. I found the cello bags at Hobby Lobby for $1.99/25 bags.
YUM!

Christmas Ornament Shaped Card

I made this card using the Cricut Wild Card Cartridge. I also used the Envelope feature, which was a little tricky and not possible to use at all without the Gypsy unless you make very small cards. I added some bling, ribbon, a brad, and a felt flower and was finished. Very easy and I love the end result. The paper is from this year's Recollections line at Michaels. It's double sided, and so pretty!

Matchbook Mini

I made this Matchbook Mini as per Kathy's instructions on Paper Phenomenon. It's the easiest Mini album I've ever made, but it's not at all lacking in personality. It even includes a belly band to keep in all together. I used Range distress Ink and Rub-n- Buff in Antique Gold to finish the edges. The paper is all from Recollections. TFL!

Matchbook Mini, Picture post

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I THANK YOU for when you take the time to:
1. Stop by and saying hello.
2. Leave me nice comments when you like something you see.
3. Provide me with inspiration on a daily basis.
4. Are sooo generous with your hops-celebrations-challenges, etc.
5. Share your awards-it's truly kind!
6. Appreciate the value of each other's creativity.
7. Respond with kindness when fellow bloggers have needs, by sending cards, raks, you name it!
8. Give of your time to cheer me up when I least expect it.
9. Allow me to be part of this awesome creative blogging community.
10. Offer your friendship, even if it's long-distance.
May you all have a blessed day, and may you have the opportunity to reflect on what's truly important and valuable in your life, because you are valued! Sincerely-Raquel 

Mini Album

Hi there, This post is picture heavy, but it's probably the most important project I've made all year, so I wanted to have a memory of it. It's a Mini album I made for my mom, using a tutorial from Kathy Orta at Paper phenomenon called "Build a page". I used all 6 page styles in this mini, giving it an incredible amount of places to display pictures, or hide little mementos. Now, my mom is not one for elaborate scrapbooking, and prefers picture space, so it's very simple on the inside. To add my "touch" I used vibrant colors (DCVW Retro Stack), the Sentimentals Cartridge from Cricut to keep with the retro look of the album, as well as some stamping and little details here and there. I hope you enjoy the pics as I couldn't fit them all over at the Ning site. Let me know your thoughts!-Raquel

I made the flowers using the cricut, then hand painted them, added glitter, brads, bling, etc.
I also used vintage lace to finish off the binding made with turquoise Duck Tape.
The inside front cover allows for pics to be tucked behind the lace. The right page also opens creating a bigger layout.
This is the front page, with 2 pockets and a hidden Bible verse for my mom.
This huge tag has room for pictures on both front and back.
I used both heat and dry embossing and the Cricut to cut all tags.
2nd page offers equal amount of space, and 2 pockets. 
I added a hand-painted flower I made with Coffee filters, and tulle, a pearl brad, and Viva pearls with little butterflies.
Here I added dimension by fussy-cutting flowers and "popping" them off the page. 
A little pic. of one of my boys to get her started...
This is still the 3rd page, opened up to reveal another pocket and more room for pics.
Stamped tag.
Back of tag with Lace stamp and hand-coloring.
This little card tucks into one of the many pockets.
I love this page, since my mom and I chat on the phone almost every day.
It reveals another tag...
More room for pics.
Here I added more vintage lace, and a cut from Sentimentals. 
I added vintage findings, twine, flowers, stamping and scallops.
The bumblebee has great significance for me. I thought it fit the sentiment "Limitless" perfectly.
Mini tags fit into these side pockets.
This page also opens!
The back page has a little place perfect for mini tags.
I added a pic. of my handsome teen, and made some custom tags that have room for journaling. 

Here's my latest project!

Boots & Bouquets, TCK#74

Hello friends, Today is reveal day for Tonic's craft kit: Boots & Bouquets. This is easily the greatest value available for exclusiv...