Welcome Christmas

{Sigh} I just love that sentiment...even though I am not a fan of winter, I always welcome the spirit of Christmas in my life.  The birth of my Savior....a time to reflect on that....a time to be with family and friends....giving & receiving...such a wonderful time of the year.  I will be in Kenya for a large part of the "getting ready" holiday time...and I think it is just going to be amazing.  I think it is going to put a lot of things into perspective for me.  And I know that I am going to be blessed and changed beyond measure.  Can you believe that I leave in less than 9 days?  Wow.

Today I have my card for CPS Sketch #193.  I also happened to come upon the mother load of Cricut challenges the other day...which is awesome!  My card also fits the current "Cooking with Cricut" Holiday challenge. 

"Welcome Christmas" supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Paper: Making Memories
Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Wreath for All Seasons)
Ink: Clearsnap (Pigment: moss green, cranberry, Tsukineko (Versafine: onyx black) & Ranger (Tim Holtz distress ink: antique linen)
Twine: Darice Inc.
Jewels: Kaiser Craft
Corner Rounder: EK Success
Diecut Machine: Cricut Expression by Provo Craft
Diecut Cartridges: Easter 2010 & Storybook by Provo Craft

Instructions:  Make card from cardstock.  Round the corners of a paper block and adhere.  Cut the scalloped circle at 4" {with the real dial size option selected) from green cardstock using the Cricut Expression & Easter 2010 cartridge. Cut a circle from patterned paper and adhere inside the scalloped circle.  Adhere the entire piece to the front of the card.  Cut the label at 2.75" from cream cardstock using the Storybook cartridge.  Distress ink the edges, and stamp the wreath & sentiment to it. Accent with a twine bow and jewels, and adhere to the front using dimensional adhesive.  

{Cricut Tip of the Day} Never be deceived by the title of a Cricut cartridge.  The Easter cartridge had the exact cut I needed to make this Christmas card come out how I wanted it.  Be sure to explore all of your cartridges to see what they offer to you...especially the licensed character cartridges.  They have many cuts on them that don't pertain to the actual character(s).

I don't have an image to go with my gratitude post today...but I am just thankful for this amazing crafting community that I have been part of for the past 7 years.  It is awesome to think of all the people I have met, the opportunities that I have gotten, and the fun that I have had.  Here is to many more years of fun!!  ♥♥♥

Until later,

~Lea L.