Packing up my Cricut E2

My Cricut Expression2 developed a problem recently and I am having to pack it up and send it packing.  I  had it a year and some and I loved creating with it.  However, the usb port broke not allowing me to connect it to my computer for updates or use it with my Gypsy.  So away I had to send it for a replacement.  What bothered me was that it is the Anniversary Edition with 4 cartridges preloaded onto it. But as the customer  service rep ( Tanja-she was awesome with helping me)  explained I still have those carts on my Gypsy and on my Cricut classroom account so that made me feel a little better.  But there was something about having those carts right on the E2 that just made me kinda sad.  I'll have a brand new E2 soon and I can pair my Gypsy again with it.  So as I await it's arrival I'll be cutting with my first Expression which is my go-to machine.  Bye, Bye E2 Anniversary Edition.

Too Cute Layout

It was time for me to update my blog so here is a layout I created using my Silhouette Cameo.  I love this machine.  It is rating up there right along with my Cricut(s) or has it outrated them? Hmmm. I love the ease at which The SC cuts out intricate designs and also the ease of purchasing only the designs you want.  Over the top of the pic, is a print and cut design and the SC does that using your own printer.  I love, love, love it.  So stay-tuned for some more projects using this awesome machine.

Fayrai

Summer is winding down

Yes, Summer is winding down and soon Fall with all it's vibrant yellows, orange and reds will be moving in to take its place.  Here is a layout I thought I would share.

I usually do layouts that have all the frills and stuff because my layouts almost exclusively are done of my granddaughter.  So I thought I would create a layout that was outside my usual creation. I used a sheet of the "All Chalked Up" by DCWV. The patterned paper is from the Grade School stack and the diecuts were cut from .studio files. The tiny bit of journaling was done with a white Signo gel pen. I drew around the edges of the pictures with a liquid chalk pen.

Amore

Here is a layout I did with my Cricut Circle cartridge, French Manor.  I'm loving this cartridge.  Using my reward points on Cricut.com, I was able to join the Circle and get this cart. All the images came from this cartridge. 

Renewed Passion

Lately, I've been in a renewed passion frenzy.  I dusted off my sewing and embroidery machines and started to use them again.  So this past week and just yesterday, I have embroidered a couple of projects.  I found my old list of sewing and embroidery sites and I have renewed this passion.  Two fav embroidery sites I found are:  Five Star Fonts and The Embroidery Garden.  I also started lurking at an old fav. sewing site:  SewForum. This site is what got my gears to moving again for sewing/embroidery.  So to cut to the chase, this is a mini composition cover that I made for my daughter.  The file also includes the monogram font.  I hope you like it.

A Negative can turn into a Postive

Have you seen the new patterned paper collection by Colorbok at your local Walmart?  It is TDF.  I created a layout using a piece of negative scrap from a diecut project and some of the paper that is called Wild Rose.  Check out the end of my latest YouTube video for some more details and a look at some of the papers in this stack.  Now back to the layout.

I fussy-cut some of the flowers from one of the papers and layered them around the layout.  I also die-cut the word "Cherish" on one of my electronic die-cut machines.  The gray background is actually a piece of negative scrap left over after I diecut some photocorners using the Picturesque Cricut cartridge.  So don't throw away all those discarded pieces of scrap. they can be reused to become a useful design element.  Happy Scrappin.

Creating a mini using the Cricut

Just recently I designed and crafted a mini album(I'm always in mini album mode- really- always)using my Gypsy and the Cricut.  The whole story is told and shown on my YouTube channel(FayraiDesigns). So go over there and see and leave me some YouTube love(subscribe that is) Here are some sneak peeps before you get there.